The world changed dramatically. The entire Five Phoenixes seemed to undergo a complete transformation in this moment.

  Boom!

  Vast energy surged.

  The landmasses of the Five Phoenix Continent began expanding once more.

  Countless life-bearing stars—transformed from various worlds—orbited the Five Phoenixes in profound patterns.

  Overflowing energy from the Five Phoenixes poured into these stars.

  The ancestors of high-martial worlds who had migrated from Pingyang Heaven, Blood Fiend Heaven, and Yuan Magnetic Heaven to the Five Phoenixes—all had bright eyes in this moment.

  They sensed something.

  The scent of opportunity.

  “The Five Phoenixes is transforming! It’s ascending to First-Derivation!”

  “Seize this chance—perhaps our stars can also gain great fortune!”

  “Borrow the Five Phoenixes’ Dao essence to achieve the Dao! This is the opportunity!”

  One by one, the high-martial ancestors and Immortals began guiding their stars to orbit the Five Phoenixes—receiving the blessing of the Five Phoenix Heavenly Dao.

  Endless fortune surged, making the entire starry sky dazzlingly magnificent.

  On the Five Phoenix Continent,

  Cultivators naturally sensed it. How could they not know?

  The Five Phoenix Continent’s transformation was not the first time. From a low-martial continent to today’s First-Derivation high-martial—the Five Phoenixes had transformed many times.

  It had endured countless hardships.

  Yet without exception, every transformation was the best opportunity for growth.

  The Five Phoenix Xuan Immortals sighed deeply. But while sighing, they all sat cross-legged—communing with the Heavenly Dao, seeking its power and insights.

  Micah stood atop a mountain peak, hands behind his back.

  Watching the heavens and earth shift, his eyes gleamed.

  The Five Phoenixes’ transformation stirred excitement in his once-calm heart.

  He sat cross-legged, sensing the world.

  The twelve Witch Kings temporarily ceased fighting with Overlord and Tang Yimo.

  They gathered around the Heavenly Witch statue—dancing the sacrificial dance. To them, the world’s transformation was likely the Heavenly Witch manifesting.

  They felt their own strength changing with the world.

  Growing stronger, more powerful. Even Witch Kings who had not yet comprehended divine abilities broke through their bottlenecks in this moment—gaining divine abilities.

  This was the Heavenly Witch’s blessing!

  The Witch Clan tribes erupted in frenzy—plunged into celebration.

  Demon Court.

  At this moment, the Demon Court was completely boiling.

  Because…

  A Demon Saint had been born!

  Golden Crow proved the Dao. In this moment, he washed away inner confusion—breaking through his shackles, achieving the level equivalent to human Xuan Immortal: Demon Saint!

  Moreover—due to the demon race’s innate talent—Demon Saints were stronger than ordinary Xuan Immortals!

  The entire demon race’s fortune surged—pouring down endlessly.

  Many great demons received fortune’s blessing—achieving great breakthroughs.

  The Demon Monkey King looked at the blazing Golden Crow.

  He burst into laughter.

  Demon race fortune poured down. The Demon Monkey King—also in this moment—successfully stepped into Demon Saint realm!

  The Thunder Eagle King also broke through—receiving the demon race’s fortune blessing.

  It was as though the demon race’s fortune acknowledged the demon kings’ years of governance.

  One by one, the demon kings achieved varying degrees of improvement.

  The entire demon race boiled—like a grand celebration sweeping the Demon Court.

  The ox demon, nine-tailed fox, snake demon Bai Su, and other great demons also received fortune—breaking through.

  Meanwhile, the human True Immortals staying in the Demon Court were stunned.

  Heavenly Void Young Master looked dazed.

  Golden Crow proving the Dao as Demon Saint already shocked him. The surging demon fortune delighted him.

  But as the demon fortune gradually calmed from its boiling state—

  Heavenly Void Young Master’s heart turned from shock to terror.

  Where was the promised fortune?

  Why had he received none?

  He had clearly found the one who could influence demon fortune—and subtly influenced him.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Suddenly.

  Heavenly Void Young Master turned his head—looking toward the Eastern Sea.

  He sensed three breakthrough auras rising in Tianyuan Domain.

  In that instant—Heavenly Void understood.

  He slapped himself hard.

  Cursing himself.

  What had he been greedy for!

  Why hadn’t he let go when he should have…

  Ye Shoudao, Du Longyang, Ni Chunchiu—they had let go—and unexpectedly received the longed-for demon fortune.

