Chapter 717: Demon fetus parasitism, Yanlan breakthrough! (two in one)

Lu Quanzhen, True Monarch Shi Hai, and Old Demon Wugu traveled forward, arriving before an ancient nest that was immensely grand and resembled a Kunpeng.

This ancient nest burst forth with brilliant and dazzling light; at times, its entire body was golden, resembling a divine Peng that pierced through the star river and looked down upon the nine heavens; at other times, it was like a giant Kun, its entire body pitch black, sinking into the boundless great sea, filled with chaos.

“Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic Divine Art!?”

Lu Quanzhen saw the ancient nest, which was entirely golden, rippling with faint waves, as if condensing runes in the shape of a Kunpeng.

He did not recognize these runes, but he felt a strange sense of familiarity.

It was as if the cultivation technique he practiced was a translation of these runes, and there was a wondrous resonance between the two.

“Legend has it that the treasured bones and true feathers of some top-tier bloodline demon races are imprinted with the divine scripts of heaven and earth’s rules, expounding upon the most primitive cultivation techniques. Many human cultivators’ techniques and divine abilities are comprehended from these bone imprints, patterns of flowers, birds, and beasts, and dragon and phoenix scripts.”

“It seems that the ‘Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic Divine Art’ that my uncle taught me is related to the Kunpeng before me.”

Lu Quanzhen’s heart suddenly understood. He was immersed in observing the massive nest, the runes in the shape of a Kunpeng shifting and cycling from golden to pitch black.

However, at this moment, he suddenly felt a vast, bone-chillingly cold aura land on him. His face paled, his vital energy and magical power surged and churned, his cultivation technique wanted to operate on its own, but his magical power felt sluggish, and his limbs and muscles were cold and weak.

He opened his eyes and saw eighteen spectral maidservants in front, holding ceremonial fans, carrying baskets, and plain scarves, surrounding and serving a exquisite throne inlaid with gold and jade, luxurious and opulent, with a curtain of gauze hanging down.

Through the gauze curtain embroidered with layers of ghostly figures, one could see a figure wearing a pearl-stringed crown, with a graceful and charming posture.

And the might that had landed on him came from the owner of this throne!

“Who is this person?”

Lu Quanzhen was horrified in his heart.

One must know that the Kunpeng nest not only had many cultivators entering to compete for opportunities, but also many ferocious birds and sea beasts.

If not for True Monarch Shi Hai and Old Demon Wugu, with his strength, he wouldn’t have been able to reach this place.

But the owner of the throne before him actually dared to display such a retinue in the secret realm.

Moreover, he couldn’t see through the eighteen spectral maidservants at a glance, estimating that each of them had cultivation and magical power no weaker than his!

Just then, True Monarch Shi Hai stepped forward, blocking Lu Quanzhen, and bowed towards the throne, saying, “I wonder where my junior disciple has offended the Demonic Consort?”

“Demonic Consort! This person is the owner of the previous bone palace, the Six Paths Demonic Consort!?”

As True Monarch Shi Hai stepped forward, Lu Quanzhen’s pressure eased, his face regained some color, and he guessed the identity of the throne’s owner.

The number one demonic cultivator in the Star Constellation Sea, the Dao companion of the Six Paths Demonic Monarch, the owner of the previous bone palace, the Six Paths Demonic Consort!

Lu Quanzhen’s mind was tense, wondering why this Six Paths Demonic Consort had noticed him.

“Junior disciple? This palace doesn’t remember you, Shi Hai, having such a disciple?”

A lazy, casual, and charming voice came from within the throne.

“The Demonic Consort is busy with myriad affairs and may not be aware. This young friend was recently taken in as a registered disciple by Daoist Shi Hai.”

The Lu Quanzhen before them was related to the two of them’s opportunity, so the Old Demon Wugu beside him also stepped forward to help explain.

“Interesting. I didn’t expect you, Shi Hai, to not only take in a disciple who cultivates demonic techniques but also get involved with Wugu.”

The Six Paths Demonic Consort let out a light chuckle, her charming and seductive voice made people involuntarily imagine things.

Upon hearing this, some Nascent Soul True Monarchs around the ancient nest couldn’t help but look at Shi Hai and Old Demon Wugu, and size up Lu Quanzhen.

For a moment, Lu Quanzhen felt as if thorns were piercing his back, having a feeling that his body and mind were seen through. The Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic Divine Art instinctively circulated.

“Heh heh, so it’s the Kunpeng Demonic Technique.”

“A successor of the Kunpeng Demonic Technique, why does Daoist Shi Hai need to be so secretive?”

“No, this kid’s Kunpeng Demonic Technique is not ordinary.”

The cultivators present were either Nascent Soul True Monarchs, Form Transformation Demon Kings, or cultivators brought into the secret realm by Nascent Soul cultivators or Form Transformation Demon Kings, all of whom were extraordinary.

