Chapter 671: True Lord Qingluan, The Ending of the Secret Realm

Swish, swish, swish!!!

Although the Golden-Winged Roc was affected by True Lord Tiancang, its speed remained astonishing as it burned its life force to fly, compelling True Lord Mingsha, True Lord Yunmei, and True Lord Tiancang to burn their own essence to keep up.

After all, except for True Lord Yunmei, whose techniques and artifacts were slightly faster, the other two couldn’t match the Golden-Winged Roc’s speed without sacrificing their blood essence and Nascent Soul origin.

“Golden Roc, how much longer can you hold out?”

Lu Changsheng’s consciousness sank into the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror as he inquired with the Golden-Winged Roc, noticing the three chasing him relentlessly, burning their Nascent Soul origins.

If the Roc could hold on a bit longer, he wouldn’t mind depleting their strength further before unleashing his full power to eliminate True Lord Tiancang first.

“About half an hour.”

The Golden-Winged Roc replied, indicating that it couldn’t sustain this condition for long.

“That’ll do!”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng reassured the Roc not to overexert itself.

Fifteen minutes! One quarter of an hour!

It was evident that the Roc’s speed was slowing, and the once brilliant golden feathers were now slightly dimmer.

“That’s enough, Golden Roc.”

Lu Changsheng coldly glanced back and signaled for the Golden-Winged Roc to descend toward the mountain below, preparing for a strike.

However, at that moment, a crisp and melodious cry echoed across the heavens and earth.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz!”

The Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror trembled as Ah Wu indicated that two Nascent Soul-level magical auras were rapidly approaching, their speed far surpassing True Lord Mingsha and the others.

Without needing Ah Wu to say more, Lu Changsheng turned to see a green streak of light rushing towards them, creating endless azure whirlwinds in its path.

“Is that… Qingluan Zhenren’s green bird?”

Lu Changsheng sensed a familiar yet unfamiliar aura from the green light, stunned to discover Qingluan Zhenren appearing here.

Shouldn’t they be heading to the center of the secret realm for the core opportunity by now?

“Qingluan Zhenren!?”

“Why is Qingluan Zhenren here!?”

“It must be that Yangming Zhenren asked Qingluan Zhenren for help. Let’s go!”

Compared to Lu Changsheng, True Lord Mingsha, True Lord Tiancang, and True Lord Yunmei were shocked as they spotted the green streak.

After all, Yangming Zhenren had a connection with Qingluan Zhenren, which was no secret.

They had already worried about Yangming Zhenren seeking assistance and meeting with Qingluan Zhenren, so they wanted to resolve the situation quickly.

Unexpectedly, after such a prolonged stalemate, Qingluan Zhenren suddenly appeared.

“Let’s retreat!”

True Lord Tiancang decisively abandoned the pursuit of the Golden-Winged Roc.

As a Nascent Soul cultivator from Beast God Mountain, he was highly sensitive to the aura of spirit beasts and recognized that Qingluan Zhenren’s fourth-tier bird was extraordinary.

Moreover, his current state heightened his instincts. He sensed a dangerous aura emanating from Qingluan Zhenren.

Whether there was an ambush or not, with Qingluan Zhenren’s arrival, they had no confidence in confronting Yangming Zhenren any longer and chose to retreat swiftly instead, preserving their strength for the secret realm’s opportunities.

Otherwise, given Qingluan Zhenren’s combat strength and Yangming Zhenren wielding a deadly treasure, the three of them might not even stand a chance! Without needing True Lord Tiancang to say more, True Lord Yunmei made her choice.

“Damn it!”

True Lord Mingsha felt unwilling as he bore an internal grievance, but faced with this situation, he had no choice.

After all, with True Lord Tiancang and True Lord Yunmei choosing to abandon the fight, remaining here meant certain death.

“???”

Lu Changsheng sensed the swift retreat of True Lord Mingsha and the others through the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror and was slightly surprised.

He didn’t expect them to be so decisive.

Just the mere presence of Qingluan Zhenren was enough for them to abandon the chase.

