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墨書 Inktalez
Human Sacrifice
Wu Zhenqing sighed and said, "Aside from Zhang Daoling, I haven't seen anyone else. Unless there is more than one place in the Celestial Realm, ascending to immortality is incredibly difficult; it's not enough to simply be famous."
His words revealed a sense of helplessness as I followed him past the Golden Throne Hall, through the flowerbeds adorned with Celestial Stones and Holy Medicine, and saw many people on either side of the grand hall—some I recognized from my historical reincarnations, while others were unfamiliar.
Many cast kind glances my way; most were elderly men nearing their sixties, though there were a few young people like me, but they were few and far between.
Upon reaching a grand hall with an open ceiling revealing a blue starry river above, I noticed a massive white beast lying on the golden throne. The beast had graceful lines, long eyelashes, and a pair of transparent wings sprouting from its back, radiating colorful celestial light. Its eyes were closed, and there was a third eye in the center of its forehead.
"A beast?" I gasped. This was clearly what a beast would look like when fully grown, and it was the totemic celestial beast worshipped by the Ancient Clan Members during the Refiner period!
Wu Zhenqing said, "She is the Lord of the Celestial Realm. We all refer to her as the Immortal Sovereign. The Immortal Sovereign's true form is the Eternal Beast, the first immortal in existence."
The Eternal Beast lying on the golden throne opened its third eye and directed its gaze at me. I dared not move. After a moment, the Eternal Beast woke up groggily. It looked at me; its lips did not move, yet it spoke in human language: "I never expected someone who has suffered such an Injury of the Dao could survive to reach the Celestial Realm. You are indeed the first in countless ages."
Its tone was authoritative, exuding an air of inviolability, tinged with a hint of dissatisfaction—as if angering Dao was akin to angering her.
A small beast flew out from behind me timidly and perched on my shoulder, looking toward the Eternal Beast.
"Hmm?" The Eternal Beast turned its gaze to the creature behind me, revealing a look of affection. "Pao Pao, why aren't you coming over?"
The small beast emitted whimpering sounds and flew toward the Eternal Beast. The Eternal Beast stroked it gently and smiled slightly: "After all these years, you're still such a timid one. Back in the days when the Great Demon rampaged, I grew much faster than you."
The small beast chattered excitedly while pointing at me. The Eternal Beast nodded and then looked at me: "You have offended authority and possess the ability to reverse time; you could completely disrupt the order I painstakingly established. You should not be spared. However, considering that Pao Pao cannot bear to part with you, I will let you go this time. Depart now; from henceforth, you may live freely in the Celestial Realm."
I hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Excellency, Immortal Sovereign, I have a question."
The Eternal Beast replied, "Speak freely."
I continued, "This is the Immortal Realm, so why is it that throughout history, some exceptionally talented masters have failed to pass their tribulations and ended up dying tragically?"
"Yang Hao," someone behind me, who knew me, whispered in fear of angering the Eternal Beast. The Nine Thunder Tribulation is a punishment for mortals; if it were rules set by an immortal beast or if ascension were based on whims, wouldn’t that be too unfair?
The Eternal Beast frowned slightly, clearly displeased by my question. The beast pouted and extended its two claws in front of the Eternal Beast, asking the same question.
The Eternal Beast's gaze immediately softened with affection. "The Nine Thunder Tribulation is a necessary path for cultivators and Great Demons to ascend to immortality. It is governed by higher rules beyond my control. Without me, perhaps everyone would be struck dead by the thunder tribulation. I, the Eternal Beast, was born and nurtured here, feeding on Thunderclouds and unafraid of lightning strikes. That’s why I became the first beast to pass through the tribulation. As for the secrets of the Immortal Realm, I can tell you that this realm is my innate Holy Herb Garden. After countless years of growth, those who are selected to enter must either comprehend the path of all beings and understand the principles of change or be free of Inner Demons. This rule is indeed set by me; some individuals may ascend yet still cause chaos. Such beings cannot be accommodated in the Immortal Realm."
"So, the establishment of the Nine Thunder Tribulation is meant to eliminate cultivators, while your Immortal Realm exists to save them?" I pondered silently.
The Eternal Beast said, "Aside from me, there should be no other beings on this earth capable of passing through tribulations. Throughout history, some individuals have been even more remarkable than you but never entered the Immortal Realm. When they transcend their tribulations, they generate powerful Inner Demons; even a single stray thought can lead to their downfall. Even if they survive by chance, they cannot return to the mortal realm and will wither away within a thousand years."
