I seek immortality by chance

Chapter 711 Dou Shu Hall, Measuring Immortal Foundation

The entire palace is constructed of flawless white jade and dazzling glazed tiles, with golden tiles and vermilion roofs, flying eaves and brackets, shimmering even without light, exuding a profound majesty.

Before the palace, ten-zhang-tall celestial soldiers stood in armor, their eyes cold and indifferent.

These celestial soldiers were not immortals, but their armor seemed to have patterns of the celestial universe connected to the twenty-two heavens, containing a deep immortal power that sent a chill down one's spine.

"These are merely the Heavenly Soldiers of the Immortal-Slaying Palace. If one day you break through your cultivation realm and become a Jade Void Immortal, obtaining the position of Immortal Lord, you will be able to command these Heavenly Soldiers."

The White Dew Immortal smiled slightly, then took the lead and walked towards the hall.

Gu Yuan followed closely behind.

"Boom!"

This Hall of Immortal Bestowal was extremely magnificent. Its golden gate, about twenty feet high, opened with a thunderous roar.

Within this palace, a vast expanse of ethereal energy gathered into clouds, spreading majestically throughout the hall. As Gu Yuan and his companion walked among the clouds, they felt as if they were walking on clouds, without seeing a single other person.

"call!"

But just as Gu Yuan and his companion had taken a few steps, a gentle breeze suddenly arose in the palace, and then the clouds that filled the entire palace gathered into a ball, falling into the depths of the palace and forming three prayer mats.

On the central prayer mat, an elderly man with silver hair and beard and a gaunt face sat upright.

His eyes were clear and deep, as if reflecting the ancient galaxy, but at this moment he looked at Gu Yuan with a smile, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

He was none other than the immortal who descended to the mortal realm back then, the third-generation patriarch of the Linchuan Daoist lineage, Patriarch Xunfeng.

He is also the Jade Void Immortal Lord of the Heavenly Palace, the Master of the Immortal Bestowal Hall, and a supreme being who governs the twenty-two heavens of the Heavenly Palace.

However, his aura and appearance were far more mysterious than when he was in the human world.

"Disciple pays homage to the Grandmaster!"

Immortal Bailu bowed first, paying homage to Ancestor Xunfeng.

"Disciple pays respects to the Ancestral Master!"

Gu Yuan also bowed in greeting.

"Get up. I've said it countless times before: in the Heavenly Palace, one must hold a celestial position."

Master Xunfeng smiled slightly, and without him making any move, the two were helped up by a gentle force.

"Yes, Hall Master!"

Immortal Bailu bowed again and changed his form of address.

Seeing this, Gu Yuan could only follow along, but he was curious as to why they were all addressed as "Palace Master".

Before he could think any further, Ancestor Xunfeng smiled and said, "Unexpectedly, after Xu Bai, only a few decades later, someone has ascended again. It seems that among the Xuanhuang, Linchuan is still superior."

"It is all thanks to the protection of the Palace Master that I am where I am today."

Gu Yuan bowed and replied with a smile.

Without that Golden Crow Immortal Bone, he wouldn't be where he is today.

The concept of "roots and foundations" is not just empty talk; it has real and significant applications.

"We have protected humanity for more than ten thousand years, but how many have actually ascended to immortality?"

"Innate talent, opportunity, and temperament are all indispensable. Becoming an immortal is due to your own efforts."

Master Xunfeng laughed heartily, his tone gentle, clearly extremely satisfied with the ascension of the mortal.

"You are new to the Heavenly Palace and are unfamiliar with this world, but there is no need to worry. You are the direct descendant of my immortal lineage, and your status is completely different from that of ordinary ascendants. The position of immortal should rightfully belong to you."

"Bring me the Immortal Record."

Master Xunfeng smiled and comforted Gu Yuan, then gave an instruction to the void.

Suddenly, the clouds shifted, and in the vast void, a tall fairy appeared, holding a golden jade book that seemed to flow with the rhythm of the Great Dao, appearing before Gu Yuan.

