113: Ride the Red Dragon into the Clouds

Doujian Peak, at the peak.

Grand Elder, Second Elder, Third Elder, Fourth Elder, Fifth Elder, and Sixth Elder were all there, and Lu Chen was also present.

"The Nanchu Grand Wash is about to begin. According to the usual practice, we will still go to the Nanchu Imperial Capital. At that time, not only my Dongming Sect but all Sects in the entire Nanchu will go. Lu Senior apprentice-brother, as the Traveling Envoy of the Dongming Sect for this event, take this." The Grand Elder spoke solemnly and handed something to Lu Chen.

Lu Chen was moved.

What the Grand Elder handed over was a purple-gold and white jade crown. Just by looking at it, an inexplicable aura of nobility assailed him. It wasn't the nobility of mortal dynasties, generals, ministers, kings, or marquises, but rather an aura of immortality, possessing a 'nobility' that stood above the Nine Heavens!

It was the 'nobility' of the Immortal Path, the 'nobility' of longevity!

It was also a manifestation of the Dongming Sect's Traveling Envoy's identity when outside, and not just a manifestation of identity, but also a treasure of the Dongming Sect, even above Spirit Treasures.

"This is the 'dongming treasure crown', a symbol of my Dongming Sect's Traveling Envoy when outside, and also a defensive treasure. It cannot be broken by anything less than a peak Yang God, and it can also block soul attacks. There's no need to refine it. Just wait for this old man to impart the incantation to you and put it on for you."

The Grand Elder personally stepped forward, pointed a finger at Lu Chen's glabella, and then placed the 'dongming treasure crown' on Lu Chen. In an instant, divine light cascaded down, enveloping Lu Chen and making him seem like a deity who had descended to the Human Realm from the Nine Heavens, naturally imbued with divine power.

"He looks quite presentable," the Third Elder said, nodding and smiling as he looked at Lu Chen enveloped in divine light.

Lu Chen felt something in his heart, activated the incantation, and concealed the divine light.

Cannot be broken by anything less than a peak Yang God, what a good thing!

Currently, within the Southern Chu Kingdom, it seems only their Young Sect Leader surpasses the Yang God Realm. Therefore, wearing this 'dongming treasure crown', he is almost invincible.

What was particularly extraordinary was that this treasure crown did not rely on his own cultivation; it inherently possessed great power. Otherwise, with Lu Chen's cultivation at the mid-stage of the Mysterious Method Realm, he would not be able to unleash the full potential of this treasure crown, let alone block the might of a Yang God. It would be impossible.

"Thank you, Grand Elder. Thank you to the Sect for cultivating me. Lu Chen is deeply grateful," Lu Chen bowed in thanks.

Then the Fourth Elder stepped forward and said, "Once you are outside, you represent my Dongming Sect. Remember not to tarnish the prestige of my Dongming Sect."

With that, a treasure robe appeared in his palm: "This is a treasure from my Zhubing Peak, the 'pure yang golden crow treasure robe'. Although it is not comparable to the 'dongming treasure crown', it is of the same level. Wearing this treasure robe, you will be impervious to water and fire and untouched by myriad laws. It cannot be broken by anything less than a high-level cultivator in the Yang God Realm."

As he spoke, he pointed a finger at Lu Chen's glabella: "This is the incantation. Remember it well."

He then draped the treasure robe over Lu Chen.

The treasure robe was entirely moon-white, with a great sun and golden patterns embroidered on the chest, where a Golden Crow resided, as if it could truly burst forth from the treasure robe and display the might of a divine bird.

Lu Chen bowed in thanks again.

At that time, the Sixth Elder from Danxia Peak stepped forward: "This is a life-saving item from my Danxia Peak. Even if you don't cultivate the 'Limb Regeneration' Technique, taking this 'returning immortal treasure pill' can instantly restore you to your original state. Even if your soul is shattered, taking this pill instantly can save your life."

Lu Chen bowed in thanks again and accepted the 'returning immortal treasure pill'.

Something that can save your life is a top-notch treasure, equivalent to having a second life in hand. This is something that cultivators outside cannot buy with any amount of spiritual stone; it's priceless and unavailable on the market.

It doesn't matter if you need it or not, what if?

