Haoxian Immortal Sect Dao Lords Challenge; Lu Changsheng Battles Eight Dao Lords Alone!

Day after day went by. One day, two days, three days, four days, five days... Even though practicing martial techniques took Lu Changsheng very little time, simply flipping through the colossal sea of manuals still took a fair amount of time. What was more, he had to copy down divine techniques. In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed. "That's about it." "Senior Brother Lu Tong already notified me that almost no more martial techniques or divine techniques are being sent over." "I've browsed through all the martial techniques in the Technique Transmission Hall, and I've basically transcribed the divine techniques as well." "This haul... is enormous!" With a thought, Lu Changsheng immediately called up his attribute panel. Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: 232,800 (Praised for a Hundred Generations) Spiritual Black Hole: Divine ability Dao fruit (untransformed) Five Elements Decomposition: Divine ability Dao fruit (untransformed) Four Symbols Prison: Divine ability Dao fruit (untransformed) Lu Changsheng's comprehension had increased by roughly 92,000 points. What did 92,000 points mean? By his previous rate of gaining 1,500 comprehension points a month from practicing martial techniques, that was equivalent to five years' worth of gains. It would have taken five years to raise his comprehension by ninety thousand. Yet now, in merely a few days, his comprehension had skyrocketed by ninety thousand. However, this was only a one-time surge. Lu Changsheng had essentially practiced every martial technique he could. Going forward, to increase his comprehension, he would have to practice divine techniques. And the divine techniques were mostly ordinary ones. Even with Lu Changsheng's current comprehension, mastering an ordinary divine technique to perfection would still take ten to fifteen days, or even an entire month. Lu Changsheng did a quick calculation. The time he could spend each day practicing divine techniques could not be too excessive. Practicing divine techniques would roughly yield about ten thousand comprehension points per month. Ten thousand points of comprehension a month was actually extraordinary already. Yet at that rate of improvement, a year would only add 120,000 points of comprehension. It would take six or seven years for his comprehension to reach a million and undergo another transformation. Still, six or seven years was not long at all. Especially now that Lu Changsheng was on the verge of advancing to the Divine Ability realm. Every expert in the Divine Ability realm enjoyed eight hundred years of longevity. Compared to an eight-hundred-year lifespan, what was a mere six or seven years? "Time to leave..." Lu Changsheng rose and exited the Technique Transmission Hall. With a slight expansion of his Perception Domain, he immediately sensed Lu Tong. *Whoosh.* Taking a step forward, Lu Changsheng met up with Lu Tong in an instant. "Senior Brother Lu Tong," Lu Changsheng greeted. Lu Tong smiled faintly and asked, "Junior Brother Changsheng, are you satisfied with the divine techniques and martial techniques you went through in the Technique Transmission Hall these past days?" "Very satisfied. The senior martial brothers were very thoughtful." Lu Changsheng was indeed very satisfied. How could he not be, after gaining ninety thousand comprehension points in one go? Moreover, he carried a vast number of transcribed divine techniques with him—enough to support his comprehension all the way to one million. "So, are you ready to set off for the Holy Land now?" "Yes." "Good, then come with me." Without dragging his feet, Lu Tong led Lu Changsheng away from the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. The two flew onward together. After flying for a long time, they finally arrived at a towering mountain. Looking from afar, magnificent complexes of buildings stood upon the mountain, and a colossal array flickered in and out of view. It was clearly a sect. Even Lu Changsheng recognized it. "Is this... the Haoxian Immortal Sect?" Lu Changsheng could not help asking. The Haoxian Immortal Sect! The largest and most ancient immortal sect in the entire Ancient Region. Rumor had it that the Haoxian Immortal Sect had once been a Nascent Soul legacy—a lineage passed down by a Nascent Soul True Monarch—with an extraordinarily profound foundation. Sects like the Ziyang Immortal Sect, though styled as immortal sects, could not compare to the Haoxian Immortal Sect in the slightest. Even amid the rivalry between the Martial Dao and the Immortal Dao, the major martial sects held considerable respect for the Haoxian Immortal