Yellow Court Daoist

"Since then, the borders of Changqing Realm have shrunk, ten thousand li turned into one li. As Spiritual Energy revived, territories gradually re-emerged. Spiritual Mountains and sanctuaries appeared one after another. Those who could conquer these Spiritual Mountains would inherit the multiple legacies of Changqing Realm, rising to reverence and honor as ancestors."

During his contemplation,

Lu Qingfeng roamed everywhere, searching for traces of civilization.

In the desolate mountains, there were no signs of human life, and Spiritual Energy was scarce; no Spiritual Medicine, no Spirit Stone, no spirit ore. Without Spiritual Medicine for Alchemy, Lu Qingfeng's cultivation progressed slowly; he focused instead on seeking renowned mountains and rivers.

Changqing Realm was originally a Great Realm, with both Immortal Sects and Demon Sects numerous, and Divine Dao flourishing.

The rise of the Evil Dragon caused the collapse of the Immortal Sects, destruction of the Demon Sects, and the extinction of the Divine Dao.

Yet, the world's legacies did not cease; over five thousand six hundred years after the defeat of the Evil Dragon, generation after generation of mortals pursued the Dao of Longevity, unearthing various inheritances. Regrettably, with Spiritual Energy exhausted, they had the True Skills but could not cultivate, rendering hopes of immortality unreachable.

Until recent years, when these True Skills finally revealed their true nature and dazzled brilliantly.

In one month, Lu Qingfeng advanced to the Sixth Layer of the True Qi Realm.

Two months later, stepping into the mortal world, he finally gained a deeper understanding of the current state of this realm.

In the Changqing Realm, the North, South, East, and West are all barbaric lands, only the Central Continent is blessed with outstanding people and an abundance of spiritual locales. For over five thousand years, it has given birth to countless heroes who wrote the long songs of heaven and earth.

Seven years ago,

an unprecedented transformation occurred in the Central Continent—

The Earth extended!

Rivers widened!

Mountains grew taller!

The area of Central Continent, originally only a few thousand li in circumference, suddenly expanded tenfold.

As the territories expanded, cities were torn apart, and the Seven Countries of Central Plains fell into chaos, nearly reverting to savagery. Seizing the opportunity presented by this heavenly change, ambitious people emerged, stirring troubles and becoming warlords.

The governments of the seven countries fell into decline, and a situation of feudal partitions formed.

Five years ago,

in the former territory of Jing Country.

The Spiritual Energy at the legendary Southern Territory, Ma Tiliang Mountain, erupted. The current Sect Leader of Judge Star Sect, Guan Lanzi, comprehended the Nine Heavens Thunder Technique, annihilating all who invaded, and powerfully secured the Spiritual Mountain.

The Judge Star Sect held a grand banquet for three days and opened the mountain for accepting disciples.

Countless people, yearning for the Immortal Dao and coveting the Thunder Technique, traveled thousands of miles to ascend the mountain and take him as their master.

The Judge Star Sect thrived greatly!

Four years ago,

In the Eastern Realm, a Demon Bird appeared at Bao Du Mountain; Sect Leader Guan Lanzi of the Judge Star Sect arrived in person, wielding thunder, and fought a battle that shook the heavens. Still unable to defeat the Demon Bird, he retreated back to Ma Tiliang Mountain and went into seclusion.

The might of the Demon Bird shook the nation, drawing the attention of the world.

On the day of Guan Lanzi's defeat, the Demon Bird proclaimed itself the 'Flying Phoenix Great Saint,' establishing the Feifeng Pavilion at Bao Du Mountain, gathering all wise demon creatures under its banner, regardless of bird or beast, turning away none.

Cries echoed in flocks, and a renowned mountain transformed into a den of demonic creatures.

Three years ago,

In the Western Realm, a brilliant radiance burst forth from Tiangu Mountain; a Fairy arrived from the east.

The Purple Mist Palace Master, Ni Chang Fairy, exhibited an undefeated grandeur, and with a single dance of the Ni Chang Feather Dress, repelled enemies from all directions. She declared the establishment of the Purple Mist Palace, inviting all who sought to pursue the Immortal Dao to join.

The Purple Mist Palace arose from the land and instantly became the third great Immortal Sect of Jing Country!

The ground of Jing Country—

Judge Star Sect of Ma Tiliang Mountain!

Feifeng Pavilion of Bao Du Mountain!

Purple Mist Palace of Tiangu Mountain!

Three extraordinary forces emerged suddenly, swiftly rising to prominence.

In just a few years, they became a force to be reckoned with among all the feudal lords of Jing Country. Each sect supported different lords, all with ambitions to claim dominance.

The Jing Country's Royal Family gradually declined.

Several months ago, the fourth Spiritual Mountain appeared within Jing Country.

