"Judging by the reactions of Can Sutian, Jun Wuji, and the others, it seems they’re in the dark as well."

"That’s truly strange."

"What secret is Yun Zheng still hiding?"

Shi Feng lowered his voice, utterly baffled.

"The first time this old man set foot on the Ancient Land of Immortal Fall, I happened upon a surviving will."

As soon as Yun Zheng spoke, shock swept through the crowd.

"What? The will of a surviving Immortal?"

"How can that be? Even Immortals—how could they possibly preserve their will?"

"Yun Zheng, does that will still remain?"

Every faction reacted in an uproar.

Jun Wuji, Profound Jade, and Saint Monarch Nantian—the three major Celestial Beings—glared daggers at Yun Zheng, utterly unable to believe his words.

Even those of the Five Elements Celestial Realm were thrown into uncertainty and doubt.

Even Xiao Ming was no exception!

Yun Zheng let out a low chuckle, "That honored one is, of course, still present."

As his words fell, a thin, frail-looking middle-aged man at his side abruptly stood and swept his gaze around.

In an instant—

The space around fell deathly silent, unnaturally so.

Xu Yang’s pupils contracted as he stared unblinkingly at the figure.

The middle-aged man revealed a sinister and chilling smile.

Whoosh!

His robes billowed, emanating an obscure yet profound aura.

It was somewhat akin to the auras of those present, yet far more ancient and astonishing!

As if a true Immortal was awakening!

Such a presence could never be feigned!

No one who had crossed the Ascension Bridge or entered the Peeping Immortal Sect could possibly have accumulated such an aura!

"I have long since perished, with only a wisp of remnant will picked up by this old man, and after many years, I’ve managed to barely recover a fraction of my memory."

"Still, for you all, this is already a tremendous opportunity!"

The middle-aged man carried himself with pride, looking down as though at a group of lesser beings.

Even as he addressed Yun Zheng as "old man," the latter showed no sign of displeasure.

"You may address me as Gou Mu."

"In life, I should have been a Golden Immortal. Oh, and the Immortal Dao is divided thus: True Immortal, Celestial Immortal, Golden Immortal, Saint Immortal, Daluo Immortal, Emperor Immortal, and Ancestor Immortal!"

"Immortal cultivation is founded upon the immortal base; as for you—the means by which your factions gained access to the Ascension Bridge was given to Yun Zheng by myself, and he passed it on to you. In the Immortal Dao, this is common knowledge!"

At these words, Xu Yang felt an epiphany.

So it was Yun Zheng who had given the method to all the factions.

He was startled; that old fellow had actually done them such a favor?

But thinking it over, he felt at ease—

For there were surely dangers hidden beyond this.

More power was needed.

Just from these words, Xu Yang was certain: this person named "Gou Mu" was indeed no less than an Immortal!

What Gou Mu went on to say was precisely the information concerning the immortal base that Xu Yang had learned.

Gou Mu spoke on without pause.

Though the crowd was silent, their faces were filled with emotion, breathing quick and uneven, unable to calm down.

Shi Feng and the others exchanged glances, remaining impassive.

They had long known this information already!

But now, all was laid bare to everyone.

For a while, silence reigned.

After a brief introduction, Gou Mu spoke in a low voice: "Do you know how this battlefield came to exist?"

At this moment, even Xu Yang couldn’t help but stare intently at Gou Mu.

Amid tens of thousands of expectant eyes, Gou Mu grinned: "The battle between Ancient Immortals and Demon Immortals!"

"Within the Immortal Dao are Ancient Immortals and Demon Immortals—the origin of their conflict stretches back tens of millions of years. My own memory is incomplete; it’s a blank to me."

"No matter—knowing there is such a struggle is enough!"

"This very Training Tower, and this entire continent, belong to the Demon Immortals; the Ancient Immortals struck, and the Demon Immortals were overthrown and destroyed."

"Deep within this land, there lies a chance to truly step upon the path of Immortality; what remains from that ancient war is not only an opportunity for you, but can also restore me!"

"But let me remind you all: before you truly become Immortals, you must make a choice—become an Ancient Immortal, or become a Demon Immortal!"

Demon Immortal!

Just from the very name, one knows something is off.

Yet Xu Yang felt an odd sense inside.

This whole Training Tower—Demon Immortals?

It felt too jarring.

Shi Feng frowned deeply, glancing at Xu Yang without giving anything away.

Xu Yang shook his head slightly; regarding these things, he knew nothing more!

This person’s words cannot be believed entirely!

But perhaps his memory really was fragmented—not complete!

