Above the vast sea, the ancient tomb rose and fell, its aged palace walls flowing with radiant light and pulsing with formation runes that carried the weight of countless ages.

  Outside the tomb, many wore expressions of unwillingness. They had failed to comprehend the scripture in the first palace city and had been expelled.

  Yet how could they accept it? The tomb undoubtedly held immense fortune. Even just the ancient scripture they had briefly touched was extraordinary—they could not forget it.

  But now, expelled, every trace of the scripture had been wiped from their minds. How could they tolerate such a thing?

  Thus, many cultivators charged madly back toward the tomb.

  Yin spirit soldiers trampled forth. Some cultivators resisted desperately; some were crushed into bloody paste, others gravely wounded and coughing blood. The sea outside churned crimson.

  Many watched in despair.

  When they saw an Infant Transformation expert instantly pulverized by charging yin spirit cavalry, they finally understood…

  They had missed their chance. Forcing their way in now meant nine deaths and one life—if even that.

  Gradually, some gave up.

  They stopped assaulting the dark passage.

  Within the tomb—

  Those who had been meditating in the first palace city were divided into two groups: the expelled, and those allowed into the second.

  Those who entered the second found themselves on a vast ancient battlefield.

  Yellow sand stretched endlessly; bloody winds howled.

  Skeletons clawed up from the sand and charged.

  To reach the third palace city, they had to fight their way through.

  Yet these skeletons seemed unkillable.

  Even when cut down, they reformed.

  Overlord, Nie Changqing, Lu Jiulian, and the others were each entangled by skeletons matching their strength.

  They clashed like colliding floods.

  The war raged for a long time.

  Some died before reaching the third city. Some endured to the end.

  Eventually, they realized the skeletons were not truly immortal. By wielding the power cultivated from the ancient scripture, they could be destroyed.

  When the fighting ceased, broken bones littered the ground.

  The survivors rose from the corpse-strewn battlefield, gazing at the carnage. Many hearts trembled.

  Before their eyes, the horrors of primordial war seemed to manifest.

  Perhaps one day, Five Phoenix would face such a crisis. If they were not strong enough, they would become just another corpse on the battlefield. In true war, no one was spared.

  The survivors sat cross-legged. The next portion of the ancient scripture appeared in their minds. They continued comprehending.

  High above the battlefield, in the hazy air—

  Four skeletons stood with hands behind their backs.

  Ghostfire danced in their empty sockets.

  As though… selecting something.

  …

  The Joyful Venerable stood beaming, unmoving.

  An odd silence settled in the void.

  Everyone’s expressions turned strange.

  Tuoba and Azure Spirit Holy Lords exchanged glances, shock in their eyes.

  The Joyful Venerable wanted a private audience with Lu?

  For what purpose?

  As a Derivation Six High Martial, the Little Thunder Sound Buddha Realm dominated its region in Pingyang Heaven through sheer power.

  Were they… trying to subjugate this newborn High Martial world?

  Both Holy Lords had the same thought.

  But they quickly dismissed it.

  Unlikely.

  Though Five Phoenix was only newly born and merely Derivation Nine overall…

  Lu’s existence changed everything.

  A being who could obliterate the Northern Palace Holy Lord’s body with one punch made this newborn world utterly unique.

  Derivation Seven peak combat power, yet only Derivation Nine overall strength.

  Of course, because of Lu, it was untouchable.

  They pondered but could not fathom the Great Venerable’s intentions.

  Qi Liujia’s face stiffened slightly.

  Far away, the Northern Palace Holy Lord began cursing furiously.

  That bald donkey definitely had ill intent!

  As someone who had been through it, he knew betrayal when he saw it. He cursed loudly.

  “Venerable, could you briefly explain the matter?”

  Qi Liujia asked, his wrinkled face creasing further.

  The Joyful Venerable’s chubby cheeks squeezed his eyes into slits.

  “It concerns Five Phoenix’s registration in the High Martial Records…”

  Qi Liujia’s pupils contracted.

  Far away, Tuoba and Azure Spirit Holy Lords suddenly understood.

