161: Chapter 161 Baptism of the Dao Source, Soaring to the Heavens!

Stepping inside, the scene before him made Lin Wan slightly startled.

There was no imagined magnificence, no imagined floating Immortal Qi, and no imagined terrifying trials.

This was a piece of... Chaos.

No heaven, no earth, no light, no darkness, no up, no down, no front, no back. There was only a grey, hazy Chaos Qi, as if from the very beginning of all things, and as if from the very end of all things, slowly flowing, rotating, and evolving.

In the center of this Chaos, a primitive, crude, and even somewhat broken stone palace was suspended. The stone palace was not large, only a few zhang in circumference, built entirely from a grey-white giant stone that seemed to have endured the erosion of endless years. It had no doors or windows, only an open, deep doorway.

Above the lintel of the stone palace, three ancient, profound characters that seemed to contain the supreme truths of the Dao were carved — Dao Origin Palace.

Lin Wan did not recognize these three characters, but the moment his gaze touched them, he naturally understood their meaning. It was as if these characters led directly to the Origin of the Dao, and any living being who saw them could comprehend them.

A vast, ancient, boundless aura, as if originating from before the creation of the world, permeated from the stone palace and enveloped the entire Chaos space. This aura had no pressure, no repulsion, only a pure, all-encompassing, heavy, and profound quality, like the mother Qi of all things.

"Is this... Dao Origin Palace?" Lin Wan was shocked in his heart. He could feel that this Chaos and this stone palace were not an illusion, but a kind of strange space that truly existed. And within that stone palace, it contained something that made his Soul tremble and crave — the power of the Dao Origin!

"Ascend to the hundredth floor, enter the Dao Origin Palace, and you may receive the Dao Origin Baptism. The duration of the baptism depends on an individual's Foundation, Comprehension Ability, and Opportunity. Those who enter the palace must strictly guard their Dao Heart, must not be greedy for more, and must not force it. When the Opportunity arrives, Perfection will come naturally. If the Opportunity has not arrived, forcing it is of no benefit. Begin."

That grand, indifferent voice, which seemed to originate from the Dao itself, sounded again, echoing in this Chaos space.

Lin Wan steadied his mind and bowed deeply toward the primitive stone palace. Then, he stepped into the deep doorway.

The moment he stepped into the stone palace, Lin Wan seemed to have traveled through time and space, returning to the beginning of Chaos when heaven and earth had not yet opened and Grandmist had not yet been judged.

Inside the stone palace, it was "larger" than he had imagined. It was not large in the sense of space, but a grandeur of the "Dao". Here, it seemed to have no boundaries, yet it also seemed to be only a square inch of land. The surrounding walls, the dome, and the floor were all made of that grey-white giant stone, covered with naturally formed, mysterious and unpredictable dao rhyme patterns. These dao rhyme patterns were not carved by human hands, but were traces left by the natural evolution of the Dao, and each one contained supreme truths.

And in the center of the stone palace, a mass of... "light" was suspended.

No, that was not light. It was a kind of "existence" that could not be described in words, transcending color, transcending form. It seemed to be one, yet it also seemed to be ten thousand. It was Chaos, and it was also order. It was the beginning, and it was also the end. It was existence, and it was also nothingness. It floated there quietly, slowly rotating and evolving, emitting an aura that made one's mind intoxicated, as if wanting to merge into it.

"Dao Origin... or rather, a projection of the power of the Dao Origin, a wisp of aura?" Lin Wan looked at the mass of "light", his mind surging. He could feel that the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom" within his body was frantically cheering and craving, as if a long-awaited sweet rain had fallen after a drought, as if a wanderer had returned to his hometown.

"Dao Origin Baptism, start. Guard your Dao Heart, do not get lost."

The voice sounded again, and then fell silent.

The next moment, that indescribable "light" suspended in the center of the stone palace seemed to be attracted by something, and a wisp separated, like a trickling stream, flowing toward Lin Wan.

This "trickle" looked slow, but it arrived in an instant, ignoring the distance of space, and went straight into the center of Lin Wan's brow, poured into his Sea of Consciousness, flowed into his limbs and bones, and seeped into every inch of his flesh, every wisp of his Divine Soul, and every cell.

"Buzz—!"

