Chapter 573: Stars Shine Bright (Combined Chapter, Requesting Monthly Votes!)

"Yu Kingdom's Southern Marquis Yuan Yuan Dingting, entered the Dao at two cycles, became a Celestial at two hundred years, possessed extraordinary martial prowess and glorious battlefield achievements, remembered by posterity."

Li Rui gazed at the imperial edict.

The news of Yuan Yuan Dingting's breakthrough had already reached the Yu Kingdom.

As for this.

His Majesty was overjoyed.

His joy even surpassed that when Gao Tianxia broke through.

Nothing else.

Gao Tianxia's relationship with the Yu Kingdom court was that of an ally; the two sides had almost no personal ties, bound only by shared goals.

But Yuan Yuan Dingting was different.

Since coming of age, he had spent his life in the Yu Kingdom military, rose to the rank of Marquis, married and fathered children—his wife, Lady Cui, hailed from a major Yu Kingdom clan.

These were all bonds.

Not to mention, Yuan Yuan Dingting had always enjoyed an excellent personal relationship with His Majesty.

One could say Yuan Yuan Dingting was truly the Yu Kingdom's first Celestial.

For this reason.

His Majesty even broke precedent and declared a three-day national celebration.

Yuan Yuan Dingting was granted the title of the Yu Kingdom's first non-imperial prince since its founding—the Prince of Qi.

He became immensely illustrious.

Not merely second to the emperor, above all others.

His status rivaled His Majesty's, perhaps even surpassed it slightly.

This was absolute power.

"Our Prince of Qi is truly extraordinary—they say he was ambushed by a Celestial, nearly killed, but in the brink of death he gained great fortune and broke through to become a Celestial."

Ning Ning Zhongtian spoke excitedly, recounting the rumors he'd heard.

Tan Hu, Ge Hong, and the others listened with rapt attention.

This was far more interesting than the old tales told by storytellers.

Li Rui had already heard it too.

Such breakthroughs in the face of death were common among martial cultivators.

Their path was one of embracing death to attain life.

For other cultivators, they'd likely already have passed their seventh-day memorial.

Of course.

Not every Dao Body cultivator could achieve this.

First, Yuan Yuan Dingting's foundation was solid.

Even Li Rui's master, Gao Tianxia, had once said that if judged purely by innate talent, Yuan Yuan Dingting was the undisputed number one of the Small Cave Heaven.

He began martial training at eighteen, reached Celestial at two hundred, cultivated for three cycles—this was already among the most exceptional in the cultivation world, yet still within reason.

Li Rui entered the Dao at one cycle—that was truly unmatched.

A newly arrived Dao Body martial cultivator would simply be killed outright, never break through, no accidents possible.

Second, luck.

The Jiazi Purification was ideal for martial cultivators to break through.

This war lasted five full years, granting Yuan Yuan Dingting ample Dao momentum, and he was pushed to the brink—only then could he break through in one decisive surge.

Of course.

Even Yuan Yuan Dingting faced a near-certain death.

One could only say he was lucky.

But who among those who attain the Great Dao ever lacked the convergence of heaven's timing, earth's advantage, and human harmony?

Yuan Yuan Dingting broke through.

Li Rui was deeply delighted.

Now he had two Celestials as backing.

Much more secure!

But as for the method of his breakthrough, he felt no envy—he preferred steady, risk-free cultivation over sudden enlightenment in the face of death.

"Damn it, how did he break through?"

In a cave dwelling within the Shenxuan Palace.

Bai Bai Renfeng, upon hearing the news, was in low spirits, his face dark.

Yuan Yuan Dingting's breakthrough.

This was no good news for him.

He remembered that night he had tricked the cultivators of Huofeng City—among those who suffered the greatest losses were the Yu Kingdom cultivators.

After all, most Yu Kingdom cultivators had been stationed in Huofeng City and participated in the Black Wind Island battle.

He heard Yuan Yuan Dingting had an adopted son who died on Black Wind Island.

In the past.

Bai Bai Renfeng would not have cared.

After all, Yuan Yuan Dingting, like himself, was a Dao Body cultivator from the Small Cave Heaven—he had never taken him seriously.

But now Yuan Yuan Dingting had become a Celestial.

That changed everything.

He now posed a threat.

If Yuan Yuan Dingting bore resentment, being targeted by a Celestial would be unbearable.

Bai Bai Renfeng had never imagined.

That his actions that day would, years later, summon great karmic retribution.

"Enough."

Bai Bai Renfeng stilled his thoughts.

He stopped dwelling on it.

This Jiazi Purification had granted him immense gains; the Sevenfold Demonic Liberation was nearly perfected—this was why he returned to Shenxuan Sect, determined to close himself in seclusion to break through.

Within Shenxuan Sect.

Even a Celestial could not harm him in the slightest.

Once he too broke through.

Then both would be Celestials—he, a true heir of Shenxuan Sect, had no reason to fear a cultivator from the Small Cave Heaven.

