Decisive Battle at the Peak of Mount Yan! Lu Changsheng Strikes, Yu Feixiao Falls!

Gazing at the vast hundred-li brain domain manifesting above Lu Changsheng's head, everyone present stood slack-jawed. Facts spoke louder than words! Lu Changsheng did not need to waste breath explaining. By manifesting his brain domain, everything became glaringly obvious. A tempest of shock surged through the hearts of disciples and elders alike. "Incredible... truly incredible! Less than a year, and his brain domain spans a hundred li?" "Reaching a hundred li in brain domain means Senior Brother Lu has the opportunity to forge a Dao Foundation. And with his talent and comprehension, would forging a Dao Foundation pose any difficulty? It is practically a certainty. Our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect will soon welcome another Dao Foundation powerhouse!" "Just thinking about it feels unbelievable. Expanding a brain domain to a hundred li is as easy for Senior Brother Lu as eating or drinking, yet for us, expanding it by a single li is an agonizing ordeal." "Indeed. In less than a year, Senior Brother Lu reached a hundred li. For the rest of us, expanding it by a single li in that time would be considered fortunate." "Still, if Senior Brother Lu truly intends to compete with Yu Feixiao for the position of number one across both lists, he probably won't attempt to forge his Dao Foundation anytime soon." For a moment, murmurs of awe rippled through the crowd, mostly mingled with boundless envy. A hundred-li brain domain meant that one foot had practically stepped into the Dao Foundation realm. It was a height they could only dream of reaching, yet Lu Changsheng had achieved it with effortless ease. "Elder, is this sufficient?" Lu Changsheng asked calmly. "Sufficient! More than sufficient!" The Exchange Hall elder snapped out of his daze as if waking from a dream. He immediately submitted a requisition for three Boundary Suppressing Stones and one Boundary Transforming Stone on Lu Changsheng's behalf, repeatedly reminding him, "Lu Changsheng, the Boundary Transforming Stone is exceedingly precious. Once you request one, you cannot request a second. You must keep it safe, and it is best to use it right away..." The elder paused, seemingly recalling the recent rumors. Lu Changsheng likely would not use the Boundary Transforming Stone for the time being. "Thank you, Elder. This disciple understands." Without lingering, Lu Changsheng stowed the Boundary Suppressing Stones and the Boundary Transforming Stone, then returned directly to his cave abode. "First, I'll refine the three Boundary Suppressing Stones to stabilize my brain domain." Lu Changsheng set to work at once. It did not take him long to completely refine the three Boundary Suppressing Stones. Once refined, his hundred-li brain domain undoubtedly grew far sturdier. Such a stable brain domain also laid the foundation for transforming from ethereal to tangible, thereby turning a brain domain into a brain realm. Transforming domain into realm! Naturally, this "realm" was not an actual world. It was merely an approximation—or rather, the pursuit of martial artists. In reality, it was simply the brain domain taking physical form, still an unimaginable distance away from a true "world." Even so, once the brain domain materialized, it would mark a qualitative leap. "The Boundary Transforming Stone..." Lu Changsheng held the stone in his hand. Right now, he felt a powerful impulse to refine it immediately and attempt to forge his Dao Foundation! However, he had to wait. After all, he had already agreed to Feiyan Tower's arrangement to fight Yu Feixiao. "A hundred-li brain domain, reinforced by three Boundary Suppressing Stones, has noticeably enhanced my nourishing efficiency. "Together with ten sticks of Spirit Candle Incense, perhaps I really can trigger another transformation in the Jade Mind Sword..." Lu Changsheng remained inside his cave abode, using the Spirit Candle Incense to steadily bolster his mental power while pairing it with his brain domain's nourishment to advance the Mind Sword Mantra Formula. Days slipped by. In the blink of an eye, more than a month passed. Lu Changsheng's eyes snapped open. "This is..." He instantly sensed a shift within his brain domain. The Jade Mind Sword was vibrating relentlessly. Amid these tremors, the Mind Sword expanded rapidly, its color shifting as well. From its original jade hue, a faint golden gleam gradually emerged. Though faint, it was undeniably gold. "A qualitative transformation!" "The Mind Sword is about to transform!" Lu Changsheng felt a jolt of excitement. He had not expected the transformation to occur so swiftly. After all, he still had one stick of Spirit Candle Incense left unused. It was likely because expanding his brain domain to a hundred li and refining three Boundary Suppressing Stones had greatly boosted the efficiency of its nourishment. As a result, before the incense was even exhausted, the Mind Sword had reached 100% progress and begun its transformation. Rumble! The