*Whoosh.*
Lu Changsheng stepped into the second spatial layer.
The deathly qi here was even denser than in the first layer.
Strangely enough, however, this second layer was far more stable. Lu Changsheng could sense this clearly even without analyzing it.
If a single True Immortal could easily shake the first layer, then in this second layer, even a True Immortal going all out might not be able to shake it. It would likely require many True Immortals acting in concert.
And this was merely the second layer.
What about the third, or the fourth?
Lu Changsheng’s brow furrowed slightly.
A faint intuition arose within him. Perhaps the thirteen spatial layers of the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield had not been formed by accident.
*Why is the second layer so stable?*
Lu Changsheng sat down cross-legged and began his analysis.
The more he analyzed these spaces, the better he could refine and complete the space he was constructing within his Illusory Realm. For him, this had the potential to elevate the power of both his Mortal Dao Fruit and the Illusory Realm itself. This was immensely important, no less significant than obtaining an immortal treasure capable of anchoring destiny.
Consequently, Lu Changsheng was in no hurry at all.
One month, two months, three months...
Motionless, Lu Changsheng continuously analyzed the second spatial layer.
Meanwhile, quite a few immortals entered the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield from the outside world. One after another, figures crossed into the second layer. Naturally, they all noticed Lu Changsheng. Yet every one of them was cautious and unwilling to invite unnecessary trouble, so they kept a wide berth and made no contact with him.
On this day, a white-robed immortal arrived in the second layer of the battlefield. Upon spotting Lu Changsheng, he seemed deeply intrigued. Showing no sign of fear, he came to a halt at a modest distance and observed from afar, with no intention of leaving.
Lu Changsheng paid him no mind, continuing his analysis for eight full months.
*Swish.*
Lu Changsheng opened his eyes.
*Done!*
*The reason the second layer is so stable is that the entire Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield is actually shaped like a pyramid. The further down one goes, the vaster the space becomes, but also the more stable it is.*
*This was definitely not formed naturally. Someone opened up these thirteen spatial layers...*
A sense of profound awe stirred in Lu Changsheng’s heart.
To carve out space—and thirteen layers of such exceptionally stable space, capable of accommodating massive battles between immortals—what kind of earth-shattering method did that require? It was simply beyond imagination.
Did it require a complete, thorough comprehension of space itself?
Heavenly Immortals could not achieve it. Even Golden Immortals could not.
As for realms beyond Golden Immortal, Lu Changsheng had never even heard of them.
Suppressing the shock and excitement within, Lu Changsheng initially intended to construct the second spatial layer within his Illusory Realm right away. However, he lifted his head and cast his gaze toward the unfamiliar immortal not far off.
"Does Your Excellency not think it impolite to stare at Lu in such a manner?" Lu Changsheng said coldly.
His tone was hardly cordial. After all, no one would feel comfortable being watched for months on end, even if the onlooker took no further action. Lu Changsheng certainly had no desire to construct space within his Illusory Realm right in front of a stranger.
The unfamiliar immortal seemed unfazed by Lu Changsheng's tone, asking directly, "Is Fellow Daoist analyzing this spatial layer?"
"Oh?"
Lu Changsheng's eyebrow arched.
This stranger was indeed knowledgeable, recognizing at a glance that he was analyzing this layer of space. Lu Changsheng did not answer, however. Instead, he slowly rose to his feet, his gaze fixing coldly on the other man.
"Fellow Daoist misunderstands. I bear no ill will toward you; I was merely astounded that you could actually analyze this spatial layer. The power of space is an extraordinarily mysterious and majestic force. To analyze it is something even a Golden Immortal likely could not do. My Daoist title is Dongyu, and I am also a Mortal Immortal, which is why I was so curious about you."
The unfamiliar immortal took the initiative to introduce himself.
Lu Changsheng had never heard of him. Yet that was entirely normal; the Heaven Realm was boundless and filled with countless immortals, so not knowing an Immortal Dongyu was only to be expected.
