Five Phoenixes continent.

  Northern region.

  Beside the Heavenly Dao Tree, Buzhou Peak.

  Atop the peak—flowers bloomed like brocade; on blue stone, the girl sat cross-legged; melodious flute notes drifted from her.

  One tune ended; Zhu Long lowered the flute; closed eyelids—lashes quivered lightly.

  She raised smooth chin—facing the Heavenly Dao Tree directly.

  Another fruit formed on the tree—mysterious Dao intent fluctuations gathered; then streaked into light—falling from branch.

  Sparking scramble among cultivators below the tree.

  Of course—scramble meaningless; Dao Intent Fruit ultimately chose most suitable fated one.

  Zhu Long long accustomed.

  Hum…

  Black-white energies swirled.

  Zhu Long’s figure—as though teleported—vanished; reappearing before Dragon Gate.

  Behind Dragon Gate—youthful Azure Dragon handsome face; grinning head poked out.

  “Sis ah—don’t close gate; just visiting you.”

  Azure Dragon chuckled.

  Zhu Long furrowed brows; raised hand covering nose.

  “You smell too strong—next time such heavy scent; break your lower half.”

  Zhu Long calmly said.

  Azure Dragon blinked—big sis disliked his odor?

  Sniffed self—Azure Dragon understood; big sis disliked lingering rouge and powder from brothel visit.

  Azure Dragon shuddered; light washed body clean.

  Grinning—from behind Dragon Gate emerged.

  “Sis ah—now Heavenly Gate open; with your strength easily ascend—why not enter see?”

  Azure Dragon curiously asked.

  “We need no power beyond Heavenly Gate for advancement.”

  Zhu Long calmly said.

  Azure Dragon prattled on: “Now everyone striving ascend; heard post-ascension strength rises faster. Sis—if not enter—might be surpassed later?”

  “Remember—sis once Daddy’s strongest dragon below him!”

  Zhu Long serenely sat blue stone.

  Ignored chattering Azure Dragon.

  Though Azure Dragon noisy—alone on Buzhou Peak long; grew bored.

  Occasional Azure Dragon chatter—prevented tedium.

  Azure Dragon spoke awhile; lingered briefly—found dull; prepared leave.

  But half foot through Dragon Gate—Zhu Long spoke: “Less entangle human girls; focus more cultivation.”

  “If later Daddy checks progress—you lose even to Ah Huang… heh.”

  Zhu Long said.

  Azure Dragon rolled eyes.

  Him lose to Ah Huang?

  That dumb dragon—how his match.

  Azure Dragon dismissive; arrogant hum; drilled into Dragon Gate—vanished.

  Buzhou Peak quiet again.

  Heavenly Gate?

  Zhu Long expression unchanged.

  Daddy hadn’t entered; nor that terrifying existence in ancient tomb.

  True experts—needed no Heavenly Gate.

  …

  Origin Lake; central island.

  Giant whale bore immortal island.

  Lu sat upon; before—board dense pieces.

  Seemingly simple game—yet profound mysteries; gazing deeply immersed.

  Stored game.

  Lu narrowed eyes.

  Since opening ascension land—drawing Lower Three Heavens cultivators in—Lu’s spiritual energy commission accelerated.

  One immortal energy—one million spiritual energy strands.

  Though even Immortal Transformation refining one strand arduous; long time needed.

  But hindered not by numerous ascenders.

  One thousand Immortal Transformation—even most mediocre; some talented.

  Thus Lu delighted—more ascenders; greater commission chance. No restricting Lower Three Heavens ascensions.

  Glanced system panel spiritual energy.

  Lu brows raised—seemed nearing saturation again.

  Now ascension land gradually stabilized; Five Phoenixes and Lower Three Heavens cultivators—frictions; but each developing.

  Lu no longer constantly monitored.

  Silver gleam flashed.

  Lu appeared below White Jade Pavilion.

  Figure flickered.

  Nie Changqing cold aura surged; white skirts billowed—suddenly beside Lu.

  Black shadows twisted; Yi Yue gradually emerged from darkness.

  “Where Little Ni?”

  Lu puzzled.

  Boom!

  Peach grove—explosion rang.

  Ni Yu face cat-black; dragging black pot; sped over.

  Mouth stuffed full pills; running occasionally spat one or two.

  “Young Master…”

  Ni Yu black-smudged face smiled at Lu—revealing white teeth.

  Lu somewhat speechless—this girl… cultivating more; brain duller?

  “Go—long not left island; accompany this young master out.”

  Lu said.

