Perfect World: Dream of the Immortal Era

“Whew!”

Suddenly, a blue flame rose around her, holy and serene, akin to a radiant blue moon suspended in the sky, shielding her from the dense yin energy that overflowed from the Taiyin River.

This wasn't her own power. How could an entity at the Seed of the Dao realm wield such might? It was the power of the Azure Moon Flame, invoked by an ancient method to protect its host.

As for the Ancient Invincible, the divine tree itself possessed the ability to dispel yin energy. Coupled with his body as a seed, impervious to all arts, augmented by two types of flames, he could also withstand the Taiyin aura.

The two stood upon the divine tree, riding the surging waves of the Talinyin River downstream at great speed. The howling of the wind was interspersed with mysterious cries emanating from the riverbanks, evoking the sensation of a lightweight boat crossing a thousand peaks amidst the echoes of primates from both shores.

This was much faster than traversing land, and they needn't guard against the ever-present threat of the Taiyin and solar winds.

“It's unbelievable, we're actually venturing into a life-forbidden zone,” Qing Yue said softly from behind, finding it incredible. In the ancient texts she had read, the forbidden zones were always described with words like "taboo" and "untouchable," meant to caution others against courting death.

Yet now, she had stepped into the perimeter of the forbidden zone, rapidly nearing its depths.

In the distance, downstream of the Taiyin River, traces of the Solar River began to appear. At their confluence, a chaotic realm shrouded in thick mist emerged, faint outlines of ancient buildings rising from within.

Clearly, mysterious entities inhabit the forbidden zone there.

“It's all thanks to the ancient tower and ancient bell you wield,” Qing Yue praised. These two immortal artifacts had fended off the lethal Taiyin and solar whirlwinds, allowing them to reach the Taiyin River safely.

“They are one-time-use immortal artifacts that, when activated, can unleash power equivalent to a true immortal's full-force attack. However, once triggered, these items will be destroyed, never to exist again,” Ancient Invincible said calmly, still holding the two disposable immortal artifacts, not daring to relax in the slightest.

After all, this was the deep core of the forbidden zone, where calamities could descend at any moment.

“With them, even if a true immortal from within the forbidden zone were to appear, they'd be cautious, giving us time to talk.”

“But isn't charging into the forbidden zone with immortal artifacts in hand considered provocative?” Qing Yue asked.

“It doesn't matter; the louder the commotion, the more it benefits us.”

Upon hearing this, Qing Yue pondered. Although she didn't understand what Ancient Invincible meant, she trusted that he wouldn't seek death without reason.

As they conversed, the divine tree surged into a slow-flowing area where the Taiyin and Solar Rivers clashed, generating a terrifying impact that created this zone of calm waters. Reaching here signified their arrival at the core of the forbidden zone.

Of course, the ground's core area only housed the forbidden zone's perimeter members. The true forbidden zone lay in the vast sky's cross.

Nearing the misty region, everything ahead grew vague and indistinct, mere shadows of ancient buildings visible in the blurry expanse.

This was the misty region formed by the mingling of Taiyin and solar vapors, a realm of chaos.

Ancient Invincible and Qing Yue exchanged glances, holding their breath and silently watching as the divine tree drifted into the mist.

Barring surprises, they were about to confront inhabitants of the forbidden zone.

Ancient Invincible clenched the disposable true immortal artifacts in his hands, poised for activation at any moment.

The azure flames surrounding Qing Yue grew even brighter, casting a gentle glow amidst the mist, like the soft light of a moon drifting over the shadowy river.

Remarkably, their journey progressed far more smoothly than anticipated, unfolding without incident.

This place was unusually quiet, an absolute silence devoid of the slightest sound, as if they were traversing the edge of the world itself.

Suddenly, a massive shadow materialized within the fog ahead, revealing an ancient structure, its architecture out of sync with the current era.

Deeper in, the ancient buildings stretched beyond sight, a seemingly endless expanse.

"Ancient Invincible, look over there."

Qing Yue pointed to the riverbank.

Following her direction, Ancient Invincible saw a human-like figure standing motionless on the shore, as if observing their celestial voyage.

"A denizen of the Forbidden Zone!"

A chill gripped the hearts of both Qing Yue and Ancient Invincible.

In the next moment, an ancient and timeworn voice reached their ears.

"You two, what is your purpose here?

This is a place of peace, untouched by worldly concerns. You have ventured wrongly; return from whence you came."

The voice was ephemeral, with no discernible source, leaving uncertain whether it originated from that unyielding figure.

Upon hearing this, Ancient Invincible realized his mystical artifact was working; their origins were unknowable to the figure, who also seemed hesitant, wary of the artifact's power, thus avoiding reckless actions.

