“The reason why the Likewind Realm became a location for a trial by fire, and in fact, the first such location for the Nine Seas God World, is because when the Likewind Realm was shattered, its Essence was thrown into chaos.
“Because of that chaotic state, the area is much easier to analyze. Therefore, to cultivators… it is the perfect location to experience the sensation of Essence.” Granny Nine’s voice seemed to contain a bizarre power as it bored into Meng Hao’s ears, causing his heart to tremble ceaselessly.
“Essence is the door to the Dao Realm,” she continued slowly. “Furthermore, traversing the Ancient Realm… is the process of continually making contact with Essence.
“That is especially true in the Likewind Realm. The World Essence can be absorbed, leading to incredible enlightenment regarding the Essence power!
“As for you personally, you will be able to directly form Dao Fruit, and use the Essence of that world to directly enter the Ancient Realm!”
When Meng Hao heard all of this, his mind reeled. He had learned about some of the matters of the past from Yi Fazi’s memories. But now that he heard Granny Nine’s explanation, he understood about the Likewind Realm.
It was… one of the worlds of the past!!
Although only half of it remained, it was still a different world!
Meng Hao took a deep breath, and his eyes shone with a strange light. His path to the Ancient Realm had to do with Nirvana Fruits. Now that he knew he could use the Essence of that world to form Dao Fruits, he was also certain that it would be of extreme usefulness in absorbing his Nirvana Fruits.
“The Likewind Realm will be opened for your trial by fire by us here in the Ninth Mountain and Sea. However… the Likewind Realm belongs to all of the Nine Seas God Worlds of the Mountain and Sea Realm. Therefore… when you go in, other Nine Seas God Worlds will also dispatch disciples to enter.
“Obviously, since they are qualified to open the Likewind Realm, they will also have arranged for qualified disciples to enter who… are also in the Echelon!
“As such, when you enter the Likewind Realm for your trial by fire, you will likely encounter… other members of the Echelon from the Mountain and Sea Realm.” As she said these things, her eyes glowed with a brilliant light.
“If you can, kill the other members of the Echelon from the Mountain and Sea Realm. However, if you aren’t able to kill them, don’t forget that protecting your own life is your main priority!”
Meng Hao looked at Granny Nine silently for a moment and then nodded. He understood that the Echelon… was like a brood of magical venomous insects which grew strong by preying on each other. Once you were in the Echelon, only by passing through numerous deadly situations alive, could one become truly powerful.
Currently, the Mountain and Sea Realm needed some extreme power. It needed… a true Paragon!
“Perhaps, what it needs is not just a Paragon,” he thought. “After all, the three great Paragons of yesteryear were only able to preserve a small memorial to the Immortal Realm and thus prevent its complete destruction.
“Perhaps… in order to resolve all of the problems that exist, what is needed… is something that exceeds a Paragon!” Meng Hao took a deep breath, and suddenly, an image appeared in his mind. He saw nine suns dragging an enormous statue. There were also nine butterflies pulling a gigantic coffin. 1
“Although we have already begun preparations to open the Likewind Realm,” Granny Nine said calmly, “we still need three months to be completely ready.
“During those three months, stay in the sect and prepare fully for the battles you will face…
“The pressure exerted by the Ninth Sea will put a heavy burden on you in terms of cultivation. You need to acclimate yourself to it as quickly as possible. Not only will it help you in the years to come, more importantly… the fact that the Likewind Realm is half destroyed and its Essence is in chaos means that you will find similar pressure there.
“Only by getting used to the pressure of the Ninth Sea will you be able to function normally in the Likewind Realm. If you don’t, every step you take there will be an arduous one.
“In addition, don’t forget about our sect’s golden gate stone steles. Each one of them represents a trial by fire. I hope that you… can participate in every one of them! You must do everything possible to make yourself stronger during these coming three months!
“I hope to see your name on each one of those steles. You are in the Echelon, the second of your kind throughout all the history of the Ninth Mountain and Sea!” Granny Nine waved her hand, sending a bag of holding flying out to hover in front of Meng Hao.
“Inside that bag of holding, you will find the first place prize for our Daoist Societies’ disciple recruitment event!
“There were many rewards, all of which are inside. Of course, the most valuable of all… would be, secondarily, the ancient Immorta