Chapter 445: Secret Realm Mutation, Ghost Cultivators!

“Alright, let’s begin.”

After True Person Lingfeng gave a brief introduction, he asked the nine people to step forward and comprehend the Heavenly Stele’s inheritance.

The first group of nine seemed a little nervous. They sat cross-legged in front of the stone tablet, placing their palms on it, injecting their Qi.

Lu Changsheng quietly watched this scene, trying to discern any mysteries within the stone tablet.

However, without using eye techniques or Fiery-Eyes, Lu Changsheng couldn’t see anything unusual.

He did feel that after the nine injected their Qi, it seemed as if the stone tablet had endless Dao rules flowing, filled with mysterious, profound energy.

“This stone tablet… could it be some kind of inherited treasure?”

Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment, then stopped paying attention and sat cross-legged.

Time passed little by little.

About an hour later, one of the nine who was comprehending the Heavenly Stele opened his eyes, looking somewhat confused and unwilling.

He looked at the stone tablet in front of him and placed his hands on it again, injecting Qi.

But the stone tablet seemed to have an invisible force that repelled and pushed him away.

“Each person can only obtain one opportunity from it. Next!”

Seeing this, True Person Lingfeng spoke calmly.

Then, he called the man over to ask what kind of inheritance he obtained from the stone tablet.

Although Lu Changsheng couldn’t hear what they were discussing, seeing True Person Lingfeng’s expression remain unchanged, he guessed that the technique inheritance wasn’t particularly surprising.

“According to what Xiyue said, each person’s Dao comprehension and technique inheritance from the Heavenly Stele is different, but it might be repeated.”

“The Four Great Immortal Sects allowing such benefits to be available might be a means to gather talented individuals from the Jiang Kingdom, hoping to acquire some technique inheritances from them.”

“Furthermore, even if these family forces obtain Top-Tier technique inheritances, all of their techniques and mantras are in the hands of the Four Great Immortal Sects, who possess countermeasures and solutions.”

Lu Changsheng thought this to himself.

Time continued to pass like this.

The cultivators present took turns stepping forward to comprehend the Heavenly Stele.

During this process, Lu Changsheng noticed a pattern.

The longer one comprehended, the more benefits they seemed to gain.

As for what determined the duration of comprehension, Lu Changsheng wasn’t sure. He guessed it had to do with talent, understanding, cultivation, and realm, among other factors.

“Hmm?”

One day, Lu Changsheng saw a young man finish comprehending the Heavenly Stele. After handing over the technique inheritance to True Person Lingfeng, he retracted his hand into his sleeve, as if doing something.

This action was subtle and secretive.

If it weren’t for Lu Changsheng’s awakened Taiyi Spirit, with Divine Sense comparable to the peak of Golden Core Formation, and coincidentally looking in that direction, he might not have noticed.

“Could this person be a demonic cultivator?”

Lu Changsheng speculated, finding the individual’s behavior suspicious.

He even suspected that the other person was a demonic Golden Core cultivator, now that he had finished comprehending the Heavenly Stele and confirmed the situation inside, likely passing information to the outside.

However, even though he detected something, it wasn’t convenient to speak up.

After all, there were four Golden Core True Lords present.

For a mid-foundation cultivator like himself to suddenly speak up and claim something was wrong with this person would seem unreasonable.

Moreover, the Four Great Immortal Sects had set up a trap in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, so perhaps this behavior was intentional.

“If someone really intends to cause trouble, I hope they wait until I finish comprehending the Heavenly Stele.”

Lu Changsheng maintained a calm demeanor.

Although he wasn’t particularly interested in the Heavenly Stele’s inheritance,

since he was here, he might as well experience it.

However, before long…

“Boom!”

Suddenly, a thunderous sound echoed as if the heavens were collapsing, causing the entire secret realm to tremble and shake.

“What’s going on?”

“What’s happening!?”

Everyone present opened their eyes, their expressions filled with doubt, surprise, and horror.

Even the cultivators still comprehending the Heavenly Stele abruptly awakened, looking around in confusion and uncertainty.

“Is there really a demonic disturbance!?”

Lu Changsheng was shocked, confirming that the situation he had just observed was indeed a transmission of information.

Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence?

