Human Emperor Dantai He ultimately compromised.

  When he drank the energy liquid from the demon crystal and gained no immortality—instead coughing blood—he understood: rules were irreversible.

  The rule that Human Emperors could not achieve immortality hung like a sword over his head, chilling him to the bone.

  In a trance, he seemed to see a supreme existence gazing coldly at him—furious at his reckless violation.

  That day, Dantai He gave up.

  Immortality?

  Even his father, Dantai Xuan, had not achieved it. In achievements—could he surpass his father?

  More crucially, that illusion awakened him.

  Illness lasting days clarified much.

  Thus, Dantai He yielded—choosing to establish a crown prince. The dynasty needed succession; he needed remaining time to teach the prince the burdens of inheritance.

  Dantai He naturally regretted.

  His momentary greed sparked human-demon war—countless deaths; shattering Great Xuan’s near-two-century unchallenged rule.

  But greater regret: losing Uncle Xue—watching him grow, Great Xuan’s greatest guardian and trump card, Xue Tao.

  For immortality—he lost Xue Tao.

  Not merely his loss—but the entire dynasty’s.

  Though still Lu Jiulian remained.

  Thinking the name, Dantai He shook head. Heavenly Human Lu Jiulian—transcended mortal.

  Moreover, Dantai He wasn’t Dantai Xuan—no bond to move Lu Jiulian.

  Dantai He stood in palace halls—aged; gazing sunset horizon.

  Faintly, seemed to see his father’s passing—cultivators arriving in skies to bid farewell.

  That shocking scene—Dantai He deeply envied.

  He often wondered: when he passed—who would send him off?

  Likely… no one.

  …

  Human-demon war ended.

  But aftermath profound. War caused frequent human-demon friction.

  Great Xuan’s control over Western Regions gradually slipped; long-suppressed Demon Continent demons seemed unleashed.

  No major war—but constant skirmishes.

  Tianhan Pass, Hu Rao Pass, and other borders—once more grim and tense.

  Most importantly.

  Leading by example—Dantai He slew demons for crystals, seeking immortality.

  During war—cultivators killing demons, stripping crystals; discovering crystals boosted cultivation. Interest erupted like volcano.

  Human cultivators began frenzied demon hunting.

  With Emperor’s precedent—ever bolder.

  Thus, human-demon hatred—suppressed century under Dantai Xuan—fully erupted under Dantai He.

  Racial enmity—unerasable.

  Humans hunted demons; demons slew humans. Cycle might last centuries, even millennia…

  Even Dantai He’s attempts to remedy—decrees banning cultivator demon hunts, crystal sales—couldn’t stop.

  Human desire—like Pandora’s box—once opened, hard to close.

  Human-demon war—perhaps closest tie between cultivation and mortal worlds.

  But as settled,

  all gradually curtained.

  Cultivation world restored peace.

  Beside Buzhou Peak—Heavenly Dao Tree swayed endlessly.

  Another Dao Intent Fruit formed—radiant; falling from tree.

  Below—countless cultivators wide-eyed, staring at fruit.

  Dao Intent Fruits—now Five Phoenixes treasures. Possessing one—instant Dao intent comprehension; tier random.

  Thus, many without Dao intent gathered below.

  Plus tree’s Dao sounds—cultivation rapidly advanced.

  Now beneath Heavenly Dao Tree—Five Phoenixes sacred cultivation ground.

  Great Xuan Academy relocated here; besides—many forces too.

  Like Sima Qingshan’s Painting Sect—founded century ago; began recruiting fifty years prior. News out—countless commoner disciples rushed.

  After all—Sima Qingshan’s legend spread; commoners’ idol.

  Even without—half-step Heavenly Human realm sufficient to attract world cultivators.

  Wudi City, Absolute Blade Sect, and other Tianyuan forces stationed disciples.

  Entire Five Phoenixes cultivation world—rapid ascent rhythm.

  …

  White Jade Pavilion.

  Lu pinched wine cup; sipped fine brew; gentle breeze billowed robes.

  Depleted internal energy recovered swiftly under liquor; dried primordial spirit nourished like spring rain.

  “Hm… crafting ascension land—truly laborious.”