Sect. And despite its vast power and immense foundation, the Haoxian Immortal Sect kept a very low profile. It virtually never involved itself in disputes between the Ancient Region's immortal sects and martial factions, maintaining an aloof, transcendent standing. "Yes, it is the Haoxian Immortal Sect," Lu Tong said. "Within the Haoxian Immortal Sect lies an ultra-long-distance teleportation array personally set up by a Nascent Soul True Monarch long ago, capable of teleporting directly to the Holy Land. An ultra-long-distance teleportation array of this sort can only be laid down by a Nascent Soul True Monarch; in the entire Ancient Region, only the Haoxian Immortal Sect possesses one. Without it, a martial artist wanting to traverse deserts, oceans, and mountain ranges across countless tens of thousands of li would need at least ten years of grueling travel before they could possibly reach the Holy Land." Lu Changsheng understood. The Ancient Region was simply too far from the Holy Land. To leave the Ancient Region for the Holy Land, the best way was indeed to rely on an ultra-long-distance teleportation array. Yet Lu Changsheng harbored a doubt. "Senior Brother Lu Tong, an ultra-long-distance teleportation array must be exceptionally precious. Will the Haoxian Immortal Sect agree to let us use it?" Facing Lu Changsheng's question, Lu Tong smiled and said, "The Haoxian Immortal Sect occupies a rather unique position in the Ancient Region. It has always stood aloof from worldly affairs, refusing to take part in struggles between sects and powers. In the past, we didn't understand why, but gradually we realized: the Haoxian Immortal Sect has long wanted to leave the Ancient Region and head to the Holy Land. Unfortunately, even they lack a top-tier Golden Core True Person to oversee their affairs, making it impossible to establish a sect in the Holy Land. "Because of this, the Haoxian Immortal Sect actually hopes that peak experts from the Ancient Region will venture to the Holy Land to open up a path. Rather than jealously guarding the ultra-long-distance teleportation array, they generously make it available. However, activating the array carries a colossal cost. That cost naturally falls on whichever person or power seeks to use it." Lu Changsheng understood. The cost of activating the ultra-long-distance teleportation array was bound to be steep. Lu Changsheng alone would never have been able to bear such an expense. However, he was not on his own. He had a backing, a powerful sect behind him. The cost of activating the array would naturally be borne by the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. "Junior Brother Changsheng, once you reach the Holy Land, everything will depend on yourself. Our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect—and indeed the entire Ancient Region—has virtually no influence there. You'll have to forge your own path," Lu Tong said solemnly. "Remember, staying alive is what matters most!" Lu Changsheng nodded. He had risen step by step from a Body Tempering Realm martial artist to where he stood today; he understood the weight of Lu Tong's words. With that, the two flew swiftly toward the Haoxian Immortal Sect. *Buzz.* A protective array barred their path into the Haoxian Immortal Sect. Lu Tong made no attempt to force his way in; instead, he transmitted a message and waited quietly. Before long, a Golden Core True Person came in person to receive Lu Tong. "Ah, Brother Lu." The Golden Core True Person looked at Lu Tong with some surprise. Clearly, he rarely dealt with Lu Tong, so Lu Tong's sudden arrival without prior notice caught him off guard. "Junior Brother Changsheng, this is True Person Yunlai of the Haoxian Immortal Sect," Lu Tong introduced. "Greetings, True Person Yunlai," Lu Changsheng said. "And this is..." True Person Yunlai was astonished. He had never seen Lu Changsheng before. Yet for Lu Tong to address him as "Junior Brother," he was evidently a Divine Ability realm martial artist. And yet, he had no recollection of Lu Changsheng whatsoever. "True Person Yunlai, this is my Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's newly advanced Divine Ability martial artist, Lu Changsheng," Lu Tong explained their purpose. "Junior Brother Changsheng has already condensed divine ability Dao fruits, so our visit is to borrow your esteemed sect's ultra-long-distance teleportation array to travel to the Holy Land." "Lu Changsheng..." Suddenly, a realization struck True Person Yunlai, a flash of insight lighting up his mind. He remembered. Lu Changsheng of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect! The invincible Divine Treasury realm expert who had suppressed an entire