"Is this how travel is done in the Immortal Martial World?"
Lu Changsheng was dumbfounded.
What was this?
Just... running on foot?
It was simply incredible.
He had never expected to witness such a "primitive and backward" mode of travel once again here in the Boundary Sea.
Martial Ancestor Gufu chuckled and said, "Space within the Boundary Sea is turbulent, and all manner of rules are in a state of chaos. Formations cannot be established, nor can one tear through space.
"As for flying? It might be feasible, but for those of us on the martial path, this is the fastest way to travel. A single stride of mine covers a distance that others would take who knows how long to fly.
"As long as you move fast enough, does the method really matter?"
Lu Changsheng pondered his words.
Indeed, Martial Ancestor Gufu's phantom was colossal beyond imagination.
With a single stride, the distance crossed was immense.
In a sense, travelling this way was truly much faster.
However, it also made Lu Changsheng realize just how terrifying a Martial Ancestor was within the Boundary Sea.
In truth, Lu Changsheng already possessed strength comparable to a Martial Dao Sovereign.
Yet compared to a Martial Ancestor?
There was simply no comparison.
They were as far apart as the heavens and the earth.
It felt as though they were two entirely different orders of life.
Clearly, the gulf between a Martial Dao Sovereign and a Martial Ancestor was vast—a disparity between heaven and earth.
No wonder that despite the Immortal Martial World's ancient history and the long lineage of its martial artists, only three Martial Ancestors had ever emerged to this day.
That alone demonstrated how arduous it was to attain the realm of a Martial Ancestor.
And so, the Martial Ancestor sprinted across the void in this manner for an entire year.
Finally, Lu Changsheng saw a colossal continent floating in the distance amidst the Boundary Sea.
"We have arrived at the Immortal Martial Palace!"
Martial Ancestor Gufu laughed heartily and stepped straight onto the continent.
Once inside the Immortal Martial Palace, his massive phantom gradually dissipated, returning to the form of an ordinary human.
Lu Changsheng looked around.
Magnificent architecture and immortal abodes spanned the Immortal Martial Palace as far as the eye could see.
Creatures of every kind bustled everywhere.
Not just humans, but native entities of the Boundary Sea as well.
At a single glance, Lu Changsheng even spotted numerous Martial Dao Sovereigns, as well as Boundary Sea lifeforms at the Sovereign level.
Within the Immortal Martial Palace, the corrosive force of the Boundary Sea was shut out.
Thus, Lu Changsheng no longer had to worry about being eroded by the Boundary Sea.
It felt almost no different from being back in the Immortal Martial World.
*This is the Immortal Martial Palace?*
*It's practically a world unto itself!*
*No, it's even more astonishing than a separate world. After all, every being here possesses terrifying might.*
Lu Changsheng swept his gaze across the area.
He noticed that not a single creature here was ordinary—even the servants were at least Earth Saints.
Of course, these servants were beings captured from other worlds within the Boundary Sea.
If they ever left the Immortal Martial Palace, they would not even be able to survive in the Boundary Sea.
"The Immortal Martial Palace is considered a formidable faction in the Boundary Sea, far from weak," Martial Ancestor Gufu explained. "Over the years, we have campaigned against countless worlds, capturing many foreign beings to serve here.
"However, the core circle of the Immortal Martial Palace consists entirely of martial artists and immortal cultivators from the Immortal Martial World.
"The palace is divided into two factions: the Immortal Palace and the Martial Palace.
"As the names imply, the Immortal Palace is led by immortal cultivators, while the Martial Palace is led by martial artists. But whether Immortal Palace or Martial Palace, our interests align here in the Boundary Sea. We are all members of the Immortal Martial Palace."
Lu Changsheng nodded in understanding.
"Come, I'll take you to meet the other two Martial Ancestors.
"Martial Ancestor Jidao of your Jidao Sacred Ground has been eager to see you for a long time."
With that, Martial Ancestor Gufu led Lu Changsheng toward the Martial Palace.
Along the way, many Martial Dao Sovereigns bowed respectfully upon seeing Martial Ancestor Gufu.
"Greetings, Martial Ancestor."
Martial Ancestor Gufu merely nodded in acknowledgment.
There were truly many Martial Dao Sovereigns here.
