Chapter 553: The Eternal Furnace, The Challenge, Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes

【Divine Hidden Pill】

【Grade: Fifth Tier】

【Description: Supreme secret pill of the Divine Hidden Sect. Consuming it can directly unlock the Hidden Storage of the human body, bypassing countless arduous cultivation.】

“Unlock the Hidden Storage of the human body?”

Lu Changsheng frowned. He had never heard of this concept before.

However, in the cultivation world, there are countless legacies. Different cultivation systems are normal.

After extracting the Divine Hidden Pill, Lu Changsheng instantly understood what this Hidden Storage was.

The Divine Hidden Sect’s sect-defining technique can unlock nine Hidden Storages in the human body!

Each Hidden Storage is equivalent to an innate ability!

And this Divine Hidden Pill can directly unlock one of those Hidden Storages without the need for arduous cultivation.

“Heart Storage, Liver Storage, Spleen Storage, Lung Storage, Kidney Storage, and the Four Invisible Storages.”

Lu Changsheng murmured, finding the Divine Hidden Sect’s technique quite interesting.

Each of the Five Organ Storages brings significant enhancements.

Once all five Hidden Storages are unlocked, the cycle of the five elements will be endless, and the physical body and spiritual power will far exceed those of cultivators on the same level. It can even enhance longevity potential!

And after unlocking the five Hidden Storages, one can gradually unlock the Four Invisible Storages.

Each Invisible Storage is as strong as the bloodline abilities of top-tier demon kings!

However, this Divine Hidden Pill can only unlock one of the Five Organ Storages.

“Tch, having just one makes it a bit underwhelming.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head as he looked at the Divine Hidden Pill in his hand.

If he had the Divine Hidden Sect’s technique, this pill would be an invaluable divine pill that could save countless hours of cultivation for unlocking the Four Invisible Storages.

But without the technique, simply unlocking one ordinary Hidden Storage isn’t as meaningful.

“But since I got it, might as well use it.”

Lu Changsheng went to his Cave Dwelling, preparing to take the pill and see the effect of the Hidden Storage.

“The Heart governs the body, is the foundation of all matters, and is the ruler of the five viscera and six bowels, making it the prime choice among the Five Hidden Storages!”

“But the Kidney is the origin of innate essence, the root of Yin and Yang. I cultivate the Yin-Yang Path, so this might help.”

Lu Changsheng swallowed the Divine Hidden Pill. The pill instantly transformed into a vast, refined medicinal power, flooding his five viscera and six bowels, then wrapping around his kidneys.

“Boom, boom, boom—”

An immense medicinal force made his kidneys boiling hot, like two blazing furnaces, burning with fiery essence and radiating dazzling energy.

At that moment, a surge of immense physical strength, stamina, and endurance continuously flowed from the furnaces, spreading throughout his entire body and limbs.

Lu Changsheng’s Hundred Refined Body Technique instinctively began to operate.

But he immediately suppressed the technique, allowing the medicinal power to spread throughout his body, nourishing his internal organs and flesh.

Throughout this process, he could clearly feel himself getting stronger.

His kidneys burned like eternal furnaces, releasing intense life force and infinite power.

Who knows how long it took.

“Boom!”

The Hidden Storage in his kidneys ascended, like two eternal furnaces burning at their peak. Endless energy spread out, making Lu Changsheng feel exceptionally comfortable and filled with power.

“So, this is the Kidney Hidden Storage, the Eternal Furnace?”

Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, his entire being surging with energy. His body radiated a crystalline luster, full of mysterious power.

The Kidney Hidden Storage is also known as the Eternal Furnace.

It can provide him with unlimited energy, infinite endurance, and endless stamina!

Simply put, his stamina and endurance had doubled or tripled!

If required, unleashing the Eternal Furnace would burn through potential reserves, enabling him to exert ten times his normal stamina and endurance—practically limitless!

As a Body Tempering cultivator, the power of this Eternal Furnace is undeniably strong.

After all, in physical combat, it’s all about stamina!

