Whether to fuse the Wood Indestructible Demon Body—this indeed gave Lu pause for thought.

  But then it dawned on him: he seemed to have no romantic prospects anyway. So what if he had three thousand strands of green hair?

  It had nothing to do with him.

  Leaning back in his Thousand-Bladed Chair, Lu exhaled long and slow, his mind calming considerably.

  In the end, he chose to fuse it. The power of an Indestructible Demon Body was undeniable.

  Humm…

  “Does Host confirm fusion of Wood Indestructible Demon Body?”

  The system prompt appeared as usual.

  “Fuse it.”

  Lu said calmly, fingers lightly tapping the armrest.

  “Fusion commencing.”

  The prompt appeared, then quickly faded.

  Lu blinked in mild surprise—no warning of danger this time.

  Boom!

  Soon, his mind sank into chaos.

  A crystalline green flash passed before his eyes—vitality's power, surging vibrantly, dazzlingly.

  His white robes instantly shifted hue, turning crystalline green—like lush grass.

  Hummm…

  Dense vitality coursed through him, astonishing Lu.

  “This is the Wood Indestructible Demon Body?”

  Lu marveled inwardly. With a thought, the Phoenix Feather Sword floated up, grazing his fingertip.

  The wound split—but green ripples surged, healing it instantly.

  Recovery speed dozens of times faster than before.

  “Gold for offense, Fire for destruction, Wood for vitality…”

  Lu's eyes sharpened. With Wood, his injury recovery would be extraordinarily swift.

  But the current Wood body was still weak—lacking Wood Origin infusion, far behind perfected Gold and Fire.

  White robes pristine once more, Lu sat in the pavilion sipping fine wine.

  His mind studied the chessboard's layout.

  The Five Phoenixes' cultivation now ran smoothly—like engaged gears. Without his intervention, cultivators continuously provided spiritual energy, aiding his Qi Refinement advancements.

  It spared him much worry.

  He could sit on Lake Heart Island, quietly watching flowers bloom and fall.

  Yet thoughts lingered: those eyes in Zhulong's will space—what were they?

  And the black-robed figure during Layer Twelve breakthrough—who?

  Pondering this,

  Lu entered the preaching platform to deduce.

  Attempting to derive the black-robed figure.

  But the platform failed—unable to manifest him. No matter how Lu deduced, even the eyes remained unclear.

  “Could that black-robed figure transcend the system's level?”

  Lu frowned.

  What level beyond the system?

  Starry sky sage?

  Or above sages?

  Regardless, Lu knew one thing: he was likely targeted by a sage—or something beyond.

  …

  Lu Jiulian broke through to Daluo Immortal—the Five Phoenixes' second after Zhulong.

  Chai Feng and Luoyang arrived successively, offering congratulations. As human Heavenly Emperors, they knew the weight of adding two such powerhouses.

  For humans, immense good news—bolstering strength against god-demons.

  Chai Feng and Luoyang loved the Five Phoenixes' atmosphere. With flame mountain and pyramid as cultivation holy lands, practitioners here were blessed.

  Previously, humans risked greatly entering god-demon Lands—outstanding performers targeted, even slain on pretexts.

  Most fallen geniuses died innocently—humans endured silently for strength.

  Now, with their own Beast Ancestor statues—huge for human rise.

  Chai Feng ultimately chose the pyramid.

  Luoyang the flame mountain—both aiming to push truths to fifty percent.

  Each ten percent gain massively boosted combat power.

  Flame mountain's advantage: Phoenix Blood Pool—enhancing Fire Origin affinity and comprehension.

  Chai Feng envied—his Fire talent mediocre. Better stack Golden.

  Luoyang bathed in the pool—Fire Origin surged, reaching eighth thousand steps—forty percent mastery!

  Even better: Bai Qingniao, cradling nine chicks in the pool—also eighth thousand, forty percent.

  Luoyang sighed—worthy of slashing through the god-demon Land, reaching the end in the second ripple wave.

  He was Heavenly Emperor—Fire Origin achiever, Daluo equivalent in Five Phoenixes.

  Bai Qingniao merely Ninth-Turn Golden Immortal.

  Yet matched him in comprehension.

  Flame mountain opening—daily assaults on Fire Origin star.

  Five Phoenixes Celestial realm cultivators increased daily; Human and True Immortals multiplied.

  A prosperous era—true immortal martial golden age.

  …

  Human ancestral land, Primordial Immortal Domain.

  A vast world—like a sphere, countless dust-like stars floating within, a universe unto itself.

