NOVPUBThe siblings spent three days together.
Three days later.
Lu Qingshan returned to Luoxia Sect, preparing for a long journey.
Lu Qingyu had made a breakthrough in his cultivation and wasn't in a hurry to go out, so he resumed his former business in the Gathering Immortal Square. He managed 'Peak Rain Mountain' while stabilizing his cultivation.
As for Lu Qingfeng.
He transformed into the 'Yellow Robed Old Monster' and headed straight from Yellow Robe Mountain to Black Death Swamp.
...
Located at the southernmost tip of the White Bone Realm, there was a swamp shrouded in Yin Wind and darkness, called 'Black Death Swamp'.
It was a place where 'Black Death Spirit Shells' were plentiful.
Both the Spiritual Shell Meat and the 'Black Death Spirit Pearls' nurtured inside were greatly beneficial to demon practitioners and those who practiced Demon Techniques and dark arts.
However, because the environment of Black Death Swamp was so poor, even Demon Sect practitioners were unwilling to stay there for long. Righteous Sect practitioners need not be mentioned, and coupled with the difficulty in finding Black Death Spirit Shells, many Independent Practitioners often came here in search of them to exchange for Cultivation resources.
Thirty years ago.
Someone in Black Death Swamp discovered traces of an 'Immortal Shell'.
After that, the Immortal Shell vanished without a trace.
Nearly a year ago, along with finding the Immortal Shell, someone discovered the dwelling of an ancient predecessor in Black Death Swamp.
Instantly, the Three Sects converged on the site.
After nearly a year, the array outside the Immortal Mansion began to weaken.
Recently, there were signs that the Immortal Mansion was about to emerge.
...
Within eight hundred li of swamp, drenched in darkness.
A Black Robed Man merged into the darkness, almost inconspicuous, if not for his eyes which shimmered with a faint light.
In his hand, he held a copper token.
Inscribed on the token were the words 'Yuu Mountain'.
"Yuu Mountain's command token indicates the Immortal Mansion is within this Black Death Swamp."
"The Immortal Mansion was discovered long ago, but nobody has yet entered. It's said that the array outside the mansion hasn't completely dissipated. Yuu Mountain Daoist has a lengthy life span, dislikes the ways of combat, and focuses on the art of Longevity. In his free time, he enjoys studying Arrays and was a well-known expert on Longevity and Array mastery ten thousand years ago."
"If I can obtain the inheritance of both Longevity and Arrays from the Immortal Mansion, or even acquire the Green Wood King Ding that Yuu Mountain Daoist stole from Green Wood Valley, my Cultivation journey will surely be smooth sailing!"
"There are quite a few Core Formation True Men in this region, though. Two or three I am not afraid of, but each of the Three Sects has no less than a pair of hands worth of them, I must be careful." The Black Robed Man pondered for a moment, then put away the command token and vanished into the darkness with a flicker.
...
Elsewhere.
Three figures appeared out of thin air.
One of them, dressed in a white robe, had a green wood embroidered on his back and six miniature three-legged tripods stitched on the cuffs. He appeared to be in his twenties, handsome and extraordinary.
Another was a youthful person with a clear face, wearing a dark blue long robe, and with a flute tied to his waist, emanating a distinguished air.
Lastly, there was a tall, thin, gap-toothed old man standing behind the young man in white, his eyes squinting slightly.
"Brother Xun, this is the Black Death Swamp."
Jing Zhan settled down and turned to his friend beside him, speaking first.
"A disgusting place like a stinking ditch, only that old turtle would choose to establish a legacy here." Xun Bai surveyed the surroundings, shaking his head vigorously, his face showing a look of disgust.
Jing Zhan, though young in appearance, conducted himself with the composure of an elder. Upon hearing the words, he chuckled, "Yellow Maple Gorge is blessed with the exquisite spirit of heaven and earth, abundant in Spiritual Medicines and teeming with Spiritual Beasts, truly a prime place for Immortals to cultivate. Brother Xun has been cultivating within your sect for years, so it's only natural to feel out of place upon first arriving in such a realm."
