Chapter 108: Ascending to the Heaven (2)

Despite the Fourth Heaven's attempt to seize his body during the ascension process, it was ultimately unsuccessful. Thanks to the knowledge shared by Ruler White during their strategic meeting, he was able to counter the Tyrant's Usurpation Secret Art.

Now, the attainment of the Heavenly Way's Imperishable was within reach. It involved completing the process of proving the Mandate of Heaven, entering the 'Heavenly Way Rules Core,' and receiving the authority of the Heavenly Way to forge an Imperishable Body.

If he succeeded, all past grievances, unresolved matters, and attachments would find their resolution through his actions. This meant that the Fourth Heaven's true body would finally meet its end.

At this moment, Zenith Heaven Emperor found himself completely at ease, and the world around him seemed to lose its vibrant colors, turning into black and white. Only he remained a vivid presence in this subdued environment.

As the resonance between Zenith Heaven Emperor and the world intensified, the very fabric of reality trembled. A previously inaccessible dimension, reserved only for the Heavenly Way, opened its doors to him. Deep within this realm, the profound secrets of the Heavenly Way's rules gradually unveiled themselves.

With determination in his heart, Zenith Heaven Emperor took a single step forward. In that instant, he felt as if he had traversed across dimensions, transcending the limitations of ordinary existence. The disparity between the Heavenly Way and the mortal realm was an immense dimensional gap, separating them into two distinct levels of existence.

Continuing his journey, Zenith Heaven Emperor proceeded to the second step, fully immersing himself in the 'Heavenly Way dimension.'

After a while, he arrived at the entrance to the passage that led to the core area governed by the Heavenly Way's rules. Due to his current state of ascension, he was unable to employ spatial abilities within the Heavenly Way Dimension, thus he needed to rely on his own legs to traverse the distance. This journey from the entrance to the core area was an obligatory process for every Heavenly Way, known as the 'Heavenly Way Inspecting the All Heavens and Myriad Realms'.

Throughout this process, Zenith Heaven Emperor experienced the sensation of 'one step, one world.' With each step he took, he imprinted his own 'Heavenly Way's Seal' into the corresponding realm of the All Heavens and Myriad Realms, leaving behind his unique mark.

Finally, as Zenith Heaven Emperor took the crucial last step within the Heavenly Way Dimension, his consciousness reached the 'Ascending the Throne of the World' imprinting his final footprint and completing the journey.

It was the world where the last imprint of the Heavenly Way was left before achieving enlightenment and ascension. This place served as the last checkpoint in the Heavenly Way's journey through All Heavens and Myriad Realms.

With the completion of the final step, a profound resonance echoed within the hearts of cultivators, ordinary mortals, and all other beings across the vast expanse of All Heavens and Myriad Realms. It was an indescribable sensation that stirred their very souls.

Even those who had never embarked on the path of cultivation couldn't help but raise their heads, their gaze fixed upon the sky. At that moment, an instinctual realization settled within them, the once-empty Throne of the World had found a new master.

Henceforth, an immensely powerful being reigned supreme upon the celestial throne, assuming the role of ruler over the entire world.

For the unfamiliar common folk, the ascension of Zenith Heaven Emperor didn't elicit much response. After the passing instinct faded, they swiftly returned their focus to their own lives, carrying on with their daily routines. However, those who were acquainted with Zenith Heaven Emperor experienced a profound shock. They couldn't shake off the feeling that he had indeed become the supreme ruler of the world.

With firm determination, Zenith Heaven Emperor stepped into the dimensional entrance leading to the very core of the Heavenly Way, the sacred realm where the fundamental principles of existence converged.

After taking that crucial step, Zenith Heaven Emperor would receive the fundamental knowledge of the Heavenly Way, granting him the authority of the Heavenly Way and allowing him to condense the Imperishable Body.

Although he already possessed all of them, his version of the Imperishable could only be considered of inferior quality compared to the genuine one, and his Heavenly Way Authority was limited in quantity. After his father had passed away, the resupply of Heavenly Way Authority had ceased, and he could only use up what remained.

