Chapter 225: Come at Me, All of You!

Mu Chunqiu naturally didn’t know the full picture regarding Lu Yan’s situation. Though he spoke words of reassurance, he was actually quite worried about Lu Yan’s Foundation Establishment Peak cultivation level.

Even if Taiyi Sect had someone like Moyezi—a worthless Golden Core cultivator—no one who made it to the True Disciple Selection was weak.

Based on Mu Chunqiu’s estimation, if Lu Yan had already advanced to the Golden Core Realm and awakened one of the legendary Heaven’s Might Divine Abilities, even if it hadn’t fully matured, the sheer pressure of its rank alone would’ve been enough to secure him a True Disciple position.

But Lu Yan was still only at Foundation Establishment Peak—a realm fundamentally inferior to Golden Core. Compared to the top-tier candidates, he was nearly an entire major realm behind.

Most importantly, without stepping into the Golden Core Realm, Lu Yan couldn’t manifest the Innate Divine Ability nurtured by his Dao Foundation, which meant he couldn’t unleash his true potential.

Even if he could now easily defeat someone like Moyezi, those mid- to late-stage Golden Core candidates likely possessed at least one top-tier Innate Divine Ability, or even an Earth Fiend Divine Ability.

If those were unleashed, Lu Yan’s solid foundation would mean little.

“With Lu Yan’s talent, and backed by the Four Seasons Lineage’s decade of resources, there’s no reason he shouldn’t have broken through to Golden Core.

So what exactly went wrong?”

Mu Chunqiu’s mind turned with suspicion. He even wondered if someone had been deliberately siphoning off their resources, seeing that the Four Seasons Lineage had no Divine Transformation Dao Lord to oversee it.

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that. The True Disciple Selection was right around the corner. Even if he gave Lu Yan more resources, there wouldn’t be time to refine them.

Thinking of this, Mu Chunqiu sighed internally.

“Since he hasn’t broken through, this trial will at least serve as experience. Some of the current True Disciples are nearing a hundred years old. The next selection might open in under a decade.

With Lu Yan’s aptitude, he’ll certainly reach Golden Core by then—maybe even mid- or late-stage. Claiming a True Disciple position then will be a breeze.”

Even though he had given up hope, Mu Chunqiu didn’t outright tell Lu Yan to forfeit this round. After all, this was the core agreement of their initial deal.

Besides, he was certain that Lu Yan—having advanced so far in just over three years—wouldn’t abandon any opportunity.

“You’ve returned just in time. The selection starts in less than two days. The main and branch lineages must’ve already gathered in Taiyi Grotto-Heaven.”

As he spoke, Mu Chunqiu waved his sleeve and a decree flew forth. The space before them began to collapse, revealing a spatial corridor.

“This is the Taiyi Soaring Immortal Token. It’s not the same as the void teleportation array.

The void array is unique to the thirteen main lineages and randomly sends you to one of the Spirit Mansions to begin cultivation, but the Soaring Immortal Token opens the official entrance. It can’t grant direct access to the Spirit Mansion domain.”

As he explained, the Grade Seven Lotus Platform rose from the spiritual pool. Mu Chunqiu stepped onto it with Lu Yan and He Dongsheng, entering the corridor.

Unlike the stable void teleportation arrays, this corridor was filled with raging spatial turbulence. Without protection from a Nascent Soul True Lord, anyone entering would be torn apart.

After a short flight, a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. The surrounding fragmented space gave way, revealing the outside world.

Clouds like waterfalls flowed through the grotto-heaven realm, resembling an immortal paradise. Countless spiritual energy falls cascaded from the nine heavens, interwoven like nets. Each stream glowed in seven colors, like rain descending from the heavens.

Hundreds of floating immortal islands hovered in the sea of clouds. Jade palaces stacked upon one another, mirroring the heavens.

Look closely and you’d find that every pavilion and corridor was formed from radiant cloud essence. Eaves and pillars were inscribed with ancient Dao patterns, exuding a mysterious rhythm. Towering spirit trees bore five-colored immortal fruits, giving off a sweet, fragrant aroma.

It was He Dongsheng’s first time witnessing this world. He was awestruck by the sight.