Lin Wan's entire body shook violently, as if billions of thunderbolts had exploded within him simultaneously! It was also as if billions of warm currents were washing his body and Soul!

An indescribable feeling instantly engulfed Lin Wan. Pain? No, it was not just pain. It was the intertwining of extreme pain and extreme pleasure, it was destruction and Rebirth happening at the same time, it was breaking and restructuring completed in an instant.

His Physical Body, under the washing of that wisp of "Dao Origin power", was like an Ore thrown into a furnace; the Impurities were burned away and removed, and the essence was tempered and sublimated. Bones, muscles, Meridians, blood, internal organs... every inch was undergoing earth-shaking changes. Under his skin, seven-colored precious light faintly circulated; that was the Dao runes naturally forming within his flesh. His Physical Body strength was increasing at a terrifying speed, moving from being comparable to a Low Grade Immortal Artifact toward a Medium Grade Immortal Artifact, a High Grade Immortal Artifact, and even stronger!

His Immortal Qi, like a dried-up riverbed suddenly flooded by a vast ocean, was surging, condensing, and sublimating frantically. The Bottleneck of the Human Immortal Peak was easily pierced like thin paper, but he forcibly suppressed it, not immediately triggering the Earth Immortal Tribulation. He wanted to use the Dao Origin Baptism to build a more solid Foundation and temper his Immortal Qi to be even purer! Within his Immortal Qi, a faint, primordial, Chaos-like aura began to appear, and its quality underwent an essential improvement.

His Divine Soul was like being soaked in a hot spring, and also like being calcined in divine fire. The Impurities were removed, the essence was sublimated, becoming more condensed, solid, and transparent. The range of his Divine Sense expanded wildly, and his perception ability increased exponentially. Even, deep within his Divine Soul, a vague phantom, identical to his true self, was condensing—that was the prototype of the Primordial Spirit! A Primordial Spirit prototype that could only be initially condensed at the Earth Immortal Peak or even the Heavenly Immortal Realm was actually appearing at the Human Immortal Peak! This meant that his Divine Soul Foundation had reached a shocking level!

And the greatest change came from his "Dao", from the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom".

Most of that wisp of "Dao Origin power" was absorbed by the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom". The phantom of the Divine Kingdom in his Sea of Consciousness was expanding and solidifying frantically, as if it were about to move from illusion to reality! The grey, hazy Chaos Qi became more intense and began to evolve into earth, water, wind, and fire, with the clear and turbid separating, faintly showing signs of heaven and earth being created. The shadow of Reincarnation became clearer, with life and death Reincarnation and Karma cycles faintly forming a complete System. The light of existence shone in every corner of the Divine Kingdom, making this newborn world more stable. The darkness of the end was hidden at the edge of the Divine Kingdom, at the end of time, representing the possibility of all endings and new beginnings.

The four supreme dao rhyme prototypes, under the nourishment and harmonization of the "Dao Origin power", were no longer as distinct as before, but began to merge and resonate at a deeper level. Within Chaos, Reincarnation was gestating; within Reincarnation, existence was being established; within existence, the end was lying dormant; after the end, Chaos was reborn... forming a more mysterious and complete cycle.

Lin Wan's comprehension of the Dao skyrocketed as if he were riding a rocket. Many obscure and difficult points from before were now suddenly clear. His understanding of "Chaos", "Reincarnation", "existence", and "the end" reached a whole new height. He even faintly touched a higher level of power—Law! Although it was only the surface, it was already shocking enough. For a Human Immortal to comprehend Law was an unprecedented event!

Time, in this Dao Origin Palace, seemed to have lost its meaning.

Lin Wan was immersed in the supreme wondrous state of the Dao Origin Baptism, forgetting everything about the outside world, forgetting the passage of time, and forgetting his own existence. He seemed to have transformed into that wisp of "Dao Origin power", merging into Chaos, witnessing the creation of the world, experiencing Reincarnation, feeling existence, and peeking at the end...

His consciousness swam in the endless ocean of the Dao, greedily absorbing, comprehending, and understanding...

He didn't know how long had passed; perhaps it was an instant, perhaps it was ten thousand years.

The wisp of "Dao Origin power" that had poured into his body gradually became weak and finally disappeared.