But thinking about it, it made sense. They were exhausted, and if he and Qingluan Zhenren joined forces, the three wouldn’t gain any advantage and might even suffer losses.

“Yangming, my friend?”

At that moment, a clear, deep voice filled with magnetic charm reached Lu Changsheng’s ears.

He noticed the approaching green light morphing into a stunningly beautiful Qingluan bird, shimmering white and gold, graceful and magnificent.

On the bird stood a tall, elegant maiden dressed in a luxurious blue robe, her sharp features and star-like eyes captivating everyone.

Looking at Qingluan Zhenren before him, Lu Changsheng bowed and said, “Thank you for your assistance, Qingluan Zhenren.”

Though he didn’t know why Qingluan Zhenren was here, it was clear from the recent situation that she had intentionally revealed her magical aura.

“You’re too polite. I felt the Roc’s aura and came to see what happened. What’s going on?”

Qingluan Zhenren was surprised to find Lu Changsheng being pursued by the three Nascent Soul cultivators.

After all, both True Lord Mingsha, True Lord Yunmei, and True Lord Tiancang were formidable opponents.

Yet, these three were burning their blood essence to chase down Lu Changsheng, a Core Formation cultivator.

“I have some grievances with True Lord Mingsha, so previously in the secret realm, when we met, I had a confrontation. Little did I expect him to summon True Lord Tiancang from Beast God Mountain and True Lord Yunmei from the Barebody Sect for help.”

“Moreover, True Lord Tiancang has some means that allows him to constantly track me, influencing the Roc’s performance. I planned to lure them here for a fierce battle using the secret treasure but unexpectedly encountered you, Qingluan Zhenren.”

Lu Changsheng sighed, releasing a breath of impure energy while reflecting on the situation.

With the Sun-Moon Mirror and Misty Dragon Nirvana Pill, he felt he had some chance against the three.

But he couldn’t predict the ultimate outcome.

“So you intended to rely on the secret treasure for a desperate fight?”

Qingluan Zhenren glanced at Lu Changsheng, whose complexion was slightly flushed and aura a bit chaotic, feeling puzzled.

It was already astonishing for a Core Formation cultivator to contend with a Nascent Soul True Lord.

This person actually had treasures and was willing to risk everything to face three Nascent Soul True Lords? This was astonishing! Yet for some reason, Qingluan Zhenren believed him.

“True Lord Tiancang’s life spirit beast is a mutated silk worm, and with this worm, he can sense the aura of the heaven and earth or use a secret technique to detect magical energy that ordinary people can’t even perceive, allowing him to track opponents effectively.”

Though Qingluan Zhenren had recently broken through to the Nascent Soul, she had lived for over four hundred years and knew many secrets.

In particular, she was a master of beast control, having nurtured a fourth-tier Qingluan bird, thus keeping a close watch on Beast God Mountain.

“He can sense auras that ordinary beings cannot?”

Lu Changsheng realized that some demon beasts had incredible senses, allowing them to detect many odors inaccessible to the average person, such as treasure-hunting mice.

But he never expected True Lord Tiancang’s spirit beast would possess such abilities.

No wonder he had been tracked down despite all his efforts to shake them off.

“Your spirit beast must have been poisoned by the beast toxins from Beast God Mountain? This Beast Spirit Antidote Pill should help a bit.”

Qingluan Zhenren turned toward the Golden-Winged Roc and retrieved a porcelain vial from her Storage Ring, tossing it to Lu Changsheng.

Aside from the favor owed from the Heavenly Phoenix Feather, due to Lu Changsheng’s performance, she was willing to cultivate a good relationship with him.

Especially since her technique indicated that Lu Changsheng’s fortune was rare; befriending him was favorable for her! “Thank you, Qingluan Zhenren.”

Lu Changsheng accepted the pill, sniffed it gently, and noted that it was an antidote, though he was unsure of its exact effects, before administering it to the Golden-Winged Roc.

After taking the pill, the Golden-Winged Roc’s restlessness was somewhat subdued, but an intense fatigue washed over it.

“Why is Qingluan Zhenren here?”

Lu Changsheng looked at Qingluan Zhenren, wanting to know if she had time.