Mind Sword vibrated violently, sending ripples through his entire brain domain. The Jade Mind Sword evolved into a pale-golden mind sword. The more intense its golden radiance became, the more terrifying its aura grew. This transformative process lasted an entire day. A day later, Lu Changsheng's Mind Sword gradually stabilized, ceasing its changes. The former Jade Mind Sword had completely become a Golden Mind Sword. "A Golden Mind Sword?" "What are its effects after transforming?" Lu Changsheng felt curious about this new form. In truth, he had been exceedingly pleased with the Jade Mind Sword, whose might was already extraordinary. Now that it had transformed into a Golden Mind Sword, his expectations were even higher. "Slash!" Lu Changsheng instantly unleashed the Golden Mind Sword. Swoosh! His brain domain quivered faintly as a golden mind sword flashed and shot forth, plunging into the wall of his cave abode in the blink of an eye. Then, absolute silence. The moment the Golden Mind Sword touched the wall, it vanished without a trace. "It cannot strike physical objects?" "It seems that despite its transformation, the Golden Mind Sword still operates on a mental plane." Lu Changsheng fell into thought. He immediately summoned his attribute panel to inspect his status. Host: Lu Changsheng Brain Domain: 100 li Comprehension: 7,910 (Praised in All Directions) Mind Sword Mantra Formula: 1% progress (Golden Mind Sword) On the attribute panel, the Mind Sword Mantra Formula now displayed the Golden Mind Sword, yet a progress indicator remained. In other words, it could still be improved and could undergo further transformations! The potential of this Mind Sword technique was truly frightening. Back then, Lu Changsheng had merely obtained the secret method from Sheng Yuanyi in the Northern Region. He never imagined that after arriving in the Ancient Region, the technique's potential would vastly exceed his expectations. It seemed that even upon reaching the Dao Foundation realm, the Mind Sword Mantra Formula would remain formidable. "Lu Changsheng, report to the Mission Hall at once. Feiyan Tower is about to announce the combination of both lists." Just then, Hall Master Zhong Yu's voice echoed in Lu Changsheng's ears. "Feiyan Tower is finally making the announcement?" Lu Changsheng was not surprised. He and Yu Feixiao had long agreed to Feiyan Tower's arrangement for a grand duel. However, Feiyan Tower had much to consider and would not rush their battle. They were certain to build momentum beforehand. After all, Feiyan Tower attached immense importance to this event, seeing it as an opportunity to swiftly expand their influence. "Announcing it now is quite fitting. "Conveniently, my Mind Sword has also undergone its transformation, taking my strength up another level. Facing Yu Feixiao, no matter what preparations he has made, it won't matter," Lu Changsheng murmured. To put it simply, victory was assured! With his Mind Sword transforming at such a critical juncture, his chances were entirely secured. After all, the Jade Mind Sword corresponded to the level of Divine Treasury martial artists and Immortal Masters. Extrapolating from that, did the Golden Mind Sword correspond to the level of Dao Foundation experts and Foundation Establishment Dao Lords? No matter how strong Yu Feixiao was, he was still only a Qi Refining Immortal Master! Besides, with Lu Changsheng's fusion domain rivaling two hundred and fifty layers of ordinary domains, he feared no Immortal Master to begin with! Lu Changsheng rose to his feet, exited his cave abode, and hurried toward the Mission Hall. The Mission Hall was packed with people. The disciples and elders of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect had all caught wind of the news. Today, Feiyan Tower was to make a momentous announcement. Feiyan Tower was a unique faction. Their business spanned the entire Ancient Region, yet they never meddled in disputes between factions, all while possessing exceptionally keen intelligence networks. They even established various rankings, such as the Dao Foundation Candidate List and Foundation Establishment Candidate List, which carried immense weight throughout the Martial Dao and Immortal Dao. Within the Mission Hall stood Feiyan Tower's Dao Foundation Candidate List. This list was an extraordinary treasure. For a certain price, words could be made to appear across its surface. Consequently, whenever Feiyan Tower had significant news to share, they would broadcast it upon the Dao Foundation Candidate List or the Foundation Establishment Candidate List. "Feiyan Tower has a major announcement. What could it be?" "Haven't you heard about the combination of both lists? It's most likely that." "Still, the rumors about merging both lists are vague. How they intend to do it remains unclear." "There are also rumors that Senior Brother Lu Changsheng will duel Immortal Master Yu Feixiao, who ranks first on the Foundation Establishment Candidate List, to decide who is truly number one across both lists! But that hasn't been