"Brother Xun laments a bit, but personally, I am unharmed. I feel regretful, though, for involving Mr. Jing in this," Xun Bai said apologetically to Jing Zhan.
"What are you talking about, Brother Xun? We hit it off since the trials at the Seven Gorges a hundred years ago. Now that you've come to Biyang Lake, as the host, it's only right for me to show you the hospitality due to you," Jing Zhan feigned indignation before continuing, "Once Mr. Jing retrieves the Supreme Treasure of your sect, be sure to stay at Biyang Lake for a few more days to fully enjoy the scenery of its 36 million li."
"I dare not disobey."
Xun Bai laughed heartily.
"Young Valley Master, this way."
A tall, thin elder, holding a copper token and discerning the direction, gestured to Xun Bai.
"Let's first take a look at that old tortoise's nest, and then trouble Mr. Jing to elaborate on the situation in this domain," Xun Bai walked side by side with Jing Zhan, speaking as they went.
"That's easy to discuss."
As they moved through the marsh, Jing Zhan began to elaborate, "This domain lies in the southwest corner of the Xia Guang Domain, close to the Crying Swamp, at the very edge of the region. The three most powerful sects here, Xuanyuan Sect, White Bone Demon Sect, and Heavenly Travel Mountain, are affiliated with the Righteous, Demon, and Demon Clans respectively. Neither of them has any remarkable backing, and the strongest within their ranks only possess the power of the Gathering Law Realm, hardly worth mentioning."
Jing Zhan spoke fluently.
It was evident he was well-acquainted with the domain - not only with Xuanyuan Sect, White Bone Demon Sect, and Heavenly Travel, but even recent rising independents like Changqing Daoist, Fiery Fire Wanderer, and the Yellow Robed Old Monster.
The three of them advanced, two in front and one behind.
They gradually moved away, disappearing into the darkness.
...
Dark Swamp.
To the southeast, there was a hill.
The Four Wanderers of Yellow Robe Mountain were here, eagerly awaiting Lu Qingyu's arrival.
"How's the situation?"
Lu Qingyu, dressed in a yellow robe with golden and purple circular rings on his wrists, holding a three-foot-tall eight-layered palace, looked at Flower Lady and the others to ask.
Flower Lady pointed in one direction and shook her head, "The three sects have already occupied the inner areas close to the Immortal Mansion. Other sects and Independent Practitioners can only linger on the outskirts. Aside from the Third Realm Perfected, there have been many unfamiliar faces, likely Practitioners from beyond the Three Realms who have hurried here upon hearing the news."
In summary.
Now, with various forces converging in the Black Death Swamp, at least Core Formation True Men were present. It was like a volcano that could erupt at any moment. Once the Immortal Mansion opens and everyone enters, an epic battle is inevitable.
Lu Qingyu concentrated, sensing subtle energies from all directions. His Spirit Eye glimpsed True Men hiding in every corner.
Familiar faces of the Three Sects True People, Independent Practitioners of the Third Realm, as well as strangers he had never seen before, like a mysterious Black Robed Man and groups of youths, adolescents, and elders, were all present.
"All manner of strange creatures gather; the legacy of Yuu Mountain Daoist truly stirs hearts."
Withdrawing his gaze,
Lu Qingyu looked towards the Immortal Mansion again.
The outer Arrays were gradually fading.
Yuu Mountain Daoist's Array expertise was indeed extraordinary, and even Lu Qingyu, who had spent thousands of years studying Arrays in games, paled in comparison. Based solely on Array expertise, Lu Qingyu found it difficult to decipher Yuu Mountain Daoist's Arrays that concealed and protected the Immortal Mansion.
However, when 'Daluo Cave Temple' is combined with 'Heavenly Summit Step,' it would make entering as easy as a walk in the garden.
"What a pity."
"With the Three Sects True People at the side, watching the Immortal Mansion intently, once I deploy the Daluo Cave Temple or the Heavenly Summit Step, any fluctuation in energy or disappearance of the Invisibility Technique would immediately reveal my presence."