  Nie Changqing and Yi Yue slightly bowed: “Yes.”

  Ni Yu eyes instantly lit.

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  When dawn’s glow rose from sea level.

  Lu in Thousand-Bladed Chair; Nie Changqing pushed; Yi Yue lurked shadows; Ni Yu topped Little Yinglong bearing black pot; armpit oil-paper umbrella; trotting behind.

  Master-servant figures rapidly skimmed vast sea.

  …

  Nine Prisons secret realm.

  Though Five Phoenixes cultivation civilization ceaselessly elevated—once driving world mad Nine Prisons secret realm—now gradually lost former mystery and frenzy.

  Most entering now Golden Core and Heavenly Lock.

  Thus Nine Prisons—basically foundation cultivation ground.

  Truly driving world mad—vast sea statues; and Heavenly Dao Tree.

  Heavenly Dao Tree spread profound Dao meanings; even bore Dao Intent Fruits—allowing easy Dao intent gain.

  Great ability statues—constantly released primordial spirit fluctuations; aiding Infant Transformation and Nascent Soul comprehend primordial spirit power.

  Thus Nine Prisons gradually obsolete.

  Without Dao steles here—likely ignored by above Golden Core Heavenly Lock cultivators.

  Lu with maids landed Dongyang Commandery coast; unhurried toward Nine Prisons direction.

  No rush—experienced Five Phoenixes customs en route.

  But mostly traveling.

  With Dao Evolution Mirror gains fully inscribed origin.

  Five Phoenixes continent subtly expanded ceaselessly.

  If viewed from Nihility Heaven—Five Phoenixes several times larger than before; occupying ever more Nihility Heaven space.

  Perhaps—all ten thousand strands inscribed—Five Phoenixes area reach tenth Nihility Heaven size!

  Unhurried travel; passing great cities—Lu entered.

  Observed customs; experienced mortal hustle.

  Nie Changqing and Yi Yue initially puzzled Young Master’s purpose.

  With current speed—anywhere instantaneous.

  Yet chose leisurely advance—somewhat odd.

  But following Lu’s mortal wandering—their originally restless hearts quieted.

  Watching crowds; mortal myriad states—gained inexplicable insights.

  Such insights precious.

  Of course—except Ni Yu; Nie Changqing and Yi Yue gained.

  Entering cities—Ni Yu delighted; endless snacks; boundless delicacies. Journey—Nie Changqing and Yi Yue enlightened; Ni Yu fully sated.

  Mortal hustle; enlighten three thousand.

  Nie Changqing and Yi Yue admired Lu more.

  Felt Young Master ever profounder—like washed of worldly dust.

  Sunrise sunset; time flew.

  When horizon crimson dawn leaped.

  Grand magnificent city shadow slowly emerged.

  Nie Changqing, Yi Yue expressions complex.

  Thousand-Bladed Chair—Lu leaned; white robes billowed; like banished immortal.

  “Beiluo City…”

  Gazing plaque on walls—Lu’s expression slightly stirred.

  More—nostalgia.

  Below walls—guards checked entrants.

  Commoners shouldered loads entering for trade.

  As White Jade Pavilion birthplace—Beiluo City status in Five Phoenixes rose with tide; now—Five Phoenixes continent’s greatest city; commerce extremely prosperous.

  Even imperial capital far inferior.

  Though imperial capital knew—Great Xuan dynasty ignored Beiluo development.

  Of course—all because Great Xuan Human Emperor clearly knew—Beiluo posed no threat to dynasty.

  Beiluo security excellent—all due Dragon Blood Army.

  Dragon Blood Army led by Luo Yue, Luo Cheng father-son; with them—none dared cause trouble.

  Entered Beiluo City.

  Even gluttonous Ni Yu sensed familiar scent.

  Sides prosperous as ever; Western Mountain still towered with trial pagoda.

  Of course—now trial pagoda like Nine Prisons; foundation trial ground.

  “All as before.”

  “Good.”

  Lu in Thousand-Bladed Chair; Nie Changqing pushed; Ni Yu beside holding oil-paper umbrella; mouth stuffed large steamed bun; eyes darting.

  Little Yinglong atop Ni Yu head—also curiously observed.

  All indeed unchanged.

  On Beiluo main road—they traveled; Dragon Blood Army seemed unseen.

  They as though isolated from world; world incompatible—all couldn’t see them.

  “Hm?”

  Suddenly.

  Lu brows raised—sensing familiar aura.

  Causing primordial spirit ripple.

  Beiluo City.

  Within Luo Mansion.

  Cultivating Luo Yue suddenly opened eyes.

