Chapter 272: Nirvana Transformation, Golden Core Falls, Heading to Profound Moon City

"Ah, I forgot something."

Xu Deling suddenly remembered something. "That disciple named Zhu Rong still owes me my gambling winnings."

"What gambling winnings?" Yan Longzi asked curiously.

"A Three-Pattern Dharma Tool, the Heavenly King Spear, five portions of Tier 3 materials, and thirteen portions of peak Tier 2 materials."

Hearing this, Yan Longzi burst into laughter. "And here I thought it was something important!"

"Now that you are my senior brother's disciple, would you still lack such things?"

"I won these with my own hands. How could the meaning be the same?"

"That does make sense. I will send a voice transmission to have him deliver it. You just need to go outside the grand array to pick it up in a moment. Here is the token to enter and exit this place."

"Thank you, Martial Uncle Yan Longzi," Xu Deling smiled radiantly.

Xu Deling nodded. "Answering Honored Master, I am cultivating a divine ability called the Fire Emperor's True Pupil. I have comprehended about sixty or seventy percent of it, but the final few steps are proving too slow to grasp."

"What? You've already reached such a level?!" Yan Longzi exclaimed in astonishment. "Martial Niece Xu, you must have taken a Youth-Retaining Pill. How old are you this year?"

"I am seventy-one this year."

Hearing this, Yan Longzi looked at Zhen Yangzi and sighed. "Senior Brother, I am starting to regret this. I shouldn't have given up so easily."

"Her comprehension speed is no slower than mine was back in the day, and she is studying a Pupil Technique, which is far more difficult."

"Back when I was in my seventies and eighties, I had just barely comprehended sixty percent of my divine ability's power. With your current level, if you were placed in the Prodigy Grand Assembly, you could very well secure a spot in the top ten."

"The top ten?"

"Do not underestimate the prodigies of the major factions in Heavenly South. Especially those prodigies nurtured with the full power of peak sects. There will always be at least one or two who have comprehended a divine ability to your level.

Occasionally, there are even monstrous geniuses who reach ninety percent, or those who are ready for Core Formation at any moment.

Of course, such figures typically only appear once every few generations."

Xu Deling thought of Xu Chuan. 'Grandfather must be that kind of monstrous genius. What a pity he is too cautious. He would never risk exposing himself just for a mere Golden Core Formation Opportunity.'

"Martial Niece Xu, since that is the case, you are perfectly qualified to represent our Heavenly Foundry Sect at this Prodigy Grand Assembly."

Xu Deling pondered for a moment before nodding with a soft sigh. "That is fine. My trip to the Heavenly Foundry Sect with Honored Master Fire Cloud was not only to resolve his century-old obsession but also for the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool.

I wanted to see if the baptism of the blood pool could help my divine ability comprehension advance a step further."

"So that is how it is," Zhen Yangzi smiled and nodded. "However, while the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool is miraculous, it does not possess the effect of aiding in the comprehension of divine abilities."

"Honored Master, it is not meant to be a direct aid, but rather to induce a transformation within me. I was born with the Crimson Eagle Spiritual Eye, which is why Honored Master Fire Cloud helped me choose the Fire Emperor's True Pupil divine ability.

I heard the blood pool contains the essence blood of an Ancient Spirit Fowl that possesses the Flame Phoenix bloodline."

"To think you were born with Spirit Eyes," Yan Longzi said with a faint smile. "I have never heard of the Crimson Eagle Spiritual Eye, but your talent is indeed remarkable. It makes even your martial uncle quite envious."

"If your eyes can be cleansed by the Flame Phoenix essence blood, there is indeed a chance for your Spirit Eyes to undergo a transformation. However, the probability is far too small. It will depend entirely on your own providence."

Zhen Yangzi added, "I will naturally arrange the matter of the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool for you. For now, quietly cultivate here for a period. Later, you can carve out another grotto-residence on this peak to live in."

"Thank you, Honored Master."

A short while later.

Zhu Rong arrived, and Xu Deling stepped outside to collect her spoils of war.

Seeing her considerable interest in Three-Pattern Dharma Tools, Zhen Yangzi taught her a method for refining them.

Xu Deling immediately began to study it.

Half a month later, she attempted to forge a Three-Pattern Dharma Tool, the Six Flames Fan. The three artifact patterns on this fan represented Fire, Flame, and Blaze.

It represented the absolute pinnacle of offensive power for a fire-elemental Dharma Tool.

She successfully refined it in just a day or two.