The Dao Origin Baptism ended.

Lin Wan slowly opened his eyes.

His eyes were no longer purely black, but presented a deep grey that seemed to encompass the starry sky of the Universe, within which faint visions of Chaos evolving, Reincarnation flowing, light flashing, and darkness floating appeared, and then returned to calm, becoming deeper and more restrained.

He stood there, with no powerful aura leaking from his body; instead, he gave people a feeling of returning to simplicity, merging with the surrounding environment. It was as if he were a part of this Chaos, a part of this stone palace.

But his inner self had already undergone earth-shaking changes.

His Physical Body was as crystalline as jade, with seven-colored precious light faintly restrained within; its strength had reached an incredible level, enough to withstand the attacks of ordinary Medium Grade Immortal Artifacts! Based on his physical strength alone, he could crush an Early Stage Earth Immortal!

His Immortal Qi was vast as the sea, as pure as mercury, and contained a faint aura of Chaos; its quality was several times higher than before! Moreover, he felt that his cultivation had reached the limit of the Human Immortal; as long as he was willing, he could trigger the Earth Immortal Tribulation at any time, and he had a one-hundred-percent certainty of passing it easily, and could even trigger the strongest "Nine Heavens Tribulation" to cast a supreme Earth Immortal Foundation! But he still suppressed it; he wanted to wait for a better Opportunity.

His Divine Soul was powerful and condensed, and the range of his Divine Sense had expanded tenfold, enough to cover a thousand miles! Moreover, deep within his Divine Soul, the vague Primordial Spirit prototype had initially stabilized, which allowed his control over his own power, his perception of the surrounding environment, and his prediction of danger to reach a whole new Realm.

And the greatest gain was the comprehension of the "Dao" and the transformation of the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom".

The phantom of the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom" was no longer illusory, but had become incomparably solid, like the embryo of a real world, slowly rotating and evolving in his Sea of Consciousness. The range of the Divine Kingdom had expanded a hundredfold! Within it, Chaos evolved, clear and turbid separated, and there were faint prototypes of land, ocean, and sky. The shadow of Reincarnation had turned into an illusory long river running through the Divine Kingdom, in which the shadows of living beings faintly floated. The light of existence, like the sun, shone in every corner of the Divine Kingdom, making everything more real. The darkness of the end was hidden at the edge of the Divine Kingdom, at the end of time, silently operating.

Lin Wan felt that his connection with the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom" was closer, and his control over the power within it was more handy. He even felt that this Divine Kingdom had become the Foundation of his "Dao" and the source of all his future Divine Abilities.

"Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom... perhaps, in the future, it can really evolve into a real world..." This realization emerged in Lin Wan's heart.

Besides this, the Dao Origin Baptism also brought an unexpected benefit—his Comprehension Ability had been greatly improved. Many Divine Abilities and Cultivation Techniques that were difficult to understand or difficult to Cultivate before were now as clear as looking at the lines on one's palm. His thinking speed and deduction ability had also reached an incredible level.

"Hoo..."

Lin Wan exhaled a long breath of turbid air; this breath actually carried a faint aura of primordial Chaos, circling and dissipating in the stone palace.

"The Dao Origin Baptism is truly well-deserved." Lin Wan felt the earth-shaking changes in his body, his heart filled with joy and emotion. This baptism was more rewarding than all his previous Opportunities combined! This was not just an improvement in his strength and Foundation, but a reshaping and broadening of his future Dao path.

"Time to go out."

Lin Wan bowed deeply again to the indescribable "light" that was still suspended in the center of the stone palace. He knew that the Opportunity of this "Dao Origin Palace" was far more than this. The power of the Dao Origin contained in this mass of "light" was vast and boundless; what he had absorbed was merely a drop in the ocean. But this was already a tremendous fortune. Greedy for more is not good; he understood this truth.

Turning around, Lin Wan walked out of the Dao Origin Palace and returned to that Chaos space.

The moment he stepped out of the stone palace, that grand, indifferent voice sounded again:

"Dao Origin Baptism ended. Rating: Perfect. Time taken: Three days. Points obtained: 200,000 points. Extra reward: One Dao Origin Mark (With this mark, you can Cultivate once in the 'Dao Origin Pool' of the Donghua Immortal Sect). Total points obtained: 200,000 points."