confirmed yet." Many Ancient Region Heavenly Sect disciples had picked up fragments of information, but there was simply too much chatter. Lately, wild rumors had been flying across the entire Ancient Region, making it difficult to discern truth from fiction. Today, however, the news announced by Feiyan Tower was guaranteed to be genuine. When Lu Changsheng stepped into the Mission Hall, this was the sight that greeted him. Countless disciples were staring intently at the Dao Foundation Candidate List. "Look! Isn't that Senior Brother Lu Changsheng?" "He's here too? Something massive must truly be happening." "Whatever Feiyan Tower announces today definitely involves Senior Brother Lu. Otherwise, he wouldn't appear in the Mission Hall for no reason." Many disciples spotted Lu Changsheng immediately. At this moment, hardly anyone in the Mission Hall was there to accept missions. Everyone was focused on Feiyan Tower's announcement. The crowd parted automatically, clearing a path. With a slight nod, Lu Changsheng walked directly beneath the Dao Foundation Candidate List. He raised his head, gazing at the list, quietly waiting. Even Lu Changsheng did not know the exact details Feiyan Tower would announce; he could only make an educated guess. Time ticked away. Soon, the designated hour arrived. Buzz! The Dao Foundation Candidate List began to vibrate violently, giving off a brilliant white radiance. Gradually, the white light dispersed. The names originally inscribed upon the list had vanished, replaced by only a few prominent lines of text. Yet these few words instantly set off an uproar. "Number one on the Dao Foundation Candidate List: Lu Changsheng. Number one on the Foundation Establishment Candidate List: Yu Feixiao." "Divine Treasury, Immortal Master! Martial Dao, Immortal Dao—who can look down upon the Ancient Region, reign as number one across both lists, and suppress a generation?" "The sixth day of the sixth month, decisive battle at the peak of Mount Yan!" The words on the Dao Foundation Candidate List sent a surge of adrenaline through every disciple. "It's real! Lu Changsheng and Yu Feixiao are truly going to fight to determine who stands as number one across both lists!" "The sixth day of the sixth month, the peak of Mount Yan! What grand flair from Feiyan Tower. Even knowing full well they are staging this for publicity, I must go to Mount Yan and witness this battle with my own eyes!" "This clash might well be a once-in-a-millennium event! Aside from an anomaly like Senior Brother Lu, which Divine Treasury martial artist could ever contend with an Immortal Master?" "I can hardly wait! Feiyan Tower truly outdid themselves this time. To arrange a duel between Senior Brother Lu and Yu Feixiao must have cost them dearly, but it is undeniably worth it. Such a battle holds even greater allure than a clash between Dao Foundation powerhouses." "No matter what, come the sixth day of the sixth month, I'm heading to the peak of Mount Yan!" In an instant, countless disciples began eagerly anticipating that date. On one side was Lu Changsheng, whose momentum was at its absolute peak. On the other was the supreme Immortal Master who had suppressed his peers within the Immortal Dao for a full decade. With each representing their respective paths of Martial Dao and Immortal Dao, the clash drew unprecedented attention. Standing before the Dao Foundation Candidate List, Lu Changsheng saw the names and observed the fervent reactions of the disciples around him. He knew Feiyan Tower had achieved its goal. Regardless of who won or lost, Feiyan Tower had already won! "The sixth day of the sixth month... only ten or so days left." Now that he knew the date, Lu Changsheng did not linger and turned to leave. "Lu Changsheng." Just then, Hall Master Zhong Yu's voice reached his ears. Zhong Yu had also arrived at the Mission Hall and was looking at Lu Changsheng with a warm smile. "Greetings, Hall Master." "Lu Changsheng, come to the Hall of Law Enforcement." Lu Changsheng followed Hall Master Zhong Yu to the Hall of Law Enforcement. Inside the inner chamber, Lu Changsheng and Zhong Yu sat cross-legged on the floor. Zhong Yu spoke slowly, "Lu Changsheng, you saw Feiyan Tower's announcement. On the sixth day of the sixth month, you and Yu Feixiao will engage in a decisive battle at the peak of Mount Yan! "This duel will undoubtedly draw the eyes of the entire Ancient Region. Whether Martial Dao or Immortal Dao, Divine Treasury or Dao Foundation, Immortal Master or Dao Lord, all will be watching closely. "To Feiyan Tower, the outcome of the battle matters little. But to our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, and indeed to the entire Martial Dao of the Ancient Region, it is of supreme importance. "Lu Changsheng, how confident are you? Or rather, what are your chances of defeating Yu Feixiao?" Zhong Yu's words spoke not just for himself, but for the entire upper echelon of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. This battle had garnered immense attention from the sect and the broader