  Achieving breakthroughs.

  While he, Heavenly Void Young Master…

  Because he clung too tightly—received nothing.

  This… was fate!

  He, Heavenly Void… had fallen behind again!

  Others felt destiny’s kiss—while he suffered destiny’s ruthless punches.

  Heavenly Void Young Master beat his chest and wailed.

  So difficult.

  Compared to the demon race’s surging fortune,

  Human fortune changed little.

  The spiritual energy density of heaven and earth increased again—accelerating the birth of cultivators.

  This was the benefit of the world’s level rising.

  Human fortune had already gone through its ups and downs.

  Human Immortals had already divided what fortune they could.

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  The effect naturally could not compare to the demon race’s fortune surge led by the newly born Demon Saint Golden Crow.

  …

  While the Five Phoenixes underwent massive transformation,

  The nine heavens seemed to sense it as well.

  Many Saints soared into the air—gazing toward the starry sky of Void Heaven, isolated by the void abyss.

  They could see the Five Phoenix Continent within.

  Originally, the Five Phoenixes had been expanding—its area growing larger.

  Once, Void Heaven had been the smallest of the nine heavens—even smaller than Pingyang Heaven.

  But now, Void Heaven’s area rivaled the combined size of the lower three heavens.

  Looking at the magnificent stars revolving,

  The holy clan Saints of the nine heavens breathed heavily. Some even revealed envy.

  At all times, overwhelming pressure surged within the nine heavens.

  Oppressive. Stifling. Dead silent…

  This was the current state of the nine heavens.

  The various races of the upper realms could only tremble day by day—fearing destruction at any moment.

  Such a nine heavens—compared to the vibrant Void Heaven—filled them with disgust.

  With the loss and destruction of imperial weapons, the original ten great holy clans had fallen completely silent.

  But the Heavenly Spirit Clan could no longer sit still.

  The Heavenly Spirit Clan—always aloof from the holy clans, residing in the first heaven—dispatched vast armies.

  Within the Heavenly Spirit Clan, there was a Heavenly Dao incarnation.

  Under the banner of “Heavenly Dao crusade,” the Heavenly Spirit Holy Hall began conquering the various holy clans of the nine heavens.

  Though they had lost Micah—the powerful Holy Hall Master—

  The Heavenly Spirit Clan remained the strongest of the ten great holy clans.

  In a short time, they launched war—sweeping across every region of the upper realms.

  The remaining five holy clans naturally refused to be swallowed by the Heavenly Spirit Clan.

  After all, each holy clan carried glory—having endured millions of years.

  But the Heavenly Spirit Clan was too powerful.

  Even united, the five holy clans were steadily defeated under the Heavenly Spirit Clan’s strength.

  Many Saints in the holy clans despaired.

  They sensed the Heavenly Spirit Clan’s determination—to unify the nine heavens.

  Though the nine heavens were now incomplete—unifying them would still be a monumental feat.

  After all—in millions of years—the nine heavens had never been unified.

  Now—taking advantage of the ten great holy clans’ emptiness—the Heavenly Spirit Clan struck like thunder.

  Without imperial weapons, Saints were the strongest force.

  But the Heavenly Spirit Clan was too strong. Their number of Saints was too great.

  Even united, the remaining five holy clans struggled to resist.

  War erupted in the nine heavens.

  Battles raged endlessly.

  The holy clans huddled together for warmth—barely clinging to a sliver of survival.

  In despair, many holy clan Saints turned their gaze toward Void Heaven—the vast starry sky beyond the void abyss.

  They felt ironic.

  Once proud as nine heavens holy clans—now they had no place in the nine heavens.

  “If this continues—the Heavenly Spirit Clan’s dominance will destroy us. The holy clans’ inheritance will vanish forever.”

  “Our only hope… is to flee into Void Heaven.”

  “That Lu Ping’an of the Five Phoenixes may be petty and bad-tempered—but he will not devour us or destroy us like the Heavenly Spirit Clan…”

  “Perhaps… we can still find a sliver of survival in the Five Phoenixes!”

  The Saints of the five holy clans said.

  The nine heavens offered no place.

  Then… to Void Heaven!

  Thus, all the holy clan Saints gathered their strength—constructing a massive warship.

  This warship combined the essence of Ancient Emperor Hao and all array runes.

