I seek immortality by chance

Chapter 713 Heavenly Banner Palace Tai Su Cloud Sprout
The ten celestial officials were all from the realm of the Azure Wandering Immortals, and the thirty merit officers were also from the realm of the Great Vehicle Immortals, their bodies surrounded by spiritual light.

Although the celestial maidens and heavenly soldiers were not immortals, their cultivation had undergone a completely different transformation after experiencing the "minor ascension" of the first heaven of the Heavenly Palace, the Azure Heaven. They could control some immortal spiritual energy and possessed several mysterious immortal techniques. At this moment, a thousand of them stood together on the auspicious seven-colored clouds, grand and imposing, bowing and welcoming them outside the Ascension Hall, creating an extraordinary spectacle.

"The Dou Shu Palace has been prepared long ago. The celestial officials, merit officers, and even heavenly soldiers and fairies have all been assigned. They are just waiting for the Palace Master to return to his position."

"Once the Immortal Ascension Palace appoints you to an Immortal position, this Palace will simultaneously receive the Immortal Decree and will naturally come to welcome you."

"After all, although the celestial officials and merit officers of this hall have already been determined, if you are dissatisfied, you can submit a celestial document to the Hall of Appointment at any time to change the candidates."

"Although these ten celestial officials are all at the Azure Wandering Immortal realm, they are only ascended from the Immortal Sea. Their status is completely different from ours. Even if they have celestial positions, they can only be called celestial officials. If they do not have celestial positions, they can only be called immortals. Only when they are granted celestial positions can they be called immortal scholars."

The voice of the White Dew Immortal rang out at the right time, clearing up Gu Yuan's doubts.

Gu Yuan suddenly realized this, and at the same time, he had a clearer understanding of the Heavenly Palace hierarchy.

However, he did not immediately leave the hall and head to the Dipper. Instead, he asked, "May I ask the Ancestor, if it is not a cultivator from my Xuanhuang Dao lineage who ascends to immortality, then what should be done?"

Immortal Bailu smiled slightly: "Those who can ascend in the Xuanhuang Origin Land, even if they are not cultivators of my lineage, will have their status elevated and can be granted a fifth-rank immortal position. If they have a master or elder in the Nine Heavens, a fourth-rank immortal position is not impossible, and they can obtain the foundation for immortal cultivation."

"As for the eight stars of the new realm, their status is even lower. If their immortal foundation is suitable, they can be granted a leisurely sixth-rank immortal position. If their immortal foundation is not suitable, it is not impossible for them to become a seventh-rank immortal official."

“Even some demons and monsters won’t be granted celestial titles, but will be directly assigned to the [Sea of ​​Stars and Bones]…”

"Sea of ​​Stars and Bones?"

Gu Yuan was slightly surprised.

"Hahaha, the Heavenly Palace is vast, and it is the place to establish the Heavenly Realm. In addition to the Thirty-Three Heavens, there are also various star seas, great domains, and secret palaces. It is difficult to explain them all in a short time. Although I have a method of transmitting secrets with immortal thoughts, which can make you understand everything in an instant, this would take away a lot of fun. You can learn about it yourself after you move into the Dou Shu Palace."

The White Dew Immortal laughed loudly, but offered no further explanation.

Entering the Heavenly Palace for the first time and exploring everything is the joy; if one were to understand everything in an instant, where would the joy be?

When he entered the Heavenly Palace, he was given a secret by the immortals, which allowed him to understand everything in the Heavenly Palace in an instant. Although it was swift, everything he saw afterward was uneventful and meaningless. Therefore, after he took charge of the Ascension Hall, he stopped using this method.

"I apologize for disturbing you, Master. I will come back to thank you after I have settled in."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuan did not ask any further questions. He bowed to the White Dew Immortal, then turned around leisurely and prepared to walk out of the hall.

The White Dew Immortal smiled and nodded, then rose to see him off.

As the two stepped out of the palace gates, the celestial officials and clerks outside immediately bowed and called out again, "We respectfully invite the celestial beings to return to the palace!"

The young celestial official at the head of the group, dressed in crimson brocade and wearing cloud-climbing boots, quickly walked up to Gu Yuan, presented him with a gilded celestial seal, and respectfully bowed: "Please return to the palace, celestial sir, and take charge of the Dipper."

"This disciple will go first."

Upon seeing the gilded immortal seal, Gu Yuan knew it must belong to him. With a flick of his sleeve, the seal disappeared into his sleeve. He then turned and bowed again to the White Dew Immortal before leaving with the young immortal official.