martial community. "As for my confidence... since I don't know what kind of magic treasure Yu Feixiao might wield, I hesitate to give an exact figure. "However, if Yu Feixiao only possesses his previous level of strength, I have absolute certainty!" Lu Changsheng answered honestly, his tone brimming with unshakeable confidence. "Absolute certainty?" Zhong Yu's eyes lit up. Confidence! Lu Changsheng was remarkably confident. Confidence was not arrogance; it stemmed from true foundation and inner assurance. Immortal Master Lingmiao had once claimed that Lu Changsheng possessed the potential to suppress a generation across both Martial and Immortal Dao. That had been no empty praise. However, as the Hall Master of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's Hall of Law Enforcement and a peak Dao Foundation powerhouse, Zhong Yu knew that within the Immortal Dao system, the disparity among Immortal Masters was vast, largely because they relied heavily on external aids. For instance, magic treasures. A powerful magic treasure could multiply an Immortal Master's combat prowess by several times, or even dozens of times! This was no exaggeration; it was cold reality. The only factor constraining an Immortal Master was their dharmic power. If their dharmic power was insufficient, they could not even activate a magic treasure. The more formidable the treasure, the more staggering the dharmic power it consumed. Thus, even if many Immortal Masters owned magic treasures, they rarely used them, saving them for brief moments to deliver a decisive blow. In this duel between Lu Changsheng and Yu Feixiao, it was entirely possible that Yu Feixiao had acquired a powerful magic treasure. Even if he possessed none himself, his sect might temporarily bestow one upon him. Zhong Yu sighed softly. "Lu Changsheng, this is actually the shortcoming of our Martial Dao. We martial artists battle heaven and earth relying solely on our own strength! "Immortal Masters are different. In the Immortal Dao system, spells, talismans, dharma artifacts, magic treasures, and formations all revolve around borrowing the power of heaven and earth and utilizing external tools. "Yu Feixiao's sect can bestow a magic treasure upon him, but our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect cannot grant you any such boon. After all, we martial artists have no use for such items. "In this battle, you need only do your utmost." Lu Changsheng nodded. He did not mention the transformation of his Mind Sword. That was his trump card! "Rest assured, Hall Master. This disciple will certainly give his all." "Good. There are only ten-odd days left until the sixth day of the sixth month. Return and prepare well. "When the time comes, I will personally escort you to the peak of Mount Yan!" "Thank you, Hall Master. This disciple takes his leave!" Lu Changsheng stood up and left the Hall of Law Enforcement. Back in his cave abode, Lu Changsheng mentally reviewed his various techniques. His fusion domain was equivalent to two hundred and fifty layers of ordinary domains. A domain of this caliber was already overwhelmingly powerful, capable of crushing everything in its path. Reasonably speaking, neither Divine Treasury martial artists nor Immortal Masters should possess any means to withstand it—unless a magic treasure was involved! Lu Changsheng had witnessed the might of a magic treasure when facing Immortal Master Lingmiao. If a magic treasure's full power was unleashed, his two-hundred-and-fifty-layer domain might not hold. Even if it held, Lu Changsheng might not be able to defeat Yu Feixiao. After all, Lingmiao's magic treasure had been purely defensive. Since Yu Feixiao was preparing for a decisive duel, how could he settle for a purely defensive treasure? In theory, a magic treasure represented power belonging to the Foundation Establishment Dao Lord level! "So, in the end, I will likely have to rely on the Golden Mind Sword! "If the Golden Mind Sword truly embodies spiritual power on par with a Dao Foundation or Dao Lord, then even if Yu Feixiao possesses a magic treasure, the advantage should still be mine!" Lu Changsheng closed his eyes and devoted all his energy to nourishing the Golden Mind Sword. Time flew by, and ten-odd days passed in a flash. Lu Changsheng opened his eyes. He immediately called up his attribute panel to inspect his status. Host: Lu Changsheng Brain Domain: 100 li Comprehension: 7,970 (Praised in All Directions) Mind Sword Mantra Formula: 1% progress (Golden Mind Sword) Lu Changsheng stared at the numbers. For over ten days, his brain domain had been steadily nourishing the Mind Sword, yet the sword's progress had not budged in the slightest. Evidently, relying solely on brain domain nourishment was no longer enough to advance the Golden Mind Sword—or at least, the progress would be unimaginably slow. To continue improving the Golden Mind Sword, other methods would likely be required. Still, that did not matter. The Mind Sword had already achieved its golden transformation; whether it could advance further right