  “Terrifying aura… as though extremely dreadful existence entered Beiluo!”

  Luo Yue rose; expression gravely serious.

  Luo Cheng similarly grave—pushed door in.

  “That fleeting terrifying aura… quick—fetch Nie Shuang!”

  Luo Yue grave.

  Luo Cheng streaked out—red light; rapidly through city.

  Beiluo Lake center.

  Nie Shuang bare upper body—now immensely burly; body bronze; terrifying energies intertwined.

  Luo Cheng’s appearance—Nie Shuang opened eyes.

  “Brother Luo?”

  Nie Shuang puzzled.

  Without matter—Luo Cheng rarely sought him.

  “Strong foe infiltrated Beiluo… we sense not; request your action.”

  Luo Cheng blade slung; serious on lake surface.

  “Brother Luo now Unity realm… undetectable by you—opponent surely Fortune Venerable!”

  Nie Shuang rose from lake—tall; seeming profound yellow energies coiling.

  Saint King Body—top special constitution; peerless.

  “Interesting—Beiluo White Jade Pavilion origin—who dares invade?”

  Nie Shuang cracked neck.

  Next.

  Primordial spirit abruptly surged.

  Behind—vision emerged; seeming mountains rivers surging; stars wheeling.

  Boom!

  Lake waters exploded.

  Luo Cheng felt oppression—withdrew steps.

  Saint King Body—truly terrifying!

  Beiluo City; Drunken Dust Pavilion.

  This lingering familiar name.

  Lu in Thousand-Bladed Chair—stopped before quite luxurious pavilion; face nostalgic.

  Of course—causing primordial spirit ripple—not Drunken Dust Pavilion.

  But…

  Lu expression gentle; raised hand—lightly tapped chair arm.

  Boom!

  Invisible spiritual pressure spread.

  Drunken Dust Pavilion—room full enchanting atmosphere; warbling voices abruptly halted.

  Muffled grunts sounded.

  Beiluo Lake.

  Releasing mighty aura Nie Shuang—suddenly expression froze.

  This familiar… oppression!

  Scene before eyes abruptly flashed.

  Rainy night; rain-lashed alley.

  First spiritual pressure appearing before world…

  “Spiritual pressure?!”

  “Is… Young Master?!”

  Nie Shuang mouth trembled; next—figure vanished from lake.

  Luo Cheng utterly confused; next shuddered; rapidly followed.

  Before Drunken Dust Pavilion.

  Nie Changqing and Yi Yue expressions odd.

  Little Yinglong atop Ni Yu—raised neck; eyes gleaming.

  Next.

  Deafening dragon roar surged from Drunken Dust Pavilion.

  Azure light flashed.

  Azure Dragon coiled skyward.

  “Hm… still trying slip?”

  Lu leaned Thousand-Bladed Chair; gentle face; fingers tapped chair arm again.

  Boom!

  Spiritual pressure beam dropped.

  Wretched dragon roar exploded.

  Azure light instantly smashed ground… radiance dispersed.

  Then… Azure Dragon turned disheveled youth—curled pitifully on ground.

  “Quite capable—once five at a time?”

  Lu white robes billowed; leaned back; calmly said.

  Nie Changqing expressionless gazing disheveled Azure Dragon.

  Caught by Young Master from Drunken Dust Pavilion—this guy… nothing more to say.

  Nie Shuang rushed over.

  Face full joy; following Luo Cheng also saw before Drunken Dust Pavilion—that seated peerless figure.

  Yet preparing speak—saw disheveled; kneeling pitiful Azure Dragon.

  Glanced Drunken Dust Pavilion; again at Azure Dragon.

  Seemed understood something.

  Instantly shocked.

  Azure Dragon’s once awe-inspiring image before them—utterly collapsed!

  Lu gazed shrinking Azure Dragon; shook head—embarrassing.

  Picked up Azure Dragon; snapped fingers.

  Silver-gray light tore—threw Azure Dragon within.

  “Time-reversal battlefield—when brush fifty thousand points; when emerge.”

  Next—Lu waved.

  Rift instantly healed.

  Faintly—still transmitted Azure Dragon’s wretched cries.

  Then—Lu face restored gentleness; slightly nodded to Nie Shuang and Luo Cheng.

  Stayed Beiluo half month or so.

  Then again wandered mortal world—departing.

  Directly toward Nine Prisons secret realm.

  Nie Shuang dead set follow—insisted beside Lu; Lu too lazy drive away.

  Brought him; journey wandering past.

