Chapter 835: Forbidden Tides and Celestial Ambitions

Star King and the Zhenhai Patriarch arrived at the Forbidden Sea.

Although this sea is part of the Starry Sea, there are no traces of human cultivators; it is the domain of demon kings and sea beasts.

Thus, the Forbidden Sea earned its ominous name.

It is a forbidden zone for cultivators—a land of taboo! As leaders of the Starry Sea’s top forces, they all knew a crucial secret.

As long as one crosses the Forbidden Sea, one can reach the Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm—the ancestral heritage of Starrymoon Hall and the Zhenhai Seven Sects. Yet even as elite Nascent Soul cultivators, they dared not make the crossing lightly.

Even though ancient sect records suggest that the Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm is far more prosperous than both the Starry Sea and Southern Desolation, the two dared not attempt it carelessly.

For one thing, the Forbidden Sea is perilous beyond measure.

Deep within, a late Fourth-Rank Transfiguration Demon King lurks.

On the other hand, opportunity and danger coexist.

The Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm is more prosperous than both the Starry Sea and Southern Desolation, but it is also far more treacherous.

Human cultivators are not the true masters of this realm; their living conditions are extremely harsh and confined—nowhere near those in Southern Desolation.

Moreover, both Starrymoon Hall and the Zhenhai Seven Sects were founded by forces that once suffered calamities in the Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm.

Though they knew little of those past events,

they were aware that rushing into the Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm would inevitably entangle them in old karmic ties and expose them to unknown perils.

“No need to go any deeper; if we press on and encounter any major Demon Kings, it would put both of us at risk—far too troublesome.”

After some time, the Zhenhai Patriarch halted and turned to Star King, remarking,

signaling that they should wait here patiently.

“Mm,” replied Star King with a nod.

As a diviner, his spiritual senses were exceptionally sharp.

As they journeyed deeper into the Forbidden Sea, he intermittently sensed hidden traces of dangerous energy.

He knew that attracting top-tier Demon Kings would leave them in dire straits.

Yet at that moment, he was even more curious about the ancestral sect guardian beast of the Zhenhai Patriarch and the Zhenhai Seven Sects from years past.

That a creature could dwell in these forbidden depths signified extraordinary power.

Time passed slowly.

Hidden by their Spirit Treasures, the two remained perfectly still, like statues devoid of life.

After who knows how long, Star King suddenly opened his eyes.

His purple, nebula-like pupils swirled as he envisioned a colossal dragon turtle emerging from the depths—spanning heaven and earth, exuding an overwhelming presence.

But in an instant, the dragon turtle vanished, as if it were nothing more than a hallucination.

Instead, an old man strolled over.

His hunched posture and billowing dark robe made his back protrude like that of an ancient turtle burdened with a heavy load.

He tilted his head slightly, and although his deeply wrinkled face bore the marks of time, he did not appear feeble.

Star King sensed that the old man exuded a vibrant, enduring life force—a testament to ceaseless vitality.

“According to ancient texts, the Zhenhai Seven Sects likely originated from Yuhai Mountain. The sect guardian beast there is a spirit turtle that bears the weight of mountains and seas!”

“Could this spirit turtle be a descendant of Yuhai Mountain’s sect guardian beast?”

Star King stared at the black-robed elder, whose turtle-like shape and humped back stirred shock and suspicion as he recalled ancient records about the Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm.

The ancient texts of Starrymoon Hall mention that the founder of the Zhenhai Seven Sects arrived with a True Spirit Egg from the Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm,

though they did not elaborate on its nature, only noting its rarity.

Thus, seeing the black-robed elder and the ghostly dragon turtle image, he realized this man was far from ordinary. If he were indeed a descendant of Yuhai Mountain’s spirit turtle, his bloodline would be exceptionally formidable.

Even if he wasn’t as mighty as top-tier True Spirits like Kunpeng, he would still outclass many lower- and mid-tier True Spirits! “I have witnessed the Turtle Immortal Patriarch.”

At that moment, the Zhenhai Patriarch strode forward, cupping his hands in respectful greeting toward the elder.

Then, turning to Star King beside him, he introduced, “Esteemed Star King, this is the supreme sect guardian of the Zhenhai Seven Sects, the Turtle Immortal Patriarch!”

“Turtle Immortal Patriarch.”

