Prologue, The Legend of the Seven Realms

The top-ranked institution among the Six Institutes is the Heavenly Sword Academy, located at the peak of Mount Tai Xuan. It is said to have a history of two thousand years and is the most prestigious sect in the world of cultivation. For five hundred years, it has maintained its position at the forefront of the cultivation realm, distinguished by its supreme swordsmanship, far ahead of others

The gathering of the six academies of demons, spirits, and monsters refers to the six separate institutions located in six different regions of the Divine Land, collectively possessing the power to dominate the world. The six academies primarily focus on worldly cultivation, which is why it is said that they gather to confront demons, spirits, and monsters. This notion indicates that the disciples of the six academies cultivate their skills for the sake of peace in the world, eliminating demons and monsters to ensure stability for humanity. When encountering demons, spirits, and monsters, they strike them down to maintain peace and stability in the world. This notion indicates that the disciples of the six academies cultivate their skills for the sake of peace in the world, eliminating demons and monsters to ensure stability for humanity. When encountering demons, spirits, and monsters, they strike them down to maintain peace and stability in the world

The entrance to the "Demon Realm" is said to be located at the bottom of the "Corpse River," and it is extremely perilous. Inside, there are demons everywhere, all of whom are formidable fiends with astonishing levels of cultivation. Throughout the ages, the demons of the Demon Realm have invaded the human world three times, bringing endless bloodshed and causing the deaths of countless innocent civilians. This has incited great anger among the masters of the cultivation world, who joined forces to forcibly drive the demons back to their realm and sealed the passage between the Demon Realm and the human world. Therefore, the legends surrounding the Demon Realm are well-documented.

Due to thousands of years of development and change, today, on the land of Shenzhou, there are countless sects of cultivation, yet only a few are truly renowned. For nearly five hundred years, a verse has circulated across Shenzhou, which states: "The five sects of immortals, Buddhas, Daoists, and demons gather together, while the six academies of monsters, spirits, and ghosts converge." These two brief lines roughly describe the sects of cultivation on the land of Shenzhou

The vast land of Shenzhou is boundless. Only the Central Plains are the most fertile and abundant, where eight or nine out of ten people in the world gather. In the remote areas of the southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest, the mountains are perilous and the waters treacherous, filled with fierce beasts and predatory birds, as well as toxic and poisonous creatures. Among them lie countless unknown demons and spirits, cultivating their true forms between the black waters and white mountains, seeking to transform into human shapes and break through the three realms and five elements. Therefore, Shenzhou is vast and mysterious, concealing countless wonders, where immortals, Buddhas, Daoists, demons, monsters, and spirits coexist without exclusion, embodying all forms. However, these supernatural beings, primarily focused on cultivation, often hide within the mountains and waters, remaining unknown to the world.

Ranked third is Daoyuan, which primarily focuses on Daoist cultivation. It is one of the most renowned immortal abodes of the Daoist sect, located at the foot of Tian Cang Mountain. It is said that Daoyuan is a branch of the Wuwei Daoist school and is the oldest among the six schools, boasting a history of nearly three thousand years. It originates from the Guangchengzi lineage and is considered the most orthodox and mysterious sect of Daoism, having remained secluded from the mortal world for two hundred years.

The remaining so-called "domains" refer to three special spaces, which are said to exist beneath the earth. There are also legends that suggest these spaces are parallel to the human realm, albeit much smaller in comparison. The three domains are known as the "Demon Domain," the "Ghost Domain," and the "Beast Demon Domain."

Ranked sixth, and thus the last, is the Yiyuan located in the western Shu region of Qinchuan. This is a particularly unique academy, distinct from other cultivation sects. While other academies primarily focus on cultivation, Yiyuan emphasizes the cultivation of the heart, with cultivation as a supplementary aspect and scholarly study as its foundation. The disciples admitted to Yiyuan are divided into two categories: the first consists of ordinary students who study the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as poetry and prose; the second comprises cultivation disciples who learn the secret methods of cultivation to become true cultivators, tasked with eliminating demons and maintaining peace in their region. Therefore, not every disciple of Yiyuan is necessarily a cultivator, nor does each one possess knowledge of mystical techniques and secret arts.

