On the lake island, Lu Ping'an furrowed his brows.

  He and Lu Jiulian shared a subtle, profound connection. Through it, he sensed a strange karmic tie.

  That was why he believed Lu Jiulian and the others were in trouble.

  Such karmic feedback usually only emerged when danger arose.

  By now, it seemed Lu Jiulian and his group had entered the Wood Origin comprehension ground.

  "As Tong Gu described, a chaos being lurks there—immensely powerful, ancient beyond ages, rivaling human saints. It snatched the Wood Origin Beast Ancestor statue from demon emperors..."

  Clasping a chess piece, Lu Ping'an fell into deep thought.

  Clearly, the Wood Origin ground was far more perilous than the Fire Origin one, primarily due to that unpredictable chaos being.

  Most importantly...

  According to Tong Gu, this chaos being was linked to the pair of eyes that once appeared in Zhu Long's will space—likely their owner.

  Thus, Lu Ping'an had already crossed paths—and swords—with that entity's master.

  Lu Jiulian was his avatar, carrying a faint trace of his aura. Ordinary beings might not detect it, but a saint-level existence surely could.

  Would the chaos being redirect its grudge against him onto Lu Jiulian?

  Lu Ping'an sighed at the thought.

  The likelihood was indeed high.

  "If it comes to it, I'll use the Dragon Gate to pull Lu Jiulian and the others back..."

  "A saint-level chaos being is no easy foe. We can't get the Wood Origin statue now—wait until my qi refining advances further, or a saint emerges in the Five Phoenixes... then I'll settle the score with this chaos being."

  "If I can't win, Five Phoenixes cultivators can afford to bide their time—they're not like me, Lu Ping'an. Revenge is a dish best served cold, even if it takes ten years."

  Lu Ping'an smiled.

  This line of thinking calmed him considerably.

  He was also glad for his foresight in keeping Zhu Long away from this comprehension ground.

  Otherwise, she'd be the one facing trouble now.

  And her bond with that entity was even closer—exposure would spell greater disaster.

  Leaning back in his Thousand Blades Chair, Lu Ping'an felt quite satisfied with his clairvoyance.

  The chess piece in his fingers suddenly dropped.

  Plop!

  Like a single raindrop falling into a boundless ocean.

  The scene around Lu Ping'an rippled, immersing him in Lu Jiulian's first-person perspective.

  ...

  Wood Origin Comprehension Ground.

  Lu Jiulian, Overlord, Tang Yimo, Sima Qingshan, and Azure Dragon—five powerhouses from the Five Phoenixes—traveled together cautiously in this realm of unknowns.

  They proceeded with utmost care. Even Lu Jiulian, who had dominated the Fire Origin ground, remained on high alert.

  Now a Great Luo Immortal, his primordial spirit clearly detected a terrifying concealed aura within the Wood Origin ground.

  Far more dreadful than the Great Dao-tier demon Fire Eye he had slain.

  A demon elite?

  Lu Jiulian frowned. The demons had likely invested heavily in securing the Wood Origin statue.

  But Tong Gu had emphasized its vital importance, so they understood: outnumbered and outmatched, they had to seize it at all costs.

  "Wonder if this Wood Origin comprehension will unleash those epiphany-inducing mystery ripples... If so, my little universe might ignite once more."

  Lu Jiulian took a deep breath.

  Of course, everything here was unknown.

  A primal forest teemed with vibrant life force—vitality essence drifting in the air. Towering trees with leaves vast as houses.

  All ahead lay in darkness.

  They felt like shrunken ants dropped into an immense ancient jungle.

  Overlord's eyes shone brightly. This time, he sensed a chance to grasp mysteries.

  Not Fire Origin, not Gold Origin.

  But Wood Origin—he could master it!

  He had the foundation!

  From the low-martial Five Phoenixes, stacking the thickest armor, enduring blows all the way to this immortal-martial world!

  How many injuries had he survived?

  Taking the deadliest strikes each time—yet never falling!

  Didn't that embody unbreakable vitality?!

  Such resilient life force perfectly aligned with the thriving Wood Origin attributes of the Beast Ancestor statue.

  "I, Xiang Shaoyun... was born for Wood Origin mysteries!"

  Overlord declared with gleaming eyes.

