Chapter 711: Kunpeng Demon Art: The Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale Breaks Through to Fourth Stage!

After spending half a month on Mengxi Island with his wife and children, Lu Changsheng returned to the Immortal City of Damengze to prepare items for the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale’s tribulation.

In terms of pills, besides the Beast Heart Pill obtained from the Beast Spirit Sect, and the Snake Essence Pill, Blood Demon Pill, and Soul-Taking Bug acquired from the Five Poisons Sect, Lu Changsheng also planned to refine a batch of Beast Spirit Fusion Pills.

This pill not only enhances the potential and foundation of the demon beasts but also allows for rapid recovery from injuries during thunder tribulations.

While collecting materials for the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons, Lu Changsheng gathered just the right components, so he wouldn’t need to spend extra time looking for more.

As for everything else, he was preparing to refine a tribulation artifact, the Thunder Transformation Umbrella.

This was a spirit treasure recorded in the Divine Creation Refinement Art.

It is capable of absorbing and neutralizing the power of heavenly lightning.

During the tribulation, this umbrella can not only enhance resistance to heavenly tribulations but also weaken some of the tribulation’s effects to temper both body and magical energy.

The version Lu Changsheng was planning to refine was naturally a knockoff of the original.

This was just for testing the umbrella’s general effectiveness in preparation for his future Nascent Soul tribulation.

From his previous tribulation experience, Lu Changsheng knew that using the heavenly tribulation to temper his body and magical energy would be greatly beneficial.

In normal circumstances, the tribulation was already immensely dangerous; who would dare to use it to temper themselves?

At this moment, this kind of tribulation artifact and transformation item would truly show its worth.

Without delay, Lu Changsheng informed Ling Zixiao of his plans and instructed Hong Lian to refine the Beast Spirit Fusion Pills while he would focus on the Thunder Transformation Umbrella.

As a Fourth Stage Beast Master and a top-tier Third Stage alchemist, refining a Third Stage Beast Spirit Fusion Pill was naturally easy for Hong Lian.

Had it not been for the lack of spirit medicine, she had a few rare secret recipes that could increase the chances for a demon beast to advance to the Fourth Stage.

Starry Sea.

In the boundless ocean, a rugged cliff stood tall, home to an ancient bird’s nest.

This nest appeared ancient but was surrounded by endless radiant mist, giving it an indescribable feel of aged erosion.

As the restrictions of the Kunpeng Nest dissolved, it completely opened up, and one powerful being after another entered the secret realm from the cliff’s ancient lair.

“The Nascent Soul True Lords and Fourth Stage Demon Kings have entered, we can act now.”

Once all the Nascent Soul level experts and Fourth Stage Demon Kings entered the ancient nest, some Core Formation and even Foundation Establishment cultivators quietly approached, wondering if they could slip into the secret realm and gain some opportunities.

After all, the Kunpeng Nest was undeniably enticing!

This legendary top secret realm in the Starry Sea had treasured wonders and unparalleled opportunities for countless years.

And the cultivation world never lacked stories of smaller cultivators snatching great fortunes from the hands of major players and soaring to the heavens!

Lu Quanzhen sat on a small island a hundred miles from the Kunpeng Nest, using a simple array to hide his form, waiting for the commotion to subside before taking a closer look.

After all, he had no intention of entering the Kunpeng Nest.

He only wanted to sense the Kunpeng atmosphere up close and to cultivate his techniques using the energy from the ancient nest.

Just then, a dark cloud unexpectedly drifted in his direction from the sky and settled above his array.

“Hmm?”

Lu Quanzhen immediately felt a jolt in his heart, his expression shifting to one of wariness.

The next moment, a light snort sounded from within the dark cloud.

A beam of pitch-black light suddenly shot down, striking his array shield.

“Crack! Crack! Crack!”

The quasi-Third Stage array shield shattered like glass, then was utterly destroyed with a loud bang.

“Boom!”

Seeing the black beam shoot toward him, Lu Quanzhen activated the Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art with all his might; a Kunpeng appeared around him, expanding dramatically as it flicked its tail and spread its wings wide, suddenly growing to several meters before devouring the black beam.