However, although Lu Chen had never cultivated the 'Limb Regeneration' Technique, his Body Refinement cultivation had already reached the Late Stage of the Dao Embryo Realm, and his vitality was astonishingly surging, so he could naturally regenerate severed limbs.

Furthermore, his soul was protected by the Nurturing Soldier Immortal Coffin, a companion Spirit Treasure, so it was basically impossible for him to be injured by others. It was too difficult to injure him.

With the dongming treasure crown and the pure yang golden crow treasure robe, two major treasures protecting his body, his Physical Body was also strong, the Nurturing Soldier Immortal Coffin protected his soul, and his soul itself was also very strong. Coupled with the Dao Soldiers, if beings above the Yang God Realm did not come, who could injure Lu Chen?

At this moment, the Second Elder stepped forward: "Little fellow, take this as well. Although you yourself don't often make a move, having this item in hand will always give you more confidence."

Lu Chen was moved again. This was a jade seal the size of a fist, engraved with the image of an Immortal ascending, and below it were two ancient characters, 'Flying Immortal'.

"This is the Flying Immortal Seal, also a symbol of my Dongming Sect's Traveling Envoy's identity, and even more so a treasure of my Dongming Sect. It possesses the might of a Flying Immortal, and killing Yin Gods is effortless. However, your cultivation is insufficient, so you cannot kill Yin God level beings, but it can save your life at critical moments." The Second Elder pointed a finger at Lu Chen's glabella, transmitting the incantation for the 'Flying Immortal Seal' to Lu Chen.

Lu Chen bowed in thanks and accepted it.

There are so many good things in the Sect!

He was practically armed to the teeth, with treasures being given to him one after another. If he still couldn't crush the other two Hegemon Sects and the Royal Family of Nanchu into dust during the Nanchu Grand Wash, then Lu Chen would have wasted these good things.

Although he didn't really need them, he had the Dao Soldiers anyway.

However, at critical moments, he could give this 'Flying Immortal Seal' to the Divine Travel Dao Soldier. With the Divine Travel Dao Soldier's speed, which was as fast as teleportation, it might even be able to instantly kill a Yang God.

"Everything that should be given has been given, little fellow. Go forth and do as you please. Don't forget that behind you is the Dongming Sect." The Grand Elder left his final words, the meaning of which was clear: just be arrogant, be overbearing, kill or cripple as you wish, it's up to you.

They weren't afraid of him being arrogant or causing trouble, only afraid of him being too conservative.

After Lu Chen bowed in thanks, just as he was about to use Earth Evasion to leave, the Third Elder suddenly called out, "How will you go to the Nanchu Imperial Capital?"

"Disciple's Earth Evasion technique is quite accomplished, it can..." Lu Chen had only spoken half a sentence when the Third Elder interrupted with disdain.

"As the dignified Traveling Envoy of the Dongming Sect, representing the face of my Dongming Sect, do you think it's appropriate to travel by Earth Evasion?"

Lu Chen pondered, understanding. They wanted to make a statement, right!

He tentatively opened his mouth: "Then, how about..."

"Riding a dragon?"

Only then did the Third Elder nod in satisfaction.

He almost forgot, the Third Elder had seen his Red Dragon Dao Soldiers. It was no wonder these Elders had prepared everything for him except for a decent mount; they were waiting for this!

Lu Chen's thoughts stirred slightly, and the Red Dragon Dao Soldiers appeared before him, then rapidly grew, transforming into a thousand-zhang Red Dragon with a roar. It was nearly ten times larger than the original Red Dragon Descendant, and an astonishing Dragon Might naturally erupted, instantly sweeping through the entire Dongming Sect.

For a moment, countless Dongming Sect Disciples all looked up simultaneously, gazing towards Doujian Peak with surprise.

Especially the Inner Sect Disciples who were already on Doujian Peak, they were even more surprised.

Hou Liehu, Zhu Xinzhi, and two others who were discussing what missions to take with Yun Zhi suddenly rushed out of the courtyard in horror and looked up sharply: "This is..."