Even Lu Yan, who had cultivated in Taiyi Grotto-Heaven for five months, had mostly remained in the Sky Palace or Immortal Halls. He hadn’t seen the outer realm’s beauty—and found himself momentarily dazed.

While the two of them were lost in the scenery, a Nascent Soul True Lord riding a white deer descended before them.

“Junior Brother Mu! It’s been a long time.”

“I thought your lineage was too depleted to attend the selection this time. Looks like I misjudged.”

The one speaking was a peak Nascent Soul True Lord. As he greeted Mu Chunqiu, he studied Lu Yan and He Dongsheng behind him.

Noticing they were only at the Foundation Establishment stage, his smile deepened.

Mu Chunqiu clearly didn’t like this overly familiar elder. His tone turned cold.

“Do I need to report to you when the Four Seasons Lineage returns to Taiyi Grotto-Heaven?”

The other simply chuckled and showed no offense. He waved behind him, revealing two young cultivators.

A man and woman dressed in golden and silver robes—radiant like celestial youths.

What was more impressive was that the man was late-stage Golden Core, while the woman was mid-stage. The fact that they were allowed into Taiyi Grotto-Heaven at this age meant neither was over a hundred.

To possess such cultivation before a hundred years of age—this was true prodigy even within Taiyi Sect.

“These are my new disciples, Lin Lu and Lin He. Aren’t you going to greet Uncle-Master Mu?”

“Greetings, Uncle-Master Mu.”

The pair bowed respectfully, their manners impeccable.

Mu Chunqiu’s expression finally softened.

“No need for formalities.”

That said, he controlled the lotus platform and continued flying toward the Immortal Palaces ahead.

“Hold on, Junior Brother Mu.”

The elder True Lord blocked him again, smiling warmly. “I do have a small favor to ask. I hope you’ll hear me out.”

Mu Chunqiu scoffed. “I knew you were up to something—just like a weasel paying respects to a hen.”

The elder was unfazed and continued:

“You should still have two True Disciple recommendation slots. I was hoping—”

Before he could finish, Mu Chunqiu cut him off sharply, his expression darkening.

“Qin Zhongzheng! Are you mocking me? Recommendation slots for the True Disciple Selection are not something to be casually lent out!”

Qin Zhongzheng frowned, clearly displeased.

“Your Four Seasons Lineage is on the decline. Those two juniors are only Foundation Establishment—when will they ever make use of those slots?

My two disciples both have a real chance. Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if you let me use one of those spots?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Qin Zhongzheng’s expression changed dramatically.

A hundred-mile stretch of clouds above darkened as if the heavens themselves were enraged. A terrifying pressure descended upon the space, and all things around instinctively turned hostile toward him.

Qin Zhongzheng, a peak Nascent Soul cultivator, felt fear in the face of that wrath.

Behind him, his two Golden Core disciples—though not directly targeted—turned pale as their souls trembled under the pressure’s aftershock.

“Mu Chunqiu, I was only asking for a recommendation slot! Are you insane?”

Mu Chunqiu looked down coldly.

Though they were both peak Nascent Soul, Qin Zhongzheng had merely clawed his way there over a millennium of grinding through lifespan.

Mu Chunqiu, on the other hand, had one foot in the Divine Transformation Realm and the other on the path of Immortal Ascension. He was far beyond Qin Zhongzheng’s reach.

“You’re just an elder of the Taixuan Lineage, while I am the master of the Four Seasons Lineage.

Do you still think this is decades ago when you could rob us freely under the guise of the Taixuan Lineage’s power?”

The dark clouds in the sky began brewing thunder. Mu Chunqiu stepped forward, and a streak of violet lightning slashed across the sky, crashing toward Qin Zhongzheng.

That strike had already surpassed the Nascent Soul level and touched the laws of the Divine Transformation Realm.

Just as it was about to strike, a sigh echoed from the immortal island.

“Sigh…”

A hand materialized in the heavens. Its five fingers gently plucked at the air like strings, brushing away the thunderbolt as if it had never existed.

“Qin Zhongzheng was indeed out of line, but it was an unintentional offense. Is there any need for such anger, Nephew Mu?”

