A Public Breakthrough Atop Mount Yan! Seven Years of Cultivation to Finally Forge the Dao Foundation!

Silence! The entire summit of Mount Yan suddenly fell dead quiet, as if plunged into a deathly stillness. Everyone seemed dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes. Yu Feixiao... was dead just like that? A moment ago, he had been insufferably arrogant, standing in midair and looking down upon all living things with supreme contempt. How could someone like that fail to block even a single blow from Lu Changsheng? How could he have died so simply? Even though it had happened in broad daylight before countless eyes, and even though the truth lay right before them, many still found it impossible to accept. "Yu... Yu Feixiao is dead?" "Where was Yu Feixiao's magic treasure? Didn't they say his sect granted him a magic treasure? He was just about to unleash it—how did he die? Protected by a magic treasure, how could he possibly die?" "I couldn't follow what happened at all. Lu Changsheng unleashed a beam of golden sword light. It appeared before Yu Feixiao in a flash, and Yu Feixiao immediately triggered his magic treasure's defense. But that golden sword light seemed to ignore the defense entirely, plunging straight into Yu Feixiao's body. And then... Yu Feixiao died?" "What kind of sword light could slay Yu Feixiao in a single strike despite the protection of a magic treasure?" "Even a Dao Foundation powerhouse probably couldn't kill Yu Feixiao in one hit through a magic treasure, right...?" Everyone was stunned. They could not believe the scene unfolding before them. The decisive battle at the peak of Mount Yan had ended before they had even fully processed that it had begun. Immortal Master Lingmiao's mouth fell open as well. She knew how powerful Lu Changsheng was. Yet why did that flash of golden sword light feel so familiar? Her thoughts flew back to the great battle at Gathering Spirit Mountain. She had seen a similar sword light there. Back then, it had been jade-colored. And that jade sword light had been a spiritual secret method. Could this golden sword light be a spiritual secret method as well? "A spiritual secret method! It must be a spiritual secret method!" "There isn't a single wound on the outside, yet all breath of life is gone. That is the hallmark of an extinguished spirit!" "At Gathering Spirit Mountain, Lu Changsheng's spiritual secret method was formidable, but it was nowhere near capable of wiping out an Immortal Master's spirit in a single strike. Could Lu Changsheng have improved again? And not just by a fraction, but through an entire qualitative leap!" Having deduced this, a strange light flickered in Immortal Master Lingmiao's eyes. While the Divine Treasury martial artists and Immortal Masters remained baffled, the Dao Foundation and Foundation Establishment experts wore grave expressions. They naturally recognized the true nature of that Golden Mind Sword. "A spiritual secret method! What's more, it is at the Dao Foundation and Foundation Establishment level! But how could a mere Divine Treasury martial artist master a spiritual secret method of that caliber?" "Yu Feixiao died no unjust death! Spiritual secret methods bypass ordinary magic treasures completely; only spiritual secret treasures can block them. When a spiritual secret method of the Dao Foundation or Foundation Establishment level is unleashed, no Immortal Master can withstand it. Under that one sword, his spirit was snuffed out, and he perished without a sound." "So Lu Changsheng's most terrifying weapon wasn't his domain at all, but his spiritual secret method!" Yu Feixiao had naturally been escorted by experts from his sect. At this moment, the escorting Foundation Establishment Dao Lord's face was as dark as storm clouds. What could he even say? Could he claim there had been no time to rescue him? Meanwhile, the Dao Foundation experts from Feiyan Tower were equally struck dumb, their faces grim. Someone had died! Feiyan Tower understood perfectly well that Lu Changsheng and Yu Feixiao could determine a victor, but they must never fight to the death. If either of them died, Feiyan Tower would face tremendous pressure and trouble. Yet now, Yu Feixiao was dead. Feiyan Tower was completely blindsided. What were they supposed to do now? Feiyan Tower had prepared thoroughly. A full three Dao Foundation experts and two Foundation Establishment Dao Lords had stood by on high alert precisely to prevent any mishaps. Yet who could have foreseen that Lu Changsheng's spiritual secret method would be so horrifying? They even knew that Lu Changsheng's earlier condition had been Spirit Candle Incense to bolster his spiritual strength. Did