  Lu sighed; hand to chess box—pinched piece; slowly placed on board.

  Placing aided primordial spirit and spiritual energy recovery.

  Sunrise sunset.

  Game ended; depleted primordial spirit and energy gradually restored.

  This day.

  Dawn rose—tearing oppressive vast sea gloom.

  With morning glow, Lu in Thousand-Bladed Chair—slowly ascended skies.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Suddenly.

  Myriad lights surged; thick white immortal energies wove—rolling out.

  A gate emerged—ancient aura; seeming bronze-forged; etched myriad rare beasts.

  Suanni, qilin, vermilion bird, and divine beasts intertwined.

  Exuding noble presence.

  Behind gate—immense surging immortal energies.

  Gate massive—thousand zhang tall.

  Lu’s month-long personal creation—“Heavenly Gate” to ascension land.

  Heavenly Humans enter Heavenly Gate—ascend.

  Lu in Thousand-Bladed Chair; raised hand—gently pushed forward.

  Creak…

  Gate opened.

  Behind—vast unparalleled world emerged; famous mountains and rivers; ten-thousand-zhang peaks; waterfalls from ninth heaven—but all shrouded in dense immortal mists.

  Most oppressive: forbidden zones releasing ancient terrifying auras.

  Lu gazed at this uninhabited “immortal realm”—his recent achievement.

  Each energy depletion—constructing this world.

  Though modeled on Five Phoenixes—initial terrain identical—but with forbidden zones rising; ancient force ruins emerging; mountains shifted; great rivers diverted.

  Terrain wholly different from Five Phoenixes.

  Yet dragon-like coiling immortal energies—core of “ascension land”!

  Controlling Thousand-Bladed Chair—streaked like lightning through ascension land.

  “Hm… world shaped; immortal energies dragon-like—this ascension land… ready for guests.”

  Lu smiled.

  Seemed to think of amusing question.

  Leaning in Thousand-Bladed Chair; stroked chin; slowly asked: “System—if Lower Three Heavens cultivators ascend here… breakthroughs in cultivation—will this young master get spiritual energy commission?”

  If yes—another path for Qi refining advancement.

  If no—less enthusiasm welcoming Lower Three Heavens cultivators.

  But system silent.

  Lu’s lips curled—expected.

  “Whatever—try first. At least… complete [Challenge Mission] first.”

  Lu thought.

  Hum…

  Next,

  white robes billowed.

  Spiritual Pressure Chessboard floated before.

  Pieces crisscrossed on board.

  Lu pinched piece—slowly placed.

  Tap!

  Piece on tengen!

  Boom!

  All ascension land immortal energies surged violently!

  Five Phoenixes continent—seemed mighty aura traction; “Heavenly Gate” gradually emerged.

  …

  Boom boom boom!

  Five Phoenixes continent—vast mountains; auras erupted.

  Next, lights scattered.

  Peerless figures stood in void.

  If anyone present—surely stunned.

  All top cultivation world experts.

  Western Liang Overlord; Southern Commandery Tang Yimo; Painting Sect Sima Qingshan; Vast Righteous Sect Kong Nanfei; and more…

  Lotus bloomed in skies.

  Lu Jiulian elegant—appeared in void; step by step, unhurried.

  Overlord narrowed eyes; vast battle intent surged.

  Lu Jiulian long Heavenly Human; Overlord curious his current strength.

  Yet Overlord unmoved.

  This gathering—to witness one’s breakthrough.

  Not invited—but all curious; traveled far; drawn here.

  Thus gathered.

  Below.

  Mountains—simple farmhouse courtyard.

  Nine chicklings joyfully chased.

  By fence—chicken-raising girl in coarse cloth; eyes closed—as though enlightened.

  “Bai Qingniao maintained this state nearly three days.”

  Tang Yimo hands bound white cloth; slowly said.

  Overlord and others focused—they knew Bai Qingniao gathering momentum.

  “Never thought this girl… so quick to Heavenly Human. Perhaps her unique cultivation method.”

  Jiang Li in loose robes; floated in air.

  When Chi Lian sought him—telling Bai Qingniao breakthrough—he hurried.

  To guard her.

  Yet never expected drawing so many.