"Why is that?" I asked.
The Eternal Beast responded, "My kind is quite special; we not only feed on Thunderclouds but also require Holy Medicine at the very least. Moreover, we are born with a Holy Herb Garden. Other beings may manage to pass through but will only wander in the universe without any immortal energy to sustain them; they will eventually perish. The Holy Herb Garden has developed into what is now the Immortal Realm, providing a refuge for those who ascend."
"So even after ascending to immortality, does a cultivator's life still have an endpoint?" I inquired.
The Eternal Beast replied, "As long as I exist, the Holy Herb Garden will endure; as long as the Immortal Realm exists, those who ascend will not perish."
"How about stepping out of the Holy Herb Garden?" I asked.
The Eternal Beast replied, "Soaring high, one must die after a thousand years. Returning to the human realm, life spans a mere hundred years. This is the rule of the Dao, and no one can resist it, not even me."
I hesitated for a moment and said, "I ask the Immortal Sovereign to send me back to the human realm; my family and friends are still waiting for me."
"Woo..." The beast began to cry upon hearing my words. It flew in front of me, pleading for me to stay.
The Eternal Beast continued, "Longevity is an illusion. I will realize my growth, but there will always be those who are dissatisfied. Over countless ages, there have been others like you who wished to descend to the mortal realm. If you are willing to give up immortality, I will grant you five years to consider. After five years, when I awaken, if you still insist on this path, I will let you return."
After finishing its words, the Eternal Beast looked at the creature and said, "Bubble, if you do not wish to stay here, you can also return with your pet. Your brother Jiu has yet to come back as well."
I wanted to say more but was interrupted by Wu Zhenqing. He said, "The Immortal Sovereign has fallen asleep. Five years is neither long nor short."
I hesitated again but ultimately followed Wu Zhenqing out of the Celestial Palace. During these five years in the celestial realm, I often found myself lost in thought. I broke through the limits of humanity and ascended to immortality; as an Immortal, I was indestructible. Yet, I could not find any joy in it. Each day passed without focus on meditation or cultivation. Instead, I spent my time playing chess and drinking with ancient sages or entering deep meditation for months at a time.
One night after five years in Jiangnan Courtyard, I stood in the courtyard and said, "Mother, let’s go to Qingliang Mountain tomorrow; I'm back."
Jiyao woke up startled and began to cry. "Yang Sanqian, this time it's true! Hao has returned; she wants me to go to Qingliang Mountain!"
For five years, Yang Sanqian had often been awakened by Jiyao's cries. He felt somewhat annoyed and tossed and turned in bed unable to sleep.
Inside Dragon Tribe Village, Huzi was comforting the most beautiful woman of the dragon clan, Long Xiangxiang. Over these five years, Huzi had married Long Xiangxiang. Unlike the cold-blooded Dragon God from rumors, he had developed feelings over time. Long Xiangxiang knew that Huzi cared for her and grew bolder as a result.
“Huzi, I see you're busy, so I won't disturb you. I'm going to Qingliang Temple tomorrow; I'm back,” I whispered beside Huzi.
“Ghost!” Huzi was so startled that he instantly collapsed, dropping Long Xiangxiang and running outside.
Long Xiangxiang looked at Huzi with a resentful expression. She picked up a mirror from the vanity and saw nothing wrong with her face; her hair was perfectly in place. Frustrated, she stomped her foot. Huzi swallowed hard and glanced around, saying, “Come on, we're brothers. After all these years, don’t come to take me away!”
At Sand City Thunder Sound Temple, the handsome young Douding was sitting on the temple roof, gazing at the sky. I landed beside him and said, “Douding, I'm going to Qingliang Mountain tomorrow; I'm back.”
Douding jumped up in shock, looking at the empty space behind him. Frowning, he said, “Brother Yang Hao? I didn't bully Sister Yunxi!”
At a cliff top of Nanhai Guanyin Monastery, Zhou Manman appeared indifferent, lost in thought. I appeared before her and said, “Manman, I'm back.”
Zhou Manman lifted her head to glance at me and said, “Why is it always this kind of dream?”
Zhou Manman turned and walked back to Guanyin Monastery. I hugged her from behind and said, “Manman, I really am back.”
Zhou Manman felt breathless as she sensed my warmth. She touched my arm tightly and suddenly cried out in grievance.
(End of Chapter)
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