For an ordinary mortal, eight thousand years is a terrifying lifespan beyond reach. Yet for ancient true spirits—beings who often slumber for thousands of years—such a span is merely a few brief naps. To a realm-spanning existence, it is but an insignificant instant. On a day eight thousand years hence, countless ordinary mortals across the major and minor cities of the Fengyuan Continent surged forth from their homes, gathering in squares and tea houses, their faces aglow with excitement and animated in lively conversation. On the streets, armored strength-wielders moved about briskly, while squads of cultivators patrolled the skies with regularity. At several border fortress cities within the human realm's current territory, all protective seals were fully activated, and massive flying vehicles ascended into the air, each bristling with ranks of armored soldiers, vigilant and alert to any unusual activity beyond the city walls. On the summit of a colossal mountain, tens of thousands of miles away from a great city, three great cultivators from different ethnic groups sat face to face upon massive stones, each dressed in distinct attire. One was a fierce man with a broad mouth, drinking deeply, clad in five-colored animal skins; another was a young white-robed disciple, holding a scroll in his hands, with an unusually pale complexion; and the third was an elderly man in green robes, his eyes closed and lined with deep wrinkles. But thinking back on it, after so many years, it's finally someone who dares to face the Immortal Ascension Trial—this truly stirs me. The rugged man touched his short blue hair and smiled. "I can't quite recall when the last time someone from the Spirit Realm successfully ascended to the Immortal Realm was, though I'm certain it was a very long time ago. Still, this human, Master Han, has achieved such a distinguished reputation so swiftly, and yet he's fully open about his own trial—what a bold spirit! In the past, didn't every one who faced the trial always keep it secret, afraid that someone else would find out?" The young man in white robes set down his scroll, speaking with a touch of admiration. "Over the years, we've seen so many of our longtime companions fade away. It seems many have quietly ascended, yet we've felt absolutely nothing—so clearly, these friends must have failed their trials and are now gone." The elder continued, speaking calmly and unhurriedly. "We old fellows usually fiercely suppress our inner qi, fearing that any sudden surge might trigger a heavenly calamity. Yet Master Han dares to proactively undergo the celestial trial and ascend to the stage of Great Perfection even within less than a decade of entering that stage. Heh, just this kind of courage—well, I must admit I hold it in the highest regard. By the way, Bi, have you ever personally encountered Master Han in the past several thousand years? Could you tell me how he appeared?" The burly man chuckled and asked. "Indeed, I've remained in seclusion these years and have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Master Han." The young man in white robes brightened with genuine interest. "I did indeed meet Master Han once at a grand gathering, though I find it difficult to describe him in words." The elder frowned slightly, hesitating before responding. "Then, as someone of your caliber, surely you can sense something about his cultivation and powers, couldn't you?" The young man smiled gently. "If one only asks about strength, I must say that he is extremely strong—very, very strong. Though I have not personally faced him in combat, I am certain that even if I combined the power of three or four of myself, we would still not stand a chance against him." The old man's facial muscles twitched slightly before he slowly replied. "What? Master Bi Tian is jesting! Three or four of you aren't even his match? We have known each other for a long time, and how could we not know your true capabilities?" The young man in white robes was first startled, then immediately shook his head vigorously. The nearby rugged man, too, looked deeply skeptical and doubtful. "On matters of this kind, how could I possibly jest with you two? As soon as you see him in person, you will surely understand that every word I have spoken is absolutely genuine. Simply consider the way Master Han fixes his gaze—already, it sends me heart racing and breathless. If his spiritual awareness were not several times stronger than mine, how could such a phenomenon occur?" The old man smiled wistfully. The young man in white and the imposing giant exchanged glances, both momentarily at a loss. "Well, the more powerful Master Han is, the greater his chances of successfully passing through the celestial ascension trial. Should he succeed, at the very moment of his ascension, a subtle ripple of celestial energy emanating from the celestial realm's gateway would be detectable by even the most powerful beings across the interface. With a bit of insight into the underlying principles and laws, he would surely gain significant benefits. Of course, since we are so close, we will find it easier to grasp these insights." The giant exhaled deeply, then regained his composure and spoke