  Migrating slowly through the Primordial Star Sky—ethereal energies flickering, edges veiled in dazzling auroras.

  Migration no rarity for the ancestral land—countless times evading god-demon sieges.

  Each costly—resources drained.

  But compared to two Beast Ancestor statues—negligible.

  Tonggu Daoist streaked from the domain.

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  Robes fluttering, whisk swept—eyes narrowed ahead.

  Clearly, more Celestial-tier god-demons probed outside.

  Migration stirred them.

  Perhaps guessing the aim: nearing the two statues.

  Tonggu Daoist frowned.

  He halted further advance—starry scouts' reports demanded attention.

  “What wind blows lately… Lands of Enlightenment opening one after another.”

  Tonggu Daoist shook his head.

  Scouts' intel simple.

  Boom!

  Void twisted beside him—a blurry figure emerged, clarifying into a green-robed youth.

  “You got the news? The chaos entity holding Wood Origin statue awakened… Wood Origin Land opening.”

  “Compared to prior Golden and Fire—greater opportunity for humans.”

  “Only Beast Ancestor statue not controlled by god-demons in the Primordial Star Sky.”

  Tonggu Daoist said to the youth.

  The green-robed one—Xiaoyao Zi—glanced at him, shaking head: “Tonggu, don't forget that chaos entity's power…”

  “Holding a statue alone—god-demons couldn't seize it—proves its terror. I heard an Elemental Realm chaos emperor fought it—failed to take the statue.”

  “Opportunity… but risk. Possible total annihilation.”

  Xiaoyao Zi said.

  “Actions carry risk. Convincing migration—didn't that hold great risk?”

  Tonggu Daoist laughed, eyes gleaming.

  “Wood Origin statue extraordinary—vast vitality. In human hands, many powerful but side-effect-heavy secrets could deepen research. Success—overwhelming war advantage against god-demons.”

  Xiaoyao Zi eyed him: “You think that—god-demons don't?”

  “My advice: humans stay out this time… We have Golden and Fire statues. Cultivate well—strength rises naturally.”

  Xiaoyao Zi said.

  Tonggu Daoist shook head:

  “No. Opportunities seized, fought for…”

  “These two statues—wrested from god-demons, no?”

  “Xiaoyao Zi, humans stronger—yet your fire wanes?”

  Xiaoyao Zi's expression faded: “Tonggu, that entity likely sage or emperor level. I won't gamble human foundation.”

  “Other old fogeys think same?”

  Tonggu Daoist narrowed eyes.

  Xiaoyao Zi shook then nodded: “I speak for majority. Minority neutral…”

  Tonggu Daoist smiled—no anger, just disappointment.

  “Humans rose from nothing—breaking sieges, turning peril to safety time and again.”

  “Weak then—but bold, daring fight…”

  “Now with assets—cowering, clinging, hoping endure eternity? God-demons grant that chance?”

  “If they gain Wood statue—overall boost. Human plight worsens!”

  Tonggu Daoist's suppressed voice echoed.

  Xiaoyao Zi shook head: “Different views. God-demons won't get it—that entity strong.”

  “I dare not gamble!”

  Tonggu Daoist fumed.

  “You won't—I will!”

  Nostrils flaring. But Xiaoyao Zi shook head still.

  Tonggu Daoist glanced back—ancestral land quasi-sage phantoms emerged, voicing wills.

  “Humans developing rapidly now—with two statues, capital for growth. Ten thousand, hundred thousand years—rival god-demons.”

  “Mutual deterrence—human talent allows steady strengthening.”

  Quasi-sages' wills surged.

  Tonggu Daoist disappointed—logic sound.

  But would god-demons allow such time?

  “Fine.”

  Tonggu Daoist shook head.

  Rip.

  Tore a sleeve strip. Fingers silver-glowing, drew star map on cloth.

  “Five Phoenixes coordinates in Primordial Star Sky. Migrate slowly.”

  “What you dare not—I dare… Human future fought for—not cowered into!”

  Tonggu Daoist flicked—the cloth shot to Xiaoyao Zi.

  Xiaoyao Zi caught, expression complex.

  “Tonggu…”

  But Tonggu Daoist waved, cutting persuasion.

  “No common ground—don't want to talk.”

  Words fell.

  Step out—void layered.

  “Staring what? Never seen argument?”

  Tonggu Daoist roared at lurking Celestial-tier god-demon.

  Next—palm struck.

  Space caged, shrinking with cutting force.

  God-demon jolted out—face pale in rage.

  Argue fine—why vent on him?!

