Chapter 152: First-Grade Immortal Foundation

Han Yi's expression remained unchanged.

Yet inwardly, he sighed softly. His recent actions had undoubtedly alienated Fu Xuanxu.

Though Fu Xuanxu had said nothing and imposed no punishment, Han Yi's image in the elder's eyes had irrevocably shifted.

Labels like "self-preservationist," "coward," and "disregardful of the Sect's crisis" now clung to him.

Still, he felt no regret.

Before learning that a Divine Soul Inheritance could manifest a unique phenomenon within the Sea of Consciousness, potentially granting a cultivator a First-Grade Immortal Foundation, he would have accepted Fu Xuanxu's offer of Foundation Establishment with an eighty percent certainty.

But now, having obtained the Ninefold Soul Tower and glimpsed the dawn of possibility, abandoning the chance for a First-Grade Immortal Foundation was unthinkable.

Even at the cost of offending a Supreme Elder, he would not waver.

The weight in Han Yi's heart flickered briefly before he forcefully banished it.

The Immortal Path was his own; others' fleeting opinions held no real significance.

In that moment, his Dao Heart seemed to undergo a baptism, growing ever brighter and clearer.

Han Yi had originally come to Azure Dragon Palace to gather news from the lower realms. The cultivators from Combat Peak had all returned to their respective Inner and Outer Peaks, where they accepted missions on their Immortal Peaks before descending the mountain to carry them out.

However, after Fu Xuanxu's "reminder," Han Yi left the tower without approaching anyone to ask for more information. His Dao Heart had been tempered, and he now knew what he needed to do next.

Foundation Establishment. Foundation Establishment. To forge a First-Grade Immortal Foundation.

But before he could achieve this, he needed to condense the first layer of his Ninefold Soul Tower. The method was clear: break through his current skill and reach the realm of Peak Perfection.

For Han Yi, the path ahead was simple:

Grind Proficiency.

Without lingering, he hurried back to his courtyard after leaving Azure Dragon Palace, reactivating the Formation Arts. He wouldn't emerge until his breakthrough was complete, not even if a Supreme Elder or Yuan Shun himself came knocking.

Retreating to his Meditation Chamber, Han Yi sat cross-legged on his meditation cushion. His Divine Sense plunged into his Sea of Consciousness, where his seated Divine Soul opened its eyes and gazed forward at a colossal, heaven-piercing illusory Soul Tower that dominated the entire Sea of Consciousness.

Within Han Yi's Divine Soul, insights flowed continuously like gossamer threads, never ceasing.

This was the cultivation method of the Ninefold Soul Tower: ceaseless refinement through Divine Soul perception.

In the courtyard, the transformation had begun.

As time passed, the proficiency progress on the panel for Perfected Purity steadily increased:

3/100, 13/100, 28/100...

While Han Yi secluded himself once more, the outside world was in turmoil. The Profound Pill Sect's situation grew increasingly perilous.

Three months later:

Lin Ya of Vermilion Bird Peak, ranked second on the Heavenly Ranking, was killed in battle.

Five months later:

Fire Phoenix Daoist of Azure Dragon Peak, ranked first on the Earth Ranking, broke through to the Golden Core Stage and slew the third Vice Sect Leader of the Heavenly Soul Sect outside Fufeng City in Nanyang County.

Seven months later:

Yuan Shun intervened, facing an ambush by five Golden Core cultivators. He instantly executed a Vice Sect Leader of the Blood God Sect and a Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Soul Sect, but was severely wounded in his Divine Soul by the Heavenly Soul Sect Leader. Upon returning to the sect, he retreated into seclusion.

In the aftermath, the Profound Pill Sect fully contracted its defenses, withdrawing all cultivators beyond the Profound Pill Mountain Range and maintaining control only over a three-hundred-li radius encompassing five Immortal Cities.

Yet their crisis remained unresolved. More than a dozen Golden Core True Persons and over a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators secretly gathered to strike.

The Heavenly Soul Sect, the Blood God Sect, and even other Golden Core Sects and Cultivation Families in Shu Prefecture had dispatched Golden Core cultivators, eager to plunder the rumored Profound Pill Secret Vault after the Profound Pill Sect's demise, hoping to seize a share of the spoils.

For a time, all of Shu Prefecture focused on the Profound Pill Mountain Range, witnessing the final flicker of this Golden Core Sect's glory.

Eight months later...

In the quiet meditation chamber of his courtyard on Azure Dragon Peak, Han Yi opened his eyes, an invisible wave of divine soul energy rippling outward.