However, even then, Lu Quanzhen was abruptly sent back over ten strides, his blood energy and magical power in disarray.

“Nascent Soul True Lord!”

Lu Quanzhen looked toward the dark cloud ahead, his expression suddenly darkening.

Although he had never fought a Nascent Soul True Lord before, the previous battle on Xuxuan Island, along with the Kunpeng Nest’s energy flow, made him realize that he was facing a Nascent Soul cultivator! Why would a Nascent Soul cultivator target him? Not daring to overthink, Lu Quanzhen cupped his fists and said, “May I ask what guidance Senior has for this humble one?”

Even though the other party had attacked him for no reason.

In the cultivation world, the weak are at the mercy of the strong; a Nascent Soul cultivator doesn’t need a reason to attack.

Losing his temper and questioning the assailant was utterly meaningless.

Moreover, a Nascent Soul cultivator could easily kill him.

The first strike was merely a casual show of strength, not a real attempt to kill him.

So this person likely had a purpose.

“Indeed, a mere early-stage Core Formation cultivator can remain so calm under my strike. Just this composure and courage is commendable.”

A dignified, ancient voice came from the dark cloud, making it hard to tell if it was praise or derision.

“Thank you for your praise, Senior.”

Lu Quanzhen replied steadily, “Senior, as a Nascent Soul True Lord, if you wish to kill me, being panicked and afraid would be of no use.”

“A wise man indeed. I prefer to deal with wise individuals.”

The dark clouds in the sky began to dissipate.

A thin, hawk-nosed elder with high cheekbones landed in front of Lu Quanzhen, his deep, black eyes fixed on him as he said, “Do you wish to visit the Kunpeng Nest? I can safely take you in and out.”

“Enter the Kunpeng Nest?”

Lu Quanzhen’s heart skipped a beat at the words.

He naturally wanted to enter the Kunpeng Nest.

But a secret realm of this caliber was not something a Core Formation cultivator like him could venture into.

Moreover, the person had an unclear background and suddenly wanted to take him into the Kunpeng Nest; he dared not rashly agree.

“I have only heard of the Kunpeng Nest’s emergence and came to observe; I have no intention of entering and am not blessed enough for such kindness, thank you for your kindness, Senior!”

Lu Quanzhen cupped his fists again, his expression sincere.

“Hmm? You are not giving me face?”

The elder’s face darkened, his voice icy, causing Lu Quanzhen to feel immense pressure and stumble back.

“May I ask why Senior wants to take me to the Kunpeng Nest?”

Lu Quanzhen retreated over ten steps before stabilizing his form, saying with a bitter expression.

He had realized that the other party was indeed here for him.

“It is naturally for your practice of the Kunpeng Demon Art.”

Although the elder’s voice was calm, his eyes, like dark, empty wells, sent chills down Lu Quanzhen’s spine.

Lu Quanzhen had not expected it to be related to his own technique.

Moreover, how did the other party know he was cultivating the Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art?

He politely inquired, “May I ask what the senior means by Kunpeng Demon Art?”

“Hehe.”

The hawk-nosed elder chuckled softly, lifting a somewhat sharp hand.

Then, a blood-red small fish appeared, enveloped in an intense blood aura, as if it were about to devour the heavens and earth.

“This…”

Lu Quanzhen’s pupils instantly constricted.

Though different from the Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art he practiced.

He recognized it at a glance as the Heaven Swallowing technique from the latter part of the Kunpeng Demon Art.

Noticing Lu Quanzhen’s expression, the elder’s voice softened a bit as he said, “Rest assured, I mean you no harm; I simply want to take you to the Kunpeng Nest for a visit.”

“May I ask what the senior wishes to discuss with me at the Kunpeng Nest?”

Lu Quanzhen was curious about the connection between the person and this technique.

He recalled that when he was near the Kunpeng Nest, his technique had gradually become more active, and couldn’t help but wonder if the Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art had some relation to the Kunpeng Nest.

Otherwise, why would this person want to take him without cause? But the person himself also practiced the Kunpeng Demon Art; why would he want to take Lu Quanzhen along?

“Hmm?”