Zhen Yangzi was extremely pleased and taught her several more types of Three-Pattern Dharma Tools.

Xu Deling's comprehension was incredibly fast.

In the blink of an eye, the day of the apprenticeship ceremony arrived.

This was dozens of times more lively than the apprenticeship ceremony at Fire Cloud Valley.

Foundation Establishment cultivators were not even qualified to sit at the main tables.

The guests being entertained were numerous Golden Core cultivators, and even several Nascent Soul ancestors.

Many factions tried to inquire about Xu Deling's background but learned very little. They only found out that she had traveled here alongside another Golden Core master.

In their eyes, this Foundation Establishment junior had ascended to the heavens in a single bound!

They also guessed that she must possess extraordinary talent in the Dao of Artifacts to be taken in as a personal disciple by Zhen Yangzi, the number one person in artifact refining.

Shortly after, Zhen Yangzi publicly displayed the Heaven-Overturning Seal that Xu Deling had forged.

This made everything clear to everyone present.

Forging a Magic Treasure at the Foundation Establishment stage was indeed qualified enough for a Nascent Soul cultivator to take her as a disciple.

Her future would, at the very least, be that of an artifact refining grandmaster on the same level as Zhen Yangzi.

If this were the Xu Family, Xu Chuan would never dare to show off like this. But in the Heavenly Foundry Sect, Zhen Yangzi had the power to protect Xu Deling.

Right as this apprenticeship ceremony was taking place, far away in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, Xu Chuan felt a sudden sensation in his heart.

With a thought, he brought out the Clan Genealogy. He saw the Xu Family's providence skyrocketing.

"What is this?" Xu Chuan frowned slightly.

With his current level of divination, it was naturally impossible to calculate the exact details, but he could make a few educated guesses.

"Is it from Dongxi? Or is it Deling?"

"Regardless of the reason, it must be a good thing. The surge in the clan's providence has granted me quite a bit of enlightenment regarding creating my own divine ability."

The corners of Xu Chuan's lips curled up slightly as he closed his eyes again to continue comprehending the methods of his divine ability.

Xu Deyue, Xu Mingxian, and Ye Fan were also steadily cultivating and improving.

Seven or eight days later.

Heavenly Foundry Sect.

Xu Deling and eight other disciples entered the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool.

The Flame Phoenix Blood Pool was located hundreds of meters underground somewhere within the sect.

After being discovered by the Mid-Revival Ancestor, it was sealed off with a grand array to gather spiritual energy. A rule was set that it could only be entered once every sixty years to extend the blood pool's usage lifespan.

The Flame Phoenix Blood Pool was merely a hundred meters across. Its water was entirely crimson, hence the name blood pool, but if one scooped it up in their palms, they would find the water was actually completely clear.

It was best to soak in the blood pool naked. Thus, men and women were separated, and they all entered the pool wearing only their undergarments.

Aside from Xu Deling, there was only one other female cultivator soaking in the blood pool this time.

This clearly showed how severe the imbalance in the ratio of male to female geniuses was in the Heavenly Foundry Sect.

That female cultivator only practiced spell techniques and did not study the Dao of Artifacts, whereas six of the male cultivators practiced artifact refinement alongside their main cultivation.

Although the Heavenly Foundry Sect was renowned as a grand sect of artifact refining, it was impossible for them to only accept disciples skilled in crafting. In the cultivation world, strength was supreme. Without absolute power, the Heavenly Foundry Sect would never possess its current prestige.

After Xu Deling entered the pool, she completely submerged her body into the water. In passing, she also secretly slipped the demonic fowl egg she had acquired earlier into the blood pool.

After all, she planned to form a contract with this demonic fowl in the future. She figured that since they were both avian spirit beasts, perhaps the egg could gain some benefits as well.

Sitting cross-legged in meditation, she silently circulated the cultivation method for the Fire Emperor's True Pupil.

Faint golden streams of light lit up in her eyes.

Soaking in the blood pool, an ordinary person would begin to feel physical discomfort after six or seven days and gradually find it unbearable. The Heavenly Foundry Sect disciple who held out the longest in history lasted for a single month.

Therefore, the blood pool was generally open for anywhere between seven days to a little over a month.

In the blink of an eye, more than ten days passed.

People began getting up and leaving as they could no longer endure the strain.

Another three days went by.

Suddenly, within a corpse resting at the bottom of the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool, an extremely faint wisp of residual consciousness awakened.

"An individual with great fortune."