  Tang Yimo shared his determination. A rare venture—he wouldn't squander it.

  Like Overlord, both Ninth Revolution Golden Immortals—breakthrough seemed distant.

  Great Luo demanded mystery mastery; it was their final hope.

  Sima Qingshan stayed relaxed, book box on his back, brush in hand, a scroll floating before him.

  He sketched the scenery, aiming to capture the entire Wood Origin ground.

  No strong affinity for Wood Origin—he was just a humble painter who loved his craft. No real tie, so his mindset remained serene.

  Always had.

  Azure Dragon stuck close to Lu Jiulian, boldly.

  He'd heard from Little Red Dragon about Lu Jiulian's Fire Origin exploits—knew this was the strongest thigh to hug for rewards.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Even if no big gains, at least safety.

  They raced through the dense forest.

  A vague pull drew them one direction—Lu Jiulian knew: the statue.

  Same as Fire Origin.

  "Follow the pull!"

  Lu Jiulian said.

  All nodded. For ground navigation, Lu Jiulian had the most experience.

  Time ticked by.

  Soon, Lu Jiulian frowned.

  "Something's wrong."

  "Why no first wave of mystery ripples after all this time?"

  His puzzlement; others confused—they lacked insight.

  Elsewhere in the Wood Origin ground.

  Scattered demons grew solemn.

  "Strange—normally, the first wave should have erupted by now..."

  A green-aura demon muttered.

  The anomaly halted further movement—something ominous brewing.

  Buzz...

  Suddenly.

  In the palace, Elemental Gods and Tong Gu transmitted via potent primordial spirits.

  The black-and-white woman permitted brief transmission—no interference afterward.

  Or she'd slay them mercilessly.

  Even Elemental Gods: before her, demon emperor rival—only death.

  Transmission ended swiftly.

  Palace fell silent, minds scheming.

  Comprehension ground erupted in chaos...

  Human prodigies' expressions shifted.

  Tong Gu's message revealed severe disadvantage.

  "Rush full speed to the center—seize the statue before demons!"

  "This trip's focus: not comprehension... treasure hunt!"

  Lu Jiulian grew grave and grim.

  Facing over two hundred immortal-tier demons and twenty-plus Great Dao-tier encirclement!

  Overwhelming odds!

  No choice—fight desperately.

  "Pity... no mystery ripples means no little universe burst, no reclaiming my title as human ferocious god."

  Lu Jiulian lamented deeply.

  From today, his unparalleled glory might fade into dead demons' memories.

  "Move! Full speed—seize the treasure!"

  Lu Jiulian commanded.

  "Treasure hunt? No comprehension?"

  Overlord's face twisted in confusion. Born for this mystery—why abandon it?

  "No ripples mean activation requires specific trigger. To comprehend: possess it."

  Lu Jiulian explained.

  Overlord grudged but accepted.

  Five Phoenixes crew and human prodigies surged forward.

  Azure Dragon kept low profile—not his stage for show. Hug Lu Jiulian's thigh.

  Boom!

  Powerful auras exploded across the ground.

  Lu Jiulian focused—Great Dao-tier demons.

  They received transmission too.

  Race to the statue!

  Whoosh!

  Lu Jiulian leaned, foot cratering trunk, launching forward.

  Others followed.

  Swish!

  House-sized leaves swayed in gale, rustling.

  Figures streaked as light through jungle.

  All swift—human or demon.

  Soon, core area.

  Entering, dense forest opened to vast clearing—trees leveled, like a depression...

  Lu Jiulian, Overlord perched on massive tree—some crouching, some touching trunk.

  All gazes locked center...

  A vine.

  Focus: statue densely entwined.

  High cultivation revealed it beneath.

  Vines wove nest-like—but no bird.

  A plump, fluffy black-and-white ball nestled inside.

  "What's that?"

  Tang Yimo narrowed eyes—furry, somewhat adorable.

  "Unknown. The chaos being Tong Gu mentioned? Saint-rivaling?"

  A human prodigy said oddly.

  If so, too lacking in presence—like a fluff ball.

  "Probably not—this ball..."

  "So cute—want to take it home."

  Sima Qingshan's eyes lit up.

  "Miaoyu loves fluffy things—bring it for her?"

