Chereads / Supreme Venerable: The Rise of the Immortal Emperor / Chapter 7 - The First Step Toward Ascension

Chapter 7 - The First Step Toward Ascension

The winds of the desert swept through the air, the sound of sand shifting and the hum of spiritual energy filling the atmosphere. Liu Chen stood tall, his heart steady after overcoming the Trial of Spirit. The path ahead, though uncertain, seemed clearer now. The journey of cultivation was long, but with each trial he overcame, his power grew, and his understanding deepened.

System:

"Congratulations, Host. The Trials of the Three Realms—Strength, Will, and Spirit—have been completed. You are now ready to begin the next phase of your cultivation."

Liu Chen felt a surge of energy inside him, his body vibrating with newfound strength. The trials had tested him in ways he never expected, but they had also shown him how far he had come and how much more he had to grow. The Trials were over, but his path was just beginning.

As he began to walk forward, the land around him began to change. The once desolate desert gave way to lush forests and vibrant fields, the colors of life returning in a burst of natural beauty. Liu Chen's surroundings felt alive, as though the world itself was welcoming him into a new chapter of his journey.

The sky above transformed into a canvas of deep blues and golden hues, and in the distance, he could see towering mountains and rivers cutting through the land. The Immortal Domain was within reach—an entire new world where cultivators strived to ascend to greater heights. But first, Liu Chen knew that he had to continue growing. He needed to explore, understand, and most importantly, challenge himself in new ways.

System:

"Host, your cultivation level has advanced. You are now in the Mountain and Rivers realm of the Immortal Domain, Early-stage. You must continue gathering resources and refining your skills before you can challenge the Sun and Moon realm."

Liu Chen's eyes gleamed with excitement. He had passed the Small World realm and entered the Immortal Domain, the realm where true immortals walked. His power was now on a completely different scale, but he knew that the road ahead was not an easy one.

The system's words rang in his mind, reminding him of the importance of refining his skills before he could take the next step. The Mountain and Rivers realm represented a significant leap in his cultivation journey, where a cultivator's foundation solidified and their potential expanded exponentially. In this stage, cultivators gained access to far more powerful techniques and resources. But there were also dangers.

Liu Chen knew that his advancement would attract attention—both from allies and rivals. The Immortal Domain was filled with powerful figures, sects, and factions, each one vying for control, knowledge, and supremacy. But Liu Chen wasn't worried. He had faced greater trials, and he would face these challenges head-on as well.

His first task was clear: find the resources he would need to advance further.

System:

"You have unlocked access to the Immortal Domain map, Host. Use it wisely to find rare herbs, cultivation materials, and powerful techniques that will aid in your ascent."

The map appeared in his mind's eye, showing a vast landscape filled with ancient forests, hidden caves, sacred mountains, and mysterious ruins. There were places marked with symbols, each one representing different opportunities for growth. Some locations promised rare herbs that could amplify his cultivation speed, others held ancient techniques that could refine his body and soul, and still others were rumored to contain treasures capable of increasing his lifespan and enhancing his strength.

Liu Chen made up his mind. He would start his journey by heading toward a location marked on the map—a sacred valley known for its powerful Spirit Beasts and Immortal Herbs. These creatures were known to possess rare essences, and consuming their hearts or blood could provide unimaginable benefits to a cultivator's growth. It was a dangerous endeavor, but Liu Chen was no stranger to danger.

He began his journey immediately, his body moving swiftly through the vibrant terrain. As he passed through thick forests and crossed over crystal-clear rivers, the air seemed to hum with spiritual energy. His senses were heightened, and the world around him felt alive in a way he had never experienced before.

Hours passed, and the landscape grew more and more mystical. The trees grew taller, their leaves shimmering with an otherworldly glow. The rivers sparkled with energy, and the air seemed charged with an ancient power. It wasn't long before Liu Chen arrived at the sacred valley.

The valley was surrounded by towering cliffs, and the entrance was marked by a giant arch made of stone. Strange symbols were etched into the surface, glowing faintly in the dim light. Liu Chen could feel the immense pressure of spiritual energy emanating from within. This place was not ordinary—it was a place of power, a place that could make or break a cultivator.

As he entered the valley, the air grew thick with tension. He could feel the presence of Spirit Beasts watching him from the shadows. Their eyes glowed faintly in the underbrush, and the sounds of rustling leaves and snapping branches sent a shiver down his spine.

Suddenly, the ground beneath his feet trembled, and a massive roar echoed through the valley. Liu Chen's eyes narrowed as a large figure emerged from the shadows—a giant Spirit Tiger, its fur glistening with a silvery sheen, its eyes glowing with a fierce light. The beast was easily ten feet tall, with claws sharp enough to tear through rock. It was a creature of immense power.

The Spirit Tiger locked eyes with Liu Chen, and for a moment, neither moved. The air was thick with tension. Liu Chen could feel the beast's energy—strong, fierce, and unrelenting. It was clear that this creature was no mere beast; it was a protector of the valley, a guardian of the ancient treasures hidden within.

The tiger growled low, its massive body crouching in preparation to attack.

Liu Chen raised a hand, calling upon his spiritual energy to form a protective barrier. He knew that this was no ordinary encounter. The beast was not just a test of physical strength, but a test of his resolve. He would have to outwit it, not just overpower it.

"Come at me," Liu Chen muttered under his breath. The Trial of Spirit had taught him the value of inner strength, and now, in this moment of danger, he would rely on that. The beast lunged at him with terrifying speed.

Without hesitation, Liu Chen stepped to the side, using the speed and agility he had cultivated through the Trial of Strength. He countered the tiger's strike with a move that sent a pulse of spiritual energy through his fist. The tiger's massive frame was thrown back, its claws scraping against the earth.

The tiger roared again, but Liu Chen knew that brute force wouldn't win this battle. He needed to outmaneuver it.

As the beast circled around, Liu Chen tapped into his Spiritual Pedestal cultivation. He summoned the power of the surrounding energy to manipulate the very earth beneath him. The ground trembled, and sharp stone pillars erupted from the earth, creating a cage around the tiger.

The tiger hesitated for a moment, its instincts warning it of danger. But Liu Chen was already preparing his next move. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a powerful spiritual blast that knocked the tiger to the ground, immobilizing it.

The beast let out a low growl, but Liu Chen didn't waver. He took a step forward, his eyes calm but filled with determination. He had earned the right to take what lay ahead in this valley, and no beast—no matter how powerful—would stop him now.

System:

"Congratulations, Host. You have successfully subdued the Spirit Tiger. You have unlocked access to the treasures of the valley."

Liu Chen nodded, his heart beating strongly in his chest. He had passed yet another test, and now the real rewards awaited. As he stepped closer to the center of the valley, the ground began to glow, and the ancient treasures of the valley slowly revealed themselves to him.

The next step in his journey had begun.