Lu Qingyu shook his head.
If he had discovered this Immortal Mansion first, he could have stealthily entered and taken all the secret treasures and legacies.
But unfortunately, the White Bone Demon Sect and Xuanyuan Sect first discovered this place. By the time he became aware, the Three Sects True People were already guarding closely about, making it difficult to act.
"Fine."
"With my current strength, the chances of entering the Immortal Mansion and acquiring Yuu Mountain Daoist's inheritance are huge. Even if I fail, no matter who obtains the Longevity Secret Method, it can either be traded or forcibly taken."
Lu Qingfeng pondered in his heart.
He could do without the other inheritances from Yuu Mountain Daoist, such as Arrays and Magic Artifacts. The only thing he must get at all costs was the Longevity Secret Method.
This method was crucial for the depth and foundation of his Dao, and he couldn't afford to miss it.
"Longevity Secret Method." 𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖕𝖚𝔟.𝖈𝖔𝔪
Lu Qingfeng fixed his gaze on the gradually fading Array, his eyes growing deeper and deeper.
Time passed by the second.
Lu Qingfeng had only recently arrived.
Not long after, Fiery Fire Wanderer of the White Bone Demon Sect arrived leading Six Yang Guardian Han Ji, Sangmen Guardian Yun Che, among other Perfected Beings.
Among them, Han Ji, with a sweep of his eyes, looked towards the five individuals from Yellow Robe Mountain. A cold light flickered in his eyes when he saw Lu Qingfeng, tinged with a hint of ruthlessness.
"This guy's famously powerful Magic Artifact, White Bone Six Yang Hammers, was taken by the Mountain Master, and yet he dares to come stir up trouble in the Black Death Swamp. Wait until we're inside the Immortal Mansion, I'll crush his skull!" Cold Rhinoceros Wanderer spoke with a defiant tone, seemingly talking to himself but loudly enough for the four directions to hear.
"Hmph!"
Han Ji, hearing this, and noticing the looks from all around, coldly huffed and stood silent behind Master Fiery Fire. Without his White Bone Six Yang Hammers, he wasn't much stronger than a regular Perfected Being who had formed their Solid Pill. In a real fight with Cold Rhinoceros, who had cultivated his Cold Rhinoceros Technique to perfection, Han Ji would only get beaten up.
He didn't dare put on airs anymore.
Lu Qingfeng ignored Han Ji.
With his current strength, the likes of Han Ji could be wiped out with just a flick of his fingers; therefore, he didn't take him seriously.
"But that Fiery Fire Wanderer—"
Lu Qingfeng turned his attention to the leader, Fiery Fire.
Coincidentally, Master Fiery Fire's gaze swept over in return, brimming with a will to battle.
"What's this?"
"Has Fiery Fire Wanderer's White Bone Demon Body started itching for a fight again?!"
Lu Qingfeng looked over with slanted eyes and let out a mocking laugh.
"It's the Yellow Robed Old Monster!"
"This is the first mighty warrior of the Three Realms, even White Bone Demon Sect's Fiery Fire and Pan Mountain King from Heavenly Travel Mountain had to flee from him, quite impressive indeed."
Back in the day, when Lu Qingfeng occupied Yellow Robe Mountain, he had a battle with Master Fiery Fire, and it ended with Fiery Fire's defeat. Meeting again today was inherently antagonistic.
"Yellow Robed Old Monster."
"Let's see you act arrogant for a little while longer."
Knowing when to act and when to wait, Master Fiery Fire did not erupt on the spot. With a secret vow of vengeance, he withdrew his gaze and joined the formation of the White Bone Demon Sect.
Inside the White Bone Demon Sect, Soul Search and Suo Xin, two of the Heavenly Kings, had arrived early, along with two of the Four Guardians.
Thus,
The higher-ups of the Demon Sect had all arrived, and their presence surged menacingly.
"So arrogant, the Demon Sect!"
"Even that Fiery Fire is but a vanquished foe under our Mountain Master, merely relying on their large numbers to seem imposing."