Mu Chunqiu looked up at the figure in the immortal island’s center—an awe-inspiring being fused with the heavens. His expression remained frosty.

“Uncle Ku, I only wanted certain people to correct their attitude.

Some folks remain stuck at the same realm for a thousand years, thinking they can still bully the weak through seniority.

They don’t realize the times have changed—they’re just relics of the past.”

“I am about to step into the Divine Transformation Realm and reclaim full authority over the Four Seasons Lineage. I won’t allow anyone to covet our resources.”

With that, Mu Chunqiu paid no mind to the Dao Lord who had intervened. He steered the lotus platform toward a central immortal island and entered its palace.

As he left, powerful gazes swept over the now-frozen Qin Zhongzheng. Many of them carried a hint of pity.

Soon, the atmosphere returned to silence.

Inside the immortal island, Mu Chunqiu activated defensive arrays, then relaxed his stern expression.

He turned to Lu Yan and gave a slight bow.

“My rashness may have affected your plans to compete for a True Disciple spot.”

Lu Yan had just regained his composure.

Witnessing Mu Chunqiu’s wrath change the weather for a hundred miles, conjure a Heaven’s Wrath thunderbolt, and then that Dao Lord casually erase it—it gave him a clearer sense of how terrifying top-tier cultivators in the Immortal Version were.

Even the aftershock of that heavenly wrath made Lu Yan feel utterly powerless.

Facing Mu Chunqiu was one thing, but even if he used the Human Emperor Banner against Qin Zhongzheng—the one who had been thoroughly suppressed—he’d still have no chance.

The pride he had developed after nurturing his Supreme Divine Ability Seed now began to fade a little.

As for Mu Chunqiu’s apology—Lu Yan didn’t mind in the slightest.

Mu Chunqiu was only apologizing because he feared he’d provoked the Taixuan Lineage and made Lu Yan face two new formidable opponents.

But just like Mu Chunqiu had dismissed Qin Zhongzheng, Lu Yan didn’t see those two Golden Core cultivators as threats at all.

“If the True Disciple position is to be competed for, these Golden Core cultivators were going to be my opponents sooner or later. No need for apologies, True Lord Mu.”

He paused, then added with a curious expression:

“Though I am a bit intrigued by this Taixuan Lineage. Could you enlighten me?”

He Dongsheng also perked up with interest.

Mu Chunqiu gave him an annoyed glance, then shook his head with a smile.

“It’s not a secret, so I don’t mind telling you.”

And so he began to explain the rise and fall of the Four Seasons Lineage—and how the Taixuan Lineage had once corralled it like cattle.

…

When the tale finished, even Lu Yan couldn’t help but be moved.

Mu Chunqiu had spoken lightly, but the reality was grim: the Taixuan Lineage had once kept the Four Seasons Lineage captive.

If not for his monstrous talent, Mu Chunqiu would have ended up like his master and grandmaster—living and dying in the shadow of Taixuan Mountain.

Years of oppression made it so Qin Zhongzheng still viewed Mu Chunqiu as a puppet, unaware that he had now become someone who could challenge a Dao Lord.

And with his status as a lineage master, even that Dao Lord could only persuade—he couldn’t act.

He Dongsheng, however, wasn’t so thoughtful. Upon hearing the history, he clenched his fists in fury.

“Despicable Taixuan Lineage! If I ever reach the Divine Transformation Realm, I’ll teach them a lesson myself!”

Mu Chunqiu nodded approvingly.

“No need to wait for you. They only have two Dao Lords. Once I step forward, I’ll settle this with them myself.

Let them have their last few arrogant days.”

At that moment, Lu Yan spoke up.

“No need to wait that long.”

Seeing their eyes turn to him, Lu Yan smiled confidently.

“If we’re talking about settling scores, let’s start with the True Disciple Selection.

Since Taixuan Lineage is so confident in their disciples, I’ll be the one to eliminate them first.”

…

Two days passed quickly.

The floating immortal islands began converging, slamming together with thunderous booms before merging into a single continent.

Lu Yan, Mu Chunqiu, and the others exited their cultivation chambers. The sky was already filled with powerful presences.