In the Immortal Martial World, once one became a Martial Dao Sovereign, one might linger for a time, but one would inevitably feel the world's constraints.
Most Sovereigns disliked being constrained, so they had made their way to the Immortal Martial Palace in the Boundary Sea.
Seeing Lu Changsheng following beside Martial Ancestor Gufu—and noting that he was merely a Heavenly Saint—many looked on with curiosity.
"I heard Martial Ancestor Gufu left the palace for two whole years and made a special trip back to the Immortal Martial World just to escort this Heavenly Saint martial artist?"
"What qualifications does a mere Heavenly Saint have to warrant a personal escort from a Martial Ancestor?"
"Who knows? Word has it this Heavenly Saint is quite extraordinary."
"What is his name?"
Many Martial Dao Sovereigns were baffled.
After all, Lu Changsheng was someone chosen personally by the three Martial Ancestors, and the Ancestors had no reason to broadcast his details.
Thus, virtually none of the Sovereigns in the Immortal Martial Palace knew the truth about him.
As for communicating with the Immortal Martial World?
That was exceedingly difficult.
Only the Martial Ancestors possessed specific means to send word to the Immortal Martial World, and even then, the cost was exorbitant.
Lu Changsheng also tried to sense the avatars he had left behind in the Immortal Martial World.
As expected, it was futile.
He could not sense his avatars in the Immortal Martial World at all.
Before long, Lu Changsheng entered an immortal abode.
Two figures were already waiting inside.
*Whoosh.*
The gazes of both figures instantly fell upon Lu Changsheng.
Martial Ancestors!
Evidently, these two figures were the other two Martial Ancestors of the Immortal Martial World.
"Good! Lu Changsheng truly lives up to his standing as a true disciple of my Jidao Sacred Ground.
"A physical Heavenly Saint, ten thousand perfected daos, and mastery over the Dao-Shattering Method to boot.
"Never in the history of our Immortal Martial World has such a formidable Heavenly Saint arisen. Even within the Boundary Sea, he stands among the very peak."
The speaker was a burly man whose presence radiated a terrifying, majestic aura.
Lu Changsheng recognized him—or rather, he had seen his portrait.
When he had first joined Jidao Sacred Ground, he had knelt before the portrait of the founding ancestor.
The man depicted in that portrait was none other than this burly figure: Martial Ancestor Jidao!
"Disciple Lu Changsheng pays respects to the Founding Ancestor!"
Lu Changsheng bowed with deep reverence.
This was his true founding ancestor in the flesh!
"Excellent indeed. Our Immortal Martial World has finally produced a pinnacle Heavenly Saint.
"All these years, our Immortal Martial Palace has seen countless talents rise, with Martial Dao Sovereigns emerging one after another. Yet if we speak of someone who stands supreme among their peers? Not a single one.
"It is true of the Martial Dao Sovereigns, and it is even more so at the Heavenly Saint level. We have never had the strength to compete against the apex figures of the mighty races in the Boundary Sea. Many opportunities were lost simply because our palace lacked corresponding top-tier powerhouses, leaving us without even the right to vie for them.
"Now, however, that is all in the past."
The one speaking now was an amiable-looking man.
He was the Martial Ancestor of Wanfa Sacred Ground!
All three Martial Ancestors looked at Lu Changsheng with expressions of gratification and high anticipation.
"Honored Martial Ancestors, this disciple is willing to venture into the Kunwu World!" Lu Changsheng said in a deep voice.
He understood why the three Martial Ancestors had given him such immense support and aided his cultivation with all their might—their sole aim was for him to compete for fortunes in the Kunwu World!
The Kunwu World held opportunities not only for him, but monumental fortunes that could aid even Martial Ancestors.
"There is no rush regarding the Kunwu World,"
Martial Ancestor Jidao said solemnly. "The Kunwu World is a battleground where myriad races vie for supremacy, and the powerhouses from the apex races are terrifying beyond measure. Even beings like the Kui Cow and Shang of the Turbid Dragon clan are only at the Heavenly Saint level, yet they pale in comparison to the true paragons of those supreme races.
"Those truly supreme beings can effortlessly slay Martial Dao Sovereigns while possessing only the body of a Heavenly Saint! They are the true chosen prides of the Boundary Sea!"
