They stared at one another, their eyes full of shock.
Spiritual cultivators weren't true deities. Of those who'd gained enlightenment on the path and advanced to the Sovereign Stage, thus extending their lifespans, few had been able to live past two hundred years old.
The highest level of cultivation that a Sovereign Stage cultivator might achieve during such a finite lifespan was known as their "path level."
All five of them were at the Sovereign Stage in their path level. What they competed against the others on was the depth of their enlightenment, the strength of their enlightened path, and the level of adeptness they achieved upon the path.
The two founding elders had stumbled upon ordinary paths of enlightenment that had allowed no opportunity to develop further mastery or expertise. That might very well be the height of their achievement in cultivation. In fact, they might reach the end of their lifespan soon and pass on.