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Translator: AnubisTL
After the pre-ascension banquet, Wan Shengtian hosted a grand feast for all the cultivators.
The atmosphere was lively, with cultivators from every domain of the Human Realm in attendance.
Amidst the clinking of cups and the flow of spirit wine, the air filled with the aroma of the brew. Each cultivator's face glowed with warmth as they exchanged pleasantries.
Li Qing sat at the same table as Liu Hanyue and her master. He held a cup of spirit brew, his gaze distant as he observed the scene, feeling somewhat detached.
The appearance of the ascension platform signaled that the number of divine transformation stage cultivators in the Human Realm would inevitably dwindle in the future. He, too, would likely find himself isolated at the pinnacle of power, looking down upon the entire world.
It must be said, he thought, that Wan Shengtian and the others have found worthy successors.
Li Qing was still far from breaking through to the divine transformation stage. This would require slow, meticulous refinement over what would likely be a century or more.
During this time, as one by one the divine transformation cultivators ascended to the Upper Realm, his rivals would grow increasingly scarce.
With this thought, he chuckled self-mockingly and drained the cup of spirit brew in a single gulp.
This cup was a toast to the future ruler of the invincible Human Realm.
As the grand feast neared its end, nascent soul realm cultivators began offering their blessings for the successful ascension of Wan Shengtian and the others.
"May Senior Wan's ascension be smooth and steady, leading him to the Upper Realm where he can soar freely like a bird and leap boundless as a fish!"
"Seniors, take care on your journey!"
"Congratulations to all the seniors."
Flattering words flowed one after another, while Wan Shengtian and the others, seated at the head of the table, smiled and nodded in acknowledgment of these blessings.
As the grand banquet drew to a close, Wan Shengtian slowly rose to his feet. Gazing over the Spirit Treasure Realm, the lingering reluctance in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a yearning and anticipation for the future path of his dao.
Though his face still resembled that of a handsome young man, he was in fact ancient. He had exhausted nearly every secret technique for extending life available in the Human Realm.
To survive further, he would have to follow in the footsteps of the Divine Transformation stage great powers of Moonlit Ridge: finding an Ancient Land, sealing himself in eternal slumber, and even halting his thoughts, only awakening in times of absolute necessity.
But they refused to become such pathetic, self-serving creatures. For beings like them, what difference would such a life make compared to death?
And so, as their great limit approached, they would make one final gamble!
At least now offered the best chance for ascension in millennia: a weakened spatial barrier and a newly stabilized, peaceful Human Realm.
With all earthly affairs settled and Li Qing at their side, they could cast aside all worldly concerns and fearlessly charge toward the spirit realm.
Finally, Wan Shengtian's gaze fell upon Li Qing. He slowly nodded toward him, his silence more eloquent than a thousand words.
Li Qing returned the nod, his own silence equally meaningful.
"Everyone, the time has come. We will ascend through the void in the Heavenly Domain where Heaven's End Island once stood. Those who wish to witness this spectacle are welcome to follow!"
With a wave of his hand, Wan Shengtian conjured a massive spatial gate within the Spirit Treasure Realm, revealing a dazzling golden pathway.
Without a backward glance, Wan Shengtian stepped onto the radiant path, his figure gradually fading into the void.
The Master of the Bright King Valley followed, still clad in his straw rain cloak and conical hat, resembling a fisherman. After a few flickering movements, he too vanished.
"Roar!"
The Azure Flood Dragon King transformed into his true formâa colossal azure flood dragon that soared through the air, its immense pressure radiating as it disappeared before the spatial rift.
Last came Old Man Chen Yuan. He stroked his goatee with one hand, his movements unhurried as he stepped onto the golden path toward the gate.
Once the four had vanished, the Spirit Treasure Realm erupted in a frenzy.
Whoosh!
"Is it starting? Hurry, let's go!"
"Why choose to ascend in the sky above the former site of Heaven's End Island? Is there a special reason?"
"It must be a weak spatial node there, which should aid in the ascension process!"
"To shatter the void and ascend to the Upper Realmâsuch a monumental event is rare in history! We can't miss it!"
"..."
Soon, figures streaked toward the spatial rift at incredible speed.
Li Qing glanced at Liu Hanyue and True Monarch Yue Xuan. "Let's go too," he said, "before we miss the grand ascension spectacle."
The two female disciples nodded and immediately followed Li Qing as they flew out of the Spirit Treasure Realm.
Boundless Sea, central territory.
The Floating Island, once hailed as a marvel of the Human Realm, was gone, destroyed in the demonic cataclysm.
Yet above the now-empty sky, a peculiar platform floated.
The platform seemed cast from molten gold and iron, exuding an ancient aura.
Daoists gathered on the sea surface, gazing up at the platform with unified reverence.
Four figures occupied the corners of the platform.
"Is that the ascension platform? I heard one can accommodate up to five people at a time. Once used, it petrifies completely, losing all spirituality."
"The Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild truly has profound reserves. To be able to produce such an extraordinary ascension platform..."
"Today, we may witness an unprecedented grand event in history."
"..."
Amidst the murmurs, the ascension platform suddenly trembled.
Boom!
A layer of formation art light rippled outward, covering nearly half the sky.
"Founding Ancestor..."
A direct descendant of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild clenched his fist and whispered, his eyes fixed on the scene. He knew that the Founding Ancestor, who had guarded them for countless ages, was about to depart this world today.
Whether this ascension succeeded or failed, they might never see the Founding Ancestor again in this lifetime.
Representatives from the Bright King Valley and the Flood Dragon Clan had also come, their emotions mirroring those of the merchant guildâa complex mixture of reluctance and reverence.
"Hahaha! The sky is clear, the wind is calmâtruly an auspicious day for ascension!" The Master of the Bright King Valley declared with unrestrained laughter.
"That's reasonable. I've long wanted to experience the wonders of the spirit realm."
"Let's begin!"
As the words fell, the four joined forces, pouring pure mana into the formation art embedded within the ascension platform beneath their feet.
Boom!
A terrifying ripple of energy spread outward, causing the space above to twist and distort.
Before long, a blinding spatial rift tore open with effortless ease.
The four figures were swiftly drawn into the rift, rising involuntarily.
Without even glancing back at the Human Realm, they charged headlong into the spatial rift, their resolve unwavering.
"Farewell, Ancestors!"
"..."
The crowd watched the scene in stunned silence, their eyes filled with an indescribable mixture of awe and wonder.
Before their very eyes, an ascension by four combined forces was unfolding, as if an ancient legend had come to life!
"Is it... truly beginning?"
(End of the Chapter)