Although the black-robed elder exuded no overtly fearsome aura,

Star King, however, felt a menacing, fearsome essence emanating from him.

It was clear he was not his equal.

Moreover, he was acutely aware that the earlier dragon turtle vision was not a mere illusion.

It was a deliberate display—a show of intimidating power by the Turtle Immortal Patriarch!

“Truly, no wonder he is the revered sect guardian beast of the Zhenhai Sect—utterly fearsome.”

“If it weren’t for the calamity striking the Zhenhai Seven Sects and the emergence of the Eastern Emperor’s Heir, the Zhenhai Patriarch wouldn’t have bothered summoning this Turtle Immortal Patriarch.”

Star King, with inner alarm, bowed and said, “I, Starrymoon Hall’s Star King, pay my respects to the Turtle Immortal Patriarch.”

Though his nature was rebellious,

facing the awe-inspiring Turtle Immortal Patriarch, he maintained a respectful demeanor.

The Turtle Immortal Patriarch, hunched with arms folded, asked, “Starrymoon Hall, which generation of Star King are you?”

His voice was measured and deliberate, each word heavy with authority.

Especially as he inquired about the generations of Star King, his tone carried the condescension of one from a higher echelon.

Star King, affronted by the questioning, felt irritated and reluctant to respond.

Still, holding back his irritation, he coldly declared, “I am the Fourteenth Generation Star King!”

“Already the Fourteenth Generation?”

The Turtle Immortal Patriarch sighed deeply, and a wave of ancient sorrow washed over Star King, who almost felt compelled to chide the elder for clinging to old age.

But he remembered that if this man was indeed the inheritor of the True Spirit Egg brought by the founder of the Zhenhai Seven Sects—hatched long ago and surviving to this day—then he was truly entitled to such reflections.

Then, the Turtle Immortal Patriarch looked to the Zhenhai Patriarch and inquired, “Zhenhai, what matter has prompted your call?”

Though the Zhenhai Patriarch is a duplicate formed by his bloodline’s divine technique,

he had long discerned the intent behind their meeting.

But the truth about his original self and the duplicate is a carefully guarded secret, tied to his bloodline’s divine powers, never divulged lightly.

Especially with an institution like Starrymoon Hall, guardians of a divination tradition.

Thus, he put on a pretense in front of Star King to maintain his distinct identity from the Zhenhai Patriarch.

“Quanzhen.”

The Zhenhai Patriarch then respectfully explained the situation regarding the Eastern Emperor’s Heir.

Watching the exchange, Star King felt a tinge of inexplicable apprehension.

On one hand, he noted that their demeanors held an uncanny resemblance;

on the other, he sensed that the Zhenhai Patriarch was perhaps overly deferential toward the Turtle Immortal Patriarch.

In any case, the Zhenhai Patriarch was a top-tier Nascent Soul cultivator.

Could it be that this Turtle Immortal Patriarch was not merely an elder, but actually a formidable late Fourth-Rank Demon King? Given his age and bloodline, it was a possibility.

Nevertheless, after careful assessment, he believed the Turtle Immortal Patriarch had not yet ascended to the late Fourth-Rank.

“Eastern Emperor’s Heir, in that case, I’ll join you on this journey.”

The Turtle Immortal Patriarch contemplated for a moment before saying so.

Then he looked at Star King and, feigning ignorance, asked, “I recall that your Starrymoon Hall has deep ties with the Eastern Emperor’s lineage. Why did you choose to act against the Eastern Emperor’s Heir?”

“Since you know my Starrymoon Hall’s affairs, you must be aware that I excel in divination.”

Star King replied coolly, offering no further explanation.

“Very well, let’s move out.”

Being the original form of the Zhenhai Patriarch, the Turtle Immortal Patriarch was already aware that Star King’s divination had revealed some information.

This was perfectly natural.

Cultivators at this stage are exceedingly cautious.

Just as he, on the verge of a breakthrough yet choosing to awaken, must have sensed an auspicious omen in fate—had there been no sign, he would have waited until his advancement was assured before challenging the Eastern Emperor’s Heir.

After all, the opponent possessed the coveted Eastern Emperor Mirror and surely had other hidden weapons.

Therefore, one must be completely confident before taking action!