'So what if he became a Celestial?'

He sat cross-legged.

Began breathing and cultivating, preparing thoroughly for his Celestial breakthrough.

One month later.

The grand war between orthodox and demonic forces suddenly came to an abrupt halt.

It was said this was the result of deliberations among several Dao Lords.

"This Jiazi Purification, the Yu Kingdom truly stole the spotlight—with figures like Lord Gao, Elder Yuan, and Daoist Mount Changqing—it was truly a constellation of stars shining bright."

Tan Yu spoke with great excitement.

Though he had returned to Shenxiao City, he had never relinquished his position as Deputy Director of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

He felt honored!

Primarily because the Yu Kingdom's destiny had surged dramatically, and as a part-time deputy director, he had received a share of that destiny.

It greatly benefited his cultivation.

Li Rui sighed: "Tan Daoist, I'm merely a small Purple Mansion cultivator—how could I be mentioned alongside Prince Yuan and the others?"

"No, no."

"Daoist Mount Changqing can now withstand a Dao Body strike—when you later attain the Dao through sheer power, you will surely become renowned throughout Taihuazhou."

Tan Yu praised Li Rui endlessly.

Li Rui blinked.

He certainly wouldn't tell Tan Yu.

He was already a Dao Body cultivator, and his Dao foundation had already reached thirty zhang in height.

Tan Yu spoke more.

After a full hour, he suddenly remembered: "By the way, Daoist Mount Changqing, weren't you just about to leave?"

He recalled that when he entered, Li Rui had seemed ready to step out.

Li Rui chuckled:

"I received a jade token from Baohua Pavilion—I was thinking of traveling to Taihuazhou."

Upon hearing this,

Tan Yu felt envy, then added: "Daoist Mount Changqing, I'm also heading to Taihuazhou—I know the region better, and I know the Purple Su Immortal of Baohua Pavilion. Why not travel together?"

Then, realizing he had been abrupt, he added:

"If Daoist Mount Changqing finds it inconvenient, it's no matter."

Li Rui laughed heartily: "I was just worrying about not having a guide—then I'll accept your kindness. Thank you, Tan Dao You."

Seeing this.

Tan Yu was even happier.

He wasn't merely passing by—he saw Li Rui's potential and wanted to cultivate ties while Li Rui was still unestablished, hoping one day to connect with a great cultivator.

A rare opportunity.

He couldn't help but admire Li Rui's shrewdness in dealings; being with him was extremely comfortable.

Immediately.

Tan Yu summoned his flying magic treasure and flew with Li Rui toward Taihuazhou.

Baohua Pavilion stood on a vast plain in the eastern part of Taihuazhou.

The land was fertile and rich.

Clearly an excellent sacred site. Tan Yu flew Li Rui tens of thousands of miles before finally spotting a massive, majestic city on the plain.

"You may not know, Mount Changqing Dao You, that Baohua Pavilion was originally just a single pavilion—but as its reputation grew and more cultivators gathered, it expanded to its current scale."

"This place actually belongs to the Gulan Immortal Dynasty, a top-tier immortal dynasty, guarded by a Dao Jun ancestor."

Tan Yu spoke fluently.

Li Rui was happy to listen.

After all, his knowledge of the immortal world came mostly from ancient texts and Wu De's accounts, which still differed from reality.

Not long after.

The two arrived beneath the city's massive gate.

Guards stood at the gate.

But Tan Yu said these were sent by the Gulan Immortal Dynasty to maintain order—they did not check identities.

Anyone could enter.

Tan Yu had been here many times and knew the city's rules well.

The two entered the city smoothly.

Extremely prosperous.

Eighty percent of this city consisted of shops, selling not ordinary mortal goods but cultivator tools: flying swords, magic artifacts, spirit herbs, and spirit pills—so numerous and dazzling they left one breathless.

'No wonder it's called an Immortal Market.'

Li Rui gazed in wonder.

Such a scene was unimaginable in the Jin Ting Small Cave Heaven.

"Mount Changqing Dao You, this city is one of the two largest Immortal Markets in Taihuazhou—even housing Dao Jun weapons, though such divine artifacts are beyond our sight."

"Baohua Pavilion is right over there."

Following Tan Yu's pointing finger.

Li Rui indeed saw a vast wooden building, three stories tall.

"Besides Baohua Pavilion, you can sometimes find good treasures here—there's even a group of people who specialize in hunting for bargains in the Immortal Market. I've heard many have amassed considerable fortunes."

Li Rui fell silent.

This was just like the middlemen of Yu State.

Indeed, no matter where you go, having a skill always brings prosperity.

Tan Yu merely spoke—he didn't slow his pace.

He knew well: Li Rui already held Baohua Pavilion's jade token; he wouldn't waste time wandering the Immortal Market.

If it were him, he wouldn't either.

He quickened his steps.

In less than half an hour, the two arrived before Baohua Pavilion.

Li Rui stared at the gems embedded in the wooden building's walls.

