Great Immortal Chiyue Appears, Overawing the Immortals!

Lu Changsheng stood suspended in the void, gazing down upon the denizens of Chiyue City. Making such a high-profile arrival in Chiyue City had not been Lu Changsheng’s idea, but Great Immortal Lu’s. According to Great Immortal Lu, others could afford to keep a low profile, but Lu Changsheng had to make a splash. After all, Lu Changsheng needed to build momentum. And to build momentum, he naturally had to be conspicuous. As it turned out, Lu Changsheng’s reputation as True Immortal Changsheng was by no means obscure. Many people had indeed heard of his renowned name. "Look, Fellow Daoist Lu, many down below recognize you," Great Immortal Lu said with a smile. Although this was his attempt to drum up buzz, it still required Lu Changsheng to have the caliber to back it up. Soon after, sensational rumors began to spread about True Immortal Changsheng having condensed three Dao fruits. This news was even more explosive. Many expressed outright skepticism, hardly daring to believe it. Three Dao fruits? Without seeing it with their own eyes, no one would believe such a thing. At this moment, the gazes of numerous True Immortals turned toward Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu. "Hmph, Great Immortal Lu wants to build momentum by relying on this True Immortal Changsheng?" "They say True Immortal Changsheng condensed three Dao fruits. That news spread from Lu City, which was probably deliberate on Great Immortal Lu’s part. But what does Great Immortal Lu take us for? Three Dao fruits? How could he even dare to concoct such an outrageous lie?" "Indeed. If it were two Dao fruits, there might still be a sliver of possibility. But three? That is pure fantasy, utterly impossible! Great Immortal Lu has come for Chiyue City—he must be crazed with desire for it." "Great Immortal Chiyue won't be so foolish as to fall for such a shallow, clumsy lie." "Let's wait and see. Great Immortal Lu’s stunt is doomed to fall short—it might even backfire." These True Immortals all knew Great Immortal Lu, and some had already guessed his objective. Yet every one of them clearly refused to believe that Lu Changsheng could have condensed three Dao fruits. Even so, no one stepped forward to stop Great Immortal Lu and Lu Changsheng. The situation in Chiyue City remained unclear, and no one was foolish enough to antagonize them right now. At the very least, they would wait a bit longer to see Great Immortal Chiyue's final decision. By dusk, Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu had been arranged accommodations in the City Lord's Manor of Chiyue City. However, it was not Great Immortal Chiyue who received them personally, but a True Immortal from the manor. The man explained that Great Immortal Chiyue was currently adjusting his condition to face his third physical tribulation and could not come out to welcome guests. Neither Lu Changsheng nor Great Immortal Lu minded. They knew very well that although Great Immortal Chiyue had not appeared in person, every move within Chiyue City could not escape his notice. He certainly knew of their arrival. Many True Immortals had already taken up residence in the City Lord's Manor. Most of them were Great Immortals; ordinary True Immortals like Lu Changsheng were few and far between. However, their attitudes were hardly friendly. Each looked on with appraising, faintly hostile eyes. After all, everyone present in Chiyue City was a rival competitor. Not to mention that Great Immortal Lu had arrived with such fanfare today—who didn't know he was aiming for Chiyue City? Since all were competitors, they naturally had no reason to be cordial. Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu entered their quarters. Lu Changsheng said directly, "It seems quite a few True Immortals have gathered this time, many of them Great Immortals." "And because of our grand entrance, we’ve stirred up a lot of resentment." "We’ve practically become everyone's target now." Great Immortal Lu gave a slight smile. "No matter, this was all within expectations. These immortals are our rivals, so it's only natural for them to be dissatisfied with us." "Besides, this is Chiyue City. Great Immortal Chiyue hasn't died yet—who would dare make a move here?" "The true purpose of making a scene wasn't for these immortals to see, but to draw Great Immortal Chiyue’s attention. As long as he takes notice, he will send people to investigate. And once he investigates, he will find out that you really did condense three Dao fruits, Fellow Daoist Lu." "When that happens, Great Immortal Chiyue will naturally make his choice. That is vastly better than racking our brains and wasting our breath trying to convince him." Lu