"hold head high!!"

Without the young celestial official making any move, a golden cloud chariot flew out from the auspicious seven-colored clouds, pulled by four golden cloud dragons that resembled real dragons.

This is the exclusive golden carriage of the Palace Master of Dou Shu Palace, the Golden Cloud Dragon Carriage, which can traverse the thirty heavens of the Heavenly Palace at great speed, treating the void as nothing.

Without any hesitation, Gu Yuan boarded the cloud carriage. Immediately, the golden dragon roared and soared into the sky, flying straight towards the seventh heaven.

Although the Heavenly Palace has thirty-three heavens, those below the twenty heavens each have their own duties and are arranged according to their functions. Immortals in lower heavens are not necessarily inferior to cultivators in higher heavens; it all depends on their individual immortal positions.

Just like the White Dew Immortal, although he is in the second heaven, he is still a fourth-rank immortal, in charge of the gates of the Heavenly Palace. He is in a high position and has great power. His status is no less than that of Gu Yuan. It's just that the Ascension Platform is located in the second heaven for the convenience of management.

The golden dragon ascended to the seventh heaven, arriving in the blink of an eye.

……

……

Each level of the Heavenly Palace has its own sun, moon, and stars, all bathed in countless rays of light, vast and boundless, forming a celestial dome, no different from any other world.

The only difference is that the inner celestial palaces are different, the atmosphere is different, and the celestial positions are different.

Although Gu Yuan had crossed the seventh heaven once before under the guidance of the White Dew Immortal, this time, the feeling was even deeper.

"Zheng!"

The clouds swirled and churned, and within the radiant glow of the sunset, there was a chilling aura unlike any other in the heavens.

The seventh heaven, Taiyuan Heaven!

This realm is not controlled by any single immortal lineage, but by the [Heavenly Battle Division], which is jointly governed by the eight lineages. Under the Heavenly Battle Division are eight palaces: Yuan, Wang, Hou, Jue, Xing, Yuan, Heng, and Shu.

These eight palaces, also known as the Eight Departments of the Heavenly Palace, are the main force for the Heavenly Palace's conquest of foreign lands.

Above that are the Heavenly Soldiers of the Heavenly Battle Division, the powerful forces of Jade Void Immortals, officials of the third rank and above, who rarely use their power.

Normally, the Celestial Star Division explores the outer void to find great stars that can be conquered, and then reports to the Celestial Battle Division, which then directly orders the First Palace to launch a conquest.

The Heavenly Dou Division is overseen by eight Jade Void Immortals, who are usually elusive and rarely concern themselves with worldly affairs.

Even matters like bestowing titles upon the lower-level immortals of the Imperial Conferment Office are directly managed by the Imperial Conferment Office, and the Heavenly Battle Office has never intervened.

Therefore, Gu Yuan did not need to visit the immortal.

Although the Heavenly Palace has strict rules, that applies to celestial officials and soldiers. For immortals like Gu Yuan, who come from the Xuanhuang Dao lineage, everything is simplified and there are no difficulties.

"hold head high!!"

He rode in the Golden Cloud Dragon Chariot, soaring upwards without encountering any difficulties, and arrived at the Dou Shu Palace.

The Dou Shu Palace occupies nearly one-eighth of the Taiyuan Heaven, its vastness and boundless expanse serving as Gu Yuan's cultivation ground.

Within this place, apart from the Dou Shu Hall which he cannot alter, he can freely change one-eighth of the Cloud and Sky River, the Jade Towers and Palaces.

"Welcome, Lord of the Palace!"

At this moment, before a golden palace that shone as brightly as the sun, 36,000 heavenly soldiers, clad in heavenly armor and wielding long halberds, stood majestically atop the clouds.

Upon seeing Gu Yuan arrive on his dragon-drawn chariot, the 36,000 heavenly soldiers shouted in unison, their voices shaking the universe and causing the sea of ​​clouds to tremble—a terrifying force capable of destroying the heavens and the earth.

"So these are the heavenly soldiers of Prince Dou Shu..."

Upon seeing this, Gu Yuan sighed inwardly.

These 36,000 heavenly soldiers were not the immortals of Biyou.

Even in the Immortal Sea beneath the Heavenly Palace, where there are no Heavenly Tribulations and billions of beings can cultivate extremely quickly, becoming a Biyou Immortal is still incredibly difficult.

If one can truly become an immortal, one can ascend to heaven, become an immortal official, enjoy an immortal salary, and have a place to settle down.