Lu Changsheng was a true disciple of Jidao Sacred Ground, and Martial Ancestor Jidao naturally did not wish to see him perish.
"Chosen prides of the Boundary Sea..."
Lu Changsheng thought back to the Kui Cow and Shang.
To him, both had been exceptionally formidable.
Yet within the Boundary Sea, they could not even be considered top-tier.
In the Kunwu World, peers capable of slaying beings like them might not be everywhere, but they were certainly not few.
After all, Lu Changsheng might not yet fully grasp what a contention among myriad races truly entailed.
"Lu Changsheng, the humans of our Immortal Martial World are born with frail physiques and lack potent bloodlines," Martial Ancestor Gufu said. "Only by cultivating and strengthening ourselves step by step have we managed to stand firm in the Boundary Sea. Yet inherently, we possess congenital deficiencies and cannot compare to those Boundary Sea creatures born with mighty bloodlines.
"You have attained the physical Heavenly Saint realm, forged a powerful Dao body, and perfected ten thousand daos. It may seem as though you have reached the very ceiling of the Heavenly Saint realm. Yet in the Kunwu World, there are pinnacle geniuses ten or even a hundred times stronger than your current state—they are the true chosen prides of the Boundary Sea.
"Therefore, you must first adapt to the conditions of the Boundary Sea. I will arrange battles between you and various Boundary Sea creatures to build your practical experience, and I will brief you on the characteristics of the apex geniuses in the Kunwu World so that you are prepared.
"In short, when you enter the Kunwu World, your foremost priority is not seizing fortunes, but... surviving!
"Even if you fail to obtain any fortunes, you must stay alive. It took countless tens of thousands of years for our Immortal Martial World to produce a supreme genius like you. Unless absolutely necessary, we do not wish to see you perish in the Kunwu World.
"After all, you hold great hope of becoming the fourth Martial Ancestor of our Immortal Martial World!"
If their prior arrangement with Lu Changsheng had been a transaction, this was now a display of genuine care from the Martial Ancestor.
These were not empty pleasantries, but their heartfelt thoughts.
They desired the opportunities, but they desired Lu Changsheng's survival even more!
A supreme genius like Lu Changsheng appeared only once in countless eons.
He was a rare gem that could only be chanced upon, never sought.
Had the stakes in the Kunwu World not been so momentous—with myriad races vying for it at all costs—the three Martial Ancestors would never have let Lu Changsheng take such a risk.
"This disciple understands,"
Lu Changsheng replied respectfully. "I shall follow all arrangements made by the three Martial Ancestors."
"Good. Go and rest for now.
"We will discuss further matters later."
Lu Changsheng bowed and exited the cave dwelling, where a Martial Dao Sovereign was waiting to arrange his quarters.
He settled into his new abode in peace.
Over the following days, he strolled about, observing and learning everything he could about the Immortal Martial Palace.
He discovered that Martial Dao Sovereigns formed the backbone of the palace.
Those below the Sovereign realm held relatively low status, serving as either servants or disciples.
After all, while Heavenly Saints stood supreme in the Immortal Martial World, they could not even traverse the Boundary Sea and were confined to the palace. How high could their standing possibly be?
Only those at or above the Martial Dao Sovereign realm could roam the Boundary Sea.
Lu Changsheng also learned that realm classifications in the Boundary Sea differed from those in the Immortal Martial World.
Titles like Heavenly Saint and Martial Dao Sovereign had different designations here.
The Boundary Sea was simply too vast.
It encompassed countless races and just as many cultivation systems.
The Giant Spirit race cultivated the physical body, other creatures cultivated bloodlines, and some darlings of natural rules cultivated rules exclusively, while others cultivated spiritual willpower.
The variations were endless.
With each system employing its own terminology, things in the Boundary Sea had grown far too chaotic and convoluted.
Thus, a unified classification of realms had emerged across the Boundary Sea.
This unified ranking began at the Heavenly Saint level.
The Heavenly Saint tier was known across the Boundary Sea as the Limit Realm!
It signified having reached the limit.
For most worlds, the Heavenly Saint level was the absolute boundary.
Stepping further into the Martial Dao Sovereign realm would trigger rejection from the world.
Hence, reaching the world's ceiling was designated as the Limit Realm.