This residual consciousness quickly locked onto Xu Deling.

It silently slipped into Xu Deling's sea of consciousness.

'No, this person's fate frame seems to have been forcibly altered. Which great divine ability user set up a layout on her?!'

The residual consciousness originally just wanted to curiously observe Xu Deling, but upon seeing this, different thoughts arose in its mind.

'Forget it, I'll place my bet on you!'

With a thought, countless streams of crimson-gold light flowed from the remains deep at the bottom of the pool, finally condensing into two drops of pale golden, amber-like blood.

One drop shot straight out, sinking into the center of Xu Deling's brow.

The other drop, along with its residual consciousness, entered the demonic fowl egg.

A short moment later.

The eggshell cracked open. A young, four-winged spirit bird fluttered its wings and emerged, letting out a sharp cry.

Its shape resembled a crane, and its feathers displayed a gradient of golden-red colors.

Both of its eyes possessed double pupils that were amber-colored and clear as glazed glass. Atop its head grew a small tuft of vermilion crest feathers, standing upright like blazing flames.

Its beak was jade-colored, pointed but not overly sharp, yet it radiated an awe-inspiring aura.

The young four-winged spirit bird flew onto Xu Deling's hand and pecked her fingertip. A drop of blood flew out and sank into the center of the young bird's brow.

A flash of bloody light shone, and an equal spiritual contract was established between the human and the bird.

At this moment, Xu Deling seemed trapped in a nightmare, her face twisted in pain.

But suddenly, a sharp cry echoed in her mind. Like sunlight dispersing a heavy gloom, it pulled her out of the nightmare.

Then, a voice sounded out. "Little friend, your aptitude is ordinary. I have bestowed upon you a drop of Flame Phoenix essence blood, but your body cannot normally contain it.

Only by executing this Nirvana Secret Art can it be perfectly integrated into your bloodline."

Xu Deling was well aware of the changes in her body. She felt as if her own blood was about to burst into flames.

"Who are you, Senior?" Xu Deling asked vigilantly. "Could you be the Ancient Spirit Fowl that fell here? You bestowed this opportunity upon me for no reason. Do you have a task for me?"

"Truly intelligent. However, I have already fallen. I am merely a residual consciousness dragging out a desperate, last-ditch struggle. What could you possibly do to help me?"

"I simply felt an affinity with you, that is all. Quickly execute the secret art. Otherwise, it will not be long before your blood burns to ash and you die."

The text of the Nirvana Secret Art appeared in Xu Deling's sea of consciousness. She did not even need to comprehend it; it felt as though she could execute it instinctively.

The pain wracking her body grew increasingly severe.

Under this life-and-death crisis, she could not afford to hesitate. She instantly executed the Nirvana Secret Art.

Pale golden flames engulfed her entire body, and the young bird beside her also began its own nirvana process.

The entire blood pool began to boil.

This unforeseen event affected the others as well. Shocked, they scrambled out of the blood pool one by one.

Zhu Rong swept his gaze around but did not see Xu Deling's figure. He immediately said, "Martial Uncle Deling isn't here? Could she still be in the blood pool?"

By this time, the blood pool was thoroughly boiling, its temperature frighteningly high.

"Senior Brother Zhu, don't be rash! It's better if we report this immediately. Maybe there's still time to save Martial Uncle Deling!"

In just a moment.

Several Golden Core cultivators rushed over.

Zhen Yangzi and Yan Longzi, having received the urgent message, arrived as well.

"What is going on?" Yan Longzi demanded.

Zhu Rong cupped his hands. "Grand Elder, we don't know either. The water in the blood pool suddenly began to boil, and Little Martial Uncle is still inside."

The pool's water isolated divine sense. Even a Nascent Soul's divine sense was useless here.

Yan Longzi said, "Senior Brother, my physique is special. I do not fear high temperatures or scorching heat. I will go down and take a look."

"Be careful, Junior Brother. This incident might be related to that Ancient Spirit Fowl."

"I understand, Senior Brother."

Not long after descending, Yan Longzi discovered Xu Deling being burned by pale golden flames.

"These are the Phoenix clan's Nirvana Flames?!"

Yan Longzi stared at the scene and muttered, "Could my little martial niece truly be an individual with great fortune? She just arrived at the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool and was already gifted an opportunity?

Tsk, tsk. A drop of Flame Phoenix essence blood is of immeasurable value.

If she successfully undergoes nirvana this time, her aptitude will likely be no inferior to the vast majority of those with Heavenly Spiritual Root potential, and she will even possess the Flame Phoenix bloodline.

