Chapter 17 - 65-73

Chapter 65 Face the Wind!

Li Cheng's array marks surfaced all over his body, continuously channeling into the tripod, while the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame swept over, enveloping the pill tripod. 

Such a scene astonished everyone, leaving them dumbfounded, "The junior uncle wasn't just talking, he's actually transforming it!" 

"This is a top-quality spiritual artifact, besides the original refiner, no one else, not even an eighth-level artifact refiner, could possibly succeed in transforming it!" 

"Junior uncle is probably just messing around, don't worry, after all, he's young. Once he's had his fun, he'll naturally lose interest. This is a common fault of the young." 

The senior members discussed among themselves, gradually easing their concerns, thinking that as soon as junior uncle lost interest, he would consider ascending. 

After ail, the junior uncle's Alchemy Dao and Array Path had reached their peaks, and to advance further, the only way was to become an immortal! 

"Eh? Something's not right, how is junior uncle's True Yuan the same as that of a Loose Immortal senior?" an elder suddenly remarked. 

Mu Xingzhi was startled, "Right! What's going on? Junior uncle hasn't undergone tribulation yet, so how come most of his True Yuan has become Immortal Yuan?" 

The most likely scenario was that he had secretly started cultivating as a Loose Immortal! 

Another possibility was that he had secretly passed the Fleaven Tribulation, and the True Yuan inside him had begun to transform after the purification of the tribulation. 

The least likely possibility was that he had awakened some special physique, which allowed him to begin transforming Immortal Yuan even before completing the Transcendance Tribulation Stage. 

Collecting his thoughts, Mu Xingzhi said, "I will immediately ask the Black and White Elders to have a look!" 

Li Cheng was completely engrossed in the transformation, oblivious to the discussions around him. 

First was the reinforcement of the Spirit Lock Array, for how could a common Spirit Lock Array manage to contain Immortal Yuan? Therefore, it was necessary to upgrade the Spirit Lock Array. 

Next, he used Sky Meteorite Stone to carve out a space within the formation, specifically to store Immortal Yuan, akin to the Dantian of cultivators. 

However, changing these two aspects would affect the pill tripod as a whole, so he had to perfect the rest of the formations to maintain the balance of the various formations of the pill tripod. 

After a series of operations, more than half a day had passed. 

At dawn, Li Cheng's transformation was finally nearing its end. 

"Old Hei, have you figured anything out?" 

"I have. Nephew Li Cheng has neither undergone tribulation nor converted to a Loose Immortal. I believe it's more likely that he has awakened a special physique or a special cultivation technique, or perhaps it's because he comprehended the Power of Laws, enabling him to condense Immortal Yuan prematurely without undergoing tribulation or conversion!" 

Old Bai nodded, "I think so too. The nephew really is a freak, condensing Immortal Yuan without tribulation. Such cases are very rare in history." 

Black Elder chuckled, "Nephew Li Cheng is indeed extraordinary. Let's not fret needlessly. It seems he already has his own plan." 

Mu Xingzhi became more alarmed the more he listened, "Given the junior uncle's current state, if he attracts the Heaven Tribulation, I'm afraid the power of it might be unbearable even for a Heavenly Immortal, right?" 

With Immortal Yuan already within him, the ensuing Heaven Tribulation would naturally be stronger. 

Heaven Tribulation isn't constant but varies according to the strength of the one undergoing it. The more powerful the person, the stronger the tribulation they will attract. 

The Black and White Elders remained silent for a moment before Black Elder finally said, "It's hard to say, having Immortal Yuan without having undergone tribulation is a rare case, with too few related records." 

"We needn't worry about this. Look, it seems he has succeeded in the transformation." 

Everyone focused their gaze and saw the pill tripod radiating golden light, as a powerful aura surged towards the sky, containing a trace of immortal might! 

"A demi-immortal artifact!" 

"Damn, a top-quality spiritual artifact has been transformed by junior uncle into a demi-immortal artifact!" Mu Xingzhi exclaimed, his pupils constricting. 

Black and White Elders, along with the other Elders, were equally shocked, their eyes wide with incredulity. This operation was somewhat unthinkable! 

Old Bai was the first to regain his composure, "Mu Xingzhi, aren't there many guests from various major forces within our sect? Why aren't you stopping them?" 

After Li Cheng finished refining the third-level Rising Yuan Pills, representatives from various forces came to visit. Although Mu Xingzhi had sent them away, some shamelessly lingered. 

Moreover, in the last five days, with the Pill Tribulation descending daily, even more representatives from the major forces were drawn to it! 

At this moment, they were all within the Heavenly Mechanism Sect. 

The birth of a semi-immortal artifact was less noisy than a Pill Tribulation, but the robust immortal might could be sensed by anyone within the Heavenly Mechanism Sect! 

Old Bai feared those people would come to investigate. 

Li Cheng's prowess in Alchemy Dao was already astonishing. Should the news of his ability to transform a top-grade spiritual artifact into a semi-immortal artifact spread, it could very well make Li Cheng and the Heavenly Mechanism Sect the target of everyone's arrows. 

At least until Li Cheng and the Heavenly Mechanism Sect were ready to face the storm, outsiders couldn't know that this commotion was yet another of Li Cheng's doing. 

Mu Xingzhi understood and immediately rushed to Welcoming Guests Peak. 

Li Cheng retracted the Heaven's Hidden Soul Nourishing Flame and beckoned with his hand, summoning the Pill Tripod to fly over. 

Examining the modified Pill Tripod, Li Cheng nodded in satisfaction, confident that he now had mastery over transforming the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod after this trial run! 

Casually tossing the Pill Tripod aside—there was no need to modify the remaining four—Li Cheng planned to directly work on the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod! Thê sourc𝗲 of this conte/nt n/o/v/(𝒆l)bi((n))

"I'm ready to modify you now!" Taking out the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod, Li Cheng spoke. 

"I'm ready at any time," the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod just responded when Black and White Elders appeared in unison, "Apprentice nephew, wait a moment!" 

"Black and White Uncles!" Li Cheng greeted them with a bow, looking at the two with suspicion. 

Black Elder pointed to the nearby semi-immortal artifact Pill Tripod, smiling, "The commotion is too great. How about, we transform it in the Secret Land instead?" 

Li Cheng realized and smiled with a shake of the head, "Black and White Uncles need not worry; the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod is already a semi-immortal artifact. No matter how it's modified, it won't cause much of a disturbance." 

The lower world has its own order, and the Order of Heaven and Earth does not allow the emergence of an immortal artifact in the lower realms. Thus, even after modification, the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod will still be a semi-immortal artifact and not cause much commotion. 

Moreover, Li Cheng planned to use the power of the Space Law to expand the space within the Tripod, and entering the Secret Land might affect his own Space Law. 

Black Elder pondered, then nodded, "That's true, but apprentice nephew must be careful. Many representatives from the major powers are currently within our sect, and you cannot let them pry into this." 

"Indeed, a tree that stands out in the forest is easily blown down by the wind. Apprentice nephew, with your name already spread throughout the Southern Domain in Alchemy Dao, and even Array Path being legendary, if your prowess in Artifact Refining were to become known, that might not be such a good thing," Old Bai said. 

Li Cheng felt the truth of this deeply, for hadn't Feng Wanli tried to coerce him before? 

Moreover, having refined so many Rising Yuan Pills this time, the news must have already spread, and the Heavenly Mechanism Sect was now in the midst of turbulent times! 

If the news of his ability to transform a top-grade spiritual artifact into a semi-immortal artifact, or to make a semi-immortal artifact even stronger, were to get out, it could very likely become the spark that ignites upheaval. 

By then, who knows how many covetous forces would unite and come against the Heavenly Mechanism Sect! 

"Whether or not it gets out is irrelevant now. 1 have received insider information that someone is already stirring the pot. Our sect must prepare to face the gale head-on!" 

The voice of Bai Tieyi resounded, as his figure appeared on the scene. 

The words of Bai Tieyi instantly cast a heavy atmosphere upon the gathering. The Black and White Elders frowned in unison, with Old Bai asking, "Tieyi, give us the details!"

Chapter 66: The Way to Break the Game

Bai Tieyi approached, his face somewhat solemn. The news he had received was not good. 

"The news came from Bliss Palace," he said. "They speak of a group of mysterious people secretly uniting various major forces to choose a day to attack our sect." 

Bliss Palace, ranked sixth among the top ten sects, has over ninety percent female cultivators and is truly a garden of flowers. 

Their cultivation techniques focus on the complementarity of yin and yang, and the process, of course, is indescribable. 

But because of this, Bliss Palace has sons-in-law all over the Southern Domain and the most informed intelligence. 

"According to the current information, those mysterious people have already made contact with Bliss Palace, Demon Gate, and Taming Beast Sect. Bliss Palace did not agree, but as for the Demon Gate and Taming Beast Sect, that remains unknown," Bai Tieyi said. 

After Bai Tieyi finished speaking, he saw everyone looking at him with strange expressions and was taken aback. He quickly added, "What are you thinking? 1 wasn't out enjoying myself at Bliss Palace these days; I was crossing the Loose Immortal Tribulation!" 

Anxious to be believed, Bai Tieyi released his aura outright, "See, 1 have crossed the Loose Immortal Tribulation three more times consecutively, and now I'm a Ten Tribulations Loose Immortal!" 

Black Elder looked amused, "Why do 1 feel like you're confessing without being pressed?" 

Old Bai waved his hand, "Back to the main topic, our sect has not been low-key enough these days. Attracting jealous eyes is normal, but do we know which force is causing mischief in the shadows?" 

The Heavenly Mechanism Sect has been undergoing constant Pill Tribulations, with a large amount of high-quality pills appearing. Given time, the sect's strength is bound to surge, worrying many other forces. 

Thirteen days ago, that scene of one million third-tier Rising Yuan Pills triggering Tribulation Thunder must have tempted many forces. Not to mention the large number of high-tier Rising Yuan Pills refined in recent days. 

