Absolute Destiny Game.

Chapter 542 The Choice of Immortal Profession
Xiao Jie stared at the four figures in the mirror, each with a distinct temperament yet bearing a face identical to his own, a slight surprise creeping into his heart. Huh? This time it's not a choice of three, but four? The immortal's path to advancement is quite novel.

However, upon further reflection, these four options might only represent potential future career paths and may not all become definite, directly selectable advanced professions within the game system.

Maybe by the time I reach level 40, only three will spawn.

Looking at the four completely different versions of himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but mutter to himself.

These four immortal advancements are indeed unique and quite different from the traditional online game class systems he was familiar with.

The description of the "Dustless Immortal's" abilities is rather vague and mysterious, only stating that he is "unrestrained and carefree beyond the world," but it seems to lean towards a cultivation path focused on magic and mental state.

"Tribulation-Experienced Immortals" are not afraid of wind and rain, lightning strikes and fire. They sound like "tank" type characters with strong physical bodies who are good at resisting disasters.

"Blood Annihilation Immortal" advocates stopping killing with killing, and his murderous aura soars to the sky. It is obviously a physical output-oriented path, which is probably related to his proficiency in swordsmanship.

The final "Myriad Transformations Immortal," as the name suggests, should have its core ability in the art of transformation, capable of creating countless forms, which should come from its own demon-refining transformation ability.

However, these are ultimately just superficial guesses. Without detailed data on professional skills and expertise, it is difficult to accurately judge their strengths and weaknesses.

Xiao Jie's gaze swept over the four mirror images one by one, a probing smile appearing on his face. He asked loudly, "Since you all want me to choose, you must let me know what your real skills and abilities are, right? It's hard to make a choice without just words."

Upon hearing this, the white-robed immortal smiled calmly, casually reaching out to grab a simple white paper fan. With a "whoosh," he unfolded the fan and gently fanned it, instantly creating a refreshing breeze. This caused a few strands of hair on his forehead and his wide sleeves to flutter in the wind, and also stirred up subtle wisps of light around him, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance.

"Since you ask, I will teach you the answer." Wuchen Xian's voice was calm, yet it carried a wisdom that had seen through the world. "Do you know what immortals, who live long and seem to be carefree and limitless, fear most?"

Xiao Jie thought to himself, "Immortals are already at the pinnacle of this world, what is there to fear?" He then said, "I truly do not know, please enlighten me, fellow Daoist."

"Immortals are not afraid of the swords and fires of mortals, nor are they afraid of the rise and fall of dynasties. Even the passage of time and the changes of mountains and rivers are but a fleeting moment to immortals," said Immortal Wuchen slowly. "The only thing they fear is the word 'cause and effect.' This power of cause and effect is mysterious and profound. Even immortals find it difficult to completely transcend it. Once tainted, it is like a malignant tumor that clings to the bone, entangling the immortal soul. At best, it will cloud the Dao heart and hinder cultivation; at worst, it will trigger calamities, and may even lead to falling from immortality to mortality, with ten thousand years of cultivation going to waste."

"The so-called immortals without dust are those who are untouched by cause and effect, unsullied by worldly dust, and unbound by the threads of fate. Although immortals live a carefree life beyond the mortal world, if they unintentionally create karma, there will always be times when they are forced into conflict against their will. Just like you now, you are determined to revive your companions, which is the greatest 'karma' you have created. Even if you have a thousand kinds of magic power and ten thousand kinds of supernatural abilities, as long as this matter is not resolved, this karma will bind you and make it difficult to be truly free."

"Those immortals outside the hall, hiding in this 'Painting Realm of Mountains and Seas' to avoid the world, are to some extent afraid of getting entangled in worldly karma and causing unpredictable changes. But if you can achieve the Immortal Path of Immortality, with a clear mind and free from all worldly defilement, you will naturally not need to worry about such influences and can attain true freedom and great ease. Isn't that wonderful?"

Xiao Jie thought to himself: It does sound interesting. But this "cause and effect" theory is far too mystical. Besides, reviving his teammates was his own will, not something forced by external forces. Does advancing to the Immortal Realm mean he can just ignore this matter? That doesn't make sense.

He nodded noncommittally and turned his gaze to the second person—the immortal undergoing tribulation whose aura was as heavy as a mountain.

"Fellow Daoist, what is your explanation for being a 'Tribulation-Experiencing Immortal'?"

The immortal undergoing tribulation had a resolute face and a calm voice: "The so-called cultivation of immortality is to defy the heavens and seize the power of creation. Although immortals gain longevity and unparalleled power, they are also vulnerable to the backlash of the heavenly Dao. The 'heavenly tribulation' is a test that every immortal must face; no one can escape it! Wind tribulation, fire tribulation, thunder tribulation, inner demon tribulation... there are many kinds, and they are impossible to guard against. If one does not deal with it properly or is not prepared enough, even an immortal may face the danger of their immortal body collapsing, their primordial spirit dissipating, and being reduced to ashes!"