now did not detract from its current might. "The time has come..." Lu Changsheng rose, left his cave abode, and arrived at the Hall of Law Enforcement. "Lu Changsheng, you arrive right on time. "Let's go. To the peak of Mount Yan!" Inside the hall, Hall Master Zhong Yu had clearly been waiting for a while. "Hall Master, just the two of us?" Lu Changsheng asked. "Haha, indeed, only the two of us are traveling together. "However, the others from the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect set out for Mount Yan several days ago. "In fact, the peak of Mount Yan is probably already packed to the brim with people. We must make haste so we do not miss the appointed hour," Zhong Yu said. "Then I must trouble the Hall Master." Lu Changsheng nodded and bowed respectfully. When it came to traveling long distances quickly, one had to rely on Dao Foundation powerhouses. No matter how strong a Divine Treasury martial artist was, they could not fly. Dao Foundation experts were different. Once their brain domains materialized into physical reality, they could fly at remarkable speeds. "Good. We depart immediately. Do not resist." With that, Zhong Yu's brain domain flared with light, instantly enveloping Lu Changsheng. Whoosh! In the next instant, Zhong Yu soared into the air, carrying Lu Changsheng out of the Hall of Law Enforcement and away from the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, flying toward Mount Yan. At the peak of Mount Yan, a massive crowd had already assembled. Mount Yan was immense. Even its summit could easily accommodate hundreds of thousands of people. This was precisely why Feiyan Tower had carefully selected this location. Among the undulating ridges of the Mount Yan Range, there were countless peaks, but Mount Yan itself was undeniably the grandest and most magnificent. Ordinary martial artists could not even scale its summit; only those at or above the Divine Treasury realm were capable of making the ascent. Personnel from Feiyan Tower were already maintaining order across the summit. Looking across the packed expanse, there were Divine Treasury martial artists, Immortal Masters, Dao Foundation powerhouses, Foundation Establishment Dao Lords, and more. It was entirely possible that even Golden Core True Persons were directing their gazes toward Mount Yan. "Neither Yu Feixiao nor Lu Changsheng has arrived. The two protagonists aren't here yet, while we spectators rushed up the mountain so early." "This decisive battle at the peak of Mount Yan is practically a grand spectacle for both Martial and Immortal Dao. Countless people want to witness it with their own eyes." "Since when could a Divine Treasury martial artist contest an Immortal Master? It's truly unbelievable. A freak has emerged among the Divine Treasury ranks..." "Hmph! The strength of an Immortal Master lies in their diverse arsenal. Yu Feixiao needs only a single magic treasure, and Lu Changsheng is doomed to defeat!" "Magic treasures are formidable, but can Yu Feixiao even sustain one? Or what if Lu Changsheng withstands it? Then it becomes a war of attrition. How long can an Immortal Master's dharmic power fuel a magic treasure?" "I think Lu Changsheng has the upper hand. After all, even Immortal Master Lingmiao believed Lu Changsheng could suppress a generation across both Immortal and Martial Dao!" "Look! Immortal Master Lingmiao has arrived at the summit..." A ripple of commotion stirred through the crowd. A rather unique figure had arrived: Immortal Master Lingmiao! She was an unusual case. After being defeated by Lu Changsheng, she had spoken of him with nothing but high praise, openly lauding him on numerous occasions—behaving almost like an ardent admirer. Whoosh! Immortal Master Lingmiao arrived aboard a flying boat dharma artifact. She then stowed the vessel and descended from the sky. "Lingmiao, you're finally here." As an Immortal Master of the Ziyang Immortal Sect, Lingmiao naturally had acquaintances. Several familiar Immortal Masters, mostly female, stepped forward to greet her. Lingmiao nodded. "I was delayed by some matters and only arrived today. What, have neither Yu Feixiao nor Lu Changsheng arrived yet?" The other Immortal Masters shook their heads. "Neither has shown up. Lingmiao, who do you think will win?" Someone immediately pressed her for an opinion. This time, Lingmiao pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, "Under normal circumstances, Yu Feixiao would undoubtedly lose! "However, this time is different. Feiyan Tower orchestrated this combination of both lists and the duel at the peak of Mount Yan, dragging the rivalry between Martial Dao and Immortal Dao into the spotlight. Yu Feixiao's sect cannot possibly remain indifferent; they will surely bestow some formidable treasures upon him! "We are all Immortal Masters. Our strength hinges on spells, artifacts, and similar aids. If we gain a powerful magic treasure, our combat power can multiply several times or even tenfold in an instant! "If Yu Feixiao has obtained a potent magic treasure while Lu