Since True Lord Mingsha could find True Lord Tiancang and True Lord Yunmei to hunt him down, then he could certainly ask Qingluan Zhenren for aid against them.

Aside from the demon core of the two-headed flood dragon and the teachings from his son, Lu Qingxian, Qingluan Zhenren still owed him a favor.

If he could persuade Qingluan Zhenren to join forces, they might have a chance to slay True Lord Tiancang.

After all, Lu Changsheng knew that Qingluan Zhenren was no ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator but at least a true Nascent Soul with the strength of a fourth-tier Qingluan, far surpassing her peers!

“I just happen to have some matters to attend to here, preparing to head to the central area. Yangming, would you like to come along?”

Although the Golden-Winged Roc was gravely injured, Qingluan Zhenren could see that Lu Changsheng wasn’t in dire straits.

Even if he was injured, her invitation made sense considering his earlier desperate struggle using a hidden treasure.

“Central area…”

Lu Changsheng realized that she wouldn’t miss out on the secret realm opportunity by hunting True Lord Mingsha and his companions.

Thinking for a moment, he said, “Right now, the Roc is heavily injured, and I only have a few life-saving methods left. I’d prefer not to get too involved in the secret realm. Do you know how I might evade True Lord Tiancang’s senses?”

Lu Changsheng was well aware of why Qingluan Zhenren was heading toward the center.

But if he used the Sun-Moon Mirror too conspicuously, he wouldn’t dare approach the center area.

If he attracted attention, it would become dangerous.

Moreover, his main method to counter a Nascent Soul True Lord relied on the Da Luo Sword Embryo. If a sword cultivator like True Lord Xuanjian spotted it, it would be quite troublesome.

Qingluan Zhenren looked at Lu Changsheng and said, “Although True Lord Tiancang can track you through his life-spirit silk worm, it can’t be unlimited. As long as you keep moving and don’t stay in one place, it’ll be difficult for him to sense you for long.”

“During this process, you could also utilize the blood essence of other demon beasts to confuse and disrupt your aura, which may influence True Lord Tiancang’s sensing capabilities.”

Qingluan Zhenren explained.

“Is it that simple?”

Lu Changsheng was taken aback; he didn’t expect the solution to be so straightforward.

It could only be said that he had suffered due to lack of knowledge.

“Indeed, while this technique is potent, it’s not unsolvable. If you employ a concealing treasure in the external realm, by using void turbulence or the Nine Heavens Gang Wind, you can escape.”

“I can also help you conceal your aura, but whether you can completely evade True Lord Tiancang is uncertain.”

Qingluan Zhenren chuckled lightly, her sharp, defined features exuding a cool, commanding presence that was captivating and full of charm.

Whether regarding her bloodline technique or her rapid advancement of the fourth-tier Qingluan, it all originated from Lu Changsheng’s Heavenly Phoenix Feather, which is why she had always maintained goodwill towards him.

Moreover, Lu Changsheng’s remarkable performance inspired her to treat him with equality and goodwill.

“In that case, I’ll trouble you, then.”

Lu Changsheng immediately cupped his fists in gratitude to Qingluan Zhenren.

“Buzz!”

Qingluan Zhenren gently formed a seal with her jade-like hand, and then a drop of her bright crimson blood flew out, swirling around Lu Changsheng like a mini phoenix.

In an instant, Lu Changsheng felt an invisible force envelop him, concealing and dissipating his magical energy aura.

“Thank you, Qingluan Zhenren!”

He bowed respectfully and then retrieved two spirit items from his Storage Ring, saying, “A token of appreciation, wishing you well in the secret realm.”

“Yangming, you’re too polite.”

Qingluan Zhenren accepted the spirit items without refusal and said, “I expect that in about half a month, the core opportunity of the secret realm will emerge. Aren’t you going to join me?”

She dismissed many Nascent Soul cultivators, seeing them as unworthy, but Lu Changsheng remained an enigma to her, prompting her to extend the invitation.

“Thank you, but my current situation won’t burden you any longer. I prefer to wait until the secret realm concludes.”