that mean Feiyan Tower was partly responsible for enabling Lu Changsheng to kill Yu Feixiao? "Yu Feixiao... was truly disappointing." "How could he die without even blocking a single strike? He didn't give us any chance to intervene." "Now we're in serious trouble..." The vice tower master of Feiyan Tower stiffened. "Hmph!" "Feiyan Tower arranged this duel atop Mount Yan, yet allowed such a massive blunder to occur, costing Yu Feixiao his life." "Feiyan Tower must give us a satisfactory explanation for this!" "Otherwise, we will personally petition our patriarch and visit Feiyan Tower's headquarters!" The Foundation Establishment Dao Lord from Yu Feixiao's sect let out a cold snort. With a wave of his hand, he pulled Yu Feixiao's corpse back toward him. He cast a deep, lingering look at Lu Changsheng, but spoke no words of rebuke. Lu Changsheng had slain Yu Feixiao openly and honorably in a fair duel; what grounds did they have to complain? Yu Feixiao's skills had been inferior, and his death was his own fault. No matter whom they blamed, they could not place the fault on Lu Changsheng. "Let's go!" With that, the people from Yu Feixiao's sect departed immediately. The vice tower master of Feiyan Tower drew a deep breath. Regardless, Yu Feixiao was dead. It was a settled fact that could not be undone. The outcome of this battle had defied expectations, but a victor had been decided—and with a life claimed, the matter was settled. "I announce that Lu Changsheng of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect is the number one across both lists on the Dao Foundation Candidate List and the Foundation Establishment Candidate List!" *Boom!* The moment the vice tower master's words landed, the entire summit of Mount Yan erupted into an uproar. "Number one across both lists! Lu Changsheng has become number one across both lists!" "Unbelievable, truly unbelievable! The first person in history to top both lists is actually a Divine Treasury martial artist?" "Immortal Master Lingmiao once said that Yu Feixiao would likely be no match for Lu Changsheng, and it turned out to be true. Yu Feixiao couldn't even withstand a single strike. Just how vast was the gap between them?" "This is a true peerless talent who dominates both martial and immortal paths across an entire generation—the greatest Divine Treasury in all of history!" Innumerable martial artists cheered with joy, while countless Immortal Masters stood with dejected faces. The outcome caught many by surprise. "Lu Changsheng, well done." Zhong Yu was filled with admiration as well. He had anticipated that Lu Changsheng would win, but to triumph in such a clean, decisive manner—even slaying Yu Feixiao and leaving the immortal cultivators speechless—was a pleasant surprise. He genuinely had not expected things to unfold like this. "Hall Master, I may need to trouble you to protect me." "Having just slain Yu Feixiao, I have become number one across both lists and completely suppressed all Immortal Masters and Divine Treasury martial artists. I can feel my emotions boiling and my spirit reaching its absolute pinnacle." "Right now, I wish to charge into the Dao Foundation!" Many overheard Lu Changsheng's words, as he made no attempt to hide them. A great clamor immediately broke out. "What? Lu Changsheng is going to charge into the Dao Foundation right now?" "And right here atop Mount Yan, in full view of everyone?" "This..." Many were stunned, including Zhong Yu. "Lu Changsheng, are you certain you want to break through atop Mount Yan?" "You could easily return to the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect to enter seclusion before attempting the breakthrough..." Zhong Yu cautioned. "Hall Master, boiling emotions and a consummate mind are rare opportunities not easily come by. Such an opportunity, once missed, may never return." "Besides, with you guarding me, this disciple will surely be safe." Lu Changsheng placed great trust in Zhong Yu. Across the entire Ancient Region, among Dao Foundation and Foundation Establishment experts, Zhong Yu was undoubtedly top-tier. Were he not a peak figure among Dao Foundation experts, how could he serve as the Master of the Hall of Law Enforcement? "Very well. Since you have made up your mind, make your breakthrough here. With this seat protecting you, you can set your mind at ease!" "Moreover, Feiyan Tower has so many experts present. I am sure they would be more than willing to assist in guarding you, wouldn't they?" Zhong Yu's voice was not loud, but it echoed clearly in the ears of Feiyan Tower's many Dao Foundation and Foundation Establishment experts. He even turned his gaze toward them, his meaning unmistakable. "Hahaha! Rest