My son is about to break through.

The words of the Ancient Nether Saint Lord were like a pebble thrown into the calm lake of Gu Qingfeng's heart, creating ripples of contemplation.

"The Celestial Venerables of this secret realm... cannot attain immortality?"

Gu Qingfeng's gaze narrowed slightly as he quickly compared the differences between the inside and outside.

In the endless immortal realm outside, at the Heavenly Venerable Realm, once one has passed the first Longevity Tribulation, one can initially break free from the shackles of lifespan and enjoy the ability to live forever.

As long as one is not killed by a higher level of power or encounters other calamities at the level of the Great Dao, one can theoretically live as long as heaven and earth.

This is an ironclad rule universally acknowledged in the Endless Immortal Realm.

But in this secret realm created by that supreme immortal, the rules are completely different!

According to the Ancient Nether Saint Lord, even if one reaches the Heavenly Venerable Realm and possesses the ability to shift stars and create the world, one's lifespan is not infinite.

They have a limit—five hundred billion years!
This is many times longer than the lifespan of ordinary mortals, or even low-level cultivators, enough for civilizations to reincarnate countless times. But for cultivators who pursue the eternal path and seek the true meaning of immortality, this is still a clear end point.

As for the Supreme Realm, which surpasses even the Heavenly Venerables and is revered as the pinnacle of cultivation in this secret realm, it merely pushes that endpoint back by 500 billion years, reaching a lifespan limit of one trillion years.

One trillion years from now, if one cannot break through, even if one is a supreme being, one's Great Dao will collapse, and one's body and Dao will perish!

"The Celestial Venerable has a lifespan of 500 billion years, the Supreme Venerable has a lifespan of 1 trillion years... This is the 'Heaven' of this world, the upper limit of the rules set by the master of the secret realm!"

Gu Qingfeng understood immediately, grasping the key point almost instantly.

This is by no means a naturally occurring rule of the universe!

Any world capable of giving birth to powerful beings at the level of Celestial Venerable or Supreme Venerable must have extremely powerful and complete fundamental laws, sufficient to support living beings in breaking through to higher levels and obtaining longer lifespans.

The clearly defined, artificially set lifespan limit in front of us is more like a shackle!
A restriction imposed on all living beings in this world by a more powerful being with unparalleled strength.

"The immortal who created this secret realm... his methods are far more unpredictable than I initially imagined!"

Gu Qingfeng took a deep breath, and his evaluation of that possible Immortal Realm 11 or even 12 was raised once again.

This is not simply about creating a vast world capable of accommodating the activities of Celestial Venerables and even those on the verge of immortality.

This redefined the core laws of this world at the very moment of creation.

The other side severed the path to true immortality for all beings in this world, setting a seemingly unattainable but actually cold and cruel end for all cultivators.

This method is almost like the power of the Creator!

It is the true embodiment of the law, using one's own Great Dao will to forcibly rewrite and cover the fundamental laws of a world.

"To create a stable world that can support high-level cultivators is difficult, but not impossible."

But to establish such precise lifespan limits for all living beings at the very moment of creation… requires an unimaginably profound understanding and control over the Great Dao!

Gu Qingfeng thought to himself that even though he was now standing at the peak of the Nine Tribulations and had touched the threshold of immortality, he could never do this.

This goes beyond the realm of strength and weakness; it involves a deeper level of mastery over the essence of the Dao and the rules.

He even doubted whether ordinary first- or second-level immortals, or even mid-level immortals, all possessed such heaven-defying and fate-altering means.
This is likely a terrifying authority that belongs exclusively to those who stand at the end of the path to immortality, those who are close to transcendence!
"If he can sever the path to immortality, then theoretically, if he so desires, he could grant immortality to all living beings, even bestowing the characteristic of immortality upon an ant..."

The thought flashed through Gu Qingfeng's mind, but he immediately dismissed its possibility.

"However, granting eternal life on such a large scale and indiscriminately will inevitably lead to the rapid depletion of the world's origin and the collapse of its rules."

His setting a lifespan limit might also be a means of maintaining the stability of this secret realm and balancing resources.

The idea made him feel somewhat uncomfortable, yet it seemed to fit perfectly into the strictly regulated world before him.

Suddenly, an even grander and more unsettling thought, like a lightning bolt flashing in the darkness, struck Gu Qingfeng's mind!

"This secret realm was created by an immortal, who set out rules that make all living beings like caged birds, with finite lifespans."

