187: Chapter 187 The Grand Plan, Ascension?

Xiao Fan calmed his emotions and took a few steps forward, first performing a solemn salute to Jiang Hao: "Junior Xiao Fan pays respects to the Heavenly Emperor."

Then he turned to Heavenly Venerable Lingbao and Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi, also bowing in greeting: "Greetings to the two Seniors."

Jiang Hao introduced them with a smile:

"No need for such formality. This is Heavenly Venerable Lingbao, whom you should know something about, and this is Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi, a Senior from the Mythological Era who only returned a short while ago."

Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi, one of the powerhouses among the Nine Heavenly Venerables of the Mythological Era!

A powerhouse rumored to have passed away countless years ago was actually still alive!

Xiao Fan did indeed feel very surprised. Wasn't it rumored that Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi's soul and body had both been extinguished? Even he could return?

Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi gave a gentle smile: "No need for many ceremonies. Emperor Qiankun, the younger generation is truly to be feared!"

As several people took their seats, Xiao Fan's gaze ultimately couldn't help but fall on Jiang Hao. After hesitating for a moment, he finally asked the doubt buried deep in his heart for a long time:

"Heavenly Emperor, back then in Beidou, was that Elder Jiang your Incarnation?"

In fact, reaching his current level, he already had a certain idea in his heart.

As his strength grew, he could increasingly feel the mysterious and terrifying nature of Elder Jiang back then.

In this world, besides the Heavenly Emperor, who else could give him such a feeling?

Only the Heavenly Emperor, only the Heavenly Emperor!

Asking now was just to finally confirm it.

Especially when that heavenly lightning suddenly appeared back then, specifically striking the Qingming Clan and the Great Sage of Daoyang Mountain.

Thinking about it now, he could feel that something was off.

Jiang Hao nodded with a smile: "It was me. Back then, I was tempering myself in the Mortal World, walking in the form of an old man, and had a period of destiny with you."

Having received the definitive answer, Xiao Fan let out a long sigh of relief, his face showing a smile that was a mix of relief and sentimental reflection:

"As expected. Back then, I felt Elder Jiang was mysterious and unpredictable. As my cultivation grew, I found him even harder to fathom. In this world today, only you, Heavenly Emperor, can give this Junior such a feeling."

His tone was sincere and filled with gratitude, "If not for Elder Jiang's several instances of guidance and protection back then, this Junior might not be here today. This kindness, Xiao Fan will remember forever."

Jiang Hao waved his hand, his tone peaceful: "It's because you yourself lived up to expectations. I merely pushed the boat with the current. I am very gratified that you could reach this step."

This was the truth from Jiang Hao. The areas where he helped Xiao Fan weren't many; he only gave some guidance on cultivation and didn't provide cultivation talent or cultivation methods.

Because Xiao Fan was a true Genius, and a true Genius doesn't need too much interference; it's best to let them develop naturally.

Jiang Hao had given Opportunities to quite a few people, but those who could reach Xiao Fan's level currently only numbered two: one was Xiao Fan, and the other was the Great Emperor of Creation, Yun Li.

Opportunity is important, but one's own struggle and comprehension are more important. To become an Emperor, one must walk their own path.

Xiao Fan knew that for an existence like the Heavenly Emperor, too many words of thanks were meaningless. He just needed to keep this kindness in his heart.

His expression turned serious as he asked the most important purpose of this trip: "This Junior's visit this time is firstly to pay respects to the Heavenly Emperor, and secondly to ask for guidance on the path ahead."

Xiao Fan looked at Jiang Hao, his eyes clear and firm: "Although this Junior has just attained the Emperor's throne, I also know the Emperor Realm is not the end. How should one seek that legendary immortal path? How does one achieve Immortal Ascension?"

Jiang Hao pondered for a moment and slowly said:

"The immortal path indeed exists. From what our generation has explored so far, there are roughly two ways we know of."

"The first is the method of transformation within the Mortal World." Jiang Hao's voice was calm.

"In this human world, without relying on external things or seeking the Immortal Domain, relying only on oneself, living life after life, constantly transforming and being reborn. According to the deductions of myself and my two Fellow Daoists, if one can successfully live through about eight or nine lives and finally sublimate, perhaps one can achieve Heaven-Defying Immortal Ascension within the Mortal World."