At that moment, Han Yi's divine soul had coalesced to a level comparable to that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.

Within his Sea of Consciousness, his divine soul, now human-sized, stood before the towering Soul Tower. Its lowest level had materialized into a solid form.

Ninefold Soul Tower (Peak Perfection 1/100)

His divine soul stepped forward and pressed its hand against the solid Soul Tower, making first physical contact with the monument.

In that instant, a Divine Soul Secret Technique flowed from the materialized Soul Tower into his divine soul, instantly mastered by Han Yi.

The first secret art of the Ninefold Soul Tower: Divine Soul Five Decays.

Immortals are subject to the Five Decays of Mortality:

Soiled robes, Withered head adornments, Sweaty armpits, Foul body odor, Discomfort in their seats.

The divine soul, too, suffers from these Five Decays, mirroring those of immortals.

When this soul technique is unleashed, the target's divine soul appears as if its lifespan has reached its end, manifesting all five outward signs of decay before instantly collapsing into oblivion.

This was the Soul Technique, Divine Soul Five Decays.

Moments later, Han Yi opened his eyes, unleashing a blinding light that even the Meditation Chamber could barely contain. The soul technique was truly astonishing. He calmed his mind and began to meticulously comprehend its intricacies.

The next day, Han Yi deactivated the double-layered formations and stepped out of his courtyard. He immediately sensed something was amiss. The Sect Protection Formation, a Fourth-Tier formation known as the Celestial Cycle Profound Astral Formation, had been activated. With Profound Pill Peak as its Formation Eye, the nine Inner Peaks as core nodes, and over a hundred Outer Peaks as auxiliary nodes, the formation enveloped the entire sect.

Spirit light shimmered, concealing a lethal intent.

Since his transmigration, the Celestial Cycle Profound Astral Formation had only been activated once before—years ago, when Han Yi exposed the Blood God Sect's internal traitor. At all other times, it had remained dormant.

Now, it was not only activated but appeared to be maintained continuously. This Fourth-Tier formation required a substantial quantity of High-Grade Spirit Stones to sustain, placing a tremendous burden on the Profound Pill Sect's resources.

From this, Han Yi deduced that a major crisis was unfolding—one that would undoubtedly bring unfavorable news to the sect.

Upon arriving at the Azure Dragon Palace and inquiring about the situation, Han Yi's face paled with shock.

"Complete defeat on all fronts... a desperate last stand."

"Even Sect Leader Yuan has been gravely wounded."

"The Profound Pill Sect is finished."

Han Yi sighed inwardly, gazing around with a dazed expression. Most of the cultivators moving through the palace were as bewildered as he was, if not more so.

In that moment, countless thoughts raced through Han Yi's mind, even contemplating what he would do after the sect's destruction. His thoughts swirled chaotically.

After a long while, he forced aside the turmoil, steeled his resolve, and focused on the most pressing matter at hand: Foundation Establishment.

His Ninefold Soul Tower had already pierced through the first layer of heaven, granting him mastery of his first Soul Technique. His cultivation had reached the peak of Qi Refinement, his mana was abundant, and his Divine Soul had solidified.

He could advance no further in his current state. If not now, when would he attempt Foundation Establishment?

However, he couldn't be certain whether approaching a Supreme Elder at this moment would result in being turned away. After all, eight months ago, he had rejected Vice Sect Leader Fu Xuanxu's offer of Foundation Establishment.

With the Sect teetering on the brink of collapse, Han Yi's announcement that he intended to undergo Foundation Establishment would inevitably lead some to suspect he was rushing the process to escape before the Sect's demise.

Such a move wasn't impossible, and without understanding Han Yi's circumstances, most Supreme Elders would likely think the same.

Yet Han Yi didn't evade the issue. Instead, he openly reported his intentions to the Elder on duty at the Azure Dragon Palace.

According to Sect regulations, Qi Refining Stage disciples who survived the Myriad Stars Sea mission were entitled to a Supreme Elder's protection during their Foundation Establishment attempt upon returning to the Sect.

This was a rare opportunity, and Han Yi intended to seize it.

To his surprise, within moments, the duty Elder instructed him to proceed to Zhurong Peak and seek out Supreme Elder Huo Ming in the Zhurong Palace Tower.

Huo Ming was no stranger to Han Yi. He was none other than the Fire Phoenix Daoist, formerly ranked first on the Heavenly Ranking and residing on Azure Dragon Peak.