  The High Martial Records…

  So it was about the Nine Heavens’ High Martial Records.

  As Holy Lords, they knew much about it.

  When the Joyful Venerable mentioned the Records, pieces fell into place.

  Though High Martial worlds were far fewer than Low or Mid Martial ones, their importance far surpassed them. High Martial worlds could inscribe the Great Path—this alone elevated them above all others.

  The Joyful Venerable’s words left Qi Liujia unable to refuse.

  Lu’s voice transmission reached his ear.

  “Venerable, Young Master invites you.”

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  Qi Liujia said.

  The Joyful Venerable’s smile widened.

  He waved to the novice monks behind him—each at least Distraction realm, yet mere servants before him.

  This subtly displayed the Little Thunder Sound Buddha Realm’s might.

  The Heaven-Sheltering Array parted. Misty clouds formed a staircase.

  The Joyful Venerable and his entourage descended leisurely.

  They walked across the sea.

  Beaming, he admired Five Phoenix’s scenery, clicking his tongue in praise.

  He saw the ancient tomb. Though initially startled, he quickly regained composure.

  He ordered the novice monks to remain outside.

  Qi Liujia led him personally onto the lake heart island.

  A gentle breeze blew.

  The Origin Lake rippled.

  As the Joyful Venerable stepped onto the island, a fresh fragrance filled the air. He inhaled deeply.

  “Young Master has refined tastes.”

  He pressed his palms together and bowed.

  The next instant, the scene shifted—a white-robed youth in a wheelchair moved unhurriedly through the flower groves, plucking a peach blossom.

  “Greetings, Holy Lord Lu.”

  The Joyful Venerable said.

  In his view, every High Martial world had a sacred ground, and Lu was its Holy Lord.

  Lu smiled at the title, neither confirming nor denying.

  “You wish to see me regarding Five Phoenix’s entry into the High Martial Records?”

  Lu asked directly.

  The Joyful Venerable’s chubby face jiggled as he laughed.

  “The Void Heaven has not birthed a High Martial world in nearly a hundred thousand years. It is normal that Holy Lord Lu is unaware.”

  “The Great Venerable sent me to remind Holy Lord Lu that the Void Heaven is still one of the Nine Heavens. A High Martial born here belongs to the Nine Heavens as well…”

  His expression grew solemn.

  He pressed his palms together and bowed.

  “The High Martial Records were created by the supremes of the Nine Heavens. High Martial origins must inscribe the Great Path, so every High Martial world defies heaven itself and must face tribulation judgment from the Great Path. However, registration in the Records shields one from tribulation—no need to endure calamity.”

  Lu raised a brow, crushing the peach blossom petals in his hand.

  “So that’s the High Martial Records?”

  “Nothing else?”

  The Joyful Venerable froze.

  Was there… supposed to be more?

  Tribulation from the Great Path was terrifying!

  Registration shielded one from it—wasn’t that good enough?

  There was a vast difference between wild and registered.

  The Joyful Venerable thought for a moment, then smiled.

  “Holy Lord Lu, without the Records’ protection, every ten dao patterns inscribed on Five Phoenix’s origin would trigger a tribulation…”

  “Each one would be harrowing. A single misstep, and Five Phoenix would be reduced to ash. Is Holy Lord Lu… not afraid?”

  Lu fell into thought, tapping the armrest lightly.

  Constant lightning strikes did sound troublesome.

  “What price for entry into the Records?”

  Lu asked.

  “No price. Simply pass the assessment, and registration is granted.”

  “Hm…”

  Lu acknowledged.

  As though considering.

  Suddenly, he looked toward Qi Liujia standing quietly at the island’s edge.

  “Old Qi, what do you think?”

  Qi Liujia started. Lu was asking his opinion on the Records.

  This was not Qi Liujia’s first time facing this choice.

  When his previous High Martial world had been on the verge of success, the Little Thunder Sound Buddha Realm had casually sent a Distraction realm novice monk to inform him of registration—practically forcing him.

  He had no right to refuse.

  Unfortunately… the origin later collapsed, his primordial spirit and body were both severed by the rules, and the matter was dropped.