These 36,000 heavenly soldiers are Mahayana cultivators from the Immortal Sea. After passing the Ascension Platform and being selected by the first level of the Heavenly Palace, the Azure Heaven, they were granted the Seed of Immortal Spirit and achieved a special kind of "Mahayana". They possess some immortal power, can condense a little immortal foundation, cross the outer realms, and control immortal seals.

In terms of combat strength, none of the 36,000 heavenly soldiers could defeat Gu Yuan. However, at this moment, if he were to fight these 36,000 heavenly soldiers alone, he would probably be powerless to do so.

Although his immortal foundation was strong and his immortal seal was profound, the combined attack of 36,000 heavenly soldiers, who had set up an immortal formation, was still an extremely terrifying force.

However, if he is determined to escape, even these 36,000 heavenly soldiers will find it difficult to capture him.

But this incident also gave Gu Yuan a more straightforward understanding of the heavenly soldiers and generals.

"If you do your work well, you will one day become an immortal."

Gu Yuan, new to the Heavenly Palace, was speechless for a moment, only offering a simple word of encouragement: "Fight for the Heavenly Palace!"

The heavenly soldiers roared in unison, and then, under the arrangement of the celestial officials, they neatly parted to both sides, revealing a central cloud path.

Gu Yuan rode his cloud chariot and flew over the cloud path. Looking into those eager and lively eyes, he was filled with emotion.

These 36,000 heavenly soldiers were all living beings, cultivated from life forms, not puppets. From a great distance, Gu Yuan could even see the heavenly soldiers' camp, which contained caves, pills, and all sorts of cultivation items.

The Heavenly Palace is indeed solemn and imposing, with the Great Luo residing above the thirtieth heaven, seemingly a place where the Dao exists. Yet, it is still the abode of living beings, where all emotions, desires, and hopes reside. It is not merely a cold, impersonal "Heavenly Palace."

"Welcome to the palace master!"

Within that golden, sun-like palace stood a row of celestial maidens, all possessing divine beauty, holding brushes and inkstones, respectfully welcoming Gu Yuan.

Inside the palace, a dazzling throne, as bright as the sun, sits at the head of the table, flanked by four jade tables on each side. Below the throne are deep jade steps, with flowing celestial mist, showcasing the majesty of the Heavenly Palace Battle Hall.

"The list of celestial officials and heavenly soldiers of the Dou Shu Palace is here. Please take a look, Palace Master."

The young celestial official who had previously greeted Gu Yuan presented him with a celestial book.

With a single glance, Gu Yuanxian knew the names, appearances, and cultivation levels of all the celestial officials, thirty merit officers, and thirty-six thousand heavenly soldiers in the hall.

"Left Commander, bring the Immortal Code!"

A thought struck Gu Yuan, and he immediately called out to the young man in the golden fairy robe.

This young man was a Celestial Immortal who ascended from the Immortal Sea, holding the sixth rank of immortal and the position of Left Palace Envoy of the Dou Shu Palace. He was the highest-ranking immortal in this palace after Gu Yuan.

"Yes, Hall Master!"

The Left Chief Envoy immediately responded, took out a book of immortals, and presented it to Gu Yuan.

This is the Celestial Record of Heavenly Rules, which records everything about the duties, celestial positions, and celestial rewards of the Heavenly Palace, and naturally also includes the celestial positions of the Dou Shu Palace.

With his vast divine sense, the immortal knew all the rules within with just a glance.

"Right Pivot Envoy, bring me the celestial star map."

Gu Yuan closed the Immortal Book and gave instructions to the right.

"Yes, Hall Master!"

A fairy official dressed in purple robes, with white hair and a youthful face, immediately brought out a huge star map and presented it to Gu Yuan.

"Wow!"

With a flick of his sleeve, Gu Yuan caused the star map to move without wind and suddenly hang in the hall.

In an instant, a galaxy of stars appeared, traversing the heavens, before Gu Yuan's eyes.

This is a map of the Heavenly Palace's conquest of star fields over tens of thousands of years. It is vast and boundless, stretching across countless star fields.

At this moment, four crimson stars hang in the picture.

These are the four stars that the Heavenly Palace is about to conquer. Among them, the northernmost star, a blazing fire, is none other than the [Jinhai Star] that the Dou Shu Palace is about to conquer.

"Palace Inspector, where is the Dipper Pivot Immortal Treasure?"