Still, Lu Changsheng's eyes lit up.
A Mortal Immortal!
This Immortal Dongyu was actually a fellow Mortal Immortal?
The Mortal Immortal Dao was regarded as the foremost immortal path in the Heaven Realm, possessing the greatest potential. Many immortals pursued it, yet relative to other paths, their numbers were exceedingly scarce. In the entirety of Lu City, Lu Changsheng had never encountered a single Mortal Immortal.
Now, he had finally met one.
Lu Changsheng was genuinely curious. What were other Mortal Immortals like? Particularly regarding their analytical capabilities—how did other Mortal Immortals perform analysis, and how did they compare to him?
"Fellow Daoist Dongyu, you have watched for so long. What is your purpose?" Lu Changsheng asked.
No one welcomed being watched continuously while cultivating.
True Immortal Dongyu hurriedly explained, "Fellow Daoist must have misunderstood. I observed that you were performing analysis—seemingly analyzing this layer of space within the Ancient Immortal Battlefield—and was deeply intrigued. That was why I paused to observe for a time."
"Is that so? If Fellow Daoist Dongyu is interested, you may analyze this spatial layer yourself. It is not proprietary to Lu."
True Immortal Dongyu let out a bitter laugh and shook his head. "Fellow Daoist Lu overestimates me. While I am also a Mortal Immortal, my analytical ability lags far behind yours. I cannot analyze this spatial layer at all."
"Oh? Fellow Daoist Dongyu cannot analyze this spatial layer? May I ask if you would be willing to demonstrate your analytical ability?"
Lu Changsheng was truly curious. Having met another Mortal Immortal for the first time, he urgently wanted to know the level of the man's analytical capacity. While making such a request was admittedly somewhat presumptuous, True Immortal Dongyu did not seem to mind.
He nodded and said, "Very well. I hope Fellow Daoist Lu will not hesitate to offer guidance. But what shall I analyze?"
Lu Changsheng gave it some thought. For a direct comparison, analyzing an immortal array was the most straightforward method. He carried several array flags, and he had already analyzed each of the arrays they formed. With a wave of his hand, Lu Changsheng deployed the flags and established an immortal array.
"Then I shall trouble Fellow Daoist Dongyu to analyze this immortal array."
True Immortal Dongyu nodded. He did not attempt to breach the array by brute force; instead, he sat down cross-legged and began analyzing it in the manner of a Mortal Immortal, hoping to unravel the array and break through unharmed.
Lu Changsheng watched True Immortal Dongyu intently, wanting to see the man's analytical power with his own eyes.
Day after day slipped by.
True Immortal Dongyu became completely immersed in the immortal array.
One month, two months, three months...
In the blink of an eye, three months had passed, yet True Immortal Dongyu had still failed to unravel the array.
A flicker of disappointment arose in Lu Changsheng. Three whole months, and there was not the slightest sign of the array breaking. Lu Changsheng had watched his every move, wondering if his own perception was somehow skewed. In three months of analysis, the man's progress was astonishingly slow.
At such a pace, how long would it take to finish?
Ten years? A century?
It certainly could not be done within mere months.
Unable to hold back, Lu Changsheng asked, "Fellow Daoist Dongyu, how much longer will you need to analyze this immortal array?"
True Immortal Dongyu replied, "No rush, I have already analyzed a portion. At this rate, in about a year, I should discern some clues. After that, it will simply be a matter of slow, steady grinding. Given several decades or a century, I will certainly be able to analyze this array thoroughly. To be frank, this efficiency is already quite high—it just so happens I analyzed a similar immortal array in the past, which is why I can be so fast."
Lu Changsheng was left speechless.
Three months had yielded virtually no progress, and taking decades or a century to analyze a single immortal array was considered "quite high efficiency"?