Talent in the Dao of Artifacts, immense comprehension... and now, her weakest link is about to be mended.

Senior Brother was willing to yield to a Foundation Establishment disciple just to take her under his wing.

It seems he really won that bet.

This disciple might actually bring the Heavenly Foundry Sect back to its absolute peak in the future!"

Yan Longzi did not disturb her. After a single glance, he left the blood pool.

"It is fine. Xu Deling has encountered her own providence. The soaking session in the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool ends here for this time. Everyone else, take your leave."

The Foundation Establishment disciples and several Golden Core Perfected Persons exchanged confused glances before cupping their hands. "We obey the Grand Elder's command."

In the blink of an eye.

Only Yan Longzi and Zhen Yangzi remained in the area.

"That girl Deling's luck is truly quite good. That Ancient Spirit Fowl chose her, gifting her its essence blood to help her undergo a nirvana transformation.

From now on, I'm afraid the effects of the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool will be significantly weakened."

Yan Longzi paused for a moment before continuing, "However, I used to think it was searching for a suitable vessel to attempt Possession. Was I wrong all along?"

"The peak cultivation of this Ancient Spirit Fowl should have been the Body Integration stage. In ancient times, it stepped into the ranks of great divine ability users. Having lived through such a long passage of time, how could we possibly guess its true thoughts?"

Zhen Yangzi said evenly, "Junior Brother, I will stand guard here. If you are bored, you may return to the mountain."

"Little Deling and I hit it off quite well. I wouldn't want to miss the moment she completes her transformation. Senior Brother, don't think you can drive me away so you can secretly bond with your young disciple.

Besides, after this transformation, her body will definitely contain the Flame Phoenix bloodline. Her situation will be very similar to mine. It's only fitting that I teach her cultivation methods, arcane arts, and divine abilities.

Senior Brother, you can just stick to teaching her knowledge related to the Dao of Artifacts."

Seeing Xu Deling's transformation, Yan Longzi couldn't help but fight for the right to instruct her.

"From now on, Senior Brother, you can be her First Master. Your junior brother will take a bit of a loss and reluctantly be her Second Master. After all, one must have a proper title to give instruction, right?"

Hearing this, Zhen Yangzi shook his head and chuckled. "If you can convince Deling, I have no objections."

"Then it's a deal!"

More than ten days later.

The Flame Phoenix Blood Pool suddenly experienced unusual activity.

The dark crimson water roiled wildly, abruptly surging into a massive wave of blood several meters high. Sparks of fire danced on the crest of the wave, illuminating the surrounding rock walls in a fiery red glow.

Before the bloody wave could disperse, a figure shot out from the pool. It was exactly the one who had successfully undergone nirvana, Xu Deling.

Pale golden flames wreathed her entire body, and her eyes were as bright and clear as twin torches.

At this moment, spiritual light gathered above the blood pool. A flaming Flame Phoenix with a wingspan of roughly three meters materialized out of thin air. Its feathers burned like fire, its eyes held supreme majesty, and it hovered right above her head.

A short while later, the flaming Flame Phoenix let out a clear, resounding cry. After circling a few times, it plunged directly into Xu Deling's body.

The flames around her abruptly flared, and her aura climbed steadily.

The next moment.

Another wave surged in the blood pool, and a four-winged crimson-gold spirit fowl shot out.

The spirit bird stood about a meter and a half tall. Its feathers looked as if they were cast from solid crimson gold. As it flapped its four wings, golden radiance scattered everywhere, and it too let out a long cry.

Yan Longzi and Zhen Yangzi stared at the four-winged spirit fowl for a moment, deep in thought.

Xu Deling opened her eyes. They had already transformed into crimson-gold phoenix eyes. If she were to gaze at someone, it would make them feel a faint phoenix pressure descending upon them.

"Honored Master, Martial Uncle Yan Longzi, why are you two here?"

She glanced down at herself, realizing she was only wearing her undergarments.

With a wave of her hand, she summoned her Storage Pouch, Spirit Beast Pouch, and other belongings from the ground. Then, with a flash of crimson light, she fully dressed herself and landed on the floor.

The four-winged spirit fowl shrunk down to the size of a palm and perched obediently on her shoulder.

"You certainly have good luck, little girl. You've obtained the greatest opportunity within the Flame Phoenix Blood Pool."

Saying so, Yan Longzi explained the entire sequence of events.