Then, could the endless immortal realm outside, that vast and boundless chaotic world that has nurtured countless immortal celestial beings and is filled with legends of transcendence… possibly be another, even larger secret realm or world, created by some unimaginable, more transcendent being?

"The so-called tribulation of transcendence has been something no one has been able to overcome since ancient times... Is it like the Supreme Being in this secret realm who cannot break through to immortality, not because the cultivators are not hardworking enough or lack talent, but because the path to transcendence has been locked by the rule setters from the very beginning?"

That's simply an impossible lie!

The moment this thought crossed his mind, even Gu Qingfeng felt a chill run down his spine.

This is undoubtedly an extremely bold, even blasphemous, conjecture!
But he quickly forced himself to calm down and analyze the situation from a more rational perspective.

"The possibility is extremely low."

Gu Qingfeng shook his head inwardly.

"The Endless Immortal Realm is too vast, and the perfection of its laws and the profundity of its Great Dao are far beyond what this secret realm can compare to."

It can give birth to beings like the Purple Star Heavenly Emperor and the Eternal Silence God Lord, who stand at the peak of the Twelve Immortal Realms, and its foundation is unfathomable.

To artificially create and maintain such a world... the required level of power would likely transcend the realm of immortality, reaching a level I cannot comprehend, or even fathom.

"Furthermore, in the endless immortal realm, the Heavenly Venerable can live forever. Although the Immortal must undergo tribulation, it is more like a test and baptism of the Great Dao, rather than a lifespan limit set by humans."

Its rules lean more towards natural evolution and competition with the Great Dao, which is completely different from the obvious artificial setting of this secret realm.

"the most important is……"

Gu Qingfeng's eyes regained their clarity and sharpness.

"Even if the Endless Immortal Realm was indeed created by some supreme being, it is meaningless for me to ponder this at my current level."

The gap between such beings and me is billions of times greater than the gap between an ant and a star.

Ants neither need nor can they comprehend why stars exist or why they move.

What I need to do now is to walk my own path well, keep getting stronger, until one day, perhaps, I will be qualified to glimpse those deeper truths.

Suppressing the turbulent thoughts in his mind, Gu Qingfeng brought his attention back to the present moment.

With a slight thought, he began to perceive the starry sky more carefully.

Besides the omnipresent core rules of the secret realm that suppressed the manifestation of immortal-level power, he indeed touched another layer of the Great Dao power that permeated the depths of the starry sky and exerted a subtle suppression and restraint on all cultivators of the Heavenly Venerable level and above.

This power is not as supreme and unshakeable as the core rules, but it has reached the level of the Ninth Tribulation. It is tough and widespread, like a huge invisible dome that covers the entire secret realm starry sky.

However, this level of power of the Great Dao is nothing to Gu Qingfeng; if he wanted to, he could easily tear it apart.

However, for other cultivators, this level of power of the Great Dao is difficult to shake.

"If nothing unexpected happens, this is the supreme path that the Ancient Nether Saint Lord spoke of!"

Gu Qingfeng pondered to himself.

At this moment, he was certain that this was the so-called Supreme Path.

The thought fell.

Having figured all this out, Gu Qingfeng looked down at the Ancient Nether Saint Lord, who was still respectful yet fearful, and had already made up his mind.

He spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority that pierced through the fear in the heart of the Ancient Nether Saint Lord, reaching the very depths of his soul:
"You probably already have a guess about our origins."

Indeed, I am not a person from this celestial realm.

Upon hearing this, the Ancient Nether Saint Lord's body trembled almost imperceptibly. Although he had a premonition, receiving confirmation from a person still stirred his heart.

Beyond the borders!

It really is from that legendary world beyond the stars!

Gu Qingfeng continued, "This starry sky, though seemingly vast and boundless to you native beings, is in reality a cage!"
An invisible shackle has been placed upon you since you were born.

Even if you possess extraordinary talent, cultivate diligently for billions of years, ascend to the Heavenly Venerable realm, or even reach the so-called Supreme Realm, in the end, you still cannot escape the inevitable limit of your lifespan. Five hundred billion years, one trillion years later, you will ultimately turn into dust, and the Great Dao will vanish into nothingness.

His words struck the heart of the Ancient Nether Saint Lord like a heavy hammer, making his face grow paler and revealing deep-seated bitterness and resentment in his eyes.

This is the deepest fear and helplessness in the hearts of all native cultivators who have reached a certain level. They strive their whole lives, standing at the pinnacle of all living beings, yet they clearly know where their "end" lies. That feeling is enough to cast a shadow over any ambition.

