Sweeping across the heavens, starting with the first emperor of the ancient times.

On this day, in the courtyard of the forbidden area of ​​the Ziwei Ancient Star Daoist Sect, Jiang Hao was sitting and drinking tea with a middle-aged Daoist.

The Taoist was none other than Lingbao Tianzun, who had reshaped his Taoist body, achieving unity of spirit and flesh, and returning to his peak state.

Even because of the method of Nirvana on the Immortal Platform and the return of the true spirit, his cultivation was even stronger than in the mythological era, and he faintly touched the threshold of the next life's transformation.

The four swords of Zhuxian transformed into four streams of light, appearing and disappearing on the sleeves of his Taoist robe.

The two chatted casually, from myths and ancient tales to contemporary events, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Jiang Hao poured tea for Lingbao Tianzun, a faint sense of emotion stirring within him.

It is truly remarkable that Lingbao was able to defy fate and return, making even greater progress in his cultivation.

This kind of perseverance and wisdom in finding a glimmer of hope in desolation and creating a new beginning at the end is something he also greatly admires.

Discussing philosophy with such old friends is like savoring a fine vintage wine, with a lingering and profound flavor, far superior to facing those trembling juniors or supreme figures with differing intentions.

Having companions along the way made it feel pretty good.

As they were talking and laughing, the air outside the courtyard rippled slightly, and a graceful figure surrounded by a faint aura of creation and life force walked over. It was none other than the Creation Emperor Yun Li.

"Junior Yun Li, I have come here without permission to pay my respects to the Great Emperor." Yun Li greeted Jiang Hao first, and then a hint of surprise flashed in her beautiful eyes when she saw Lingbao Tianzun standing to the side.

Having attained the Dao and become an Emperor, her spiritual senses were incredibly sharp. She immediately sensed the terrifying Daoist aura emanating from this unfamiliar Daoist, an aura that seemed capable of ending all things.

Its power instilled a sense of awe in her instinctively.

"This person is very strong, extremely strong, at least stronger than I am now," Yun Li concluded in her heart.

But sensing that the other person's aura was peaceful and unfriendly towards Jiang Hao, she asked with a hint of inquiry, "Who is this senior...?"

Jiang Hao smiled slightly, finding Yun Li's cautious yet curious expression amusing.

The little girl who used to sprinkle medicine powder at Falling Dragon Ridge is now an empress who commands respect throughout the heavens, yet she remains so cautious and polite.

"This is Lingbao Tianzun, one of the Nine Heavenly Venerables of the mythological era, who recently returned against all odds."

Yun Li was shocked. Lingbao Tianzun!

The most infamous and ruthless celestial being of the mythical era, who wielded the power of slaughter, has had his legend of the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation still echoing in the starry sky. And yet, this very figure has actually returned!

Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, she greeted again, "Junior Yun Li greets Fellow Daoist Lingbao."

Lingbao Tianzun's gaze fell peacefully on Yun Li, and he nodded slightly.

He had heard Jiang Hao mention this rising star after his return, and now that he saw him in person, he was indeed exceptionally handsome.

Its way of creation and vitality is so harmonious and thorough, and its foundation is so solid that it is among the best of all emperors throughout history.

"Fellow Daoist Zaohua, there's no need for such formalities. You are a formidable young man. It is truly remarkable that you have attained this realm, possessing such pure Daoist essence and enduring vitality."

His words came from the bottom of his heart. To be able to attain enlightenment in this world and forge such a unique path of destiny, this woman's talent, temperament, and opportunities were all indispensable.

"You flatter me, Celestial Venerable," Yun Li said modestly.

Jiang Hao gestured for Yun Li to sit down, and then naturally took out a clean jade cup and poured her Enlightenment Tea.

The three sat facing each other, their breaths naturally mingling.

Jiang Hao's chaotic aura was like an invisible backdrop, encompassing everything.

Lingbao's intent to return to tranquility amidst violence is deeply hidden beneath a peaceful surface, like a still well that conceals its end.

Yunli's creative vitality flows gently, bringing a vibrant energy.

The three distinct Daoist energies did not conflict; instead, they formed a subtle cycle and balance within the small courtyard, like a microcosm of the manifestation of the Great Dao.