His gaze swept across the direction outside the hall, and his tone was solemn: "Back in the heyday of Guyun Prefecture, there were hundreds of immortals. After several great calamities, only a few dozen immortal friends are left to eke out a living here. It can be seen that immortals are not truly eternal."

My path, the 'Tribulation-Traveling Immortal,' is dedicated to dealing with, resolving, and even utilizing all kinds of calamities! Only by tempering one's immortal body to be impervious to thunder and fire, fearless of weapons, and indestructible through countless tribulations, can one seize that sliver of opportunity for 'eternal existence' under this vast Heavenly Dao! Now, the signs of the apocalypse are already apparent, and the frequency and power of calamities far surpass those of the past. Unless you, like other immortals, hide in this painted realm and live a solitary life outside the world, choosing an advancement that can help you withstand the apocalyptic calamities is the wise move.”

Xiao Jie thought to himself: Just as I thought, he's a super tank. He can withstand the heavenly tribulation; he's truly impressive. But whether he'll stay in this "game world" long-term is still unknown. After reviving his teammates and finishing his business, he might prepare to "log off."

Even if we continue playing the game, we can always quit when the next great calamity arrives. The heavenly calamity doesn't seem to be an urgent issue to consider.

Then, he turned his gaze to the third mirror image—the Blood Destroyer Immortal whose murderous aura almost pierced through the mirror's surface.

"This... Fellow Daoist Blood Destroyer, could you please tell me your story?" Xiao Jie asked.

Upon hearing this, the Blood Immortal merely snorted coldly, his crimson eyes filled with disdain and impatience: "Hmph! Whether you choose or not is entirely up to you. What's the point of saying so much? If you can't even distinguish between what's superior and what's inferior, such an indecisive and weak-willed person doesn't deserve to live in this dog-eat-dog, perilous world of great strife!"

Xiao Jie raised an eyebrow: "Oh? So you're saying you're the best choice?"

"Hmph! Isn't this obvious?" Blood Destroyer's tone was arrogant. "Don't tell me you're satisfied with the meager power you've acquired so far? Know that there are always people stronger than you, and heavens beyond heavens! Even if you've become an immortal, you're far from the pinnacle! There will always be beings stronger than you in this world. Only by constantly fighting, killing, and devouring can you continuously grow stronger and reach the summit of all living beings!" He took a step forward, and the illusion of mountains of corpses and seas of blood beneath his feet became increasingly clear: "Now the apocalypse has arrived, demons are running rampant, evil spirits have appeared in the world, heaven and earth have fallen into chaos, laws have collapsed, and order has crumbled. This is the beginning of a chaotic world where power reigns supreme!"

Only through the most direct and efficient slaughter and conquest can resources be plundered, immortal souls tempered, and supreme killing power condensed! And I, Blood Destroyer Immortal, was born for this purpose! Choose me, and you will gain the true power to survive in this apocalyptic world and to control your own and others' destinies!

The Blood Destroyer Immortal gave Xiao Jie a feeling somewhat like a ruthless, decisive, and self-assured "darkened protagonist." Listening to this, Xiao Jie even felt a faint sense of agreement and excitement. The allure of power was indeed irresistible to someone who had experienced the survival of the fittest.

He took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, and finally looked at the last mirror image—the Myriad Transformations Immortal surrounded by the phantom images of countless demons.

"Then, Fellow Daoist Wanhua, what are your thoughts?"

"Hahahaha!" Wan Huaxian laughed loudly, his voice shaking the mirror, carrying a wild and untamed spirit. "How could you not know the wonders of Wan Huaxian? Along your journey, you have learned so many transformation techniques, have you not yet enjoyed the benefits brought by all kinds of transformations? If you had not relied on the power of transformation to deal with all kinds of dangers, how could you have come to this place and achieved your immortal achievements today?"

With a wave of his hand, the illusory images of divine beasts such as dragons, phoenixes, and qilin behind him became increasingly solid, roaring and whispering: "If you become a Myriad Transformations Immortal, the things you can conjure will be far more than just mere mortal demons! What those three guys can give you, I can give you too! What they can't give, I can give you even more of!"

He pointed to the three figures beside him one by one, saying, "While the Immortal of No Dust can indeed be detached from cause and effect and transcend worldly affairs, they can only avoid trouble and lack the strong means to intervene in reality and solve problems, making them weak and powerless. Although the Immortal of Tribulation has a strong physical body and can withstand calamities, if the world itself collapses, how can any egg remain intact when the nest is overturned? They too will hardly escape death. The Immortal of Blood Annihilation can stop killing with killing, which can quickly increase their strength, but how can they solve the complex and unpredictable apocalyptic calamity by simply killing? They will likely only fall into a larger vortex of cause and effect and suffer karmic backlash!"