  Originally Beiluo to Wolong Ridge mere hundred li—but with heaven-earth transformation; distance greatly expanded.

  Unhurried stops; even passed several Lu never-seen small cities.

  Nie Shuang following Lu—gained much; restlessness washed away; faintly—seemed condensing Dao intent flower.

  Finally—Lu party reached before Nine Prisons secret realm.

  Now Nine Prisons—much colder.

  Though major forces stationed people—no great importance; with heaven-earth change—now advancing from Golden Core Heavenly Lock to Nascent Soul—much easier.

  Lu party entered Nine Prisons secret realm.

  “Young Master… with our cultivation coming Nine Prisons—what for?”

  “This realm—besides Dao steles some use; others… for Golden Core Heavenly Lock preparation; useless to us?”

  Nie Shuang puzzled asked.

  Nie Changqing silent; lurking Yi Yue in shadows unspoken.

  Ni Yu eating meat buns; glanced Nie Shuang.

  “You understand ball—Young Master comes; naturally reason. Why so many questions?”

  Nie Shuang immensely aggrieved.

  Lu smiled without words.

  Brought Nie Shuang and others deep into realm.

  Nine prison gates—all wide open.

  Boom!

  Suddenly!

  Now Fortune Venerable level Nie Shuang felt hair stand on end.

  Passing ninth prison gate—all seemed changed.

  Skies darkened; sunlight vanished; yin energies rolled.

  Ahead—dense armored grim yin soldiers stood.

  Million yin soldiers neatly arrayed.

  Then…

  Yin soldiers parted path.

  Ten massive shadows emerged.

  Nie Shuang recognized—nine Nether Spirit City lords…

  What shocked Nie Shuang—these nine Nether Spirit City lords; auras no weaker Fortune Venerable!

  Wait!

  Nine city lords?

  Who the tenth?!

  “Hahahaha…”

  “Welcome Young Master Lu to Reincarnation Nether Soil!”

  Dantai Xuan laughing greatly; walked out; beside—extremely complex expression Beigong Holy Lord.

  Nie Changqing, Yi Yue, Ni Yu gazing Dantai Xuan—all stunned.

  Nie Shuang wide-eyed; mouth agape.

  Damn!

  This not Great Xuan dynasty’s first Human Emperor?!

  Lu gazed mighty aura Dantai Xuan; smiled.

  Eyes narrowed.

  Seems—plan covering Lower Three Heavens with Nether Soil—perhaps begin attempting.

  …

  Since many cultivators ascended through Heavenly Gate.

  Five Phoenixes cultivation world massively changed; ever more cultivators strove with ascension as goal.

  Time array quietly operated; time ceaselessly passed.

  Blink—twenty years gone.

  Great Xuan Calendar year 190.

  Imperial capital news spread.

  Human Emperor Dantai He passed.

  News out—hundred officials sighed; many complex expressions.

  Dantai He first half life diligent; latter half though pursued immortality; did many absurd things—yet governed Great Xuan orderly; people lived comfortably.

  In Human Emperor achievements—still good emperor.

  Only stain—perhaps “immortality chaos”; pursuing immortality sparked human-demon war; causing now Five Phoenixes borders endless warfire.

  Human-demon like fire and water.

  Said—Dantai He life; merits and faults balanced.

  Cold palace halls.

  Utterly aged Dantai He lay on bed; arduously opened eyes; felt weary; lids nearly closing—but unwilling; turned head gazing door.

  He waited.

  Waited see if anyone send him off.

  Long…

  On cold bed dying Dantai He finally couldn’t endure; as though exhausting all strength—slowly closed eyes.

  He regretted.

  Shouldn’t—for one Demon King crystal; abandoned Uncle Xue.

  Uncle Xue truly unforgiving.

  Last glance toward palace door.

  Bright as day—but…

  Still empty; that half-life guardian Uncle Xue—ultimately not appeared.

  Dantai He closed eyes—too heavy; couldn’t open.

  Trance.

  Felt soul drifting…

  Found vast suction pulling soul.

  World spun.

  Found self in familiar place; gloomy skies below; nine cold gates stood.

  Faintly—seemed hear soul wails.

  “Nine Prisons secret realm?”

  Dantai He naturally knew Nine Prisons; gazing realm—stunned.

  He died—why… appear here?

  Mysterious force pulled; bringing him deeper.

  Passed nine cities.

  Tenth city emerged before eyes.

  Suddenly.

  Gazing city walls—familiar figure in memory.

  Dantai He body quaked.

  Only incredulity remained.

  “Fa… Father Emperor?!”