Otherwise, if his adversary slipped away, it would only raise warnings and invite endless complications! At this point, Star King, his face stern, cautiously asked, “Turtle Immortal Patriarch, do you have any means to conceal the signs of destiny?”

If the three of us were to storm in, filled with murderous intent, we’d surely be sensed by his innate awareness.

Thus, the diviner’s role comes into play once more.

They can muddle and obscure heavenly signals, masking the sudden stirrings of a cultivator’s spiritual senses.

It might even block certain treasures or techniques that perceive such celestial signs.

“I still have a few small tricks at my disposal,” he said calmly.

As cultivators break through their current levels, their spiritual senses invariably sharpen, picking up on heavenly signals.

Thus, in perilous moments or when forewarnings emerge, a sudden intuitive hunch will arise.

The same applies to demon beasts.

Their innate danger senses are even more acute.

And among them, turtle-type demon beasts excel in this aspect.

Being a pure-blood True Spirit descendant, it not only has the talent to block out celestial signals but can also foretell omens of misfortune or fortune. “Alright.”

Hearing this, Star King raised no objections and swiftly flew toward the Zhenhai Sect in the company of the Turtle Immortal Patriarch and the Zhenhai Patriarch.

Throughout the journey, he maintained a wary distance from the two elders.

Although he had bound himself in a spirit pact with the Zhenhai Patriarch,

at the Nascent Soul level, everyone has their own methods—be it the Jin Kingdom or the Five Poisons Sect.

Meanwhile, inside the Five Saints Hall’s cave residence,

Lu Changsheng’s cultivation had already advanced beyond the second stage of Nascent Soul, and he was now pushing for the fourteenth level of the Hundred Refinements Body Technique.

Though the breakthrough from the thirteenth to the fourteenth level was not as arduous as that from the twelfth to the thirteenth,

by the time one reached Fourth-Rank Body Refinement, every step marked a profound leap.

If it weren’t for Lu Changsheng leveraging the essence of his Dao-Comprehending artifact—the Nine Treasures Dao Bone—and the blessings of his Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation,

even with a Chaos Body and extraordinary talent, one would still need decades or even centuries, along with countless resources, to reach mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement.

Boom! Boom! Boom!!!

Lu Changsheng sat cross-legged, bathed in radiant golden light, as if his body were forged from celestial gold.

Countless intricate runes flickered into view, interlacing like a barrage of swords and hammers, refining his very flesh.

A surging tide of qi and blood roared, spreading out in every direction, causing the cave to tremble as the formation barriers flickered in and out.

Elsewhere, in a side hall where A Youduo was training, she sensed the disturbance; watching the palace’s protective barriers flicker, her heart trembled with alarm.

It felt as though this fearsome force of mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement might soon befall her, even though she longed intensely for Lu Changsheng’s Dragon Emperor Essence.

But in this process, her delicate frame seemed too fragile to bear the onslaught.

It made one wonder how Nangong Mili had ever managed to endure it.

Being a Nascent Soul cultivator, his physique far outclassed hers, prompting A Youduo to dedicate more time to fortify her body.

At the very least, so she could withstand the sheer force of Lu Changsheng’s strikes.

As the commotion in Five Saints Hall intensified and the palace shook, A Youduo halted her training and fully activated the formation barriers to contain the disturbance.

She then made her way to the entrance of her cave, waiting for Lu Changsheng’s breakthrough.

Outside the cave, a youth with a sharp, fresh look and piercing golden eyes stood tall.

Despite his youth, he was clad in dark golden armor adorned with embroidery of a Golden-Winged Roc clashing with a dragon, exuding an aura as formidable as a mountain.

When A Youduo approached, he instantly sent two sharp, icy glances her way, warning her to keep her distance.

Even though A Youduo was already devoted to Lu Changsheng,

since her master had instructed him to serve as a guardian, no one else was allowed to approach!

Moreover, the Golden-Winged Roc remembered that this woman had once assaulted her master.

Seeing his icy stare, A Youduo tensed up.

Then, with a composed yet indifferent expression, she waited by the side.

Previously, she had thought that Lu Changsheng’s attempt to subdue the Yin Ghost Sect and eliminate True Lord Mingsha might be too daunting.

But now, witnessing Lu Changsheng accelerating his mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement and with his Fourth-Rank spirit pet, the Golden-Winged Roc, she was convinced.

After all, she had witnessed the golden bird’s might in its earlier days.

