Novels2Search
Emberfrost Ascendant
Chapter 95: The Path of Immortality

Chapter 95: The Path of Immortality

As the gates of the Ascendant Citadel opened, revealing the sprawling realm beyond, Kalen and Sorin felt the weight of their trials lift. They had passed the first major hurdle on their path to immortality, but the road ahead was still long and treacherous. The ancient citadel was a sanctuary for those who had reached the pinnacle of cultivation, but it was also a proving ground where only the strong survived.

The city buzzed with the presence of powerful cultivators. Some were like them, freshly inducted into the Citadel after completing the trials. Others were seasoned immortals who had spent centuries refining their power, their auras radiating an overwhelming presence. But amidst the grandeur, there was a sense of competition, a constant undercurrent of tension. Here, power ruled, and only the most capable would ascend to the higher realms.

“We made it,” Sorin said, his voice carrying a mix of relief and anticipation.

Kalen nodded, his eyes scanning the streets filled with cultivators and ancient buildings that seemed to pulse with their own energy. “This is just the start.”

As they moved deeper into the city, they found themselves drawn toward the Hall of Records, a massive structure at the center of the Citadel. It was here that they hoped to learn more about the immortal path and the higher realms they would one day venture to.

The hall was vast, its walls lined with countless scrolls and tablets, each containing the wisdom of ancient cultivators. A custodian, a wizened man whose cultivation level Kalen could not even begin to fathom, greeted them with a nod.

“You seek knowledge of the immortal path?” the custodian asked, his voice carrying a weight of age and experience.

Kalen and Sorin both nodded.

The old man gestured to a section of the hall. “There you will find what you seek. But be warned—immortality is not simply a matter of power. It is a path fraught with danger, not just from external foes but from within. Many have sought to ascend, but few succeed.”

Kalen and Sorin exchanged a glance before moving toward the shelves the custodian had indicated. There, they found scrolls detailing the cultivation methods and secrets of immortality, and a wealth of knowledge about the realms beyond the one they currently inhabited.

----------------------------------------

THE IMMORTAL PATH

The path to immortality was divided into three major stages, each representing a profound evolution of body, mind, and spirit.

1. Ascendant Realm: The foundation of immortality, where a cultivator solidifies their control over their power and begins to transcend the mortal limits of their body and soul. It was a stage of refinement, where one must perfect the balance of their energy and spirit.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

2. Transcendent Realm: In this realm, a cultivator would begin to explore the deeper mysteries of the universe, unlocking the true potential of their spirit. The body would begin to transform, taking on properties of the immortal world, while the soul expanded, linking the cultivator to the natural laws of existence.

3. Celestial Realm: The highest realm of cultivation, where a cultivator would become one with the universe itself. Their body, mind, and spirit would be immortalized, and they would gain the power to manipulate the very fabric of reality. But reaching this stage was incredibly rare, and even fewer survived the ascension to the true heights of the celestial plane.

Kalen’s eyes narrowed as he read the details of the Ascendant Realm. He and Sorin were only at the beginning stages of this journey, but the more he read, the more he understood how challenging it would be to maintain balance between the forces within him—especially with the volatile nature of his Voidflame Abyss.

Sorin, on the other hand, was drawn to the combat applications of the Transcendent Realm. “This is where it gets interesting,” he muttered, eyes flicking over the techniques that allowed immortals to fight across realms, manipulating not just energy but the laws of space and time itself.

“This will take everything we’ve got,” Kalen said, his mind already racing with plans on how to refine his cultivation method to fit the immortal stages.

Sorin grinned. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

----------------------------------------

A FATEFUL ENCOUNTER

As they exited the Hall of Records, their heads filled with newfound knowledge, they were approached by a young man in dark robes. His aura was subtle, yet powerful, and there was an intensity in his eyes that immediately put Kalen on guard.

“You must be the newcomers,” the man said, his voice smooth but with an edge. “I saw your trials. Impressive.”

Kalen regarded him cautiously. “Who are you?”

The man smirked. “My name is Valen. I represent one of the great sects here in the Citadel, the Black Lotus Sect. We are always looking for talented cultivators like yourselves.”

Sorin raised an eyebrow. “What’s your angle?”

Valen shrugged. “No angle. Just opportunity. The Black Lotus Sect is powerful, and we have access to resources and techniques that can accelerate your cultivation. You’ve already proven you have what it takes to survive here. Now it’s time to thrive.”

Kalen could feel the hidden weight behind Valen’s words. There was more to this offer than simple recruitment. The Black Lotus Sect was known throughout the Citadel for their ruthless methods and political machinations. Accepting their offer would mean gaining powerful allies, but also making powerful enemies.

“We’ll think about it,” Kalen said, his tone neutral.

Valen smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Take your time. But remember, opportunities like this don’t come around often.” With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Sorin watched him go, frowning. “That guy gives me bad vibes.”

Kalen nodded. “We’ll have to be careful. The power struggle in the Citadel is real. And we can’t trust anyone just yet.”

As they moved through the Citadel, the weight of the immortal world began to sink in. The trials were just the beginning. To truly survive and thrive here, they would need to make difficult choices, form alliances, and, above all, continue to push the limits of their cultivation.

For now, though, they had a singular goal: ascend through the realms and carve their own path to immortality. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear—Kalen and Sorin had no intention of stopping until they reached the highest heights of power.