At the same moment, Dong Cungang, Han Rong, Zhou Li, and Zhao Qiong, who were meditating and cultivating, also suddenly soared into the air. When they looked up, they saw a colossal thousand-zhang figure soaring from the peak of Doujian Peak, its body crimson like lava, radiating astonishing heat that even warped the sky.

It also had two horns pointing straight towards the sky, and four claws stepping on fire clouds, indescribably majestic and terrifying beyond words.

"Red Dragon!"

"Dragon Might!"

At this moment, all the Disciples of the entire Dongming Sect were dumbfounded.

Some sharp-eyed Disciples also saw a heroic figure standing on the head of the thousand-zhang Red Dragon, wearing a purple-gold and white jade crown, draped in a great sun and golden patterned robe with embroidered Golden Crow divine birds, and carrying a Flying Immortal Treasure seal at his waist. He rode the Red Dragon into the clouds and instantly disappeared without a trace.

Thus, the numerous Disciples all fell into confusion: "That was..."

"Lu Chen, Lu Senior apprentice-brother!"

Lu Senior apprentice-brother rode the thousand-zhang Red Dragon away, where did he go?

Doujian Peak.

Several Elders watched Lu Chen ride the Red Dragon away, their eyes filled with surprise, shock, and also envy.

Of course they were envious, this was a Red Dragon!

Dragon Bloodline, a true dragon species, one of the most noble existences among the Demon Clan, except for those that have almost disappeared,

On this day, Lu Chen rode the Red Dragon out of the Dongming Sect, soaring ninety thousand li into the clear sky and disappearing.

Also on this day, the entire Southern Chu Kingdom was swept by a storm. Countless small and medium-sized Sects and the like had cultivators riding swords and wind, heading towards the Nanchu Imperial Capital.

Still on this day, in South Chu, the Flying Immortal Sect, a Hegemon Sect along with the Dongming Sect.

Inside a quiet room, the Flying Immortal Sect Leader, whose face held a natural authority, gazed towards the Nanchu Imperial Capital and murmured in a low voice, "Another year of the Grand Wash, but within Nanchu, it has nothing to do with my Flying Immortal Sect."

Behind him, a handsome young man, wearing a green cloud crown, draped in a flowing cloud Immortal robe, stepping on cloud-treading boots, and radiating divine light, stood with lowered eyes and spoke calmly: "With me here, no one within Nanchu can touch the Flying Immortal Sect in the slightest, not even the Dongming Sect.

"However, I heard that the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven and the Royal Family of Nanchu each produced a fellow born with a companion celestial treasure, but I don't know if they are capable."

The Flying Immortal Sect Leader turned back to look at the young man, his eyebrows revealing a hint of relief and pride that he couldn't suppress.

The young man in front of him was his Disciple, a Heavenly Pride born with a companion celestial treasure. In less than a cycle of sixty years, he had already attained the Yin God Realm, his strength was so formidable that he could be called invincible among the Yin God Realm, because his companion celestial treasure was a weapon of slaughter, and even the king of all weapons, a spear.

The celestial treasure had a name, called 'Flying Phoenix'.

Because the spear was named Flying Phoenix, the young man was also named 'Pang Feifeng'.

"After all, they are also Heavenly Pride figures born with companion celestial treasures. Disciple, you must not easily clash with those from the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven and the Royal Family of Nanchu." The Flying Immortal Sect Leader emphasized again: "The Dongming Sect has been particularly low-key in recent years, but it is rumored that they have another backer behind them. You can probe, but try not to offend the Dongming Sect too severely, lest they disregard the cost and invite their backer."

The young man Pang Feifeng smiled and nodded without speaking.

Among cultivators, there is no such thing as being low-key or not. Contending with the heavens, fighting with people, and battling with demons and evil spirits, which one does not require struggle?

In Pang Feifeng's view, the so-called low-key was merely cowardice and lack of confidence, thus unable to support a strong attitude.

How long has it been since the Dongming Sect had a Heavenly Pride born with a companion celestial treasure?

With such strength, how can they be called a Hegemon in Nanchu?

It's just a name that doesn't match the reality!

I just don't know which backer is behind the Dongming Sect, which is still quite daunting!

To be the backer of a Hegemon Sect, then what level should this backer be?

It's hard to predict, but what is certain is that it is definitely not comparable to the likes of the Flying Immortal Sect and the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven.

"By the way, the remaining inheritors of the Twelve Phase Sect tried to contact my Flying Immortal Sect before, but this Master did not respond." The Flying Immortal Sect Leader said meaningfully: "The Twelve Phase Sect was destroyed by the Dongming Sect. Now, the remaining inheritors are irreconcilable with the Dongming Sect. Their sudden contact with my Flying Immortal Sect at the time when the Nanchu Grand Wash is about to begin is likely related to dealing with the Dongming Sect.

"You don't need to bother with the remaining inheritors of the Twelve Phase Sect. Although a centipede is dead but not stiff, if the Dongming Sect could destroy them once, they can certainly destroy them countless times. They cannot stir up any waves. If you truly ally with them, you will definitely be implicated in the end, remember this."

Pang Feifeng nodded: "Dogs without a home are not worth mentioning. Let me go to the Nanchu Imperial Capital and settle the Nanchu Grand Wash."

Before his voice faded, he had already disappeared within the Flying Immortal Sect, leaving only his calm voice echoing softly.

"Twelve Phase Sect, it has come to this point, and you still want to jump?

"That's just as well. Those reckless fellows from the Tianyuan Grotto-heaven are the most brainless; they will probably lend you a hand. I just don't know how far you can push the Dongming Sect!"

Looking at the disappearing Pang Feifeng, the Flying Immortal Sect Leader suddenly let out a light laugh and whispered. Finally, only the almost inaudible whispers gradually dissipated in the hall.

South Chu, Tianyuan Grotto-heaven.

A bald, burly man, over two meters tall, twisted his thick neck, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, looking towards the Nanchu Imperial Capital: "Another Grand Wash, but it's also boring."

Why was it boring? Because as the Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode, he couldn't personally participate, otherwise, what would be the status of a Hegemon Sect?

It had been an old tradition for many years. The Grand Wash within Nanchu had never involved the peak combat power of the Yang God Realm. It had always been enough for the Hegemon Sects to send Yin God Elders to easily suppress those small and medium-sized Sects and cleanse Nanchu at will.

Even the Royal Family of Nanchu, their strongest Old Ancestor, was only in the Yin God Realm, and was already old and useless.

As for the other medium-sized Sects, it was already extremely remarkable if they had one cultivator in the Dao Infant Realm presiding over them. Small Sects were even less worth mentioning; they might not even have cultivators in the Mysterious Method Realm.

Among these, there was certainly the issue of resource allocation. The resources of small and medium-sized Sects were almost all what the Three Hegemon Sects had left over, or some scraps and leftovers that fell through their fingers.

With such limited resources, it was already the limit for those small and medium-sized Sects to support their Disciples. It was even more difficult to cultivate another Dao Infant Realm expert.

Furthermore, Disciples with outstanding talent were also a resource in themselves.

Would any Disciple with sufficient Aptitude not join the Three Hegemon Sects and instead choose those resource-scarce small and medium-sized Sects?

There was no such logic; people always strive for higher places.

"Master, let this Disciple handle the matter of the Nanchu Grand Wash!" A tall, imposing young man, nearly two meters tall, with long, messy hair like a wild man, walked over and stood behind the Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode, grinning.

"You little brat are getting off easy." The Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode glanced at the young man: "But don't underestimate this Nanchu. Although my Tianyuan Grotto-heaven's Body Refinement techniques are unparalleled in the world, it is said that the Flying Immortal Sect and the Royal Family of Nanchu have both produced formidable Heavenly Pride born with companion celestial treasures. You can fool around, but don't go too far.

"Also, those stray dogs from the Twelve Phase Sect contacted me, saying they wanted to attack the Dongming Sect. At that time, you can decide for yourself. If the Dongming Sect is useless, you can secretly fish in troubled waters. If those small fry from the Twelve Phase Sect still don't improve, remember, don't leave any survivors."

The tall young man scratched his messy, shaggy hair: "What about the Dongming Sect?"

The Abode Master of Tianyuan Cave Abode smiled disdainfully: "They're just useless guys with a backer. Don't take them too seriously. But don't push them too hard either, after all, even a cornered rabbit will bite."

The young man grinned: "Understood."