"I'll talk."
In the end, Great Immortal Yuanling yielded.
Pique and posturing were utterly pointless. Every being who attained immortality was fundamentally a pragmatist, acutely aware of how the wind blew. Earlier, Yuanling's attitude toward Lu Changsheng had stemmed from his standing as a Great Immortal while Lu Changsheng was merely a True Immortal. A Great Immortal reigned supreme over a True Immortal, so naturally he had seen no reason to show Lu Changsheng any courtesy.
Now, however, things had changed. Lu Changsheng, True Immortal though he was, possessed power surpassing his own and held the authority of life and death over him. How could he possibly clash head-on with Lu Changsheng any longer? Would that not be courting death? It was completely pointless!
Taking a deep breath, Great Immortal Yuanling said in a heavy voice, "Fellow Daoist, the reason I came to the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield was for the Giant Axe Immortal. The Giant Axe Immortal obtained an immortal treasure capable of suppressing fortune, the Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud. He has fled into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield, and I took up a position at the entrance to corner him. The moment he emerged, I intended to strike."
Lu Changsheng nodded. "Merely for the sake of the Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud?"
His words caused Great Immortal Yuanling's pupils to contract slightly. It appeared Lu Changsheng already knew part of the story.
With that in mind, Yuanling continued, "Naturally, it is not as simple as a single immortal treasure. It concerns the treasure's former master. The Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud belonged to an ancient immortal from long ago known as Eight Treasures Great Immortal! Though he was merely a Great Immortal, he was no ordinary one—he survived eleven full physical tribulations! Only upon facing his twelfth physical tribulation, having reached twelve epochs of lifespan, did he also encounter the dharmic power tribulation, and thus fell."
"Many Heavenly Immortals fail to survive the dharmic power tribulation, so it was only natural for Eight Treasures Great Immortal to perish beneath it. But the crucial point is that he even endured that twelfth physical tribulation, as though he feared physical tribulations not in the least. He had to possess some immense secret or treasure capable of withstanding them."
"Yet for so many years, no one ever discovered a single clue regarding him. This time, the Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud resurfaced. The reason the immortals are pursuing the Giant Axe Immortal relentlessly is to learn the secret of how Eight Treasures Great Immortal survived those physical tribulations."
A flash of understanding dawned upon Lu Changsheng. So that was it.
Eight Treasures Great Immortal had actually survived eleven physical tribulations—or rather, twelve. It was just that the twelfth physical tribulation had erupted alongside the dharmic power tribulation. Even though he had weathered the twelfth physical tribulation, he could not withstand the dharmic power tribulation and died beneath it.
A Great Immortal surviving twelve physical tribulations... how could there not be a secret behind that? Not only would other True Immortals and Great Immortals find it impossible to believe, but even Lu Changsheng did not believe it was mere chance. There was definitely a secret—perhaps an earth-shattering one!
If one could obtain the secret Eight Treasures Great Immortal held, while it might not help a True Immortal advance to Heavenly Immortal, it would allow them to pass physical tribulations time and time again. That was equivalent to living for at least twelve epochs—a lifespan comparable to that of a Heavenly Immortal! How could the immortals not go mad over such a prize?
"Can Your Excellency release me now?" Great Immortal Yuanling asked. "I have told you everything I know."
Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment, glancing at Yuanling, before asking, "How long has the Giant Axe Immortal been inside the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield?"
Yuanling thought it over. "Roughly a few months."
"No news of him for several months?"
"None."
After a brief silence, Lu Changsheng said slowly, "I can release you. But you must enter the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield and escort the Giant Axe Immortal out safely. If he dies, you die with him."
Furious rage surged within Yuanling's heart. What kind of arrangement was this? If the Giant Axe Immortal died, he had to die too? Lu Changsheng was treating him like a servant!
Yet anger solved nothing. What truly mattered was that Lu Changsheng genuinely possessed the strength to kill him. If he refused, he would truly perish. It was humiliating, but he had no choice. Refusal meant death!