From third-tier to eighth-tier Rising Yuan Pills, the quantity is vast, and the quality is all above top grade. This wealth is enough to tempt most forces to take risks. 

With someone stirring the pot, it will be easy to unite a large group of forces to come and seize them. 

"I don't know. Those mysterious people are extremely good at concealing their auras. Even the thirteen Tribulations Loose Immortal of Bliss Palace couldn't identify them using their Spiritual Sense," Bai Tieyi explained. 

Old Bai pondered, "The top ten sects are unlikely to do such a thing to each other. The most likely culprit would be Ten Thousand Evils Cave." 

Ten Thousand Evils Cave is not a place, but an intricate underground force that has existed for over ten thousand years. 

Although it does not have as long a legacy as the top ten sects, Ten Thousand Evils Cave deals in intelligence and assassination and commits raids, murders, and loots various commerce unions behind the scenes, growing rapidly. 

Now, Ten Thousand Evils Cave has become a dark force not weaker than the large sects. If not for the consistent suppression by the Hundred Calamities Commerce Union, Ten Thousand Evils Cave would be even stronger. 

The most terrifying thing is that people from all major forces have secretly joined Ten Thousand Evils Cave! 

Black Elder shook his head, "Ten Thousand Evils Cave has never targeted sect forces, only attacking commerce unions, especially the Hundred Calamities Commerce Union. It's unlikely they'll target us." 

"That's because the resources of commerce unions are abundant. But now, we possess so many third-tier to eighth-tier Rising Yuan Pills and a large number of Breakthrough Pills. This is enough to tempt Ten Thousand Evils Cave!" Old Bai countered. 

Black Elder fell silent. If Ten Thousand Evils Cave was driving this, it would be troublesome. With all the wealth, power, and manpower of the Hundred Calamities Commerce Union, they could not handle Ten Thousand Evils Cave, let alone the Heavenly Mechanism Sect pulling out its people. 

"Black and White Uncles, regardless of which force is pushing from the shadows, we'll have to face an onslaught of powerful attackers sooner or later. Shouldn't we start looking for some allies?" Bai Tieyi suggested. 

"The Hundred Sects Conference has been moved up three years. Could it be related?" Black Elder suddenly asked. 

Old Bai shook his head, "The conference was moved up because an Immortal Mansion is about to emerge. It's headed by the Taoist Mysterious Sect, and with their strength, they need not entertain such thoughts." 

"That's right, it won't be the Taoist Mysterious Sect," Li Cheng said with certainty. 

The crowd turned their gaze toward Li Cheng, curious as to why he was so confident. 

Li Cheng didn't explain; after all, the Immortal elder of Taoist Mysterious Sect had sworn an oath of the Heavenly Dao, and speaking of such things would only lead these people to wild speculation. 

In any case, as long as Feng Wanli remained in the Lower World, the Taoist Mysterious Sect would not act against the Heavenly Mechanism Sect; otherwise, Feng Wanli would be breaking his oath, and that would be his downfall. 

"Regardless of which power is pushing behind the scenes, the best time for them to make a move will be during the Hundred Sect Conference or when an Immortal Mansion emerges. Until then, they won't make any rash moves," Li Cheng said, his tone full of conviction. 

"Of course, that's assuming they can band together!" Li Cheng added another sentence. 

The ten major sects have a long heritage, and within the sects, there are many measures left behind by Immortals from their descents to the Lower World, which cannot be breached by a mere alliance of a few major forces alone. 

That's why those mysterious figures approached the likes of Bliss Palace, Demon Gate, and Taming Beast Sect within the top ten sects; only by roping in as many of the ten major sects as possible and then uniting with the other major forces might they succeed. 

Bai Tieyi's eyes lit up, "So, the current method to break the deadlock is to prevent the major sects from being swayed?" 

Li Cheng nodded, "Including Taoist Mysterious Sect, what the other nine major sects want most is me. Just by nodding my head to agree to refine pills for them, I could break the deadlock." 

As long as the ten major sects aren't involved, Heavenly Mechanism Sect can be fearless. 

"But I'm lazy, I don't want to do such tiring work!" Li Cheng said again. 

The crowd was astonished, then why even mention it? 

However, they could also tell that Li Cheng had another plan! 

Seeing the expectant looks on everyone's faces, Li Cheng didn't keep them in suspense any longer and smiled, "There's another method, a distraction tactic!" 

"Currently, all the major forces are focused on my alchemy. The birth of the half-immortal Artifact just now gave me an inspiration!" 

"If half-Immortal Artifacts keep appearing from Artifact Sect, then the focal point of the major forces would shift partly towards them, and our Heavenly Mechanism Sect will no longer be the target of all." 

After Li Cheng finished speaking, the crowd's eyes widened even further. How could they not understand that Li Cheng was going to Artifact Sect to refine half-Immortal Artifacts! 

This was simply diverting trouble elsewhere! 

Bai Tieyi was very curious. What had Artifact Sect done to offend Li Cheng? 

Or was it that Li Cheng was simply picking a sect at random to take the fall? 

If so, then Artifact Sect had really drawn the short straw, hadn't it? 

"That bunch of untrustworthy scoundrels from Artifact Sect, letting them take the fall is also a way of collecting some interest in advance!" Black Elder laughed. 

The matter of Artifact Sect borrowing an Immortal Artifact tripod from Heavenly Mechanism Sect and not returning it was known to most of the high-ranking members. 

Thirty years ago, many high-ranking members had advised Wu Ya against it, but he still lent it. 

See, they had no intention of returning it once they borrowed it, and they even cut off all contact with Heavenly Mechanism Sect. 

Bai Tieyi didn't know about this and became even more puzzled upon hearing it, but no one explained it to him. 

"With the allure of half-Immortal Artifacts, indeed, we can shift a part of the focus away, but going to Artifact Sect to refine artifacts is not going to be easy!" Old Bai said, looking at Li Cheng. 

Black Elder continued, "Difficult? Why not just find a spot within Artifact Sect's territory and start working?" 

Li Cheng nodded, "Exactly, the Sect Protection Array cannot be activated at all times, and even if it is, I can enter unnoticed." 

So saying, Li Cheng took the four yet-to-be-modified supreme-grade spirit Pill Tripods and started preparing to take them to Artifact Sect for modification. V/\IssịT n0(v)eL/b(i)(n).𝘤𝑜/𝓂 for the b/est novel reading experi/en/ce

Just at that moment, Mu Xingzhi flew back in, with a look of relief on his face, "It's handled. 1 told them it was a high ranking person from Artifact Sect refining here, they wanted to pay a visit, but 1 told them that the expert had already left." Bai Tieyi stared blankly at Mu Xingzhi, "You also shifted the blame to Artifact Sect? What did Artifact Sect do? Can someone explain it to me?"

Chapter 67 This Time It's Huge

Bai Tieyi stared with wide eyes, even the Sect Master had passed the buck to the Artifact Sect, he just knew that the Artifact Sect must have done something infuriating! 

Therefore, he was very curious. 

"Uncle Tieyi, thirty years ago, the Artifact Sect borrowed Uncle Ancestor Wuya's Immortal Artifact and then, they cut off all contact with us," Mu Xingzhi explained simply. 

Bai Tieyi's eyebrows raised, "Why didn't you say so earlier? if I had known this, 1 would have crossed the Loose Immortal Tribulation right above the Artifact Sect this whole time!" 

He finally understood, no wonder Li Cheng and the Sect Master both shifted the blame to the Artifact Sect, so that's how it was! 

Li Cheng smiled, "I'll go ahead then, I should be back in three or four days." 

As the sound of his voice faded, spatial fluctuations appeared around Li Cheng and his figure vanished into thin air. 

Bai Tieyi stroked his chin, "Has the little junior brother started bragging? Without using the Transmission Array, relying only on small teleportation, he's afraid he won t reach the Artifact Sect in three or four days." 

Small teleportation can be used within the range of spiritual sense detection, and for an ordinary Transcendence Tribulation Stage Complete, the coverage of spiritual sense is not that wide. 

He didn't know that Li Cheng's spiritual sense detection range had already reached tens of thousands of miles, and what he used was not small teleportation, but the Immortal Spirit Step! 

"Uncle Tieyi, what the little junior brother used was the Immortal Spirit Step!" Mu Xingzhi reminded. 

Bai Tieyi gave Mu Xingzhi an annoyed look. Immortal Spirit Step? Keep dreaming! 

Li Cheng took thirty steps to the south, and within the range of his spiritual sense, the Artifact Sect appeared! 

The Artifact Sect was established within a group of volcanoes, the scorching breath twisting the air, especially deep within the Artifact Sect, a sea of fire spanning thousands of miles burned as if it would never cease. 

At the edge of rhe sea of fire, many people with bare arms used the crimson flames to forge materials. 

Li Cheng looked to the north, then at the sea of fire of the Artifact Sect again, having mastered the Immortal Spirit Step made traveling over three million miles quite convenient! 

"Master, it's the three-color forging sky fire ranked eleventh on the Spirit Fire Leaderboard!" the voice of the Purple Void Jade Emperor s Tripod resounded. 

Li Cheng nodded, that spirit fire was the Sect's Treasure of the Artifact Sect, usually burning across a thousand miles, assisting the Artifact Sect in forging materials and refining artifacts, its main body located at the center of the sea of fire. 

He carefully scanned the area with his spiritual sense, and as he anticipated, the Artifact Sect had not activated their Sect Protection Array, only smaller arrays had been activated by each peak. 

"We'll also go into the center of the three-color forging sky fire, hardly anyone goes to the central area, which is perfect!" 

Just as Li Cheng was about to step forward, his gaze suddenly shifted towards a mountain peak next to the entrance of the Artifact Sect. 

The mountain peak looked quite normal and located on the edge of the Artifact Sect, not drawing attention, but Li Cheng noticed that inside the mountain, there were more than ten spatial fluctuations. 