generation across both the Immortal Dao and the Martial Dao! Even after casting his Dao Foundation, he had slain a host of peak Foundation Establishment Dao Lords of the Immortal Dao in the Tianluo Mountains, earning the moniker "Number One Dao Foundation of the Ancient Region"! His fame had shaken the lands. Even as an aloof, exalted Golden Core True Person, True Person Yunlai had heard of Lu Changsheng's name. Yet True Person Yunlai knew very well that barely a decade or so had passed since Lu Changsheng cast his Dao Foundation. To condense divine ability Dao fruits in such a short span? It was simply unbelievable! Still, Lu Tong would never speak carelessly about such a matter. Lu Changsheng had most likely truly condensed divine ability Dao fruits. "Truly incredible," True Person Yunlai said. "Congratulations to your esteemed sect on gaining another Divine Ability realm powerhouse. But why are they only Dao fruits, without completing the divine abilities' transformation? I recall that your sect had accumulated a bit of Heavenly Spirit Water, hadn't it?" True Person Yunlai was evidently quite familiar with the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. Faced with True Person Yunlai's query, Lu Tong merely smiled without a word. What a joke. Would he ever tell True Person Yunlai that Lu Changsheng had condensed boundless divine ability Dao fruits? Impossible! Absolutely impossible! The only ones who knew Lu Changsheng had condensed boundless divine ability Dao fruits were Lu Changsheng himself and the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's seven Divine Ability realm ancestors. No one else knew. Nor would the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect voluntarily spread such news. Only if Lu Changsheng obtained enough Heavenly Spirit Water in the Holy Land one day to transform the Dao fruits into true boundless divine abilities and genuinely advance to the Divine Ability realm would the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect cease concealing the truth. Seeing Lu Tong refuse to elaborate, True Person Yunlai pressed no further. He nodded and said, "As for using the ultra-long-distance teleportation array, Brother Lu should know the rules. Follow me and rest in our Haoxian Immortal Sect for three days. Once everything is prepared in three days' time, you may use the array." Lu Tong smiled and replied, "Then we shall trouble True Person Yunlai." And so, the two followed True Person Yunlai into the Haoxian Immortal Sect. The moment he stepped into the Haoxian Immortal Sect, a domain resembling an immortal paradise unfolded before Lu Changsheng's eyes. Grand edifices floated in the sky, ethereal music drifting faintly on the breeze. Sword-riding cultivators streaked through the void, drawing arc after arc of light. Countless otherworldly Foundation Establishment Dao Lords lingered atop high peaks or beside mountain streams, contemplating the Immortal Dao, practicing spells, and exhaling mist and clouds in effortless ease. Lu Changsheng had dealt with many immortal cultivators—Immortal Masters, Dao Lords, and others. Yet this was his first time seeing such an "immortal wonderland." It seemed that only these cultivators truly embodied what it meant to cultivate immortality. "The Haoxian Immortal Sect is truly extraordinary..." Lu Changsheng murmured softly. "The Haoxian Immortal Sect possesses a profound foundation and is the foremost immortal sect of the Ancient Region, so naturally it is no small matter," Lu Tong remarked, his gaze turning grave. "It is only because the Haoxian Immortal Sect does not contend. If it chose to vie for supremacy, the other immortal sects wouldn't stand a chance. Even so, no one can shake its position as the number one immortal sect in the Ancient Region!" In the Ancient Region, the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect feared virtually no martial faction or immortal sect. The only one they regarded with caution was the Haoxian Immortal Sect. "Fellow Daoists, please settle down on this peak for now," True Person Yunlai said after guiding them to an immortal cave dwelling. "I shall return to notify you in three days." With that, he departed to make preparations. Activating an ultra-long-distance teleportation array was no simple matter, after all; it required extensive preparation. Yet there seemed to be few secrets in the Haoxian Immortal Sect. The news of Lu Changsheng and Lu Tong arriving quickly spread throughout the entire sect. "Have you heard? Lu Changsheng of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, known as the Number One Dao Foundation of the Ancient Region, has already condensed divine ability Dao fruits and is about to travel to the