'Dao Stones!'

Feeling their aura, he was startled.

'What an extravagant display!'

Each Dao Stone required considerable effort from a Purple Mansion cultivator to condense.

Like the Water Dao Stone Tan Yu had once formed—it took considerable effort.

Even though the immortal world was rich in Dao energy, making Dao Stones easier to nurture,

this entire wall held at least ten thousand.

Extravagant!

Li Rui couldn't help but marvel at Baohua Pavilion's immense wealth.

Tan Yu laughed: "To be honest, Mount Changqing Dao You, I was shocked too when I first came—but don't let greed take root. Baohua Pavilion executes many who harbor ill intentions every year."

"Of course not."

Li Rui laughed as well.

The two stepped into Baohua Pavilion.

First came the front courtyard—a vast space capable of holding ten thousand cultivators, surrounded by countless magic treasures like stars filling the sky, too many to count.

Of course,

every one of these treasures bore restrictions—if anyone tried to steal,

they wouldn't merely be expelled by Baohua Pavilion.

Having their cultivation base stripped away would be the least of it.

Most cultivators in the front courtyard were below Purple Mansion.

The two didn't linger long.

Tan Yu hadn't lied—he truly knew someone at Baohua Pavilion.

After speaking a word to one of Baohua Pavilion's disciples,

less than an incense stick's time passed,

a woman in purple robes, graceful and elegant, with gentle eyes like a ripe peach, glided forward to meet Tan Yu and Li Rui.

"Tan Dao You, again we meet. This is..."

Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi's gaze shifted to Li Rui.

Tan Yu laughed and introduced: "This is Mount Changqing Dao You from Shenxiao City."

Upon hearing "Mount Changqing,"

Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi showed slight surprise.

'Li Rui, Li Mount Changqing!'

As one of Baohua Pavilion's chief managers, she needed not only sharp social instincts but also up-to-date information.

She had already heard of this Mount Changqing Daoist's dazzling performance in the True-Demon Great War.

Moreover, Baohua Pavilion had granted its jade token to this very man.

Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi's smile deepened, her beauty intensifying: "So you're Mount Changqing Dao You —I've long admired your name."

"Huofeng Xianzi, don't flatter me."

Li Rui waved his hand with a smile.

Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi blinked, studying him subtly.

'According to intelligence, this Li Mount Changqing is only two hundred years old—why does he look so aged?'

Though puzzled,

she still led Li Rui and Tan Yu courteously into a private chamber.

Compared to the front courtyard, this place was far more secluded.

Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi smiled sweetly and asked: "What kind of magic treasure are you seeking today, Mount Changqing Dao You?"

As she spoke,

she drew from her sleeve a sheet of golden paper, densely covered in tiny script.

A beam of golden light shot into Li Rui's third eye.

Li Rui had anticipated this and made no resistance.

This golden paper was a special Baohua Pavilion artifact, capable of directly imprinting information into one's spiritual sense, eliminating the need to flip through books—far more convenient than written records.

In merely three breaths,

Li Rui absorbed all the information.

When he opened his eyes again,

he saw Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi gazing at him with a warm, smiling gaze: "Mount Changqing Dao You, have you found anything you like?"

Li Rui paused thoughtfully:

"Could Huofeng Xianzi take me to see the Nine-Star Luminous Tower?"

Hearing Li Rui request the Nine-Star Luminous Tower, Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi's eyes flickered with surprise.

She knew Li Rui held a jade token, allowing him to purchase items one realm higher.

But she hadn't expected

him to choose the Nine-Star Luminous Tower.

The Nine-Star Luminous Tower wasn't merely a sought-after artifact combining offense and defense—it was especially rare for its ability to weaken heavenly tribulations during Tribulation Crossing, making it coveted by many cultivators.

The auction will take place in seven days.

If Li Rui were a Dao Body realm cultivator, it would be fine, but he is merely a Purple Mansion realm cultivator, and one from a Minor Sky Realm at that.

Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi nearly said outright that you cannot afford it.

She naturally would not offend someone without cause: "Brother Mount Changqing, this Nine-Star Luminous Pagoda has drawn the attention of many Dao Body elders; the auction will be held in seven days, and the price is likely to be—"

"Even if reduced by thirty percent, I still couldn't afford it."

Of course, she did not voice the rest.

Li Rui was no fool—he understood Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi's meaning immediately.

He insisted: "Huofeng Xianzi, rest assured, I'm merely going to try my luck. If I obtain it, it is my fortune; if not, I'll consider this jade token an opportunity to broaden my horizons."

Seeing Li Rui's determination,

Zi Su Huofeng Xianzi said no more.

After agreeing to attend the auction in seven days, Li Rui and Tan Yu left Baohua Pavilion.

The image of the Nine-Star Luminous Pagoda reappeared in his mind.

His heart stirred with turmoil.

"This isn't the Nine-Star Luminous Pagoda at all—it's clearly the Dao Lord's artifact: the Zhuxian Pagoda!"

(End of Chapter)