While knowing Qingluan Zhenren wouldn’t betray him, Lu Changsheng gently declined, wanting to bide his time until the end of the secret realm.

“Very well, since that’s the case, I’ll take my leave.”

Qingluan Zhenren did not insist further, giving a slight nod before soaring up on her fourth-tier Qingluan toward the center of the secret realm.

Though this secret realm forbade void travel, the speed of this fourth-tier Qingluan was still astonishing, rivaling the Golden-Winged Roc.

As he watched the silhouette of Qingluan Zhenren gradually vanish, Lu Changsheng let out a breath of impure energy, secretly wishing that if True Lord Mingsha and the others had such a fourth-tier spirit beast, his situation would be precarious.

“Golden Roc, how are you holding up?”

Using the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, Lu Changsheng found no other cultivators in the vicinity and turned to the Roc to inquire.

“Master.”

The Roc expressed that it simply wanted to take a nap now.

“Get some good rest!”

Lu Changsheng didn’t force it, placing the Golden-Winged Roc in the Storage Belt before quickly departing.

After traveling several hundred miles, he sat cross-legged to rest for a bit before changing locations again.

Throughout this time, he consistently monitored the surroundings using the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror to avoid encountering fourth-tier demon kings or Nascent Soul cultivators.

Just like that, five days passed without any sign of True Lord Mingsha, True Lord Tiancang, or True Lord Yunmei.

“It should have worked.”

Lu Changsheng muttered to himself.

Not to mention he had Qingluan Zhenren assisting with concealment and had changed locations multiple times over the last few days.

Given the earlier situation, their swift retreat also suggested they wouldn’t return to hunt him down.

Moreover, they had expended significant energy in their previous pursuit, requiring time to recover.

“And according to Qingluan Zhenren, the core opportunity of the secret realm is about to appear. Even if True Lord Mingsha doesn’t compete, True Lord Tiancang and True Lord Yunmei won’t abandon their pursuit entirely, spending all their time and energy on me.”

For the time being, Lu Changsheng wandered around the perimeter mountains of the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands, occasionally taking down a third-tier demon king to confuse his magical energy aura. If he spotted rare materials, he would collect them.

Though his gains were modest, Lu Changsheng was merely aiming to evade True Lord Tiancang’s detection, not expecting any lucky finds.

In the interim, he examined the Storage Ring and Storage Pouch of the previous puppet master.

Though this person’s Storage Ring and Storage Pouch weren’t as valuable as True Lord Loushan’s, which contained treasures and rare materials, they still held significant resources, including numerous natural treasures.

By looking at the chaos within the Storage Ring and Storage Pouch, Lu Changsheng inferred that most of this person’s spoils came from hunting other cultivators, while his resources were likely mainly used for puppet crafting.

As for the top-tier third-tier puppet that had shown fortune, Lu Changsheng decided to keep it sealed for now, planning to study it thoroughly once he returned home.

Just like that, half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Whether it was due to the emergence of the core opportunity of the secret realm, the infinite starlight above the Mirage Domain of Vast Sands seemed to be enveloped in a soft glow, with clouds swirling gracefully in the sky.

And in the coming days, no matter the distance, Lu Changsheng felt waves of terrifying fluctuations in strength.

Although he was curious, Lu Changsheng did not join the fray, instead remaining hidden and patiently awaiting the secret realm’s conclusion.

Three days later, the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror suddenly issued a warning indicating three Nascent Soul-level auras were approaching.

Lu Changsheng hurriedly inquired about Ah Wu, only to find that they were familiar Nascent Soul auras.

“Not them.”

Ah Wu’s emotionless, indifferent voice responded.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng fully activated the Upside Down Yin-Yang Glass to perceive through the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror and saw two Nascent Soul cultivators chasing a middle-aged man dressed in a blue and white robe, his hair gray.

It was apparent that this middle-aged man was seriously injured, his face pale, and his robe torn, desperately fleeing from the two attackers.

“Is it him?”

Lu Changsheng recognized this middle-aged man as one of Qingluan Zhenren’s companions.

