South Tu Continent.
Deep beneath the ocean, Sima Hanchuang was in closed-door cultivation.
Boom rumble!
Ten thousand fathoms below the sea, a volcano erupted, molten lava surged and flowed.
From time to time, tongues of fire leapt up.
Sima Hanchuang's mana surged like an ocean, behind him a Vermilion Bird's phantom materialized, swallowing and spitting streams of azure flames, while four layers of Immortal Light faintly flickered behind his head.
"Early-stage External Realm!"
"Four-Pattern Immortal!"
This prime disciple of Mishen Island, who ascended to become an Upper Immortal sixteen or seventeen thousand years ago, had finally made another breakthrough during centuries of cultivation, ascending to Four-Pattern Upper Immortal.
"Fourth-order Second Realm."
"Still not enough."
Sima Hanchuang did not let pride cloud his judgment.
Over the years, he had traveled extensively across the Four Directions Heaven, hiding his identity, and had associated with numerous Upper Immortals, witnessing many whose cultivation had stagnated, leading to the erosion of their spirit, their vitality withering as they faced their ultimate demise unfulfilled.
For instance, there were several senior uncles in the Eight Extremes Holy Hall who, despite attaining the rank of Upper Immortal, still could not escape death in the end.
He refused to let such a fate befall him.
"I have already passed the age of two thousand, yet I have just barely broken through to the Second Realm of the External Realm."
"Time is running out."
Sima Hanchuang felt an urgent pressure bearing down on him.
He glanced about, disappointment flickering in his eyes: "This cluster of undersea volcanoes provides little benefit to my current cultivation. I've heard that within South Tu Continent, Cangshan Palace holds thirteen Fire-element Holy Lands that significantly benefit the cultivation of Five-Pattern and Six-Pattern Upper Immortals."
For Fourth-order Upper Immortals, cultivation was an arduous journey fraught with challenges.
Bottlenecks.
Magic Skill.
Resources.
Sacred Grounds.
For Upper Immortals like him, every step forward was painstakingly difficult.
Compared to the Loose Cultivators among the Upper Immortals, Sima Hanchuang had the advantage of inheritance. His master brought him into Mishen Island and personally guided him, imparting the unparalleled Cultivation Technique *Vermilion Bird Glaze Scripture*, enabling him to progress systematically.
But, all external supports and resources still had to be fought for on his own.
It couldn't compare to a powerhouse like Cangshan Palace.
Cangshan Palace occupied thirteen Fire-element treasure lands, and their Upper Immortals could cultivate within them. However, for wandering Upper Immortals seeking entry, the costs were enormous.
"Being a Loose Cultivator is exceedingly tough."
Sima Hanchuang couldn't help but sigh deeply.
Now, aside from his Cultivation Technique, he was no different from a Loose Cultivator.
In times past, his master would at least provide direction and guidance for his cultivation.
But now.
His master was nowhere to be found.
"I wonder how Master is doing now."
The thought that his master had provoked enmity with the Fourth Realm Venerables, and he himself was powerless to offer assistance, weighed heavily on Sima Hanchuang's heart and spurred his resolve to grow stronger.
He sat in contemplation, deliberating over his next destination.
Just then.
A streak of celestial light descended from beyond the heavens, piercing the surface and diving straight into the depths of the ocean.
It landed before Sima Hanchuang.
"What is this?"
Startled, Sima Hanchuang gazed at the scene and saw within the gleaming light two talismanic decrees floating up and down.
One bore the inscription 'Fierce Bird Mountain.'
The other bore the inscription 'Yu Ming.'
He didn't recognize the former, but the latter decree was as renowned as thunder in his ears: "Immortal Court talismanic decree? Yu Ming Immortal Court?!"
He realized this was a decree issued by Yu Ming Immortal Court, one of the Eight Immortal Courts presiding over the Four Directions Heaven and the Ten Realms, supreme within the Nine Heavens.
A single talismanic decree might seem inconspicuous.
But in the eyes of countless Upper Immortals across the Ten Realms, it held immeasurable significance.
Not because the talismanic decree itself possessed any extraordinary power.
But because the Nine Heavens were sealed off, and regular Upper Immortals couldn't gain entry. However, with possession of an Immortal Court talismanic decree, one could easily enter, wandering freely within.
"Legends speak of countless treasure lands scattered across the Nine Heavens, where treasures lie everywhere, easy for the taking."
"Even the Upper Immortals of Cangshan Palace struggle to gain entry and long for a decree in vain."
To attain an Immortal Court talismanic decree, granting access to the Nine Heavens for cultivation, was the ultimate boon for Upper Immortals facing the hardships of ascension.
In comparison, the thirteen so-called holy lands of Cangshan Palace were utterly insignificant.
"But why would Yu Ming Immortal Court bestow a decree without reason?"
Sima Hanchuang turned his gaze to the 'Fierce Bird Mountain Decree' beside it, half-believing, half-doubting as he extended his hand.
In the following instant.
A familiar voice resonated from within the decree—
"Hanchuang, take this magical treasure of your master, journey through the Red Dust, and collect the myriad thoughts borne of the Seven Emotions and Six Desires of all beings."
"In sixty years, come to Fierce Bird Mountain in the Nine Heavens."
Chen Jichuan's tone was calm and steady, but to Sima Hanchuang, it stirred him to the core: "Disciple abides by Master's command!"
Sima Hanchuang bowed deeply, acceptingly taking the incense burner that emerged from the Fierce Bird Mountain decree. Then, he stowed away the two decrees.
Rising to his feet, he soared into the mortal world.
…
Tu Continent.
Liuu State.
Ma State.
…
That day, over ten talismanic decrees descended upon the mortal realms, sparking envy among countless Upper Immortals across heaven and earth.
Sixty years later.
On the Nine Heavens, outside Fierce Bird Mountain.
Sima Hanchuang led the way, followed by a cadre of seven Immortals, as they withdrew their light of flight.
…
"Hmm?"
"An Eight-Pattern Upper Immortal?"
As the seven arrived and had yet to enter the mountain, they saw an Upper Immortal stride out. His demeanor was jubilant, his mana roiling, and eight layers of Immortal Light faintly flickered behind him.
Evidently, he had just ascended to mid-stage Dharma Body as an Eight-Pattern Upper Immortal.
"I've heard that Master's wife is a Heavenly Venerate, widely renowned across the Nine Heavens."
"Seeing this now, the reputation rings true."
"I wonder who this Upper Immortal might be."
Sima Hanchuang gazed at the newly ascended Eight-Pattern Upper Immortal, thoughts swirling in his mind.
Sixty years earlier, he and six fellow disciples received from their master two talismanic decrees, instructing them to traverse the Red Dust for sixty years, collecting the myriad thoughts shaped by the Seven Emotions and Six Desires.
In those sixty years, they dedicated themselves wholeheartedly.
Simultaneously, they sought to inquire.
Though the affairs of Fierce Bird Mountain within the Nine Heavens weren't shrouded in mystery, the Nine Heavens itself remained enigmatic to outsiders. Beyond its bounds, the truth became obfuscated and layered with distortions.