My son is about to break through.

On this day, the eternally flowing, seemingly unchanging chaotic void of the Endless Immortal Realm suddenly underwent a dramatic change.

"Boom——!!!"

The sound was not a real sound, but a terrifying roar that directly shook the origin of the Great Dao and reverberated deep within the souls of all living beings. It erupted without warning from a dimension deep within the chaos that was difficult to pinpoint.
Immediately afterwards, an indescribable and overwhelming aura, like a primordial beast that had been sleeping for countless eons suddenly awakened, burst forth from the source of the roar and instantly swept across every corner of the entire Endless Immortal Realm!
This aura is powerful and ancient, containing majesty that surpasses ordinary laws of the Great Dao, and it also contains a trace of immortal qualities that make all paths groan and distort time and space!
It is not directed at any particular individual, but rather sweeps across the starry sky like a tide, across the celestial realm, and over all living beings.

No matter where you are or how high or low your cultivation level is, as long as you reach a certain level, you can clearly feel this throbbing and pressure originating from the depths of your soul.

"What...what kind of aura is this?!"

"Such terrifying power fluctuations! It's as if we're facing the very Dao itself!"

"Something strange is happening deep within the chaos! Could it be that an earth-shattering opportunity is about to emerge? Or has an ancient being been revived?"

Countless emperors, celestial beings, and even higher-level powerhouses were alarmed and unanimously cast their astonished and uncertain gazes into the depths of chaos.

Their minds were shaken. Even this slight aftershock made them feel as insignificant as dust, and their Dao hearts wavered.

Some of those with weaker cultivation levels even experienced their blood and qi churning under the impact of this aura, nearly resulting in injury.

Mysterious Celestial Realm.

Gu Qingfeng stood with his hands behind his back, overlooking the orderly operation of the Immortal Court's territory and the faint aura of war.

When that terrifying aura swept over, his eyes suddenly narrowed, instantly locking onto the chaotic direction from which the aura was coming.

In his perception, this aura was of an extremely high level. The Daoist charm and pressure contained in its core had already surpassed the scope of ordinary Heavenly Venerables, and were even comparable to those true immortal beings.

It doesn't seem like the breath of life, but rather like a power imprint that has been dormant for countless years, originating from something that exists itself, and has been unexpectedly awakened and manifested in the world at this moment.

"The Immortal Realm!"

Almost the instant he sensed the essence of the aura, this thought naturally surfaced in Gu Qingfeng's mind.

He naturally had some knowledge of the secret realms and caves left behind by powerful figures throughout the long history of the Endless Immortal Realm.

These places may occasionally reappear in the world due to changes in the heavens and earth or triggered by specific conditions, attracting countless powerful individuals to compete for them.

However, this involves the mysteries of immortality.

This was the first time he had truly encountered this since his ascension!
Its preciousness and potential dangers far surpass those of the relics left by previous celestial beings.

It is foreseeable that the emergence of such a secret realm will be like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up even more turbulent waves between the two races that are already at war.

Neither the immortal beings of the human race nor the evil god race could possibly remain indifferent to this.

Opportunities at the immortal level may have immeasurable reference value for them, and are also related to the growth of their forces.

However, although Gu Qingfeng's heart was stirred, he did not immediately have the idea of ​​going to explore.

"The risk is...too great."

He calmly assessed the situation.

While he now possesses combat power comparable to or even surpassing that of ordinary first-stage immortals, there are unpredictable dangers if he ventures into an unknown immortal realm.

More importantly, his fame is now too great.

With his Nine Tribulations Body, he defied the Immortals and had long been a thorn in the side of the Evil God Clan.

Countless eyes from the Immortal God were secretly watching him, searching for an opportunity to annihilate him completely.

Once he leaves the Celestial Court's territory and ventures deep into the Chaos Realm, he undoubtedly gives his opponent the best opportunity to strike.

Faced with an encirclement by one or even several veteran immortals who were well-prepared and whose strength far surpassed that of the Void God Lord, he had no confidence in escaping unscathed.

"My strength may be comparable to or even suppress the first level of immortality, but against a second level being, the outcome is unpredictable."

As for the third realm and above…

Gu Qingfeng shook his head slightly.

The evil god race has twelve immortal god lords, and the human race has nine immortal heavenly venerables. Among them, there are many powerful individuals who have reached the second realm or above.

It would be unwise to put oneself in danger before one has truly entered immortality and obtained that immortality.

For him, the most important goal right now is still that final step—to fully comprehend the profound mystery of life after death, to achieve the unity of body and mind with the Dao, and to attain immortality.

A secluded realm might offer a glimpse into the Dao, but whether it can help him overcome this crucial step remains to be seen.

In contrast, staying in the Celestial Court, taking a steady and pragmatic approach, analyzing one's gains, and waiting for an opportunity might be a more prudent choice.

"Pass down the order to closely monitor all developments in that chaotic secret realm and gather all relevant information."