Xu Deling scratched her head. "I was incredibly confused about this whole matter as well. That senior suddenly bestowed this opportunity upon me and directly forced the essence blood into my body.

At the time, my blood felt like it was on fire, as if raging flames were burning me from the inside. My life was hanging by a thread, so I had no choice but to listen to its instructions and undergo nirvana."

"At any rate, the result is good. Even this spirit beast of yours received some benefits. It now possesses a trace of the Phoenix clan's bloodline. It won't be long before it steps into the early stage of Tier 2."

Xu Deling turned her head to look at the little red bird on her shoulder. She could sense a distinct mental connection between them.

'When did we sign a contract?'

Xu Deling couldn't figure it out, so she decided not to dwell on it.

"Let's go. We'll return to the back mountain first."

The three of them departed immediately.

Along the way, Yan Longzi proposed the idea of her having a First Master and a Second Master.

Xu Deling looked toward Zhen Yangzi, but he simply told her to decide for herself.

She could feel the overwhelming strength of her current bloodline. She was brimming with power, but this power was not easy to control.

Furthermore, she had no way to conceal her mutated phoenix eyes.

Anyone above the Golden Core stage would be fine if they met her gaze.

But if a Foundation Establishment cultivator locked eyes with her, their mind would be fiercely shaken.

Xu Deling thought for a moment and said, "Disciple is willing to take Martial Uncle Yan Longzi as a master."

"Hahaha, still calling me Martial Uncle?"

"Disciple greets Second Master."

"Little Deling, come. Master will teach you how to properly control your bloodline."

"Yes, Second Master."

Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

Cloudstream Town, the Xu Family.

Xu Chuan once again felt an anomaly from the Clan Genealogy. This time, however, he could clearly see the source of the change.

"So it was that girl, Deling," he chuckled softly.

[Xu Deling: Xu Family Third Generation]

[Age: 71]

[Spirit Root: True Spiritual Root]

[Talent: Flame Phoenix Spirit Eyes, Thousand Hammers and Hundred Refinements]

[Physique: Flame Phoenix Spirit Body]

[Bloodline: Peak Seventh-Grade Bloodline]

[Realm: Foundation Establishment Perfection]

[Note: Flame Phoenix Spirit Body. A special constitution containing a trace of the bloodline of the ancient True Spirit Flame Phoenix. Progresses at an incredible pace when practicing Fire-Element Cultivation Methods, comparable to those with Heavenly Spiritual Root potential.

When executing fire-element arcane arts or divine abilities, the power is increased by thirty percent. Provides a ten percent boost when attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage.]

[Note: Peak Seventh-Grade Bloodline. Provides a ten percent boost when attempting to break through to the Golden Core stage. Ordinary seventh-grade bloodlines provide a five percent boost.]

"Deling has undergone a complete and utter transformation."

Looking at Xu Deling's information on the Clan Genealogy, Xu Chuan was filled with emotion. "Is this what a true genius looks like?"

"With a special constitution paired with a peak seventh-grade bloodline, she instantly possesses a twenty percent chance of successfully forming a Golden Core. With adequate preparation, it will be more than enough to smash through the Golden Core bottleneck.

If she obtains a specialized cultivation method alongside other supplementary aids, Core Formation is practically a certainty."

Under normal circumstances, an immortal cultivator's bloodline would only gradually transform into a seventh-grade bloodline after they successfully advanced to the Golden Core stage.

If one could possess a seventh-grade bloodline or higher in advance, it would naturally bring immense benefits to their cultivation journey.

Furthermore, bloodlines could be passed down to descendants through reproduction.

For instance, if a clan produced a Golden Core cultivator who possessed a seventh-grade bloodline, the bloodline of their descendants would slowly dilute over time. However, it was entirely possible that after several generations, an heir would suddenly be born naturally possessing a seventh-grade bloodline.

Even without any special constitution, such a person's cultivation speed would still be at the genius level.

Meanwhile, certain powerful and special spirit bodies were even rarer than a Heavenly Spiritual Root.

A Heavenly Spiritual Root did not provide much assistance after a cultivator reached the Golden Core stage, but a special spirit body, when paired with the corresponding cultivation method, could grant massive boosts to one's combat prowess.

"Just where did Perfected Person Fire Cloud take Deling to obtain such an incredible opportunity?!"

Xu Chuan pondered for a moment. "Was it the Heavenly Foundry Sect that Ling'er mentioned before? I've heard it's located in the southern part of Heavenly South and its artifact refinement standards are famous throughout the entire realm.