"Very well," Yuanling said through gritted teeth. "I will enter the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield to search for the Giant Axe Immortal, and I will ensure he is brought out safely."
"Good. Even if you do not find him yourself, so long as he emerges alive, you will come to no harm. But if he dies, you shall accompany him in death. Furthermore, do not entertain any thoughts of fleeing. I will leave an imprint within your mental consciousness. I can sense your location at all times. Unless you flee into a Dao field and never come out again, you will surely die!"
Lu Changsheng's threat stoked Yuanling's fury, but he dared not utter a single word of protest.
"Retract."
Lu Changsheng withdrew his Illusory Realm.
In an instant, their surroundings shifted. Great Immortal Yuanling found himself back outside the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield. Lu Changsheng stood quietly a short distance before him. All around them, numerous immortals wore expressions of sheer astonishment.
"My immortal treasure..."
The moment Yuanling returned, he realized his treasure was gone. But he also knew Lu Changsheng had claimed it. Now that it had fallen into Lu Changsheng's hands, there was no hope of recovering it.
"Go."
Yuanling did not wish to linger in front of Lu Changsheng for even a moment longer, so he flew straight into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield.
Watching Great Immortal Yuanling vanish, the gathered immortals exchanged baffled glances.
"Why did Great Immortal Yuanling suddenly fly into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield?"
"What happened? Wasn't he lying in wait at the entrance?"
"What's more, that unfamiliar True Immortal confiscated Yuanling's treasure, yet Yuanling didn't say a single word. Has he yielded?"
"Great Immortal Yuanling must have been trapped in an illusion just now. He probably agreed to that unfamiliar True Immortal's conditions within the illusion. How could he not back down?"
"That is a Great Immortal we're talking about! Was he defeated just like that?"
An uproar swept through the immortals, their hearts deeply shaken. Even the renowned Great Immortal Yuanling had conceded without so much as leaving behind a harsh word. Who in the world was this unfamiliar True Immortal, and just how terrifying was his power?
"Who under heaven is this person?"
"He comes with ill intent!"
Several immortals began speculating about Lu Changsheng's identity.
Lu Changsheng swept his gaze over them. There was no need for them to guess; he declared his identity outright.
"I am Changsheng True Immortal! You came to the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield to hunt the Giant Axe Immortal, correct? Unfortunately for you, the Giant Axe Immortal is an old acquaintance of mine. Therefore, pursuing him is the same as pursuing me."
"Now, you have only two choices. Either submit like Great Immortal Yuanling, allow me to plant an imprint in your mental consciousness, and enter the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield to find the Giant Axe Immortal and escort him out safely. If the Giant Axe Immortal dies, you die as well. Or, choose the second option: attack me, and I shall slay you all!"
Lu Changsheng spoke in a calm tone, yet the meaning carried by his words was earth-shattering. He was threatening several dozen immortals to their faces!
What kind of arrogance was this? It was boundless! Never mind a True Immortal, not even a Great Immortal—or even one who had survived three or five tribulations—would dare to be so audacious.
Indignation flared among the immortals. Cold sneers appeared on many faces as they waited for a powerful True Immortal or Great Immortal to step forward and teach Lu Changsheng a lesson.
Yet after a brief wait, the expressions on many faces froze. The immortals looked back and forth at one another, but not a single one was willing to take the first step. None of them wanted to be the bird that stuck out its neck.
Every one of them was an immortal; who among them lacked experience? They had just witnessed Great Immortal Yuanling's fate. He had been rendered utterly powerless to fight back. If they attacked, could their outcome be any better? Moreover, they had heard of the name of Changsheng True Immortal. Three Dao Fruits! He was no one to provoke; suppressing and killing Great Immortals was as effortless for him as eating and drinking. At a moment like this, who would dare step forward?
In the end, not a single one did.
"So, all of you are willing to enter the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield?" Lu Changsheng's eyes narrowed slightly.