Had he not mastered ninety Space Laws, he would not have detected it! 

"Interesting, the Secret Land of the Artifact Sect is actually placed in the most unremarkable spot." Thê sourc𝗲 of this conte/nt n/o/v/(𝒆l)bi((n))

Li Cheng did not use his spiritual sense to investigate further, so as not to alert the high-level Loose Immortals of the Artifact Sect, but with rhe Space Law, he could easily determine that it was the entrance to the Secret Land. 

"Bliss Palace and the Taming Beast Sect don't want to get involved in the muddy waters, but fortunately, the Demon Gate has already agreed. According to the plan just now, once we rally the Array Destruction Palace, this matter will be settled!" 

"Hehe, that's right, as soon as the Heavenly Mechanism Sect is finished, the Astonished God Tripod will become ours completely!" 

"Alright, let's not discuss this matter after leaving rhe Secret Land, just focus on getting the job done." 

These whispered conversations were intercepted by Li Cheng. 

Li Cheng stared at the mountain peak, looking somewhat astonished. A few simple sentences had let him realize that it was the Artifact Sect pushing for an attack on the Heavenly Mechanism Sect from behind! 

And the goal was for that tripod! 

"Not only do they not want to return it, but they actually want to destroy the Heavenly Mechanism Sect just for this tripod!" 

Li Cheng's brows furrowed, he really did come at the right time, intercepting such important information upon arrival. 

"The Astonished God Tripod? Could it be the one used by Qi Jingshen for artifact refining?" Li Cheng was somewhat skeptical, if it was Qi Jingshen's tripod, it really would be worth the Artifact Sect's actions. 

After all, that was the artifact tripod of the number one Artifact Refining person in the Immortal World, it was definitely extraordinary. 

However, Li Cheng couldn't figure out why his master would lend such an important artifact tripod to the Artifact Sect? 

Moreover, after lending out the tripod, his master went to look for the Sky-reaching Road and the Ascend to Immortal Platform, could it be… 

"Did master get the news about the Sky-reaching Road or the Ascend to Immortal Platform from rhe Artifact Sect? As a condition for lending the Astonished God Tripod for ten years?" 

Li Cheng thought of this possibility. 

Well, no matter what, he had come ro the right place; he had to make a splash in the Artifact Sect by creating a semi-immortal artifact so that all major powers would know that the Artifact Sect had the ability to casually refine semi-immortal artifacts! 

In this way, the attention of the major powers would surely shift here, and by then, the Artifact Sect would be too busy to take care of itself, let alone deal with the Heavenly Mechanism Sect. 

Thinking this, Li Cheng no longer had any concerns, took a step forward, and appeared in the center of the sea of flames. 

The outer perimeter of this sea of flames was red, the inner perimeter orange, and the center pale yellow. The color in the center was not as conspicuous as the perimeter, but its power was incomparable to the outskirts. 

Here, within a hundred miles, there was no one else, and the modification of the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod could be carried out with confidence. 

Seeing that Li Cheng had taken himself out, the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod asked with some skepticism, "Master, are we not transforming the other four first?" 

Li Cheng smiled, "Are you worried that my skills are not yet proficient? Rest assured, it's no problem, and I'm planning to add a little something extra for you!" 

"Is it high-grade Immortal Material?" The Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod was somewhat expectant. 

Li Cheng shook his head, "You are already crafted from Immortal Material. It's just that due to the constraints of order, you haven't become an Immortal Artifact, so there's no need to add more Immortal Material. I'm planning to use the Space Law to temper the space where you store Immortal Yuan." 

Li Cheng had given this matter thorough consideration. 

For the last tripod modification, Sky Meteorite Stone was used to carve out space within the tripod, but Sky Meteorite Stone was merely a Spirit Material, unworthy of the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod. 

Within the Storage Ring left by Qi Jingshen, there was indeed Immortal Material like the Sky Meteorite Immortal Stone, but Li Cheng wasn't completely confident in using Immortal Material. 

Moreover, using the Space Law to temper wouldn't change the material of the tripod's essence, and the effect would absolutely surpass using the Sky Meteorite Immortal Stone. 

The Purple Void Jade Emperor s Tripod did not say more; it believed in Li Cheng. 

The modification began. Unlike the last prime Spiritual Artifact Pill Tripod, Li Cheng didn't need to upgrade the formation of the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod; he just needed to continuously temper with the Space Law to expand the space within the Spirit Lock Array. 

As the Space Law circulated within the tripod, Li Cheng could clearly sense that the space used to store Immortal Yuan was not only expanding but also becoming more stable! 

"Master, my body is getting stronger, and it seems… I am breaking the limitations of a semi-immortal artifact!" 

Soon after, the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod's voice, full of surprise and uncertainty, echoed. 

"Don't get excited, that's your illusion… Huh?" Li Cheng hadn't finished speaking when his expression turned strange. 

"Master, did you notice it too?" 

Li Cheng was extremely curious. As the Power of Laws continued to flow, the tripod's body really was getting stronger, and those six Immortal Infants were dissolving rapidly within the tripod! 

A small part of them merged into the tripod's body, while the majority were drawn by the Spirit Lock Array, flowing into it and being stored. 

"It's not just the tripod's body that's getting stronger; the formation and space are also enhancing. This feeling, it's like being freed from a certain constraint! " Li Cheng said. 

"Exactly, exactly, it has been enhanced to its limit. 1 have a feeling, a certain power in the world has been drawn by me!" said the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod. 

Li Cheng didn't need to look up to sense that indeed a special power fluctuation had emerged in the sky. This power was refreshing to the soul. 

In the Artifact Sect, everyone sensed the power that had suddenly surged in the sky and looked up together to see colorful clouds that had appeared under the clear sky for thousands of miles without anyone knowing when! 

The colorful clouds were shimmering with immortal might, sweeping in all directions, as if to proclaim that some immortal object was being born! 

Li Cheng raised an eyebrow, "This is the phenomenon of an Immortal Artifact s birth.. Little tripod, it looks like we've played a big hand this time!"

Chapter 68 This Pot Can Only Be Carried by the Artifact Sect

Li Cheng could never have imagined that merely transforming the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod would cause the emergence of a celestial phenomenon associated with the birth of an Immortal Artifact! 

This kind of phenomenon could, no doubt, be easily sensed even hundreds of millions of miles away! 

Gazing into the colorful clouds in the sky, Li Cheng knew that things had escalated! 

Turning a half-Immortal Artifact into a full Immortal Artifact had truly shattered the worldly order that stated such artifacts couldn't be produced! 

The commotion and consequences this incited were likely to exceed his control! 

The colorful clouds continued to converge, and standing amidst the sea of fire, one could see the entire sky painted with dazzling colors, with a breathtakingly refreshing aura spreading throughout the world. It was as if one was bathing in the baptism of Heaven and Earth! 

The next moment, boundless power poured down from the clouds, enveloping the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod directly! 

"Indeed, as it becomes an Immortal Artifact, the baptism from Heaven and Earth arrives!" Li Cheng muttered to himself and started to circulate the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture! 

Disrupting the order, Li Cheng had believed that the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod needed to endure a Tribulation Crossing to become an Immortal Artifact, but he hadn't expected that, instead of facing a heaven tribulation, it would directly receive a baptism! 

Since it was a baptism, there certainly would be endless benefits, so he must seize the opportunity to absorb them by running the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture! 

Seeing Li Cheng utilize his cultivation technique, the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod didn't hesitate to infuse the newly refined Immortal Yuan into his body. In an instant, the True Yuan within Li Cheng's body drastically depleted while the Immortal Yuan surged. 

"What's happening? Is this the phenomenon of an Immortal Artifact coming into existence, transforming into a Heaven and Earth Baptism, and does our sect have someone who has crafted an Immortal Artifact?" 

"That's impossible. Even the Elders from the Immortal World who descended to the Lower World could only craft half-Immortal Artifacts. Such half-Immortal Artifacts could only become Immortal Artifacts in the Immortal World; it's impossible to create Immortal Artifacts in the Lower World." "Exactly, but how do we explain what we are seeing now?" 

In the Artifact Sect, everyone was staring intently at the expanse of sky above the sea of fire, all wearing expressions of bafflement and confusion. 

An Immortal Artifact crafted in the Lower World? Could it be that the Order of Heaven and Earth has changed? 

This kind of event happened hundreds of millions of years ago, didn't it? 

At the Heavenly Mechanism Sect, Mu Xingzhi had just gathered the Loose Immortals and high-ranking members who were not in seclusion to discuss how to deal with the imminent stormy issues when suddenly, everyone turned their heads towards the south in unison. 

"An Immortal Artifact has come into existence!" 

Despite a distance of over three hundred million miles, everyone could still feel the emergence of an Immortal Artifact in the south! 

Bai Tieyi was the first to fly into the high skies, staring intently at the south. Even though he couldn't see anything, he could sense the fluctuations brought by the phenomenon. 

Mu Xingzhi and the others followed, each one clicking their tongues in amazement. 

"Junior Uncle is moving too fast; we haven't even started the meeting, and he has already brought such a grand gift to the Artifact Sect!" chuckled Mu Xingzhi. 

Bai Tieyi gave Mu Xingzhi a sideways glance. "Are you daft? Your Junior Uncle left less than half an hour ago and is still on the way. This phenomenon happened millions of miles away!" Ne/w novel chapt𝒆rs are p/u/blished on no/vel(/bin(.)c/o/m

Mu Xingzhi smiled in an embarrassed yet polite manner, "Uncle Tieyi, Junior Uncle can reach the Artifact Sect in just about thirty steps. This phenomenon must have been triggered by him!" 

Bai Tieyi frowned and then turned his gaze to the other Loose Immortals, seeking an answer. 

But all the Loose Immortals shook their heads, with Old Bai saying, "We weren't aware that Li Cheng had learned the Immortal Spirit Step either, but if Mu Xingzhi says so, then it must be right." 

