Chapter 445: Chapter 384: 8th Pole Sacred Hall, 10000 Bright Upper Immortals! [Request for Monthly Tickets!]
In the southern region of the Star Constellation Sea lies an island resembling an old turtle, called ’Mysterious Turtle Island’.
On Mysterious Turtle Island,
stands an Immortal Sect known as the ’Eight Extremes Holy Hall’.
This is one of the top-tier Immortal Sects in the Star Constellation Sea and is also widely recognized as one of the eight strongest human factions within the region.
On this particular day,
Chen Jichuan arrived at Mysterious Turtle Island and presented his introductory letter.
...
"In the Star Constellation Sea, there are many clans large and small, as well as countless forces of varying significance."
"However, only a few are backed by Upper Immortals."
"Among them, the ones suitable for me to affiliate with are, naturally, human factions."
Chen Jichuan handed over his introductory letter and was respectfully invited by the Mountain Guardian Elder of the Eight Extremes Holy Hall to sit and wait in the nearby Four Seas Hall.
The courtesy shown was quite considerate.
Seeing this, his expectations increased all the more.
In the Star Constellation Sea,
only eight major forces, such as the Eight Extremes Holy Hall, are on the surface confirmed to have Upper Immortals as their patrons.
The ones closest to him were the ’Primordial Image Immortal Sect’ and the ’Green Sun Immortal Mansion’.
These two major forces, one to the east and the other to the west, are situated on the forefront of clashes with the Alien Clan.
Due to their different races, they have significant disparities, and friction and conflict with the Alien Clan are frequent occurrences.
Thus, whether it’s the ’Primordial Image Immortal Sect’ or the ’Green Sun Immortal Mansion’, constant battles persist, and the cultivators within these sects are exceptionally powerful.
However, for these very reasons, Chen Jichuan ruled them out immediately.
"Constant fighting and killing, making too many enemies."
"Joining them would only bring trouble to myself."
"Even with the assistance of an Upper Immortal, repaying that favor in the future would inevitably involve widespread conflict and deadly battles."
This was not in line with Chen Jichuan’s current aspirations.
He aimed for peaceful advancement, first breaking through to the Fourth Grade. Even after becoming an Upper Immortal, he hoped to dedicate more time to cultivating and earning resources rather than wandering around and risking his life in battle.
Or rather—
"Fighting and lethal clashes can’t be entirely avoided."
"But deciding when to fight and when to battle is best left in my hands, allowing me to maintain control over the rhythm, rather than being dispatched at the whim of the sect."
Based on these considerations, Chen Jichuan bypassed the two prominent sects and ultimately decided on the ’Eight Extremes Holy Hall’.
Compared to the ’Primordial Image Immortal Sect’ and the ’Green Sun Immortal Mansion’,
the Eight Extremes Holy Hall kept a low profile. Its influence among the Alien Clan and prestige among human cultivators were both inferior to the other two sects.
Yet, its origins as an alliance of eight merchant guilds that transitioned into a formal sect remain evident to this day. The sect still upholds the early principles of "kindness and peaceful coexistence leading to prosperity."
With businesses spanning various domains, the sect thrives in the Star Constellation Sea.
Whether human or alien, most will show some respect to them.
For stable development, the amicable Eight Extremes Holy Hall clearly became Chen Jichuan’s first choice. After acquiring a general understanding, he didn’t hesitate much and directly traveled to Mysterious Turtle Island through the Transmission Formation.
...
In the Four Seas Hall,
Chen Jichuan stayed calm and composed, contemplating while chatting casually with a Divinity Transformation Stage Elder of the Eight Extremes Holy Hall.
Approximately an hour later,
a figure entered the hall.
Chen Jichuan looked over and saw a man dressed in short clothing of yellow linen, appearing middle-aged with three strands of yellow facial hair, an ancient face, and an unordinary demeanor.
Normally, such details would be imperceptible.
But under the ’Insight Skill’, Chen Jichuan could clearly see that behind the man’s head, two hazy rings of Immortal Light radiated,
making him appear as if he were divine and immortal.
His form, shrouded in Immortal Light, became obscured, rendering him hard to scrutinize.
Name: Wan Tianming
Age: 10086
Cultivation Realm: Aspiring·Inner Realm Middle Stage
Cultivation Technique: 『Immortal Sword Preaching Map』
...
"Ten thousand years old."
"Second-Pattern Upper Immortal."
Chen Jichuan’s mind stirred as he stood up.
"White Tiger Daoist."
"This is the Hall Master of our Eight Extremes Holy Hall, known as ’Immortal Wan Ming’."
The elder seated nearby led Chen Jichuan forward and introduced him.
"I am Qii Baihu, a humble wanderer, paying respects to Immortal Wan Ming."
Chen Jichuan, under the alias ’Qii Baihu’ and self-titled ’White Tiger Wanderer’, bowed respectfully to Immortal Wan Ming.
Setting aside matters of past lives,
neglecting Xiao Lan,
and disregarding the uncertain path of becoming a Ten Tribulation or an Eleven Tribulation Independent Immortal,
the Immortal Wan Ming before him was the first Fourth-order Immortal he had ever met.
Moreover, with cultivation at the Inner Realm Middle Stage, he was a Second-Pattern Upper Immortal.
His presence was as vast as an abyss and as boundless as the sea, clearly incomparable to peak Divinity Transformation cultivators or those at the Initial Fourth-order stage.
Chen Jichuan couldn’t help but take a few extra glances.
This Immortal Wan Ming possessed immense cultivation and noble status, yet his demeanor was remarkably gentle.
"No need for formalities, Daoist."