“As a Nascent Soul True Lord, shouldn’t he be with Qingluan Zhenren to claim the core opportunity of the secret realm? How could he end up being chased like this?”

“Could it be that Qingluan Zhenren has encountered some danger?”

Watching as the two Nascent Soul cultivators unleashed their power, flooding the area, Lu Changsheng speculated inwardly.

However, this matter was beyond his current involvement.

Even if the Golden-Winged Roc had rested for several days, its condition had improved significantly, and while Lu Changsheng could escape from the Nascent Soul cultivators, he had no intention of intervening.

In the ensuing time, Lu Changsheng occasionally sensed the magical energy bursts during the battles among the Nascent Soul cultivators.

This time, they were no longer just skirmishes; they unleashed their full power, waves of magical energy raging furiously in all directions, creating an overwhelmingly fearsome atmosphere.

“It appears the secret realm is entering the final chaos!”

Lu Changsheng thought, raising his vigilance to the highest.

Throughout this process, he also kept an eye on the magical energy of the Nascent Soul cultivators.

Normally, he certainly wouldn’t participate.

However, if he encountered True Lord Mingsha, True Lord Tiancang, or True Lord Yunmei, he wouldn’t mind taking a stab at them.

This chaotic situation in the secret realm continued for ten days before the dim and infinite starlit expanse of the secret realm’s sky suddenly changed, vast radiance bursting forth, illuminating the world and tearing open a rift in the heavenly curtain of the secret realm.

Through the rift, they could see a desert oasis, as if looking down upon an endless wasteland.

“The secret realm is over!”

Seeing this scene, Lu Changsheng felt a sudden jolt of realization; he understood the secret realm had ended.

Though he couldn’t exact his vengeance on True Lord Mingsha, True Lord Yunmei, and True Lord Tiancang, a gentleman’s revenge is never late.

When he breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage, getting rid of those three would be effortless!

“Golden Roc!”

Lu Changsheng took the Golden-Winged Roc out from the Heavenly Yuan Lotus, preparing to leave the secret realm.

However, he didn’t rush immediately.

Because all around, streams of Nascent Soul-level escape lights surged towards the heavenly rainbow exit.

Not only was Lu Changsheng lying low, waiting for the secret realm to conclude.

Many Nascent Soul cultivators were also severely injured for various reasons, awaiting the end of the secret realm.

“Screech!”

Just then, Lu Changsheng noticed a towering blue bird’s silhouette soaring into the sky, attempting to flee toward the exit of the secret realm.

Several figures radiating Nascent Soul-level magical energy intercepted the bird’s silhouette.

“Is that… the battle formation of Qingluan Zhenren?”

Though distant, Lu Changsheng could not see clearly, yet with the help of the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror, he could barely recognize that the blue bird silhouette was created by Qingluan Zhenren using her Qingluan spirit soldiers.

It was clear that she was currently surrounded and struggling against multiple Nascent Soul adversaries, unable to break through the encirclement to escape the secret realm.

“How could Qingluan Zhenren attract so many Nascent Soul cultivators? Did she acquire some core opportunity of the secret realm?”

Lu Changsheng had no doubts about Qingluan Zhenren’s capabilities.

After all, even True Lord Mingsha and True Lord Tiancang, who had recently broken through to Nascent Soul, possessed many hidden techniques.

And how could Qingluan Zhenren, who grew from a wandering cultivator to her current status, be simple? Boom, boom, boom!!!

Though the secret realm ended and the exit opened, this world had transformed into a battlefield for Nascent Soul cultivators.

Not only Qingluan Zhenren was engaged, Lu Changsheng also witnessed several Nascent Soul cultivators clashing fiercely, terrifying fluctuations of magical energy surging violently in all directions, making it quite difficult for ordinary Core Formation cultivators to approach.

In the meantime, several Nascent Soul cultivators seizing the opportunity began to forcefully leave the secret realm.

“Boom!”

Just as Lu Changsheng observed for a while, preparing to leave the secret realm, he suddenly saw the silhouette of the blue bird being besieged by five Nascent Soul cultivators breaking apart.