Gu Qingfeng gave instructions to the celestial official standing beside him, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

……

A year passes in the blink of an eye in the realm of immortals.

Preliminary information about that chaotic secret realm, after extensive investigation and compilation, was finally presented to Gu Qingfeng's desk.

The person in charge of this matter is Gu Cang, the commander of the Xuantian Imperial Guard.

This being, who had received the blessing of the Celestial Court and whose cultivation had reached the Three Tribulations Celestial Venerable level, was now solemnly kneeling on one knee, reporting in detail.

"Your Majesty, according to the findings of various investigations, that secret realm is indeed a remnant of an ancient and immortal entity. It is a world unto itself, with unique laws, and is suspected to have existed for countless ages. Recently, it has manifested in the chaos for unknown reasons."

He paused, his tone tinged with surprise and solemnity: "However, this secret realm is extremely special, with a very strong repulsive and suppressive force on its periphery."

Both the evil god race and our human race have sent several immortal powerhouses to attempt to enter, but without exception, they were all blocked by the ancient rules remaining at the entrance to the secret realm, making it difficult for them to truly step inside.

"Currently, the two immortal races seem to have reached a tacit understanding. Perhaps due to the rules, neither has forced their way in, but instead has sent their Heavenly Venerable level experts to explore."

According to incomplete statistics, over several hundred Celestial Venerables from various forces have already entered that secret realm, including many Great Celestial Venerables at the Seventh and Eighth Tribulations levels.

Gu Cang's voice lowered: "Our Xuantian Immortal Court, in accordance with His Majesty's previous decree, did not organize a large-scale entry."

However, several of the most outstanding members of the Xuan Tian Imperial Guards, confident in their cultivation and stealth abilities, dared to sneak in ahead of His Majesty…

"However, just yesterday, the life tablets they left in the Celestial Court... shattered one after another, almost at the same time."

A broken soul tablet signifies the annihilation of both body and soul, and the complete loss of one's physical body and spiritual essence!
Gu Qingfeng's expression did not change much upon hearing this.

Although the Xuantian Guards are elite, with the lowest level of cultivation being a Great Emperor and the best among them even reaching the Heavenly Venerable level, their strength is indeed insufficient when facing an ancient secret realm that can even block the Immortals.

A wisp of immortal Daoist charm or an ancient restriction remaining in the secret realm could easily obliterate an ordinary Celestial Venerable.

The fall of those imperial guards, though regrettable, was also somewhat expected.

What truly concerned him was the crucial information Gu Cang mentioned in his report—the secret realm repelled immortals!
"Even immortals themselves find it difficult to enter..."

Gu Qingfeng tapped his fingers lightly on the imperial desk, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

"The being who left behind this secret realm must have possessed strength far exceeding that of ordinary immortals in life."

Its remaining Dao rules, having withstood the erosion of countless ages, still maintain such a powerful repulsive force; at its peak, it was at least a mid-to-high level Immortal.

The more powerful the being who left behind the secret realm, the greater the opportunities and dangers it contains.

This did not prevent a ripple from spreading across Gu Qingfeng's originally calm mind.

The relics left behind by such a powerful being might indeed contain unimaginable treasures, or things that could inspire him to strive for immortality.

But reason quickly prevailed again. Even the best opportunities are fleeting; you need to be alive to enjoy them.

He is now a key target of the evil god clan, and once he leaves the Celestial Court, the risk factor will increase exponentially.

Moreover, although the secret realm excludes immortals from entering in person, wouldn't those immortals also set up positions near the entrance of the secret realm?

For him, that place could still be a den of wolves and tigers.

"Continue to monitor the situation in the secret realm. Report any unusual activity immediately," Qingfeng finally instructed.

"As for sending someone in... there's no need to force it."

"By imperial decree: All those in the Celestial Court at the Heavenly Venerable Realm and above, if confident and willing, may venture to the edge of the secret realms to explore, but must act within their capabilities."

He had no intention of using the lives of the Celestial Court's soldiers to fill an unknown secret realm.

Even a Celestial Venerable-level combatant is a precious asset for the Xuan Tian Immortal Court, and cannot be squandered so easily.

The real competition for opportunities often belongs to the very top few.

Rather than sending a large number of low- to mid-level Celestial Venerables to their deaths, it would be better to leave them in the Celestial Court's territory to stabilize the defenses and deal with the direct impact of the Evil God Clan.

Gu Cang accepted the order and withdrew.

Gu Qingfeng put the matter aside for the time being and continued to focus on his own cultivation and the handling of affairs of the Celestial Court.

The path to immortality is mysterious and profound. He tried to gain a deeper understanding by guiding the Gu family's children and organizing his own knowledge, but the results did not seem significant.

That thin veil separating life from death remains resilient.

……

However, the tree wants to be quiet but the wind keeps on.