The jade book shone with divine light and bore four large characters: Heavenly Palace Immortal Record!
The entire universe and the thirty heavens seemed to be contained within this record. Gu Yuan only glanced at it, but he felt as if the entire Heavenly Palace and Immortal Path were slowly unfolding before his eyes.

"Please see this page."

But just then, the voice of Ancestor Xunfeng came, and then the Heavenly Palace Immortal Records were turned open with a clatter, landing directly on a page.

"The immortals of the Dou Shu Palace are in charge of the Dou Shu and are responsible for the conquest of [Jin Hai Star]. They hold the rank of fourth-grade immortals and can command 36,000 immortal officials and heavenly soldiers."

On this page, the character "仙" (xian, meaning immortal) flows, indicating the position of a celestial official in the Heavenly Palace.

"Please, Immortal."

The fairy maiden who presented the scroll offered a jade pen, within which celestial patterns danced, exuding a mysterious aura.

Gu Yuan had a vague feeling that if he possessed this pen and wrote down his name, he would gain unparalleled immortal power.

But just as Gu Yuan picked up the immortal brush as instructed by Ancestor Xunfeng, a loud, thunderous voice suddenly rang out in the hall.

"Congratulations to the Linchuan Immortal Vein for having another ascendant. However, according to the rules of the Heavenly Palace, the ascendant must first have their immortal foundation assessed to determine their path to immortality before they can be granted an immortal position. Otherwise, if their virtue is not commensurate with their position, it will only delay the great cause of our Heavenly Palace in opening up the starry sky."

A huge shadow appeared in the hall, and suddenly a humanoid giant spirit, thirty feet tall, appeared on the three futons.

It is only thanks to the immense size of the Hall of Immortal Bestowal that such a being could be accommodated.

This giant spirit had a ring of thunder on the back of its head, which rumbled loudly, and flames appeared in its hair and beard.

The entire palace seemed to transform into a world of thunder and fire in an instant, with everything in it showing a tendency to turn into thunder and fire.

Most importantly, the giant spirit stared intently at Gu Yuan, its golden pupils holding a profound meaning.

"Congratulations, Immortal Brother, another immortal has ascended to immortality."

"However, the position of Dou Shu Hall is of great importance. We should follow Brother Lei Huo Xian's advice and first assess the immortal foundation before granting it to him."

The moment the thunderous giant appeared, a young immortal in plain white robes and wide sleeves, untouched by any dust, suddenly appeared on another futon.

The void was silent, and all sound vanished.

The universe changes, and yin and yang reverse.

This is yet another Jade Void Immortal!

The three Jade Void Immortals stood on the futons, saying little, yet a competitive spirit was already quietly spreading.

"Do those who have ascended within the last thousand years still need to have their immortal foundation verified?"

"Without the power of killing and suppression, how can one quickly become an immortal?"

Master Xunfeng didn't even turn around to greet him; he simply said indifferently.

"We naturally believe in the immortal lineage of Linchuan, which has ascension practitioners within the age of a thousand."

"But such are the rules of the Heavenly Palace, so we should follow the order."

"Moreover, there were already candidates for this celestial position, and their names are on the list in the hall. It would be inappropriate to suddenly grant it to an ascendant..."

A tremendous roar resounded, and the colossal being spoke.

"Yes, that's right."

"The Heavenly Palace balances Yin and Yang and governs all realms; it should be just."

The young man, Yu Xu, dressed in plain clothes with wide sleeves, also spoke with a smile.

"Those candidates are merely spirits from the corners of the Immortal Sea Land. How can they compare to the ascendants of my Xuanhuang Origin Land?"

Master Xunfeng spoke calmly, his tone seemingly disdainful, but he ultimately said, "Since it is the rule of the Heavenly Palace, then let's test it."

The arrival of the two Jade Void Immortals ultimately changed the situation in the hall.

Gu Yuan frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled.

But... the strife in the Heavenly Palace was laid out before him on the very first day of his ascension.