  Using this warship—they would cross the void abyss and enter Void Heaven.

  This act was equivalent to traveling from one heaven to another—immensely difficult.

  After all—the Five Phoenix Heavenly Dao and the nine heavens’ Heavenly Dao were incompatible.

  Facing the aggressive, merciless Heavenly Spirit Clan—the upper-realm holy clans had no choice.

  They were gambling—betting that Lu Ping’an would, for the sake of the imperial weapons they once provided—leave them a path to survival.

  If they stayed in the nine heavens—the Heavenly Spirit Clan would give them no mercy.

  Since ancient times, holy clans devoured by others met the fate of extermination.

  The holy clans knew their own ruthlessness.

  Finally, the holy clan alliance began their plan.

  The warship carried the elite members of the five holy clans—one hundred thousand people.

  All with the purest holy clan bloodlines.

  This was all they could bring.

  The massive warship began crossing the void abyss.

  They were filled with hope.

  As the Five Phoenixes began transforming—they sought to cross the void abyss and enter Void Heaven.

  However—

  Just as they began this act,

  In the first heaven—the Heavenly Spirit Clan.

  In the endless void,

  Footsteps gradually echoed.

  The aged Quasi-Emperor stationed in the Heavenly Spirit Clan suddenly opened his eyes.

  Looking toward the end of the sky.

  At that distant end—brilliant light flickered.

  A golden-haired burly man returned.

  Carrying a blood-dripping red coffin on his back.

  With every step—void trembled.

  This golden-haired man’s aura was too strong—even compared to Quasi-Emperors, the gap was vast.

  When he appeared—he became the sole focus between heaven and earth.

  Even the Heavenly Dao could not affect him in the slightest.

  His flesh contained boundless energy—faintly capable of shaking off rule power.

  The aged Quasi-Emperor of the Heavenly Spirit Clan was shocked.

  Transforming into light, he bowed respectfully—trembling.

  “It’s the Emperor!”

  “Heavenly Spirit Emperor has returned!”

  The Quasi-Emperor prostrated himself.

  At the same time—all living beings of the Heavenly Spirit Clan erupted in cheers.

  At the end of the nine heavens,

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor stood cold and solemn. The coffin on his back was immensely heavy—containing terrifying power that made hearts palpitate!

  “Emperor!”

  Quasi-Emperors knelt. The Holy Hall Saints also knelt.

  The Heavenly Spirit Clan—and all living beings of the nine heavens—prostrated devoutly.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor gazed coldly—carrying the blood-dripping coffin, barbaric aura flowing around him.

  Step by step—he returned from the end of heaven and earth.

  Carrying the power to destroy all.

  Invincible through the ages.

  This was an Emperor.

  The entire Heavenly Spirit Clan seemed illuminated in glory—dazzling and blinding.

  Rumble!

  Accompanying his return was not only the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor—but also vast Heavenly Dao.

  The true nine heavens’ Heavenly Dao.

  Like thick clouds—it swept from the end of heaven and earth—forming a massive human face.

  Complementing the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor carrying the coffin.

  “Emperor…”

  The aged Heavenly Spirit Clan Quasi-Emperor prostrated—eyes filled with reverence and tears.

  “The former Holy Hall Master Micah betrayed our clan—betrayed the Emperor. He joined the Five Phoenixes—becoming a sinful traitor.”

  “Micah even took many Holy Hall Saints—our clan’s shame!”

  This old Quasi-Emperor was even older than Micah.

  He and Micah had guarded the Heavenly Spirit Clan together. In truth—the Emperor had left him to balance Micah.

  In an era without Emperors—Quasi-Emperors were the strongest.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor carried the blood-dripping coffin.

  Quietly listening to the old Quasi-Emperor’s weeping accusations.

  “Micah betrayed?”

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor murmured.

  The next moment—terrifying light surged in his eyes—as though time was reversing.

  He saw everything clearly—everything that had happened in the nine heavens.

  The destruction of imperial weapons, the fall of holy clans, Micah’s betrayal, and the descent of the Emperor-realm Dao incarnation.

  When he saw the Dao incarnation descend—the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor was slightly surprised.

  After all—in an era without Emperors—who could resist the Heavenly Dao will?

  Continuing to watch—he discovered someone had become one with the Heavenly Dao—severing Void Heaven—separating it from the nine heavens.

  Making it impossible for the Heavenly Dao will to interfere.

  “Interesting.”