Moreover, this commotion made him realize that the intruder was no ordinary individual.

“Hmm!?”

Chu Qingyi, Tiger Roar Cultivator, and the others also frowned, looking towards the entrance of the secret realm.

“Stay calm!”

True Person Lingfeng seemed to have anticipated this. He stepped forward and sternly shouted.

As he spoke, the overwhelming Golden Core-level Qi spread, filling the surroundings and silencing the commotion.

“I’m sure you’ve heard that many demonic thieves have coveted the opportunities within the secret realm.”

“But these secret realm opportunities are not something this group of gutter rats can touch. If they dare to come, they’ll never return!”

True Person Lingfeng, dressed in white robes with white hair and beard, had an immortal, dignified aura, but his voice was filled with authority and power.

He then changed the subject, his expression becoming stern: “Many of you have yet to encounter demonic cultivators.”

“But our Jiang Kingdom Cultivation World has always been at odds with the demonic path. So I must tell you this: We cultivators fight against the heavens for our lives!”

“If you wish to break through to Golden Core, Nascent Soul, you will inevitably face the demonic path in the future. Only with a fearless heart, slaying a myriad of demons, both inner and outer, can you cut through thorns to find your true self and seek longevity in the Dao!”

True Person Lingfeng’s robe fluttered as he spoke with overwhelming authority. His voice echoed clearly in everyone’s ears.

“Thank you for your guidance, True Person! We understand!”

“Rest assured, True Person, when we encounter demonic cultivators, we will remain fearless and show no mercy!”

“We are irreconcilable with the demonic path!”

Hearing his words, the cultivators present, initially anxious, were reassured, knowing that the Four Great Immortal Sects had long been prepared. They bowed and loudly affirmed.

However, Lu Changsheng noticed that most of the family cultivators, despite their seemingly impassioned expressions, were merely being polite and agreeing.

Only the Immortal Sect disciples were truly stirred, their expressions resolute.

This was expected.

They were all elites of their sects, having been instilled with the belief of irreconcilability with demonic cultivators since they began their cultivation journey.

During their cultivation and growth, many had experienced or witnessed demonic events.

Like the Demon Slayer Decree from decades ago, many had participated or at least heard of it, always believing themselves to be righteous, with slaying demons as their mission.

However, when Lu Changsheng saw the youth disguised as Nangong Mili loudly responding with excitement, he couldn’t help but feel a little strange.

“Hmm.”

Being a Golden Core True Lord, True Person Lingfeng was perceptive and naturally knew that most of the family cultivators here were old hands.

So, he didn’t pay much attention to them.

If a righteous and demonic war truly broke out, did those family cultivators have any choice but to fight?

Moreover, when war erupts, for family cultivators, it’s also a step up the ladder.

If you don’t fight, others will!

But in the next moment…

“Boom, boom, boom——”

Another series of thunderous sounds echoed, making the entire secret realm shake violently as if it were experiencing an earthquake.

True Person Lingfeng’s face suddenly changed.

Not only him, but Chu Qingyi, Tiger Roar Cultivator, and another Golden Core True Lord also had their faces dramatically shift, exchanging glances.

Immediately, True Person Lingfeng looked at the crowd and said: “Now that demonic cultivators are attacking, our understanding of the Heavenly Stele will be delayed. Follow me, and we’ll take shelter.”

“Has the situation changed?”

Seeing the situation before him and the expressions of True Person Lingfeng and the others, Lu Changsheng realized something was wrong.

If the Four Great Immortal Sects had indeed set up a trap in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, how could this be happening?

Although the Four Great Immortal Sects could trap and kill intruders here,

if demonic forces arrived, they could also block the exit of the secret realm, capturing them inside.

Moreover, there were also many foreign Golden Core cultivators mixed among the current group.

If these cultivators cooperated with people outside, it could be a huge problem.

At that moment, Lu Changsheng became even more vigilant.

Many of the cultivators present also sensed something was off.

But at this time, they didn’t dare slack off or raise any doubts, obediently following True Person Lingfeng’s orders.

Moments later, True Person Lingfeng summoned a formation disc and formation flags, instructing everyone where to stand.