"100th floor, Dao Origin Palace, passed. Rating: Perfect. Total points: 1,700,000 points. Current ranking: First place!"

"Congratulations to the trial-taker Lin Wan for reaching the 100th floor of the Ascension Tower and passing perfectly. You have set the best record in the Ascension Tower of the Donghua Immortal Domain in ten thousand years. This is hereby announced to encourage you."

"Buzz—!"

As this voice fell, the entire Ascension Tower suddenly erupted with unprecedented brilliant golden light! The light on the 100th floor was as dazzling as the sun, illuminating the entire Ascension Tower and the square outside the tower!

At the same time, a magnificent and vast voice that spread throughout the entire Donghua Immortal City, and even spread across half of the Donghua Immortal Domain, rang out thunderously:

"Donghua Immortal Domain Ascension Conference, Ascension Tower trial ended."

"Trial-taker Lin Wan, reached the 100th floor, passed perfectly, total points 1,700,000, ranked first!"

"Trial-taker Qin Wushuang, stopped at the 92nd floor, total points 850,000, ranked second!"

"Trial-taker Saintess Ye Qingxue, stopped at the 91st floor, total points 800,000, ranked third!"

"Trial-taker Xiao Zhan, stopped at the 90th floor, total points 780,000, ranked fourth!"

"..."

The voice was like the thunder of the Nine Heavens, resounding through heaven and earth, announcing the final result of this Ascension Conference's Ascension Tower trial.

"Boom—!!!"

The entire Donghua Immortal City was first in dead silence, and then, a heaven-shaking uproar erupted!

"1,700,000 points! My god! Did I hear that right?"

"Reached the 100th floor! Passed perfectly! Set the best record in ten thousand years!"

"Lin Wan! It really is Lin Wan! He actually did it! He reached the top!"

"1.7 million points! That's a full 850,000 points higher than the second place, Qin Wushuang! This... this is simply a crushing victory! It's a miracle!"

"Number one in ten thousand years! No, number one in a hundred thousand years! No, it is the highest record in the history of the Ascension Conference's Ascension Tower in the Donghua Immortal Domain!"

"A Prodigy! A peerless Prodigy! He has the bearing of a future Immortal Emperor!"

"Quick! Quickly send the news back to the Family (Sect)! The Donghua Immortal Domain is about to change!"

"..."

On the plaza, millions of Cultivators went completely wild. They cheered, they shouted, they were shocked, they were in awe. Everyone's gaze was focused on the spire of the Ascension Tower, focused on the figure in green robes who had just been teleported out of the tower—slightly weary, but with eyes as brilliant as the stars.

High up on the platform, Immortal Lord Tianhua and the other Heavenly Immortal powerhouses had completely lost their composure at this moment.

"1.7 million points... Reached the 100th floor... Perfect rating for the Dao Origin baptism..." The Elder of the Donghua Immortal Sect said, his voice trembling, his old face filled with excitement and disbelief. "This child... this child... My Donghua Immortal Sect will surely flourish!"

"We must recruit him! No matter the cost!" The Fairy from Yaochi Immortal Palace said, her beautiful eyes shimmering with intrigue, her tone resolute.

"Dao Origin Mark... He actually obtained a Dao Origin Mark! That is the credential to enter the 'Dao Origin Pool' for cultivation once! The Dao Origin Pool only opens once every hundred years!" The Sword Cultivator from the Divine Weapon Pavilion said, his eyes filled with envy.

Immortal Lord Tianhua could not hide his excitement at this moment. He looked at the slightly weary but straight-backed figure in green robes in the center of the plaza, a flash of relief, admiration, and a trace of undetectable gravity passing through his eyes.

"Lin Wan..." Immortal Lord Tianhua muttered to himself, "Is your appearance a blessing or a curse? The Donghua Immortal Domain, and perhaps even the entire Immortal Realm, will likely be stirred into Chaos because of you."

...

Below the Ascension Tower, the figure of Lin Wan slowly appeared.

He looked a bit weary. Having passed through one hundred floors consecutively, especially the three-day baptism in the Dao Origin Palace, although he had gained immensely, it had also consumed a great deal of his mental energy. Yet, his eyes were frighteningly bright, as if containing endless stars and wisdom.

