Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 312 Announcement 1

Hyuga Neji stood quietly at the edge of the training ground, his gaze fixed on Orochimaru in the distance. He sighed inwardly; although many years had passed, he still remembered the moment he broke through to the next level. It was an intoxicating, unforgettable feeling, as if the whole world had changed. However, he knew that this initial breakthrough was merely the starting point on the path of cultivation, and there was still a long way to go.

He believed Orochimaru would soon realize this. At this moment, he was waiting not because he had any special expectations of Orochimaru, but out of respect and obedience to his teacher, Hyuga Kanan. His teacher had instructed him that if anyone successfully broke through, he should bring them to see him. Therefore, Hyuga Neji waited patiently, preparing to complete this task.

Soon, Hyuga Neji noticed that Orochimaru had snapped out of his reverie and was walking towards him. Although his face still bore the joyful expression of someone who had broken through to the next level, his eyes had regained their clarity. Hyuga Neji couldn't help but admire the mental fortitude of this man who had once reached the pinnacle of the ninja world; the fact that he could recover from that state so quickly was truly worthy of his teacher's high regard.

When Orochimaru walked up to Hyuga Neji and the others, his subordinates, including Kabuto Yakushi, couldn't help but congratulate him on his breakthrough. Their eyes shone with joy and admiration, far more than when they themselves had broken through.

"As expected of Lord Orochimaru, you've completed your first breakthrough so quickly. Congratulations on embarking on the path of cultivation! May Orochimaru soon return to his peak and embark on the true path to immortality!" Kabuto and the others congratulated Orochimaru, their faces filled with excitement. Orochimaru couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of joy. He thought to himself, "This breakthrough is just the first step. Many more challenges and difficulties await me. But as long as I keep striving, one day I will return to my peak and embark on the true path to immortality!" However, he quickly suppressed his excitement and calmly replied, "This breakthrough is just the first step; there's nothing to be surprised about. I will organize the experience from this breakthrough and teach it to you. I hope you will continue to work hard, complete your first breakthrough as soon as possible, and become my most capable assistants." "Yes, Lord Orochimaru. We will definitely work even harder and become your most powerful tools as soon as possible," Kabuto and the others quickly replied. They knew their strength was far from sufficient; to become Orochimaru's most capable assistants, they had to put in much more effort and sweat. Orochimaru is their life's belief, and becoming his most useful tool is what they hope to achieve.

Neji Hyuga didn't rush him, but stood quietly to the side, waiting for Orochimaru and the others to finish their celebration. He knew Orochimaru's status and position, and understood the need to maintain appropriate politeness and respect in this situation. Therefore, he chose to remain silent, giving Orochimaru ample time to interact and celebrate with the others.

After some congratulations and conversation, Orochimaru finally ended his interaction with everyone. At this moment, Hyuga Neji slowly walked up to Orochimaru and said softly, "Orochimaru-senpai, please come with me! Our teacher once instructed that once you successfully break through, you should go to see him, because he has something important to tell you."

Orochimaru nodded slightly, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. He had long yearned to exchange ideas with Hyuga Kanan and receive his guidance. To him, Hyuga Kanan was not only a top-tier fighter but also a worthy role model. Therefore, he readily agreed, "Alright, let's set off now! Let's not waste any more time. I truly look forward to speaking with your teacher and hope to gain some valuable advice and guidance from him."

As Orochimaru finished speaking, Hyuga Neji led him away from the scene, heading towards where Hyuga Kanan was. Along the way, both remained somewhat silent, but their hearts were filled with anticipation for their upcoming meeting.

As they arrived once more at the entrance to the secluded training chamber atop the mountain, a gentle breeze blew by, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance. Suddenly, Hyuga Kanan's voice rang in their ears, seemingly from the distant heavens: "You've arrived. Come in." This was Hyuga Kanan's telepathic transmission, his voice imbued with a hint of mystery and authority.

The two exchanged a glance, a flicker of excitement in their eyes. They knew this meeting would be an important exchange. Without hesitation, they pushed open the door to the secluded chamber and stepped inside.

A tranquil and peaceful atmosphere filled the room, making everyone feel refreshed and relaxed. Following Hyuga Kanan's directions, they walked towards his location. Each step was taken with extraordinary solemnity, as if they were treading not on ordinary ground, but on a path leading to wisdom and power.