It was undoubtedly among the top-tier entities of its rank.

Now, having advanced to Fourth-Rank, its power was undeniable.

Given that there were three Nascent Soul cultivators, True Lord Mingsha was no match.

She also remembered that Lu Changsheng owned a macaque beast capable of transforming into a demonic ape.

That macaque beast appeared adept at countering ghost kings; same-rank ghost kings could not contend with it—it was as if it naturally subdued the Yin Ghost Sect! Meanwhile, outside, a boy of about twelve or thirteen sat with a girl around seven or eight.

As the roaring sound persisted,

after an unknown duration, a dominant surge of qi and blood nearly broke free from the cave’s barriers.

The Golden-Winged Roc remained unfazed.

A Youduo, caught unprepared, even staggered a bit.

“Breakthrough achieved!”

A Youduo regained her composure, staring at the cave with a trembling heart and a dazed look.

Mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement!

Even though this dual cultivation might not match a mid Nascent Soul breakthrough,

the resultant power surge was capable of outclassing numerous early Nascent Soul practitioners!

Knowing that countless cultivators spent a lifetime striving for such a feat, and Lu Changsheng accomplished it in just over twenty years, she was left trembling in disbelief.

Inside the cave,

Lu Changsheng glowed with flowing golden light, his aura as deep as an abyss, as he opened his eyes, his gaze awe-inspiring.

Though his body was scarcely a meter tall, it stood like an ancient divine mountain, connecting the heavens and supporting the world.

His colossal physique seemed to sweep across the cosmos, exuding a fearsome aura that bent the very fabric of the void.

The barrier enchantments on the cave walls flickered unpredictably, as if on the brink of collapse.

This was the overwhelming pressure delivered by mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement.

Though Lu Changsheng’s body refinement was practiced as dual cultivation,

relying on his Chaos Body and stable cultivation, it rivaled that of many pure body cultivators.

His sole limitation was that besides unlocking two physical divine abilities during his breakthrough, he had not pursued any other innate bodily techniques.

“Is this the power of mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement?”

Lu Changsheng, in awe of his body’s boundless power, murmured softly.

The feeling of this breakthrough was utterly sublime.

Every breakthrough filled him with unrivaled confidence, as if he could shatter the heavens with one punch and crush his former self.

He took out True Lord Pinghai’s life-bound Spirit Treasure, the Pinghai Halberd, and jabbed it into his arm.

A gleam reminiscent of golden battle armor spread across his skin.

‘Ding!’

A crisp, metallic sound rang out.

Though Lu Changsheng did not channel magical energy,

this trident—True Lord Pinghai’s Spirit Treasure—was mere steps from ascending to a mid-grade spirit treasure! Such a display was truly astounding.

Not to mention, this was just a rough comparison; only a fool would engage in a direct flesh-versus-spirit-treasure clash.

In true battles, aside from his physical strength, he also employed defenses like a Protective Shield, the Nine Abyss Black Tortoise Armor, and the Yin-Yang Chart.

“I must find time to further cultivate True Saint Skill of Brahma and Demons.”

Lu Changsheng began to channel his technique, drawing in the full force of his qi and blood energy.

He realized that without training in True Saint Skill of Brahma and Demons, relying solely on the Hundred Refinements Body Technique would leave him lacking in combat versatility.

Yet, the benefits of a breakthrough extend beyond improved qi, strength, and defense.

For instance, a robust qi and blood reserve reduces the cost of divination, and applying certain blood-burning techniques becomes exponentially effective.

Moreover, an indestructible body enhances recovery, self-healing, and increases stamina—a boon of the Eternal Kidney.

In short, Lu Changsheng’s greatest asset in battle was his enduring stamina.

Whether in physical might or magical energy longevity, none of his peers could compare.

“But after all, I’m just dealing with a True Lord Mingsha.”

With his breakthrough past the second stage of Nascent Soul and into mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement, Lu Changsheng was filled with unprecedented confidence.

He was convinced that as long as there were no formidable late Nascent Soul experts, he had nothing to fear!

Moreover, should any late Nascent Soul experts appear, further advancing his body cultivation—and activating treasures like the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror—would exponentially amplify his might!

“Congratulations, Master, on your triumphant body breakthrough!”