The Heavenly Palace seems...not peaceful.

"Donghua, you are new to the Heavenly Palace and are not yet clear about its rules, but there is no need to worry too much."

Ancestor Xunfeng looked down at Gu Yuan, indicating that he should not worry, and then explained: "Under the rule of the Heavenly Palace, in the old and new Nine Realms, in the land of the Immortal Sea, the most direct lineage are the ascendants of the Xuanhuang Origin. This is a rule set by the Supreme One and a heavenly rule jointly established by the eight lineage ancestors. All those who are given priority in receiving any immortal positions in the Heavenly Palace are the ascendants of the Xuanhuang Origin."

"But individual methods of cultivation differ, and the foundation for immortality also differs. Some fight by battling and conquering the stars, some refine weapons and pills and comprehend the Dao in the furnace fire, and some comprehend the universe and establish a sect to spread the heavens."

"You are a direct descendant of my Linchuan Immortal Lineage. Now that you have ascended to heaven, you should be granted a fourth-rank immortal position and take charge of a palace."

"I expect you to take charge of the Dou Shu Hall, but this hall requires you to conquer extraterrestrial stars and make contributions to the longevity of my Heavenly Palace. If your immortal foundation is not suitable, I'm afraid it will be difficult to grant you this position."

"Now that the three palace masters are all present, I need you to go beyond the heavens to perform a spell and assess your immortal foundation. Are you willing?"

Master Xunfeng first explained the reasons behind it, and then asked Gu Yuan a question.

Although he doesn't yet know what makes the Dou Shu Palace so important that it has attracted three Jade Void Immortals to fight, Ancestor Xunfeng is Ancestor Linchuan, the one who bestowed upon him the Golden Crow Immortal Bone. Therefore, he cannot refuse, both out of sentiment and reason.

"Disciple is willing."

He bowed slightly and immediately performed a bow.

"good!"

Master Xunfeng smiled slightly, then with a wave of his sleeve, the scenery before him changed.

Billions of stars shone brightly, yet the landscape was cold and desolate, save for the howling winds.

The five of them had no idea that they had arrived in the outer space of the universe.

In the distance, the phantom of a majestic celestial palace can be seen in the distance.

The illusory palace in the sky seemed to stand in the starry sky, yet it also seemed to not exist in the world. In Gu Yuan's perception, it did not seem to be a physical entity, but rather a hazy dream.

It is both outside and within the domain.

Connecting countless stars and linking countless realms, any immortal who breaks through the "barrier" can seemingly enter the Heavenly Palace, regardless of their realm.

This was the first time Gu Yuan had seen the phantom of the Heavenly Palace in the outer space. The mysterious "dimension" and "existence" were difficult for him to understand.

"Let's do it here."

Master Xunfeng pointed his finger, and suddenly a tiny star appeared in the vast starry sky.

On this star, countless crimson flames spread. These flames were extremely strange, as if the space itself had been scorched and set ablaze. Not to mention spiritual energy, even immortal energy would be reduced to ashes in the face of this fire.

Moreover, every instant within the flames, a "space" would be burned into emptiness, and then a humanoid creature with three heads, six arms, a red face, and fangs would suddenly emerge from the void.

This three-headed, six-armed humanoid creature had bloodshot eyes and a natural indifference. It suddenly looked at Gu Yuan with what seemed like murderous intent.

However, there was a mysterious binding force on this star, which imprisoned all stars and spirits within it. Although this three-headed, six-armed humanoid creature tried its best to pounce on Gu Yuan, it could not move.

"This is a small star I created by simulating the [Ember Star]. The fire and the spirit of the Ember Star are the same."

"The fire of this star can burn away immortal power and even all spiritual energy. If you want to fight and kill on this star, you need to use the power of immortal foundation to change the world and gain control of immortal spiritual energy. Only in this way can you activate the immortal seal and command the heavenly army."

"If you are to take charge of the Dou Shu Palace, you will naturally need a superior immortal foundation capable of transforming the world of this star."

