Even if they could only reach the first level of the Celestial Realm, it was still a far better fate than remaining in the Ethereal Realm. Here, their powers were suppressed, leaving them weakened and miserable.
Octavion chuckled at Jared’s words, shaking his head. “If ascending the Celestial Stairway were that easy, the Ethereal Realm would have been empty long ago,” he said with a smirk. “With my abilities, I barely made it to the fourth-level test. I couldn’t even hold my ground before I was knocked out. Do you have any idea how many cultivators risk their lives just to approach the stairway, only to fail before even setting foot on it? Yet, you make it sound so simple.”
“Jared’s frown deepened. “”Even you couldn’t stay in level four?””
Octavion was a Top-Level Ultimate Realm Level Nine cultivator-his strength was undeniable. If even he couldn’t hold his ground, just how terrifying was the Celestial Stairway?”
Octavion spoke earnestly, his gaze serious. “Jared, climbing the Celestial Stairway is no simple feat. It’s a path to the divine-one that not just anyone can take. It’s not just about raw strength; it requires innate talent and the ability to grasp profound insights. Every law of heaven and earth represents a unique path, a world of its own. It’s far more complex than you think.
When the stairway opens this time, I can take you there to try your luck. It could help you rapidly enhance your strength and sharpen your intuition. But be warned-it’s extremely dangerous. Countless cultivators have perished within the stairway.”
Jared listened intently, Octavion’s words leaving him profoundly shaken. From what he understood, this wasn’t just a test-it was the very laws of heaven and earth at work, selecting rare, unparalleled geniuses from lower planes and ushering them into the Celestial Realm. Those with only average talent might never even dream of ascending in their lifetime.
“So, you’re saying that the Immortal’s dwelling is within one of the levels of the Celestial Stairway?” Jared asked, his mind racing.
It made sense-Octavion didn’t have the strength to enter the Celestial Realm, so there was no way he could possess a treasure map of that place. Based on his words, Jared deduced that the Immortal must be somewhere within the stairway itself. After all, if each level was its own world, then it was entirely possible for a supreme being to have once carved out a domain there.
Much like the Ethereal Realm-created by the Infinitus Celestial Sect-these realms weren’t mere illusions. Even their creators couldn’t destroy them. They were bound by the very laws of nature and the universe itself.
“Yes, the Immortal’s cave is located on the fourth level of the Celestial Stairway,” Octavion confirmed with a nod. “But I could only remain there briefly, so I haven’t had the chance to explore it yet. That said, I’m confident that when the stairway appears again, I’ll be able to hold my ground on the fourth level!”
Jared’s excitement surged at the revelation. The cave of an Immortal-this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! But he knew all too well that such opportunities came with immense risks.
“Octavion, are you certain this treasure map is reliable?” he asked cautiously.
“Without a doubt,” Octavion declared confidently. “I obtained it from the relics of an ancient cultivator-it even bears the mark of that very Immortal.”
After a moment of contemplation, Jared finally nodded. “All right. If that’s the case, I’ll agree to your request.”
Octavion’s face lit up with delight. “You can take down anyone from the Tenth Hall-except for my father. But be prepared. He will keep sending people to kill you.”
“Understood.” Jared nodded before asking, “What’s the strength of the Tenth Hall’s members? Don’t tell me there are a lot of Immortal Realm cultivators.”
“Of course not. Haven’t you noticed how few Immortal Realm cultivators exist in the Ethereal Realm?” Octavion replied.
“Yeah, it is rare,” Jared admitted with a nod.
Aside from the two governors he had encountered and the mayor of Beast City, Jared had scarcely come across any other Immortal Realm cultivators. Of course, there was also Abbot Infinides, who was most likely at that level as well.