  Puff!

  Resisting—heavy injury, coughing blood, fled.

  Tonggu Daoist glanced back at Xiaoyao Zi, huffed, tore spatial chaos—vanished.

  Xiaoyao Zi and quasi-sages watched his departure—sighed.

  “Tonggu's spatial truths near ninety percent—top among quasi-sages…”

  “Hope he returns alive.”

  They sighed. Ancestral land resumed slow starry migration.

  …

  Tonggu Daoist fumed inwardly—yet knew elders' choice wise.

  Humans developing rapidly—steady transition best.

  No sages or emperors present—no full war confidence. Prime growth window.

  But discomfort lingered.

  Wood Origin Land opening—if god-demons gained it,

  Lu's dual-statue advantage… neutralized.

  Wood Origin unique—not offensive, but ultimate healing.

  Holder invincible.

  Shook head—no more dwelling.

  Repelled monitoring Celestial-tier, plunged spatial chaos. Planned personal venture—disrupt god-demons even if no seizure.

  “Perhaps ally with Brother Lu…”

  “Backed by starry sky sage master—chance possible.”

  Tonggu Daoist narrowed eyes, stirred.

  “Enter Five Phoenixes first—discuss with Brother Lu… hear his thoughts.”

  Guessing futile—step out, treading spatial river toward Five Phoenixes.

  …

  Lu truly unaware of Wood Origin Land opening.

  No starry scouts—he guarded his acre.

  Century passed since Wood fusion—in time arrays. Five Phoenixes visibly transformed.

  Immortal martial evolution weakened Golden Immortal shackles—more born.

  Demons under Golden Crow Demon Emperor birthed many Demon Emperors—mostly special bloodlines.

  Witch clan's twelve Witch Kings all Heavenly Witch—fusion would skyrocket power.

  Sea clan under Gu Mangran's nurture grew stronger.

  Gu Mangran early Golden Immortal—but talent cultivation exceptional. No new Golden Immortals—yet sea clan's might undeniable.

  Humans needless mention—geniuses abound.

  Golden age—prodigies emerged.

  Better environment, immortal source guidance—easier than before. Many talents shattered shortest Mysterious/Golden Immortal records.

  But compared to elders overcoming heavenly barriers—these lacked tempering, resilience inferior.

  Lake Heart Island.

  Lu seated—incense curling, tea fragrant.

  Chessboard pieces scattered—like net over Five Phoenixes affairs.

  Continent millennia in time arrays—White Jade Capital fame faded.

  New generation rose—elders' prestige waned.

  World echoed new prodigies' names.

  Ning Zhao stood quietly beside Lu. Tea emptied—she refilled unhurriedly.

  But Lu smiled, pointing board.

  “Calves unafraid of tigers—youths so bold now.”

  Lu shook head amused. Ning Zhao, just poured, curiously peered.

  Board showed Five Phoenixes Continent scene.

  …

  Five Phoenixes, Tianyuan Domain.

  Heavenly Void Palace.

  Atmosphere stern—wide-robed cultivators sword-hovering, expressions cold.

  Outside,

  golden-armored figure gripping golden spear approached. Each step rippled void.

  “I am Great Xuan Dynasty third prince, Zhao Qingzhi—disciple of Heavenly Emperor Chai Feng. Stuck at Mysterious Immortal bottleneck years—seeking breakthrough via combat. Thus challenge Heavenly Void Prince—to clear mind, assail Golden Immortal!”

  In Heavenly Void Palace,

  powerhouses grim.

  Mostly new faces—palace generations shifted quickly.

  “Great Xuan third prince Zhao Qingzhi… prodigy—current era's brightest. Mysterious Immortal peak, spear unmatched in Five Phoenixes…”

  “But arrogant beyond measure—disregards all cultivators, even elders. Once boasted: Golden Immortal entry—he'd solo-spear challenge entire Heavenly Secret Pavilion Golden Immortal rankings!”

  Palace voices echoed.

  Most felt stifled.

  Once, Heavenly Void Prince with Martial Emperor City Du Longyang, Absolute Blade Sect Ye Shoudao, Qiannv Palace Empress Ni Chunqiu—Tianyuan Four Outstanding.

  Now three Golden Immortals.

  Only Heavenly Void Prince…

  Stuck Mysterious Immortal peak—now young challengers' target.

  Zhao Qingzhi arrogant—beneath golden armor, eyes sharp.

  Teacher Chai Feng called him most talented—he believed it.

  Though taught humility—why not be proud with such gifts?

  Youth demanded audacity!