"Only I, the Immortal of Myriad Transformations, can transform into all things and respond to all changes! If I transform into an ancient auspicious beast such as 'Di Ting' or 'Bai Ze' that understands all things and avoids calamities and seeks blessings, I can avoid cause and effect to a certain extent and live a carefree life."

If one transforms into a primordial sacred beast such as the Qilin or the Xuanwu, their body itself possesses unparalleled defensive power, enabling them to withstand heavenly tribulations and avoid the suffering of the three calamities and six tribulations.

If one transforms into a divine beast like the 'White Tiger' or 'Yazi', which governs slaughter, one can also wield the power of killing and increase strength through battle and conquest!

"In this way, no matter what difficulties or challenges I encounter, I can deal with them with the most targeted avatar! Combining the strengths of the three and avoiding their weaknesses, wouldn't I be a hundred times better than those three one-sided individuals?"

Xiao Jie was shocked: Wow! That's amazing? Yes, before, he could only transform into ordinary wild beasts and demonic creatures, his abilities had their limits. But now he had an immortal body and could go to the Scripture Pavilion to study more profound immortal techniques. He might even be able to try transforming into ancient divine beasts and primordial beasts! The resulting increase in power and tactical flexibility would undoubtedly be a qualitative leap!
He was already seven or eight parts interested in the Path of Myriad Transformations.

However, he did not make a decision immediately. It was not hard to see from what the four phantoms said that these guys were all just praising their own abilities and belittling the abilities of others. Although Wan Huaxian's words were flowery, they were like a business plan for investors. It was hard to say how much of it was true and how much was false.

Xiao Jie turned around and looked at the three immortal Daoist friends who had been observing quietly behind him—Lin Xuance, the Martial Dao Immortal, and the Mysterious Law Yuanjun—and sincerely asked, "Fellow Daoists, you are all knowledgeable and experienced. Could you please teach me something about this?"

The three of them exchanged a glance and shook their heads.

Lin Xuance spoke up, “Such choices concerning one’s own path are difficult for outsiders to comment on. Every immortal has their own path to walk, and who is stronger or weaker is not absolute; ultimately, it depends on your true heart and goals. Different goals require different amounts of power, but I wonder… what are your own aspirations, Fellow Daoist Suifeng?”

What are your goals? This question really stumped Xiao Jie.

His biggest goal was to become an immortal, followed by resurrecting his teammates. Now that he has achieved immortality, the matter of resurrecting his teammates is also showing promise. What should he do next? Should he continue exploring this increasingly realistic and dangerous world, pursuing even greater power? Or should he be content with this, enjoying the carefree life of an immortal, perhaps even considering quitting the game altogether?
While the real world is certainly stable, can one really easily give up the immense, almost omnipotent power in the game that can shake the heavens and earth with a mere gesture? Moreover, there are the mysterious "new expansion packs" and the vast "world" waiting to be explored.

His mind wavered, a jumble of thoughts swirling within him. After pondering for a while, he suddenly chuckled: since he couldn't make up his mind about the long term, this "Myriad Transformations Immortal" seemed like an excellent choice. This advancement appeared to be a so-called "all-rounder" profession, highly adaptable. Whether he wanted to live a carefree life, withstand calamities, or take the path of killing and becoming stronger, this path of change seemed to provide corresponding support, preventing him from narrowing his path all at once.

While it may be slightly inferior to the other three specializations in every aspect, it is the most cost-effective overall.

Fortunately, career choices don't need to be decided immediately. He's only level 39 now, so he still has time. He might as well go to the library to consult the classics and learn more before making a decision.

“I’m already somewhat inclined to tentatively choose the path of ‘Myriad Transformations Immortal’,” Xiao Jie said. “However, I will need to go to the Scripture Pavilion to consult the relevant immortal manuals before making a final decision.”

After all, the mainstream of cultivation should be the Daoist arts of summoning wind and rain and manipulating Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. Demon immortals and the Dao of transformation are ultimately unorthodox paths. If there are no suitable and profound transformation immortal arts in the Scripture Pavilion, then one can only settle for second best and choose other paths.

Upon hearing this, the image of Wan Huaxian in the mirror clapped its hands and laughed loudly: "Hahaha, good lad! You certainly have good taste and discerning eye!"

The other three mirror images, their faces displeased, either snorted coldly or shook their heads, cursing as they disappeared.

Xiao Jie said no more and removed his hand from the cold base of the Three Lives Mirror. The mirror's brilliance quickly dimmed, and the image within it disappeared completely, like ripples spreading across water after a pebble was thrown in, returning to an ordinary, simple bronze mirror.

(End of this chapter)