assured, Hall Master Zhong. Lu Changsheng was invited to the summit of Mount Yan by our Feiyan Tower. Now that he has attained an epiphany and wishes to charge into the Dao Foundation, Feiyan Tower will naturally guarantee his safety!" The vice tower master of Feiyan Tower laughed heartily and immediately made his stance known. "Then we shall trouble everyone from Feiyan Tower." Zhong Yu cupped his hands to each of them in thanks. Promptly, multiple martial artists from Feiyan Tower moved around Lu Changsheng, forming a protective perimeter. Lu Changsheng sat down cross-legged on the ground with peace of mind. Seeing this, the surrounding Immortal Masters and Divine Treasury cultivators understood that Lu Changsheng was not merely posturing; he was truly doing it. Lu Changsheng was going to forge his Dao Foundation publicly atop Mount Yan! This held little value for Immortal Masters, as the cultivation paths of martial artists and Qi refiners were entirely different. But for the Divine Treasury martial artists present, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Observing a Divine Treasury martial artist forge a Dao Foundation with their own eyes offered immense benefits. "With his mind consummate and carrying the momentum of topping both lists, his attempt at the Dao Foundation is practically guaranteed to succeed!" "Forging a Dao Foundation... I am truly envious. I have cultivated for a hundred years, yet I do not even possess the qualifications to attempt it. I hope observing Lu Changsheng forge his Dao Foundation will grant me some insight." "Lu Changsheng's talent is beyond doubt, but with so many people watching, can he truly succeed in forging his Dao Foundation?" While many held full confidence in Lu Changsheng, a few still harbored doubts. Those who had initially planned to leave Mount Yan decided to stay upon hearing that Lu Changsheng was going to break through in public. Lu Changsheng paid no attention to the commotion outside. His entire consciousness was already submerged within his brain domain. He was truly going through with it, not putting on a show. It was indeed a spur-of-the-moment impulse to refine a Boundary Transforming Stone and charge into the Dao Foundation right then, but that impulse filled him with confidence. He was certain that now was the best possible moment. Lu Changsheng gradually refined a Boundary Transforming Stone, integrating it into his brain domain. *Buzz!* The next moment, his brain domain began to tremble. The purpose of the Boundary Transforming Stone was to stimulate the brain domain and initiate its materialization. Lu Changsheng's brain domain was extraordinarily stable. Ten Boundary Suppressing Stones ensured it would suffer no major upheavals. Even though it was trembling now, it remained well within controllable limits and was in no danger of collapsing. At the same time, Lu Changsheng encountered the Tribulation of the Mind. Materializing the brain domain took time, and during that period, one had to undergo the Tribulation of the Mind. If one failed, everything was lost. If one overcame it, the domain's materialization would largely proceed without issue. "The Tribulation of the Mind..." Lu Changsheng suddenly felt as though he had returned to the past, back to his childhood. "Is this... my previous life?" Lu Changsheng's heart jolted. The Tribulation of the Mind drew upon the deepest memories of one's soul. And what was the deepest memory in Lu Changsheng's heart? It was his previous life—the world from which he had transmigrated. That world had left an indelible mark on him, one he thought he would never see again. Yet in this Tribulation of the Mind, he had "returned" to it once more. Lu Changsheng looked at the familiar skyscrapers, the ceaseless streams of traffic, and the crowds on the streets. Everything was just as he remembered. Even though he knew full well this was the Tribulation of the Mind, he still felt drawn into it. He seemed to relish the sensation, even feeling a desire to remain here forever. "Even if it's an illusion, it's quite nice..." Lu Changsheng murmured softly. "Unfortunately, it is an illusion after all. It isn't real..." "Besides, no matter how deeply my previous life affected me, I am living very well in this world of martial arts." "In the martial world, I can attain longevity and smile upon the shifting winds of the world. But here, I was merely one among the ordinary masses, destined to turn into a handful of yellow earth after a few decades..." "Therefore, this place no longer belongs to me. My roots now lie in the martial world..." Lu Changsheng's mind grew increasingly clear. He was not lost in the illusion at all; even his earlier impulse to immerse himself had been nothing more than nostalgia. His spirit was exceedingly robust, his will unshakable. A mere Tribulation of the Mind could do nothing to him. *Crack!