He had not expected that not a single immortal would dare show their face. He had even prepared himself: if a large group stepped forward, he would unleash his Illusory Realm and see whether the Changsheng Dao Field within could suppress dozens of immortals at once. But now, these immortals had all shrunk back like turtles into their shells, refusing to step out. Under these circumstances, he could hardly strike them down without cause.
"Then open your mental consciousness. I need to plant an imprint within you. If anyone resists, I will show no mercy!"
Without waiting for their agreement, Lu Changsheng directly deployed his Illusory Realm.
Boom!
The Illusory Realm descended once more. The Changsheng Dao Field within it instantly enveloped dozens of True Immortals and Great Immortals.
All of them were profoundly shocked. In a single instant, before they could perceive anything at all, they had arrived in an unfamiliar place—one remarkably akin to a Dao field. They now felt the suppressive weight of an actual Dao field bearing down upon them.
"Is this an illusion? It feels just like a Dao field..."
"Such a terrifying illusion! I even have the feeling that if I resist, I might truly die..."
"Was Great Immortal Yuanling suppressed by an illusion like this?"
Many immortals were filled with astonishment. Subconsciously, they assumed this was Lu Changsheng's illusory art, that they had been pulled into his illusion. It was an exceptionally frightening technique, and none of the True Immortals or Great Immortals dared act rashly. They obediently opened their mental consciousness.
In truth, Lu Changsheng was bearing an immense burden at this moment. Suppressing dozens of True Immortals and Great Immortals within the Illusory Realm placed a tangible strain on him, even with the Changsheng Dao Field constructed inside. Had these immortals resisted with all their might, they might well have caused him no small amount of trouble. Unfortunately, they were far too cooperative, opening their consciousness completely.
In the span of a single breath, Lu Changsheng left an imprint within each of their minds.
"All right, go inside."
Somewhat disappointed, Lu Changsheng retracted the Illusory Realm as soon as the imprints were set, sending the immortals toward the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield.
This display left every immortal shaken to the core. With his power alone, he had suppressed dozens of True Immortals and Great Immortals! Even a Heavenly Immortal could hardly achieve more than this. Yet Lu Changsheng was merely a True Immortal. It was simply unbelievable.
Having tasted the terror of Lu Changsheng's Illusory Realm, however, no True Immortal dared disobey. One after another, they flew into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield. With so many immortals searching, finding the Giant Axe Immortal should not take long. Lu Changsheng simply settled down to wait quietly.
***
In the third layer of space within the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield.
The Giant Axe Immortal was currently in the third layer, contemplating whether to proceed to the fourth. For some unknown reason, the first three layers of the battlefield were completely barren, containing nothing at all. This also meant that if any True Immortals or Great Immortals pursued him inside, they would discover him very quickly.
Yet the Giant Axe Immortal knew all too well that the fourth layer was exceedingly perilous. Once he stepped into it, he might never return. He might not be killed by the pursuing immortals, but he could very well perish in the fourth layer itself.
"I possess the Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud. Its defensive power is formidable; it can fend off danger to some degree. Even so, unless forced to the brink, I should not enter the fourth layer. I will rest and recover at the entrance. If any immortals pursue me here, it will not be too late to step inside then."
The Giant Axe Immortal made up his mind.
Reflecting upon everything that had transpired since he arrived in the Heaven Realm from the Boundary Sea, he felt a wave of profound bitterness. Yes, bitterness. Back then, brimming with vigor and ambition, he had staked everything to ascend from the Boundary Sea to the Heaven Realm, even clashing with an immortal who had descended into the Boundary Sea. After enduring countless trials, he had finally succeeded in ascending.
He did not even know whether Lu Changsheng was alive or dead. But regardless, he had survived, successfully forged an immortal body, and become a genuine True Immortal.
