"We came too late! We never imagined Brother Dao Wu had already passed away!"
Above a towering mountain, a pillar of light cleaved the dim heavens and earth like a divine sword. The vast void split to either side, revealing a long, narrow star gate that pierced the clouds.
Within the star gate, several exalted immortals in jade crowns and Immortal Robes stood suspended in the air. Their bearing was extraordinary, their expressions solemn as they addressed the figure paying his sincere respects.
"Are you the only true disciple among the seventh generation of this world's Cloudrise Sect to have advanced to the Innate Realm? What a pity. Such fine talent, yet after exhausting all your years, you never even succeeded in reaching Core Formation!"
"The heavens and earth of this world have fallen into utter ruin, becoming a Desolate Domain. You have no future if you remain here. Would you be willing to come with us?"
The man raised his head. On his aged, decrepit face appeared a smile as innocent as a child's.
"I would!"
"Very good. It seems your resolve to pursue the Dao remains, and this turbid mortal world has not blinded your heart. In that case, let us go."
"Oh, we haven't asked your name yet."
"Zhao Xi!"
"Good, Zhao Xi. From this day onward, you are a true disciple of the Cloudrise Immortal Sect's one hundred and eighty-third generation!"
Joy spread across Zhao Xi's face. Without hesitation, he leaped high into the air and flew into the narrow star gate where the robed Daoists stood.
From that day on, Zhao Xi entered a wondrous Immortal Spirit World. It housed the Cloudrise Immortal Sect's headquarters and was also the final grotto heaven that the sect's elders had prepared for their direct successors, mending the roof