Chapter 19: (2) Ascending to the Heavens—The Ethereal Dream Realized at Last

Guided by the ancient jade slip’s message, Li Chen and Lin Ying embarked on a quest to uncover the lost secret realm, seeking the mysterious opportunity to ascend in a single step.

They stepped into the dense forest indicated by the jade slip, where mist swirled and strange, otherworldly phenomena shimmered faintly. As Li Chen focused on moving forward, a peculiar melody of a zither drifted from afar—like a celestial sound, yet stirring the deepest desires within the soul. As the music grew clearer, a path paved with colorful stones quietly appeared before them. On either side, exotic flowers and plants blossomed, exuding a fragrance unlike anything of the mortal world. A surge of realization stirred within Li Chen; this must be the sole path to the secret realm. Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto this brilliant, unknown road leading to the opportunity for transcendence.

Together, Li Chen and Lin Ying followed the colorful stone path into the misty depths. The fog blurred their vision as they pressed on, seemingly for an eternity, with no end in sight. Their minds grew dizzy and heavy until suddenly they tumbled to the ground. Time lost meaning before they awoke to find themselves no longer on the path but trapped within a bewildering illusionary array. Here, seductresses lured with carnal temptation, loved ones suffered grievous wounds, and bitter grudges and entanglements emerged to cloud their hearts.

They sat cross-legged, calming their breath and focusing their minds. Opening their “Eyes of Truth” with the guidance of their fortune, they pierced through the falsehoods. After breaking three crucial nodes of the array, they finally escaped the illusion—only to enter a thunder tribulation formation. Thunder roared and lightning cracked all around. Li Chen quickly transmitted to Lin Ying the “Thunder Refining Body Technique,” allowing them to absorb the thunder’s energy to fortify their flesh, bones, muscles, and veins. After half a day, they emerged from the formation—wretched and charred, their bodies emitting a foul burnt stench that nearly caused retching. Their clothes hung in tatters, while blackened muscle and skin cracked outward like blossoms.

Before them stood a resplendent palace, dazzling in gold and jade. Above the door, three characters gleamed: “Hall of Ascension.”

With determined strides, they entered. Inside, the spiritual energy was several times more concentrated than outside—likely due to a formation gathering the essence. Li Chen, guided by the jade slip, moved straight to a grand table deep within the hall. Resting atop it was a large jade box shimmering with purple light, containing a jade slip—the very one that had led him here. Li Chen took the slip and opened the box to reveal an ancient tome wrapped in a violet aura. The moment his hand touched the book, a beam of purple light shot forth, imprinting itself upon his forehead.

Instantly, a torrent of information flooded his mind. This was a set of ancient cultivation techniques: the “Art of Ascension.” Li Chen hurriedly read through it—a forbidden method tailor-made for those crossing the tribulation period and approaching the peak of the Great Ascension realm. He pressed his finger to Lin Ying’s forehead, transmitting the technique’s knowledge to her consciousness. The text elaborated on the soul realm during the early tribulation stage, methods for refining the body, and detailed defensive talismans and treasures for use during the tribulation.

Afterward, they gathered all usable items within the palace and collected every heavenly material, earthly treasure, and spiritual herb available outside. Li Chen then used the jade slip to seal their bond with a drop of blood. A surge of purple light rose, connecting them to the jade slip’s spirit. They learned the spirit’s function was for teleportation and defense.

The spirit’s name was “Yu Kong.”

Li Chen said, “Master Yu, please send us back!” A cluster of purple light enveloped them, and in a flash, they vanished. When the light flickered again, they were back at their estate.

Upon seeing Li Chen and Lin Ying return safely, the others gathered around eagerly. Li Chen announced, “This is an ancient cultivation method called the ‘Art of Ascension.’ Once everyone reaches the tribulation stage, they can begin to practice it!” Joy spread throughout the group.

After sorting out all related matters, Li Chen and Lin Ying retreated to begin their secluded cultivation.

Yet while they were immersed in their training, the outside world quietly shifted. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth suddenly surged violently. The once calm void cracked open, and from the rift seeped an ancient, potent aura. This energy resonated faintly with Li Chen’s bloodline, as if calling to him.

Sensing this, Li Chen broke through his cultivation barrier and faced the void rift with steadfast eyes. Lin Ying emerged beside him, their gazes locking with mutual resolve. Both saw the unwavering determination mirrored in the other’s eyes. They knew the true challenge was only beginning. Beyond this rift lay either astonishing opportunities or unprecedented dangers.

Without hesitation, they stepped into the void rift, disappearing amid the astonished gazes of those left behind.