Chapter 428: He stepped onto the road to the Jade Pool

After several hours, Lu Yuan led his team to final victory on the martial arts arena.

Everyone applauded and paid respect, casting envious and admiring glances at him.

Thunderbolt True Lord smiled as he walked down from the spectator seats and went straight to Lu Yuan's side.

He said with a smile: "Young man, you indeed possess extraordinary talent and ability."

"It seems you are capable of undertaking our plan."

Lu Yuan felt immensely honored and excited, and respectfully bowed, saying: "Thank you for your praise, Thunderbolt True Lord; I will do my utmost to meet your expectations."

Thunderbolt True Lord nodded and smiled, "Very good."

In this martial arts competition you displayed excellent combat skill and wisdom; you are indeed capable of helping the Nine Heavens Sect hatch a powerful spirit beast to oppose the Red Lotus Sect and the Blood Moon Sect.

Everyone watched in surprise as Thunderbolt True Lord conversed with Lu Yuan, unable to help wondering what his praise for Lu Yuan truly signified.

Supreme Dao Ancestor also stepped onto the platform, saying, "Congratulations on your victory."

"Since Thunderbolt True Lord has acknowledged Lu Yuan, we will now begin hatching a spirit beast to counter the Red Lotus Sect and the Blood Moon Sect."

Disciples of the Nine Heavens Sect cheered loudly, placing their hopes and expectations on Lu Yuan. Lu Yuan led the other cultivators away from the martial arts arena, proceeding cautiously as they set out on the road to the Jade Pool.

It is a desolate and perilous journey; moving freely through the cultivation world is not easy.

Lu Yuan's heart filled with anticipation and nervousness.

He knew that the Jade Pool ahead was a mysterious and dangerous place, yet also an opportunity to further his cultivation.

He calculated whether he could obtain more cultivation resources from this expedition to enhance his strength.

The other cultivators were also full of vigilance, constantly staying alert.

They understood that the struggle among the four major cultivation sects for the Jade Pool was fierce, knowing any unusual movement could be an attack sent by rival sects.

Lu Yuan relaxed his brow and scanned his surroundings.

He saw King Qi holding the Demon-Breaking Golden Wheel, his gaze firm as he surveyed the surroundings.

Gu Qingwan walked ahead with a calm expression, her safety awareness extremely high.

Su Liyan silently summoned the Ice Crystal Long Whip, condensing a chill energy to empower herself.

They exchanged little conversation, communicating instead through glances.

They cooperated tacitly, maintaining constant contact.

Even the slightest rustle of wind or grass would trigger their alertness.

Traveling along the mountain path, Lu Yuan sensed abnormal fluctuations in the aura ahead.

He slowed his steps, signaling the team to pause briefly.

"Everyone be careful, something feels off," Lu Yuan whispered.

The other cultivators immediately became alert, scanning their surroundings and readying their weapons.

Suddenly, several figures flashed out from the forest ahead, launching attacks on Lu Yuan's group.

Armed with blades and magical implements, they surrounded Lu Yuan and his companions in just a few breaths.

Lu Yuan gripped the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword tightly and unleashed his most powerful immortal technique.

Sword qi formed of lightning swirled around him, sweeping toward the enemies.

The other cultivators also deployed their ultimate skills and immortal methods, forming an impregnable defense.

Sword qi and spells collided in midair, erupting in a series of clashing sounds and sparks.

Lu Yuan exerted himself fully to meet the enemies' attacks, dodging nimbly and at times employing the Five Elements Escape Armor Art to swiftly shift formations.

King Qi waved the Demon-Breaking Golden Wheel, nullifying each enemy attack.

Gu Qingwan employed the Phoenix Fire Lotus Basin to augment her magical power and skillfully provided supportive aid to her teammates.

Su Liyan wielded the Ice Crystal Long Whip, each swing delivering piercing cold.

The Cold Jade Ice Flakes on her body also took effect, bolstering her strength.

Lu Yuan stared intently at the onrushing foes as, from the darkness, the deep, powerful voice of Supreme Dao Ancestor sounded: "Young people, I have told you that in cultivation you will inevitably encounter various difficulties and trials."

"This is the necessary path for your growth and progress."

"Now I will lend you my aid."

Supreme Dao Ancestor's voice lingered in their ears, granting Lu Yuan's party great confidence.

They ceased merely reacting passively, instead taking the initiative and gradually shifting the offensive into a defensive stance.

The enemies grew increasingly weak, retreating repeatedly until they collapsed in utter defeat.

Lu Yuan sheathed the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword, breathing lightly.

He surveyed the surroundings, observing the fatigue and determination on each teammate's face.

"We still have a long way to go."

He said encouragingly, "But I believe we can persevere. We fight for ourselves and for the Nine Heavens Sect."

The other cultivators nodded in agreement. Lu Yuan and the fellow cultivators stepped together into the boundary of the Jade Pool, and their view instantly expanded.

Before them lay a magnificent and splendid vista; this place is a wondrous and mysterious fairyland.

The Jade Pool is a holy land left from the era of the Yellow Emperor, praised by countless cultivators.

Here abundant immortal materials, treasures, and cultivation resources draw countless people to contend for them.

Lu Yuan's heart brimmed with anticipation and tension; he knew he must find his own opportunity here.

The other cultivators also dispersed around Lu Yuan, mutually observing each other's movements.

Everyone knows that in this environment of fierce competition and danger, only one side can obtain truly abundant rewards.

Among them coexist competition, cooperation, and vigilance.

Lu Yuan saw a cultivator desperately gathering herbs, seemingly to strengthen his herbal magic; another cultivator was searching for immortal treasures, hoping to acquire more precious resources.

This is a ruthless competition, with everyone wanting to become the ultimate victor.

The Thunderbolt True Lord hid in the darkness, carefully observing every cultivator's movements.

He knew that now was not the time to act; he needed to wait for an excellent opportunity.

At the same time, a cultivator wearing a blue treasure robe and a gold crown attracted the attention of many cultivators.

He emanated a powerful and mysterious aura, the Primordial Old Ancestor.

He was acclaimed as the supreme existence in the Immortal Cultivation Realm, and his personal appearance at the Jade Pool at this moment drew the attention and speculation of many cultivators.

Lu Yuan gazed at that Primordial Old Ancestor, feeling an indescribable pressure.

He deeply understood that in this fierce competition, possessing great strength was crucial.

Lu Yuan, you have already displayed extraordinary talent.

The Supreme Dao Ancestor suddenly transmitted a voice to Lu Yuan's ear: 'You are not only here for yourself, but also for the Nine Heavens Sect.'

Lu Yuan raised his head to look toward where the Supreme Dao Ancestor was, his gaze firm.

Master, please rest assured, I will surely not disappoint your expectations. (End of chapter)