Holy Land via the ultra-long-distance teleportation array." "The Holy Land! That is the cultivation sacred ground we all dream of. For Lu Changsheng to condense divine ability Dao fruits so quickly, with one foot already across the threshold of the Divine Ability realm, is truly unbelievable." "Indeed. If you tally the years, it's only been about ten years since Lu Changsheng cast his Dao Foundation. Ten years to condense divine ability Dao fruits... it defies all reason." "They all say Lu Changsheng is the Number One Dao Foundation of the Ancient Region. Before, I wasn't entirely convinced, but now it seems he really is extraordinary. Dao Lord Shouxu and Dao Lord Dongyang did not die in vain back then." In fact, the Immortal Masters and Dao Lords of the Haoxian Immortal Sect were no strangers to Lu Changsheng's name. His prestige was simply too dazzling. In particular, his slaughter of Dao Lord Dongyang and Dao Lord Shouxu in the Tianluo Mountains—two renowned peak Dao Lords—had both ended at his hands. Lu Changsheng paid no heed to the Haoxian Immortal Sect's chatter. It was only a three-day wait. He sat cross-legged in the cave dwelling, resting with his eyes closed. In the blink of an eye, the three days slipped by. *Whoosh.* At that moment, True Person Yunlai arrived. "Brother Lu, Fellow Daoist Changsheng, the ultra-long-distance teleportation array is fully prepared and can be activated at any time," True Person Yunlai's voice rang in their ears. *Swish.* Lu Changsheng and Lu Tong opened their eyes at once. "Changsheng, let's head to the teleportation array," Lu Tong said with a smile. Lu Changsheng nodded, and the two immediately left the cave dwelling. Outside the cave dwelling, however, eight Dao Lords stood beside True Person Yunlai. "Hmm?" "True Person Yunlai, what is the meaning of this..." Lu Tong's expression darkened. His gaze swept back and forth across the eight Dao Lords. In an instant, the aura of a Divine Ability realm expert rose steadily, radiating a sliver of terrifying pressure. The Divine Ability realm was an echelon equivalent to a Golden Core True Person. Even a sliver of that aura made the eight Foundation Establishment Dao Lords feel as if facing a mortal threat, a dreadful weight descending over them. True Person Yunlai hurriedly said, "Brother Lu, please do not misunderstand; Fellow Daoist Changsheng, do not misunderstand either. "These eight Foundation Establishment Dao Lords are the finest among our Haoxian Immortal Sect's Dao Lords, all possessing the potential to condense a Golden Core and become Golden Core True Persons. "However, they lack temperament and refinement. Having finally encountered a peerless prodigy of Fellow Daoist Changsheng's caliber, they naturally wish to seek guidance through sparring. "As long as Fellow Daoist Changsheng is willing to oblige, our Haoxian Immortal Sect is willing to offer one drop of Heavenly Spirit Water. Regardless of victory or defeat, this drop of Heavenly Spirit Water will be given to Fellow Daoist Changsheng. What do you say?" True Person Yunlai's words gave Lu Tong a slight start. Then, he turned his gaze to Lu Changsheng. "Junior Brother Changsheng, decide for yourself," Lu Tong said. Involving a drop of Heavenly Spirit Water, he could not easily decide on Lu Changsheng's behalf. Still, this obliquely revealed the immense wealth of the Haoxian Immortal Sect. As an immortal sect, they had no inherent need for Heavenly Spirit Water, yet unexpectedly, they possessed it—and likely more than one drop. Evidently, the Haoxian Immortal Sect also knew what Lu Changsheng needed most right now. In fact, they had likely guessed why Lu Changsheng had not yet transformed his Dao fruits into divine abilities: a lack of Heavenly Spirit Water! If the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect possessed enough Heavenly Spirit Water, how could Lu Changsheng have left his Dao fruits untransformed? "Agreed," Lu Changsheng answered without hesitation. A drop of Heavenly Spirit Water was something he could not refuse. As for a sparring match? Lu Changsheng was not worried in the least. In fact, he was curious to see how strong he truly was after condensing his divine ability Dao fruits. After all, condensing Dao fruits did not intrinsically increase his power. In terms of realm, Lu Changsheng remained at the Dao Foundation stage, equivalent to a Foundation Establishment Dao Lord. Seeing that Lu Changsheng had agreed, True Person Yunlai smiled faintly. He then turned to the eight Dao Lords and admonished them, "An opportunity to exchange moves with Fellow Daoist Changsheng is something you can only hope for, not ask for. You must seize this chance well. "Condensing a Golden Core is an act that defies the heavens. Clashing with peak powerhouses will help you overcome spiritual barriers when condensing your Golden Core, paving the way for success. "Therefore, give it your all." This was truly a pure sparring match meant to temper these Foundation Establishment Dao Lords. "Who will go first?" True Person Yunlai asked. The eight Foundation Establishment Dao Lords exchanged glances. Just as they were about to speak, Lu Changsheng spoke up. Standing with his hands behind his back, his gaze swept across the eight Foundation Establishment Dao Lords, and he said in a calm tone, "Why go through all that trouble? Let all eight Foundation Establishment Dao Lords come at once." *Boom.