I only reached the Foundation Establishment stage at eighty years old, and then the system appeared.

Yang Hongbo flew with Yang Tian for half a year, encountering many interesting things along the way. However, something absurd happened to him: his spirit corpse avatar mutated.

This spirit corpse's spiritual power was much stronger than that of a peak Tribulation Transcending cultivator, almost comparable to an immortal. This time, Yang Hongbo also had it cultivate the Immortal Realm cultivation technique he obtained through a lottery. Half a year later, the spirit corpse had actually reached the Immortal Realm, and its body had mutated into an elemental body.

This kind of thing, devoid of any life force, is practically cheating when cultivating, because it doesn't need to undergo the tribulation lightning required to cross major realms.

If Yang Hongbo hadn't been mentally connected with it, no one would have known that it had so smoothly cultivated to the Immortal Realm.

Yang Hongbo found a place to test this spirit corpse avatar (oh, it can't be called a spirit corpse anymore, it should be called an elemental avatar from now on). This elemental avatar has all the functions of a human, and it also has functions that humans do not have.

For example, it can transform into an elemental form, pass through a wall or metal door, deceive human eyes and consciousness, and hide in the shadow of objects (including humans). Its greatest function is that it can possess any object and change its appearance.

That day, Yang Hongbo and Yang Tian arrived at the entrance to a restricted area. Humans were forbidden from entering this area because no one who entered had ever come out.

Yang Hongbo took Yang Tian into the secret realm and then released his elemental avatar, saying to it, "This forbidden zone is said to be extremely dangerous, harboring countless unknown dangers, but the legendary treasure is also very likely to be inside. Now that you're here, let's go in and explore."

The elemental avatar let out a low laugh, the sound seemingly coming from all directions, carrying an ethereal yet eerie feeling: "Rest assured, I will protect you. This forbidden zone may be mysterious, but it cannot defeat us." With that, the elemental avatar flashed, transforming into a thin layer of elemental film that slowly covered Yang Hongbo's body.

Yang Hongbo felt a cool sensation spread throughout his body, as if he were isolated from the surrounding environment. He took a deep breath and strode into the restricted area.

As soon as they entered, a sinister atmosphere enveloped them, and a thick fog obstructed their vision. Yang Hongbo cautiously looked around and asked, "This fog seems a bit strange. Have you noticed anything?"

The voice of the elemental avatar echoed in Yang Hongbo's mind: "This mist contains a strange energy, seemingly probing the identity of the entrant. However, with me here, it will only think you are a harmless elemental being and will not attack you."

As they were talking, a rustling sound suddenly came from the mist ahead, as if something was rapidly approaching. Yang Hongbo gripped his longsword tightly and whispered, "Be careful, something's coming."

Soon, a group of lizard-like monsters with wings rushed out of the mist. These monsters were enormous, each several meters long, with wings that blotted out the sky and spewing bursts of green flames from their mouths.

"Hmph, just some small fry." Yang Hongbo sneered, about to make a move, but his elemental avatar spoke first: "Don't be hasty, let me try out this new ability."

A flash of light appeared on the thin membrane covering the elemental avatar, and the green flames spewed by the monsters, as they approached Yang Hongbo, seemed to be drawn away by an invisible force, all avoiding him. Seeing this, the monsters roared angrily and charged towards Yang Hongbo at an increased speed.

The elemental avatar exerted its power once more, and Yang Hongbo's body instantly became ethereal. The monsters missed their target, passing directly through Yang Hongbo's body. The monsters seemed somewhat bewildered, circling in place a few times before launching another attack, but no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't touch Yang Hongbo even slightly.

"Haha, this feeling is truly amazing!" Yang Hongbo laughed, looking at the monsters who had failed to capture him. "With your abilities, wouldn't we be able to move through this restricted area like it's empty?"

The elemental avatar said smugly, "Of course, you can proceed with confidence. These heretics in this forbidden zone will not be able to harm you in the slightest."

As they ventured deeper into the restricted area, the surrounding fog thickened, and the temperature plummeted. Yang Hongbo felt a chill pierce his bones and shivered involuntarily, asking, "The temperature is getting lower and lower; do you have any way to withstand this cold?"

The elemental avatar responded, "Don't panic, watch me." As soon as it finished speaking, the elemental membrane covering Yang Hongbo's body shone brightly, and a warm feeling rose from the soles of his feet, instantly spreading throughout his body and dispelling the biting cold.

Yang Hongbo praised, "Your abilities are truly comprehensive. With you around, I have much less to worry about."

Just then, the outline of a massive palace faintly appeared in the mist ahead. The palace soared into the clouds, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura, as if it concealed countless secrets.

"That palace looks extraordinary; it might hold the treasure we're looking for." A hint of excitement flashed in Yang Hongbo's eyes as he quickened his pace toward the palace.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, Yang Hongbo found them tightly shut, covered in various mysterious runes. He reached out to touch the runes, but the moment he made contact, a powerful force forced him back several steps.

"Such powerful force! This gate seems to be protected by a restriction," Yang Hongbo said, frowning.

The elemental avatar said, "Don't be in a hurry, let me take a look." After saying that, the elemental avatar separated a small avatar from Yang Hongbo's body, which turned into a stream of light and flew around the gate a few times, carefully observing the runes.

After a while, the little elemental avatar returned to Yang Hongbo's side and said, "My lord, although this restriction is powerful, I have found a way to break it. However, I need your cooperation."