Yet that was all. Only upon reaching the Heaven Realm did he realize that becoming a True Immortal was essentially the pinnacle for an ordinary cultivator. Yet the path of an immortal truly began only at the stage of a True Immortal. A True Immortal had to confront the physical tribulations of the Five Decays of Heaven and Man, and to rest easy, one also needed to establish a Dao field. Each of these feats was immensely difficult.
After careful consideration, the Giant Axe Immortal concluded that becoming a Heavenly Immortal was far too distant for him. He needed to focus on founding a Dao field and preparing for future physical tribulations. After all, he had attained the immortal state in the Boundary Sea quite some time ago, and he too would eventually face the threat of physical tribulations.
Thus, he had tried everything to obtain an immortal treasure capable of suppressing fortune, so that he could establish a Dao field. Then, luck favored him. By chance, he stumbled upon a fortunate encounter—a treasure map pointing toward an ancient immortal's cave dwelling.
The discovery had filled him with wild joy. He spent another ten years preparing until everything was in order, then traveled to the cave dwelling and successfully obtained the Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud, an immortal treasure capable of suppressing fortune.
Moreover, his harvest extended far beyond a single treasure. The master of the cave dwelling had been Eight Treasures Great Immortal. Later, when the Giant Axe Immortal learned of his deeds, he immediately realized this was a monumental opportunity. If managed properly, he might be able to survive twelve physical tribulations and obtain a lifespan of twelve epochs!
Regrettably, that opportunity remained hidden within the ancient immortal's cave dwelling. With his current strength, he could not retrieve it. But that did not matter; as long as he established a Dao field, he could slowly increase his strength and find a way over time. One day, he would surely retrieve the treasures within and uncover the true, earth-shattering secret of Eight Treasures Great Immortal.
Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans had flaws. While gathering supplies to establish his Dao field, the Giant Axe Immortal was noticed by someone with keen eyes. Any True Immortal intending to establish a Dao field invariably carried an immortal treasure capable of suppressing fortune. That single treasure instantly drew the greed of numerous immortals. After all, obtaining a fortune-suppressing treasure was exceedingly difficult. Never mind ordinary True Immortals, even many Great Immortals had yet to establish a Dao field precisely because they lacked one.
For an ordinary True Immortal like the Giant Axe Immortal to possess such a treasure—what was he in their eyes? Naturally, a piece of fat meat ready to be carved!
Unsurprisingly, he was hunted down by both True Immortals and Great Immortals. Escaping pursuit after pursuit, he exhausted every trick up his sleeve, yet news of the Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud leaked out nonetheless. It was no ordinary immortal treasure, but one of great renown, and several knowledgeable immortals recognized it. In an instant, word of his possession spread far and wide. With the reappearance of the shroud, many immortals connected it to the secret of Eight Treasures Great Immortal.
Fleeing all the way, the Giant Axe Immortal finally escaped into the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield. Only here did he manage to gain a brief respite.
Even so, he was far from out of danger. He would likely have to hide inside the battlefield, uncertain if he would ever make it out alive.
Days slipped by. Just as the Giant Axe Immortal was weighed down by anxiety and doubt, a commotion suddenly arose behind him. A group of immortals had arrived.
Not one or two, but a whole crowd of dozens!
Upon spotting the Giant Axe Immortal, their eyes lit up.
"It's him! The Giant Axe Immortal!"
"It really is him! We finally found him!"
"He certainly gave us a hard time searching!"
"Wait, he's at the entrance to the fourth layer! Does he intend to flee inside?"
"No, whatever you do, don't flee into the fourth layer! Even Great Immortals can die in there..."
Seeing his position, the immortals' faces paled in alarm. They instantly understood his intention: he wanted to escape into the fourth layer. If he truly did, what would they do? Should they pursue him or not? If they went in, they might all die. But if they did not follow, Lu Changsheng would execute them.
"Quick, tell the Giant Axe Immortal we aren't here to capture him...!"
Unfortunately, it was already too late—or rather, completely ineffective. Seeing such a large group advancing aggressively toward him, the Giant Axe Immortal had no time to consider anything else. A single thought dominated his mind: run! Flee into the fourth layer!