"Senior, we have not come by mistake. Our purpose is to visit the Crossroads of Yin and Yang, the Forbidden Sanctuary." He responded confidently.

"You know it’s a forbidden zone; why trespass anyway? No one has entered here for millennia because those who did never left. We have grown weary of worldly affairs, seeking merely a haven of peace.”

Qing Yue and Ancient Invincible detected a dismissive tone, the speaker’s attitude had evidently shifted.

"Not everyone who entered died, did they? At the dawn of this era, a young man from the Chaos clan, named Ao Gu, ventured into the Forbidden Sanctuary and departed with new wisdom. As did a maiden from the Immortal King's Golden Crow lineage…"

His words left the ancient voice speechless, unable to deny the truth.

"How do you know of these matters?"

After a lengthy silence, the voice inquired.

"That, I cannot divulge," Ancient Invincible replied. "However, I assure you, like the valiant souls before us, we bear no ill will but simply seek audience with the Master of the Forbidden Zone."

"You are indeed audacious, with meager skills yet daring to come here, brazenly requesting to meet the Master. Do you realize the chasm in power between you and them?"

The voice now carried a frosty edge.

The fact of the matter is, Ancient Invincible and Qing Yue's level of cultivation is too low; it appears they're both still at the Dao Seed stage, and their seeds have yet to take root.

"Elder, your statement is not quite accurate. At this moment, the height of one's cultivation does not decide the magnitude of their final achievements. We each tread the path toward becoming the strongest. As for the gap in cultivation stages, it's due to the differing eras in which we rise in Taoism. Eventually, we will catch up."

"Haha, interesting. This is the first time I've seen a being at the Dao Seed stage dare to speak of catching up to an Immortal King."

"Boom!"

As soon as the words fell, two distinct flames ignited on Ancient Invincible’s body. One presented as gray, the other as white, divided by the centerline of his physique, both burning vigorously, emitting a terrifyingly high temperature.

"This is... Heavens' Flame and Demonic Fire?" the owner of the voice was astonished, thinking there must be something wrong with their eyes.

Two perfect fire seeds with opposite attributes appearing on one being defied logic.

Yet, it truly happened. A being broke through the annals of history to accomplish this feat.

After a long silence, the owner of the voice spoke again. This time, their tone had clearly shifted.

"Both of you young friends, please wait. Allow me to report to the True Immortal."

With that said, the mist fell silent, and a stillness descended.

Ancient Invincible exhaled a long breath. Without showcasing something extraordinary, it seemed unlikely they could get on the carriage of the Ruler of the Forbidden Zone.

The times now are different from Shi Hao's era.

The kin of the Ruler of the Forbidden Zone have not yet encountered misfortune; there are peripheral members and core kin alike.

When foreign lands attack in the future, this forbidden zone presumably took action, causing the death of all beings within, leaving only the Ruler of the Forbidden Zone to helplessly move the area to the lower realm in desolation.

"I wonder if my talent can catch the Ruler of the Forbidden Zone's eye," Qing Yue worried a little. Ancient Invincible had taken himself as the seed to create a myth, stunning even an Immortal King. In comparison, she was noticeably lacking.

"Don't worry. Just showcase your talents. Whether it moves the Immortal King or not depends on fate," Ancient Invincible comforted her.

"Alright!"

Qing Yue nodded.

After a short wait, the ancient voice sounded again, bringing good news.

"The True Immortal commands me to take you up. Gather your divine wood and come ashore."

Upon hearing this, Ancient Invincible didn't delay. He immediately approached the shore with Qing Yue and collected the divine wood.

Afterward, a tall silhouette emerged from the mist, approaching them.

This was a young man, with clear and delicate features, eyes deep and spirited, facial features distinct and handsome.

The two were greatly surprised. During their previous telepathic communication, they'd assumed the other was an elder. "Follow me," the young man spoke, then turned to leave. Gu Wu Di and Qing Yue trailed behind him, passing through numerous ancient structures, until they arrived at a teleportation array. The three of them stepped on it, and in a flash of light, they vanished. Gu Wu Di felt a brief disorientation, but when his vision cleared, he found himself in a beautiful world, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. In this place also stood towering ancient buildings, various halls constructed from unknown metals, shining brilliantly. Walking amongst these structures was like traveling from the primordial era into another epoch. Here, they encountered other beings from the forbidden zone, all extraordinarily handsome regardless of age, evidently inheriting the fine genes of the Lord of the Forbidden Zone. These beings were extraordinary as well; how could the race of the Immortal King be anything simple?