In the Immortal Martial World, Heavenly Saints and Void Refining cultivators both belonged to the Limit Realm.
Martial Dao Sovereigns corresponded to the Sovereign Realm!
This meant holding sovereign dominion over the Boundary Sea!
Once one reached the Sovereign Realm, one cast off the shackles of one's world and gained the ability to roam the Boundary Sea, opening up infinite possibilities.
As for the Martial Ancestors above Sovereigns, or the Mahayana cultivators of the immortal path, they were known as the Ancestor Realm!
Mighty figures of the Ancestor Realm were, in name, at the pinnacle of existence in the Boundary Sea.
If a world produced only Sovereigns, it represented hope, but that world still had to tread carefully, as it could easily be wiped out by more powerful beings.
Only by producing an Ancestor Realm powerhouse could a world truly earn the right to stand among the myriad races of the Boundary Sea.
Only then could it preserve peace and avoid destruction at the hands of formidable foreign entities.
An Ancestor was the bedrock of stability for countless worlds—the embodiment of their hope.
The reason the Immortal Martial World was so powerful was simple: it possessed Ancestor Realm figures!
In fact, it possessed more than ten of them!
Although martial artists counted only three Ancestors, the immortal path boasted a full eight Mahayana Ancestors.
Combined, the immortal and martial paths possessed eleven Ancestor Realm figures!
Across the vast Boundary Sea, this made them a force to be reckoned with.
Many worlds and countless races longed to produce a single Ancestor to no avail, yet the Immortal Martial World held eleven!
Moreover, the three Martial Ancestors were no ordinary Ancestors; even among their peers, their prowess was formidable.
It was precisely because of this that the Immortal Martial World grew increasingly prosperous.
After all, three Martial Ancestors and eight Mahayana figures—eleven Ancestors in total—were not to be trifled with.
No Ancestor Realm figure in the Boundary Sea was weak or docile.
Through ceaseless campaigns, they secured an endless stream of precious resources, the bulk of which was funneled back into the Immortal Martial World, fueling its prosperity and cultivating ever more talents.
*Limit Realm, Sovereign Realm, and Ancestor Realm!*
*Currently, I should be at the Limit Realm.*
Lu Changsheng now understood where his strength stood.
"Lu Changsheng, come quickly to the Martial Palace's martial arts field."
A familiar voice sounded in his ear.
It was Martial Ancestor Jidao!
"Yes, Founding Ancestor."
Lu Changsheng's heart stirred, and he rose immediately.
After waiting in the palace for days, the Martial Ancestor had finally summoned him again.
Moving with utmost haste, Lu Changsheng made his way to the martial arts field in the Martial Palace.
Upon arriving, he saw Martial Ancestor Jidao alongside the other two Martial Ancestors.
All three were present, accompanied by a multitude of Martial Dao Sovereigns.
Besides the martial artists, Lu Changsheng also saw a large gathering of immortal cultivators.
They were members of the Immortal Palace.
Several among them radiated terrifying auras, seated on equal footing with the three Martial Ancestors.
To sit as equals with Martial Ancestors, there was only one possibility: they were Mahayana cultivators!
Moreover, there were eight of them.
Had all eleven Ancestors of the Immortal Martial Palace assembled?
Today's gathering at the martial arts field was clearly no ordinary occasion.
"Lu Changsheng, come forward."
"Yes, Founding Ancestor."
Lu Changsheng walked up to Martial Ancestor Jidao.
"Lu Changsheng, you've been in the palace for some time now. Feeling restless?"
Lu Changsheng remained silent, tacitly acknowledging the truth.
He truly had been feeling restless.
"Good. Today, there's no need to hold back.
"The reason we kept you waiting was that the Immortal Palace also cultivated a top-tier Limit Realm cultivator.
"They insisted on sending their Limit Realm cultivator into the Kunwu World.
"Gaining entry to the Kunwu World comes at an immense price—a cost so steep that our palace can currently send only one Limit Realm cultivator.
"Therefore, after discussions between our Martial Palace and their Immortal Palace, we agreed to let the two of you compete.
"Whoever wins shall enter the Kunwu World. What do you say?"
Martial Ancestor Jidao laid out the situation plainly.
Lu Changsheng glanced toward the Immortal Palace's side.