* The instant enlightenment struck Lu Changsheng's mind, the entire world shattered like a mirror, covered in dense fractures. In an instant, the world broke apart. Lu Changsheng's consciousness dimmed slightly, then returned to his physical body. "I'm back... I have passed the Tribulation of the Mind!" Having overcome the tribulation, his spirit felt exceptionally light, as though a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Looking into his brain domain, Lu Changsheng saw that it was already seething, poised for transformation. "Begin the transformation." With a single thought from Lu Changsheng, his intent took control, causing the brain domain to surge. *Rumble!* Above Lu Changsheng's head, the hundred-li brain domain manifested instantly. A terrifying aura radiated from the vast space. Under the effects of the Boundary Transforming Stone, the originally ethereal brain domain began to turn from illusion into reality, materializing into substance. During this transformation, the brain domain endured immense pressure. A single misstep could cause it to collapse. Had the domain spanned merely a few dozen li or incorporated only a handful of Boundary Suppressing Stones, it would have been entirely incapable of withstanding such force. That was why forging a Dao Foundation generally required a hundred-li brain domain reinforced by ten Boundary Suppressing Stones. Lu Changsheng's breakthrough proceeded step by step, completely smooth. The materialization of the brain domain was slow, but it advanced steadily, bit by bit. Everyone atop Mount Yan saw this clearly. "His brain domain has begun to materialize, which means Lu Changsheng has already passed the Tribulation of the Mind." "To overcome the Tribulation of the Mind so quickly proves his mind is consummate and his will ironclad. A mere Tribulation of the Mind poses no threat to him." "Simply incredible. Overcoming the tribulation is as easy for Lu Changsheng as eating and drinking, whereas other martial artists struggle immensely to endure it." "Now his brain domain is materializing. This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—we must watch closely..." Many Divine Treasury martial artists fixed their gazes intently on the materializing brain domain. Opportunities like this were exceedingly rare, and they had to grasp every detail. "It is said that the slower a brain domain materializes, the deeper its foundation and the greater its future potential." "Indeed, the slower the materialization, the better. Only with a slow process can one possess the potential to become a top-tier Dao Foundation expert, or even break through beyond the Dao Foundation!" "Beyond the Dao Foundation... that is the Divine Ability realm! Equal to a Golden Core True Person—no, in terms of sheer combat strength, Divine Ability seniors are arguably even more terrifying than the Golden Core realm..." "Lu Changsheng is only at the Dao Foundation stage right now. To speak of achieving a Divine Ability is far beyond what we can comprehend..." Many disciples conversed in hushed tones. Above the Dao Foundation lay the Divine Ability realm. Yet achieving a Divine Ability was ten times harder than forging a Dao Foundation! Those who managed to reach the Divine Ability realm were titans of the Ancient Region, the pinnacle figures of major martial sects. Perhaps only certain ancient sects possessed beings beyond the Divine Ability realm, but such existences served as the sect's ultimate foundation and pillar, rarely showing themselves to the world. Time slipped by. One day, two days, three days... In the blink of an eye, three days passed. Many disciples were startled to find that Lu Changsheng's brain domain had not even half-materialized. "Why is it so slow?" "Normally, a Divine Treasury martial artist needs only one or two days, at most three or four, to fully materialize their brain domain and achieve the Dao Foundation. Three days have passed, yet Lu Changsheng's domain hasn't even reached the halfway mark?" "At this rate, it will take at least five days—no, six days—for it to materialize completely." "Six days to materialize a brain domain... Across the entire Ancient Region, the number of Dao Foundation experts who took six days or more could probably be counted on one hand, couldn't they?" Disciples marvelled in shock. They had assumed Lu Changsheng's breakthrough would proceed without a hitch, free of unexpected developments. Yet they had never anticipated a spectacle like this. While the process was