As soon as he appeared, he immediately became the focus of the entire venue. Millions of gazes, like searchlights, converged upon him, filled with awe, envy, jealousy, and curiosity...

Qin Wushuang, Saintess Ye Qingxue, Xiao Zhan, and the others had also been teleported out long ago and were standing not far away. At this moment, their gazes toward Lin Wan were incredibly complex. There was shock, disbelief, bitterness, frustration, and also a trace of... admiration.

Especially Qin Wushuang. He had assumed he was the undisputed number one, the leader of the younger generation in the Donghua Immortal Domain. But Lin Wan's appearance was like an insurmountable mountain standing before him, shattering all his pride and self-confidence. 1.7 million points, reaching the 100th floor... The gap was too large, so large that he could hardly even muster the thought of catching up.

But he was Qin Wushuang after all, the leader of the Donghua Immortal Sect's younger generation. After a brief moment of distraction and frustration, he took a deep breath, and fighting spirit reignited in his eyes. He looked at Lin Wan, without jealousy or hatred, only with intense Battle Intent.

"Lin Wan..." Qin Wushuang walked up to Lin Wan and said in a deep voice, "I admit, I lost this time, and I am convinced of my defeat. But this is only the beginning. After the Ascension Tower, there is still the actual combat ranking. I will challenge you again in the actual combat!"

Lin Wan looked at the young man before him, who possessed a noble aura and soaring Battle Intent. Feeling the sincerity and unyielding spirit in the other's words, a trace of respect arose in his heart. Someone who could frankly admit defeat and not be discouraged, but instead be stirred to even greater fighting spirit, was worthy of respect.

"Good, I'll be waiting." Lin Wan nodded, his tone calm.

Saintess Ye Qingxue also walked over. Her gaze toward Lin Wan was filled with curiosity and intrigue. Where did this mysterious, powerful man who had created a miracle come from? His person seemed shrouded in a layer of mist.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, congratulations on reaching the top." Saintess Ye Qingxue's voice was cool but carried a hint of sincerity.

"Many thanks." Lin Wan smiled and returned the greeting.

Xiao Zhan also walked forward. He had a straightforward personality; although he had lost, he was convinced of his defeat. He laughed heartily, "Brother Lin, impressive! I, Xiao Zhan, haven't admired many people in my life, and you are the first! When there is an Opportunity later, we must have a good fight!"

"Definitely." Lin Wan also smiled; he quite liked this forthright man.

Just then, on the high platform, the voice of Immortal Lord Tianhua rang out, suppressing the clamor on the plaza:

"Quiet!"

The voice was not loud, but it clearly entered everyone's ears, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

The plaza instantly fell silent, and everyone looked up at the high platform.

Immortal Lord Tianhua's gaze swept across the audience and finally landed on Lin Wan. A rare smile appeared on his face as he said loudly:

"This year's Ascension Conference, the Ascension Tower trial, has now come to a successful conclusion. The trial-taker Lin Wan reached the 100th floor with a total of 1.7 million points, ranking first, setting a new ten-thousand-year record for our Donghua Immortal Domain. It is truly the fortune of our Donghua Immortal Domain, the fortune of the Immortal Realm!"

"According to the assembly rules, the Ascension Tower points will account for 40% of the total ranking. Next, the actual combat ranking will be conducted to determine the final standings. The top ten will obtain the qualifications to enter the 'Donghua Secret Realm' and have the Opportunity to be taken as Disciples by the four major powers. The top three will have additional grand prizes!"

"All trial-takers, rest for three days to adjust your state. Three days later, at the 'Battle Immortal Platform' in the center of Donghua Immortal City, the actual combat ranking competition will be held!"

"Now, announcing the Ascension Tower point rankings. Those in the top 100 may check their jade medallions themselves."

As Immortal Lord Tianhua finished speaking, the jade medallions in everyone's hands lit up, displaying the Ascension Tower point rankings.

1st Place: Lin Wan, Points 1,700,000.

2nd Place: Qin Wushuang, Points 850,000.

3rd Place: Saintess Ye Qingxue, Points 800,000.

4th Place: Xiao Zhan, Points 780,000.