Changsheng nodded. It was true. If they had rushed straight to Great Immortal Chiyue upon arrival and claimed Lu Changsheng had three Dao fruits, who would have believed them? Instead, Great Immortal Chiyue would only have grown suspicious. Only by piquing his curiosity and letting him uncover the truth through his own inquiries would he believe it without a shred of doubt. Therefore, there was only one thing for Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu to do right now: wait! *** Inside a secret chamber of the Chiyue City Lord's Manor. Great Immortal Chiyue opened his eyes, a strange gleam flashing within them. "True Immortal Changsheng?" Great Immortal Chiyue was somewhat uncertain. Just moments ago, Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu had arrived together with tremendous commotion. Great Immortal Chiyue naturally knew Great Immortal Lu, having even dealt with him before. In his eyes, Great Immortal Lu was merely a junior. When Chiyue had attained immortality, who knew where Great Immortal Lu had been? Thus, he merely recognized him, harboring no particularly deep impression. Yet now, the True Immortal Changsheng brought by Great Immortal Lu had entered Chiyue City with such ostentation, clearly intending to catch his eye. Great Immortal Chiyue saw right through that. Even so, the chatter circulating among the city's inhabitants left him feeling unsettled and curious. He immediately summoned a trusted confidant from the manor—a True Immortal named True Immortal Canglan. "Greetings, Great Immortal," True Immortal Canglan said, bowing respectfully. "Canglan, do you know anything about True Immortal Changsheng?" Great Immortal Chiyue asked directly. "True Immortal Changsheng?" True Immortal Canglan pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "Recently, word has spread from Lu City about a True Immortal there named Lu Changsheng. Supposedly, he condensed three Dao fruits, established the Changsheng Dao Field, and shook all of Lu City!" "However, I believe the rumor is vastly exaggerated. Three Dao fruits? That is simply impossible, most likely false." "Furthermore, seeing this True Immortal Changsheng arrive side by side with Great Immortal Lu suggests it is likely part of Great Immortal Lu's scheming..." True Immortal Canglan's implication was clear. He did not believe the tale of three Dao fruits in the slightest. It was utter fantasy. Even the supreme prodigies of the immortal sects could not condense three Dao fruits. Could an ordinary True Immortal manage such a feat? It was nothing short of a pipe dream! Great Immortal Chiyue frowned, lost in thought. "Canglan, take the trouble to make a trip to Lu City and thoroughly investigate this Lu Changsheng's background." "If necessary, go take a look at the Changsheng Dao Field." "Remember, conduct everything in secret." Great Immortal Chiyue laid out his instructions. In truth, Great Immortal Chiyue did not entirely believe that Lu Changsheng had condensed three Dao fruits either. Yet his own tribulation was fast approaching. Surviving the third physical tribulation was perilous in the extreme, and he had little confidence of success. For the sake of Chiyue City, he naturally needed to find a worthy successor to entrust it to. Even if there were only the faintest chance that the rumors about Lu Changsheng were true, he wanted to confirm it before reaching a decision. "Understood, Great Immortal." True Immortal Canglan withdrew and immediately set off for Lu City to investigate Lu Changsheng's past. Day after day passed, and the number of True Immortals in Chiyue City continued to swell. In the beginning, people still discussed True Immortal Changsheng. As time wore on, however, the chatter died down. After all, there were simply too many True Immortals present now, most of them Great Immortals. Who would spare thought for a newly ascended True Immortal? Moreover, Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu had only been ostentatious upon their arrival. In the days that followed, the two kept an exceptionally low profile. They had practically zero presence. They didn't even pry for information, merely waiting in silence. In the blink of an eye, several months slipped by. On this day, True Immortal Canglan returned to Chiyue City. He hurried straight to the secret chamber of the manor to meet Great Immortal Chiyue. "Great Immortal." True Immortal Canglan was travel-worn, but his expression carried unmistakable excitement. "Oh?" "Did you find everything out?" Great Immortal Chiyue slowly opened his eyes and inquired. "I’ve uncovered nearly everything." "Because I was unsure what Great Immortal Lu was orchestrating and feared the rumors might be fabricated, I gathered intelligence