* Lu Changsheng's words immediately stirred an uproar. The eight Foundation Establishment Dao Lords looked exceedingly grim. Though they acknowledged Lu Changsheng's strength, taking on eight peak Foundation Establishment Dao Lords at once—was he looking down on them completely? They understood martial artists well. Condensing divine ability Dao fruits did not make someone a Divine Ability realm martial artist. In fact, condensing Dao fruits provided no increase to one's combat power. Lu Changsheng was still merely at the strength of a peak Dao Foundation. "Fine, as you wish!" Yet the eight Dao Lords did not erupt in righteous indignation, nor did they waste words. They answered Lu Changsheng with action. All eight Foundation Establishment Dao Lords struck together! *Buzz.* Instantly, brilliant rays of light erupted in the void—magic treasures, formations, and spells. Virtually every attack was no weaker than those of Dao Lord Dongyang and Dao Lord Shouxu back then. The eight Dao Lords truly were peak Dao Lords with the potential for the Golden Core. If Lu Changsheng were still at the level he had been in the Tianluo Mountains, truth be told, this would have been exceedingly troublesome. Yet times had changed. When others condensed divine ability Dao fruits, their strength saw no enhancement. Lu Changsheng, however, was different. The Dao fruits he had condensed were extraordinary. They had been condensed on the foundation of his divine techniques. And the divine techniques he cultivated had been deduced after his comprehension transformed, reaching the absolute limits of his comprehension at the time. Aside from raw potency, the greatest difference between a divine technique and a divine ability was that a divine ability did not rely on the brain domain; it drew upon the laws of heaven and earth in the outside world, unleashing earth-shattering power. A divine technique, on the other hand, could only be unleashed within the coverage of one's brain domain. *Boom.* In the next instant, Lu Changsheng's brain domain descended. At the same time, the four laws of earth, fire, water, and wind began to blaze, forming a brand-new divine technique: Four Symbols Prison! This was Lu Changsheng's first time unleashing the Four Symbols Prison. It utilized only four laws—earth, fire, water, and wind—and was a confining divine technique. It even had one fewer law than the Lesser Five Elements Annihilation Divine Technique. Even so, when Lu Changsheng unleashed the four symbols' laws to form the Four Symbols Prison Divine Technique, it descended like a true prison, instantly trapping the eight peak Foundation Establishment Dao Lords inside. The sky full of spells, formations, and magic treasures slammed violently against the Four Symbols Prison. *Rumble!* The Four Symbols Prison shook violently. Yet Lu Changsheng's expression remained completely unperturbed. Standing with his hands behind his back as though taking a leisurely stroll, he made not a single move, standing quietly in the void like an idle onlooker watching the eight peak Dao Lords unleash every technique at their disposal. This sight infuriated the eight peak Dao Lords even more. They were all at the Foundation Establishment level. Was Lu Changsheng's nonchalant demeanor not the posture of someone perched high above, looking down upon them? *Boom! Boom! Boom!