Lu Changsheng could hardly comprehend spending decades or a century on a single immortal array—especially one he had thrown together at a whim, which was neither exceptionally difficult nor complex.
From this demonstration alone, Lu Changsheng thoroughly understood True Immortal Dongyu's analytical capabilities. If ordinary Mortal Immortals possessed this level of ability, it was profoundly underwhelming. Even if their analytical speed were multiplied tenfold or a hundredfold, they likely still could not hold a candle to him. The disparity between them was simply too vast.
"All right, stop," Lu Changsheng spoke up, having no desire to watch any further.
"Oh? Very well, I shall stop then. Judging by Fellow Daoist Lu's expression, you appear quite disappointed?" True Immortal Dongyu readily perceived Lu Changsheng's mood.
Lu Changsheng did not answer.
Beyond disappointment, he felt an overwhelming shock. He finally realized just how monstrous his own analytical capability was. Even among Mortal Immortals, vast differences existed. At the root of it all, there was only one reason his analytical power was so terrifying: comprehension! Only with such absurd comprehension could the resulting analytical ability show such a staggering disparity.
No wonder True Immortal Dongyu had been stunned to see Lu Changsheng analyzing the spatial layer of the Ancient Immortal Battlefield. With Dongyu's analytical ability, attempting to analyze space was entirely out of reach; he did not even possess the qualifications. Even if he analyzed for an entire epoch or ten epochs, he would glean nothing. Analyzing space would be an exercise in utter futility.
Yet Dongyu had clearly sensed that Lu Changsheng was truly capable of analyzing it, which had prompted him to halt and observe for months.
"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Dongyu. May I ask if you came here seeking an immortal treasure to anchor destiny?" Lu Changsheng asked.
He had no desire to dwell on the topic of analysis. It was meaningless now that he understood the standard level among other True Immortals. Lu Changsheng was clearly in a league of his own, rendering further discussion pointless.
Noticing Lu Changsheng deliberately shift the subject, a glint flashed in True Immortal Dongyu's eyes. However, since Lu Changsheng chose not to speak of it, Dongyu did not pry. Instead, he nodded openly and said, "Indeed. Which True Immortal who ventures into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield is not here for an immortal treasure to anchor destiny? I dream of establishing my own Dao field, but without an immortal treasure to anchor destiny, I have been unable to do so and could only come here to try my luck.
"Originally, I intended only to search the first layer and avoided the second, given how dangerous it is. Yet something strange must have occurred in the first layer; it was completely barren. Not only did I fail to find an immortal treasure, but I did not encounter a single death spirit either. It was truly bizarre... Fellow Daoist Lu entered the battlefield before me—do you know what happened in the first layer?"
Lu Changsheng calmly shook his head.
Internally, he knew full well. He had swept through the first layer and devoured every death spirit with his divine ability. How could any remain? As for immortal treasures, even Lu Changsheng had not found one, let alone Dongyu. Naturally, Lu Changsheng had no reason to volunteer this information, simply shaking his head to indicate ignorance.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, I intend to head into the depths of this space to search for immortal treasures," Dongyu proposed. "Why don't the two of us join forces? After all, as Mortal Immortals, we are at a significant disadvantage in combat strength. If we team up, it will be a different story. What do you think?"
True Immortal Dongyu proactively suggested an alliance.
Without a second thought, Lu Changsheng refused. Why would he join forces with an unfamiliar True Immortal? Besides, he was fully capable of searching for immortal treasures alone and had no need for a partner.
Lu Changsheng shook his head. "No need. Lu is accustomed to traveling alone and prefers to search at his own pace."
Disappointment showed on True Immortal Dongyu's face, but he did not press the matter, saying regretfully, "What a pity. In that case, I will not disturb you further. I shall take my leave first. Until we meet again..."
With that, True Immortal Dongyu turned and strode into the depths of the second spatial layer, his figure swiftly vanishing from sight.
