The Three-Eyed Emperor's third eye slowly closed, and the lake surface gradually calmed.
He spoke in a deep voice. "To knock upon the immortal gate of the Great World Cultivation World, one must cross the Three Tribulations and Nine Difficulties."
"The first tribulation: Severing the Self. Amid all the myriad things of the world, let only the true self endure. Extinguish its karma and cut off its distracting thoughts!"
"The second tribulation: Inscribing Heaven and Earth. Gain recognition of one's immortal rank from the heaven and earth of the Three Thousand Great Worlds. If one's rank is not rightful, one's Dao cannot be achieved!"
"The third tribulation: Crossing the Sea of Bitterness of Dao Heart. Beyond the shore lies the immortal gate—one step soars to the heavens, one step plunges into the abyss. How one proceeds depends on questioning one's own Dao Heart!"
His vast voice resounded through heaven and earth, carrying a solemn killing aura and boundless majesty, yet not a single member of the Three-Eyed Ancient Immortal Race heard this statement.
"This junior has received your guidance!" Chen Xun's gaze sharpened. The Five Elements Immortal Eyes flowed within them, mysterious and vast.
"Listen carefully. Of the Nine Difficulties, the first difficulty is Dao Heart Perfection."
"The second difficulty: Comprehending Dao Runes. The Heaven and Earth Laws one cultivates do not perish; before one's lifespan ends, one does not perish. This is the embryonic form of immortal power."
"The third difficulty: Molding Immortal Body. One may break through the limits of the late Tribulation Stage and enter the Half-Immortal Realm. If one's fleshly body has not been cultivated to the late Tribulation Stage, it cannot withstand the immortal body."
At this point, the Three-Eyed Emperor paused slightly and gave Chen Xun's body a deep look before continuing, "The fourth