The land of China is adorned with beautiful mountains and rivers, and for thousands of years, countless magical legends have been passed down on this land. Throughout the ages, the tales that have captivated people's attention the most are those concerning immortality and eternal life. Since ancient times, every mortal must face death. However, humanity universally detests death and cherishes life, and the concept of the underworld and Yama adds a layer of fear and suffering. Under these circumstances, the notion of immortality emerged, making it a dream that people yearn for, leading many to earnestly seek the path to eternal life.

The vastness of Shenzhou nurtures countless wonders, and the story of this book begins in the Qin Chuan of Western Shu. The tale unfolds in the unique Yiyuan, sweeping across the world, stirring the seven realms, and leaving behind countless legends for future generations

The second-ranked Bodhi Zen Monastery, said to be hidden deep within Mount Jiuhua, is known to very few. This monastery is extremely mysterious, reputed to be one of the most enigmatic places for cultivation in the Buddhist realm. Every disciple who emerges from there is an outstanding master, each possessing formidable skills that command respect across the world.

Human beings are the most intelligent of all creatures. Although they are physically at a disadvantage, driven by the desire for immortality, countless wise individuals have devoted their lives to relentless research. To this day, while no one has dared to definitively claim true immortality, some practitioners of cultivation have gained insights into the mysteries of heaven and earth. With their mortal bodies, they have harnessed formidable powers and, through various secret treasures and magical artifacts, can indeed shake the heavens and earth with the might of thunder. To this day, while no one has dared to definitively claim true immortality, some practitioners of cultivation have gained insights into the mysteries of heaven and earth. With their mortal bodies, they have harnessed formidable powers and, through various secret treasures and magical artifacts, can indeed shake the heavens and earth with the might of thunder. Moreover, some highly accomplished predecessors are said to have lived for over a thousand years without succumbing to death. People in the world believe that attaining enlightenment leads to immortality, prompting more individuals to embark on the path of cultivation. This has sparked a fervor for cultivation, resulting in the emergence of countless cultivation sects across the vast land of China over the past several thousand years, each with its own unique wonders.

The so-called Five Sects of Immortals, Buddhas, Daoists, and Demons refers to the five major factions in the realm of cultivation, which includes the four sects of Immortals, Buddhas, Daoists, and Demons. The first, the Immortal, refers to the Immortal Sword Sect, reputed to be the foremost in the land, primarily focused on the cultivation of immortal swords. The second, the Buddha, refers to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sect, the most mysterious place in the Buddhist realm. The third, the Dao, refers to the Wuwei Dao Sect, the origin of Daoism. The fourth, the Demon, refers to two places: the Heavenly Demon Cult and the Demon God Sect, which are the most evil demonic factions in the world. All five sects primarily focus on cultivation; although there are distinctions between righteousness and evil, they all pursue longevity and rarely concern themselves with worldly matters, generally remaining unknown to the public

The legendary "Ghost Domain" is said to have its entrance in the Ghost City of Fengdu, but it is extremely concealed. Within the Ghost Domain, there are countless malevolent spirits, vengeful souls abound, and the howling of the sinister winds is truly terrifying. Ordinary people who enter the Ghost Domain are certain to meet their demise, and even those who practice cultivation face great peril. It is, throughout the ages, the most malevolent region in the world.

In addition to the legends of the Five Sects and Six Academies, there exists another legend among a select few high-level cultivators. This is the legend of the "Heavenly Realm" and the Three Domains of the Seven Realms. The term "human" refers to the Human Realm, which is also the Cultivation Realm. This is the largest space in the world, and it is said to be the most powerful and populous among the Seven Realms. The number of cultivators is countless, and if that power were to unite, it could be considered the strongest force in the world. Unfortunately, due to the deep-seated prejudices among the various sects and schools of cultivation, their power is scattered and broad but not concentrated. This is the largest space in the world, and it is said to be the most powerful and populous among the Seven Realms. The number of cultivators is countless, and if that power were to unite, it could be considered the strongest force in the world. Unfortunately, due to the deep-seated prejudices among the various sects and schools of cultivation, their power is scattered and broad but not concentrated.