*He really left?*
Lu Changsheng was somewhat surprised. After lingering around him for so long, he had assumed Dongyu harbored some ulterior motive. Yet the man had simply walked away.
Lu Changsheng remained in place for a few days to ensure that Dongyu was truly gone. The man was indeed strange—arriving mysteriously and leaving just as mysteriously. Moreover, a Mortal Immortal was generally considered weak in combat, yet he dared to venture into the second layer of the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield. Looking at his demeanor, he seemed utterly fearless and full of confidence. Though his analytical power was lacking, True Immortal Dongyu was clearly not simple and possessed ample confidence, likely having some hidden trump card to rely upon.
Regardless of what reliance Dongyu possessed, it had nothing to do with Lu Changsheng.
Once certain that Dongyu had departed, Lu Changsheng set about constructing the second spatial layer within his Illusory Realm. He was eager to see how much the realm's power would increase once this layer was formed.
To prevent another encounter like the one with True Immortal Dongyu, Lu Changsheng used his array flags to deploy an immortal array, guarding against further prying eyes.
This time, the process did not take long. With prior experience under his belt, it took Lu Changsheng merely two months to construct the second spatial layer within the Illusory Realm, further refining it.
*Not bad. The current power of the Illusory Realm is formidable enough that few among True Immortals could match it!*
Lu Changsheng was thoroughly satisfied. He understood the potential of the Illusory Realm; even in combat, it was formidable. At present, it possessed only trapping power, capable of imprisoning opponents without killing them. Yet Lu Changsheng believed its potential extended far beyond that. It should eventually be capable of both trapping and slaying enemies. It simply lacked offensive methods because it was not yet fully refined. As it reached completion, it would evolve into a divine ability virtually devoid of weaknesses, boasting terrifying trapping, defensive, and offensive capabilities.
Naturally, only someone with Lu Changsheng's monstrous analytical ability and comprehension could refine the Illusory Realm. Handed to any other True Immortal, they would be helpless to improve it, let alone unleash its true efficacy.
*That should do it.*
Lu Changsheng stood up and advanced deeper into the second spatial layer.
Here, he needed to exercise caution. The mortality rate for True Immortals was significantly higher in the second layer because death spirits were more numerous. Yet for Lu Changsheng, this also presented an opportunity. More death spirits, and stronger ones at that, were practically gifts delivered to his doorstep.
Sure enough, before he had walked far, he encountered a death spirit. It reeked of the same heavy, lifeless qi, but appeared considerably stronger.
Lu Changsheng was now able to deploy his divine abilities again. While he could not unleash them excessively in a short span, they recovered over time. It had been quite a while since he last used them, meaning he could unleash them without reservation.
"Divine ability, Devour Spirit!"
Lu Changsheng knew that the Mighty Power divine ability was ineffective against death spirits. Only Devour Spirit could completely swallow and eliminate them.
*Buzz.*
The Devour Spirit divine ability transformed into a black hole resembling a gigantic maw, engulfing the death spirit in an instant.
Lu Changsheng sensed the process carefully. While Devour Spirit was exceptionally potent, this death spirit was also formidable, struggling violently within the ability. Over time, however, the entity was thoroughly consumed.
Lu Changsheng felt his Myriad Spirits Dao Fruit grow slightly once more. Compared to the death spirits of the first layer, this one was indeed stronger, but it posed little trouble. He was still fully capable of devouring them.
*Clack.*
A crisp sound came from the ground.
Lu Changsheng looked down. Remarkably, it was an immortal treasure fragment that appeared to be part of a lamp. However, the lamp was battered and ruined, with parts completely shattered and its immortal spirit qi exceedingly faint.
"A broken immortal treasure."
Far from disappointed, Lu Changsheng was delighted. This proved that death spirits could carry immortal treasures, meaning many treasures might well be found on their bodies. In the first layer, despite clearing out so many death spirits, he had not found so much as a single fragment. Here in the second layer, slaying a single death spirit had yielded a broken treasure that was still seventy to eighty percent intact, which was already quite an achievement.