Seeing the confusion on Lu Quanzhen’s face, the elder frowned slightly, then said, “You must have sensed some response from your technique while near the Kunpeng Nest.”

However, before he could finish, the elder’s expression suddenly changed; his eyes shot out two beams of pitch-black light, tearing through layers of void.

“Whoever it is, get out here!”

With the release of the Nascent Soul’s might, Lu Quanzhen felt an increased pressure, his blood energy roiling as he stumbled back.

The gap between Core Formation and Nascent Soul was simply too vast!

Even if he was an Immortal Golden Core cultivator, a top contender among his peers.

But faced with a Nascent Soul True Lord from a higher realm, he had no power to resist.

“Friend Wu Gu, why must you be so angry? I am merely passing by this place.”

A ripple in the distant void revealed the appearance of a middle-aged man dressed in a brown robe, his face ruddy and his eyes filled with ancient sadness.

A Nascent Soul True Lord!

Another Nascent Soul True Lord! Lu Quanzhen was taken aback upon seeing the middle-aged man; he hadn’t expected another Nascent Soul cultivator to arrive.

He had just been thinking about how to escape.

Now it seemed, unless these two fought to the death, he would have no chance to flee.

“Passing by? How very coincidental.”

The hawk-nosed elder’s expression was dark, his tone sarcastic, yet he made no further move.

“Tsk, is this young friend trying to go to the Kunpeng Nest?”

The brown-robed man paid no heed to the elder’s words and looked at Lu Quanzhen, sizing him up. “I have always liked to mentor younger generations; may I ask why we find ourselves connecting so easily today? Will you consider joining my ranks?”

At these words, the hawk-nosed elder surged with Nascent Soul energy, appearing as if he was about to make a move.

“Hehe, it was just a joke.”

The brown-robed man, while unafraid of the hawk-nosed elder, did not wish to offend him either. He chuckled before sending a voice transmission to him, saying, “Friend Wu Gu, do you wish to bring this child into the Kunpeng Nest because of the Kunpeng Demon Art?”

“But this child is merely a Core Formation cultivator. Will it be of any significant use?”

He had little knowledge of the rumors surrounding the Kunpeng Demon Art and the Kunpeng Nest.

It was said that this technique had been passed down from the Kunpeng Nest long ago, relating to a core opportunity of the secret realm.

Yet, the Kunpeng Nest had only reappeared after several millennia; even they did not know of its authenticity.

The hawk-nosed elder knew that if he didn’t clarify things, it would be hard to take Lu Quanzhen with him. He coldly stated, “Since Shi Hai has seen it, he must have noticed that this child’s Kunpeng Demon Art is not just an ordinary fragment.”

The brown-robed man said nothing and stepped forward to grip Lu Quanzhen’s shoulder.

Lu Quanzhen instinctively wanted to dodge, but couldn’t escape at all.

“The Kun and the Peng, yin and yang alternating, the righteous and devilish cycle! This…”

Shi Hai’s eyes widened with surprise as he examined Lu Quanzhen’s Kunpeng physique and magical energy.

Though he didn’t know the Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art, he could tell that this was different from the Kunpeng Demon Art he was familiar with.

“May I ask which school you are learning from, young friend?”

Through Lu Quanzhen’s techniques, foundation, Golden Core, and physique, he could see that Lu Quanzhen was anything but ordinary.

He was definitely not a nameless rogue cultivator! Therefore, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, he was willing to inquire about his background, not wanting to rashly offend any powerful faction behind him.

“Tianmo Sect!”

Lu Quanzhen replied directly.

He knew well that as a Core Formation cultivator, it would be hard to lie in front of a Nascent Soul True Lord; he must show no signs of hesitation or fluctuation.

As for why he claimed the Tianmo Sect, it was something he had considered long ago.

Using a large faction like the Tianfu Lu Family wouldn’t work since they were too weak, and they had never heard of this place.

Thus, to evoke deterrence while aligning with his technique, he had to choose the highly regarded Tianmo Sect from the Southern Desolation’s cultivation world.

He had learned about the seven magic paths long ago.

Sects like the Celestial Lotus Sect, Blood Sea Sect, and Ghosts of the Underworld all didn’t match with his Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art.