After gazing at the star map for a long time, Gu Yuanyao finally turned his attention to another graceful and beautiful female immortal dressed in azure fairy robes and called out to her.

"The Divine Treasure of Dou Shu is here; please, Palace Master, refine it."

The female immortal dared not be negligent and immediately bowed respectfully, taking out two radiant treasures and presenting them to Gu Yuan.

Each hall in the Heavenly Palace possesses a celestial treasure, which is a fixed treasure. If one is not serving in a particular hall, one must relinquish this treasure.

However, immortals cultivate slowly, and once an immortal position is determined, it is extremely difficult to change. Therefore, it is no different from one's own immortal treasure.

Gu Yuan looked closely and saw that there was indeed a drum and a sword in the brilliant spiritual light.

The drum is the Dou Shu drum. Once this drum is struck, the stars will tremble and the heavens will shatter. It is the drum of the supreme sound path, which is dedicated to destroying the bodies of stars.

The sword is the Floating Dawn Immortal Sword. The sword light emitted by this sword is like floating clouds, cutting through illusions and directly targeting the body of living beings. All illusions and methods of evasion are ineffective against it. The only way is to withstand the sword's edge head-on. If one cannot withstand it, one will die and perish.

Upon seeing the two treasures, Gu Yuan nodded in satisfaction.

When he ascended to heaven, he had already returned the Immortal-Slaying Gourd to Linchuan. Now, he only possesses the "Good and Evil Immortal Treasure" held by the Venerable Wuya. This treasure can reverse good and evil, turn the world upside down, and make everything go in the opposite direction. It is an immortal treasure that is good for both offense and defense.

However, this mirror is, after all, a mortal object, and there is only one of it. Gu Yuan was still a little uneasy. Now that he had obtained the Dou Shu Drum and the Fu Liming Immortal Sword, he was overjoyed.

These are all top-grade eighth-tier immortal treasures.

But in an instant, his brows furrowed again, and he asked the female immortal, "Only these two treasures? Where is the Heavenly Banner Palace?"

The female immortal immediately lowered her head, bit her lip, and said, "Reporting to the Palace Master, the Heavenly Furnace Palace previously stated that there is a shortage of immortal materials, and the Heavenly Banner Palace may need a hundred years to forge it, so we are asked to wait."

"A century?"

Gu Yuan frowned immediately.

The Heavenly Banner Palace is the most important celestial treasure among the eight palaces under the Heavenly Dou Division, used for conquering the outer stars.

The smaller version of this palace can accommodate 50,000 heavenly soldiers to traverse the starry sky and suppress those beyond the realm; the larger version can accommodate 100,000 heavenly soldiers to intercept the sun.

Without this palace, the heavenly soldiers and generals would be like having no camp when they fought in the outer realms. Whether it was suppressing great stars or fighting against extraterrestrial spirits, their combat power would be greatly reduced.

This is an indispensable treasure for conquering the outer reaches of the stars.

Another hundred years?

Although immortals have long lifespans, the Heavenly Palace has strict rules and places great emphasis on "immortal speed". Everything requires a long time, so how can they surpass the Dragon Clan and ascend to the heavens?

The universe is not yet at peace.

The Heavenly Dou Division has issued a decree requiring them to advance to [Jinhai Star] within ten years, which is why they are selecting a Palace Master and acting at the opportune moment.

But will it take another hundred years to forge the Heavenly Banner Palace?

Was it an oversight by the Heavenly Fighting Division, or was there something else going on?
Gu Yuan seemed to be deep in thought, but he did not make things difficult for the female immortal. He simply said, "Issue an immortal decree to go to the Heavenly Furnace Hall and inquire about this matter."

"Yes, Hall Master!"

Upon hearing this, the female fairy breathed a sigh of relief and quickly led the fairy maidens to write down the order.

"Has the celestial stipend been distributed?"

Gu Yuan turned around and asked the Left Privy Councilor.

Immortal Biyou faces countless difficulties in improving his cultivation level; he absolutely needs elixirs and miraculous medicines.

The fourth-rank celestial position offers an extremely attractive salary, and it is extremely difficult to be granted to anyone who is not a direct descendant of the Xuanhuang lineage.

"According to the Immortal Records of the Hall of Immortals, the Immortal Salary Hall has already sent over the elixirs and spiritual medicines, but one ingredient, the Tai Su Cloud Sprout, is missing."

The Left Chief Minister immediately responded, though his expression showed a hint of trepidation.

Gu Yuan frowned slightly.

(End of this chapter)