5th Place: ...

Looking at those points hanging at the top of the list, far in the lead, everyone gasped in amazement again. 1.7 million—this number was like a great mountain pressing down on the hearts of all the contestants.

"Alright, everyone disperse. Three days later, at the Battle Immortal Platform, we shall see the final results!" Immortal Lord Tianhua waved his hand.

The crowd then gradually dispersed, but the discussions about Lin Wan, like a gale, instantly swept through the entire Donghua Immortal City and spread at an even faster speed toward the entire Donghua Immortal Domain and even further places.

The name "Lin Wan," like a rising, incomparably dazzling star, was destined to shake the entire Donghua Immortal Domain, and even... the entire Immortal Realm!

And at this moment, this "star" himself, amidst a crowd of envious, awestruck, and curious gazes, was invited alone by people sent by Immortal Lord Tianhua to a quiet, elegant pavilion beside the Ascension Tower.

Inside the pavilion, there were only Immortal Lord Tianhua and Lin Wan.

"Junior Lin Wan greets the Immortal Lord." Lin Wan said, neither servile nor overbearing, as he bowed.

Immortal Lord Tianhua looked at the young man in green robes before him, the more he looked, the more satisfied he became. This child was not only a monstrous Prodigy with outstanding strength, but his Heart-Nature was also steady, calm in the face of favor or humiliation, and his Dao Heart was perfect. He was truly an unpolished jade rarely found in eternity.

"Lin Wan, no need for such formalities." Immortal Lord Tianhua smiled and gestured for Lin Wan to sit. "Do you know why I have summoned you here?"

Lin Wan vaguely had a guess in his heart, but still said respectfully, "Junior does not know, please enlighten me, Immortal Lord."

Immortal Lord Tianhua did not beat around the bush and said directly, "Your performance in the Ascension Tower was brilliant and stunning; reaching the 100th floor and setting a ten-thousand-year record can be described as shocking the past and present. My Donghua Immortal Sect, and even the entire Donghua Immortal Domain, are honored because of you."

"According to custom, the top ten of the Ascension Conference are all qualified to choose to join the four major powers of our Donghua Immortal Domain. And you, as the undisputed number one, have the greatest right of choice. On behalf of the Donghua Immortal Sect, I sincerely invite you to join. As long as you nod, I can accept you as a Disciple on behalf of my master, making you my Junior Brother, with a status equal to a Core Elder, enjoying supreme resource allocation. I can even report to the Sect Master and ask the Sect Master to personally take you as a Disciple and teach you supreme Immortal techniques!"

Immortal Lord Tianhua's tone was filled with sincerity and expectation. Accepting a Disciple on behalf of a master, a status equal to a Core Elder! Even the possibility of being taken as a Personal Disciple by the Sect Master! Such treatment was simply unprecedented! It was evident how much the Donghua Immortal Sect valued Lin Wan.

Lin Wan's heart stirred. The Donghua Immortal Sect was the undisputed number one Sect in the Donghua Immortal Domain, with deep Foundations and rich resources. If he could join, it would undoubtedly have huge benefits for his future cultivation. Especially the resource allocation promised by Immortal Lord Tianhua and the possibility of being taken as a Personal Disciple by the Sect Master were even more tempting.

But Lin Wan did not agree immediately. He had ascended to the Immortal Realm not only to pursue higher Realms but also shouldered the heavy responsibility of finding a Dao Companion, continuing his lineage, and completing System tasks. Joining a large Sect, although rich in resources, had many rules and Restrictions, which might not necessarily suit him.

Moreover, he heard a hint of urgency in Immortal Lord Tianhua's words; it seemed not just as simple as appreciating talent.

"Many thanks to the Immortal Lord for the kindness." Lin Wan deliberated his words and said, "Joining a Sect is a major matter; Junior still needs to consider it. I wonder about the other three major powers..."

Immortal Lord Tianhua seemed to have anticipated that Lin Wan would say this and was not surprised. He smiled, "Yaochi Immortal Palace, Divine Weapon Pavilion, and Wanxiang Tower are naturally also thirsting for talent like you, a peerless Prodigy. Especially Yaochi Immortal Palace; it is said that the Palace Master is quite concerned about you and even intends to recruit you as a son-in-Law, betrothing the Saintess to you."