The young man led them forward to a grand hall exuding divine energy, and stopped in front of it, bowing towards the hall. "Ancestor, I have brought them," he said. The hall was ancient, and divine energy swayed within, imbued with an indescribable spiritual resonance. "Hmm, not bad, exceptional talent indeed, worthy of discussing pursuit of an Immortal King," an elusive voice emanated from the hall—a True Immortal speaking. "However," the voice continued, "not just anyone can meet our clan's ancestor. There is a path over there leading to his dwelling. He once said only those who traverse this path have the right to meet him. Since you've come with such intentions, why not give it a try?" The True Immortal's words shifted to mention a path. Gu Wu Di and Qing Yue nodded simultaneously. The young man then led them to the start of the path the True Immortal had described. "This is it. Before you step on, a word of caution: this path is exceedingly difficult. Even among our clan's young prodigies, few manage to pass through. If you fail, at best you'll suffer grievous injuries difficult to heal, and at worst, you'll perish without a trace." Gu Wu Di smiled, responding, "Thank you for the warning, senior. We are prepared." "Then I wish you luck," the young man said. The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the confidence in each other's eyes. Without further hesitation, they stepped forward together.

In an instant, the scenery changed, and they lost sight of each other, each facing different apparitions. This was a terrifying trial designed for peerless talents; every step demanded life-and-death struggle. The young man's warnings were no exaggeration. Even Gu Wu Di, despite being a Dao Seed, felt the challenge. While he was at the stage of growing into a Dao Realm being, the trial laid by the ancient path tested those at the level of a Dao Origin being.

An overwhelming force descended, enemies filled the sky, and he sprang into action, striking enemies to all sides, carving a bloody path from the mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

Just as he broke through one battlefield, another emerged, seemingly endless, without a horizon.

Ancient Invincible fought until he lost all sense of time, becoming like a killing machine incarnate.

Suddenly, the scene shifted, and he fell into a region dense with the laws of the great Dao. This trial tested the innate talent of living beings in comprehending the Dao.

...

It was unclear how long had passed, but eventually, Ancient Invincible’s vision returned, and unwittingly, he found himself at the end of the road.

Turning around, he saw Qing Yue still struggling on the path, as well as the young man standing at the starting point, looking at him with a surprised expression.

From ancient times, many beings have traversed this path, but none had done so as swiftly as Ancient Invincible.

Ancient Invincible did not simply wait idly; instead, he sat cross-legged on the spot, closing his eyes slightly to quietly reflect on the myriad trials he had just experienced. To him, this was a precious period of insight and comprehension.

Before long, a sound of rapid breathing reached his ears, accompanied by a fragrant scent that invigorated his spirit.

Ancient Invincible opened his eyes, recognizing the scent all too well; it was Qing Yue’s fragrance.

“Congratulations, having passed this path, you are now qualified to pay homage to our ancestral founders,” the youth congratulated.

Ancient Invincible nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Qing Yue, on the other hand, made no such gesture. At this moment, her chest was heaving violently, her flowing hair dancing in the air, her slender legs trembling, her whole being drenched in fragrant sweat, exuding an allure never before seen; her beauty was already beyond compare, now she appeared even more enticing.

Being so close, Ancient Invincible couldn’t help but feel ripples in his heart, though he was skilled enough to control every particle within him, maintaining an outward appearance as calm as still water.

“I came close to falling into an illusion,” Qing Yue said, a lingering fear in her voice.

Ancient Invincible remained silent. Speaking of which, Qing Yue likely had little combat experience; to travel this path was truly dangerous. Yet, in the end, she succeeded. Ancient Invincible didn’t believe this could happen without the influence of Qing Yue Yan.

This perfect fire seed had been placed within the immortal array, with all kinds of barriers set up. What secrets lay hidden behind all this, no one knew; only Qing Yue as its host might have the answer.

However, Ancient Invincible would not ask. Everyone had their secrets. If someone wished to share, they would do so voluntarily; there was no need to pry.

“Let’s go.”

Ancient Invincible uttered a call, stepping forward shoulder to shoulder with Qing Yue.

At that moment, ethereal voices echoed, containing both male and female tones. They sounded otherworldly, clearly not of the mundane realm.

“Has someone crossed the path again?”

“Alas, let us hope their arrival can dispel the sorrow in the lord’s heart.”

There is a correction regarding Qing Yue's position in the disciple hierarchy. She is actually the eighth disciple collected by the Ruler of the Forbidden Zone, with seven others preceding her.

"The Tenth Man" refers to Shi Hao being the tenth person to drink that particular tea, with the Ruler of the Forbidden Zone being the first.