He smiled warmly at Chen Jichuan, inviting him to take a seat before getting straight to the matter at hand: "Daoist, you have deep foundations and indeed a significant chance of advancing to the Fourth Grade. However, attempting a breakthrough carries risks, and failure may result in backlash and injury. Even if you succeed, you’ll face the Nine-Nine Tribulations. Daoist, have you thoroughly considered and made sufficient preparations?"
Cultivation is never easy.
Breaking through is fraught with danger, and one must be cautious when attempting to ascend.
Even a successful breakthrough will bring about tribulations from the heavens, with many failing to survive.
Each Divinity Transformation cultivator striving for Fourth Grade must be fully prepared.
Like Chen Jichuan,
joining an entity like the Eight Extremes Holy Hall was a means to seek protection from Upper Immortals during his tribulation.
For ordinary peak Divinity Transformation cultivators, breaking through was one level of peril, and enduring the Nine-Nine Tribulations was another.
Comparatively speaking,
Chen Jichuan was confident about breaking through.
Though he remained cautious, he also had some degree of certainty regarding the Nine-Nine Tribulations.
Nearly a guaranteed success.
He replied to Immortal Wan Ming, saying: "Thank you for your guidance, Upper Immortal. But this humble Daoist believes I have some confidence in breaking through. It is only in crossing the tribulation where I lack certainty and the necessary treasures to aid me. My purpose in visiting your esteemed sect is, firstly, to join the sect for stable cultivation, and secondly, to procure pills and magical treasures for tribulation purposes."
Chen Jichuan had strong confidence in reaching the Fourth Grade, speaking with assurance.
Thus, his conversations with Immortal Wan Ming were rather frank.
"Confident in breaking through?"
Immortal Wan Ming noticed Chen Jichuan’s self-assurance and nodded inwardly.
In that case,
half the stability of ascending to the Fourth Grade was already ensured.
The remaining hurdle was the Nine-Nine Tribulations.
"Here within our Eight Extremes Holy Hall, the gates are wide open for all to trade. Pills, treasures to aid in tribulations—none are lacking. Later, I will instruct someone to provide a list of treasures suitable for overcoming tribulations. Daoist, feel free to choose anything you require."
Immortal Wan Ming spoke straightforwardly, then continued: "Still, there are details that must be made clear to Daoist. If you wish to join our sect, treasures of the sect can be taken freely up to a certain quota, entirely at no cost. During your tribulation, Upper Immortals will arrive to protect you, ensuring no disturbances from Evil Demons. If Daoist is unwilling to join, our sect will not force you, and we’d instead aim to foster goodwill. But as Daoist knows, the Eight Extremes Holy Hall is business-oriented and doesn’t take loss-making deals. All treasures and protective services are available for purchase, provided Daoist can afford the price."
In the world, there are many who dislike restrictions and only seek freedom and independence.
Immortal Wan Ming—or rather, the Eight Extremes Holy Hall—took this into account, thus offering two options.
One was to join,
after which all offerings were complimentary.
The other was to pay,
where one side pays and the other delivers goods and services.
After all is said and done, no debts remain.
The two options were designed to be relatively accommodating.
Chen Jichuan did not hesitate and chose the first option immediately.
"Upon an Initial Fourth-order breakthrough, I need time to grow. Banding together for mutual support is the best approach."
Wandering freely, exploring independently—it could wait for the next life or the one after that.
"Good!"
"In a few days, I will personally accompany Daoist to the Ancestor Hall for ritual worship and formal induction into the sect. After you break through to the Fourth Grade, we’ll hold a celebration ceremony alongside the induction ceremony."
Upon hearing Chen Jichuan’s decision to join the Eight Extremes Holy Hall, Immortal Wan Ming’s attitude became noticeably more enthused.
After all, a potential Fourth-order Immortal could be a significant addition.
Even within the Four Directions Heaven, the number of Fourth-order Immortals reflects the strength of a force.
In the Ten Heavens, this holds true as well.
In the Star Constellation Sea, it is no exception.
Securing one additional Upper Immortal inherently strengthens the Eight Extremes Holy Hall’s position. Naturally, Immortal Wan Ming felt delighted.
Following this,
Immortal Wan Ming inquired about Chen Jichuan’s origins and whether he had any enemies of note.
Origins don’t warrant detailed investigation.
However, whether an individual carries powerful enemies must be thoroughly disclosed.
The Eight Extremes Holy Hall seeks to recruit Upper Immortals but does not wish to bring grave troubles into the sect. Ordinary adversaries are not a concern. Even if these foes are Fourth-order Immortals, as long as their cultivation is not high and they lack the backing of major forces, they can be disregarded.
What they dread is offending high-level Upper Immortals or engaging with formidable forces.
Thus, Immortal Wan Ming not only asked for clarification but would also, a few days later during the ritual at the Ancestor Hall, have Chen Jichuan swear an oath to the Ancestor Statue. Using the sect’s treasure to inspect karma would ensure transparency.
Only after verification could he officially join.
This was entirely reasonable.
Immortal Wan Ming explained everything upfront. His forthright communication exhibited sincerity, allowing most to understand without feeling disrespected.
"I’d do the same if I were in his position."
No one willingly invites trouble via formidable enemies, and Chen Jichuan completely understood.
Fortunately, in this lifetime, he kept a low profile and, due to his rapid advancement, hadn’t had time to provoke significant foes.
In fact, Immortal Wan Ming was the first Fourth-order Immortal he had ever encountered.
So, formidable enemies were undoubtedly absent.
Joining the Eight Extremes Holy Hall posed no issues at all.
Three days later,
Immortal Wan Ming accompanied Chen Jichuan to the Ancestor Hall. After the ritual and swearing by the Heart Lamp, ensuring no concealment, he was formally inducted into the Eight Extremes Holy Hall.
...