Next, he ordered the Four Great Immortal Sects to arrange themselves systematically, forming four imposing formations with the help of tokens and Secret Techniques.

“Battle array!”

Lu Changsheng saw the qi of the disciples from the four sects converging, gradually forming an overwhelming momentum, recognizing that this was a battle array.

The Foundation Establishment disciples of the Four Sects formed a battle array. If they fought with all their might, even a Golden Core True Lord would find them difficult to deal with.

“Damn it, this True Person Lingfeng clearly knows there’s a demonic Golden Core hiding among us!”

Seeing their formation, Lu Changsheng silently cursed.

He noticed they had positioned all the family cultivators to one side.

While the disciples of the Four Great Immortal Sects were arranged in a battle array, positioned in the four directions.

This indicated that True Person Lingfeng was aware there were foreign Golden Core cultivators mixed in the group but was unsure of their exact identity.

“If something unexpected happens, I’ll have to disguise myself as a foreign Golden Core.”

Lu Changsheng murmured to himself, keeping an eye on the suspicious cultivator and Nangong Mili.

He was now almost certain that the chaos in the secret realm was related to that person.

“Boom, boom, boom——”

The secret realm continued to shake, becoming increasingly violent, with the spiritual energy in the air becoming chaotic.

“True Person, may I ask, is it safe for us to stay here?”

“If demonic cultivators attack, we are willing to lend a hand!”

After a moment, a family cultivator couldn’t hold back, gritted his teeth, and asked True Person Lingfeng.

“Nascent Soul True Lord Xuanjian is overseeing the area outside the secret realm. It won’t take long to deal with these demonic thieves.”

True Person Lingfeng responded calmly and confidently.

“True Lord Xuanjian?”

“What!? True Lord Xuanjian is overseeing the secret realm!?”

“Could this commotion be because True Lord Xuanjian is battling someone?”

Everyone gasped in shock when they heard this name, their eyes filled with respect and awe.

True Lord Xuanjian, the pillar of the Jiang Kingdom Cultivation World!

No one would dare doubt the strength of this Nascent Soul True Lord.

Upon hearing that True Lord Xuanjian was overseeing the secret realm, those who were still anxious and worried immediately felt relieved.

Lu Changsheng was also surprised to hear this name.

However, it made him even more concerned.

The fact that True Lord Xuanjian had come to oversee the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm and caused such a commotion meant that demonic cultivators or other forces with Nascent Soul True Lords had likely also arrived.

And for a demonic True Lord to dare to come to the Jiang Kingdom Cultivation World, they must have come prepared.

“With so many Golden Core cultivators drawn to the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, there must be a force behind the scenes stirring things up. Could it be this force?”

Lu Changsheng never expected that on his first venture into a secret realm, he’d encounter something like this.

“Damn it, and I haven’t even gained the Dao insight from the Heavenly Stele yet!”

Thinking about why he came here, Lu Changsheng felt like he was really losing out.

But given the current situation, he could only wait and see.

“Boom, boom, boom——”

The shaking became more intense, as if the entire land was collapsing.

At this moment…

“Boom!”

A sound like the heavens collapsing echoed.

In an instant, the world dimmed as thunder rumbled.

“Not good! The Heavenly Stele has collapsed!”

Someone looked towards the direction of the Heavenly Stele and shouted in alarm.

The massive stele that had stood like a mountain suddenly cracked and collapsed with a thundering crash.

“Whooosh——”

As the Heavenly Stele collapsed, an ancient, overwhelming grey-black mist surged into the sky like a giant abyss, swallowing the endless spiritual energy.

Thunder rumbled through the skies, as if demons were roaring and ghosts wailing.

“Kill! Kill! Kill!!!”

“I hate! I hate! I HATE!”

Amid the howling wind, a chilling and eerie voice, indistinct and vague, echoed between heaven and earth, wailing and moaning.

It was old and young, male and female, its tone hoarse, mournful, low, roaring, shrill, and piercing, utterly terrifying.

At the same time, countless ghosts emerged from the dark mist, their faces twisted and horrifying, filled with intense resentment!

“This isn’t good!”

“What’s happening!?”

“How can so many ghosts be sealed beneath the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm!?”

“No, these aren’t just ghosts; they are ghost cultivators!”