  Now, the Buddha Realm had personally sent a Venerable for the same purpose.

  The difference in treatment was night and day.

  Yet Qi Liujia gave honest advice.

  “Young Master, this old man believes… registration is unwise.”

  The benefits were many—future ascensions would face far fewer troubles.

  Inscribing the Great Path without constant tribulation.

  Tribulation was no easy thing—mentally and physically taxing, with one mistake spelling annihilation.

  But for Five Phoenix, the downsides were far worse.

  The Records were created by the Nine Heavens’ supremes.

  Registration meant entering their sight.

  The Void Heaven’s situation was unique. If a supreme who bore a grudge against it took offense, Five Phoenix could be erased on a whim.

  Even now, when Five Phoenix was beneath their notice.

  Qi Liujia’s words caused the Joyful Venerable’s expression to change drastically.

  He opened his mouth to speak—

  But Lu cut him off.

  “Hm. Old Qi makes sense…”

  “Very well—let’s register in the High Martial Records.”

  Lu leaned back in his chair and smiled.

  Qi Liujia froze.

  Young Master Lu… never played by the rules.

  But he bowed and said nothing more.

  The Joyful Venerable’s anxiety vanished, replaced by a beaming grin.

  “Since Holy Lord Lu agrees, this monk will immediately report to the Great Venerable…”

  “In a few days, the Great Venerable will personally commune with the High Martial and guide the will of the Great Path to assess Five Phoenix’s grade.”

  Overjoyed, he left the treasures and departed cheerfully.

  The lake heart island fell quiet once more.

  Qi Liujia looked at Lu, wanting to speak but hesitating.

  “Speak if you have something to say.”

  Lu plucked another peach blossom and toyed with it.

  Qi Liujia inhaled deeply.

  “Young Master… why not refuse?”

  Lu smiled.

  “You made good points… but I, Lu Ping’an, hate trouble most.”

  “I just want to see what medicine this bald donkey is selling in his gourd.”

  Qi Liujia gave a wry smile.

  “Right—Young Master, the Joyful Venerable saw the Ancient Emperor’s tomb. If he spreads the news, Five Phoenix may become the eye of the storm…”

  Lu shook his head.

  “It won’t become the storm’s center. Besides, that tomb isn’t an Emperor’s. If it were, the Nine Heavens would not be this calm…”

  “Moreover, the Little Thunder Sound Buddha Realm won’t spread the news… They’ll do their best to hide it.”

  Lu said.

  Qi Liujia’s wrinkled face was full of confusion.

  “Why?”

  Lu twirled the peach blossom, lips curving.

  “Just a guess.”

  …

  Waiting outside, Tuoba and Azure Spirit Holy Lords watched the joyful departure of the Joyful Venerable and exchanged glances.

  It seemed the meeting with Lu Ping’an had gone without conflict.

  “If Five Phoenix enters the High Martial Records, the first step will be grading… I wonder what grade Five Phoenix will receive?”

  Tuoba mused.

  “Probably Derivation Nine. Grading depends mainly on overall world strength and inscribed dao patterns.”

  “Though Lu Ping’an is strong, he can only comprehend one dao intent. One person cannot change an entire world.”

  Azure Spirit Holy Lord said.

  His words made sense.

  The Joyful Venerable left.

  Taking his novice monks with him, leaving the treasures behind.

  Lu accepted them all without hesitation.

  And, of course, the Northern Palace Holy Lord drifting in the void.

  The Northern Palace Holy Lord knelt on the sea, face ashen.

  Being treated as a gift had left him with nothing but sorrow. From this day forward, he and bald donkeys were mortal enemies.

  The wheelchair rolled across the sea.

  White robes fluttered.

  The face from his nightmares appeared, smiling yet not smiling.

  The Northern Palace Holy Lord gave a wretched laugh.

  He was done for—this time, truly done for.

  Far away—

  Tuoba and Azure Spirit Holy Lords stood speechless.

  What could they say?

  Only that the Northern Palace Holy Lord was truly pitiful. It was fate.