  He pondered.

  "Careful."

  As all coveted...

  Azure Dragon behind Lu Jiulian peeked out.

  "Fluffy things... aren't always cute!"

  As heavenly dragon, soul-deep dread toward core black-and-white fluff—like facing big sister.

  Definitely extraordinary... and vicious!

  Lu Jiulian nodded.

  Humans held action.

  No hurry—someone would probe.

  Looking up, Lu Jiulian, Overlord eyed opposite—demons perched variably on branches.

  Demons stared humans—standoff.

  Terrifying auras clashed overhead.

  "Humans..."

  Leading green demon grave.

  Gaze on Lu Jiulian.

  "Human ferocious god Lu Jiulian... Supreme Emperor who slew fourteen Great Dao-tier demons in Fire Origin!"

  Dread in eyes.

  All demons wary—how not? His record horrifying.

  Lu Jiulian calm, hands behind back.

  He knew—intimidated by feats.

  Though from little universe—he couldn't replicate now...

  Didn't hinder deterrence.

  Greater ability, greater pressure—even beyond his years.

  "Ignore these humans—mere dozen, no threat..."

  "If Lu Jiulian moves, eight Great Dao-tier intercept. Others seize statue!"

  "Seize and flee—not safe long!"

  "The human statue thief lurks unknown—deliver to Fire and Gold Gods safest!"

  Leading prodigy Great Dao-tier ordered.

  Boom!

  Next.

  Waved—two Great Dao-tier, dozen immortal-tier shot out.

  Space cracked—black lights racing to statue.

  Ignored black-and-white ball.

  No threat detected. Sleeping—no need wake.

  Seize and escape—mission complete, no extras.

  Humans stirred—unwilling to concede.

  Prepared to contest.

  But Lu Jiulian halted.

  "Wait..."

  "Can't wait—Wood Origin strategically crucial—can't let demons take..."

  Some humans urged.

  Lu Jiulian silent, watching.

  Demons swift.

  Soon tiptoed around vines.

  Exchanged looks, suppressed auras, cautiously approached center—quiet theft without waking fluff.

  Tension extreme.

  Even perched demons held breath, watching careful moves.

  Humans captivated—breathless.

  From Lu Jiulian's view, Lu Ping'an felt exasperated.

  Watching silent tension—shook head. Only wind rustling leaves.

  "Are these truly Five Phoenixes alumni?"

  "Not inheriting a shred of my Lu Ping'an's cunning?"

  Lu Ping'an disappointed.

  Prime time for... mind games!

  Rivals! Why aid their performance?

  "Got it!"

  Suddenly.

  Reaching Great Dao-tier thrilled—grasped trophy-sized statue.

  Prior Gold/Fire massive—world-spanning. This Wood small, pre-shrunk.

  Joy—seized without waking...

  Perfect!

  But silent extraction key.

  Both sides hearts pounding.

  Lu Jiulian squinted—watching careful angling from nest...

  Heart-pounding, blood-freezing—breathless.

  So intense.

  In palace.

  Water droplet reflected.

  Black-and-white woman on throne watched lazily, half-smiling.

  Gold/Fire Elemental Gods hearts racing—immersed.

  Tong Gu tense briefly.

  Then snapped.

  Seeing Lu Jiulian, Overlord, Tang Yimo tense silently.

  Tong Gu fumed.

  "Why tense?!"

  "Fools!"

  "Opponents! Provoke! Disrupt—wake the sleeping black-and-white beast!"

  "Stir chaos! Why spectate?! Old daoist furious!"

  Tong Gu raged.

  Distant Gold/Fire glared maliciously.

  "Despicable!"

  "Bastard!"

  Tong Gu ignored, pounding chest.

  On trunk.

  Tension peaked—humans wide-eyed.

  Azure Dragon hid behind Lu Jiulian, neck stretched, staring high-difficulty demon.

  From view—Lu Ping'an helpless, shook head.

  Picked chess piece.

  Plop.

  Corner board.

  Like invisible kick.

  Hm?

  Puckered, tiptoed, craned Azure Dragon felt chilling neck.

  Suddenly!

  Invisible foot struck puckered rear.

  Bullseye...

  Irresistible force.

  Azure Dragon flushed crimson.