"As long as you can use your divine energy to sever the sparks of starlight, you can obtain this position."

Master Xunfeng pointed to the small red star and slowly spoke to Gu Yuan.

As for the Jade Void Giant Spirit and the Jade Void Youth, they exchanged a glance. Although they felt that this method was different from the rules of the Heavenly Palace, they ultimately did not speak.

After all, if Gu Yuan can truly suppress this star, even the two of them won't be able to say anything.

They are truly ascension beings from the Xuanhuang Realm, so precious indeed.

Like the top scholars in the imperial examinations, they were born to become high-ranking officials.

"Then this disciple will give it a try."

Gu Yuan was unaware of the inner workings of the rules, but he had never actually tried to change the world with his immortal foundation and reverse the rules of a single star.

Could this be the way the Heavenly Palace has conquered the stars and advanced relentlessly for tens of thousands of years?

He was curious and wanted to take this opportunity to test the limits of his immortal foundation power.

With this thought in mind, he traversed the void and arrived directly outside this star in one step.

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"

There was no wind on this star, and the crimson fire needed no wind to burn it; it directly scorched the void, and in the blink of an eye, a huge hole appeared in the already dark outer space of the star.

From within this hole, humanoid creatures with three heads and six arms emerged, and then all the already scarce light from beyond the realm was sucked into the hole.

That extraterrestrial land seemed desolate.

Gu Yuan stood outside this star, activated his immortal foundation, and looked up.

In an instant, the golden characters flowed, like smoke and dust, appearing before his eyes.

"Lower-grade Ember Stars, Ember Flame Value: Thirty-six, Thirty-seven, Thirty-eight, Thirty-nine..."

In Gu Yuan's unique vision, this spark of fire slowly emerged in a distinctive way.

Measuring the heavens with golden characters.

This is how the [Measuring Heaven] Immortal Foundation measures the heavens and earth.

Even in this remote land, there is boundless power.

Immortal Foundation, the foundation of the Immortal Path, is the true embodiment of the "Immortal Path" and the manifestation of its great power.

The difference between immortals and mortals begins here.

"Low-grade immortal spiritual energy, immortal spiritual value of ninety-seven, ninety-six, ninety-five..."

The ember value gradually increased, while the immortal spirit value gradually decreased. The two jumped one after the other in front of Gu Yuan's eyes.

Without hesitation, Gu Yuan took a deep breath and fully activated his immortal foundation.

"Buzz!"

In an instant, in Gu Yuan's unique vision, all the numbers collapsed into a straight line, like a bowstring stretched taut.

Every number shone brightly before his eyes.

"Ember value: thirty-six, thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty..."

The numbers are straight and long, but they are still slowly rising.

But in Gu Yuan's eyes, all the numbers shone brightly, radiating a mysterious golden light.

With a thought, his Daoist aura flowed and settled on the three characters "thirty-six".

"clang!"

In an instant, it seemed as if time flowed by, or as if a celestial lock descended, locking everything in place.

This is an indescribable power, the might of immortals, and the foundation of the immortal path.

The power of the Tao flows, and it is constant in all things.

The flames above the crimson star, as if spilled water flying backwards, instantly returned to their initial state.

The scorched void remained a hole, and the extinguished immortal spiritual energy had not recovered. However, the ember value remained fixed at a constant value, unmoved no matter how much it burned.

Gu Yuan's gaze had already turned to the second line of gold characters.

"Low-grade immortal spiritual energy, immortal spiritual value of ninety-seven, ninety-six, ninety-five..."

The gold lettering gleamed and shone brightly; all the numbers flowed through Gu Yuan's eyes.

His thoughts flowed like the master of heaven and earth, landing on the number "ninety-seven".

"boom!"

In an instant, celestial energy surged forth and appeared out of thin air. The celestial energy that had been partially burned on the crimson star actually reappeared in the star field.

Measuring heaven and earth, and maintaining the constancy of heaven and earth.

The rules of the One Star were thus forcibly changed.

(End of this chapter)