A month later, a report came from outside the Imperial Study that Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu were requesting an audience.

"My son, I pay my respects to my father!"

The two entered the hall and bowed respectfully.

Gu Qingfeng put down the jade slip in his hand and looked up at his two sons, who had very different temperaments but were equally outstanding.

They usually either command troops at the front or cultivate in seclusion in the palace, and rarely come to the palace together unless there is an important matter.

"Flat body."

Gu Qingfeng spoke in a flat tone.

"What brings you two here together?"

The two stood up and exchanged a glance.

Gu Xuan stepped forward, his expression resolute, and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, your son and my third brother have come here because of the newly appeared immortal secret realm deep within the chaos."

really.

Gu Qingfeng understood, but remained expressionless.

Gu Xuan continued, "Your subjects know that this secret realm is extremely dangerous. Even immortal beings find it difficult to personally enter, and more than a hundred Heavenly Venerables have perished there."

However, we cultivators defy the heavens and seek breakthroughs between life and death.

It is difficult to cultivate towering trees in a greenhouse.

Such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, if we can enter and explore it, might lead us to a breakthrough, which would benefit both of us and the Celestial Court.

Therefore, we, your humble servants, humbly request Your Majesty's permission to explore the edge of the secret realm!

His words were powerful and resonant, filled with fearless spirit and a thirst for power.

At their level, conventional cultivation and resources are no longer sufficient for progress.

Even if they only gain some benefits or comprehend a trace of the Dao of Immortality in an immortal secret realm, they may be able to save themselves hundreds of thousands or even millions of years of hard work, and may even glimpse the path to a higher level.

Gu Qingfeng listened quietly, his expression remaining calm: "I am very pleased that you two have such spirit and are not afraid of danger."

However, as you just mentioned, the secret realm is dangerous, and more than a hundred Heavenly Venerables have already fallen.

While your cultivation levels are among the best of the younger generation, in that secret realm that gathers the top Heavenly Venerables of the two races, you might not have much of an advantage.
One careless move could lead to death and the annihilation of one's soul.

Have you all thought this through?

"I am well aware of the dangers involved!"

Gu Xuan answered without hesitation, his expression serious.

"But the path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind."

If we hesitate because of fear of risk, how can we possibly glimpse the true essence of the Great Way? My mind is made up!

Just then, Gu Xiu, who had been quietly listening, stepped forward.

Unlike Gu Xuan, who was overtly assertive, he bowed slightly and added in a low voice with just the right amount of sincerity.

“Father, you are wise. What my second brother said is exactly what we think.”

However… that secret realm is indeed fraught with danger. If Father could bestow upon us some protective measures or offer some guidance, our chances of success on this trip would greatly increase, and we would be better able to find useful items for Father and the Celestial Court.”

After Gu Xiu finished speaking, he and Gu Xuan looked at Gu Qingfeng with expectant eyes.

Gu Qingfeng looked at his two sons, chuckled, and shook his head: "So that's how it is. After saying all that, this last sentence is the real purpose of your visit today, isn't it?"

Having his thoughts exposed, Gu Xuan felt somewhat embarrassed, while Gu Xiu chuckled and did not deny it.

Gu Qingfeng wasn't angry; instead, he felt a sense of relief.

Young eagles must eventually leave the nest to brave the winds and waves.

As a father, he cannot, and should not, shelter them under his wings forever.

"That's all."

Gu Qingfeng sighed softly, his tone softening.

"Since you two insist on going, I will grant your permission."

Remember, self-preservation should be the top priority; opportunities are secondary.

If something is impossible, withdraw immediately; do not force it.

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Qingfeng's eyes narrowed slightly. He extended his right index finger, and at the tip of his finger, a point of golden light, as profound as the origin of the universe and carrying the immeasurable meaning of life and death, slowly condensed.

That was no ordinary blood, but rather the essence blood containing his peak cultivation at the ninth tribulation level.

He flicked his fingers.

"Huh! Huh!"

Two golden streaks of light, seemingly slow but actually swift, instantly disappeared into the space between Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu's brows.

Both of them trembled simultaneously, feeling a vast, ancient, and majestic power merge into the depths of their souls, quickly transforming into an invisible barrier. At the same time, a profound message about how to activate the power of this drop of essence blood, protect themselves at crucial moments, and even launch an attack also appeared in their minds.

Finally, a pale golden mark resembling a simplified lotus pattern was left on each of their foreheads before disappearing.

"This is a mark formed from a drop of my Dao Source Essence Blood."

Gu Qingfeng's voice came through, carrying a hint of barely perceptible concern.

"It contains the power of my strike, which can be activated to protect the body or attack and kill powerful enemies at critical moments."

But remember, this mark has limited power; it should not be used lightly except in life-or-death situations.

"Thank you for your grace, Father Emperor!"

Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu were overjoyed and bowed deeply once again.

With this trump card, their confidence immediately increased. (End of Chapter)