  If Overlord, Tang Yimo, and others caused trouble—he lacked confidence stopping; thus called Luo Mingyue, Ximen Xianzhi, etc.

  But Lu Jiulian’s arrival—Jiang Li’s expression graver.

  Suddenly!

  Crimson beam shot from farmhouse—sky instantly dyed fiery red.

  “Three flowers gather crown—enter Heavenly Human!”

  Cultivators’ pupils contracted.

  Clearly visible—in firelight—three flowers bloomed atop Bai Qingniao’s head.

  Primordial spirit flower; golden body flower; Dao intent flower…

  Three flowers gathered crown!

  Cultivating mysterious Nine Phoenix Scripture—Bai Qingniao’s breakthrough aura far surpassed ordinary.

  “Begun… momentum gathered; assaulting Heavenly Human pass.”

  Overlord said.

  As one who entered Heavenly Human—some insights.

  “But this girl’s presence—somewhat terrifying!”

  Indeed.

  Next—six shrill phoenix cries resounded.

  Like thunder from clear skies.

  As though world-ending flames—rolling spreading.

  Farmhouse instantly swallowed by fire sea—reduced to ash.

  In fire sea,

  girl became noble fire figure.

  Eyes sharp; brows seeming aflame.

  Ordinary farmhouse clothes turned noble—flame gown gleaming myriad stars.

  Lu Jiulian narrowed eyes; green lotus robes billowed in flame-whipped winds.

  “This aura—quite strong.”

  Lu Jiulian grave.

  Overlord unleashed demonic energy; Lu Jiulian flicked green lotus—suppressing Bai Qingniao’s breakthrough-spreading aura.

  Six shrill phoenix cries continuous.

  Little Phoenix One to Nine—from chicks—spread wings soaring.

  Next—six successive metamorphoses; each—ever more divine!

  Divine Phoenix Six Transformations!

  Finally—nine terrifying flame phoenixes; filling skies.

  Even Overlord grave—with nine chicks guarding—facing Bai Qingniao—he’d fare poorly.

  As firelight intensified.

  Finally—this breakthrough neared end.

  Though heavenly thunder rolled above.

  Overlord and others experienced.

  Bai Qingniao not first Heavenly Human—before her: Lu Jiulian, Overlord, etc.

  Suddenly!

  Overlord and Lu Jiulian expressions shifted drastically.

  Disbelief filled pupils.

  Sharply raised heads.

  Gazed ninth heaven heights.

  Originally relaxed Tang Yimo, Nie Changqing, and others slightly changed.

  Sensing Overlord and Lu Jiulian’s shock.

  Most importantly—heaven-earth suddenly vast pressure spread!

  As though immense world tore heaven-earth barrier—appearing overhead; suffocating!

  Unprecedented sensation!

  Bai Qingniao stood in fire sea; nine phoenixes guarded sides.

  Eyes seeming flame-burning—Bai Qingniao slowly raised head.

  Gazing oppressive gloomy skies.

  She… seemed to see something!

  Boom boom!

  Overlord and Lu Jiulian moved—two Heavenly Humans; against dreadful pressure charged ninth heaven.

  “When we entered Heavenly Human—no such phenomenon!”

  Overlord grave.

  “What is this?”

  Overlord deep breath.

  “Perhaps… only White Jade Pavilion’s Young Master Lu knows… pity—now Young Master Lu mysterious; as though vanished from heaven-earth.”

  Lu Jiulian stared—faintly sensing immense allure; drawing him forward.

  Thick clouds descended… descended…

  Entire Five Phoenixes—this moment—seemed extreme oppressive aura spreading.

  Bai Qingniao’s fiery red gown billowed.

  Nine phoenixes fluttered around.

  She stepped step by step—as though climbing heavenly ladder—toward skies.

  Higher Bai Qingniao ascended.

  Darker thick clouds—seemed cleaved by great blade.

  Myriad rays cascaded.

  Faintly—immortal mysterious gate emerged.

  Onlookers—pupils contracted sharply.

  …

  Thousand li beyond Nine Prisons secret realm—a blessed land; Tianji Pavilion hidden within.

  Slightly remote peak—hundred li uninhabited.