This left only the Tianmo Sect, Wan Shou Demon Sect, and Cang Tian Demon Sect, and he chose the one with the biggest fame, the Tianmo Sect.

Whether he could fool them was another matter.

He believed that, given his current situation, he still had some credibility.

“The Tianmo Sect!?”

Shi Hai and the hawk-nosed elder exchanged glances.

Although the Starry Sea was far from the center of the Southern Desolation’s cultivation world, it wasn’t exactly isolated.

As Nascent Soul True Lords, they had naturally heard of the Tianmo Sect, one of the top powers in Southern Desolation!

Lu Quanzhen, even placed within the Tianmo Sect, would at least be considered a true successor.

If he were casually killed and the Tianmo Sect caught word of it, trouble would invariably follow.

“Wu Gu, does the Tianmo Sect possess the Kunpeng Demon Art?”

Shi Hai inquired of the hawk-nosed elder.

“As the top Magic Clan of Southern Desolation, the Tianmo Sect has likely collected the famous Kunpeng Demon Art,” the hawk-nosed elder responded uncertainly.

After a moment of contemplation, they shifted their gaze to Lu Quanzhen and said, “Since you are from the Tianmo Sect, why have you come to the Starry Sea?”

“After breaking through to Core Formation, my Master instructed me to come to the Starry Sea for training, saying there might be opportunities for me. So when I heard the Kunpeng Nest appeared, I came to take a look.”

Lu Quanzhen said calmly.

The two appeared to have accepted his explanation.

Regardless, he could show no sign of vulnerability.

“In that case, you must know about the connection between the Kunpeng Demon Art and the Kunpeng Nest.”

Shi Hai said, looking at Lu Quanzhen with a faint expression.

From the earlier situation, Lu Quanzhen had already guessed that these two were targeting him due to his technique.

He bitterly smiled and shook his head, saying, “My Master did not explain in detail; he just said there might be an opportunity for me here. I suspect it relates to the rumored Kunpeng Nest, but all the news I have received over the years has been false.”

“Though the Kunpeng Nest has re-emerged, given my current abilities, I cannot enter; I can only wait for my Master to contact me.”

Lu Quanzhen cupped his hands and made mention of his mysterious Master.

“In that case, let me inform you that the Kunpeng Demon Art you’ve cultivated originated from the Kunpeng Nest three thousand years ago, linked to a core opportunity within the secret realm.”

“However, this technique is extremely difficult to practice, defying the heavenly order. After causing a bloodbath back then, the remnants faded, leaving behind only fragments.”

“Since you have successfully cultivated this technique, entering the secret realm might allow you to acquire some core opportunities.”

Shi Hai looked at Lu Quanzhen, his voice calm.

Although he didn’t show much majesty, Lu Quanzhen felt this person was still far more intimidating than the hawk-nosed elder.

“I wouldn’t dare to covet such rare opportunities. If both seniors are willing, I am ready to accompany you to the secret realm; however, secret realms can be dangerous.”

Lu Quanzhen knew that the two had likely reached some agreement to cooperate, making it impossible for him to pit them against each other.

In such circumstances, even wrapping himself in the banner of the Tianmo Sect and his mysterious Master would not be useful.

He could only leverage his own value and find a way to survive between these two individuals.

“Hehe, you are indeed a wise person. With me and Wu Gu here, you need not worry. In the end, we can all benefit from any opportunities we gain.”

Shi Hai smiled, clearly satisfied with Lu Quanzhen’s perceptiveness.

The Kunpeng Nest had only just opened after several millennia.

Now having the opportunity to access the core opportunity within the secret realm, it was worth offending the Tianmo Sect.

“Young friend, this is a talisman I refined long ago, the Wuling Ring. It has protective effects; you may carry it for safety.”

At this moment, the hawk-nosed elder raised his hand, and a bone ring emitting a dark glow appeared, floating before Lu Quanzhen.

.

Lu Quanzhen eyed the ring, internally debating whether it offered protection or was meant to contain him; but he still cupped his hands in thanks.

Seeing this, Shi Hai also threw a talisman to Lu Quanzhen from his storage ring.

Afterward, the two led Lu Quanzhen toward the Kunpeng Nest.