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor smiled.

  His gaze lifted—as though piercing through everything…

  Seeming to see the massive rift—and the familiar faces within it.

  Suddenly.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s gaze swept.

  Falling upon the vast void abyss beyond Pingyang Heaven—seeing the massive warship floating in the abyss.

  “The other holy clans?”

  “Also betraying the nine heavens?”

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor said calmly.

  “Traitors shall not be forgiven.”

  With that,

  The blood-dripping coffin on the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s back smashed into the void.

  Boom!

  The entire first heaven seemed ready to explode.

  The Quasi-Emperor’s heart clenched. Glancing at the coffin—the suffocating sensation made his body tremble.

  It was a suppression on the level of life itself.

  What was in this coffin…

  What exactly was sealed inside?

  Whoosh! Whoosh!

  The moment the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor set down the coffin—the Heavenly Dao manifested. Endless Heavenly Dao power transformed into rule chains—wrapping tightly around the coffin.

  Locking the blood-dripping coffin firmly.

  The Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor glanced back—smiling faintly.

  The next moment—

  He stepped forward.

  Heaven and earth collapsed. In an instant—he crossed several heavens—appearing beyond Pingyang Heaven.

  In the void abyss Lu had cleaved.

  The holy clan Saints on the warship—about to exit the abyss—had just breathed a sigh of relief. They wondered why the Heavenly Spirit Clan had not sent pursuers.

  But the moment they relaxed—

  Boom!

  They turned back in disbelief.

  They saw the golden-haired man—who seemed the sole focus of heaven and earth—slowly walking toward them.

  Thud! Thud!

  The holy clan Saints knelt under the terrifying pressure.

  They despaired…

  An Emperor?!

  The Heavenly Spirit Emperor?!

  They were just smuggling themselves—did it require the Heavenly Spirit Emperor to appear personally?!

  Was it still possible to turn back now?

  …

  Origin Lake, Origin Island.

  Lu sat in his thousand-blade chair. The system panel appeared before him.

  *Host:* Lu

  *Title:* Qi Refiner (Permanent)

  *Qi Refining Level:* 9 (↑)

  *Spiritual Energy Reserve:* 100/100 (billion) strands

  *Divine Soul Power:* 100000 (yuan)

  *Chaos Power:* 1000000 (he)

  *World Rating:* Five Phoenixes Minor World [High-Martial (Immortal Martial Foundation)]

  Lu’s eyes gleamed.

  In truth—his spiritual energy reserve had long met the requirement for advancement. But Lu had not chosen to break through.

  He had been waiting for the right moment.

  Waiting for Little Yinglong to fully refine one million Dao essence strands—ascending with the Five Phoenixes to First-Derivation high-martial—then breaking through to see if the Five Phoenixes could impact immortal martial realm.

  Though… Lu felt it was somewhat unlikely.

  But how would he know without trying?

  Finally—the Five Phoenixes began upgrading to First-Derivation…

  Lu felt the constantly transforming world—his lips curving upward.

  First-Derivation was the pinnacle of high-martial.

  Perhaps only in this way could they hope to impact immortal martial.

  “A ten-thousand-zhang tower starts from the ground. Congratulations, Host—spiritual energy reserve accumulation complete. Meets Qi Refining advancement conditions. Advance?”

  Lu sat in his thousand-blade chair—one hand propping his chin, the other lightly tapping the armrest.

  The familiar system prompt appeared before him.

  This prompt had appeared many times.

  But before—Lu had always refused. This time—Lu did not refuse.

  “Yes.”

  Lu said.

  With his confirmation—the text faded.

  Boom!

  Lu felt his internal spiritual energy surge wildly. Essence, energy, and spirit seemed to undergo massive transformation in this moment.

  This was… Qi Refining… Layer Ten!

  In Lu’s eyes—it seemed to contain the vast heavens and earth. Everything was laid bare.

  His divine soul instantly broke through the bottleneck.

  Divine sense wandered freely!

  In an instant—it seemed to transcend the constraints of heaven, earth, and all things.

  Independent of the world.

  Suddenly.

  Above Origin Lake—Lu’s divine soul fluctuated faintly.

  He slowly raised his head—looking into the distance.

  Toward the void abyss connecting Void Heaven and Pingyang Heaven.

  In that abyss—a pair of eyes projected their gaze—as though piercing through the barriers of time and space.

  Colliding with Lu’s gaze!