As Jiang Hao felt this harmony, his mind became more and more peaceful. This kind of time spent sitting and chatting with like-minded people was a rare pleasure in his long life.

The three then began to talk, and the conversation ranged from ancient stories to recent cosmic anomalies.

As they talked, Yun Li revealed the purpose of her visit.

His visit was partly a routine one to seek advice, as he held the Chaos Emperor, whom he considered both a teacher and a friend, in high esteem.

Secondly, her doubts about immortality and transformation deepened day by day.

She has been enlightened for nearly ten thousand years, and still has a considerable lifespan ahead of her.

However, she could vaguely sense that the vitality of her first incarnation's powerful imperial origin was slowly fading, like the rising sun passing its zenith.

After a moment's thought, Yun Li said frankly, "Now, I observe that my own imperial origin is still at its peak, but its activity has shown signs of slight decline. I estimate that in a few thousand years, I will need to seriously begin preparing for the transformation."

In front of Jiang Hao and Lingbao Tianzun, she needed no cover-up, nor could she hide anything anyway, so she might as well open her heart.

Upon hearing this, Lingbao Tianzun's eyes revealed a hint of appreciation.

"It's good to be prepared," he said slowly.

"On the path to immortality in the mortal world, what matters is seizing that first-mover advantage and accumulating experience. The fact that you are already thinking about the next life before your first peak has ended shows that your Dao heart is firm and you are not tempted by temporary invincibility."

He admired this clarity and decisiveness.

Yun Li sighed softly, her gaze unconsciously drifting to Jiang Hao, who remained calm and composed opposite her, her tone tinged with a helpless sigh:

"I also admire the virtuous and strive to emulate them. I think of the Chaos Emperor, who had already completed his transformation during his first life at his peak. His longevity and profound accumulation are truly beyond the reach of others."

To live a lifetime that is nearly equivalent to two or more lifetimes for an ordinary person—that truly demonstrates great ambition and a grand vision.

She truly began to experience the difficulties of transformation, and only then did she realize how terrifying the foundation behind Jiang Hao's transformation back then was.

And the astonishing courage to deliberately choose annihilation at the peak of one's career in order to seek new life.

This gap filled her with both admiration and a sense that the road ahead was long.

Jiang Hao took a sip of tea, remaining noncommittal about Yun Li's sentiments.

He put down his teacup, looked calmly at her, and then glanced at Lingbao, who was listening quietly to him. He said slowly, "It was just a coincidence. Everyone's path is different, and their timing is different too."

His words were not merely modesty.

His courage to attempt transformation in his first life was certainly due to his deep accumulation of knowledge, the unique nature of his chaotic body, and the confidence brought by the mysterious bronze bell, but it was also due to a combination of opportunity and circumstances.

He didn't want to put pressure on his juniors to follow his example.

"Your foundation is solid, and the Way of Creation excels at transformation and nurturing life. If you plan your second life around this core, the chances of success are quite high."

He gave an affirmative assessment, and then added in a gentle but weighty tone, "If you have any questions at that time, you can come to me or discuss them with Fellow Daoist Lingbao."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Yun Li's eyes lit up, her gratitude growing even stronger.

To receive a personal promise from these two supreme beings who are at the forefront of the path to immortality to discuss this matter is itself an immense reassurance and an opportunity of immeasurable value.

Lingbao Tianzun nodded slightly and replied, "I have not been back for long. Due to my own experience, I have also gained new insights into this method of transformation. My path focuses on the immortality of the primordial spirit and true soul, seeking the opportunity to return in the midst of annihilation."

This approach, which emphasizes the vitality and creation of life and focuses on the process of life, may seem the opposite, but in reality, the greatest truths are the simplest. Life and death are sequential, and perhaps we can draw parallels and mutually reinforce each other.

He looked at Yun Li, his tone calm yet earnest, "If needed, we can communicate."

"Thank you, Heavenly Venerable!" Yun Li said solemnly again, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

At their level, their own insights and experiences are invaluable, and their willingness to share and guide so selflessly is truly admirable. This magnanimity and generosity made her deeply appreciate the open-mindedness of her predecessors.