Only after the Fire Phoenix Daoist advanced to the Golden Core Stage was his true name revealed: Huo Ming, now revered as True Person Huo Ming.

Upon meeting the Fire Phoenix Daoist—no, Huo Ming—Han Yi bowed respectfully.

Huo Ming gazed at Han Yi, nodding approvingly. "Impressive. In just a few years, you've already reached the Foundation Establishment realm. Your Immortal Opportunity is truly profound."

"Alright, let's begin," Huo Ming said. "I also possess a Fire Spirit Root. With me as your guardian, even if you fail to establish your foundation, I can ensure your survival."

Han Yi thanked him and, following Huo Ming's instructions, sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion in the quiet chamber.

Huo Ming produced the Foundation Establishment Pill. As expected, it was of standard quality, not the flawless quality Han Yi had obtained from the Myriad Stars Sea. Han Yi promptly exchanged it for his own flawless pill.

Huo Ming showed no surprise and returned the standard-quality pill to Han Yi.

After presenting the flawless Foundation Establishment Pill, Han Yi produced ten flawless-quality Evil-Repelling Pills.

This time, Huo Ming appeared genuinely astonished.

Typically, cultivators advancing to the Foundation Establishment Stage only needed standard-quality Evil-Repelling Pills, simply consuming a few more if necessary. Han Yi's possession of flawless-quality pills demonstrated both his meticulous preparation and his considerable wealth.

It was common knowledge that upgrading from standard quality to flawless quality could increase the price tenfold or more.

Next, Han Yi placed a pile of Mid-Grade Spirit Stones beside him, sat cross-legged, and centered his mind. He swallowed ten Evil-Repelling Pills in one gulp, followed by the Foundation Establishment Pill, which was roughly the size of an infant's fist.

The moment the Foundation Establishment Pill entered his stomach, it dissolved instantly, its energy surging through his meridians. A searing heat spread throughout his body. Han Yi, deep in meditation, could only sense his flesh, bones, internal organs, and entire physical form being subjected to a frenzied grinding process.

A foul-smelling sludge oozed from every pore of his body.

This marked the first of the Three Gates: the Physical Body Gate.

Yet this was merely a fraction—less than a tenth—of the Foundation Establishment Pill's full potency.

Simultaneously, over ninety percent of the pill's energy coursed through his meridians, converging in his Middle Dantian. The mana within his Dantian began to boil and churn violently, as if being rapidly superheated.

This terrifying surge of energy made Han Yi feel as though he were submerged in molten lava at the Earth's core. His mana grew incandescent, expanding explosively, relentlessly.

The Spiritual Power Gate.

This expansion violently stretched the Middle Dantian, pushing it further and further until its fleshy walls ruptured. Simultaneously, Han Yi's physical body underwent a transformation, continuously repairing the damaged Dantian walls.

At a critical moment, the Middle Dantian rapidly expanded until it connected with the Lower Dantian, which then began to widen as well.

The fusion of these two Dantians marked the formation of the Spirit Sea.

The emergence of the Spirit Sea signified that half of the Spiritual Power Gate had been overcome.

The remaining challenge lay in determining how many times the Spirit Sea could expand and by how much the Mana could be amplified.

While the Physical Body Gate and Spiritual Power Gate progressed naturally under the influence of the Foundation Establishment Pill, Han Yi's consciousness remained entirely focused on the Upper Dantian, his Sea of Consciousness.

Yet as his physical body transformed, the Spirit Sea coalesced, and his Mana surged, his Sea of Consciousness also underwent a profound transformation.

Within the Sea of Consciousness, the Primordial Chaos Qi began to transmute into a mysterious energy: pure Soul Energy. This energy flowed into his Divine Soul. For ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators, this process would be incredibly perilous, as their nascent Divine Souls possessed only instinctual awareness.

Han Yi's Divine Soul had already undergone multiple transformations, having condensed the first layer of the Ninefold Soul Tower within his Sea of Consciousness. Thus, it felt no fear.

Within his Sea of Consciousness, his Divine Soul lifted its head, actively drawing in the Soul Energy pouring down from the Chaos. Instantly, an indescribable sense of comfort enveloped it.

At the same moment,

Rumble...

His once-small Sea of Consciousness churned as Primordial Chaos Qi continuously transformed into Soul Energy. The more Chaos Qi that was converted, the greater the benefits to his Divine Soul.

By actively guiding the Chaos Qi, Han Yi had taken control of the process, rather than letting it occur naturally. As one might imagine, the resulting amplification of his Divine Soul was staggering.