Mu Xingzhi nodded vigorously, "I'm not wrong. If you don't believe me, you can ask Junior Uncle's three disciples, they all know." 

Old Bai nodded, "We aren't doubting you; it's just that this is too astounding. That's the Immortal Spirit Step we're talking about, something even ordinary Immortals cannot master." 

"But Li Cheng, the nephew, is already monstrously astounding. If you told me he had multiple moments of enlightenment, I'd believe you!" 

The Loose Immortals also nodded in agreement, having witnessed Li Cheng's monstrous abilities with their own eyes! 

Mu Xingzhi gave a big grin, "Speaking of enlightenment, that's even more monstrous. Every time I visit the Eighteenth Peak, as long as Junior Uncle is in seclusion, he is in the midst of enlightenment!" 

The muscles on the Loose Immortals' faces twitched involuntarily! 

Well now! 

Mu Xingzhi is getting too big for his britches, huh? 

Closed-door cultivation all for Enlightenment? 

Do you think Enlightenment is that simple? 

That sort of great opportunity is something you happen upon not something you can seek out. Amongst those here, who hasn't cultivated for hundreds or thousands of years, or even tens of thousands of years? 

But with so many people, has anyone experienced Enlightenment? 

No! 

Not to mention those present here, even if you look across the whole Southern Domain, instances of Enlightenment have only happened once or twice in recent years. 

"Mu Xingzhi, you might have misunderstood, we're talking about Enlightenment, not understanding," Bai Tieyi reminded him. 

Mu Xingzhi cleared his throat with a cough, smiled, and chose not to refute. 

Old Bai looked at Mu Xingzhi seriously and smacked his lips, "I believe it. If not for Enlightenment, how could Li Cheng, my fellow disciple, achieve such astonishing proficiency in both the Pill Artifact Array and others?" 

Bai Tieyi looked speechlessly at Old Bai, "Uncle Bai, don't indulge Mu Xingzhi. Ever since this lad became Sect Master, he's been prone to foolishness!" 

"Ahem… Back to the main topic, the emergence of an Immortal Artifact, accompanied by the anomalies of heaven and earth, suggests that it's a newly refined or altered Immortal Artifact. This situation has already shattered our understanding. What do you all think?" Mu Xingzhi shifted the topic. 

"It's possible that the Artifact Sect has mastered some kind of artifact refining technique that breaks the Order of Heaven and Earth. This is actually a good thing. The Artifact Sect will become the target of numerous powers and might even attract strong figures from the Central Continent. In short, the Artifact Sect is in trouble," said Bai Tieyi. 

The Black and White Elders looked at each other, and Old Bai turned to Bai Tieyi, "Nephew Tieyi, your Black Uncle and 1 have been with the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod for ten thousand years. We're more than familiar with its aura!" 

Bai Tieyi was stunned and pointed to the south, "Uncle Bai, are you saying that the Immortal Artifact that emerged is the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod?" 

The Black and White Elders both nodded! 

With their affirmation, Bai Tieyi's eyes gradually widened, "How is that possible? The Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod was refined over fifty thousand years ago. Though it was forged by a predecessor from the Immortal World when they were in the Lower World, it was restrained by heaven and earth and merely a semi-Immortal Artifact!" 

"And now, it has become an Immortal Artifact? Refined by my fellow disciple Li Cheng?" 

The Elders nodded again, shock evident in their eyes. 

Who wouldn't be shocked? This was a disruption of the Order of Heaven and Earth! 

In that case, could Li Cheng actually refine Immortal Artifacts? 

By the same logic, Immortal Pills and Immortal Arrays could also be created? 

After a long while, as everyone suppressed the shock in their hearts, Mu Xingzhi looked around solemnly, "I feel it's very necessary to remind everyone in my capacity as Sect Master that those present have all withstood the Heart Inspection Mirror's test and are the pillars of the sect. You must know, my Junior Uncle's actions are for the safety of our sect!" 

"I hope that everyone will keep the matter of my Junior Uncle being able to modify Immortal Artifacts to themselves, to ensure that all the major powers focus on the Artifact Sect." 

The crowd nodded with solemn expressions, not needing Mu Xingzhi to stress the gravity of the situation; they knew it all too well. 

If outsiders knew that it wasn't the Artifact Sect but Li Cheng who was behind this, then disaster would beckon for the Heavenly Mechanism Sect! 

If it came to that, there might not even need to be any covert pushing; the other nine major sects might take the initiative to unite and press the Heavenly Mechanism Sect. A single misstep and the number of sects in the Southern Domain might just dwindle from ten to nine. 

"Sect Master, rest assured, this blame can only fall on the Artifact Sect!" Bai Tieyi said, unusually omitting Mu Xingzhi's name. 

Old Bai took over, "Many strong practitioners are heading to the Artifact Sect. Xingzhi, Old Hei and I will also take a look. If we don't show our faces, it might arouse suspicion." 

Mu Xingzhi bowed, "Thankyou both. I appreciate your effort!" 

This was exactly what he wanted because he knew that since his Junior Uncle had gone to the Artifact Sect and even exceeded the task, he must intend to claim that Artifact tripod as well..

Chapter 69 Wow, What a Bragger

Artifact Sect, more than twenty high-ranking members gathered, their gazes intently fixed on the sky above the sea of flames. 

From behind, more than ten Loose Immortals arrived in succession, "Sect Master, who has forged an immortal Artifact? This impossible feat has actually happened?' 

Zhuo Bu'er, the Sect Master of Artifact Sect and at the mid-stage of the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, his aura surged as he turned and clasped his fists, "Supreme Elders, it's not clear yet, let's wait and see! " 

"Not clear? Forging an Immortal Artifact requires at least an eighth-level or possibly ninth-level Artifact Refiner. We don't have many of those in our Artifact Sect, can't you use the process of elimination?" one of the Loose Immortals looked at Zhuo Bu'er as if he were an idiot. 

Zhuo Bu'er frowned, "Watch your language. Am I the Sect Master, or are you the Sect Master? Don't forget, you're already retired with no official duties." 

That Loose Immortal's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in them, "1 may be your Senior Uncle, but even if 1 scold you or hit you, you have to obediently…" 

"Enough! Arguing as soon as you meet, what a spectacle!" Another Loose Immortal spoke up, his authority as someone who had survived ten tribulations swept over them, making everyone too intimidated to even breathe loudly. 

Seeing that he had quelled the scene, this ten tribulations Loose Immortal said, "Sect Master, Old Li's right, use the process of elimination to find out who forged the Immortal Artifact!" 

"Exactly, such a simple method you cannot even use, what are you doing as the Sect Master!" Old Li muttered under his breath. 

Zhuo Bu'er spoke coldly, "Our sect has nine eighth-level Artifact Refiners. Two are here, and the other seven have left to prepare for the Great Sect Assembly. Who knows who came back? Who knows who has become ninth-level?" 

"Under these circumstances, you want your Sect Master to use the process of elimination? Go ahead! You do it!" 

The Loose Immortals looked astonished—they really couldn't find a way to process the elimination. 

Old Li, roared at by Zhuo Bu'er, was so angry that he gnashed his teeth, but he couldn't find a way to refute it. 

I'he ten tribulations Loose Immortal cleared his throat, "Stay calm. Our sect having someone who forged an Immortal Artifact is a good thing. What are you arguing about?" 

"This damn thing isn't a good thing!" Zhuo Bu'er and Old Li shouted in unison. 

As they shouted, they realized something was off after all, the one being shouted at was a Tribulation Loose Immortal! 

Zhuo Bu'er quickly added, "With such an extraordinary event, surely all the major sects have been alerted, and the news will soon spread throughout the Southern Domain. When that time comes, I'm afraid countless powerhouses will come to press us for answers!" 

"That's right, being the target of everyone's arrows is not a good thing! " Old Li agreed with Zhuo Bu'er for once. 

The ten tribulations Loose Immortal frowned, "Press us for answers? More likely they'll be coming to congratulate us. You're thinking too much!" 

As one of rhe top ten sects, ranked fifth, who would dare cause trouble? 

Zhuo Bu'er really wanted to discuss this in depth with him, but the pressing matter was to keep a close eye on the person within the sea of flames, and once the baptism was over, they had to hide him immediately! 

Zhuo Bu'er was very clear that, at this moment, there must already be many forces rushing over. After their arrival, they will surely seek rhe master who forged the Immortal Artifact and before these people could be reassured, the master must not show his face. 

Otherwise, with so many forces' powerhouses converging, if anyone causes trouble amidst them, it could very likely lead to a chaotic situation where factions vie for the master or even attempt to kill him. 

In short, the scene must first be stabilized! 

Li Cheng, though fully focused on running his cultivation technique, kept his Spiritual Sense attentive to his surroundings and naturally overheard the high-level dialogue of the Artifact Sect, clicking his tongue in disbelief. 

The people of the Artifact Sect sure are hot-tempered! 

The Heavenly Mechanism Sect is better, although its overall strength is temporarily inferior to the other nine major sects, its high-level members are in harmony! 

With the Three-color forging sky fire and the heavenly signs blocking, Li Cheng didn't have to worry about being discovered by the Artifact Sect for the time being, but once the heavenly signs dissipated, he would have to think of a way to hide. 

Otherwise, if the Artifact Sect found out that the one who forged the Immortal Artifact wasn't their own, all his prior efforts would be wasted. 

Soon, the heavenly signs began to fade, and Li Cheng, with a wave of his hand, recalled the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod and appeared ten thousand miles away with a single step. 

Under his Spiritual Sense, Li Cheng saw that those high-ranking officials and Loose Immortals of rhe Artifact Sect rushed into the sea of flames immediately, only to freeze on the spot! 

"Where is he?" 

"Who is it? How could they run so fast?" Ne/w novel chapt𝒆rs are p/u/blished on no/vel(/bin(.)c/o/m

Zhuo Bu'er's eyebrows were tightly knitted as he intently stared at the surroundings, "No trace of aura was left behind; could it be the Green-faced Elder? He is reclusive by nature and doesn't want to see us." 