Soon, they arrived at where Hyuga Kanan was. There he was, as always, sitting cross-legged on a futon, emanating an indescribable aura. His eyes were already fixed on them, deep and sharp, seemingly able to pierce their very souls.

The two stood respectfully before Hyuga Kanan, bowing slightly to show their respect. They were filled with anticipation, hoping to gain more guidance and inspiration from him. At that moment, time seemed to stand still, and only the three of them remained in the space.

"Sit down!" Hyuga Kanan said, noticing the expectant looks in their eyes. He had previously instructed Hyuga Neji to bring Orochimaru, now having broken through to the next level, to inform him of some threats and schemes in the ninja world.

Now that Hyuga Neji has entered the Innate Realm, it's time for him to learn some secrets hidden in the ninja world. Moreover, he may need to cultivate at the Innate Realm for a long time to accumulate experience and prepare for the next breakthrough. For someone like Orochimaru, with his strong will and insight, revealing this information sooner will motivate him to cultivate even more. Given Orochimaru's talent, he will likely catch up to Hyuga Neji's level quickly, and may even break through earlier than Neji.

"I've brought you two here today to inform you of some things. I also want you to know about your future cultivation paths. Originally, Orochimaru-senpai hadn't reached the required level of cultivation to know this, but I think with Orochimaru-senpai's temperament and talent, he should be able to accept this information. As for Neji, you should have known this long ago, but you're still too young, and your temperament and experience are somewhat immature. However, with Orochimaru-senpai's help, I believe you will be able to grow up quickly."

Hyuga Kanan looked at the two people before him, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. He knew that these two were among the best of the best, but they still had a long way to go before they reached the end of their careers.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, a look of curiosity on his face. He was very confident in his own character and talent, but he was still very much looking forward to what he was about to be told.

Hyuga Neji, on the other hand, seemed a little nervous. He knew that although he had good talent, his knowledge and experience of the ninja world were still too limited. However, he had a firm belief and determination to become a stronger being.

Hyuga Kanan continued, "The power of the path of cultivation is not merely limited to the improvement of the physical body and skills, but more importantly, to the exploration of one's own soul and the mastery of the world's rules. Only when you truly understand and master the mysteries of the soul and comprehend some of the world's rules can you reach a higher level. The path of cultivation is the process of comprehending the rules of heaven and earth and obtaining the power and authority of those rules—it is inherently an act against the heavens. Therefore, when you reach the point where you need to break through using the power of the world's rules, the world's will will descend with divine punishment to prevent you from stepping into a higher realm; that is, you must undergo a heavenly tribulation. Only after safely passing through it can you break through to a new realm and obtain new power."

Orochimaru nodded, indicating his understanding. He had attempted many forbidden experiments, trying to push the limits of the human body, but he knew that this was only superficial power. He had always been deeply interested in the study of the soul.

Neji fell into deep thought. Although young, his thirst for power was second to none. He understood that to become a top-tier fighter like his teacher, he had to constantly surpass himself, including exploring his own soul.

Hyuga Kanan continued, “However, exploring the mysteries of the soul and comprehending the rules of the world is no easy task. It requires immense effort and time, and you may even face life-or-death trials. Once you reach the Innate Realm, to advance your realm, you must continuously enhance your soul power while simultaneously comprehending the power of the world's rules. Only when you truly comprehend the power of the world's rules can you use your soul power to guide the power of those rules to break through to new realms. This process may take a very long time to accumulate the necessary experience. But as long as you persevere, you will surely overcome all obstacles and achieve your goals.”

A resolute glint flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He knew this path was fraught with challenges, but he was not afraid. He believed that his talent and hard work could overcome all difficulties.

Neji clenched his fists tightly, secretly vowing to become the strongest. He knew he carried his teacher's expectations and could not betray his trust.

Hyuga Kanan encouraged them, "I hope you will remember what I said today and make the necessary preparations, using it as motivation to move forward. In the days to come, no matter what difficulties you encounter, face them bravely and constantly surpass yourselves. I believe you will definitely become new legends in the ninja world!"

Orochimaru and Neji Hyuga exchanged a glance, then nodded solemnly. They knew the road ahead was full of unknowns and challenges, but they were prepared to face any difficulties and trials.