"Eight lives? Nine lives?" Hearing this, even though Xiao Fan had become a Great Emperor and his will was as firm as a rock, he couldn't help but gasp at this moment.

This was simply too exaggerated, wasn't it?

"And it's still only a 'perhaps'? This Path to Immortality in the Mortal World is terrifyingly difficult!"

Xiao Fan knew how difficult it was to transform and live out another life; Opportunity, Comprehension Ability, and luck were all indispensable.

Eight or nine lives? That was an almost unimaginable long journey, and it was filled with uncertainty.

Even these three Seniors in front of him, who clearly had more than one life's body, said 'perhaps,' which showed its difficulty.

"It is indeed difficult," Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi added.

"This method is akin to changing one's fate against the heavens; every step is like walking on thin ice. As strong as the Dao Venerable was, he also stopped his exploration at the fifth life back then. However, if this path succeeds, the Foundation will be stable to an unimaginable degree, definitely not comparable to ordinary immortal paths."

Xiao Fan nodded, digesting this shocking information, and then asked again.

"Then the second one the Heavenly Emperor just mentioned is?"

"The second," Jiang Hao's gaze cast toward the endless Void Realm, "is to find a world more suitable for longevity and slowly Cultivate to become an immortal."

"A world suitable for longevity?" Xiao Fan's spirits were lifted.

"Correct," Jiang Hao explained,

"Besides our world, there are other great realms in the Chaos. One of them is called the Lesser Immortal Realm, where the environment is special and contains strange substances.

The Lifespan of those who have attained the Dao far exceeds ours. If one can enter it to Cultivate and accumulate enough, the hope of Immortal Ascension will greatly increase."

Xiao Fan's eyes lit up; this sounded more reliable than transforming in the Mortal World.

Jiang Hao continued: "Fellow Daoist Lingbao, Fellow Daoist Yuanshi, and I have discussed this and decided to try and open a relatively stable passage between the two worlds, connecting our world with that Lesser Immortal Realm."

He looked at Xiao Fan, his gaze deep:

"Opening this passage is firstly to scout the way, to find the path ahead and strategies to deal with future great enemies, and secondly to plan for future generations. In the future, there will be a continuous stream of those who become Emperors, but not everyone will have the Opportunity and perseverance to live out a second or third life."

"Rather than letting them quietly pass away after their Lifespan is exhausted, it is better to send them into the Lesser Immortal Realm, where there is longer life and a better environment for them to grow and accumulate.

In time, they can establish a foothold there and even develop it into our reserve land and forward base."

Jiang Hao had thought of this plan very early on. He had this intention when he discovered other worlds on the Path to Immortality back then.

One of the functions of refining the nine cauldrons was to prepare for this, but it had never been implemented.

Because the timing wasn't right before; opening a stable passage between two worlds was no simple matter.

It required both powerful strength and the right people.

Now with the two Heavenly Venerables, Lingbao and Yuanshi, it was just right. The timing was good, there were enough hands, and the candidate was also excellent.

Xiao Fan, as the first candidate for this plan, was very suitable.

He had good character, was strong enough, and had a steady personality. As a pioneer, he was the most suitable.

Xiao Fan's heart surged as he listened. Opening a passage between two worlds!

Transporting talents over and managing another great realm... the Heavenly Emperor's vision and planning were indeed grand and far-reaching!

This was not just for personal Immortal Ascension, but for the continuation and expansion of the entire world!

"Senior, what do you need me to do?" Xiao Fan asked directly, having faintly guessed Jiang Hao's intention in mentioning this matter.

Jiang Hao looked at him and spoke bluntly:

"At the beginning of opening the passage, we need a pioneer who is strong enough, reliable enough, and firm in will to go there.

On one hand, to scout the reality of the Lesser Immortal Realm and establish initial contact and a base; on the other hand, to receive Fellow Daoists who may enter later. You are very suitable."

Heavenly Venerable Lingbao also said: "With you as the pioneer, we can rest easy."

Xiao Fan hardly hesitated. He stood up and gave a solemn bow to Jiang Hao and the other two: "This Junior is willing to be the pioneer and explore the path ahead!"