  "Ohhh~!"

  Involuntary cry—sultry yet mostly agonizing.

  Stumbled off trunk—kicked by immense power.

  Cry shocked all!

  Lu Jiulian, Tang Yimo, Overlord awoke.

  Right!

  Why tense?!

  Azure Dragon tumbled, furious.

  Twisted—see kicker.

  Nothing behind.

  Thud!

  Crashed center, shattering vine.

  Crisp ring.

  "Whimper..."

  Whimper from nest.

  Black-and-white fluff stirred, rolled.

  Beneath fluff—watery, lively big eyes opened spiritedly.

  Beast first eyed waker Azure Dragon.

  Watery eyes met flushed, awkward Azure Dragon.

  Instant—just extra glance—Azure Dragon heart-struck.

  "So cute..."

  Beast eyes swirled, fixed on thief demon nearly extracting.

  Tension froze.

  Azure Dragon's entrance shattered stalemate, woke beast.

  Gripping demon inwardly raged!

  So close—nearly succeeded!

  Guardian woken at brink!

  Damn thing!

  Great Dao-tier scanned, glared Azure Dragon!

  But yanked violently—no caution.

  Rip!

  Vine tearing echoed.

  However...

  Next.

  Body stiffened.

  Fluffy beast—seeing thief—eyes flared rage.

  Killing intent erupted.

  Bloody aura thick!

  Roar!

  Heaven-shaking bellow.

  Fluffy ball swelled, enlarged...

  Became ten-thousand-zhang terror—rage bear propping heavens!

  Black-and-white beast eyes crimson, claws razor, fur steel needles.

  Hot breath snorted.

  Mouth parted—rows knife teeth, dense gears—chilling.

  Pfft!

  Boom!

  No motion seen.

  Huge beast dipped head, jaws clamped.

  Fierce toss!

  Blood sprayed...

  Great Dao-tier swallowed—one bite. Gripping arm spared—beast wary statue.

  Arm clutched, flung with statue—smashed ground, blood from stump.

  Beast unsatisfied—raised plump paw.

  Clang!

  Paw fork-sharp.

  Stabbed down.

  Pfft pfft!

  Two Great Dao-tier pierced before fleeing—like skewered steak, stuffed mouth.

  Crunch crunch silenced field.

  "This... quasi-saint stellar beast!"

  Demons paled.

  Harmless ball to terrifying beast—instant.

  Beast gaped, roared—gale blades.

  Vines shattered—many immortal-tier roared to bloody bursts.

  Fallen Azure Dragon terrified—nearly paralyzed.

  Cute... bullshit!

  Wolf in sheep's clothing!

  Azure Dragon fled.

  But spotted statue in severed grip.

  Eyes lit.

  Behind—ferocious beast targeted him.

  Pounced.

  Huge toothed maw gaped—biting Azure Dragon.

  First eye-contact waker, extra-glance one—deserved bite of respect.

  Quasi-saint pressure chilled Azure Dragon—no courage move.

  On trunk.

  Lu Jiulian etc. stunned by shift.

  Fluffy beast's ferocity shocked.

  Seeing Azure Dragon targeted—Lu Jiulian shifted.

  Raised hand.

  Fire/Gold mysteries condensed—dual rage lotuses.

  Flash—domain swap, over Azure Dragon.

  Threw lotuses.

  Boom!

  Terrifying explosion.

  Lu Jiulian felt crushing pressure.

  Smoke billowed.

  Beast drooling, huffing—maw biting them.

  Azure Dragon escaped via aid.

  Rolled, seized statue.

  Lu Jiulian teleported away.

  Beast bit Azure Dragon—he clutched madly.

  Doubted beast bite statue too!

  Yet...

  Heart sank...

  Darkness enveloped.

  Beast ignored statue—eyes on Azure Dragon.

  Boom!

  Bit down—Azure Dragon and statue, raising dust.

  But jaws closed.

  Wood Origin statue erupted green ripples.

  Vast mystery ripples swept instantly.

  Buzz...

  Ripples spread.

  Engulfed all.

  Humans and demons entered comprehension...

  Including beast—and Azure Dragon in mouth.

  Silence brief.

  Laughter echoed overhead.

  "Heh heh heh..."