Additionally, the Kidney is the origin of innate essence, the root of Yin and Yang. Unlocking the Kidney Hidden Storage offers some enhancement in Dual Cultivation and results in more talented and smarter offspring.

“Sigh, with the Hundred Refined Body Technique, my body is already like a Magical Treasure with incredible stamina and endurance.”

“Now that I’ve unlocked the Kidney Hidden Storage, it feels like having a technique to slay phoenixes but no phoenix to slay.”

Lu Changsheng shook his head and sighed, thinking that unlocking the Kidney Hidden Storage might aid his Yin-Yang Creation Sutra cultivation.

But it turned out to offer merely these abilities.

It would have been better if it greatly enhanced Dual Cultivation and birthed more talented offspring.

However, Lu Changsheng didn’t complain.

Unlocking the Kidney Hidden Storage had filled him with vigorous energy, boosting his Body Tempering abilities, allowing him to reach the tenth-layer peak of the Hundred Refined Body Technique.

When Lu Ping’an breaks through, he could attempt to push to the eleventh layer.

Without further thought, Lu Changsheng stepped out of the cave, ready to test the effects of unlocking the Kidney Hidden Storage.

Heavenly Sword Sect.

Main Hall.

“Have the origins of the new City Lord of Immortal City of Da Mengze been fully investigated yet?”

A voice of stern authority came from deep within the hall.

“Reporting to the Sect Master, not yet. The details of the two individuals remain unclear.”

“However, based on the investigation, they arrived at the Immortal City of Da Mengze about three years ago, then made contact with Meng Wuhen and his wife.”

“Three years ago and a year and a half ago, several earth-shattering battles occurred deep within the Da Mengze Sea. I went to investigate and saw many islands collapse, bearing the scars of fierce combat, likely caused by those two and Meng Wuhen and his wife.”

An elderly voice spoke respectfully.

“According to the fortune-teller, the two individuals have deep and inscrutable destinies, with profound fortunes. Furthermore, someone with exceptional divination skills has disrupted the Heavenly Fate in Immortal City, making it difficult to deduce specific details.”

“Within the entire Jiang Kingdom, only a few possess such fortune-telling skill, and it’s most likely Meng Wuhen’s work.”

“However, as time passes, this disruption in Heavenly Fate appears to be weakening, suggesting that the master diviner is most likely no longer there.”

“Therefore, these two new City Lords probably have a close relationship with Meng Wuhen and his wife or have made some agreement with them, thus taking charge of Immortal City.”

The elderly voice continued.

“Truly, this is a chaotic time. Back then, Immortal Qingluan left Qingluan Immortal City without a trace, and now she returns as a Nascent Soul cultivator.”

“And now the Meng Wuhen couple has quietly left the Jiang Kingdom. Moreover, they found two Golden Core cultivators to preside over the city.”

“Senior Brother Ancient Sword, please head to Immortal City of Da Mengze and stay there for some time.”

“The power shift in Immortal City of Da Mengze is sure to attract rogue cultivators hoping to seize advantage. It will be the perfect time to gauge if these two figures are indeed who they claim to be or if Meng Wuhen and his wife are playing tricks.”

The voice of the Heavenly Sword Sect Master continued, betraying no emotion.

“Sect Master, shall I not make contact with these two?”

Immortal Ancient Sword inquired.

“No need, just observe for now. Showing ourselves too early could induce animosity.”

“Besides, the news of Immortal City’s power shift has already spread. It won’t be long before rogue cultivators and other forces attempt to seize what they can. We can make contact later.”

“As long as they conduct themselves like Meng Wuhen and his wife, there’s no need to intervene.”

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master’s voice added.

Meng Wuhen and his wife’s true abilities are unknown to others, but Heavenly Sword Sect knows a thing or two. We’re willing to give them some respect.

As long as the current City Lords aren’t covert agents for the demonic sects and don’t cause chaos, Heavenly Sword Sect doesn’t care who rules the city.

However, if the two lack the strength to maintain order in the city and cause turmoil, Heavenly Sword Sect will step in to prevent further chaos.

As a Golden Core cultivator, even the spiritual infant of Hong Lian couldn’t match Lu Changsheng in battle.