The Divine Soul Barrier.

As his Physical Body transformed, his Mana surged, and his Divine Soul was infused with power, the Five Tribulations had already begun.

In a Kshana, Han Yi's consciousness was pulled into a bustling metropolis, where a light rain drizzled through a hazy mist. Pedestrians hurried under umbrellas, while cars wove through the streets.

Gazing at his surroundings, Han Yi's eyes clouded with confusion, as if he couldn't recall why he was there.

Just a moment ago, I was burning the midnight oil at the office. How did I end up here?

But in the next instant, his Divine Soul shuddered, snapping him back to reality. He instantly recalled that he had transmigrated and was currently undergoing his Foundation Establishment Tribulation Crossing—the Mortal Dust Tribulation.

Before his Divine Soul had undergone its transformation, Han Yi's consciousness would likely have become trapped in this mundane city, completely forgetting his life in the Cultivation World. He would have lived out a normal life: working, marrying, raising children, struggling through middle age, retiring, growing old, and eventually dying.

Without a guardian to protect him, Han Yi could have become lost in this world, forgetting everything about cultivation. When his life ended in this realm, his Divine Soul in the Cultivation World would also perceive itself as dead, instantly ceasing to exist.

However, his cultivation of the Ninefold Soul Tower had strengthened his Divine Soul to the level of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. This tribulation posed little challenge; he regained his memories almost the instant he was drawn into the Mortal Dust Tribulation.

In the next moment, the hazy cityscape before him dissipated like a fleeting dream, vanishing without a trace. Han Yi's consciousness returned to its true state.

This brief immersion and withdrawal had lasted no more than a kshana.

Inside the Meditation Chamber on Zhurong Peak, Huo Ming watched Han Yi, who was seated in a meditative posture. Suddenly, Han Yi's eyes snapped open, his gaze unfocused. Huo Ming immediately recognized that Han Yi had fallen into the Mortal Dust Tribulation and prepared to awaken him with his Divine Soul Voice. However, Han Yi's confusion vanished in an instant, replaced by a renewed divine intent as he closed his eyes once more.

"So quickly," Huo Ming murmured, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

Han Yi had exchanged for the Ninefold Soul Tower long before Huo Ming advanced to the Golden Core Stage, so Huo Ming was unaware that Han Yi was cultivating this mysterious inheritance.

As Han Yi regained consciousness and closed his eyes again, a clear voice echoed in his mind:

"Han Yi, your aptitude is woefully inadequate. Your Foundation Establishment attempt has already failed. Disperse your mana, and I may yet save your life."

The voice was Huo Ming's, but Han Yi remained unmoved.

The Immortal Path stretched long and arduous. If anyone truly sought to dissuade him from Foundation Establishment, that person was his Path Thief, and all the more reason for him to succeed and thwart their designs.

"Hmph."

"Han Yi, you cling to life and fear death. You refused to cooperate when the sect faced danger, yet now you dare dream of Foundation Establishment. After achieving it, you'll undoubtedly flee."

"Such ingratitude! Do you truly believe the sect would protect you?"

"Give up now. I'll cripple you, throw you down the mountain, and let the sect's disciples witness the consequences of your cowardice."

The voice was Fu Xuanxu's.

Han Yi remained unmoved. The moment Huo Ming's voice had echoed earlier, Han Yi knew this was another of the Five Tribulations:

The Heavenly Demon Tribulation.

One of the reasons Foundation Establishment was so arduous was that the Heavenly Demon Tribulation could overlap with the Mortal Dust Tribulation. After succumbing to the mortal world, the temptations of Heavenly Demons might drive one to suicide. Death during the Mortal Dust Tribulation meant annihilation in the Cultivation World as well.

However, Han Yi had broken free from his Mortal Dust Tribulation in an instant, forcing the descending Heavenly Demon to resort to brute force.

Having consumed ten Flawless Quality Evil-Repelling Pills, Han Yi should have been safe from the Heavenly Demon Tribulation under normal circumstances. The strongest Heavenly Demon he faced during his Foundation Establishment should have been an ordinary one, certainly not a Great Heavenly Demon equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

From Huo Ming to Fu Xuanxu, from Fu Canghai to Yuan Shun, the Supreme Elders' voices echoed in his ears, yet Han Yi paid them no heed.

A moment later...

The voices—whether scolding, seductive, or earnestly instructive—vanished abruptly.