A sharp gaze faintly met his.
"This disciple has no objection," Lu Changsheng replied calmly.
"Good!
"Remember, do not hold back on the martial arts field.
"No matter how severe the injuries, with so many of us Ancestors present, we can heal them completely without leaving any lasting damage.
"I have only one requirement: win!
"Go on."
Martial Ancestor Jidao waved his hand. Lu Changsheng stepped forward and walked onto the field.
At the same time, the young Daoist who had locked eyes with him drifted gracefully down from the Immortal Palace's side.
Their gazes clashed once more.
"Immortal Palace, Chen Daqian!"
"Martial Palace, Lu Changsheng!"
The moment their words fell, Chen Daqian struck.
*Swoosh!*
A point of white light flashed between Chen Daqian's brows.
A sharp flying sword shot forth instantly.
Not just one, but forty-nine flying swords in total.
The swarm of swords formed a sword formation, enveloping Lu Changsheng.
From every direction, sharp sword qi surged, threatening to slice his Dao body to ribbons.
Furthermore, every strand of sword qi was terrifyingly potent.
Even with his Dao body, he could not easily shrug it off.
The opponent's flying swords were indeed at the Heavenly Saint tier, adhering strictly to the rules of the Kunwu World.
"Impressive!"
"Your Immortal Palace has indeed raised quite a talent. To control forty-nine flying swords at once and weave them into a formation means Chen Daqian's divine sense and dharmic power are extraordinary. He is indeed qualified to compete in the Kunwu World.
"Furthermore, Chen Daqian grew up in the Immortal Palace rather than the Immortal Martial World. Have you been grooming him from childhood according to the standards of the Boundary Sea's top-tier Limit Realm?"
How discerning were the three Martial Ancestors?
With a single glance, they saw through Chen Daqian's foundation.
They could tell he was truly exceptional, far surpassing the Void Refining cultivators of the Immortal Martial World.
"Indeed. Chen Daqian was raised in the Immortal Palace, and we poured immense effort into grooming him to the standard of the Boundary Sea's top Limit Realm cultivators. Regrettably, he still falls slightly short; a true pinnacle Limit Realm powerhouse is not easily cultivated.
"Talent, fortune, and cultivation systems—none can be lacking to produce such a figure. Though Chen Daqian currently falls short, he is surely far superior to any Heavenly Saint martial artist chosen from the Immortal Martial World."
The Mahayana cultivators of the Immortal Palace wore pleased smiles, clearly very satisfied with Chen Daqian.
"Is that so?"
"The Heavenly Saint we brought back from the Immortal Martial World this time is extraordinary as well.
"Watch closely..."
The three Martial Ancestors brimmed with confidence, showing not the slightest hint of worry.
Sure enough, as the forty-nine flying swords bore down in a vast, surging torrent, Lu Changsheng remained calm and unmoving.
He simply stood his ground, letting the forty-nine swords strike him directly.
*Boom!*
The next instant, the martial daos within Lu Changsheng's body roared.
A full ten thousand martial daos blazed with brilliant light, superimposing their power onto his Dao body.
This was merely the union of his martial daos and his Dao body.
He had not merged his flesh and blood, nor had he unleashed the Phenomenal Image of Heaven and Earth.
Just ten thousand complete martial daos combined with an astonishing Dao body.
When the forty-nine flying swords struck Lu Changsheng, his Dao body proved immensely tough.
The swords were deflected the moment they made contact.
Lu Changsheng was completely unscathed!
"What?"
Chen Daqian's expression changed drastically.
Not only him, but even the Mahayana cultivators of the Immortal Palace showed shock on their faces.
"The flying swords couldn't even cut him?"
"What a Lu Changsheng! A Master of Ten Thousand Daos! And all ten thousand martial daos cultivated to perfection! When did such a monster appear in the Immortal Martial World?"
"The Martial Palace has truly unearthed an earth-shattering figure."
How sharp were the eyes of the Mahayana cultivators?
They could tell in an instant that Lu Changsheng was extraordinarily strong.
On the field, seeing his sword formation fail, Chen Daqian cast a spell.
"Myriad Thunder Art!"
Guided by the flying swords, the sword formation summoned lightning.
*Rumble!*
Massive bolts of lightning crashed down.