Changsheng's strength has not increased, I fear Lu Changsheng will be in grave danger." The surrounding cultivators were taken aback. They had not expected Lingmiao, usually so vocal in praising Lu Changsheng, to cast doubt on his chances today. Yet her analysis made complete sense. For an Immortal Master, possessing a magic treasure versus not having one were two entirely different realities. Since this duel involved the pride of both Martial and Immortal Dao, Yu Feixiao's sect would definitely bestow a magic treasure. With one in hand, Yu Feixiao's strength would skyrocket. No matter how strong Lu Changsheng was, what could he do? Martial artists had no such things as magic treasures. Even if one were handed to him, he could not use it. Martial artists fought heaven and earth relying solely on their own might! "Hahaha! I believe Immortal Master Lingmiao's analysis is spot on. Since when could a mere Divine Treasury martial artist be mentioned in the same breath as us Immortal Masters? Even if Lu Changsheng is exceptional, a freak of nature, so what? Once we Immortal Masters take things seriously, he stands no chance." "Indeed. We Immortal Masters look down upon the world as the masters of heaven and earth. Are martial artists even worthy?" "If not for the decline of spiritual energy, how could martial artists have ever found footing in the Ancient Region?" Several Immortal Masters spoke with arrogant, haughty expressions. Though their tone sounded overbearing, it represented the genuine sentiment held by most Immortal Masters. In fact, it was not just Immortal Masters; many Dao Lords and True Persons harbored the exact same thoughts. On the surface, the Ancient Region saw Martial Dao and Immortal Dao coexisting and competing. In reality, however, those of the Immortal Dao constantly lamented the ancient decline of spiritual energy. Otherwise, let alone the Ancient Region, the entire Five Regions would belong exclusively to the Immortal Dao. When the Immortal Dao flourished, martial artists had been utterly insignificant. Hearing this, several martial artists immediately retorted. "Heh, your Immortal Dao was strong? That's old history! When it comes to top-tier experts, our Martial Dao is by no means inferior. Why don't you pit your Foundation Establishment Dao Lords against our Dao Foundation powerhouses to see who comes out on top?" "Well said! Martial Dao might lag slightly prior to the Dao Foundation realm, but once a Dao Foundation is forged, can your Foundation Establishment Dao Lords gain any advantage?" "Isn't there a saying? Between a Dao Foundation and a Dao Lord, within ten zhang, the Dao Foundation dominates; beyond ten zhang, the Dao Lord holds sway. While not absolute, it proves our Dao Foundation powerhouses are by no means weaker than your Dao Lords." "Even at the Divine Treasury stage, we now have Lu Changsheng. Weren't hundreds of your Immortal Masters thoroughly suppressed single-handedly by Lu Changsheng at Gathering Spirit Mountain? Clinging to ancient history every day... no wonder the Immortal Dao has declined..." In an instant, martial artists and Immortal Masters argued until they were red in the face. Some even looked ready to trade blows. Such friction was inevitable whenever martial artists and Immortal Masters gathered in large numbers. Whoosh! At that moment, a flying boat halted in mid-air. A figure stepped out into the void, treading through the air one deliberate step at a time. "Yu Feixiao! It's Yu Feixiao!" "Yu Feixiao, number one on the Foundation Establishment Candidate List, has finally arrived!" "Yu Feixiao, reigning at the top of the list for an unbroken decade!" Seeing Yu Feixiao's arrival, the spirits of the Immortal Masters surged. Yu Feixiao glanced around, then stood with his hands behind his back and calmly closed his eyes. He actually suspended himself in mid-air to rest and compose his mind, completely unconcerned about draining his dharmic power. Pilotting a flying boat and hovering in the void both consumed dharmic power. Yet on the verge of a momentous battle, Yu Feixiao showed no fear of expending energy—a testament to his supreme self-assurance. "Yu Feixiao is here, but where is Lu Changsheng?" Many martial artists were eager to see Lu Changsheng. They did not have to wait long. Rumble! A thunderous boom ripped through the air. Immediately after, an immense brain domain manifested in the sky. Within that brain domain, two figures gradually came into view. "Lu Changsheng has arrived!" "And Hall Master Zhong Yu of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's Hall of Law Enforcement!" "Lu Changsheng is finally here!" Cheers erupted instantly from the crowd. From his time in the Divine Gang realm onward, Lu Changsheng had created miracle after miracle. Among martial artists, his prestige was extraordinarily high. Now, he stood as the representative of the Martial Dao, set to contend against the Immortal Dao! What an immense honor! Lu Changsheng paid no heed to the cheering around him. The moment his feet touched the ground, Zhong Yu vanished. "Lu