Han Yi exhaled in relief, knowing he had weathered the Heavenly Demon Tribulation.

Next, memories flooded his consciousness: the disappointments, confusion, anger, resentment, despair, wild joy, and excitement of his days on Earth, mingled with the trepidation and anxiety he had felt in the Cultivation World. Relying on the strength of his Divine Soul, Han Yi systematically severed each of these lingering emotions.

This tribulation, the Lust Tribulation, proved surprisingly simple. After transmigrating, Han Yi had deeply internalized the Way of the Cautious, secluding himself for years and avoiding entanglement in the Seven Emotions and Six Desires. Coupled with his formidable Divine Soul, he effortlessly severed these emotional tendrils.

With the Lust Tribulation conquered, a rapid succession of images flickered before Han Yi's eyes, finally settling on a vivid color photograph.

It was a family portrait taken during his previous life.

The photo drifted into the deepest recesses of his Divine Soul.

Next came the Karma Tribulation, the fifth of the Five Tribulations.

The Karma Tribulation wasn't about forcibly overcoming karma to achieve Foundation Establishment. Instead, it demanded acknowledging and accepting the consequences of one's actions.

This tribulation would resurface after each major breakthrough beyond the Foundation Establishment Stage. Before ascending to immortality, cultivators had to resolve all karmic debts to truly transcend the Tribulation and become immortals.

Having comprehended the nature of karma, Han Yi's consciousness returned to his Divine Soul, which trembled violently.

Regaining his composure, Han Yi realized he had already overcome the final tribulation of the Five Tribulations—the Dao Heart Tribulation. His Dao Heart, forged through both internal and external trials, had long since attained clarity and unshakeable resolve.

Thus, he had successfully passed:

The Three Gates: Physical Body, Mana, and Physical Body. The Five Tribulations: Mortal Dust, Heavenly Demon, Lust, Karma, and Dao Heart.

With these trials conquered,

In the next moment,

All his senses, perceptions, and consciousnesses returned, and Han Yi's entire body shuddered violently.

The tribulations were complete; Foundation Establishment had been achieved.

For ordinary cultivators undergoing Foundation Establishment, the path ahead was straightforward: consolidating their mana cultivation, stabilizing their Divine Soul, and awakening their Divine Sense.

But Han Yi was different.

Having weathered the Three Trials and Five Tribulations, the illusory Soul Tower within his Divine Soul trembled gently.

An invisible ripple spread outward in all directions.

Its primary target was his Sea of Consciousness. The once largely unchanged space erupted into violent tremors and began to expand wildly.

Tenfold, twentyfold, thirtyfold, fortyfold... After reaching fortyfold, the pace slowed, yet it continued to creep toward forty-ninefold.

Three breaths later, it finally reached forty-ninefold.

The Sea of Consciousness paused, the pause lasting a full breath. Then, as expected, it crossed a new threshold.

Fiftyfold.

At that moment, the rate at which Han Yi's Sea of Consciousness expanded surged once more, reaching seventy times its original size before gradually slowing. By eighty times, the expansion slowed further, eventually stabilizing at eighty-eight times its original size.

Within this vast, eighty-eight-fold enlarged Sea of Consciousness, a thick miasma of Primordial Chaos Qi permeated every corner. As Han Yi's Divine Soul absorbed this qi, its strength would undoubtedly increase.

Simultaneously, the expansion of the Sea of Consciousness triggered a corresponding upheaval in his Spirit Sea. Within this spiritual realm, Mana surged like a tumultuous ocean, its power amplified by the expanding Sea of Consciousness. The Spirit Sea, initially enlarged tenfold, continued to expand, stretch, and grow relentlessly.

In the outside world, just as Han Yi's Sea of Consciousness breached the fifty-fold mark, a figure suddenly materialized atop Zhurong Peak. Huo Ming immediately rose to his feet. "Sect Leader!"

The figure standing atop the highest tower of Zhurong Peak was none other than Yuan Shun, Sect Leader of the Profound Pill Sect. However, his condition was far from optimal; his face was pale, and an aura of frailty clung to him.

Yet he ignored Huo Ming's greeting, instead fixing his gaze intently on Han Yi. His eyes flashed with emotions starkly contrasting his pallid complexion: disbelief, surprise, bewilderment, and finally, a profound sense of relief.

"The seeds of yesterday bear fruit today," Yuan Shun murmured.

"Heaven's cycles yield forty-nine, yet one escapes the reckoning."

"Hahaha! My Profound Pill Sect deserves this lifeline!"