For prodigies, Earth Immortals mark the true beginning of cultivation; Mortal Immortals are merely infants crossing the threshold into adulthood.
However, the Immortal Realm is a super-realm governed by the highest level of Heavenly Dao. Every single advancement in a cultivator's rank is exceedingly difficult, and every hurdle requires surviving a heavenly tribulation.
Because immortals possess immortal bodies, their lifespans are infinite. Yet, if they wish to advance, surviving the heavenly tribulation is an inescapable divine punishment. Immortals can and do die; more than half are buried within their heavenly tribulations, their bodies perishing and their dao vanishing into nothingness.
Chapter 1741