Other than the participants, even the weakest among those present were Nascent Soul True Lords from various branches.

At the very top of the sky, thirty-six massive stars replaced the usual celestial bodies and gazed down from the heavens.

These were the thirty-six True Disciples of Taiyi Sect!

Each star carried its own aura. The weakest among them emitted only peak Golden Core pressure, while the top ten shone like blazing suns—radiating power that even surpassed the Dao Lord Lu Yan had seen before.

At the very top of these thirty-six stars, there was only one empty straw cushion.

And yet, that unassuming cushion radiated power equal to the other nine blazing stars.

“Taiyi Sect’s First True Disciple…”

Lu Yan whispered.

In the last two days, Mu Chunqiu had told him many things—about the selection, the sect’s structure, and the thirty-six True Disciples.

Even Mu Chunqiu knew little about the First True Disciple’s origin.

All anyone knew was that centuries ago, this figure had appeared from nowhere and crushed the other True Disciples to seize first place.

Even the Taiyi Immortal acknowledged their strength and turned a blind eye to their rule-breaking ways. No one had dared challenge them in centuries.

Just then, a Divine Transformation Dao Lord appeared in the sky—it was Dao Lord Ku, the one who had stopped Mu Chunqiu two days ago.

Because he hadn’t earned a True Disciple spot in his youth, even after becoming a Dao Lord, he wasn’t ranked among the thirty-six.

He was the host of today’s event.

“The True Disciple Selection begins. According to sect rules, the trial shall be held in the Lifeless Forbidden Grounds…”

But before he could finish, a majestic voice rang out like a bell:

“By decree of the First True Disciple, the Lifeless Trial is canceled.

This year’s trial will be held in the Cangmang Mountain Range, within Taiyi Grotto-Heaven. Duration: one month.

The final four survivors… shall become Taiyi Sect’s new True Disciples!”

Uproar.

This had never happened in the sect’s history—changing the trial meant altering an ancient ceremony that had lasted for tens of thousands of years!

Dao Lord Ku looked conflicted, wanting to speak.

But then, from the tenth-ranked star, a black chess piece fell.

The moment it dropped, it transformed into a massive formation, encapsulating the entire island.

Everyone under a hundred years of age was instantly teleported into the vast Cangmang Mountains.

Then the voice echoed again:

“I don’t care about your petty grudges. This trial is conducted under the First True Disciple’s decree.

Anyone who defies it… shall be struck down by Heaven!”

Mu Chunqiu let out a breath.

He had feared the Taixuan Lineage might scheme against Lu Yan after losing face.

But with the First True Disciple setting the rules and the other True Disciples overseeing the trial, he was reassured.

“If Lu Yan’s right, his odds of becoming a True Disciple aren’t low.”

Just as he spoke, he noticed something.

Lu Yan was gone.

Though the Four Seasons Lineage still had two recommendation slots, the tenth-ranked True Disciple’s formation targeted everyone under a hundred—including He Dongsheng.

“Now this is troublesome…”

…

Meanwhile, in the depths of the Cangmang Mountains, Lu Yan frowned.

The extended trial duration was terrible news. He had already spent five months in the grotto-heaven, plus days en route. He had less than a month left before the next version update.

Unless he used his final authority to set the update time—a trump card he refused to burn—he had only one option:

“Eliminate the rest before the update begins. Reduce the trial count to four.”

But the mountains spanned a thousand miles, and the Dao laws limited his Divine Soul’s reach to barely ten.

Finding several dozen moving Golden Core cultivators in such vast terrain would be difficult.

After a moment’s thought, Lu Yan made a decision.

“If I can’t find them easily—then I’ll make them come to me.”

He soared into the sky and scanned the endless mountain range.

Forming a hand seal, he activated a Tier-One High-Grade Thunder Voice Spell.

But with the blessing of his Supreme Divine Ability Seed, the low-grade technique shed its mortal shell.

The sky darkened. Thunder rumbled across the clouds. Heavenly lightning rippled outward, and a deafening roar echoed across the land.

“I want that True Disciple position.”

“Come at me—all of you!”
(End of Chapter)