Upon reaching the Kunpeng Nest atop the cliff, the Kunpeng Swallowing Heaven Demon Art began to operate autonomously, instinctively absorbing the chaotic energy flowing around.

Shi Hai and the hawk-nosed elder were even more convinced that Lu Quanzhen could help them find the core opportunity.

Three months later.

Immortal City of Damengze.

Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian completed the refinement of the Thunder Transformation Umbrella and Beast Spirit Fusion Pills, respectively.

However, just then, Ling Zixiao informed Lu Changsheng about Yan Lan’s arrival in the Immortal City of Damengze to attempt her False Core breakthrough.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng went to pay her a visit.

Although she had made complete preparations, at this moment, she still felt a little nervous.

In response, Lu Changsheng helped her relieve her worries and difficulties using the method of Dual Cultivation.

Furthermore, he also helped select a high-quality Core Formation spirit item from the treasure vault of Immortal City for her.

With a Third Stage Demon Core and a high-quality Core Formation spirit item, barring a disastrous performance on her part, her False Core breakthrough was virtually assured.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Yan Lan wept tears of joy at Lu Changsheng’s generous assistance.

Three days later, Yan Lan began to calm her state of mind in preparation for her breakthrough.

Lu Changsheng didn’t wait by her side in meditation.

Although condensing the False Core took less time than forming a True Core, it still required several months.

If Yan Lan took too long in her preparation, it could take half a year.

Moreover, his divination also indicated that her breakthrough would yield auspicious signs and that there wouldn’t be any major issues.

“Zixiao.”

Lu Changsheng returned to the City Lord’s Mansion, signaling to Ling Zixiao to notify him immediately if anything happened.

Then, along with Hong Lian, he led the Golden-Winged Roc and the Soul-Taking Beast deep into the Great Dream Marsh to assist the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale in its Fourth Stage breakthrough—the location would naturally be at the Sea Eye where the Great Dream Marsh flowed into the Starry Sea.

He had to say that partnering with Dreamless to hunt the Deep Sea Demon Whale King back then was indeed a very wise choice.

While demon beasts didn’t have such high demands for spiritual veins as cultivators, they still had some requirements.

If he hadn’t found this Sea Eye, looking for an unclaimed quasi-Fourth Stage spiritual vein for the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale to breakthrough would have consumed a great deal of time and energy.

“It seems that no Demon Kings dare to occupy this Sea Eye anymore.”

The Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, having completed its bloodline transformation, was now even faster in the water.

In just half a month, it had traveled from Mengxi Island to the Sea Eye.

However, this Sea Eye had likely seen too many Demon Kings die and was regarded as a cursed spot that no Demon Kings occupied anymore.

“Da Hei, having undergone your true spirit tribulation here in the past and having slain several top-tier Third Stage Demon Kings, the other remaining Demon Kings sensed your lingering aura and dared not come near.”

Hong Lian, dressed in a luxurious crimson skirt, stood beside Lu Changsheng, her long figure radiating a hazy glow, like a pair of celestial lovers, softly spoke.

However, she still felt somewhat unaccustomed when mentioning Da Hei.

After all, not many would name their treasured spirit pet with a true spirit bloodline such a name. “It’s better this way.”

Lu Changsheng smiled lightly, not minding as he gestured to the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale, “Go ahead.”

During the journey here, he had also predicted the circumstances of the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale’s breakthrough.

The signs were still auspicious.

So he felt quite at ease.

And thus, two months passed.

“Splash!”

One day, the tranquil Great Dream Marsh suddenly began to boil, as if an invisible hand was stirring it, creating numerous small whirlpools.

When over a hundred whirlpools appeared, they seemed infused with boundless power, starting to spin rapidly, interweaving to create a deafening roar, like the ocean suppressing an angry roar or the awakening of a slumbering ancient beast from the ocean depths.

Lu Changsheng’s eyes shined with golden brilliance as he watched an astonishing demon aura of the quasi-Fourth Stage rise from the seabed, absorbing all the spiritual energy from this world.

Lu Changsheng understood: the Abyssal Sea Dragon Whale was beginning its Fourth Stage breakthrough!