  He had fled so fast—yet still could not escape.

  Lu smiled at the Holy Lord—the same one he had once obliterated with a punch.

  Though the man had attacked him, Lu Ping’an was not one to hold grudges.

  Under the Northern Palace Holy Lord’s miserable gaze—

  Lu brought him before the ancient tomb.

  Tuoba and Azure Spirit Holy Lords grew curious.

  Lu pointed at the tomb and told the Northern Palace Holy Lord to enter.

  Chills ran down the Holy Lord’s spine.

  He had once dreamed of this tomb. Now, only sorrow remained.

  He knew full well—Lu had no good intentions sending him in.

  “Go.”

  Lu said.

  The Northern Palace Holy Lord shook his head silently.

  Lu glanced at him, then slowly clenched his fist.

  Ninety-nine strands of primordial spirit force and thirty hertz of chaos energy surged. The air cracked.

  Immense pressure exploded, sending towering waves across the sea.

  The Northern Palace Holy Lord’s face set. Without a word—

  He charged into the dark passage.

  “Would you two like to try as well?”

  Lu turned to Tuoba and Azure Spirit Holy Lords.

  Their expressions froze.

  Qi Liujia, standing quietly, grew extremely curious.

  The Northern Palace Holy Lord rushed into the tomb.

  The next instant—his world spun.

  Endless white bones seemed to swallow him.

  Four skeletons blocked his path.

  One in a pink skirt, one in armor, one in daoist robes, one in common clothes…

  Ghostfire burned in their empty sockets.

  Buzz…

  The Northern Palace Holy Lord’s heart pounded. The four skeletons radiated peak Venerable-level auras.

  In an instant—

  His newly reformed tender body was obliterated again!

  Outside the tomb—

  On the vast sea—

  A wretched scream sent ripples across the water.

  The Northern Palace Holy Lord’s primordial spirit felt torn apart, ghostfire burning upon it. His face twisted in agony.

  At that moment, he held no hatred for Lu.

  Only deeper loathing for the Joyful Buddha.

  “As expected…”

  Lu murmured.

  The next moment, he acted.

  A massive spiritual-qi hand swept through the void, rescuing the Northern Palace Holy Lord’s primordial spirit from the four skeletons.

  The skeletons showed no strong reaction, merely nodding at Lu.

  Lu smiled.

  He flung the primordial spirit toward the Nine Prisons Secret Realm at Wolong Ridge.

  “Open the underworld and govern the dead.”

  “Serve for a hundred years, then you may leave.”

  Lu said.

  The primordial spirit recovered, weak but grateful rather than resentful.

  A mere hundred years—to a Holy Lord, the blink of an eye.

  Thus, the punishment was nothing.

  The spirit shot into the Nine Prisons Secret Realm.

  Vaguely, he saw nine cities shrouded in yin qi.

  Nine towering figures sat enthroned, chains wrapped around them, cupping fists in greeting.

  As though welcoming the Northern Palace Holy Lord.

  …

  Tuoba and Azure Spirit Holy Lords’ faces stiffened.

  Lu had actually asked if they wanted to try?

  If they had, they might be the ones obliterated now.

  They felt lingering fear—fortunate they had been cautious and not entered immediately.

  So those four skeletons were the tomb guardians?

  Both Holy Lords’ thoughts raced.

  They now understood—Lu had done this deliberately to show them.

  To prove this tomb was no Ancient Emperor’s tomb.

  When they first saw it, they had suspected it might be.

  But now they realized—though it held fortune, it did not qualify as an Emperor’s tomb.

  The two exchanged glances, made their decision, bid Lu farewell, and swiftly left Five Phoenix.

  They had to leave quickly. Lu Ping’an’s temper was unpredictable—who knew if the Northern Palace Holy Lord’s fate awaited them next?

  After they departed, Lu did not stop them.

  He leaned back in his Thousand Blades Chair.

  At that moment, he faintly sensed something.

  He looked toward the radiant ancient tomb.

  His eyes flickered.

  The four great inheritances the General had mentioned…

  Seemed to have chosen their recipients.