Still, only a place where such geniuses of the Dao of Artifacts gather could allow Deling's Thousand Hammers and Hundred Refinements talent to be unleashed to its absolute limit."

"Only after stepping out of the Land of Imprisonment did we finally see the vastness of the heavens and earth."

Xu Chuan reflected on the past ten-odd years. Several of them had all found their own providential encounters.

He himself had acquired two chapters of the Dao of Alchemy Inheritance, the "Alchemy Scripture". He had become a candidate for the true inheritance of the ancient Azure Dragon Sect, and it wouldn't be long before he became a full inheritor and received the Azure Dragon inheritance. Moreover, he had obtained the Divine Sense Crystal after destroying an Ancient Demon.

Moyue had fully recovered his peak strength and received a high-grade Dragon Origin Pill, elevating his bloodline purity.

Xu Mingxian took an elder of the Cang Family, a top-tier Golden Core Aristocratic Family, as his master. He acquired their Array Dao inheritance and independently comprehended the method of the Battle Array.

It went without saying for Xu Deling. She had inherited a portion of the Azure Dragon Sect's Dao of Artifacts legacy, and now, it seemed she had stumbled upon a massive opportunity in the Heavenly Foundry Sect. With her aptitude transformed, she instantly vaulted to become a top-tier genius even by the standards of the entire Heavenly South.

Xu Deyue had taken the Divine Transformation true inheritor of the ancient Azure Dragon Sect as her master. She received a high-grade Magic Treasure, which had dropped in rank from a low-grade Spirit Treasure, to serve as her natal magic treasure.

Ye Fan embarked on the path of Dual Cultivation of Dharma and Body. He had obtained the upper volume of the "Brahma Sacred Body Art", a suspected top-tier body-refining cultivation method from the True Demon Realm that could be cultivated all the way to Nascent Soul perfection.

"At the Prodigy Grand Assembly, the three of them shouldn't face much trouble securing an official selection slot. As for what rank they can achieve on the Prodigy Roll, it's hard to say."

A few days later.

A great disturbance swept through Heavenly Azure Prefecture over a single piece of news.

Three late Golden Core elders of the Heavenly Azure Sect had led disciples and elders from both their sect and the three local sects into the ancient Mount Tai Sect secret realm. They suffered a crushing defeat and returned with catastrophic losses!

Out of all the Golden Core cultivators who went, only Elder Bai Yan of the Heavenly Azure Sect managed to escape back alive with heavy injuries.

As for the rest of the disciples, not even one in ten survived.

The Xu Family had dispatched recruited rogue cultivators to open small shops in the seven cities. Operating on a modest scale, they neither boomed nor busted, which perfectly served to conceal their true identities.

Because many Foundation Establishment families and aristocratic clans in the seven cities had disciples in the Heavenly Azure Sect or the three local sects, the survivors brought the news back with them when they returned.

Consequently, the news rapidly spread far and wide.

The Xu Family naturally received the report almost immediately.

Of course, most people believed that the Heavenly Azure Sect and the three local sects possessed incredibly profound foundations. Despite such heavy casualties, they would surely recover their vitality in just several decades to a century. It wasn't considered a fatal blow.

"Three late Golden Core cultivators: two perished, one heavily injured. Three Golden Core elders from the three sects perished. Countless Foundation Establishment disciples dead."

Xu Chuan read over several similar intelligence reports, a deep frown forming on his face.

"Compared to the overall strength of the Heavenly Azure Sect and the three local sects, these losses are indeed nothing they can't handle. But the crux of the issue is that this entire ordeal was instigated by the Greedy Wolf Sect."

Anyone with half a brain could certainly find clues if they thought carefully about it.

This was especially true for members of the seven cities' clans who knew from the start that the Greedy Wolf Sect was the one who provided the information about the secret realm.

One possibility was that the ancient secret realm truly was just fraught with endless dangers.

But Xu Chuan felt certain there was more to it than that.

"A storm is coming to Heavenly Azure Prefecture."

However, this massive wave soon subsided.

Everyone's attention was quickly hijacked by the upcoming Prodigy Grand Assembly.

A little over a month later.

The thirty-six Foundation Establishment cultivators selected from Heavenly Azure Prefecture traveled aboard a magic skiff alongside three Golden Core elders from the Heavenly Azure Sect, heading toward Profound Moon Prefecture.

The three Golden Core elders were Elder Mu, Cang Yuyang, and Elder Chihuo.

Aside from them, members of the three sects tagged along as well.

