Chapter 2

"Immortal cultivation techniques?" Han Li’s eyes narrowed, and he asked in return.

"Immortal cultivation techniques are specifically for immortals and above to cultivate. Only by cultivating such techniques can one truly refine immortal spirit energy, allowing lower-stage immortals to gradually advance to higher stages. However, most low to mid-stage immortal cultivation techniques, even when perfected, can only elevate one’s realm by one or two levels. After that, one must choose another technique to cultivate. Only the high-stage immortal cultivation techniques cherished by major forces have the ability to allow true immortals to cultivate directly to extremely high realms. Such high-tier immortal texts are rarely found outside. Even if there are some, they are mostly common goods." Gao Sheng seemed to have noticed Han Li’s confusion and explained.

"Oh, is there no immortal technique that can lead directly to the Dao Ancestor realm?" Han Li asked slowly.

"Dao Ancestor? Ha ha, Han Daoist’s ambition is truly beyond what ordinary people can imagine. But unfortunately, even the few divine scriptures rumored to exist in the Immortal Realm cannot allow someone to directly become a Dao Ancestor. The hundreds of known Dao Ancestors in the Immortal Realm today have all experienced countless tribulations and endured unimaginable blessings and destinies to finally reach this level. Even the most profound immortal cultivation techniques can only help one cultivate to the Great Luo realm below the Dao Ancestor. Beyond that, one can only rely on oneself." Gao Sheng’s expression turned slightly strange, but he laughed and explained.

"It seems that achieving the Dao Ancestor realm is an unattainable goal! But I wonder how many levels there are below the Dao Ancestor realm." Han Li, upon hearing this, did not show any surprise but nodded and asked again.

"Although we are collectively called True Immortals in the lower realms, the True Immortal realm is actually a low-stage existence among immortals. Above it are the Golden Immortal, Taiyi, and Great Luo realms. Cultivating each major realm often requires over a million years of arduous practice, so there are also several sub-levels within each major realm. Even within the same major realm, the difference in sub-levels can result in vastly different powers and abilities." Gao Sheng replied without hesitation.

"What realm are you currently at, Brother Gao?" Han Li asked thoughtfully.

"I am ashamed to say, but I have been a True Immortal for several million years, yet I am still stuck at the high stage of the True Immortal realm and cannot advance further. If there are no other blessings, I will likely remain at this level for the rest of my life." Gao Sheng replied with a bitter smile.

Han Li’s expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

He could not see through the other’s strength at all, and yet he was only at the True Immortal realm.

"In that case, a newly ascended immortal like me should be at the low stage of the True Immortal realm." Han Li muttered.

"Low stage?勉强算是吧！After all, your immortal essence has not yet fully transformed. You are still considered a pseudo-immortal and will need a few hundred more years to truly enter the low stage of the True Immortal realm." Gao Sheng smiled and replied.

Han Li naturally remained speechless for a moment, then asked after a while:

"From your tone, it seems there are many ordinary cultivators in the Immortal Realm besides us True Immortals."

"Indeed, there are cultivators below the True Immortal realm in the Immortal Realm. Although we immortals have great powers, we cannot guarantee that our descendants will also reach the immortal realm. Those who cannot absorb and accept immortal spirit energy have limited lifespans and can only marry and have children, producing more mortals. This cycle continues, resulting in a large number of people." Gao Sheng seemed to think little of these mortals.

"I see! It seems that a high-stage immortal cultivation technique is indeed very important for us True Immortals." Han Li nodded and began to ponder.

"Our Stone Jitian Hall values newly ascended immortals quite highly. Other forces will not offer much better conditions. Moreover, you can first serve as an outer hall guest in our hall. If after a few hundred years you feel that our hall is not suitable for you, you can leave as long as you provide something equivalent to the chosen immortal cultivation technique. Our hall will not obstruct you in any way." Gao Sheng, seeing the last bit of hesitation in Han Li’s heart, persuaded him.

"Such conditions exist! Very well, since Brother Gao speaks so highly of it, I will first visit your hall to see for myself." Han Li’s eyes flickered, and he finally made a decision.

As the other party said, his most important task now was to transform his immortal essence and solidify his True Immortal realm.

In this situation, relying on a major force first and then gradually understanding the entire Immortal Realm was also a good choice.

Gao Sheng, upon hearing Han Li’s response, was naturally delighted. He repeatedly assured Han Li that he would not regret it, then flicked his sleeve, and a shadow separated from his back, condensed, and transformed into another Gao Sheng in a silver robe.

"You stay here and take my place for a while. I will take Brother Han to the Stone Jitian Hall."

"You must return quickly. If the inspector of this area discovers me, I won’t be able to cover for you for long." The silver-robed Gao Sheng replied expressionlessly.

"Don’t worry about that. This Immortal Ascension Platform is in such a remote location that inspectors rarely come here. The last time an inspector appeared was hundreds of years ago. Besides, I am just escorting someone and will return in at most half a month or at least a few days." Gao Sheng said indifferently.

"Make sure you do. Don’t really drag me into it." The silver-robed Gao Sheng said no more, walked a few steps to the edge of the pool, sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and entered a meditative state.

Seeing this, a hint of surprise appeared on Han Li’s face.

"Brother Han, don’t laugh at me. This is a clay body I cultivate. Although its strength is not as great as mine, it is more than enough to deal with a low-stage True Immortal. With it taking my place, I can leave with peace of mind. Come, I will take you to the Stone Jitian Hall." Gao Sheng explained with a smile while making a hand seal and pointing at the light barrier outside the platform.

With a "pu" sound, the light barrier opened, revealing a circular passage large enough for a person.

Gao Sheng strode out, and Han Li followed closely behind.

The moment they left the platform, a heavy snowfall began, and a bone-chilling cold swept over them.

Even with Han Li’s formidable physical strength, he could not help but frown.

Seeing Han Li’s reaction, a hint of surprise flashed across Gao Sheng’s face.

Since the Northern Cold Immortal Domain is named for its cold, the temperature outside is usually extremely low. In such snowy weather, the cold is even more severe.

Even low-stage immortals native to this domain must wear one or two specially crafted cold-resistant items to face the snow.

For a newly ascended immortal like Han Li to remain unperturbed by the snow was enough to make Gao Sheng secretly alarmed.

Gao Sheng’s thoughts raced, but his actions did not stop.

He suddenly cast a white spell downward, and several clear sounds came from the thick snow.

Amidst the swirling snowflakes, two enormous white peacocks emerged from the snow.

"Please, Brother!"

Gao Sheng mounted one of the snow peacocks and pointed to the other, smiling at Han Li.

Han Li smiled and appeared on the other peacock.

With a low shout from Gao Sheng, the two immortal birds spread their wings and soared into the sky, flying through the crystalline snow.

And thus, Han Li’s journey in the Immortal Realm began.