Yet Lu Changsheng's Dao body remained completely unyielding.
Lu Changsheng felt he had seen enough.
He had essentially tested all of Chen Daqian's techniques.
Chen Daqian was undeniably powerful; apart from Lu Changsheng, few Heavenly Saint martial artists in the Immortal Martial World could hope to match him.
Unfortunately for Chen Daqian, he was facing Lu Changsheng.
*Buzz!*
Lu Changsheng's ten thousand daos resonated in unison.
Ten thousand perfected martial daos empowered his Dao body.
Then, Lu Changsheng threw a punch.
This punch shook heaven and earth.
In Chen Daqian's vision, the entire world seemed to be filled by that single fist.
Between heaven and earth, nothing else existed.
Chen Daqian knew he could not block it.
Even with all his might, it was impossible to withstand.
*Crack!*
Under the force of this punch, Chen Daqian's forty-nine flying swords shattered, clattering to the ground in pieces.
At the same time, the force of Lu Changsheng's fist arrived right before Chen Daqian.
Yet Lu Changsheng halted.
At his level, he commanded complete mastery over his strength.
If he did not wish to harm Chen Daqian, he could pull his strike back in time, precluding any chance of accidental injury.
This was merely a spar to decide a quota.
Both fought for the sake of the Immortal Martial World; there was no need for a fight to the death.
Lu Changsheng withdrew his fist.
With a complicated expression, Chen Daqian said slowly, "I admit defeat..."
In the Immortal Palace, he was hailed as their rising hope, revered by countless cultivators.
Yet before he could even contribute to the Immortal Palace, he had been defeated.
Though his victor belonged to the Martial Palace, he still felt profoundly dejected.
"Daqian, return.
"Lu Changsheng, having defeated Chen Daqian, you shall go to the Kunwu World.
"This time, the Martial Palace was indeed superior."
The Mahayana cultivators of the Immortal Palace conceded the outcome.
The Immortal Martial Palace was a single entity after all.
While competition existed between them, they would not undermine the greater good.
They had genuinely lost.
"Fellow Daoists, whether Lu Changsheng goes or Chen Daqian goes, our goal remains the same,"
Martial Ancestor Jidao said slowly. "Currently, countless powerful races across the Boundary Sea have fixed their gazes upon the Kunwu World.
"No matter what, someone from our Immortal Martial World must enter."
The Mahayana cultivators nodded in agreement.
Initially, the Immortal Martial Palace had not realized the Kunwu World's true significance, as no one from the Immortal Martial World had been able to enter.
Later, however, they noticed that the formidable races throughout the Boundary Sea were desperately sending Limit Realm cultivators into the Kunwu World at all costs.
That was when they sensed something amiss.
After inquiring through every possible channel, they finally uncovered a secret regarding the Kunwu World.
"Lu Changsheng, follow us to the main hall.
"Fellow Daoists of the Immortal Palace, please join us as well."
And so, Lu Changsheng and the others proceeded to the main hall of the Martial Palace, accompanied by the Mahayana cultivators of the Immortal Palace.
Evidently, Lu Changsheng's venture into the Kunwu World aligned with the overarching interests of the entire Immortal Martial Palace.
Inside the hall, the expressions of Martial Ancestor Jidao and the others grew solemn.
"Lu Changsheng, do you know what your most important objective is in the Kunwu World?" Martial Ancestor Jidao asked.
Lu Changsheng shook his head.
He knew only that the Kunwu World held secrets, but not what those secrets were.
The Martial Ancestors had not shared them previously.
"Lu Changsheng, while you may contend for all manner of fortunes during this journey into the Kunwu World, your most crucial task is to investigate the world's greatest secret: the Road to Ascending Heaven!
"Remember, if you hear any word regarding the Road to Ascending Heaven, you must do everything in your power to learn more, and even fight to seize its secret."
Lu Changsheng's heart jolted.
The name "Road to Ascending Heaven" sounded startlingly familiar.
He cast his mind back and recalled.
When he had refined the Immortal Blood, he seemed to have glimpsed the figure of the Giant Spirit Ancestor.
The Giant Spirit Ancestor had mentioned the Road to Ascending Heaven!
Only, according to the Giant Spirit Ancestor, had the road not been severed?