from multiple angles, tracing back to when Lu Changsheng first appeared in Lu City." "Back then, Lu Changsheng entered Lu City alongside the Qi clan. The Qi clan was originally an Ancestor Realm family from Zhang City, but after their Ancestor Realm patriarch perished, they were forced to relocate to Lu City, encountering Lu Changsheng along the way." "As for his background prior to meeting the Qi clan, nothing can be found." "After reaching Lu City, Lu Changsheng proved virtually invincible among Ancestor Realm experts and became the Qi clan's patriarch. To break through to the True Immortal realm, he went alone into the Blood Marsh Mountain Range in search of an immortal vein, successfully claiming one and ascending to become a True Immortal." "To establish a Dao field after attaining immortality, Lu Changsheng ventured alone into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield and obtained an immortal treasure capable of suppressing destiny..." "Once all preparations were complete, when Lu Changsheng established his Dao field, he manifested three Dao fruits. Far too many people witnessed it with their own eyes back then; completely fabricating or suppressing such news would be virtually impossible." "This True Immortal Changsheng truly appears to have condensed three Dao fruits. The range covered by his Dao field is far larger than that of Lu City..." True Immortal Canglan recounted every detail of what he had uncovered regarding Lu Changsheng. Hearing this, Great Immortal Chiyue was deeply shaken. "Ventured alone into the Blood Marsh Mountain Range to seize an immortal vein..." "Ventured alone into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield to obtain a destiny-suppressing immortal treasure..." "A Dao field spanning an area larger than Lu City... three Dao fruits..." Great Immortal Chiyue murmured softly. Every single feat Lu Changsheng had accomplished was nothing short of astonishing. It seemed almost unreal. Yet the more incredible it sounded, the more it proved just how terrifying Lu Changsheng was. Such talent was unimaginable. It shouldn't even have appeared in a place like Lu City. "Great Immortal, you..." True Immortal Canglan had in fact already guessed Great Immortal Chiyue's decision. While investigating in Lu City, he too had felt utterly stunned, finding it hard to believe. Yet after verifying it through countless sources, he was certain that True Immortal Changsheng's deeds were all genuine. The more certain he became, the more awe-inspiring it felt. Faced with such peerless, dazzling talent, how could Great Immortal Chiyue remain indifferent? "What a pity," Great Immortal Chiyue spoke slowly. "Lu Changsheng's personal strength is still a bit modest." "He has only just established his Dao field. If he leaves it, will he be able to defend Chiyue City?" This was only natural. How could a True Immortal compare to a Great Immortal? In terms of combat strength, a Great Immortal was unquestionably superior. Yet in terms of talent and potential, none could rival Lu Changsheng. However, Chiyue City required a powerful immortal to protect it. Of course, there was another way: completely emptying Chiyue City and moving everything to the Changsheng Dao Field. If that happened, Chiyue City would cease to exist, and Great Immortal Chiyue's life's work would come to naught. After all, Chiyue City was his foundation. Great Immortal Chiyue could also understand why Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu had arrived together. Lu Changsheng alone was not enough. He needed Great Immortal Lu alongside him. "Go, please invite True Immortal Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu." Great Immortal Chiyue wished to meet Lu Changsheng first. After all, this amounted to entrusting Chiyue City's future. In any case, Great Immortal Chiyue needed to meet Lu Changsheng and speak with him face to face. True Immortal Canglan couldn't help saying, "Great Immortal, have you already decided?" "There are many immortals gathered in Chiyue City right now, and some have not even arrived yet due to the long journey..." Great Immortal Chiyue shook his head. "With True Immortal Changsheng here, no other immortal catches my eye..." Great Immortal Chiyue saw it clearly. With such talent, Lu Changsheng's chances of becoming an exalted Heavenly Immortal Monarch who lived as long as the heavens were not guaranteed to be effortless, but they were certainly immense. As for the other Great Immortals? Or any other immortal present—who could compare? None of them could! No one could match such talent. Now that he had found such a peerlessly brilliant immortal, why bother considering anyone else? There was no need whatsoever. "Understood, Great