"May I ask, are Ancient Immortal and Demon Immortal merely opposing camps? How does one choose?" Saint Monarch Nantian inquired.

Gou Mu replied, "They are not only different camps, but also represent different methods of becoming immortal!"

"The paths of Ancient Immortal and Demon Immortal diverge!"

Everyone once again fell silent.

Xu Yang’s face changed again and again, not daring to believe.

Was this truth or falsehood?

"What cultivation distinguishes an Ancient Immortal, and what of a Demon Immortal?" This time, the question came from Profound Jade Saint Monarch.

"I have forgotten!"

Gou Mu fixed Profound Jade Saint Monarch with a grin.

Forgotten?

This answer was nothing short of implausible!

Xu Yang’s expression turned unsightly.

Celestial Refining Divine Scripture—was it of the Ancient Immortal path or the Demon Immortal path?

But there was no doubt of its power!

"No matter if Ancient or Demon Immortal, I will not change my path!"

"Moreover, what he says may not be the truth!"

Xu Yang steadied his heart, undisturbed by these words.

"May I ask, are you an Ancient Immortal or a Demon Immortal?"

Xu Yang looked up; it was Can Sutian who spoke.

"Ancient Immortal!"

Can Sutian’s eyes gleamed as he clasped his hands and said with a gentle smile, "Thank you for informing us!"

At this, Yun Zheng laughed, "My Five Elements Celestial Realm chooses the Ancient Immortal camp; if anyone wishes, you may travel with us—it doesn’t hurt to have allies!"

"Of course, our information isn’t complete. No matter which camp we choose, we all come from the Spirit Realm, and will need to work together as events unfold!"

Shi Feng sneered, "The old codger is up to no good—he surely knows more. This is alliance-forming; whoever follows him will gain more advantages and information, and be at a clear advantage!"

"But this is a ploy in plain sight!"

Stone Jade wore a bitter smile.

Once the camps are chosen—

No matter how amicable things look on the surface—

Divisions are bound to grow.

At certain moments, it will surely become a fight to the death!

"Xu Yang, what do you think?"

Everyone on the boat turned to Xu Yang in unison.

Xu Yang grinned, "Ancient or Demon Immortal, let’s wait and see. In any case, I won’t follow the Five Elements Celestial Realm!"

"Ahead lies great battle—for now, all will be revealed!"

"Demon Immortal? Not necessarily a demon!"

Shi Hu nodded his approval, "Makes sense, doesn’t bother me!"

"Going after the Five Elements Celestial Realm, tch, that’s not ideal."

Shi Feng grinned, "Then there’s no rush!"

"Heh, since you gentlemen haven’t made up your minds, let my Cloud Dream Soul Sect take the lead." The Sect Leader of Cloud Dream Soul Sect laughed aloud, then led his group directly over to the Five Elements Celestial Realm.

The implication was clear!

"Brother Yun Zheng is willing to make everything public—my Star Nebula Infinite Sea will honor that favor."

Saint Monarch Nantian made his stance known as well.

"Our Jun Family is willing to follow too!"

Of the four remaining Celestial Beings outside Yun Zheng, two moved over.

Only Bright Mirror Grotto Heaven, Daqian, Dongyang Profound Sect, and the War King Clan remained!

Seeing Bright Mirror Grotto Heaven and Daqian keep silent, the strong from the War King Clan and Dongyang Profound Sect exchanged glances, but remained still as well.

Yun Zheng surveyed them with a half-smile and said, "I’m not forcing any of you to decide, but there’s greater hope in unity."

"It’s still early—no need to rush the choice."

"Please, all of you, don’t waste too much time."

With that said—

The newly formed alliance boarded the Spiritual Boat and sailed ahead.

Suddenly—

From boundless darkness, waves of immortal light erupted.

Ray after ray, cluster after cluster, rose up from the depths of the abyss.

In mere moments, the bottomless abyss was lit as bright as day, immortal energy coiling, glowing clouds spilling forth in myriad colors—a veritable holy land!

"Whoa, what’s happening?"

"Why is so much immortal energy suddenly erupting?"

"Weren’t the training towers below all destroyed?"

"Who cares about all that? This is a once-in-a-lifetime boon!"

"Quick, seize the immortal energy!"

...

In an instant, the shock and awe brought by Yun Zheng and Gou Mu was utterly swept away by this miraculous spectacle. Every Martial Artist upon the bone boat was trembling with excitement, their eyes blazing.

In this moment, even the avatars of Celestial Beings found it hard to maintain their calm, overwhelmed with excitement!