Lu Changsheng asked with a puzzled expression, "Founding Ancestor, what exactly is the Road to Ascending Heaven?"
The three Martial Ancestors and several Mahayana cultivators exchanged glances.
This was a secret!
Yet Lu Changsheng was about to depart for the Kunwu World.
If they wished to uncover the fortunes tied to the Road to Ascending Heaven, they had to rely on him.
There was no reason to withhold it.
Taking a deep breath, Martial Ancestor Jidao enunciated each word clearly: "The Road to Ascending Heaven is a place dreamed of by countless cultivators throughout the entire Boundary Sea.
"Legend has it that the road leads directly to the Heaven Realm, allowing Ancestor Realm figures to ascend.
"Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the Road to Ascending Heaven was severed. No one can enter it anymore, let alone ascend to the Heaven Realm.
"Yet whether one can enter the Heaven Realm is secondary. The true reason countless Ancestors fight over it is because the road holds the secret to transcending the Ancestor Realm!
"Should anyone locate the Road to Ascending Heaven, they might break their shackles and ascend above the Ancestor Realm. At that point, reigning over the entire Boundary Sea and becoming the Lord of the Boundary Sea would be well within reach."
Lu Changsheng's heart trembled.
Lord of the Boundary Sea!
No wonder so many races flocked there like madmen, desperate to enter the Kunwu World.
Just how vast was the Boundary Sea?
It was unimaginable.
To become Lord of the Boundary Sea—such temptation was impossible to resist.
Of course, whether one could actually become the Lord of the Boundary Sea remained to be seen.
Yet the promise of the secret to transcending the Ancestor Realm was something no Ancestor could forsake.
What cultivator did not yearn to take that next step?
The Boundary Sea was boundless, yet countless Ancestors were trapped at their realm, unable to advance.
Only by finding the Road to Ascending Heaven was there hope of breaking through to what lay beyond.
That was the true reason!
"This disciple understands,"
Lu Changsheng said with solemn resolve. "During this journey to the Kunwu World, I will certainly uncover the secrets of the Road to Ascending Heaven."
"Good!
"Let us set off at once. I shall escort you to the Kunwu World personally!" Martial Ancestor Jidao declared.
Lu Changsheng was a true disciple of Jidao Sacred Ground and his direct inheritor, so Martial Ancestor Jidao naturally held him in the highest regard.
"Since you are going to the Kunwu World on behalf of the Immortal Martial Palace, we cannot let you go empty-handed,"
one of the Mahayana cultivators spoke up. "Only treasures below the Void Refining level can be brought into the Kunwu World. This magic treasure is called the Xuanhuang Pagoda, modeled after an earth-shattering spirit treasure of the Boundary Sea. It can withstand any attack below the Ancestor Realm. Of course, if the attack is exceedingly powerful, it may only endure a single blow!
"I also have a magic treasure, named the Flowing Light Boat. It is exceptionally swift; should you encounter danger, you may flee aboard it.
"And here I have an Endless Vitality Pill, capable of raising the dead and regrowing flesh on bone. As long as a single breath remains, any injury will be healed, even severe soul damage.
"These magic treasures do not require your dharmic power to activate. You only need to bring plenty of spirit stones and spirit crystals; crushing them will activate the treasures."
Seeing these treasures, Lu Changsheng's eyes lit up.
As expected of the Immortal Palace!
The Immortal Palace differed from the Martial Palace in one key aspect: they possessed an abundance of treasures and were remarkably wealthy.
Seeing it in person proved that true.
Compared to the Mahayana cultivators of the Immortal Palace, the three Martial Ancestors looked downright impoverished.
There was simply no comparison.
With these treasures, Lu Changsheng felt far more confident about his venture into the Kunwu World.
"Thank you, seniors."
Lu Changsheng accepted the treasures one by one.
He then looked eagerly toward the three Martial Ancestors.
Yet the three Martial Ancestors shook their heads and chuckled. "We martial artists fight heaven and battle earth relying solely on ourselves. We have no such treasures to bestow upon you.
"Enough. I shall personally escort Lu Changsheng to the Kunwu World."
Without hesitation, Martial Ancestor Jidao took Lu Changsheng and departed from the Immortal Martial Palace, plunging deep into the Boundary Sea.
Chapter 318