* And so, their attacks grew even fiercer. Lu Changsheng remained unmoved. He did not cast any other divine technique, relying solely on the Four Symbols Prison. He too wished to test the limits of the Four Symbols Prison. Under the relentless bombardment of the eight peak Dao Lords employing every trick up their sleeves, the Four Symbols Prison stood rock-solid. It did not even waver in the slightest. Seeing this, a look of shock gradually crept onto the faces of the eight peak Dao Lords. Even True Person Yunlai and Ancestor Lu Tong felt a twinge of astonishment in their hearts. Ancestor Lu Tong knew that Lu Changsheng had condensed boundless divine ability Dao fruits, and divine ability Dao fruits typically derived from deduced divine techniques. Thus, he was not overly surprised. After all, if one could condense boundless divine ability Dao fruits, how could the underlying divine techniques be ordinary? True Person Yunlai, however, was different. He did not know Lu Changsheng had condensed boundless divine ability Dao fruits; he only knew the fame of Lu Changsheng slaying Dao Lord Dongyang and Dao Lord Shouxu. Yet hearing of something a hundred times could not compare to seeing it once. Lu Changsheng casually unleashed a single divine technique, and the Haoxian Immortal Sect's eight peak Foundation Establishment Dao Lords could not even breach it! The disparity was simply too vast. It was virtually like the gap between the Divine Ability realm and Foundation Establishment Dao Lords. Perhaps Lu Changsheng was not yet a Divine Ability realm martial artist. But at the Dao Foundation and Foundation Establishment stage, he stood in a league of his own, peerless and virtually unbeatable! After an hour, having exhausted every technique they possessed, the eight peak Dao Lords wore expressions of dejection. "All right, cease," True Person Yunlai spoke up. The eight peak Dao Lords opened their mouths, but words failed them in the end. They were thoroughly, wholeheartedly bested! After all, Lu Changsheng had merely deployed a single divine technique and let them attack at will. In a true battle to the death, would Lu Changsheng have limited himself to one divine technique? Only now did they understand that for Lu Changsheng to kill them would hardly be different from slaughtering chickens. It was as easy as turning over one's hand! Lu Changsheng extended a hand and recalled the Four Symbols Prison. This was his first time deploying the Four Symbols Prison, and the effect was magnificent. He could hardly imagine who at the Foundation Establishment or Dao Foundation level could break his Four Symbols Prison. This single divine technique was enough to place Lu Changsheng in an invincible position. Even if there were means at the Foundation Establishment or Dao Foundation level capable of breaking it, they were bound to be exceedingly few. "We admit defeat..." The eight peak Dao Lords bowed slightly to Lu Changsheng. They surrendered! These eight peak Dao Lords had always been exceedingly proud figures in the Haoxian Immortal Sect. Yet now, they conceded defeat, utterly convinced! They finally believed that there were always heavens beyond the heavens, and experts beyond experts. Previously in the Haoxian Immortal Sect, how could they ever have believed they would lose to a Dao Foundation martial artist? Now, they believed. It was from this moment that they realized a Dao Foundation martial artist could reach such terrifying heights, and that such frightening divine techniques truly existed. "Fellow Daoist Changsheng's strength is indeed not to be underestimated," True Person Yunlai said. "You truly live up to your ability to condense Dao fruits. This drop of Heavenly Spirit Water is granted to Fellow Daoist Changsheng." True Person Yunlai was straightforward and kept his word, handing over a porcelain vial containing a single drop of Heavenly Spirit Water. Lu Changsheng nodded and tucked the Heavenly Spirit Water into his robes. "Very well, Fellow Daoist Changsheng may now proceed to the teleportation array." True Person Yunlai led the way in person. Lu Changsheng and Lu Tong followed closely behind, arriving at the ultra-long-distance teleportation array. One glance showed how extraordinarily intricate this ultra-long-distance teleportation array was. It occupied an entire mountain peak. Surrounding the peak were numerous concealed arrays established to sustain this colossal formation. "The ultra-long-distance teleportation array requires a staggering amount of spiritual power," True Person Yunlai said. "Activating it once is exceedingly difficult; the consumed spirit stones and other materials must be provided by your esteemed sect." "Naturally. Our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect prepared them long ago," Ancestor Lu Tong replied. Lu Tong produced spirit stones one after another, each radiating astonishing spiritual energy, and set them into the ultra-long-distance teleportation array. He embedded over a hundred spirit stones in total. Spirit stones were exceptionally precious in the Ancient Region. Even for immortal sects, acquiring them was no easy task, to say nothing of martial factions. Evidently, this was a reserve accumulated by the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect over countless years. Now, they brought out every last one to support Lu Changsheng in activating the array. Otherwise, ordinary cultivators, even if they could persuade the Haoxian Immortal Sect to grant access, would lack sufficient spirit stones to power the teleportation array. "All right, Junior Brother Changsheng, step inside." Lu Changsheng nodded and stepped into the array. "Junior Brother Changsheng, the Holy Land is nothing like the Ancient Region. Above all else, preserve your life in the Holy Land!" Lu Tong called out. "We await your return!" Lu Changsheng did not speak; he merely cupped his fists toward Lu Tong. *Buzz.