Chapter 402: Illusory Hope
“Immortal Elder, could you tell us more about the Outer Realm Demons? Everyone is quite interested in this topic,” Golden Daoist asked, though he still harbored doubts about Immortal Elder Changcun’s words.
Immortal Elder Changcun didn’t mind the skepticism. “After the Immortal Realm began overseeing all worlds, a Celestial Immortal encountered unknown creatures while traversing the void. These aggressive beings were only at the Earthly Immortal level and were brought back to the Immortal Realm for study.”
“Through research, the immortals discovered these creatures followed a different cultivation system. Instead of relying on spiritual energy or immortal power, they fed on negative emotions like anger, fear, despair, and anxiety. Death was their greatest source of nourishment, hence their tendency to kill.”
“The immortals attempted to locate these creatures’ home world but found nothing. Some speculated they were born from living beings’ negative emotions, though this remained mere conjecture.”
“Initially, the immortals showed interest in these creatures, but gradually lost it upon realizing they lacked rationality and couldn’t communicate.”
“Since their origin remained unknown, the immortals theorized an unexplored region beyond their knowledge, naming it the ‘Outer Realm.'”
“These emotion-born, irrational creatures were deemed natural demon seeds.”
“Thus they were named Outer Realm Demons.”
“Over hundreds of millennia, as populations grew across worlds, negative emotions increased, and so did the demons’ numbers. They even attempted to conquer a small region of the Immortal Realm.”
“The Immortal Realm dismissed this threat – mindless beasts at merely Earthly Immortal level posed no real danger. A few Celestial Immortals could easily suppress them.”
“So that’s how it is. Immortal Elder’s knowledge is truly profound,” most present accepted his explanation. In the Nine Provinces, Immortal Elder Changcun had always been regarded as omniscient and trustworthy, having never deceived anyone before.
A minority of Tribulation Transcendence cultivators remained skeptical, but circumstances forced them to accept the story. Any hope was better than none.
“But if Outer Realm Demons are only Earthly Immortal level, who destroyed our Celestial Ladder?” Longbrow Buddha questioned.
“Perhaps a new variant,” Immortal Elder Changcun replied smoothly. “But fear not – special demons are rare. With the Dao Ancestor and Buddha guarding the Immortal Realm, any exceptional demon would be dealt with.”
The crowd brightened at his dismissive tone about the demons’ threat, reassured they could wait for Immortal Realm assistance.
Immortal Elder Changcun secretly sighed in relief. He’d spent days in his cave dwelling crafting this plausible story. It seemed his preparation had been necessary.
After receiving their desired answers, the cultivators departed to recuperate from their injuries.
As they left, Immortal Elder Changcun’s smile faded. Returning to his cave, he sat silently before his bookshelf, consumed by guilt.
Fabricating tales about Outer Realm Demons, even labeling his own master as one… He repeated to himself there had been no alternative. What else could he have said?
Should he have revealed the truth? That the Dao Ancestor was dead, the Immortal Realm hostile, with endless enemies coming – Earthly Immortals being just the beginning, followed potentially by Celestial Immortals and higher beings? That resistance was futile, and they might as well indulge in pleasures before certain death?
Such truth would only ignite conflict between righteous and demonic paths in the Nine Provinces, with neutral cultivators likely joining the latter. The Nine Provinces would destroy itself before the Immortal Realm’s invasion.
Better to give them an illusory hope, however temporary.
Jiang Li watched Immortal Elder Changcun quietly, sighing softly.
…
The young monk learned of the Outer Realm Demons from Longbrow Buddha and grew suspicious. Well-versed in scriptures, he’d never encountered any mention of such beings. Now Immortal Elder Changcun suddenly claimed the Immortal Realm faced minor enemies called Outer Realm Demons?
Voicing his doubts to his master, Longbrow Buddha simply chanted “Amitabha” and said, “Xumi, accepting Immortal Elder Changcun’s explanation yields the best outcome. Don’t dwell on this matter.”
Unconvinced, the young monk unusually disobeyed his master, insisting something was amiss with Immortal Elder Changcun’s story.
…
Twenty years passed before another major event shook the Nine Provinces.
Golden Daoist announced an Ascension Conference, inviting peers to witness his trial.
“Senior Golden, why hold an Ascension Conference now? With the Celestial Ladder still missing, what use is ascension?” Longbrow Buddha questioned, being second only to Golden Daoist in approaching the Ascension Tribulation.
Golden Daoist shook his head helplessly. “Circumstances force me. I’ve stopped cultivating for twenty years hoping to avoid the tribulation, yet a month ago, I sensed its inevitable approach.”
“Fear not – even after passing, I won’t become an immortal. No life-threatening changes will occur.”
“I see,” Longbrow Buddha nodded.
The Ascension Conference proceeded with nineteen Tribulation Transcendence cultivators and their disciples attending, including Immortal Elder Changcun.
Previous conferences had been grand celebrations with Immortal Realm elders descending to comment. This one was desolate, with fewer than a hundred attendees.
Most cultivators remained unaware of the Celestial Ladder’s destruction – such news couldn’t stay hidden forever.
Following tradition, Golden Daoist delivered opening remarks, thanked attendees, and shared cultivation insights to make the trip worthwhile.
As he concluded, Golden Daoist fell silent, gazing skyward.
The Ascension Tribulation descended – dark clouds blotted out sun and stars, thunder shaking the heavens.
“Enough talk! This humble daoist shall face his tribulation first, then discuss the immortal path with you all!” Golden Daoist laughed heartily. Though the timing and location weren’t ideal, this was still the long-awaited Ascension Tribulation he’d dreamed of.
“No matter how many times one witnesses the Ascension Tribulation, its heavenly majesty remains overwhelming,” demonic cultivator Li Wu secretly marveled.
As an experienced Tribulation Transcendence expert from the Immortal Realm’s Golden Yuan Palace, Golden Daoist possessed mighty immortal techniques and multiple preparations. This tribulation should be easily manageable.
Even Immortal Elder Changcun foresaw no issues.
Purple lightning descended, cleansing the Nine Provinces as all living beings trembled.
“Golden Vajra Body!”
Golden Daoist roared as his body transformed into immortal metal – even his eyelashes becoming indestructible.
The Golden Vajra Body was his proudest technique, granting both peerless offense against demons and unrivaled defense. He had mastered it completely.