Changsheng, the rest is up to you. Do not disappoint me," Zhong Yu's voice echoed in Lu Changsheng's ears. Lu Changsheng knew well that Zhong Yu had not gone far. He was watching from the sidelines, ready to intervene and protect Lu Changsheng just in case. Though Feiyan Tower experts were also present to oversee the duel, anything could happen in a battle of this scale. What if an unforeseen variable arose? No matter what, Lu Changsheng could afford to lose, but he could not be allowed to die! Swish! Lu Changsheng raised his head, fixing his gaze upon the unfamiliar figure standing in the void. He did not even need to extend his Perception Domain; the crowd's chatter had already revealed Yu Feixiao's identity. At this moment, Yu Feixiao stood high in the sky while Lu Changsheng stood upon the ground. One above, one below. The disparity between them seemed glaringly uneven. Yu Feixiao opened his eyes, looking down at Lu Changsheng. "You are Lu Changsheng?" Yu Feixiao asked calmly. Though his tone was level, his posture—hovering high above, looking down with disdain—spoke volumes. Lu Changsheng's brow furrowed slightly. "I am Lu Changsheng. "Yu Feixiao, do you intend to fight me while lingering up in the air?" Yu Feixiao chuckled. "Why not? "Or could it be you are helpless against me while I am in the sky? "You lack even the qualifications to look me in the eye as an equal. How do you expect to fight me?" Standing with his hands behind his back, Yu Feixiao spoke with boundless arrogance. Boom! The camp of Immortal Masters erupted. "Hahaha! Well said! That is how it should be! We Immortal Masters stand lofty and supreme; what is a mere Divine Treasury martial artist?" "Exactly! Divine Treasury martial artists cannot fly. Separated by such a distance, what can he possibly do?" "Immortal Masters are different. From such range, an Immortal Master can strike Lu Changsheng with ease. On this point alone, Yu Feixiao already holds an invincible position!" "As expected of Yu Feixiao! So what if Lu Changsheng is hailed as the greatest Divine Treasury cultivator in history? Yu Feixiao can still look down upon him, while Lu Changsheng cannot touch a hair on his head!" "Does Lu Changsheng seriously expect Yu Feixiao to come down to his level?" The Immortal Masters grew elated, their spirits soaring. This was the true demeanor of an Immortal Master! Standing on high, looking down upon all living beings. Martial artists were merely part of the common herd, while Immortal Masters gazed down upon creation, towering proudly between heaven and earth! Silence fell. Amidst the jubilant jeering of the Immortal Masters, the martial artists fell utterly quiet. Flight! This was the greatest vulnerability of a Divine Treasury martial artist. They simply could not fly! Only Dao Foundation powerhouses, having materialized their brain domains, could take to the skies using the strength of their domains. Only upon forging a Dao Foundation could a martial artist truly face Immortal Dao experts on equal terms, without a fundamental qualitative gap dividing them. Between Divine Treasury and Immortal Master, however, an insurmountable divide existed. Just like now: Yu Feixiao hovered in the sky, looking down upon Lu Changsheng, while Lu Changsheng stood grounded, silent and seemingly without recourse. Who held the advantage was blindingly clear! "So, the battle atop Mount Yan has already begun?" Yet Lu Changsheng's voice held no hint of dejection. His expression remained entirely unruffled as he shifted his gaze toward the nearby Feiyan Tower martial artist. The Feiyan Tower martial artists were somewhat at a loss, looking toward their vice tower master. The vice tower master of Feiyan Tower had also arrived in person today. He had not anticipated that Yu Feixiao would adopt such an aloof, overbearing stance to battle Lu Changsheng, presenting him with such a thorny dilemma right from the start. In terms of momentum, it seemed Lu Changsheng had been suppressed from the very beginning. Yet why did Lu Changsheng show no sign of panic or anxiety? He appeared extraordinarily composed. "Let the decisive battle begin!" The vice tower master waved his hand, wasting no words. Everyone had come to watch Lu Changsheng and Yu Feixiao fight, not to hear speeches from a vice tower master. Lu Changsheng nodded. He turned his gaze back to Yu Feixiao in the sky. "Are you certain you won't come down?" Yu Feixiao replied coldly, "I stand right here. What can you possibly do?" Yu Feixiao genuinely did not fear whatever Lu Changsheng might attempt. A domain? It might cover a certain radius, but he possessed a magic treasure that could withstand the domain, allowing him to ascend even higher. Lu Changsheng would still be unable to reach him. In contrast, Yu Feixiao could manipulate his magic treasure to relentlessly bombard Lu Changsheng. Yu Feixiao had long devised a strategy to handle Lu Changsheng, confident of absolute victory. Immortal Master Lingmiao was momentarily taken aback. This tactic... was undeniably effective. Though it felt somewhat