* Instantly, the ultra-long-distance teleportation array sprang to life. A terrifying binding force locked down Lu Changsheng in an instant. The confining force was not overwhelming; Lu Changsheng could break free at any moment. Yet he offered no resistance, allowing the binding force to wrap around his entire body. *Swish.* In the next breath, Lu Changsheng vanished without a trace. The ultra-long-distance teleportation array had carried him away. Gazing at the now-empty teleportation array, Lu Tong let out a long sigh. "The Holy Land... I wonder if Lu Changsheng will be able to return safely. Long ago, our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect also had Divine Ability realm predecessors who went to the Holy Land, only to meet with misfortune..." True Person Yunlai did not reply. The Holy Land was a place of yearning, but also one of dread. Whether Lu Changsheng could return safely would depend entirely on his own fortunes. ... The Holy Land, Tiansheng City, Haoxian Workshop. True Person Cuixuan sat cross-legged in the forbidden grounds of the rear courtyard. *Buzz.* Suddenly, the array rippled with waves of power as rays of distant light shone forth. Stirred, True Person Cuixuan opened his eyes abruptly. "Someone has arrived through the array..." As True Person Cuixuan spoke, a youthful figure materialized within the formation. *Swish.* Lu Changsheng opened his eyes, his gaze instantly locking with True Person Cuixuan's. "Hm?" "A martial artist? And only at the Dao Foundation realm?" "Which sect in the Ancient Region do you hail from?" True Person Cuixuan asked. Lu Changsheng knew that guarding the other end of the array was True Person Cuixuan of the Haoxian Immortal Sect. Evidently, the elderly man before him was True Person Cuixuan. Cupping his hands, Lu Changsheng replied, "Junior is Lu Changsheng of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect." "Ancient Region Heavenly Sect?" "A mere Dao Foundation martial artist... why would the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect send you to the Holy Land?" "Activating the ultra-long-distance array carries no small cost; spending it on a Dao Foundation martial artist is far too wasteful..." True Person Cuixuan knitted his brow. Still, Lu Changsheng was not a disciple of the Haoxian Immortal Sect, so Cuixuan was merely thinking aloud. "Never mind. Whatever the reason, if the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect sent you here, they must have their justifications. "This is Haoxian Workshop in Tiansheng City, the Haoxian Immortal Sect's sole foothold in the Holy Land. "If you wish to return to the Ancient Region in the future, you can only do so through Haoxian Workshop's teleportation array. However, you must gather the required spirit stones to activate it yourself. And the spirit stones required to activate an ultra-long-distance array are exceedingly expensive! "Haoxian Workshop can permit you to stay for one month. But after a month, you must move out. Haoxian Workshop has no desire to court trouble or entanglements." True Person Cuixuan laid out the rules of Haoxian Workshop. Lu Changsheng nodded. In truth, True Person Yunlai had mentioned these things earlier back at the Haoxian Immortal Sect, so Lu Changsheng was already aware. "Excuse me, senior. Haoxian Workshop houses an ultra-long-distance teleportation array; has it always remained this secure, with no one coming to sabotage it? Or does no one wish to go to the Ancient Region?" Lu Changsheng could not help asking. This Haoxian Workshop was merely a shop selling dharma artifacts and magic treasures. It was hardly a mighty power. The presence of an ultra-long-distance teleportation array here could hardly be kept secret. Did formidable powers or experts not covet the Ancient Region? True Person Cuixuan shook his head and said coldly, "You know too little about the Holy Land. The Holy Land is a cultivation sacred ground. Its affluence is beyond your imagination. Would someone who feasts on delicacies from mountain and sea every day crave bitter, inedible wild greens?" Lu Changsheng understood. He meant that the Ancient Region was far too destitute for anyone in the