Immortal." Hearing this, True Immortal Canglan bowed respectfully and withdrew from the secret chamber. He headed straight for the courtyard where Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu were staying. This movement did not escape the notice of the other immortals. After all, they were watching every move within the City Lord's Manor around the clock. True Immortal Canglan was Great Immortal Chiyue’s trusted confidant. Instantly, the expressions of many immortals shifted. "That's True Immortal Canglan. The direction he's heading... Great Immortal Lu, and that True Immortal Changsheng?" "Could True Immortal Canglan be going to invite Great Immortal Lu and True Immortal Changsheng? Has Great Immortal Chiyue already made a decision? Did he actually believe the rumors about True Immortal Changsheng?" "True Immortal Canglan is Great Immortal Chiyue's confidant. Since he is on the move, it must be at Great Immortal Chiyue's behest." "Dammit, did Great Immortal Lu and True Immortal Changsheng's scheme actually succeed?" "No, we must find a way to stop them..." The immortals' faces grew grim. They had journeyed thousands, even tens of thousands of li to come to Chiyue City. Yet in the end, they had gained nothing—they had lost before even catching a glimpse of Great Immortal Chiyue. They had lost without even knowing how. Under no circumstances were they willing to accept this! True Immortal Canglan paid no heed to what those immortals were thinking. He merely executed Great Immortal Chiyue's orders faithfully. "Great Immortal Lu, True Immortal Changsheng, Great Immortal Chiyue requests your presence!" True Immortal Canglan announced directly to the two. "Great Immortal Chiyue requests our presence?" Great Immortal Lu and Lu Changsheng exchanged a glance, seeing the delighted surprise in each other's eyes. It worked! Their high-profile entrance had indeed caught Great Immortal Chiyue's attention, prompting him to invite them for a private audience. Their goal had been achieved! Of course, what specifically would be discussed could only be known once they met. "Thank you for your trouble, True Immortal Canglan." Great Immortal Lu and Lu Changsheng rose and followed behind True Immortal Canglan, preparing to meet Great Immortal Chiyue. Yet just as they stepped out of the courtyard, they were blocked by a group of immortals. Hostile gazes swept across Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu one by one. "True Immortal Canglan," One of the immortals—a Great Immortal—spoke up. True Immortal Canglan asked coldly, "What do you all intend to do?" "This is Chiyue City! And the Chiyue Dao Field!" "Do you immortals plan to make trouble here?" True Immortal Canglan was not in the least intimidated by them. No matter how many immortals were present, this was still the Chiyue Dao Field. Once Great Immortal Chiyue grew enraged, no number of immortals would matter. The leader of the group was Great Immortal Kongyuan. He said calmly, "True Immortal Canglan, we block your path merely to ask one question." "Has Great Immortal Chiyue already decided to hand Chiyue City over to Great Immortal Lu and True Immortal Changsheng?" Clearly, all these immortals shared the same doubt. Yet True Immortal Canglan remained unmoved. "That is Great Immortal Chiyue's decision; I do not know." "Moreover, Great Immortal Chiyue has not yet undergone his physical tribulation, so anything remains possible." "By blocking our way now, you are doing something Great Immortal Chiyue would never permit." True Immortal Canglan's response failed to satisfy the gathered immortals. "We traveled tens of thousands of li, yet haven't even seen Great Immortal Chiyue's face, only to be told everything is already over?" "What does Great Immortal Chiyue take us for?" "Indeed! Great Immortal Chiyue must give us an explanation!" The crowd grew agitated. One by one, the immortals surrounded True Immortal Canglan and the others. Yet Great Immortal Lu showed not the slightest trace of panic. He wasn't worried in the least. This was Chiyue City, the Chiyue Dao Field. Great Immortal Chiyue was aware of every breath and movement within his domain. Could he possibly be unaware of what was transpiring here? Impossible! There was no need for Lu Changsheng to even open his mouth. When the time came, Great Immortal Chiyue would handle it himself. *Boom!