Seeing this, True Person Lingfeng and Chu Qingyi’s faces changed drastically.

They had long suspected that the wordless Heavenly Stele was extraordinary, being the core of the secret realm.

So, they intended to fully deplete the inheritance from it before attempting to break it open.

But they never expected that the battle outside the secret realm would affect the realm itself, causing the Heavenly Stele to shatter and collapse.

And beneath this stele was such a terrifying monstrosity sealed away!

“Ghosts!”

“Why are there so many ghosts!”

Everyone’s faces turned pale at the sight.

With the righteous and demonic forces clashing outside the secret realm, escaping was not easy and extremely dangerous.

But staying here with so many ghosts, they might not be able to hold out either.

“Kill!!!”

A group of ghosts charged towards them.

Tiger Roar Cultivator acted quickly, slapping his Spirit Pet Bag, summoning a massive white tiger with wings on its back.

“Roar——”

The white tiger roared thunderously at the ghosts, generating countless arcs of lightning, instantly disintegrating them into grey mist, blown away by the wind.

“It seems this white tiger has improved considerably compared to before.”

Lu Changsheng had seen Tiger Roar Cultivator’s strength alongside this third-rank white tiger.

Now, he noticed intricate purple patterns on the tiger’s wings.

He knew that the white tiger had gained a significant boost from the Fenglei Hou’s Thunder Crystal.

Lu Changsheng then cautiously observed the suspicious cultivator and Nangong Mili.

Initially, he thought that most of the foreign Golden Core cultivators had come to the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm for opportunities.

But now, seeing Nangong Mili, the suspicious cultivator, and the Nascent Soul True Lord’s arrival from the outside, he suspected that things weren’t so simple.

He believed some country or force might be planning an invasion against the Jiang Kingdom, trying to weaken their strength and morale through these means.

“I’ll go take a look!”

Tiger Roar Cultivator’s voice boomed as he rode his white tiger towards the collapsed Heavenly Stele, wanting to investigate the situation.

“Kill! Kill! Kill!!!”

“Roar!”

During the process, more ghosts kept appearing, charging at Tiger Roar Cultivator.

But these ghosts, at most, had Foundation Establishment cultivation and were no match for Tiger Roar Cultivator.

“Hehehe——”

At this moment, a cold, sinister laugh echoed from the void.

A black figure suddenly appeared behind Tiger Roar Cultivator, extending a green ghost claw towards his head.

“Roar!”

Tiger Roar Cultivator abruptly turned his head, roaring like a tiger king at the ghostly figure, a platinum-colored chain appearing in his hand and smashing it towards the ghost.

“Boom!”

A massive net, seemingly burning with green flames, appeared in front of the ghostly figure, blocking the attack, creating a boiling sound.

“A Golden Core ghost cultivator!”

True Person Lingfeng, Chu Qingyi, and the others saw this and their faces grew even more grave.

Now that a Golden Core ghost cultivator had appeared, it meant there could be a second or even a third.

If that happened, the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm would slip out of their control.

“So that’s a ghost cultivator.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the ghostly figure fighting Tiger Roar Cultivator, his gaze intensifying.

It was his first time seeing a so-called ghost cultivator.

As far as he knew, ghost cultivators generally fell into two categories.

One was when a cultivator died, and their soul, by some chance, remained in the world, becoming a wandering spirit.

The other was when a cultivator transformed themselves into a ghost cultivator through special techniques.

But no matter which type, they were almost completely different from their former selves, essentially becoming an entirely new existence.

“The situation is looking dire now.”

Lu Changsheng noticed the grey-black mist filling the air, turning the secret realm into what seemed like a ghostly domain.

The primary concern now was that no one knew how many Golden Core ghost cultivators were hidden beneath the Heavenly Stele.

Given the current scenario, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t be surprised if a Nascent Soul level ghost cultivator appeared.

At this moment, everyone present realized things were dire, their expressions tense and anxious as they looked towards True Person Lingfeng.

“Everyone, follow me and suppress these ghosts!”

Seeing this, True Person Lingfeng raised his voice.

With so many ghosts emerging in the Heavenly Yuan Secret Realm, they had to stop them.

If something went wrong and the situation affected the outside world, it would be disastrous!