Old Li snorted coldly, "Reclusive? It's because you guys bullied him!" 

"Speak respectfully to this Sect Master! " Zhuo Bu'er shouted angrily. 

Old Li was furious, "Damn it! Zhuo Bu'er, if you yell at me again…" 

"Shut up, all of you, and search for him! He must have used a minor teleport and couldn't have gone far!" the Tribulation Loose Immortal ordered. 

He couldn't understand why, after crafting an Immortal Artifact a cause for immense celebration the man would run away? 

"Search for what? It s better if he's gone; otherwise, our sect might soon lose this top-tier master!" Zhuo Bu'er said irritably. 

"Nonsense, Zhuo Bu'er, do you not want your position as Sect Master anymore? Everyone, search for him!" the Tribulation Loose Immortal commanded. 

The crowd hurriedly dispersed to search in all directions. 

Thousands of miles away, Li Cheng's Spiritual Sense was constantly monitoring the Artifact Sect. Seeing them frantically searching for someone, he stroked his chin, "Already in chaos? Good, let's see if I can find the Astonished God Tripod." 

Without hesitation, Li Cheng's Spiritual Sense began to search with all its might. 

But even after scouring the entire Artifact Sect with his Spiritual Sense, he found no traces of any Immortal Artifact- no doubt they were probably hidden in a Secret Land, just like in rhe Heavenly Mechanism Sect! 

Of course, there was also the possibility that the Immortal Artifact was concealed on someone's person! 

However, if he were to scan someone closely with his Spiritual Sense, the targeted individual would certainly sense it. 

By then, strong cultivators had already started arriving at the Artifact Sect in succession. 

Only then did the people of the Artifact Sect stop searching and activated the Sect Protection Array, preparing for battle. 

"Eh? Sect Master Zhuo, what is the meaning of this? Your sect has just refined an Immortal Artifact, and we've passed through more than ten Transmission Arrays to come and offer our congratulations, yet you've activated your Sect Protection Array?'1

The first group of more than ten people who arrived were all at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage. From their attire, they could be identified as belonging to the Ten Thousand Talisman Sect, ranked seventh. 

Before the Artifact Sect could respond, more powerful auras appeared one after another in the distant Sky, fast approaching. 

Sword lights shot through the sky, and Sword Qi swirled around—the Sword Sect, ranked third, had also arrived! 

More and more strong cultivators arrived, most of them at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, with very few Loose Immortals. 

Seeing this, Zhuo Bu'er secretly heaved a sigh of relief, "Luckily, not many Loose Immortals have come, otherwise it would be dangerous! " 

"Who told you there are few Loose Immortals? There are at least a hundred Loose Immortals hidden in the sky!" Old Li said irritably. 

Zhuo Bu'er's eyebrows knitted together, "That could be troublesome!" 

"What's so troublesome? They show no intent to kill; they've said they came to offer congratulations!" the Tribulation Loose Immortal said with disdain. 

In his view, Zhuo Bu'er was just overthinking things. 

Plainly put, he was judging others by his own petty standards. 

Zhuo Bu'er did not explain and instead bowed his hands to the crowd outside the formation, "Fellow Daoists have come together, surely for the matter of the Immortal Artifact?" 

"Playing coy, Sect Master Zhuo? What are you suggesting with this Sect Protection Array?'1

Outside the array, more than three hundred people had already gathered, naturally feeling dissatisfied ar being blocked by the Artifact Sect's Protection Array. 

Zhuo Bu'er smiled and bowed his hands again, saying, "Please forgive us, fellow Daoists. An elder of our Artifact Sect unexpectedly refined an Immortal Artifact, and he himself is puzzled. Thus, we have activated the Sect Protection Array to investigate the matter." 

"Hehe, Sect Master Zhuo, the top Artifact Refiners of your sect are renowned throughout the Southern Domain. May 1 ask who it was that refined it?" someone inquired. 

Zhuo Bu'er shook his head slightly, "The identity of this elder who refined the Immortal Artifact is somewhat special. He has already survived twenty-two Loose Immortal Tribulations and has rarely shown himself in the last twenty thousand years, so I'm afraid you may not have heard of his name." 

This statement caused most of the people present to contract their pupils in surprise twenty-two tribulations? Even a True Immortal descending to the Lower World wouldn't dare to offend such a being, would they? 

Who would have thought the Artifact Sect had hidden their capabilities so deeply! Thousands of miles away, Li Cheng's expression was one of amazement. This was truly a learning experience—what a load of bluster!

Chapter 70 Who Brags the Most!

Li Cheng's expression was filled with astonishment, unable to believe that the fifth-ranking grand sect could boast so shamelessly! 

Twenty-two Tribulations Loose Immortal? Was this not a blatant load of nonsense? 

However, upon further thought, Li Cheng understood that the Artifact Sect intended to scare off the major powers. 

Indeed, following Zhuo Bu'er's words, many people already showed signs of fear. 

After all, a Twenty-two Tribulations Loose Immortal would surely surpass a True Immortal in strength; they could not afford to offend such a being! 

Even the top ten sects would not dare to offend such an existence lightly. 

"I hadn't expected your esteemed sect to have such a being in existence. May I inquire if we might be introduced to pay our respects?" a leader from the Sword 

Sect asked. 

The man's expression was calm, showing no sign of whether he believed it or not. 

Zhuo Bu'er clasped his hands with a smile, "Sect Master Jian, his elder expressly instructed to activate the Sect Protection Array so he could concentrate in seclusion; therefore, I'm afraid meeting him is not possible for the time being." 

To have forged an Immortal Artifact in just over half an hour and then to go into seclusion immediately after? 

His words led many to doubt. 

But what could doubt do? Surely they couldn't break through someone else's Sect Protection Array to investigate, could they? 

Imagine if there really was a Twenty-two Tribulations Loose Immortal, were they enough for him to kill? 

"However, the elder has instructed that if he discerns the secret to forging Immortal Artifacts, he shall surely announce it to the world!" Zhuo Bu'er added. 

"Oh? Such a senior with a heart for the world, indeed elicits admiration," Sect Master Jian Nantian of the Sword Sect remarked. 

Zhuo Bu'er looked up and laughed, "His elder hopes that more Immortal Artifacts will emerge in our Southern Domain. He also said that there might be results by the time of the Grand Assembly of a Hundred Sects. Let's not disturb his elder now, and wait for the Grand Assembly for the outcome." 

Miles away, Li Cheng suddenly turned his head towards the north and with a flash, he positioned himself in front of the Two Elders of Black and White, "Black and White Uncles, what brings you here?" 

The hastening Black and White Elders immediately halted their approach, both letting out sighs of relief, "It's good that you're alright!" 

Li Cheng realized, the two Elders had specifically come to protect him! 

"Come, let's show our faces at the Artifact Sect!" Old Bai said with a laugh. 

Li Cheng was indifferent; after all, he had completely refined the power from the Heaven and Earth Baptism, making it undetectable to others. 

Following the Elders to the Artifact Sect, they saw the crowd beginning to disperse. Ne/w novel chapt𝒆rs are p/u/blished on no/vel(/bin(.)c/o/m

"Hm? It's over just like that?" Black Elder frowned and said. 

"Elder Li, you're here too!" 

The voice of Shentu Feng, the Sect Master of the Pill Sect, rang out, and his figure appeared before the three. 

"Elder Li, you're late. The senior who forged the Immortal Artifact has gone into seclusion!" Shentu Feng said again, his face brimming with joy, seemingly delighted to see Li Cheng. 

Within the formation, the Loose Immortals of the Artifact Sect saw the Black and White Elders and their expressions turned extremely odd. 

The Black and White Elders seemed to have noticed the change in the Artifact Sect people's demeanor and snorted coldly. 

Li Cheng nodded slightly to Shentu Feng and then stepped into the sky towards the grand formation of the Artifact Sect, his gaze sweeping over the high ranks of the sect. 

Zhuo Bu'er lifted his eyebrows subtly, "This handsome young friend must be the Eighteenth Elder of the Heavenly Mechanism Sect, am I right?" 

"Zhuo Sect Master, indeed it is Elder Li!" Shentu Feng said with a smile beside him. 

Zhuo Bu'er clasped his hands, "It turns out to be Elder Li gracing us with his presence. Our Artifact Sect is honored, although it's a shame that the grand elder has ordered the closure of our sect. Otherwise, I would have offered you the warmest welcome!" 

"Ha ha, Black and White Elders, long time no see, both of you still look splendid!" laughed a Ten Tribulations Loose Immortal from the Artifact Sect, as if seeing old friends after many years. 

Black Elder disdainfully glanced at the Ten Tribulations Loose Immortal and showed no intention of acknowledging him. 

Seeing this, the Ten Tribulations Loose Immortal sneered and turned his head away, commenting dismissively, "Some people just don't appreciate kindness." 

A trace of fierceness crossed the Black and White Elders' eyes, and Zhuo Bu'er caught it. He quickly tried to defuse the situation, "It turns out to be the Two Elders of Black and White. The young Sect Master of the Artifact Sect, Zhuo Bu'er, greets the two." 

The two elders stood to the left and right behind Li Cheng, with no intention of speaking. 

This scene, however, caused Zhuo Bu'er and the others to feel a secret sense of alarm. Li Cheng had actually secured the protection of the Two Elders of Black and White! 

"Elder Li, the one who forged the Immortal Artifact is a member of…" 

"I am not here because of the forging of the Immortal Artifact!" Li Cheng interrupted Zhuo Bu'er. 

What's the point of listening to such lies? 

The maker of the Immortal Artifact is right in front of you, and you still claim it was one of your Sect elders? 

Zhuo Bu'er was somewhat curious and smiled, "Then… may I know what matter brings Elder Li here?" 

Li Cheng looked at Zhuo Bu'er and said indifferently, "My master Wuya!" 

Zhuo Bu'er's expression stiffened, and so did those of the Loose Immortals and high-ranking officials. 