Whether the fourth layer was dangerous no longer mattered. What mattered was that he could not afford to die right now.
Whoosh!
The Giant Axe Immortal transformed into a streak of light, darting toward the fourth layer.
Buzz!
Suddenly, a radiant seven-colored light flared forth, spreading out like a massive net to engulf him. The Giant Axe Immortal crashed headlong into the seven-colored light, only to be bounced back, unable to enter the fourth layer.
"Phew..."
Seeing this, many immortals let out sighs of relief.
"It's the Seven Colors Glazed Shroud! With this immortal treasure in place, the Giant Axe Immortal can't escape."
"Just a fraction of a second later and we would have been in deep trouble."
"Thank goodness for this treasure, otherwise we might have..."
Lingering fear gripped their hearts. If they failed to bring the Giant Axe Immortal safely out of the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield, would Lu Changsheng let them off?
Yet in contrast to their relief, the Giant Axe Immortal felt not the slightest ease. He immediately unleashed the Eight Treasures Golden Light Shroud, wrapping it securely around himself. Watching the crowd of immortals close in, only despair filled his heart.
Previously, he had managed to escape time and again by relying on the shroud. But no matter how formidable it was, it had only been tested against one, two, or at most three immortals. What about now? There were not merely two or three, but twenty or thirty—a whole horde of immortals! Among them were several terrifying Great Immortals. Against such a lineup, how could he escape?
Although the entrance to the fourth layer lay right before his eyes, it was blocked by the Seven Colors Glazed Shroud like an impassable chasm. Despair welled within him. Was today the day he would die here?
He knew very well that in his current situation, even if he surrendered the secret of Eight Treasures Great Immortal, death was all but guaranteed. Keeping the secret close might at least offer a sliver of hope for survival.
While his thoughts raced, the immortals closed the distance and surrounded him. Just as the Giant Axe Immortal braced for their attack, the immortals suddenly cupped their hands in salute: "Greetings, Giant Axe Immortal."
"Eh?"
"What is the meaning of this...?"
The Giant Axe Immortal froze. Judging by their demeanor, they were actually being polite? But he was already trapped—why would they treat him with such courtesy? If they merely wanted to interrogate him for the secret of Eight Treasures Great Immortal, there was no need for polite manners. The immortals he had encountered previously had certainly shown no such civility; they had intended to capture him first, then interrogate him thoroughly. After all, immortals possessed plenty of secret methods to make someone talk.
"Giant Axe Immortal, you misunderstand. We are not here to capture you, but to escort you safely out of the Tianyuan Ancient Immortal Battlefield," one of the immortals spoke slowly.
The Giant Axe Immortal recognized him. Was that not Great Immortal Yuanling? A figure of immense renown and terrifying reputation, yet speaking to him with such deference? And what did he mean by escorting him safely? Were these immortals here to protect him? That sounded like sheer fantasy.
Seeing his disbelief, Great Immortal Yuanling had no choice but to continue, "Giant Axe Immortal, you have a close friend named Changsheng Immortal, Lu Changsheng. It was Changsheng Immortal who entrusted us with your safety, bidding us to escort you out of the battlefield. Right now, he is waiting for you outside."
Hearing the name "Lu Changsheng," the Giant Axe Immortal's heart jolted.
How could he not know Lu Changsheng? That was his only true friend in the Heaven Realm, someone with whom he had shared life-and-death trials. But now, these immortals had been tasked by Lu Changsheng to protect him? It sounded completely surreal.
And how had Lu Changsheng become known as "Changsheng Immortal"? Could it be that Lu Changsheng had attained immortality as well?
Questions flooded the Giant Axe Immortal's mind. Yet as long as he went outside and met Lu Changsheng, everything would become clear.
Thus, thoroughly bewildered, the Giant Axe Immortal was "escorted" out of the third layer by several dozen immortals.
Chapter 402