Thus, the boundless stamina, infinite endurance, and unlimited energy brought by the Kidney Hidden Storage were of no particular challenge to Lu Changsheng.

However, in Dual Cultivation, the benefits were significant.

Especially when paired with cultivators like Lu Miaoge, Ling Zixiao, or Baa Ling, who were all weaker in cultivation, the effects were quite noticeable.

So, apart from cultivating on his own, Lu Changsheng spent most of his time assisting Lu Miaoge and Ling Zixiao witt their cultivation.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, six months passed.

Now, the situation in the Immortal City of Da Mengze was mostly sorted out by Ling Zixiao.

It can only be said that the city’s network of relationships is deeply intertwined.

Aside from the Four Great Immortal Sects, major forces from the Jiang Kingdom, and even top forces from the Yue Kingdom, have been operating shops or sending their family members to the City Lord’s Manor.

To fully control Immortal City, with the current strength of the Lu Family, is far from sufficient.

However, in the cultivation world, strength is paramount. As long as Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian remain in control, it shouldn’t pose much of a problem.

Regarding the change in city leadership, it’s no longer just a rumor.

Ling Zixiao noticed keenly that over the past six months, many cultivators had been probing and gathering information about the City Lord’s Manor.

And the Four Great Immortal Sects originally each only had one False Core cultivator guarding Immortal City of Da Mengze.

But recently, the Heavenly Sword Sect sent a Golden Core cultivator.

Though this Golden Core cultivator hasn’t visited the City Lord’s Manor, he gives off an impending storm-like vibe.

On this day, a challenge letter arrived at the City Lord’s Manor.

“Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes?”

Lu Changsheng looked at the challenge letter in his hand, raising an eyebrow slightly.

The letter roughly stated that two hundred years ago, the writer was defeated by Meng Wuhen and his wife. Now that his Divine Ability has been perfected, he sought to challenge them and wash away the shame.

“It seems such a thing did happen, but it was so long ago that I’m not very clear on the details. This Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes likely came because someone invited him to test the waters.”

Ling Zixiao, standing next to him, remarked.

In the cultivation world, issuing a challenge was a relatively common practice.

It signaled a grudge that hadn’t escalated to a life-or-death point but still bruised one’s pride, prompting a desire to settle the score.

“Zixiao, what is the cultivation level of this Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

There are indeed some Golden Core rogue cultivators in the Jiang Kingdom, but most are in the early or mid-stage.

He had heard of this Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes but wasn’t sure about his exact cultivation level.

“Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes hails from Ten Thousand Lakes Island in Da Mengze. After reaching Golden Core Formation, he hasn’t been very active. The last public appearance was fifty-nine years ago, so he’s likely in the mid-stage of Golden Core Formation now.”

Ling Zixiao replied immediately.

Immortal City of Da Mengze had an intelligence network.

After taking charge of the city, she had reviewed much of the Jiang Kingdom’s intelligence.

Even during her time at Bihu Mountain, she had gained a good understanding of the various forces and cultivators in Jiang Kingdom.

“Tch, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator daring to issue a challenge, how bold…”

Lu Changsheng chuckled, somewhat taken aback.

But this also indicated that the opponent was confident Meng Wuhen and his wife were not present.

Otherwise, a mid-stage Golden Core wouldn’t dare issue a challenge.

“But since someone has come knocking, let’s accept the challenge. If we keep delaying, it’s just wasting time.”

Lu Changsheng said calmly.

Ever since the undercurrents began to stir in Immortal City of Da Mengze, he had been waiting for someone to provoke him. Then, he could strike as an example to deter the small fry.

Otherwise, with so many eyes on him, he wouldn’t feel at ease leaving the city to bring more people from Bihu Mountain.

Moreover, with the rumors of a power shift in the city spreading, avoiding the fight would be seen as a sign of weakness, potentially destabilizing the city and shaking the troops’ morale.

“Alright.”

Ling Zixiao’s beautiful eyes shone brightly as she smiled. She had absolute confidence in Lu Changsheng.

Meanwhile.