The disciple of Wuya has come! 

Without a doubt, to demand the Astonished God Tripod! 

But the Astonished God Tripod… 

Zhuo Bu'er reacted incredibly quickly, immediately putting on an overjoyed expression, "It turns out Elder Li is actually the disciple of Ten Tribulations Wuya, that is simply wonderful!" 

"Elder Li might not know, but Ten Tribulations Wuya is the most honored guest of our Artifact Sect!" 

Li Cheng's eyes narrowed, "You're the honored guest, your whole family are honored guests!" 

Zhuo Bu'er's happy expression froze. Everything was going fine, so why the anger? 

Oh! 

Got it, Elder Li doesn't understand the meaning of honored guest! 

Realizing this, Zhuo Bu'er said with an embarrassed smile, "What I mean is, Ten Tribulations Wuya is the most esteemed guest and the best friend of our Artifact Sect!" 

Li Cheng remained expressionless, "No need for so many words, you know why I'm here, give it back!" 

From the expressions of everyone just now, Li Cheng had already seen that these guys all knew he was here to collect a debt. 

"This… Elder Li, Zhuo does not understand what you mean!" Zhuo Bu'er said with a wry smile. 

Playing dumb? 

On the side, Shentu Feng said with suspicion, "Elder Li, does the Artifact Sect owe you Spirit Stones? I have brought twenty Loose Immortals with me, and if needed, we can help you out anytime!" 

Li Cheng disregarded Shentu Feng and continued to stare at Zhuo Bu'er, "Then let me remind you, thirty years ago, your Artifact Sect borrowed my master's Immortal Artifact, saying it would be returned in ten years. Now it's been overdue for twenty years, isn't it time to return it?" 

Zhuo Bu'er slapped his forehead, "So that's what this is about! Indeed, that's true!" 

"It's good that your Artifact Sect acknowledges it," said Old Bai indifferently. 

Zhuo Bu'er gave a respectful bow, "We are aware of this matter. It was Elder Lu who borrowed the Immortal Artifact back then, but unfortunately, Elder Lu went out with the Immortal Artifact and has not returned for over twenty years!" 

"Had he not been away all these years, how could our Artifact Sect possibly fail to return it on time!" 

With an innocent look and full of remorse, Zhuo Bu'er continued, "Elder Li, rest assured, as soon as Elder Lu returns, our Artifact Sect will immediately return it and is willing to offer a certain compensation to your Sect as… rent for these twenty years!" 

Li Cheng laughed, the smile on his face growing thicker, "Sect Master Zhuo's words sound very pleasant! But, do you take me for a three-year-old child?" 

"Not at all, absolutely not, Elder Li, please do not misunderstand, I am telling nothing but the truth!" Zhuo Bu'er asserted firmly. 

Li Cheng turned his head to look at the crowd that was receding into the distance, then back at Zhuo Bu'er, the smile on his face unwavering, "As I was arriving, I happened to capture the Green-faced Elder. Sect Master Zhuo, should I call everyone back?" 

Zhuo Bu'er's pupils shrank slightly, and his eyes showed deep alarm! 

Li Cheng sneered inwardly; you can bluff, 1 can bluff as well, it's a contest of who can bluff better!

Chapter 71 Creating Opportunities for You

Come on, blow it! 

Isn't your Artifact Sect convinced that the Green-faced Elder refined an Immortal Artifact? 

Fine, 1'11 spread the word that I've captured him! 

Doesn't your Artifact Sect want to hide the fact that the Green-faced Elder refined an Immortal Artifact? 

Well, I'm going to announce it to the world. 

You're scared, aren't you? 

Zhuo Bu'er's face was full of shock, and he was clearly frightened! 

If we call everyone back and tell them about this, then the Artifact Sect would have to face the wrath of those people! 

He had only just managed to deceive all the major forces away; if they knew he was bullshitting and deceiving them, wouldn't he be finished? 

At this moment, it wasn't just Zhuo Bu'er whose face changed slightly — all the high-ranking members of the Artifact Sect did. 

The Green-faced Elder becoming capable of refining an Immortal Artifact had undoubtedly made him the top figure in the Artifact Sect. If he were to be lost, that would truly be the Artifact Sect's biggest loss! 

"Zhuo Bu'er, the Green-faced Elder must not be harmed. Find a way to save him!" Old Li communicated through a voice transmission. 

"Nonsense, of course this Sect Leader knows we must save him, but the Astonished God Tripod is with Elder Lu. He is currently secluding himself in the Number One Secret Land to refine it. Who would dare to disturb him?" Zhuo Bu'er replied. 

"The Green-faced Elder has been captured, but he should be fine. I don't believe this kid has the guts to kill a ninth-level Artifact Refiner!" The Tribulation Loose Immortal also sent a voice transmission. 

Zhuo Bu'er really wanted to slap that Tribulation Loose Immortal across the face. How can someone be so naive? 

No, it's stupidity! 

And yet, you are a senior member of the sect, a Tribulation Loose Immortal; I can't touch you, nor would 1 dare to! 

The Heavenly Mechanism Sect already knows that it's the Green-faced Elder who refined the Immortal Artifact and that they've captured him. Do you still think they won't dare to kill him? 

Are they saving him for the New Year? 

Given the current situation, not only does the Heavenly Mechanism Sect want to kill the Green-faced Elder, but the major forces that are leaving probably do too. DiiScôver 𝒏𝒆w stori𝒆s on no/𝒗/e()/lbin(.)c/o/m

Otherwise, should they just watch as the Artifact Sect keeps producing one Immortal Artifact after another? 

This is definitely not something the major forces would allow to happen, unless, of course, they all get a share of these Immortal Artifacts. 

"Sect Leader, don't bother with this brat. Once Elder Lu refines the Astonished God Tripod, he will surely inherit what Qi Jingshen left inside the tripod. By then, will our Artifact Sect still care about one Green-faced Elder?" Another person sent a voice transmission. 

"That's right, even if the Green-faced Elder can refine an Immortal Artifact, it's incomparable to the inheritance of Qi Jingshen!" 

"Exactly, in front of that inheritance, the Green-faced Elder is nothing but dross!" 

Hearing everyone's persuasion, Zhuo Bu'er secretly clenched his teeth. "Fine, this Sect Leader knows what to do. You don't need to tell me!" 

Li Cheng still had a smile on his face, this time it was genuine amusement, and he was indeed laughing. 

Because their voice transmissions were no different than speaking right in his ear, he heard them all! 

The Astonished God Tripod was in the so-called Elder Lu's hands, in the Number One Secret Land! 

And these fellows wanted to abandon the Green-faced Elder to safeguard the Astonished God Tripod! 

Too bad, too bad! 

You didn't expect that I could easily intercept your voice transmissions. 

Since that's the case, I will give you the opportunity to shoot two hawks with one arrow! 

With that thought, Li Cheng said, "The Green-faced Elder stated that my master's Immortal Artifact is in the Number One Secret Land, being used to suppress the Elf Tribe's powerhouses. Is that correct?" 

Who else can't bluff? 

I want to bluff, to make you believe it as truth! 

Upon hearing this, suspicion flashed across the eyes of the Artifact Sect members. What Elf Tribe? 

You've never heard of such a race, have you? 

"I've got it. The Green-faced Elder is so clever. His mixture of truth and nonsense is suggesting that we lure the people from the Heavenly Mechanism Sect into Number One Secret Land!" Old Li transmitted his voice. 

The eyes of the Tribulation Loose Immortal lit up, "Exactly, that must be it. Once inside Number One Secret Land, we can silently eliminate this person!" 

Zhuo Bu'er nodded secretly, "1 didn't expect the Green-faced Elder, being a loner, to possess such wisdom. What a good tactic!" 

"If I remember correctly, the Black and White Elders are just Ninth Tribulation Loose Immortals. Even if they have taken Responding to Calamity Pills recently, at most they are at the Tenth or Eleventh Tribulation. Once they enter Number One Secret Land, with Elder Lu there, they won't be able to protect this person!" the Tribulation Loose Immortal added. 

"Heh heh, why take such a risk? We just have to find a way to stop the Black and White Elders from entering, and only let Li Cheng in!" 

"At that time, we can save the Green-faced Elder and keep the Astonished God Tripod!" 

Li Cheng intercepted their voice transmission again and couldn't help but look at the Black and White Elders, transmitting, "May 1 ask the cultivation of the two Elders?" 

Black Elder laughed, "Heh heh, we've reached Sixteen Tribulations! Li Cheng, we have heard their voice transmissions. In a moment…" 

"I have heard as well, Elders, listen to my arrangements!" 

Li Cheng had understood that the so-called Elder Lu of the Artifact Sect must be an existence at the Thirteenth or Fourteenth Tribulation. With the Black and White Elders present, he had no need to worry at all! 

The Artifact Sect did not wish the Black and White Elders to enter the secret land. No matter – he could simply hide them in the Purple Void Jade Emperor's Tripod. Who would discover them? 

This was an Immortal Artifact! 

Since the Black and White Elders had also heard these dumbasses from the Artifact Sect's voice transmissions, it would be even simpler! 

Inside the formation, Zhuo Bu'er sighed, "Fine, since the Green-faced Elder has already told you, it's pointless for me to keep hiding it!" 

"The Immortal Artifact is indeed inside Number One Secret Land. We can take you to retrieve it, but only you can enter!" 

Li Cheng snorted, "Do I look foolish? Going alone into your Artifact Sect's Secret Land with my Cultivation at the Transcendence Tribulation Stage?" 

"No worries. If you're concerned, you can bring the two of them, but let's agree on one thing: what you see and hear inside Number One Secret Land, must not be divulged!" said the Tribulation Loose Immortal. 

Li Cheng smiled. They were afraid he'd bring the Elders and weren't reassured, hence deliberately set the condition that he mustn't divulge what he saw and heard. Good! 

Let them soon learn what it means to invite the wolf into the house! 

Tribulation Loose Immortals at Sixteen – even Heavenly Immortals need not be a concern! 

Fear Elder Lu at Thirteenth or Fourteenth Tribulation? Hardly! 

"Fine, then let's proceed!" Li Cheng said as he stepped forward toward Zhuo Bu'er and the others. 

The Artifact Sect opened its Mountain Protection Array, letting Li Cheng and the two others pass through. Shentu Feng's voice followed, "Sect Leader Zhuo, my Pill Sect once invited Elder Li to serve as an honorary Elder. If Elder Li returns with so much as a hair out of place, my Pill Sect will never rest!" 

Li Cheng raised his eyebrows slightly. Goodness, Shentu Feng was taking the opportunity to curry favor! 

Zhuo Bu'er glanced at Shentu Feng, "Sect Leader Shentu jests. With Elder Li's mastery in Alchemy Dao and Array Mastery, he is an esteemed guest wherever he goes. Besides, he is a disciple of a good friend of our Artifact Sect. How could we harm him?" 

"It better be so! My Pill Sect will wait right here!" Shentu Feng said. 

Implied in his words was that if Li Cheng and the other two didn't come out, his Pill Sect would make trouble! 

Turning around, Zhuo Bu'er led the crowd toward the nearby peak, though his brow was furrowed. 

The Pill Sect was meddling unexpectedly. If things went as Shentu Feng had indicated, they would then offend two major sects at once! 

But upon further thought, Zhuo Bu'er believed that Elder Lu would surely find a proper solution to this problem! 

After all, Elder Lu came from the Immortal World! 

The Divine Skills and powers of the Immortals are not something cultivators from the Lower World can guess. 

However, Zhuo Bu'er vaguely felt that Shentu Feng had said this merely to woo Li Cheng and that if Li Cheng were really killed by the Artifact Sect, his Pill Sect would definitely not emit so much as a fart! 

The more he thought about it, the more he believed it to be so! Gathering his thoughts, Zhuo Bu'er took the lead and arrived at the entrance of the Secret Land, smiling, "Fellow Immortals, Elder Li, it's inside!"

Chapter 72 Am I Tired of Living?

As Li Cheng and the others vanished from sight, Shentu Feng couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement, "Elder Li is indeed courageous and highly skilled!" 

"I just hope they'll be alright, after all, we'll need to consult Elder Li on the Alchemy Dao in the future." said a Loose Immortal from the Pill Sect. 

Shentu Feng shook his head, "Venturing into the tiger's den, it's hard to say what the outcome will be." 

"If they end up being executed by the Artifact Sect, are we really going to take action?" another Loose Immortal asked. 

A trace of a smile appeared on Shentu Feng's face, but he remained silent. 

Inside the mountain, Li Cheng looked at the more than ten entrances to the secret lands and said with a smile, "Your Artifact Sect really is wealthy!" 

Secret lands are naturally representative of wealth. 

"Haha, Elder Li must be joking. Just one batch of pills refined by you could probably buy several secret lands!" Zhuo Bu'er laughed heartily. 

Old Bai took over the conversation, "Secret lands are the secrets of a sect, is Sect Master Zhuo really letting us in?" 

Zhuo Bu'er shrugged, "What can be done? Our Artifact Sect has never been the type to break our word. In order to fulfill a promise, revealing a secret to the three of you doesn't really count for much, after all, reputation is the most important thing!" 

Li Cheng chuckled, huh, this guy's words are really pleasant to hear! 

But did Li Cheng not know what he was trying to do? 

It was clear who was leading whom. 

"Please!" 

Zhuo Bu'er made a welcoming gesture and entered the Number One Secret Land first. 

Li Cheng, unfazed, swiftly followed. 

Before their eyes, the scene transformed into a landscape of great beauty, with majestic mountains and flowing water. 

One after another, people entered. Li Cheng noticed that apart from Zhuo Bu'er, all the Artifact Sect members who entered were Loose Immortals, a total of twenty. 

With an unconcerned smile, Li Cheng released his Spiritual Sense and found that this secret land had a radius of five thousand miles, filled with countless exotic flowers and plants, likely used by the Artifact Sect to cultivate Spirit Medicine. 

In the center of the secret land, in a valley, a Formation was set up that prevented the probing of Spiritual Sense. 

However, Li Cheng could sense a strong Immortal Power Fluctuation emanating from the Formation, undoubtedly from an Immortal! 

'The intensity of that fluctuation is not much different from Feng Wanli's; it's clearly an early-stage Heavenly Immortal!' Li Cheng thought to himself. DiiScôver 𝒏𝒆w stori𝒆s on no/𝒗/e()/lbin(.)c/o/m

A Heavenly Immortal of such a level could be effortlessly crushed by the Black and White Elders, whichever of them made a move! 

After all, a Tribulation Loose Immortal is not just for show. 

Of course, he could easily crush one himself! 

Seeing that the trio's gaze was focused on the central area, Zhuo Bu'er said with a smile, "I suppose all three of you have sensed it. Yes, the Astonished God Tripod is right there, follow me!" 

Zhuo Bu'er took the lead and flew forward, with everyone following closely behind. 

Upon reaching the valley, Zhuo Bu'er laughed and said, "Actually, the Green-faced Elder lied to you!" 

"What Elf Tribe? We've never heard of it, but the Astonished God Tripod is indeed here. Do you still want to take it?" Zhuo Bu'er's tone became playful. 

From within the Formation, an angry roar emerged, "Dammit! Didn't I say, don't disturb me? What happened to your ears?" 

Whoosh! 

Before the sound faded, a sturdy middle-aged man had already appeared before everyone, glaring at them furiously! 

"Greetings, Ancestor!" 

Zhuo Bu'er and the others hastily bowed in respect. 

The middle-aged man's sharp gaze swept over the crowd, eventually settling on Li Cheng and the other two, "Why don't you three bow to me?" 

Li Cheng replied with an indifferent expression, "We three are from the Heavenly Mechanism Sect." 

The middle-aged man's eyebrows raised, "So what? I am a Complete Heavenly Immortal; as juniors, you should bow to me!" 

"Remember this, my name is Lu Sanqian, a Complete Heavenly Immortal! Bow quickly!" the middle-aged man shouted again, his voice booming like thunder. 

"Lu Sanqian? 1'11 remember that. So, can my master's Astonished God Tripod be returned now?" Li Cheng casually said. 

Lu Sanqian scoffed, eying Li Cheng with amusement, "Wuya's disciple? An Astonished God Tripod? You must be sick in the head." 

Li Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly, "A high and mighty Heavenly Immortal, and yet so shameless? If you don't know about the Astonished God Tripod, then how did you know my master is Wuya? I never mentioned my master's name." 

Lu Sanqian was momentarily startled, then said teasingly, "Did 1 borrow it from you? Besides, why should I return something 1 obtained through my own skills?" 

That teasing look caused Li Cheng's brows to furrow, "What did you do to my master?" 

The words of Lu Sanqian gave Li Cheng a bad feeling, was he so certain that his master wouldn't return? 

Then, it must be that Lu Sanqian had done something to his master! 

Thinking this, anger surged in Li Cheng's heart. 

"I might as well tell you, I fed Wuya fake information about the Ascend to Immortal Platform. That place, heh, is a nine deaths and one life situation!" 

"It's probably been thirty years now, right? He hasn't come back, so he's definitely dead inside, heh heh!" 

Lu Sanqian began to laugh triumphantly. 

With Wuya dead, of course, he would keep the Astonished God Tripod for himself, how could he possibly return it to the Heavenly Mechanism Sect? 

"Heh heh, old man has already said what needed to be said. Kid, hearing this news, you should realize you're as good as dead!" 

After letting out such critical information, Lu Sanqian naturally could not let Li Cheng and the others leave alive, otherwise if this matter got out, it would damage his reputation! 

Anger blazed in Li Cheng's eyes, his aura surging around him, "Luring my master with false information? Lu Sanqian, are you tired of living?" 

"Steady your mind. Senior Brother Wuya's Jade Slip is intact, which indicates he's alright," Old Bai conveyed telepathically. 

Li Cheng, of course, knew his master wasn't dead, otherwise he would have already struck! 

Lu Sanqian's face was full of contempt, "Tired of living, me? A mere Complete Tribulation Crossing, speaking so boldly. Didn't I tell you, I am a Complete Heavenly Immortal?" 

"Complete my ass!" 

Li Cheng suddenly struck, his fist rocketing towards Lu Sanqian's face, the punch seemed to cross through space itself. Although they were more than ten meters apart, the space seemed to fold before Li Cheng's fist, blasting onto Lu Sanqian's nose. 

Lu Sanqian's nose was crushed flat, and blood streamed down, but he seemed not to feel the pain, staring at Li Cheng in disbelief, "How is this possible?" 

He hadn't moved from his spot, so how could that punch have landed so solidly? 

Moreover, he was only at the Complete Tribulation Crossing Stage, so how could he have flattened his nose? 

Logically, he should have been unharmed! 

Li Cheng didn't give him a chance to ponder, stepping forward and throwing another punch at Lu Sanqian. 

This time, Lu Sanqian quickly steadied his mind, the Immortal Yuan surged, and he raised his right hand to block Li Cheng's fist. 

Bang! 

With the punch striking, Lu Sanqian felt as if he had been struck by an Immortal Hammer, his hand bones shattering instantly, and the punch continued on, slamming into his chest! 

His chest caved in, and Lu Sanqian flew backward. 

This scene unfolded too quickly, the members of the Artifact Sect were just getting their bearings when they saw Lu Sanqian had already been defeated, turning pale with shock! 

Lu Sanqian was even more horrified; even after using Immortal Yuan, he had been easily broken by Li Cheng? 

Furthermore, he could feel that Li Cheng's strength consisted of seven parts Immortal Yuan and three parts True Yuan! 

Could such strength really defeat a Complete Heavenly Immortal so easily? 

No, there also seemed to be the rules of the Fist Path intertwined! 

"That's it, and you still dare to call yourself a Complete Heavenly Immortal? If you're just at the early stage, then say so. Did you think by calling it complete I would be afraid?" 

Li Cheng spoke calmly, stepping forward with no urgency. 

After two punches, Li Cheng had already gauged the difference in strength between Lu Sanqian and himself and was not at all flustered. 

Lu Sanqian steadied himself, the Immortal Yuan circulating as he rapidly healed his injuries, his face a mix of anger and shock, he shouted, "I am a Complete Heavenly Immortal. I refuse to believe that someone who has not yet become an Immortal can defeat me?" 

"Just like Feng Wanli, shameless!" Li Cheng muttered to himself, clenching his fists tightly and fully activating the rules of the Fist Path..

Chapter 73 This Artifact Spirit is Very Strong!

Li Cheng looked at the man with utter disdain. Just like Feng Wanli back then, although he was only at the early stages of being a Heavenly Immortal, he brazenly claimed to be at the Complete level of Heavenly Immortal, shameless. Did he really think that spouting such nonsense would make others afraid? With only that level of strength, was there any use in talking nonsense? 

'Since you're shameless, let's see if you can withstand my full-strength punch!' Li Cheng struck with all his might, ten thousand rules of the Fist Path swirling around his fist as he fiercely bombarded Lu Sanqian! 

Having already given Lu Sanqian a chance to catch his breath, he intended to make him admit defeat both willingly and convincingly. 

Lu Sanqian's momentum surged, pushing his Immortal Yuan to the extreme, creating a strong oppressive force that caused the ground around him to continuously collapse, "Come! Face your death!" 

With a ferocious roar, an Immortal Weapon War Saber flew out from Lu Sanqian's Dantian. Clutching it in his hand, he gathered a vast amount of Immortal Yuan into a blade light and fiercely slashed down! 

Before the blade light even arrived, its violent power had already swept across heaven and earth, the ground constantly collapsing, frightening the onlookers into rapidly flying away to the sides. 

"So slow?" 

Li Cheng appeared beside Lu Sanqian in one step, taking advantage of his slash, and punched him in the left shoulder. In an instant, Lu Sanqian's body turned into a mist of blood, leaving only the Immortal Infant behind! 

The Immortal Infant was clad in a suit of silver armor, which was also shattered by the punch, but fortunately, it had preserved the Immortal Infant. A look of horror covered the Immortal Infant's face, "You… Immortal Spirit Step? Dammit, you're cheating…" 

Boom! 

Just then, as the blade light from Lu Sanqian's slash entered the broken ground, constant booming sounds could be heard, and numerous distant mountains collapsed. Within a few breaths, a canyon several hundred miles long had formed! 

"Tsk tsk… After all, it's just a Secret Land, still too weak, if it were outside, his slash couldn't have caused such destruction," Black Elder said with a laugh. 

Old Bai nodded with a smile, "If we were outside, he could at best split a few mountains. Our Kunlun Realm has existed for countless eras, with space being very stable indeed!" 

Li Cheng casually grabbed Lu Sanqian's Immortal Infant, "You can't take a hit? 

You should have said so earlier, then 1 wouldn't have hit you so hard." 

Lu Sanqian tried to struggle, but found himself tightly seized and utterly unable to move! 

"Let go of me, I give up, the Astonished God Tripod is yours!" Lu Sanqian said through clenched teeth. 

Li Cheng's face was full of scorn, "Is your realization that low?" 

His life and death were in his control and still, he dared to talk like that? 

Lu Sanqian glared at Li Cheng, "Kid, you're lecturing me about realization? If you have any, then let go of me right away, otherwise, hmpf!" 

Li Cheng laughed, "You must be an idiot, right?" 

As he spoke, Li Cheng squeezed harder while circulating the Chaos Yuan Heavenly Scripture to absorb the Immortal Yuan. 

"Damn it all, you guys, why aren't you saving me?" roared Lu Sanqian. 

Li Cheng glanced at Zhuo Bu'er and others flying back, said teasingly, "Want to save him?" 

The crowd swallowed hard, not knowing what to do for a moment. 

Even Elder Lu had exploded after three punches, how could they dare to make a move? 

Li Cheng did not hide his disdainful gaze as it moved to the Immortal Infant in his hand, "Where did you deceive my master into going back then?" 

"I won't tell you, kid. You won't make it out of the Artifact Sect alive. Let me go now, and you may still leave a whole corpse!" 

Li Cheng's brows furrowed slightly, and he looked at the Black and White Elders, "Elders, I think this man is sick, definitely sick!" 

In such a situation, still stubbornly talking back? Still daring to threaten? 

Yes, that's sick! 

Old Bai pointed at the people of the Artifact Sect, "With so many of his juniors looking on, if he begged for mercy, what would become of a Heavenly Immortal's dignity?" 

Right! 

Li Cheng nodded, enlightened, "Lu Sanqian, I'll kill these twenty-one people first, then we'll talk!" 

As soon as these words came out, Zhuo Bu'er and the others felt their hair stand on end and a chill rise from the soles of their feet as if they had fallen into an ice cave! 

"Elder Li, don't get it wrong, we're just here to watch you clean up this old bastard!" 

"Exactly, Elder Li, you don't know, this old bastard has been throwing his weight around, taking advantage of his seniority at the Artifact Sect. We've been longing for someone to take him down!" 

"Right, if Elder Li doesn't believe us, we can collectively piss and shit on his head to show our sincerity!" 

Twenty-one people, led by Zhuo Bu'er, continued to humiliate Lu Sanqian non-stop, as if afraid that not humiliating him enough would bring about a fatal disaster. Ch𝒆êck out l𝒂t𝒆st 𝒏𝒐v𝒆l𝒔 on n/o/v𝒆/l/bin(.)c/𝒐/m

Li Cheng and the Black and White Elders watched, dumbfounded. Damn, the Artifact Sect sure is ruthless! 

Such humiliation of the Ancestor Master, aren't they afraid of being struck by lightning from the heavens? 

This is nothing less than betrayal of master and ancestors! 

Lu Sanqian was furious, yet helpless, and could only glare at Zhuo Bu'er and the others with eyes full of splitting rage. 

But those twenty-one people completely ignored Lu Sanqian's glare. 

Are you kidding? The guy who could blast away your Immortal Body with just three punches—who would dare to make an enemy of him and not value their own life? 

"Elder Lu, endure it for now. We're using strategy here. As long as we temporarily stabilize this bastard, the moment we're out of the Secret Land, we'll activate the measures left by our ancestors and suppress him!" 

As everyone cursed in anger, the sound transmission from the Tribulation Loose Immortal surfaced. 

A flash of understanding crossed Lu Sanqian's eyes, but his anger did not subside. No matter what, these juniors had humiliated him. 

Clenching his teeth in secret, Lu Sanqian replied, "I'll endure!" 

This sound transmission could not be concealed from Li Cheng and the other two. 

Li Cheng's Spiritual Sense was strong, and although the Black and White Elders, who were sixteen-strike Loose Immortals, might not match Li Cheng in that aspect, they were certainly much stronger than the ten-strike Loose Immortal. How could they not hear it? 

"Any of the top ten sects has countless methods left by their ancestors, capable of easily suppressing True Immortals. We need to think of something!" Black Elder sent a sound transmission. 

"No hurry!" Li Cheng replied, then used the Fist Path rule to punch through the Formation deep in the valley from a distance. 

Whoosh! 

As soon as the Formation was broken, a three-footed large tripod surged into the sky, and a young man's roar emanated from within, "Bastards of the Artifact Sect, I'll annihilate your entire sect!" 

"Oh? This Artifact Spirit is quite strong! Almost as strong as Lu Sanqian." Li Cheng was delighted. 

The Black and White Elders' eyes widened as Black Elder said, "Senior Brother Wuya kept his cards close to the chest. We all thought he had obtained an ordinary Immortal-grade Artifact tripod. Who would've thought the Artifact Spirit itself had the cultivation of a Heavenly Immortal!" 

"Isn't that the truth? If the Artifact Spirit has cultivated to become a Heavenly Immortal, then this tripod and its original owner must be extraordinary!" Old Bai marveled. 

Ordinary Artifact Spirits have no cultivation and depend on the artifact. Although they can propel the artifact, the power they can exert is limited. 

An Artifact Spirit that has embarked on the path of cultivation is different. 

Such spirits can even exist independent of the artifact, somewhat akin to Nascent Souls and Immortal Infants. 

If they wish, they can even forge a flesh and blood body like a Loose Immortal! But there's no need for that since the artifact that gave birth to them is their body. 

Li Cheng glanced at the Black and White Elders and said, "The Astonished God Tripod, the tripod of Qi Jingshen, the number one Artifact Refining Master in the Immortal World." 

I myself heard about Qi Jingshen from Feng Wanli, so it's normal that the Elders haven't heard of him. 

"So that's how it is, no wonder!" The Elders nodded in unison, with astonishment flashing in their eyes. 

They began to understand why the Heavenly Immortal of the Artifact Sect was so possessive of the tripod. 

In the meantime, the Astonished God Tripod seemed to have noticed everyone below and swiftly flew towards them, "Bastards of the Artifact Sect, face your death!" 

Black Elder chuckled, "These guys still want to stabilize us and wait until we're out of the Secret Land to trigger the protective power of their sect; it seems they won't have the chance." 

A Heavenly Immortal-grade Artifact Spirit wielding an Immortal Artifact has a might that even surpasses cultivators of the same level using Immortal Artifacts; this time, we can enjoy the show! 

However, Li Cheng furrowed his brows slightly, "The three of us are the most powerful here; it seems to be particularly focused on us. Why do 1 feel like it's charging straight for us three?" "That's not right, the Artifact Spirit should recognize us three!" Old Bai said. Black Elder cleared his throat, "Could it be that when Senior Brother Wuya was around, the Artifact Spirit was in a dormant state and so it actually doesn't recognize us?"