Holy Land to care about. That was truly an unexpected answer. A territory as vast as the Ancient Region was actually viewed as a substandard backwater. "Thank you, True Person Cuixuan." Lu Changsheng bowed respectfully, then turned and took his leave. Soon, Lu Changsheng arrived in the front courtyard of Haoxian Workshop. He saw customers and shop clerks inside, selling various dharma artifacts and magic treasures. Business was neither booming nor terrible. After all, the Haoxian Immortal Sect was a major sect of the Immortal Dao; crafting dharma artifacts and magic treasures was their signature craft. Having a foothold in the Holy Land was only natural. A martial sect wouldn't possess such craft. Lu Changsheng was in no hurry. He stepped out into Tiansheng City, wandering about to inquire and learn about the lay of the land. He did this for more than ten days straight. Over those ten-plus days, Lu Changsheng gained a fairly solid understanding of Tiansheng City. Tiansheng City was home to many factions. There were martial sects, immortal sects, and powerful clans and merchant associations. Joining a sect would naturally be the best option, as sects possessed abundant Heavenly Spirit Water. Unfortunately, the martial sects here only recruited disciples below the Divine Treasury realm. Once someone attained the Divine Treasury realm, the martial sects of Tiansheng City would not recruit them under any circumstances. Lu Changsheng's path of joining a sect was virtually blocked. What remained were clans, merchant associations, and similar powers. As for clans, Lu Changsheng was currently an itinerant cultivator. If he served a clan, who knew how many years it would take to earn Heavenly Spirit Water? Merchant associations were another option. Yet similarly, serving others could take who knew how many years just to obtain a single drop of Heavenly Spirit Water. And what Lu Changsheng needed was far more than one or two drops. *Heavenly Spirit Water is one of the most precious resources in the Holy Land.* *It can be purchased, but the price is astronomical. Under normal circumstances, even serving a merchant association or clan for a century might only yield a drop or two.* *That leaves one other possibility: seizing it...* Lu Changsheng considered robbery. Yet Tiansheng City was teeming with experts. Divine Ability realm experts and Golden Core True Persons were countless. Try to seize it? Lu Changsheng would likely be beaten to death before he could even make a move. Even if he could reign supreme among Dao Foundation cultivators, before Divine Ability realm experts or Golden Core True Persons, he was utterly negligible. Lu Changsheng was not arrogant enough to believe he could contend with Divine Ability realm experts or Golden Core True Persons. *Wait. There is actually another way to obtain Heavenly Spirit Water quickly.* Lu Changsheng weighed his options. During his days in Tiansheng City, he had come across a unique place known as the Battle Arena. As the name suggested, it was a place where people fought. Whether martial artist or immortal cultivator, anyone could register to participate and earn lavish rewards. The premise was that one had to win. For defeat meant death. The Battle Arena had an exceptionally high fatality rate, but with good fortune, a few matches might allow Lu Changsheng to amass enough for a drop of Heavenly Spirit Water. Engaging in fights to the death in front of a crowd to entertain onlookers might seem somewhat humiliating. Yet Lu Changsheng did not care. As long as he could obtain Heavenly Spirit Water, anything was worthwhile! As for danger? Perhaps there was some, but at the Dao Foundation and Foundation Establishment level, Lu Changsheng possessed absolute confidence. Who could possibly be his match? Thus, Lu Changsheng went to bid farewell to True Person Cuixuan. "You are leaving? Have you thought about where to go?" True Person Cuixuan asked. "I want to take a gamble in the Battle Arena." "The Battle Arena?" A flicker of surprise flashed through True Person Cuixuan's eyes. "The Battle Arena... Once you enter the Battle Arena, survival is a near impossibility. You certainly have guts. "The Battle Arena's reputation is fairly solid. Supposedly, it has Martial Saints and True Monarchs backing it; as long as you win your bouts, there's no fear of being cheated out of your reward. "But remember: participating in the Battle Arena is fine, but you must never become obsessed with it. Otherwise, even peak Divine Ability realm powerhouses will die there," True Person Cuixuan cautioned. "True Person Cuixuan, farewell." Lu Changsheng immediately took his leave, departing Haoxian Workshop and heading straight for the Battle Arena.