"but--"

Gu Qingfeng abruptly changed the subject, his voice suddenly carrying a strange power, like a lamp being lit in the darkness.

"These shackles are not absolutely unbreakable."

This cage, however, is not without an exit.

The Ancient Nether Saint Lord suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with an unprecedented light. He stared intently at Gu Qingfeng, his breathing becoming heavy involuntarily.

Gu Qingfeng looked directly into his eyes and said, word by word, "I can give you a chance."

A chance to break free from the shackles of this world and glimpse the true path to immortality!

"As long as you and your Ancient Netherworld are willing to be truly loyal to me and serve me in this secret realm."

"Then, when I achieve my goal and leave this secret realm, I may take you all with me."

He leaned forward slightly, the invisible pressure almost suffocating the Ancient Nether Saint Lord, but the content of his words shook him to his core even more than the pressure itself.

"Leave this world and step into the real outside world."

There, in the realm of the Celestial Venerable, one can enjoy longevity and live as long as heaven and earth!
There's no need to worry about the 500 billion or 1 trillion year time limit!

That is the truly vast and boundless world, where the Great Dao is complete!

Immortality!

True immortality!
There's no need to exhaust yourself trying to achieve that elusive and unattainable breakthrough to immortality; simply reaching the Celestial Venerable Realm grants you eternal life!
This temptation is undoubtedly fatal for a powerful figure like the Ancient Nether Saint Lord, who stands at the pinnacle of this world yet constantly feels his lifespan counting down!
It was the ultimate dream that he would give anything to pursue!

"Senior...Senior!"

The voice of the Ancient Nether Saint Lord trembled with extreme excitement. He knelt down with a thud, no longer submitting out of fear, but with an almost devout longing.

"You...you mean it? Can the Celestial Venerables of the Outer Realm truly enjoy immortality? Unlike us, they do not suffer the pain of a lifespan limit!"

He looked up, his eyes filled with hopeful fervor and a hint of disbelief and vulnerability.

Immortality—the word carried too heavy a weight, so heavy that he could hardly believe it would be so easily presented to him, even at the cost of loyalty.

Gu Qingfeng looked down at him, his expression indifferent: "My words carry weight."

The outside world is vast, and what you consider supreme is not the pinnacle in the outside world.

For the Celestial Venerable, immortality is merely the starting point.

However, your performance will determine whether you obtain this opportunity.

He didn't give a 100% guarantee, but this possibility, which leaves room for imagination, makes it more real and makes people more willing to take a gamble.

The Ancient Nether Saint Lord's chest heaved violently as he rapidly weighed the options in his mind.

The powerful being from beyond the realm before him possessed unfathomable strength and could easily suppress him; therefore, his words were highly credible.

Pledge of allegiance to him may involve risks, such as being drawn into unknown struggles, but what are these risks compared to the readily available temptation of immortality?
Moreover, if the Ancient Netherworld Holy Land could align itself with such an existence, its status within this secret realm might also rise accordingly!
In just a few breaths, the Ancient Nether Saint Lord had already made his decision.

He kowtowed heavily, his voice strong and resolute, with a do-or-die determination: "The entire Ancient Netherworld is willing to serve you as our master!"

From this day forward, I will serve you to the death, even unto death! I only beg you, senior... to grant me a sliver of eternal life in this sacred land!

"Very well, as long as you serve me wholeheartedly, I will grant your wish."

Gu Qingfeng looked at the Ancient Nether Saint Lord in front of him with a faint smile on his face, clearly satisfied with the man's reaction.

Subsequently.

Gu Qingfeng's smile vanished, and his expression immediately turned serious.

"Now, I need information on all other forbidden zones that are similar to that ancient god's forbidden zone."

Remember, this includes news from all restricted areas; not a single one should be missed!

Gu Qingfeng already knew the origin of that forbidden zone; it was a place called the Ancient God Forbidden Zone.

He swept through the forbidden zone of the ancient gods and killed the immortal severed finger, from which he obtained the immortal crystal.

now.

Gu Qingfeng needs more immortal crystals for his own cultivation in order to reach the Dao of Immortality.

In his view, this was the greatest opportunity in this immortal realm, bar none.

after all.

No opportunity is as important as achieving immortality.

Only by entering immortality can one hope to glimpse the realm of transcendence.

Otherwise, what's the point of remaining at the Celestial Venerable Realm for life?

Having witnessed power at a higher level, Gu Qingfeng was no longer satisfied with simply achieving immortality at the Heavenly Venerable realm. (End of Chapter)