Vajra Wanderer and Flower Lady, speaking at the same time, disdained the White Bone Demon Sect while also flattering Lu Qingfeng.
"Having more people isn't always useful, we will only see the true measure inside the Immortal Mansion." Gui Cang Wanderer, with a belly rub and a sinister grin, said aloud.
Lu Qingfeng remained silent beside them.
Shortly after,
Several auras arrived from the southeast.
Lu Qingfeng looked in that direction and recognized some familiar faces.
"The Three Kings of Heavenly Travel Mountain—Pan Mountain King, Wutou Po, and Jiupan Po."
"And several of the remaining Eighteen Generals."
Flower Lady spoke out, recognizing them at once.
Heavenly Travel Mountain was led by the Three Kings, who supported each other from humble beginnings. Later, they established Heavenly Travel Mountain. Even though Jiupan Po's strength was only that of the Solid Pill Realm, relying on the formidable Pan Mountain King and the Alchemy Accomplished Wutou Po, she still firmly held her position as one of the Three Great Kings of Heavenly Travel Mountain.
Beneath the Three Kings,
Were the Eighteen Demon Generals, with the weakest among them comparable to True Men who had formed their Solid Pill. They were formidable opponents.
As expected,
Upon arrival, the gaze of Heavenly Travel Mountain paused where Lu Qingfeng was situated, each carrying a peculiar meaning.
In the past, Lu Qingfeng, under the alias "Yellow Robed Old Monster," not only defeated Fiery Fire from the White Bone Demon Sect but even forced Pan Mountain King to retreat.
There was a history of grudges.
Seeing each other now, naturally, they took an extra glance, not daring to underestimate him.
It was Jiupan Po, in particular.
During the Initial Chaos of the Three Realms, Jiupan Po had hoped to use the Capturing Heart Mirror, a secret treasure, to secretly harm the Five Fire True Man from the Xuanyuan Sect and frame Han Ji of the White Bone Demon Sect. Out of nowhere, Vajra Wanderer interfered, ruining her plan and claiming the Capturing Heart Mirror for himself.
Later on, the Yellow Robed Old Monster wreaked havoc across the Three Realms, and Jiupan Po narrowly escaped death.
Her hatred ran deep.
If Jiupan Po ever learned that the Yellow Robed Old Monster and Vajra Wanderer were one and the same person, she would likely become so enraged that she would immediately seek out Lu Qingfeng with murderous intent.
Heavenly Travel Mountain took their respective places in the formation.
Not much later,
Master Wu Jie, the Sect Leader of Xuanyuan Sect, arrived with Jade Pillar Peak's Peak Master Jiang Yan, Silver Frost Peak's Peak Master Nolan Xun, and seven True Men from Xuanyuan Sect's Five Peaks.
They joined Xuanyuan Sect's formation, merging with the early arrivals, Qian Lai and Shi Wan, two of the Supreme Elders, as well as Demon Suppressing Peak's Peak Master Weng Shaoqing, Golden Tiger Peak's Peak Master Pei Yuan, and others leading the Five Peaks and Six Halls to form one group.
Their numbers surged, making Xuanyuan Sect the most populous and formidable group among the Three Sects.
"Although Xuanyuan Sect has the most True Men, if we talk about individual combat strength, most are simply average, not comparable to the murderous prowess of the Demon Sect or the ferocity of the Demon Clan." Gui Cang Wanderer commented, paying close attention to Lu Qingfeng's demeanor.
Flower Lady, Vajra, and Cold Rhinoceros also inconspicuously observed Lu Qingfeng.
But Lu Qingfeng remained expressionless, showing no emotion.
...
The Four Wanderers each had their thoughts.
Time flowed like water.
Days passed.
On the seventh day after Lu Qingfeng's arrival, the multiple layers of Array energy outside the Yuu Mountain Immortal Mansion turned chaotic, and with a flash, finally exploded with a thunderous boom.
Light filled the heavens.
Melodic immortal music played.
The Yuu Mountain Immortal Mansion had finally emerged!