As Lu Changsheng stepped out of the cave, the Golden-Winged Roc congratulated him, tinged with envy.

If only he could feast every day with endless natural treasures, rare spirit medicines, and abundant True Spirit Vital Blood.

That would allow him to progress at an incredible pace and grow rapidly.

Otherwise, at this rate, it would be an eternity before reaching mid Fourth-Rank.

And that doesn’t even include the energy lost from bloodletting.

The Golden-Winged Roc knew that its master had a cultivation technique that required True Spirit Vital Blood.

If all the young heirs in the household began training in that technique, he might not just fail to advance—he could even regress.

At the thought, the Golden-Winged Roc shuddered, finding it utterly terrifying.

“Congratulations, Master, on your triumphant body breakthrough!”

A Youduo stepped forward in congratulations, her face reflecting both respect and affectionate admiration.

If in the past she had harbored many thoughts for Lu Changsheng,

now, as he broke through in Nascent Soul and mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement, she truly revered him.

Moreover, the Seven Absolute Gu had not deeply affected her in earlier times.

However, now as Lu Changsheng advanced and with the Five Poisons Sect present, she could feel her spirit beginning to be influenced.

“Hehe, it’s just a small breakthrough,” he said with a light chuckle.

Lu Changsheng smiled lightly, his demeanor calm and unruffled.

After all, in her eyes, he was a reincarnated mighty being.

Even though he had his imperfections, the core of Lu Changsheng’s persona remained steadfast.

“Master, I’ve never seen anyone reach mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement. Now that you’ve broken through, I want to witness it.”

A Youduo suddenly lifted her graceful neck, gazing at Lu Changsheng with shimmering eyes.

As she spoke, her petite form transformed swiftly into that of a beautiful young girl of about sixteen or seventeen.

Faced with such a heartfelt invitation, Lu Changsheng naturally did not hesitate.

He swept the Five Poisons Sect Master into his arms and returned to the cave.

.

The Golden-Winged Roc observed the scene, its expression cold and impassive.

That night,

after the Five Poisons Sect obtained the Dragon Emperor Essence, they promptly summoned Ina.

Then, her delicate features turned pale as she lay aside, still glowing with residual charm as she rested.

Seeing A Youduo in such condition, Lu Changsheng felt a touch of remorse.

Her body had only recently undergone a breakthrough, and she hadn’t yet mastered controlling the force.

Moreover, due to secret techniques, her age would fluctuate unpredictably during dual cultivation—a taxing process.

Even Lu Ancestor would struggle to manage such circumstances.

“It’s okay.”

A Youduo replied with a strained voice.

But as her pale hands tenderly touched, feeling the searing pain, she resolved that her body refinement could not be delayed.

Moreover, she knew she had to find others to help share the burden.

And when alone, she must not provoke Lu Changsheng. Lost in thought, she furrowed her delicate brows and, glancing at the radiant Ina and Lu Changsheng, sent a message to Nangong Mili.

After A Youduo, Ina, Nangong Mili, and Meng Xiaochan had all witnessed the might of mid Fourth-Rank Body Refinement, Lu Changsheng began to discuss business.

He prepared to choose a day soon to travel to the Yin Ghost Sect.

“So rushed?”

Nangong Mili, with questioning eyes, said, “Is it really necessary to be in such a hurry with such a major matter?”

“I have other matters to resolve, so there’s no time to waste,” Lu Changsheng replied.

The Jin Kingdom and the Starry Sea were remote from one another, making it nearly impossible for him to gauge the heavenly signals from the Fuhai Sect.

Thus, he intended to resolve the issues with the Yin Ghost Sect first, then return to Jiang Kingdom to reforge and repair his Spirit Treasure, and finally address the matter of the Zhenhai Patriarch.

“Very well, Master. I’ll make preparations and join you,” said A Youduo.

A Youduo responded immediately.

Though the Five Poisons Sect and the Yin Ghost Sect had an alliance,

at this moment, that was of no concern.

“A Youduo, you don’t need to get involved in this fight. Go visit the Heavenly Corpse Sect later, and return after I’ve handled it,” Lu Changsheng commanded.

Lu Changsheng stated this immediately, with no intention of letting her accompany him.

Firstly, the Five Poisons Sect and the Yin Ghost Sect are bound by an alliance.

Now, if he were to break that alliance and attack the Yin Ghost Sect, there would inevitably be repercussions.

Secondly, he wasn’t sure if the Yin Ghost Sect had other Nascent Soul cultivators, like emissaries from the Seven Demonic Sects.

If something unexpected happened, he might retreat—but not A Youduo.

Thus, it was best that A Youduo stay behind.

Third, her direct combat ability was relatively modest, so her assistance would be minimal.

Better yet, she should instead head to the Heavenly Corpse Sect to support its leader.

Otherwise, if the two of them marched to annihilate the Yin Ghost Sect together, the Heavenly Corpse Sect would undoubtedly intervene.

After all, the Heavenly Corpse Sect had no desire to see the Five Poisons Sect fall to the Yin Ghost Sect, yet they would not tolerate the Five Poisons Sect aligning with them to obliterate it.

Even if a single Heavenly Corpse Sect might not seem fearsome alone, they could later easily crush the opposition.

But if both the Yin Ghost and Heavenly Corpse Sects were destroyed, the Jin Kingdom would be left with only the Five Poisons Sect, severely weakening its defenses and making it an easy target for other nations.

As for him, staying in the Jin Kingdom might be manageable,

but he couldn’t remain there permanently.

When the time came, not only would invasions from other nations threaten, but even a massive surge of beasts from the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range could spell doom for A Youduo.

Hence, under such conditions, Lu Changsheng intended to bring the Heavenly Corpse Sect under his control as best as he could.

A Youduo was momentarily flustered.

She couldn’t believe that Lu Changsheng didn’t want her to accompany him.

This… ‘Fine.’

In the past, A Youduo might have urged Lu Changsheng to proceed more cautiously,

but now, utterly captivated by him, she was completely devoted, without a trace of doubt.

“Lu Lang, shouldn’t I go with you along with my master?”

Meng Xiaochan, with concern, said, “If my master and I go, at least we can handle some of the Core Formation cultivators in the Yin Ghost Sect.”

“It’s fine—just remain at the Five Poisons Sect and await my word. It’s merely the Yin Ghost Sect,” he replied.

Lu Changsheng took Meng Xiaochan’s hand and said with a calm smile, his eyes deep and confident.

This wasn’t the blind overconfidence that sometimes follows a breakthrough;

rather, it sprang from the genuine strength he possessed.

After all, his visit was not to challenge True Lord Mingsha, but to confront the top cultivator of the Starry Sea, the Zhenhai Patriarch! True Lord Mingsha was nothing but a spineless cur that he had never taken seriously!

“Mm.”

Meng Xiaochan, her eyes filled with tender admiration, found Lu Changsheng’s ambitious and heroic stance utterly captivating.

Beside her, Nangong Mili and Ina, gazing at his angelic visage, were likewise spellbound by his commanding presence.

A few days later, Lu Changsheng and A Youduo quietly departed the Five Poisons Sect.

One set course for the Yin Ghost Sect while the other aimed for the Heavenly Corpse Sect.

Meanwhile, Nangong Mili and the others remained in the Five Poisons Sect, which had entered full alert to ward off any danger.

Knowing that A Youduo would take much longer to reach the Heavenly Corpse Sect than he would, Lu Changsheng did not rush.

“Quanzhen.”

Lu Changsheng, draped in a dark cloak, had disguised himself to resemble Yangming Zhenren, standing atop the Golden-Winged Roc as the Heavenly Yuan Lotus manifested in his hand.

As ripples emanated from the Heavenly Yuan Lotus, Lu Quanzhen, clad in a dark broad robe, emerged and softly said, “Father, I have been waiting for you for a long time.”

“Hehe.”

The father and son exchanged smiles, then stood together atop the Golden-Winged Roc as they soared toward the Yin Ghost Sect.

After over sixty years, father and son once again approached the Yin Ghost Sect! Although Lu Changsheng had casually assessed that there was no peril in this journey,

he nonetheless proceeded with great caution.

Upon nearing the Yin Ghost Sect, he first unleashed his divine ability, Yin-Yang Glass Wall, to thoroughly survey the area.

“Proceed,” he commanded.

Lu Changsheng said to his son, Lu Quanzhen, signaling that he should first settle the feud with True Lord Guima.

Lu Quanzhen, stepping lightly as if becoming one with the Kunpeng, dashed out, his robe billowing, and then stopped before the Yin Ghost Sect’s gate, speaking calmly,

“True Lord Guima, come forth and prepare to die!”

Though his voice was not loud, it resonated clearly throughout the Yin Ghost Sect.

“Who dares to disrupt my Yin Ghost Sect!”

The disciples of the Yin Ghost Sect looked up in alarm and suspicion, their eyes fixed on the gate.

There, a young man with a refined, scholarly appearance in a dark, flowing robe stood tall.

“It’s him! Yangming Zhenren’s son, Qu Changtian!” An observant disciple recognized him and exclaimed.

After all, over sixty years ago, the feud between True Lord Guima and Qu Changtian had caused a major uproar.

Particularly, this matter climaxed when Yangming Zhenren stormed into the Yin Ghost Sect to demand an explanation for his son’s actions—a scandal that still haunts the elders of the Yin Ghost Sect! Hence, they all remember Yangming Zhenren’s son, Qu Changtian!

“What nerve! This man still dares to trouble my Yin Ghost Sect!”

“Hmph, so Yangming Zhenren, having been absent all these years, finally dares to show up, huh?”

“Wasn’t Yangming Zhenren supposed to have perished, exhausted by his efforts for Qingluan Zhenren?”

Although the earlier events at the Vast Sands Mirage Domain had once made Yangming Zhenren renowned in both Southern Desolation and the Northern Region,

now, over twenty years later, many had forgotten or assumed that his past achievements were entirely thanks to Qingluan Zhenren.

Moreover, with True Lord Mingsha at the helm, the Yin Ghost Sect’s strength had surged and its territory expanded—why would they fear yet another Yangming Zhenren? “True Lord Guima, come forth and meet your doom!”

Lu Quanzhen stepped effortlessly over the void as if it were solid ground, and with black-streaked golden light flowing from his palm, he unleashed a powerful strike.

“Roar!!!”

In a flash, a spectral Kunpeng appeared, tearing through the ghostly miasma and speeding toward the massive stele emblazoned with ‘Yin Ghost Sect’ at the mountain gate.

Although the massive stele was a Spirit Treasure protected by formation enchantments, Lu Quanzhen’s strike caused it to crack.

“This…” The mountain-guarding disciples gasped, their legs trembling as they sensed imminent danger.

After all, the stele is the face of a faction; Lu Quanzhen’s act was an unambiguous provocation—a call to serious conflict.

Realizing they were no match for this daredevil, they instantly set off the sect’s highest-level alarm.

Yet from deep within the Yin Ghost Sect, several beams of iridescent light erupted.

“Bold!”

“Qu Changtian, how dare you run wild in my Yin Ghost Sect! It’s as if you refuse heaven’s path and willingly throw yourself into hell!”

Present were not only the new sect leader of the Yin Ghost Sect, but also its elder members—the Yin Ghost King, Senior Elder Ghost Bat, and Ghost Shadow True Lord, among others.

Years ago, they had all been gravely injured by Yangming Zhenren, forced into a chaotic retreat, with some even captured.

Now, Qu Changtian, Yangming Zhenren’s son, has the nerve to mimic his father and run amok in his own Yin Ghost Sect—it’s sheer suicide! Does he truly think our Yin Ghost Sect is still the same as it was sixty years ago?

However, True Lord Ghost Bat, the Yin Ghost King, and others watched warily, scanning the area to see if Yangming Zhenren was present.

Otherwise, does Qu Changtian really have the nerve to wreak havoc in his own sect like this?

Although intelligence suggested that after the Vast Sands Mirage Domain, Yangming Zhenren had burned through his Essence and perished from exhaustion,

they had learned from True Lord Mingsha that Yangming Zhenren was, in fact, still alive!

“Since True Lord Guima won’t emerge, if you all wish to die, then so be it.”

Lu Quanzhen, facing numerous Core Formation cultivators single-handedly, stood with folded arms and said calmly,

Had it been just him, he wouldn’t have been so brazen.

But with his father watching from behind, what was there to fear?

This provided the perfect opportunity to test his divine abilities! Ever since completing his Demonic Fetus Rebirth, he had spent years cultivating the Kunpeng tradition and refining True Spirit Nine Transformations, yet had never fully put them to use.

Now, these adversaries afforded him the chance to cut his teeth in battle!