like taking unfair advantage, it was truly the best way to deal with a martial artist. Immortal Masters were never suited for close combat to begin with; why would they ever approach a martial artist willingly? As long as one remained airborne, a martial artist was completely helpless against an Immortal Master. Lingmiao recalled the battle at Gathering Spirit Mountain. Had she ascended into the sky back then, would she have suffered such a crushing defeat? Prior to the Dao Foundation realm, martial artists possessed a fatal flaw when confronting Immortal Masters. Immortal Masters usually paid little heed to it, but once an Immortal Master took things seriously and exploited this weakness, a martial artist virtually had zero chance of victory. Defeat was all but guaranteed! "How could this happen? Yu Feixiao is truly shameless." "Lu Changsheng can't fly—what else can he do?" "There's no helping it. This is the inherent shortcoming of a martial artist. Now that Yu Feixiao has seized upon it, what recourse is there?" "We don't possess dharma artifacts or magic treasures. The methods available to martial artists are simply too limited." "Lu Changsheng is probably going to lose..." Many martial artists felt their hearts sink. They understood clearly that this battle was inherently unequal. With Yu Feixiao constantly attacking from above, how could Lu Changsheng hold out by merely defending? A martial artist's greatest strength lay in offense! If all of a martial artist's techniques could not even touch the opponent, how could they hope to secure victory? Yu Feixiao stood with his hands behind his back, looking down upon Lu Changsheng. He made no immediate move, wanting to see what desperate measures Lu Changsheng might try. Under the gaze of thousands, Yu Feixiao intended to hand Lu Changsheng a crushing, humiliating defeat—a one-sided slaughter devoid of hope! "Lingmiao, what you could not accomplish, why did you assume I could not?" "I am the undisputed number one on the Foundation Establishment Candidate List, unshakable by anyone!" "After today, I shall be number one across both lists!" Yu Feixiao proclaimed proudly. "Lu Changsheng..." Even Hall Master Zhong Yu of the Hall of Law Enforcement furrowed his brow. At this moment, even he did not know how to counter Yu Feixiao. Could Lu Changsheng possess a solution? No matter how brilliant a prodigy Lu Changsheng was, he remained a Divine Treasury martial artist. As long as one was in the Divine Treasury realm, one could not fly. How could he possibly deal with Yu Feixiao hovering in mid-air? Every pair of eyes converged on Lu Changsheng. Lu Changsheng did not hesitate in the slightest. Buzz! In the next instant, he manifested his brain domain. Rumble! A violent tremor shook the surroundings as his hundred-li brain domain expanded without restraint. Witnessing this, every martial artist was shaken to their core. "A hundred-li brain domain?!" "Lu Changsheng actually expanded his brain domain to a hundred li?!" "It has been less than a year since he broke through to the Divine Treasury realm, and he already has a hundred-li brain domain?!" "Even so, what good does a hundred-li brain domain do? He still cannot fly! Does he intend to forge his Dao Foundation right here? But once he forges a Dao Foundation, he becomes a Dao Foundation powerhouse and can no longer fight Yu Feixiao!" Many martial artists were well aware of Lu Changsheng's background. They knew he had cultivated for a remarkably short time and had been in the Divine Treasury realm for less than a year. A hundred-li brain domain stunned everyone present. Yet it still granted no ability to fly. However, Lu Changsheng did not need to fly. Who said martial artists could not execute ranged attacks? Buzz! Within Lu Changsheng's hundred-li brain domain, an immense golden mind sword suddenly vibrated. Boom! The Golden Mind Sword manifested instantly. At this moment, Lu Changsheng unleashed over eighty percent of the Mind Sword's power. The Golden Mind Sword within his brain domain shrank by nearly eighty percent in an instant. Over eighty percent of the Mind Sword's full might erupted simultaneously. "Slash!" Lu Changsheng bellowed. With that roar, the Golden Mind Sword flashed and vanished. In an instant, it materialized right before Yu Feixiao's face. "What is this—?!" Yu Feixiao immediately activated his magic treasure. Yet his defensive magic treasure proved entirely useless, failing to impede the Mind Sword in the slightest. The Golden Mind Sword plunged straight into Yu Feixiao's body. "I..." Yu Feixiao's eyes widened in horror. In that split second, an unspeakable agony tore through his mind. Before he could even process it, the torment flooded his entire consciousness. In the next instant, all sensation was severed. Everything collapsed into absolute darkness. Thud! Yu Feixiao plummeted straight down, crashing onto the ground. His body remained completely intact, without a scratch upon his flesh. Yet not a single trace of life remained within him. In a single strike, Yu Feixiao had fallen!