Yang Hongbo nodded and said, "Okay, tell me what to do."

The little elemental avatar said, "In a moment, I will transform into elemental power and merge into your body to enhance your strength. Then, use this enhanced power to attack a specific rune on the gate to break the restriction."

Having said that, the smaller elemental avatar joined the elemental avatar covering Yang Hongbo's body, and then a powerful force surged into Yang Hongbo's body. Yang Hongbo felt his whole body filled with power, as if he could destroy the world with every move he made.

"My Lord, now! Attack the third rune in the upper left corner of the gate!" The voice of the elemental avatar rang in Yang Hongbo's mind.

Yang Hongbo channeled all his strength, roared, and punched the rune. A deafening boom followed, the rune flashed, and cracks began to appear in the barrier on the gate. Then, the entire barrier shattered, and the gate slowly opened.

An even stronger sense of mystery wafted from the palace. Yang Hongbo took a deep breath and said, "Let's go in and take a look."

Stepping into the palace, one finds it spacious and bright, with countless gems inlaid on the walls, radiating a dazzling array of colors. In the center of the palace stands a colossal statue—a majestic lion with sharp horns, wielding a long sword.

"This statue seems to be something special." Yang Hongbo stepped forward and carefully examined the statue.

Just then, the statue suddenly moved. It opened its eyes, shooting out two sharp beams of light, and looked at Yang Hongbo, saying, "Human, why have you trespassed here?"

Yang Hongbo was startled, but quickly regained his composure and said, "I meant no offense. I've only heard that there are treasures in this forbidden area, so I've come to search for them. May I ask what you are guarding here, senior?"

The statue sneered, "Treasures? There are indeed treasures in this palace, but how could you humans possibly have the right to touch them? However, seeing that you were able to break through the gate's restrictions, you do have some skill. How about this, if you can withstand three of my moves, I will let you choose one treasure from this palace."

Yang Hongbo frowned, but before he could speak, the voice of his elemental avatar rang in his mind: "My lord, do not agree to his request. This statue is powerful, and even with my help, it would be extremely dangerous to withstand three of his attacks. Let me try another method instead."

Yang Hongbo shook his head and said, "It's alright, I'd like to see what this statue is capable of. Alright, senior, I agree."

The statue burst into laughter: "Good, you've got guts. Here comes the first move!" With that, the statue swung its long sword, and a sharp sword aura slashed towards Yang Hongbo.

Yang Hongbo channeled all his strength, his longsword meeting the attack head-on, while his elemental avatar also activated, enhancing his defense. A deafening boom resounded as the sword energy collided with the longsword, generating a powerful shockwave. Yang Hongbo was forced back several steps, but was unharmed.

The statue nodded slightly: "Not bad, you withstood my first move. Here comes the second!" With that, the statue gripped the sword with both hands, raised it high, and then slashed down fiercely. A massive sword shadow, carrying a world-destroying aura, pressed down on Yang Hongbo.

Yang Hongbo's expression turned solemn. He knew this move was incredibly powerful and dared not be careless. He channeled his chaotic power to its fullest extent, while his elemental avatar poured all its energy into his body. Yang Hongbo roared and raised his longsword to meet the attack.

"Boom!" Another deafening roar erupted as the sword shadows clashed with the longsword, causing the entire palace to tremble. Yang Hongbo was shaken so badly that his blood surged, and a trickle of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

A hint of admiration flashed in the statue's eyes: "You've certainly got some skill to withstand two of my moves. But be careful with this third one." With that, the statue shone brightly, a powerful force gathering on its longsword, which it then thrust towards Yang Hongbo.

The sword strike was incredibly fast, leaving Yang Hongbo barely time to react. At that critical moment, the elemental avatar suddenly activated, transforming into a barrier in front of Yang Hongbo. The sword struck the barrier, producing a sharp sound, but it couldn't penetrate it.

The statue sheathed its longsword and said, "Human, you have won. You may choose any treasure from this palace."

Yang Hongbo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said, "Thank you for your mercy, senior. I choose that longsword." As he spoke, he pointed to the longsword in the statue's hand.

The statue smiled slightly: "This longsword is a divine artifact called the Immortal-Slaying Sword, which I bestow upon you today. I hope you will make good use of it."

Yang Hongbo received the Immortal-Slaying Sword and felt a powerful force surge into his body. Overjoyed, he said, "Thank you for bestowing this sword upon me, Senior. I will certainly use it well."

The statue nodded: "Alright, you can leave now. Don't trespass into this restricted area again, or your lives will be in danger."

Yang Hongbo bowed and said, "This junior will remember your teachings, senior." After saying that, he left the palace with his elemental avatar and walked out of the restricted area.

Back in the outside world, Yang Hongbo looked at the Immortal-Slaying Sword in his hand, then at the elemental avatar beside him, and was filled with emotion: "This trip to the forbidden zone was all thanks to your help. Otherwise, I would not only have failed to obtain this Immortal-Slaying Sword, but I might not have even been able to save my life."

The elemental avatar chuckled, "You're too kind, sir. We are one, so helping each other is only natural. There are many more adventures waiting for us in the future."

Yang Hongbo nodded, his gaze fixed firmly on the distance: "That's right, the road ahead is still long, let's keep moving forward!" With that, he and his elemental avatar transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon.