"What happened?!"

  "A heavenly phenomenon?! Could the Five Phoenixes be undergoing another transformation?"

  "Impossible, right? The Five Phoenixes are already at the Immortal Martial level—what comes after that?"

  In an instant, the phenomenon over Beiluo Lake stirred every cultivator across the Five Phoenixes continent.

  Golden Immortals and Mystic Immortals felt their minds shaken. Even those deep in cultivation opened their eyes, gazing toward Beiluo Lake.

  They remembered that place—Beiluo City, Beiluo Lake, the lake island...

  The birthplace of legends, where White Jade Capital soared.

  Now, a phenomenon erupting from White Jade Capital's origin.

  How could Five Phoenixes cultivators not be shocked, not stirred?

  In the starry sky.

  On the Metal Origin star, Jing Yue—seated at the 7,999th step—opened his eyes. His Jing Tian Sword trembled faintly behind him.

  He looked toward the continent, seeing the anomaly over Beiluo Lake.

  "Beiluo City..."

  Jing Yue's expression complex. That place changed his fate.

  Glancing back at the pyramid—over a thousand steps left—he exhaled.

  One step from 8,000—but he abandoned it.

  The lake's changes drew him more.

  Whoosh!

  Jing Tian Sword soared.

  Jing Yue leaped, robes fluttering—stepping on the sword, streaking toward the continent.

  On the Fire Origin star.

  Bai Qingniao departed amid nine fire phoenixes.

  Not just them.

  From enlightenment stars: Five Phoenixes Golden and Mystic Immortals, human ancestral geniuses—exchanged glances, soared.

  Not for anything else: the phenomenon at White Jade Capital's legendary start.

  Young Master Lu's birthplace!

  How tempting.

  Countless powerhouses converged like swords returning to sect—from starry corners to Beiluo.

  ...

  Five Phoenixes continent.

  Vast sea.

  Waters parted—Lu Changkong emerged from ancient tomb, brows furrowed, pinching emerald lotus.

  "Xiaobu, keep up."

  Lu Changkong said.

  Bu Nanxing—humbly following—startled, hurried.

  Unexpected: Master Lu leaving tomb after ages?

  Lost in immortal herb research—forgotten time.

  Out tomb.

  Sea scent assaulted. Chaotic winds tousled Bu Nanxing's hair—he squinted.

  Sunlight piercing—he shaded eyes. Ages without sun.

  Bu Nanxing sentimental.

  Lu Changkong smiled at his nostalgia: "You deserve freedom. Visit home when free—heard your Derivation 8 high-martial world relocated to Five Phoenixes. Parents in starry sky."

  Bu Nanxing stunned—dazed.

  Parents?

  Bitter expression.

  Thought lost in world changes.

  Upper realm sacred clan invasion: many high-martial worlds fallen—even Derivation 7 and 6.

  His tiny world: how survive?

  Unexpected: Lu Changkong remembered—touched.

  Bu Nanxing truly admired Master Lu—mentor and friend, true master.

  Years: acquired poisons killing Ninth-Turn Golden Immortals.

  "Go see this phenomenon. If not Beiluo, I'd stay secluded."

  Lu Changkong laughed.

  Step out—streaked skyward.

  Bu Nanxing smiled—followed.

  After: visit parents.

  Glorious return: human nature.

  Vast sea.

  Gu Mangran with sea clan prodigies met Lu Changkong and Bu Nanxing—traveled together.

  ...

  Western continent.

  Former Witch Kings: Heavenly Witches now. Witch clan: gifted bloodline, tied Five Phoenixes immortal source. Stronger heavenly dao: raised limits, empowered.

  Witches: continental overlords—not just twelve Heavenly Witches merging into Daluo-equivalent Ancestral Witch.

  Divine abilities: formidable.

  Stronger: Ancestral Witch mightier.

  Even demon royal court avoided conflict—peaceful development.

  Phenomenon: twelve Heavenly Witches mobilized.

  Demon court too.

  Golden Crow: exceptional talent—peak revolving Golden Immortal, Emperor Golden Crow.

  Ruled demons. Phenomenon: with Demon Monkey King and Golden Immortals—hurried to Beiluo.

  Humans needless say.

  Kong Nanfei with student Meng Haoran, hundreds Confucians: left Daxueshan Haoran Sect grandly.

  Haoran righteousness: brilliant clouds sweeping heavens. Mortals gazed; worldwide Confucians cheered.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Great Xuan divine dynasty: Chai Feng with Zhao Qingzhi, disciples: left imperial capital for Beiluo.

  Overlord—no Wood Origin comprehension: reform, strengthen. Be man exploding all without it.

  Phenomenon: exited Western Territory.

  Southern Domain: Tang Yimo with Li Sansui, Ximen Xianzhi, southern powerhouses: through dragon gates to Beiluo.

  ...

  One phenomenon.

  Heroes gathered Beiluo.

  Beiluo City—faded with White Jade Capital's prominence—suddenly spotlighted.

  Sea of immortals, powerhouse revelry.

  Luo Yue, Luo Cheng father-son: foreheads sweating. Golden, Mystic Immortals, ancestral geniuses flooding.

  Immense pressure.

  Without Nie Changqing, Nie Shuang return: unsustainable.

  Outside: endless mountain path.

  Dragon Blood Army guarded ancient city.

  Luo Yue knife-ready, armored—fierce face.

  Must intimidating—deter incoming immortals.

  Luo Cheng too.

  Father-son guarded gates; Nie father-son deterred inside.

  Current Nie Changqing: Ninth-Turn Golden Immortal with Metal Origin—strong, renowned. Even ancestral Emperors wary.

  Luo Yue stern—unknown why calm millennia Beiluo Lake changed.

  But guarded city.

  Suddenly.

  Footsteps.

  Luo Yue sharpened gaze—looked.

  Stunned.

  On mountain path: four figures approached. Lead: simple-robed Lu Changkong, unchanged, gentle smile.

  Beside: curious Bu Nanxing; other: Gu Mangran and sea clan prodigy—stunning golden-haired beauty.

  "City... City Lord!"

  Luo Yue incredulous—fierce face melted.

  Meaty face moved—twitched, surging emotion.

  "City Lord!!"

  "Beiluo City Lord returns!"

  Luo Yue roared.

  Clang clang!

  Tower.

  Armored Luo Yue knelt single knee—hard in armor, but forced.

  He knelt: Luo Cheng followed; tower Dragon Blood Army—confused, knelt uniformly.

  Precise.

  Lu Changkong's smile deepened.

  Eyes gentle, nostalgic.

  "Welcome City Lord home!"

  Luo Yue roared.

  Millennia Beiluo: never saw self as master. True: that father-son pair.

  Voice echoed—many powerhouses glanced.

  Researching Six Paths Immortal will: Tonggu turned curiously.

  Such fanfare?

  His entry: iron dummies nearly drew blades.

  This: fervent respect.

  Spirit sweep.

  Tonggu understood.

  "Lu Changkong... Brother Lu's father?!"

  Inhaled—no wonder...

  Lu Changkong chatted with Luo father-son—entered city.

  Beiluo: powerful spirit sweeps oppressive—hard breathe. Powerhouse pressure.

  Too many: Golden Immortals gathered, countless Mystic and True...

  Ancestral Extreme and Heavenly Emperors, even Tonggu quasi-saint: powerhouse hall.

  Lu Changkong resumed City Lord—controlled city. Luo father-son relieved—pressure lifted.

  Lu Changkong adept—even ancestral Emperors: smiling response.

  Beiluo lakeside: powerhouses converged.

  Jing Yue returned; Nie Changqing, Nie Shuang, Overlord, Tang Yimo gathered.

  Five Phoenixes apex: stood.

  "It's him..."

  Overlord stared Six Paths Immortal—complex. Recognized—even ignoring preaching platform encounters. Post-Immortal Martial stabilization: Six Paths appeared, quasi-saint voice boosted world.

  Thus: mysterious, but unforgettable in Five Phoenixes.

  First "saint miracle"!

  Now reappeared—will projection.

  All thrilled.

  Tonggu blended low-key.

  Gazed projection—no rash spirit probe: initial absorbed—long pained.

  "Projection strong: quasi-saint... yet saint-mysterious. Perhaps Brother Lu's starry saint master's setup?"

  Tonggu frowned.

  Then ignored—eyed churning lake, dazzling purple qi.

  "Innate purple qi... for phenomenon flair..."

  "True low-key!"

  Tonggu tempted absorb—but projection weirdness: abandoned.

  ...

  Lake island.

  Powerful waves subsided.

  Board: empty save one piece.

  But placing: drained Lu greatly.

  "Ning Zhao, Yi Yue, Ni Yu..."

  Lu called.

  Words: mist lingered—three appeared pavilion, bowed.

  "Young Master..."

  "Hmm, sensed phenomenon? Beiluo Lake... our growth place. Go see—if opportunity: seize."

  Lu said.

  Ning Zhao, Yi Yue stunned.

  First Young Master urged contest...

  Phenomenon extraordinary.

  From Beiluo Lake: three thought Lu's rise there.

  Perhaps reason.

  "Go..."

  Lu smiled.

  "Yes."

  Three nodded.

  Ning Zhao, Yi Yue gracefully left.

  Ni Yu black pot-backed—tiptoed turn.

  "Ni Yu wait."

  Lu said.

  She stiffened—Lu beckoned: Little Yinglong yanked from pot.

  "This guy can't go."

  Lu said.

  Ni Yu helpless glance Little Yinglong—shocked: "Ah! When Little Yellow in pot?"

  Little Yinglong despised.

  Ni Yu feigned shock—left with Ning Zhao, Yi Yue island.

  Island quiet.

  Lu no Little Yinglong realm.

  "You'd waste—Five Phoenixes immortal source dumbed by you."

  Lu muttered.

  Tore origin universe—tossed listless Little Yinglong: mine.

  Done: gaze board.

  "Nearly... all here."

  Lu leaned—sipped Ning Zhao's warm celestial brew.

  From dustless centuries box: black piece.

  Slowly placed.

  ...

  Beiluo Lake.

  Lakeside noisy.

  Curious: under projection what.

  "Should be ruins..."

  "Five Phoenixes many ruins—growth mostly them..."

  "If ruins: great fortune! Each appearance: soar era."

  Cultivators chattered.

  "First: Wolong Ridge immortal palace. Thousands years ago—no qi, Overlord masters dominated."

  "But opened: Young Master Lu soared, Overlord etc. born... qi increased—cultivation soar! Hundred schools era ended."

  Words: many powerhouses listened.

  Five Phoenixes past—rise secrets perhaps.

  Tonggu eyes bright: "Perhaps then saint took Brother Lu disciple?"

  "Worthy saint—qi-scarce Five Phoenixes: spotted demon talent Brother Lu. Me: fart past."

  Tonggu sentimental.

  Sudden uproar.

  "White Jade Capital!"

  "Young Master Lu's three maids? Young Master sent personally? Even he stirred?"

  "That's Underworld Emperor?! Underworld first emperor, Five Phoenixes first sovereign... Dantai Xuan!"

  "That's Lu Jiulian—human ferocious god, slew Elemental God?!"

  Ning Zhao trio with Dantai Xuan.

  Lu Jiulian with Tang Guo gracefully.

  Legendary figures: Beiluo cultivators awed.

  Mythic arrivals.

  Beiluo mortals: thrilled trembling—knelt, kowtowed, prayed.

  Immortals: blessings.

  Boom!

  As Ning Zhao etc. arrived.

  Massive boom.

  Originally probing cultivators: shifted to source.

  Vortex black depths: heavy boom.

  Then: massive white jade palace slowly rose—nearly covering lake.

  Buzz...

  Vast pressure dispersed.

  All pressured.

  Tonggu soared.

  "This old Daoist see inside..."

  Tonggu laughed.

  If saint treasure: huge human aid!

  "Tonggu senior!"

  Many exclaimed—human quasi-saint hidden crowd.

  Tonggu ascended jade stairs—hands behind, light steps like playful elder to palace.

  Lake island.

  Breeze stirred Lu's hair.

  "For under quasi-saint—you Tonggu join fun."

  Lu smiling shook head.

  Placed piece.

  Jade palace: sudden vast suction—Tonggu changed color.

  Suction drain spirit...

  "Grass! Excessive!"

  "Just looking—no enter!"

  "Still drain?"

  Tonggu cursed—weird suction targeted spirit: wary. Partial recovery—if pitted: tearful.

  Tonggu left palace—unwilling.

  "Weird spirit suction—even quasi-saint hard. Seems... true saint ruins!"

  Tonggu muttered.

  Unmasked.

  All stunned.

  Powerhouses: heard.

  "Saint ruins?"