There might truly be intact immortal treasures in the second layer. Clearing this layer was vastly more difficult for others, which worked entirely to Lu Changsheng's advantage.
"Onward."
And so, Lu Changsheng continued his sweep.
One month, two months, three months...
His pace was unhurried but exceptionally steady, advancing step by step.
This time, it took him approximately four months to sweep the entire second spatial layer clean.
Having completed his sweep, Lu Changsheng reaped substantial rewards. He immediately brought up his attribute panel to examine his status.
Host: Lu Changsheng
Comprehension: 19,080,000 (Peerless Through the Ages)
Mortal Dao Fruit: 2% (Illusory Realm divine ability)
Myriad Spirits Dao Fruit: 23% (Devour Spirit divine ability)
Flesh Dao Fruit: 1% (Mighty Power divine ability)
Physical Body Immortal Characteristic: 1%
Annihilation Divine Eye: True Immortal level
Slaughter Dao: Nine Revolutions
Comprehension Deduction: Consumes a large amount of comprehension to perform deductions
On the attribute panel, the progress of his Myriad Spirits Dao Fruit had surged by twelve percent, reaching twenty-three percent. This demonstrated that sweeping the second layer and devouring countless death spirits provided substantial progress. If he cleared a few more layers, would the Myriad Spirits Dao Fruit not reach one hundred percent and have a chance to transform?
This was merely the second layer. The opportunity was very real.
Next were the immortal treasures. On this front, the results were somewhat underwhelming and left Lu Changsheng disappointed—quite disappointed, in fact.
From sweeping the second layer, he had acquired numerous immortal treasure fragments. They were indeed fragments: though valuable, they held little practical use, being broken beyond repair. As for complete immortal treasures, there was not a single one. While the second layer might not have been cleared as thoroughly by other immortals as the first, almost all the good items had still been scavenged. Panning for gold in a refuse heap was no easy task.
Thus, to obtain complete immortal treasures—especially one capable of anchoring destiny—he would have to venture into the third spatial layer.
Looking around at the empty space, a question suddenly crossed Lu Changsheng's mind.
*Where is True Immortal Dongyu?*
He still remembered Dongyu clearly; as a rare fellow Mortal Immortal, he had left a deep impression. The man had ventured alone into the depths of the second layer, yet having swept the entire area, Lu Changsheng had found no trace of him.
Could he have been slain by death spirits?
It was possible, but Lu Changsheng considered it unlikely. More probably, True Immortal Dongyu had proceeded to the third layer.
"Time to see what the third layer holds."
Wasting no further time, Lu Changsheng stepped directly into the third spatial layer.
*Buzz.*
The moment he entered, Lu Changsheng immediately sensed the difference.
A dense surge of deathly qi rushed toward him. Simultaneously, terrifying fluctuations of immortal spirit qi permeated the entire space.
"Fall back."
Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng retreated a distance.
He swept outward with his divine consciousness. Sure enough, three True Immortals were nearby, locked in fierce combat.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, is that you?"
A familiar voice reached Lu Changsheng's ears.
Lu Changsheng looked in the direction of the sound and spotted a familiar figure: True Immortal Dongyu! For some reason, Dongyu was confronting two True Immortals, looking thoroughly battered and disheveled.
*Swish.*
The other two True Immortals instantly shifted their gazes toward Lu Changsheng, a glint of killing intent flashing in their eyes.
Lu Changsheng frowned. He could guess what was happening: Dongyu likely wanted to use him as a shield. Lu Changsheng was not about to fall for such a ploy.
"Fellow Daoists, Lu and True Immortal Dongyu met purely by chance. Whatever business lies between you, Lu will not interfere."
Lu Changsheng even took a few steps further back to demonstrate his stance.
Seeing Lu Changsheng make his position clear, Dongyu's expression shifted slightly. His little scheme had come to naught; Lu Changsheng was not about to take the blame for him.