News of the challenge issued by Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes to Immortal City of Da Mengze spread like wildfire, causing a massive stir.

The entire city was abuzz with discussions.

Moreover, the news quickly spread to the Da Mengze region and throughout the entire Jiang Kingdom’s cultivation world.

After all, a Golden Core cultivator challenging a city lord is big news, something rarely seen in decades!

“Immortal Zhenren and Immortal Yunmeng once defeated the Late-Stage Golden Core cultivator Lingkong Zhenren. How could this Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes, who’s only mid-stage, dare challenge both City Lords?”

“It’s likely because of the recent rumors of a power shift in the city that Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes dared to come forward.”

“He has a grudge with the city, so he’s justified in issuing a challenge. If he can gauge the new City Lords’ strength, he might even gain some benefits.”

“I wonder how strong these two new City Lords are and whether they’ll accept the challenge.”

“To succeed them, they must be quite powerful. I hope they win the challenge; otherwise, our Da Mengze will be like Qingluan Immortal City years ago—turbulent for decades.”

“Indeed, I came to Da Mengze because I heard this place was relatively stable.”

Immortal City was full of discussions among the cultivators.

High-level cultivators recognized this as a game of strategy, with some aiming to seize control over the city.

Lower-level cultivators, on the other hand, were mainly interested in the spectacle, hoping for continued stability in the city.

Soon after, the City Lord’s Manor announced they would accept the challenge and fight in seven days at Da Mengze.

As soon as this news broke, the city was once again engulfed in intense discussions.

Many speculated on the outcome of the battle, with some even placing bets on who would win or how many rounds it would last.

Although rumors of a power shift were circulating, most cultivators were still confident in ‘Immortal Zhenren’ and ‘Immortal Yunmeng’.

Seven days later.

Outside Immortal City, above the vast waters.

The area was packed with people.

Golden Core cultivators dueling is extremely rare in the cultivation world.

So, many famed cultivators had gathered to witness the battle between Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes and the two City Lords of Immortal City!

Throughout the process, more cultivators arrived—some on beams of light, some on Spirit Boats, and others riding Spirit Beasts.

“Whether the city has changed hands, we’ll know by the end of today.”

“I’ve never seen Golden Core cultivators fight before, and today, I finally get the chance.”

“I hear the new City Lords are also a married couple. I wonder if they practice the Dual Cultivation Method.”

Many cultivators spoke in hushed tones, full of anticipation.

“Dad said he’s close to the City Lord, but I don’t see him here to watch the fight.”

In the crowd, a young girl in a pink dress scanned the scene curiously.

The girl was Lu Wangshu. After hearing the news, she came to witness the fight with Lu Lingxiao.

Beside her, Lu Lingxiao had a calm expression, his eyes closed as he rested, waiting for the battle to begin.

He possessed Heavenly Son’s Art of Qi Observation, so witnessing such a duel would greatly benefit him.

Time passed, moment by moment.

Just then, a streak of light appeared at the horizon, moving at incredible speed.

Terrifying speed and immense spiritual pressure shocked everyone present.

“What a terrifying aura! Who is that?”

“That’s Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes!”

“So, that’s Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes! His aura alone is suffocating!”

“I didn’t expect him to have a Third-tier Spirit Pet!”

A blue flood dragon flew through the clouds, emitting the terrifying might of a Third-tier Spirit Beast.

On top of the flood dragon stood a sharp-eyed man with a hooked nose. His features were defined, and he wore a lake-blue long robe.

His face was slightly old, but his posture was straight, exuding a deep and vast aura that made many onlookers nervous.

“Greetings, Immortal Ancient Sword, Immortal Yan, Immortal Li.”

Master of the Ten Thousand Lakes arrived and nodded at a few Golden Core and False Core cultivators present in the area.

As a well-known Golden Core cultivator, he had some fame and connections in the Jiang Kingdom.

Moreover, he wasn’t alone on this trip, having come with a few friends in case the battle got out of hand.

Seeing that ‘Meng Wuhen’ and ‘Immortal Yunmeng’ hadn’t arrived yet, he quietly stood on the flood dragon, hands behind his back, waiting.