Recruit as a son-in-Law? Saintess? Lin Wan was slightly startled in his heart. Yaochi Immortal Palace was a famous female Sect in the Immortal Realm. Although they did recruit male Disciples, the number was very small, and their status was relatively special. Recruit as a son-in-Law? This was indeed a... novel way of recruitment.

"However," Immortal Lord Tianhua changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, "Lin Wan, the reason I sought you out today, besides inviting you to join the Donghua Immortal Sect, is that there is one more thing I need to remind you of."

"Please speak, Immortal Lord." Lin Wan's expression turned serious.

Immortal Lord Tianhua looked at Lin Wan and said slowly, "A tree that stands above the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Your performance in the Ascension Tower this time was too astonishing and will inevitably attract the attention of countless powers. Among them, there will be well-intentioned recruitment, but there will also be malicious covetousness, and even... some ill-intentioned gazes hidden in the dark."

"On you, there may be secrets that even you yourself do not know. 100th floor of the Ascension Tower, perfect rating for the Dao Origin baptism, 1.7 million points... These are enough to make some old monsters tempted. They will try every means to probe your secrets, and even... stop at nothing."

"The Immortal Realm is not entirely peaceful. Open conflicts and secret schemes are everywhere. You have not yet grown up; although you have talent, your strength is still shallow. You need to know how to hide your brilliance, know how to borrow strength, and need to know how to... protect yourself."

Immortal Lord Tianhua's tone carried a trace of solemnity and also a trace of concern.

Lin Wan's heart chilled. He understood what Immortal Lord Tianhua meant. His performance this time was too dazzling and would inevitably attract countless gazes. Among them, there must be enemies who want to strangle him in the cradle. The Donghua Immortal Sect was undoubtedly a good shelter. But this, I fear, was not without a price.

"Many thanks to the Immortal Lord for the reminder; Junior will keep it in mind." Lin Wan said solemnly.

"Hmm." Immortal Lord Tianhua nodded and took out a token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with complex cloud patterns, and handed it to Lin Wan. "This is the 'Donghua Token' of our Donghua Immortal Sect. With this token, you can freely enter and exit most areas of the Donghua Immortal Sect and can also mobilize some Sect resources. At the same time, this token is also a Magic Treasure for self-protection, which can withstand three full-force blows from a Heavenly Immortal Early Stage powerhouse. Keep it well; it is considered the good will of our Donghua Immortal Sect toward you."

Lin Wan took the token. It felt warm to the touch. Feeling the powerful energy and Restriction contained within, his heart stirred. This Donghua Token was of great value; it could both indicate the attitude of the Donghua Immortal Sect and protect him to a certain extent. He noted this good will.

"In addition, the 'Dao Origin Mark' you obtained can be used to go to the 'Dao Origin Pool' of our Donghua Immortal Sect for cultivation once after the Ascension Conference ends. The Dao Origin Pool is our Sect's Forbidden Ground, which opens once every hundred years and contains pure Dao Origin power. It has great benefits for you to consolidate your cultivation and comprehend the Dao, so do not miss it." Immortal Lord Tianhua added.

"Yes, Junior understands." Lin Wan nodded.

"Alright, go back and rest. Perform well in the actual combat ranking three days later. Regardless of which power you eventually choose to join, I hope you can go further." Immortal Lord Tianhua waved his hand, his tone gentle.

"Junior takes his leave." Lin Wan bowed again and exited the pavilion.

Walking out of the pavilion, Lin Wan looked at the warm Donghua Token in his hand, then looked up at the towering Ascension Tower in the distance, his eyes gradually becoming profound.

"The Immortal Realm... is indeed more exciting and also more dangerous than I imagined. However, this makes it all the more interesting."

"Donghua Immortal Sect, Yaochi Immortal Palace, Divine Weapon Pavilion, Wanxiang Tower... and the enemies hidden in the dark..."

"My Dao has only just begun."

Lin Wan gripped the Donghua Token in his hand tightly, feeling the surging power within his body and the expectation for the future, a faint, confident smile curling the corners of his mouth.

Three days later, Battle Immortal Platform, actual combat ranking.

He was looking forward to it.