The "Beast Demon Domain" is a gathering place for all kinds of demons in the world, inhabited by countless highly skilled demon spirits and extraordinary beasts, and it generally does not connect with the human realm. It is said that the entrance to this space is located within the Mirage Beast Cave, which ranks second among the five most mysterious caves in the world. Unfortunately, very few people are aware of it, which adds to its immense mystery

The legendary Three Realms and Seven Dimensions are primarily centered around the Human Realm. The other six spaces, apart from the Human Realm, are merely specific areas that are relatively small in comparison to the Human Realm. Moreover, each of these spaces exists in dependence on the Human Realm and is interconnected with it; in essence, they all belong to the Human Realm. The only distinction is that there exists a barrier, a boundary, separating them from the Human Realm, thus forming a unique space with a temporal dimension that differs from that of the Human Realm. Furthermore, each space relies on the Human Realm for its existence and is connected to it; they fundamentally belong to the Human Realm. The only difference is the presence of a barrier that separates them, creating a unique space with a temporal dimension distinct from that of the Human Realm.

Ranked fifth is Phoenix Academy, which is said to be an institution primarily focused on female cultivation. This academy is reported to have been established over a thousand years ago, and over the years, it has produced countless renowned female heroes in the cultivation world, bringing unparalleled glory to Phoenix Academy and numerous shocks to the cultivation community. This is a unique cultivation sect, entirely composed of women, yet they have secured a place in the world, becoming one of the six most famous separate academies.

In addition to the mortal realm of cultivation, the most mysterious "Heaven" refers to three incredibly enigmatic spaces located above the Qingyun. Among them, the most legendary is the "Nine Heavens Void Realm." It is said that this Void Realm is the dwelling place of all cultivators who, after reaching the highest level of cultivation and surviving nine tribulations, ascend to immortality and become celestial beings. Legends claim that they can live as long as the heavens and the earth, achieving eternal life. However, this legend has remained unverified for thousands of years, and no one dares to assert its truth. It is said that this Void Realm is the dwelling place of all cultivators who, after reaching the highest level of cultivation and surviving nine tribulations, ascend to immortality and become celestial beings. Legends claim that they can live as long as the heavens and the earth, achieving eternal life. However, this legend has remained unverified for thousands of years, and no one dares to assert its truth

The second-ranked realm, known as "The Realm of Clouds," is said to be inhabited by highly skilled individuals who possess powers equivalent to those of celestial beings. Due to their inability to evade the heavenly tribulation at the last moment, they resorted to a form of dissolution and ultimately became earth immortals. This place is also said to be accessible to scattered immortals, while those with insufficient strength cannot enter. "The Realm of Clouds" is rumored to be located at the summit of the Misty Peak, shrouded in mystery; unfortunately, no one has ever known the whereabouts of the Misty Peak. This place is also said to be accessible to scattered immortals, while those with insufficient strength cannot enter. "The Realm of Clouds" is rumored to be located at the summit of the Misty Peak, shrouded in mystery; unfortunately, no one has ever known the whereabouts of the Misty Peak.

Ranked fourth is Ruyuan, said to be a place of cultivation for Confucianism, one of the rarest locations in the world. It is well known that Confucians are all scholars who vehemently oppose superstitions and the supernatural, which makes their practice of cultivation difficult to comprehend. Nevertheless, this place truly exists, located in the city of Luoyang, and is quite famous.

Apart from these two places, the last one is called "Heavenly Capital," which is said to be located at the peak of Tiandu Mountain, at the top of a divine tree that has existed for ten thousand years. Unfortunately, very few people have seen that divine tree, making this "Heavenly Capital" exceptionally mysterious. It is said that the inhabitants of this "Heavenly Capital" are all various otherworldly spiritual practitioners. These practitioners can only enter this realm after achieving great success and enlightenment, where they live a life akin to that of immortals, no longer worrying about birth, aging, illness, and death. It is the most coveted place for otherworldly practitioners. It is an extraordinarily unique existence, said to be breathtakingly beautiful, drawing countless otherworldly practitioners with immense longing. These practitioners can only enter this realm after achieving great success and enlightenment, where they live a life akin to that of immortals, no longer worrying about birth, aging, illness, and death. It is the most coveted place for otherworldly practitioners. It is an extraordinarily unique existence, said to be breathtakingly beautiful, drawing countless otherworldly practitioners with immense longing.