  Bottleneck years—challenge elders born.

  To him, elders unremarkable—merely earlier start.

  In Five Phoenixes rise era—his achievements rival mysterious White Jade Capital Young Master Lu!

  So proud!

  Two years Core Formation, five Body Storage, seven unlock heavenly locks, nine Nascent Soul, fifteen transformation, twenty Three Gods realm…

  Talent—even teacher Chai Feng praised endlessly: Daluo potential.

  Undefeated rise—suppressing peers, brightest prodigy star.

  Spear expert—first thought challenge Du Longyang.

  But Du long Golden Immortal—he'd start with “Golden gatekeeper” Heavenly Void Prince. Defeat him—mind clear to Golden, then spear Du Longyang.

  Forge his invincible legend.

  Void high,

  Du Longyang, Ye Shoudao, Empress Ni Chunqiu hovered—expressions odd watching below.

  “Heavenly Void old fart… years stuck Mysterious peak?”

  “Now young target—losing Tianyuan Four face.”

  Empress Ni Chunqiu big eyes slitted, chuckling.

  “Kid arrogant—if not Chai Feng disciple, I'd beat him.”

  Du Longyang huffed.

  “No respect for seniors…”

  “You spear users—all stubborn.”

  Empress eyed Du Longyang, laughing.

  “Am I like him?”

  “You defending him?” Du Longyang glared.

  Ye Shoudao single-armed robes fluttering, knife-backed, glanced Empress: “Kid said… given time, even White Jade Capital Young Master Lu underfoot.”

  Empress eyes widened: “What?”

  “Dreaming?!”

  “What trash dares compare to my Brother Lu?!”

  Empress fumed, nearly rolling sleeves for beating.

  But.

  Heavenly Void Palace—bells rang, aura soared.

  Heavenly Void Prince seated palanquin, borne by four stunning maidens—emerged gracefully.

  Empress quieted.

  Du Longyang narrowed eyes: “Heavenly Void flashy as ever—but this seclusion… something.”

  “Filled past deficiencies—perfect foundation for Golden!”

  Ye Shoudao nodded: “Heavenly Void aims not Golden—but Daluo…”

  Empress ignored rest—still mad Zhao Qingzhi slighted her Brother Lu.

  “Heavenly Void—beat him dead! Brat born good era—arrogant! Without Brother Lu—you nothing!”

  Empress cursed.

  Below,

  atmosphere grave.

  “Come! My invincible path starts suppressing you antique!”

  “Hahaha!”

  Zhao Qingzhi laughed seeing challenge accepted.

  Aura erupted—golden spear radiant.

  Myriad spear shadows swept—eclipsing sun, enveloping Heavenly Void city.

  On palanquin,

  Heavenly Void Prince red-robed, pale.

  Four maidens trembled under spear intent.

  Heavenly Void smiled lightly: “Little darlings, no fear.”

  Next—produced wooden box, opened—mini sword inside.

  Pinched with two fingers, flicked.

  “Go.”

  Pointed at Zhao Qingzhi.

  Next—

  Boom!

  Sword light swept—Zhao Qingzhi's spear intent shattered instantly.

  Heavenly Void Prince's eyes held hardship's depth, beating's insight.

  Foundation perfect—solid.

  Seemingly weak—truly not.

  After all, he—sole man Young Master Lu possessed.

  His sword fused Young Master Lu's will and aura…

  Like storm brewing, rivers overturning.

  Terrifying aura swept—heavens changed, winds raged.

  Then battle ended.

  Zhao Qingzhi knelt one knee, trembling. Golden crown shattered, hair disheveled.

  Chest—quiet sword mark.

  Puff.

  Blood from mouth/nose—eyes incredulous.

  “I… lost?”

  Gazed Heavenly Void Prince: “You no longer Mysterious Immortal?”

  “No—still Mysterious… but Golden entry long possible if wished.”

  Heavenly Void smiled calmly.

  “Youth—arrogance fine. But cultivation path—no smooth sails. More beatings help. And…”

  Zhao Qingzhi trembled.

  And?

  “Don't compare yourself to Young Master Lu—you can't fathom his terror.”

  “His strength—beyond imagination.”

  “The more compare—the more despair.”

  Heavenly Void Prince said.

  Like Empress—staunch Lu admirer.

  Words shook Zhao Qingzhi profoundly.

  Then Heavenly Void smiled, beckoned—divine sword returned, mini in box. Amid four maidens' tinkling laughter, palanquin borne—petals scattering, bells and chimes ringing—reentered Heavenly Void Palace.