calmly. "Heh, indeed. Otherwise, what would be the point of making such a long journey all this way?" The young man in white smiled in quiet agreement. Thus, after a brief exchange, the three settled back into silence, waiting once again. The same scene unfolded in several other hidden locations outside the great city. Unaware of it, a remarkable number of high-ranking immortals from the Spirit Realm had gathered around the human race's territory, many of them being ancient beings from other races who had to constantly suppress their inner energies to venture out. The elegant man in the fine robe replied with a touch of respect, revealing that he was Hu Jun, another great cultivator who had emerged among the human race over the past ten thousand years. Mo Jianli, the former great cultivator of the human race, finally perished during another great celestial calamity after several hundred years. On the other side of the desolate island, a group of men and women of varying cultivation levels stood before a dark, massive vessel. Among them, three stunningly beautiful women, each with a distinct grace, gazed solemnly toward the center of the island—Nan Gong Wan, Yuan Yao, and Yin Yue. Yuan Yao returned to the human race shortly after Feng Li's spirit fragment returned from the lower realm, and since then had resided in a side pavilion on Yuan He Island, never leaving the island. As for Yin Yue, after overcoming the lingering effects of the "Forgetfulness Technique," she finally attained the Great Cultivation stage over a thousand years ago. A little further back, Ice Phoenix stood with her disciples—Qi Ling Zi, Hai Da Shao, Bai Guo Er, and others—before the vessel. Over thousands of years, it has been sufficient for all of Han Li's disciples to reach the Consolidated Stage. As for whether they truly attain the Great Perfection Stage, that will depend on their future fortunes. Like Ice Phoenix, Nan Gong Wan, and Yuan Yao, who have also devoted decades to cultivation, they have now stalled just one step short of achieving the Great Perfection Stage. Yet, believing in the unique nature of Ice Phoenix's body, it is certain that her chances of eventually reaching the Great Perfection Stage are far greater than those of others. Though these closest companions of Han Li hold great confidence in him, even now, facing the legendary celestial calamity of ascension, they do not betray a single trace of concern. By her side, a lady in purple court robes, somewhat helpless, watched the young girl and after a moment said, "Dai, if you truly wish to say goodbye to Master Han, why stay here instead of going directly? That way, you won't have to carry any lingering regrets later." "No need. Master Han has treated me like a younger sister these years. Since there are already Lady Nangong and the others there, what more could I possibly do? I'll simply stay here and watch them ascend." The young girl spoke calmly. Upon hearing this, the lady in purple court robes only sighed softly and said nothing more. ... At the center of a grand array that had been prepared long ago in the heart of the desolate island, Han Li and the Crab Master, Huixu Zi, Mo Guang, and others stood together, all raising their heads to gaze upward. Currently, a five-colored cloud, gradually forming and almost enveloping the entire island, is gathering countless streams of spiritual energy. Though the process is slow, it is visibly growing larger and larger with each passing moment. "It seems that in a little while, Brother Han will no longer be able to suppress the ascension calamity. I'm certain, with your strength, overcoming this trial will be a matter of ease," said Mag-Light, lowering his head and smiling gently at Han. "Mag-Light, you're being overly generous. In this ascension calamity, countless stage-four cultivators have already perished. How could I possibly be indifferent or underestimate it?" Han bowed slightly, speaking calmly. "Heh, if it were other cultivators from the lower realms making such claims, I'd still believe them to some extent. But you—since you've mastered the third level of Spiritual Refinement and the Five Vessels' Body-Forging Technique, your current strength now rivals even true immortals. If you were to face Ma Liang from back then, under the pressure of his spiritual power, I'm sure you'd defeat him in just a few encounters." Hm, this is rather strange. Though his innate talent isn't particularly outstanding, he has managed to refine these immortals' techniques to such a degree. I've never encountered someone like this before. "Perhaps I was born with a natural aptitude for mastering these specific immortals' cultivation methods," said Han Li with a faint smile. "Once you reach the immortal realm, don't forget your promise to me," suddenly added the crab-bodied immortal, who had been expressionless until now. "Since you've regained your past memories and now truly regard me as your master, I will certainly fulfill every promise I've made," Han Li replied, his expression growing serious as he glanced at the crab immortal. (The next chapter should mark the conclusion of the mortal realm's story! Oh, after all these years, it's finally coming to an end!) (To be continued.)