As Zenith Heaven Emperor stepped forward, a powerful surge of 'Heavenly Way Information' engulfed him, completely submerging his being. Simultaneously, his Way of Eternal Life was activated, radiating a brilliant glow.

The moment the Way of Eternal Life connected with the Heavenly Way Information, the information transformed into countless points of light, descending upon Zenith Heaven Emperor.

These points of light represented the primordial chaos, capable of evolving into any form of Imperishable, yet all-encompassing, encompassing various forms of Imperishable. They merged with Zenith Heaven Emperor, infusing him with their essence.

With each step, Zenith Heaven Emperor delved deeper into the core rules of the Heavenly Way, immersing himself in its profound mysteries.

"So, this is the true authority of the Heavenly Way?" Zenith Heaven Emperor extended his palm, marveling at the complete transformation of his body from 'Lesser-Imperishable' to 'Imperishable'.

The information enveloping his body represented the underlying 'cause' of all things, the 'origin' of the universe, and the 'ultimate' knowledge of everything.

It bestowed upon him an authority and understanding that approached 'omniscience' and 'omnipotence'. Yet, it fell short of true omniscience and omnipotence as it lacked the knowledge and abilities of 'transcendence.'

Upon inheriting the authority of the Heavenly Way, Zenith Heaven Emperor became the source of all things, possessing the ultimate knowledge of all realms and dimensions.

The process of his "Immortalization" had begun.

Inheriting the 'Heavenly Way Authority'.

Acquiring the 'Ultimate Knowledge'.

Converging into the 'Immortal Body'.

Every stage proceeded flawlessly.

However, Zenith Heaven Emperor had a special touch to add. Leveraging his Dao Lord-level mastery of the Human Path and Path of Heaven, he manipulated the Heavenly Way during the process, preventing it from imposing the restrictions that bound previous Heavenly Ways to their positions and hindered transcendence.

In his case, he held the freedom to depart whenever he desired, instantly achieving transcendence.

The next step was for him to enter the 'Heavenly Way Origin', proclaiming his ascension as the 'Heavenly Way' to All Heavens and Myriad Realms, and establishing his dominion over the entire cosmos.

At this moment, All Heavens and Myriad Realms bore witness to the beginning of the Era of the Ninth Heaven!

It was an unprecedented moment in history.

The realms quaked with anticipation, heralding the arrival of the Ninth Heaven.

In the vast expanse of All Heavens and Myriad Realms, emotions ran high. Some were filled with hope and excitement, while others sank into despair.

"He has arrived! Finally, his arrival is upon us! We have waited for this moment for so long!" The Tribulation Immortals and Eternal Life Beings, who had long prepared themselves for this event, eagerly anticipated its unfolding. Although many secretly wished for his failure, deep down they knew that he would succeed.

Within the 'Nine Provinces (1) Group', the chat was abuzz with messages, overflowing with anticipation. While many had wondered about his actions in the previous month, they refrained from removing him from the group. After all, having one more friend is preferable to having one more enemy, especially if that friend is powerful.

Everyone anxiously awaited the final outcome, their hopes and fears intertwining.

---

All beings, without exception, were captivated by the ascension of Zenith Heaven Emperor, including the Fourth Heavenly Way, the Dark Giant. Quietly, it directed its attention towards the unfolding changes in the 'Heavenly Way.'

"Did he truly succeed?"

This ascension finally forced him into an inescapable dilemma. From beginning to end, it seemed he had no choice.

"No other paths remain for me. Once he transcends, my future will be irrevocably sealed."

"Thus, this is my final gamble."

"All preparations have been made..."

"Next... I shall reclaim the position of the Heavenly Way!" The Dark Giant made the excruciating decision, aware of the unfathomable price it entailed.

Such a burden was only chosen under the direst circumstances. Having relinquished its position before, it had devised a method to briefly activate its 'Imperishable', pushing itself to the very limits and thereby reclaiming the position of the Heavenly Way.

However, the cost... would be the permanent loss of a fragment of its internal consciousness, transforming that part into a mere 'empty vessel' devoid of control. It was akin to experiencing paralysis on one side of the body!