The Green Wood Sect sent Chen Changge, while Feng Juechen stayed behind to hold the fort.

Due to the recent incident, the Jiaocang Sect and Qingcang Sect each only sent a single Foundation Establishment Perfection deacon.

As for Perfected Yanshan and Perfected Black Wind, since both were lone rogue cultivators, they had joined the previous expedition into the secret realm and both ended up perishing.

Xu Chuan had let out a sigh of lamentation when he heard the news.

Most Golden Core Noble Families fundamentally only sent their Foundation Establishment elders. Only a select few clans that boasted multiple Golden Core members could spare one to lead the team.

The recent deaths of numerous Golden Core cultivators in Heavenly Azure Prefecture made them act even more cautiously.

An ordinary noble family only had one Golden Core stage immortal cultivator holding down the fort. If they were to die, the clan would instantly collapse.

Even if they managed to survive the fallout, they would likely be reduced to nothing more than a common Foundation Establishment Clan.

Xu Chuan deliberated for a while before ultimately deciding to go as well.

As for the Cloudstream Xu Family clan grounds, they naturally activated their grand arrays to full power. They had the Tier 3 low-grade Cloud Heaven Illusionary Array—enhanced through Xu Mingxian's deductions—along with the Tier 3 mid-grade Five Elements Heavenly Dipper Array, which integrated offense and defense.

The Xu Family's security measures were much tighter than even those of the three local sects.

Outsiders would never imagine that a tiny Foundation Establishment Clan's defenses could be so impregnable.

This was the reason Xu Chuan could leave with peace of mind.

However, before leaving, he still instructed the Yan Clan and the Wu Clan to keep a low profile. They were forbidden from conflicting with others; even if provoked, they had to endure it until he returned.

And his true trump card was Moyue, who had been left behind to guard the residence.

Profound Moon Prefecture was two prefectures away from Heavenly Azure Prefecture. Even with the speed of a Tier 3 magic skiff, it would still take nearly half a month.

Along the way, they might even encounter Golden Core demonic beasts blocking their path.

However, with the spiritual pressure of Elder Mu, a late Golden Core cultivator, most ordinary demonic beasts would give up their ambush the moment they sensed it.

Along their journey, they flew over massive rivers stretching for thousands of miles, towering mountain ranges, deep valleys, stone forests, and sweeping plains.

Even though they only saw a tiny corner of it, it was enough to realize just how vast and rich in resources Heavenly South was.

Half a month later.

The group from Heavenly Azure Prefecture finally arrived at Profound Moon City in Profound Moon Prefecture.

This city was one of the few great cultivation cities in the Northwest Region. The mountain gates of the Profound Moon Sect were over a hundred miles away. In the city, there was a teleportation array plaza fitted with a massive teleportation array.

It could teleport individuals to any other great cultivation city in Heavenly South that possessed a corresponding array.

However, the toll was naturally exorbitant. A single teleportation for one person cost five hundred spirit stones. Even the financial resources of a Golden Core Noble Family could hardly support frequent travel.

Unless it was their own private teleportation array.

Disciples of the Profound Moon Sect, on the other hand, could teleport free of charge using their identity tokens.

The Profound Moon Sect had arranged accommodations for the Heavenly Azure Sect, the three local sects, and the competing disciples. The rest of the accompanying crowd had to find their own places to stay.

Since the Prodigy Grand Assembly was about to commence, massive throngs of immortal cultivators had flooded into Profound Moon City.

The prices for every inn and grotto-residence had increased by thirty percent.

Fortunately, owing to Xu Mingxian's relationship with the Cang Family, Cang Yuyang made a special arrangement to secure a room for Xu Chuan.

Inside Cang Yuyang's room.

Cang Yuyang invited Xu Chuan over for a chat.

"Daoist Friend Xu, finding out that Mingxian was participating in the Prodigy Grand Assembly truly caught me off guard. After all, Array Masters dedicate the vast majority of their energy to comprehending formations and practicing their setups.

Just like your alchemy lineage, they generally aren't adept at this sort of direct combat.

It's not like the Dao of Artifacts, where most blacksmiths possess terrifying combat prowess."

Xu Chuan took a light sip from his teacup and smiled faintly. "Actually, Mingxian has yearned for battle ever since he was a child. He only walked the Array Dao due to my strict demands."

"So it's to fulfill a childhood wish. Still, Daoist Friend Xu, your choice was correct. If Mingxian hadn't pursued the Array Dao, it truly would have been a great loss to the array world."