A single stone causing a thousand ripples, it draws in forces from all directions.

...

"Jing Country."

Lu Qingfeng traverses Jing Country, gathering detailed insights into the current state of affairs.

Situated at the southernmost of the Central Continent, Jing Country has expansive territories and presides as the foremost among the seven countries. In the past five years, it also boasts the top spiritual mountain among these nations.

Due to a sudden expansion of its territory, the royal family of Jing Country lost control, which led to the rise of various dukes and lords.

Setting aside the minor lords, within Jing Country, the Judge Star Sect, Feifeng Pavilion, and Purple Mist Palace are the most revered, each occupying a spiritual mountain.

The royal family of Jing Country has profound historical and cultural foundations, with considerable strength and influence in secular circles.

After a major heavenly change, Jing Country leveraged the centuries of royal prestige to recruit masters from all over, thus forming the Seeking Immortal Que. Unfortunately, without a spiritual mountain to rely on, the Seeking Immortal Que, although filled with skilled fighters proficient in hand-to-hand combat, were ultimately no match for masters of the arts.

The emergence of the fourth spiritual mountain in the Northern Territory shone with brilliant spirit light, stirring winds and thunder.

The royal family of Jing Country was the first to act.

Expert fighters from the Seeking Immortal Que emerged en masse, stirring great turmoil.

Experts from the Judge Star Sect, Feifeng Pavilion, and Purple Mist Palace all set out, aiming to seize the divine object of the spiritual mountain and secure the heritage.

"Northern Territory, General Ridge."

"According to records from Jing Country, General Ridge was once a dwelling of divine spirits, and even an immortal had cultivated here. A thousand years ago, before Jing Country's rise, during the era of the previous dynasty, the 'Soul Searching Temple' was already established here. Originally also a grand sect of Jing Country, it received ancient inheritance, revived, and continued through two dynasties. However, in recent years, it has fallen into decline, with the current leader still in his youth."

"Although General Ridge showed no signs of spiritual anomalies, Soul Searching Temple could still occupy the ancestral land. Now that General Ridge has become the fourth spiritual mountain of Jing Country, if Soul Searching Temple does not recognize the times, it will instantly turn to ashes and vanish!"

"Though this realm is newly risen, behind it are great powers at play. Without support, one is doomed to become fodder."

"For now, let us visit this General Ridge. Soul Searching Temple..."

Lu Qingfeng continuously calculates with his fingers, riding the Mystic Eagle, he heads straight for General Ridge in Jing Country's Northern Border!

...

Jing Country, Northern Territory, General Ridge.

The original name of General Ridge is no longer traceable, only known as such because of a general's temple located on the mountain.

General Ridge is tall and remote, hidden from the mortal world, untouched by worldly disturbances.

Ordinary people entering the Ridge become disoriented, unable to locate the true position of General Ridge. Only a few worldly experts and those with profound blessings can set foot.

Atop General Ridge is the General Temple, beside it the Soul Searching Temple.

Housed within the General Temple is the 'Yang Realm Soul Searching General' of Thunder Department, charged with the duties of slaying demons and eradicating evil in the Yang Realm, revered by the people. It is said that the Soul Searching Temple was founded by this Yang Realm Soul Searching General during his travels through the mortal world, leaving behind his lineage in the Changqing Realm.

Whether the General Temple or the Soul Searching Temple came first is unknown.

Lu Qingfeng's destination on this trip is the Soul Searching Temple.

Though said to be located on General Ridge, both the temple and the temple are actually situated deep within the ridge, on a mountain peak where spiritual energy converges.

This mountain is called 'Thunder Mountain.'

On this day.

In Thunder Mountain, within the Soul Searching Temple.

A young man dressed in a Daoist robe sits cross-legged, eyes closed and resting. Before him, three anxious young boys pace back and forth.

"Brother Longevity, outsiders are about to reach General Ridge, how can you still focus on cultivation?"

An impatient young boy with fine brows and handsome features finally couldn't bear it, standing in front of the seated young man, he urgently inquired.

The other two boys, hearing this, stopped and looked towards him.

The young man slowly opened his eyes, his expression grave, "In such haste, my mind is unsettled, ultimately unable to break the shackles and ascend to the heavens!"

Ren Changsheng stood up, a bitter smile appearing on his lips.

"Brother Longevity."

Chen Fengyu, the first to speak, looked at Ren Changsheng, speaking rapidly, "Brother Longevity, the dozen bans and two arrays I set up outside the ridge have all been broken by the experts from the Seeking Immortal Que. At this rate, they'll storm General Ridge in no more than three days!"

Chen Fengyu, though young, was not very steady, and appeared even more flustered in times of crisis.

Apart from him, Ren Xiaoyao and Zhang Wenye also felt the same.