  "Hiss... heavens!"

  "No wonder Five Phoenixes rose fast—saint backing."

  "No wonder even Young Master stirred—maids contest... massive fortune!"

  Voices exploded—Beiluo uproar.

  Tonggu smiled.

  "Palace odd—careful..."

  "Plus: quasi-saints barred. Others likely unrestricted."

  Tonggu said—smacked lips dissatisfied: "Bar quasi-saints excessive... we not people?"

  Useless dissatisfaction—likely saint rule.

  Saint power unfathomable—clash: loss his.

  Tonggu's words thrilled many.

  Next: powerhouses soared lakeside.

  Chai Feng, Luo Yang human Emperors fastest.

  Highest cultivation present.

  Glanced—stepped palace.

  Few steps.

  Pupils contracted...

  "Retreat!"

  Leaped back—stomped jade stairs. Horrified: powerful cultivation sealed.

  Spirit sweep escape: suppressed—no sense.

  Then: terrifying aura swept.

  Boom!

  Chai Feng, Luo Yang heads drooped powerless—hearts drawn deep palace.

  Two Emperors instant downfall: following powerhouses chilled.

  Nearly stepping Overlord, Tang Yimo: retracted legs.

  Tonggu frowned—long observation: calm "No worry—no doom. Spirits drawn palace. True fortune... inside."

  "But palace needs soul entry."

  Tonggu said.

  Quasi-saint convincing.

  Overlord, Tang Yimo no hesitate—ascended stairs.

  Indeed like Chai Feng, Luo Yang: souls adsorbed deep palace.

  Bodies powerless cross-legged jade stairs.

  Others no hesitate.

  Nie Changqing, Kong Nanfei, Bai Qingniao, Sima Qingshan etc. Five Phoenixes ascended.

  Palace deep gates wide.

  Souls drawn.

  Ning Zhao trio ascended.

  Many Mystic Immortals: stairs filled dense powerhouses.

  True Immortals moved—but repelled before ascend—plunged lake.

  Tonggu stroked beard—smiling: "This comforts old Daoist."

  "Target: Mystic Immortal+ to under quasi-saint."

  "Others no bother—try: die insufficient cultivation."

  Tonggu said.

  True Immortals unwilling—helpless.

  ...

  Dantai Xuan felt soul drifting.

  Ninth-Turn Golden Immortal pinnacle—one step Daluo—but hard.

  Fortune stirred joy, excitement.

  Perhaps: Daluo via this?

  Drifting, swirling vortex ages.

  Finally: clear.

  Heart thrilled...

  Here!

  Saint ruins!

  His massive fortune!

  Former fortune-isolated—even saint chance!

  Opened eyes.

  Piercing sun from tent.

  Air rusty iron scent—Dantai Xuan stunned: wrong.

  Instinct spirit use...

  Horrified: no spirit!

  "My spirit?!"

  Dantai Xuan shocked—roared.

  "Lord... why roar?"

  Feather fan waving Mo Ju: startled gaze.

  Eased: subordinate concern lacking—caring: "Lord nightmare?"

  Dantai Xuan stunned—familiar face nostalgic.

  "Where?"

  Dantai Xuan puzzled.

  Opposite fan-waving Mo Ju paused.

  Gazed idiot-like Dantai Xuan—twitched lips.

  "Lord forgot? Scout intel: Pingyang Commandery Governor Liu He 5,000 iron cavalry intercept Overlord Xiang Shaoyun Wolong Ridge. We... fisherman's profit."

  Mo Ju smiled—fanned.

  "Wolong Ridge? Liu He?"

  Dantai Xuan pupils contracted—Pingyang Governor Liu He dead millennia?

  Suddenly: possibility.

  Inhaled—heavy fearful to Mo Ju.

  "Ju, tell this emperor... Great... Great Zhou... fallen?"

  Mo Ju inhaled—horrified. Stimulus?

  "Lord careful words!"

  "We think—but unspoken..."

  "World still Great Zhou's!"

  Mo Ju hurried.

  Dantai Xuan slumped ground.

  Lucid dream?

  Dream or not?

  What Human Sovereign, Underworld Emperor, Great Xuan... all damn dream?

  "Could... I Dantai Xuan... reborn?!"

  "Hard-won saint fortune—step to Daluo..."

  "Then reborn?!"

  Fortune-isolated... struck again?!