Perfect World: Dream of the Immortal Era

At this moment, he was heading towards the area where True Immortal cultivators gathered. The situation at the frontier had deteriorated further; war between the Otherworld and the Ancient Realm was on the brink of erupting. Participating in the True Immortal cultivators' gathering might yield some useful information.

At the jade stone table, Wang Heng wore a smile, naturally conversing with the youths around him. Their discussion spanned a wide range of topics, including the cultivation challenges in the Realm of Dao, the situation in the Ancient Realm, and the great principles of the Dao.

Thankfully, Wang Heng had prepared adequately in advance, managing to keep pace with his peers. Otherwise, knowing nothing at all would be unworthy of the Immortal King's son.

"Greetings to Wang Ancestor."

At this moment, the young prodigies surrounding Wang Heng automatically parted, clearing a path as several distinguished youths strolled over. Their expressions were calm, eyes filled with friendliness, greeting Wang Heng from afar.

Like the others present, they honored Wang Heng as an elder, offering him the respect due to a senior.

Wang Heng's eyes flickered, nodding in acknowledgment. He had long noticed this extraordinary group. Each member radiated a deep-seated strength far surpassing any True Immortal family descendants around him, marked by a profound heritage distinct from the others.

It was needless to assume otherwise; these young prodigies must hail from powers even more terrifying than True Immortal families.

The Immortal Ancient Path emphasized lineage above all; in the foundational Realm of Dao, creatures with strong backgrounds had overwhelming advantages, akin to an unstoppable radiant sun in the heavens.

Even if there are those who rise against the odds among their peers, it usually takes until the mid or latter stages for them to gradually catch up.

Therefore, the strongest prodigies in the Path of Dao are typically extraordinary beings with exceptional backgrounds.

“Wang Heng greets fellow cultivators. In reality, we are all of similar age. In the path of cultivation, the accomplished ones lead the way. Since we are fellow practitioners of the same stage, why is there a need for the title 'Wang Ancestor'? You may call me Fellow Wang or Brother Wang instead.” He shook his head with a smile.

Being addressed as 'Ancestor' by peers his age felt rather incongruous given his youthful appearance.

“We wouldn't dare! Wang Ancestor, being the progeny of the esteemed Immortal King, how could we, your peers, seem as if we're trying to match the glory of the Immortal King? Such thoughts, we wouldn’t dare entertain.”

The young man dressed in daoist robes laughed heartily as he spoke, exuding a distinct aura of detachment from worldly affairs.

The gold-armored youth beside him echoed the sentiment, unwilling to change the form of address.

Seeing this, Wang Heng relented, observing these extraordinary beings approaching. He promptly lifted his teacup and rose to greet them.

Several of them, almost simultaneously, introduced themselves one after the other.

“Representing the Qiankun Sect, I am Li Daoge, greeting the Wang Ancestor.”

“From the Stone Clan, I am Shi Jintian, greeting the Wang Ancestor.”

“From the True Phoenix Clan, I am Feng Qin, greeting the Wang Ancestor.”

“From the Nine Nether Mastiff Clan, I am Yucheng Zun, greeting the Wang Ancestor.”

These four beings, all of impressive backgrounds—some nurtured by sects established by Immortal Kings, others descendants of Immortal King families. Even though Yucheng Zun's ancestors never broke through to the true Immortal King realm, through secret arts, they can wield Immortal King-level power.

Wang Heng responded to each in turn, sincerely engaging with them in exchanging daoist techniques, not merely putting on an act.

Though hailing from powerful factions, as elite representatives of sects or clans, they exhibited no arrogance, nor did they dismiss others. Everyone displayed remarkable humility, creating a rare and admirable atmosphere.

Wang Heng could, however, deduce the origins and identities of the last three from information he had obtained in the Perfect World.

Shi Jintian could likely be the descendant of the Stone Clan among the Border Seven Kings. During the mid-Immortal Ancient era, the clan's Immortal King had yet to fall, and was at the peak of its power. Naturally, his descendants could enjoy unparalleled resources and nurturing.

Feng Qin, already explained clearly, hails from the True Phoenix clan and is a descendant of the True Phoenix, one of the ten infamously fierce creatures of later generations.

Yucheng Zun is similar, as his ancestors include a Nine Nether Mastiff that didn’t reach the Immortal King realm, yet is also ranked among the ten notorious beasts, renowned and feared.

As for Li Daoge, he comes from a faction Wang Heng had never heard of before, the Qiankun Sect, which puzzled him for a long time.

After some conversation, Wang Heng finally understood how extraordinary and terrifying the power behind Li Daoge is.

It turns out that the Qiankun Sect was established by an Immortal King, known as the Qiankun Immortal King. His famous ancient artifact is the Qiankun Bag, which is said to swallow heavens and earth, devouring the universe and ancient realms alike, reaching a terrifying pinnacle.

Many remarkable figures have emerged from this sect, making their names prominent in the primordial ancient realm, such as the Great Scarlet Lord and the Pure Subtle Lord. These two were once known as the 'Qiankun Dual Excellence', illuminating the younger generation of the ancient realm like the sun and moon, unrivaled by any.

Their invincible journey elevated the name of the Qiankun Sect, resonating throughout the primordial ancient realm. Even now, the sect’s fame remains vast.

Learning this, Wang Heng's gaze naturally grew more serious.

Both the Great Scarlet Lord and the Pure Subtle Lord are supreme figures in the ancient realm, ranked among the top of the thirty-three Lords of the primordial ancient realm. They are immensely powerful and are also brothers in apprenticeship. Their presence further glorified the prestige of the Qiankun Sect.

Li Daoge hailed from such a prestigious sect, his heritage and power naturally remarkable.

Wang Heng joined the four young prodigies as they seated themselves, each holding a cup of ancient Dao-enlightening tea. They clinked cups across the space, signaling to each other and acknowledging the True Immortal descendants around them, ensuring no one felt neglected.

As the tea was consumed, an intense aura of Dao enlightenment permeated the air, winding its way between the young prodigies and elevating the atmosphere into the realm of the Dao.

The attendees toasted repeatedly, each offering their insights and interpretations of the Dao. Lively discussions ensued, where they exchanged ideas, sought advice on unresolved questions, and at times, even offered strategic counsel and practical suggestions to one another.

The atmosphere was harmonious, the guests fully at ease, smiles gracing every face as laughter and pleasant conversation filled the air, creating a joyous scene.

However, Wang Heng, with his formidable spiritual perception, detected a few individuals harboring ill intentions, like a few bad apples spoiling the batch.

This was inevitable, as not every cultivator could possess the mindset befitting a true cultivator. In this world of survival of the fittest, achieving such an atmosphere was already quite commendable.

Reflecting on the chaotic epochs described in the Perfect World, this setting was akin to a paradise.

Many beings, despite possessing the power of Immortals, lacked the transcendence and serenity befitting such beings. Instead, they exuded murderous intent, indifferent to all sentient life.