* Suddenly, the surrounding void twisted, and a terrifying pressure descended. The hearts of the gathered immortals tightened. They too sensed what was coming. Then, an ethereal figure materialized in the empty air. "I am Chiyue!" "If you do not abide by my rules, you may leave Chiyue City!" Great Immortal Chiyue had appeared. Though it was merely a phantom projection, it radiated boundless majesty. After all, this was Chiyue City, and the Chiyue Dao Field. Within this Dao field, Great Immortal Chiyue could suppress all things! Great Immortal Chiyue had manifested, and his stance was uncompromising. Obey the rules, or leave. Yet who wanted to leave? Had they not traveled tens of thousands of li precisely for this opportunity? Everyone desired Chiyue City. Great Immortal Kongyuan, especially, was deeply unwilling to accept this. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Great Immortal Chiyue, you are being too unfair. You promised to invite us here to observe the ceremony before deciding whom to entrust Chiyue City to." "How is it that you have already made your decision before even granting us an audience?" Faced with Great Immortal Kongyuan's challenge, Great Immortal Chiyue fixed his gaze upon him. Both were Great Immortals. Yet Great Immortal Chiyue was far more ancient, and furthermore, they stood within his Chiyue Dao Field. Great Immortal Chiyue held an overwhelming advantage. "Great Immortal Kongyuan, you are a Great Immortal yourself and have established a Dao field. Do you not know that within my Dao field, every action of every person is known to me?" "In truth, from the moment you stepped into Chiyue City, the evaluation began." "Even if we did not meet face to face, who says I have not evaluated you?" Great Immortal Chiyue's words struck everyone dumb. Indeed, Great Immortal Chiyue was the master of this Dao field. How could anything within the Dao field be concealed from him? Therefore, once they set foot in Chiyue City, did an in-person meeting even matter? It didn't matter in the least. It changed nothing. Evidently, Great Immortal Chiyue had already appraised many immortals, and it seemed he favored True Immortal Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu. "Does that mean we have no chance?" Great Immortal Kongyuan asked, still unwilling to concede. "I have not made a final decision yet." "When I do, I will naturally inform all of you." "Enough. This is my final warning. To enter Chiyue City is to abide by Chiyue City's rules!" With that, Great Immortal Chiyue glanced at Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu. "Please, come inside, my two fellow daoists." Then, Great Immortal Chiyue's phantom quickly dispersed, as though it had never been there at all. Yet everyone knew they had "lost." Utterly and completely! In matters like this, Great Immortal Chiyue's personal preference carried absolute weight. If Great Immortal Chiyue didn't favor them, what could they possibly do? With a sullen expression, Great Immortal Kongyuan stepped aside, no longer obstructing Great Immortal Lu and Lu Changsheng. If they dared block them any further, Great Immortal Chiyue would not remain so accommodating. Great Immortal Lu looked as calm as ever, seemingly having anticipated this outcome all along. Without uttering a single word, he and Lu Changsheng followed behind True Immortal Canglan and continued forward. Before long, the three arrived outside the secret chamber. "Please enter, fellow daoists. Great Immortal Chiyue awaits inside." True Immortal Canglan had no intention of going in. Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu stepped into the chamber. *Swish.* A gaze swept over them. After lingering briefly on Great Immortal Lu, the gaze locked onto Lu Changsheng. It seemed entirely fixed on him. Without a doubt, the figure before them could only be Great Immortal Chiyue! The aura emanating from Great Immortal Chiyue was terrifyingly formidable. It wasn't merely the borrowed power of his Dao field—his own inherent might was immensely imposing. The Five Decays of Heaven and Man were indeed mortal tribulations. Yet once survived, one's personal strength would surge dramatically. Surviving one tribulation brought a surge of power. If an immortal could survive multiple tribulations, their strength as a Great Immortal could even rival that of a Heavenly Immortal, allowing them to contend against them! Of course, such Great Immortals were extraordinarily rare. To contest a Heavenly Immortal, a Great Immortal would need to survive at least ten physical tribulations, if not more. Such a Great Immortal was unheard of. At least, Lu Changsheng had never encountered mention of one. "Great Immortal Lu, True Immortal Changsheng, please be seated," Great Immortal Chiyue said genially. "Greetings, Great Immortal Chiyue!" Lu Changsheng and Great Immortal Lu showed him the respect due to his station. All three sat cross-legged on the floor. Great Immortal Chiyue's gaze remained fixed on Lu Changsheng. "I would like to witness Fellow Daoist Lu's three Dao fruits. Would that be possible?" Great Immortal Chiyue asked directly.