indeed smooth, it was simply too smooth, too stable. Even an ordinary breakthrough was turning into something extraordinary in his hands. Four days, five days, six days... Soon, six full days went by. Many spectators had fallen silent. Six days! A full six days! Lu Changsheng's brain domain still had not finished materializing; it looked to be barely half-complete. Now, even the Dao Foundation experts were astounded. "Could Lu Changsheng take ten days to materialize his brain domain?" "Ten days... I recall that once-in-a-millennium genius of the Tianwen Sect took ten days to materialize his brain domain. Barely thirty years have passed since then, and he is already preparing to condense a Divine Ability! He might even advance beyond the Divine Ability realm in the future!" "That person from the Tianwen Sect was truly miraculous. Going from Dao Foundation to preparing a Divine Ability in just thirty years was practically unheard of in a thousand years. Is Lu Changsheng another genius of that caliber?" "No, I think Lu Changsheng is even more terrifying. After all, that genius couldn't advance from Divine Treasury to Dao Foundation in under a year, nor could he suppress countless Immortal Masters to become number one across both lists!" "I really wonder how many days Lu Changsheng will need to fully materialize his brain domain." The Dao Foundation experts watched with growing anticipation. The outside chatter did not affect Lu Changsheng in the slightest. His mind remained calm as still water, quietly watching his brain domain transform from illusion to substance. Seven days, eight days, nine days, ten days... Finally, ten days arrived. Most of Lu Changsheng's brain domain had materialized, yet full completion still seemed some distance away. At this point, every Dao Foundation expert grew visibly excited. Eleven days, twelve days, thirteen days, fourteen days, fifteen days! At last, a full fifteen days had passed! A complete half-month was what it took for Lu Changsheng's brain domain to thoroughly transition from illusion to reality, finalizing his Dao Foundation! *Boom!* The instant the brain domain fully materialized, Lu Changsheng felt the world around him change. His brain domain descended. Situated within it, Lu Changsheng distinctly sensed that everything inside the brain domain was tangible and real. The domain manifested as a layer of white light; when he stretched out his hand through it, he could feel the palpable sensation of physical contact. "It feels so real. This is brain domain materialization!" "Hmm?" "My domain... can still materialize, but doing so is practically meaningless now. Once the brain domain descends, how could a mere domain compare to its might? Compared to my previous domain, this power is ten, perhaps a hundred times stronger!" "The gap between Dao Foundation and Divine Treasury is truly night and day." Lu Changsheng marveled internally. Seven years! In just over seven years, he had gone from an ordinary person who knew nothing of martial arts to a Dao Foundation powerhouse! Seven years of cultivation to finally forge the Dao Foundation! "However, they say Dao Foundation powerhouses cultivate the 'Dao.'" "What does this 'Dao' mean?" Lu Changsheng remained puzzled about cultivation at the Dao Foundation stage, possessing almost no knowledge of it. He only knew he had forged a "Dao Foundation." As for what this foundation truly entailed, even as a Dao Foundation expert, he remained unclear. This touched upon the direction of his future martial path. Still, it would not be a difficult problem to solve. Hailing from the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, he had no fear of straying down the wrong path in his cultivation. "Retract." With a thought, Lu Changsheng withdrew his brain domain. At that moment, everyone atop Mount Yan knew that Lu Changsheng had successfully forged his Dao Foundation, becoming a true Dao Foundation powerhouse! "Incredible, truly incredible! Materializing the brain domain took a full half-month!" "Fifteen whole days! Even that genius from the Tianwen Sect only took ten days. Lu Changsheng exceeded him by half—just how terrifying is his potential?" "The Tianwen Sect genius took thirty years to begin condensing a Divine Ability. What about Lu Changsheng? Twenty years? Or ten?" Many looked on in dazed numbness. Lu Changsheng had delivered far too many shocks. Advancing from Divine Treasury to forging a Dao Foundation in under a year, and taking fifteen full days to materialize his brain domain during the process—his potential surpassed that of all Divine Treasury cultivators. With someone like him, no one could fathom where his limits lay! He was a living legend!