  Stepping moss-covered blue stones—Tianji Pavilion appeared on summit; cascading waterfall like galaxy pouring.

  Between waterfalls—elder fished pond.

  Whipped waves billowed elder’s robes.

  Beside elder.

  Tianji Pavilion disciples sat cross-legged.

  Mo Tianyu bare-chested; leisurely eating grapes.

  Suddenly.

  Skies—gloomy thunderclouds rolled.

  Lü Mudui and Mo Tianyu smiled.

  “Heaven-earth phenomenon—today Five Phoenixes gains another Heavenly Human.”

  Mo Tianyu swallowed grape; spat seed; smiled.

  “Cause for celebration.”

  Boom!

  Suddenly.

  Mo Tianyu and Lü Mudui bodies stiffened.

  Incredulously raised heads—sensing oppressive muffled aura shrouding heaven-earth.

  Mo Tianyu eyes flickered; four bronze treasures emerged—pinching hexagram deduction.

  Lü Mudui tapped bamboo staff—also deducing.

  “Five Phoenixes enters great era—this Ascension Gate; behind—vast realm; ascension land with dense immortal energies. Five Phoenixes Heavenly Humans enter—continue cultivation breakthroughs.”

  As Lü Mudui deduced—mysterious vast voice echoed in ear.

  “Y-Young… Master?!”

  Lü Mudui trembled—suddenly knelt.

  “This gate—call it ‘Heavenly Gate.’”

  Lu’s voice gradually silenced.

  Lü Mudui body quivered.

  Beside—Mo Tianyu covered mouth; blood sprayed through fingers; eyes gleamed.

  “Great calamity omen!”

  Lü Mudui rose—glanced him.

  Calamity my ass!

  Hand trembled—mysterious yellow paper; wolf-hair brush emerged.

  Fist struck chest; coughed bowl of crimson blood.

  Brush dipped blood ink; wrote heavenly secrets!

  Mo Tianyu saw Lü Mudui using own blood to message world—deep breath; this news surely sweep world.

  “This gate—Ascension Gate; named Heavenly Gate…”

  “Behind Heavenly Gate—Five Phoenixes Heavenly Humans’ severed cultivation path!”

  …

  Peerless Bai Qingniao; fiery red gown billowing.

  Above head—thousand-zhang gate emerged.

  How magnificent and grand!

  Overlord and Lu Jiulian could barely gaze directly; below non-Heavenly Humans dared not even look.

  Faintly—hearing rare beast roars.

  Dragon chants; phoenix cries; qilin roars; Xuanwu howls…

  “Three flowers gather Heavenly Human—one step ascends immortality.”

  Bai Qingniao surrounded by nine phoenixes; step by step approached Heavenly Gate.

  Boom!

  Lu Jiulian bloomed green lotuses around.

  Overlord demonic energy torrential; axe-shield on back.

  Both neared Heavenly Gate.

  Gate closed—but noble, mysterious, profound—impacted minds.

  Faintly—behind gate; dense immortal energies seemed surging.

  Bai Qingniao now like ninth heaven goddess; glanced Lu Jiulian and Overlord.

  Both retreated slightly—nodding.

  Gate clearly appeared for Bai Qingniao.

  Thus—they wouldn’t interfere.

  Bai Qingniao raised hand—knocked gate.

  Thud thud thud!

  Distant sound exploded; then raised hand—pushed slowly.

  Creak!

  Dense immortal energies surged from behind—Bai Qingniao instantly sensed profound mysteries.

  Strong attraction—heart raced.

  She understood: behind gate—absolutely ideal Heavenly Human cultivation environment!

  Tearing misty immortal energies—she saw; saw magnificent world behind gate…

  That… immortal realm?!

  Nine phoenixes reverted to nine chicks—held in arms.

  Bai Qingniao curious—stepped forward.

  Foot crossed threshold.

  Bai Qingniao seemed recall something; paused before Heavenly Gate—turned gazing mortal world.

  Gazed at Jiang Li; at Chi Lian.

  At Five Phoenixes crowd.

  Smiled brilliantly—peerless grace.

  Turned—figure entered Heavenly Gate.

  Becoming Five Phoenixes’ first ascender.