"However, the struggle between prodigies is exceptionally dangerous. As his father, you should urge him to know his limits. Simply participating to fulfill a childhood wish is enough."

Xu Chuan became thoughtful. Why was Cang Yuyang so concerned about Xu Mingxian? Could there be a hidden reason?

"Why do I feel like Elder Yuyang is even more worried about Mingxian's safety than I am?"

"Haha, I'm just worrying on behalf of my Seventh Granduncle. After all, Mingxian is his only disciple."

"That makes sense."

Xu Chuan smiled, but he only believed about thirty percent of those words.

"Rest assured, I will thoroughly advise him."

The strength Xu Mingxian had displayed so far was passable back in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, but during the preliminaries, he had little to no hope of advancing into the official selection.

After all, the best result Heavenly Azure Prefecture had ever achieved in past Prodigy Grand Assemblies was only securing seven official selection slots.

With the eight prefectures fighting it out, there were a total of merely seventy-two official selection slots available.

The top three ranked prefectures—Profound Moon Prefecture, Cangshan Prefecture, and Greedy Wolf Prefecture—always snatched up the lion's share.

Most of the time, Heavenly Azure Prefecture could only walk away with three or four slots.

About the time it takes to finish a cup of tea later, Xu Chuan left the room and took Xu Mingxian, Xu Deyue, and Ye Fan out to witness the prosperity of Profound Moon City.

During the Prodigy Grand Assembly, practically no faction dared to cause trouble, so their safety was guaranteed.

Xu Mingxian wanted to visit the array plaza. He had comprehended teleportation arrays for a long time but still found it difficult to set one up.

The array inheritance gifted by the Cang Family included a teleportation array. Although it was only a small-scale one with a maximum range of three thousand miles, it was still a Tier 3 low-grade formation.

Moreover, its difficulty was astronomically high. Xu Mingxian felt its complexity was on par with a Tier 3 mid-grade array.

Even Cang Fengheng hadn't fully unraveled the secrets of teleportation arrays.

"Go on. Just act carefully."

Xu Mingxian nodded and immediately broke off from the group.

Then, Xu Chuan glanced at Ye Fan and Xu Deyue. "You young couple should go find your own entertainment. There's no need to accompany this old man."

"Thank you, Honored Master." Ye Fan grinned broadly as he took Xu Deyue's delicate hand and walked away.

Xu Chuan shook his head and began wandering the streets to look for an alchemy shop in Profound Moon City.

However, it didn't take long before he stumbled upon a white-haired old man running a street stall. Xu Chuan simply swept his gaze over it and was about to leave when the old man suddenly called out, "One thousand spirit stones. Pick any one item. Daoist friend, why not take a look?"

Xu Chuan paused in his steps, his curiosity piqued. He stepped forward and carefully sized up the old man.

A late Foundation Establishment cultivator. Completely unremarkable, though his appearance carried a certain immortal bearing and Daoist bones.

There were only five items on his stall, each sealed within an exquisite purple sandalwood wooden casket.

Xu Chuan swept them with his divine sense and revealed a peculiar expression.

"What an advanced restriction. Even my Golden Core divine sense cannot pierce the wooden casket's restriction."

Unable to hold back, Xu Chuan carefully probed the old man with his divine sense once more. He was, without a shadow of a doubt, merely at late Foundation Establishment.

"Daoist friend, where did you obtain these wooden caskets?"

"Stumbled upon them by pure chance. Would you like to pick one, Daoist friend? Who knows, you might just unearth something incredible."

"What could be inside?"

"High-grade spirit stones, an Array Dao inheritance from a grandmaster, pills aiding in Core Formation, a Thousand-Mile Talisman, a low-grade Magic Treasure, or perhaps rare high-tier materials or spirit medicine... Anything is possible."

'Running a blind box scam?'

'How trendy!'

Xu Chuan inwardly mocked, then replied out loud, "You're leaving a few things out, Daoist friend. It could also be a low-grade Dharma Tool, low-grade pills, low-grade spirit stones, low-grade talismans, or simply absolutely nothing at all.

What one reaps depends entirely on their own providence."

The white-haired old man smiled faintly. "You really know your stuff, Daoist friend. So, will you take one? It's merely a thousand spirit stones."

"Take a gamble, turn a bicycle into a motorcycle, right?"

"What?" The old man stared blankly.

"Nothing." With a sweep of his sleeve robe, Xu Chuan said nonchalantly, "I'll take all five of them."