"Heh, as long as you stay out of it, everything is fine."
The two True Immortals immediately understood the situation. Glaring malevolently at True Immortal Dongyu, they sneered. Trying to divert the disaster onto someone else? None of them were fools; no one would take the bait.
"True Immortal Dongyu, hand over the immortal treasure!"
"You are merely a Mortal Immortal, unsuited for battle. Even if you rely on an immortal treasure, so what? You are no match for the two of us. Why risk your life against us?" the two True Immortals said coldly.
So they were fighting over an immortal treasure.
True Immortal Dongyu had arrived in the third layer long ago and had unexpectedly discovered an immortal treasure. Yet before he could even warm his hands on it, these two True Immortals had spotted him, inevitably leading to a battle for possession. Although the treasure remained in Dongyu's hands for the moment, he was no match for the pair. If they truly fought to the bitter end, Dongyu would definitely be the one to suffer.
Dongyu's expression was exceedingly grim. He had obtained an immortal treasure with immense difficulty—was he supposed to just surrender it now? He could not accept this.
He had already made his plans beforehand: in coming to the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield, he would only explore the first three layers. He would never enter the fourth, where danger mounted to the point that many True Immortals faced the risk of falling. Having gained nothing in the first two layers, this third layer was practically his final opportunity.
Gritting his teeth, Dongyu snapped coldly, "Hmph! This immortal treasure can anchor destiny. Though damaged, it can be repaired. You expect me to hand it over? Keep dreaming!"
Dongyu prepared to stake his life; he refused to give up the treasure.
"In that case, you leave us no choice..."
Just as the two True Immortals prepared to strike, Lu Changsheng suddenly spoke.
"Wait. You mentioned an immortal treasure just now. If Lu heard correctly, Fellow Daoist Dongyu, this immortal treasure can anchor destiny?"
With Lu Changsheng's intervention, the atmosphere instantly grew tense.
Seeming to realize something, Dongyu nodded and said, "Indeed, this treasure can anchor destiny! Though fractured, it has a chance of being repaired. Once restored, it can anchor destiny, allowing one to establish a Dao field. Why, is Fellow Daoist Lu interested?"
Dongyu was not afraid of Lu Changsheng taking an interest; only if Lu Changsheng intervened would the waters become murky enough for him to slip away amidst the chaos.
"An immortal treasure that can anchor destiny..."
Lu Changsheng took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement within.
He had searched the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield for so long, and now he finally had a lead on a treasure capable of anchoring destiny. What was more, it was right before his eyes.
"Fellow Daoist, do not let greed cloud your judgment."
"There are two of us. Do you truly intend to join forces with True Immortal Dongyu?"
"Do not forget, this True Immortal Dongyu is full of deceit. If you interfere, the consequences will be unpredictable!"
"We urge you to act prudently!"
The two True Immortals spoke in grave tones that carried an unmistakable edge of threat.
Yet Lu Changsheng merely shook his head faintly.
Step by step, he approached True Immortal Dongyu, remarking calmly, "Fellow Daoists have misunderstood. Lu has no intention of joining forces with True Immortal Dongyu.
"Rather... Lu meant for all three of you to come at once!"
Hands clasped behind his back, Lu Changsheng stood quietly in the void.
His gaze swept over the three of them one by one, sending a violent jolt through all three True Immortals!
They understood his meaning instantly.
He intended to sweep through all three of them and claim the immortal treasure by force!
Dongyu's eyes went wide with shock.
The other two True Immortals flushed with anger. They had encountered arrogant True Immortals before, but never one so brazenly insolent. This was utter contempt for the three of them!
To disregard three True Immortals entirely—anyone unaware might assume Lu Changsheng was a Great Immortal! Yet he bore not the slightest aura of a Great Immortal. If he was no Great Immortal, where did he get the nerve to be so wildly arrogant?
Chapter 389