Therefore, Lu Quanzhen’s Kunpeng Demonic Technique was instantly discerned by the cultivators present.

There were also some cultivators, like Old Demon Wugu, who had extensive knowledge of demonic techniques and realized that Lu Quanzhen’s Kunpeng Demonic Technique was not ordinary.

“Since he is a successor of the Kunpeng Demonic Technique, let him go up and see if he can open this nest.”

The Six Paths Demonic Consort within the gauze curtain spoke.

The matter of the Kunpeng Demonic Technique and the Kunpeng nest was not a secret to the top cultivators of the Star Constellation Sea.

For instance, with the emergence of the Kunpeng nest this time, some people immediately found several successors who cultivated the Kunpeng Demonic Technique, hoping to open the core opportunity of the secret realm through them.

Some forces even continuously cultivated practitioners of the Kunpeng Demonic Technique, hoping to wait for the secret realm to open.

Seeing this, True Monarch Shi Hai and Old Demon Wugu exchanged glances, knowing that under these circumstances, the two of them could not monopolize the opportunity.

Moreover, whether Lu Quanzhen’s Kunpeng Demonic Technique could open the ancient nest before them was another matter entirely.

“Young friend, go ahead without worry. This old man and Daoist Shi Hai will be watching over you.”

Old Demon Wugu, showing great reverence towards the Six Paths Demonic Consort, said in a deep voice to Lu Quanzhen.

Under these circumstances, Lu Quanzhen had no choice but to step forward and study the ancient nest.

He saw several cultivators, like Old Demon Wugu, who had cultivated incomplete techniques, injecting their magical power into the ancient nest. He also saw some taking the opportunity to comprehend the runes above, and immediately followed suit.

“Buzz!”

As his magical power was injected into it, the ancient nest instantly bloomed with a golden-yellow and pitch-black radiance.

“Hmm!?”

In an instant, several cultivators in the field looked at Lu Quanzhen, their eyes narrowed slightly, filled with fervor.

Although someone had shaken the ancient nest before.

However, even the actions of Nascent Soul cultivators did not cause as much commotion as Lu Quanzhen, a Core Formation cultivator.

“Good, good, good disciple, well done! As long as you can open the ancient nest, this master will definitely not treat you poorly!”

Seeing this, True Monarch Shi Hai immediately stepped forward and laughed loudly.

Although he hadn’t truly taken Lu Quanzhen as a disciple, he was just occupying the title.

But with this nominal master-disciple relationship, if the ancient nest opened, he could also use this to get a larger share of the opportunity.

“Although this young friend has obtained the true inheritance of the demonic technique, his cultivation is too low, only at the early Core Formation stage. I’m afraid it’s not enough to open this nest.”

Someone spoke, realizing that the opportunity before them was not that easy to open.

“I have a divine ability secret technique that can raise this child’s cultivation to the late Core Formation stage, or even the half-step Nascent Soul level. Perhaps then he can open this nest.”

At this moment, another Nascent Soul cultivator spoke, his words sending shivers down Lu Quanzhen’s spine.

As for the secret technique of burning life force, he naturally cultivated it.

But now, at the third level of Core Formation, he could at most boost himself to the mid Core Formation stage.

Once he was boosted to the late Core Formation stage, even if he didn’t die, his Dao foundation would be completely destroyed.

As for the half-step Nascent Soul stage, he would likely be instantly reduced to dust.

“Hmph, such a secret technique is quite interesting. Why don’t you perform it yourself and raise your cultivation to the late Nascent Soul stage for this seat to see?”

Although True Monarch Shi Hai didn’t care about Lu Quanzhen’s life or death, the latter was related to his opportunity in the ancient nest, so he naturally wouldn’t give up easily.

“Since that’s the case, let’s wait a bit longer. There are quite a few successors of the Kunpeng Demonic Technique in the secret realm. When everyone arrives, perhaps we can open this nest together.”

At this moment, the Six Paths Demonic Consort in the throne’s gauze curtain spoke, her voice lazy and casual, charming to the bone.

As soon as these words were spoken, the cultivators in the field had no objections.

After all, everyone entered the secret realm for opportunities.

The Lu Quanzhen before them gave them hope of opening the ancient nest, so they naturally wouldn’t fight to the death.

“Young friend, how did you cultivate your Kunpeng Demonic Technique to this level? Why not share it so that we can better open the opportunity? Don’t worry, this seat won’t shortchange you on benefits.”

At this moment, someone else looked at Lu Quanzhen, wanting to know how he cultivated his Kunpeng Demonic Technique.

One must know that the Kunpeng Demonic Technique had been circulating in the Star Constellation Sea for so many years, and most of it had long been lost, with only a few incomplete fragments remaining.

Under these circumstances, Lu Quanzhen actually possessed the true inheritance of the demonic technique, which was quite unbelievable.

“Please forgive me, senior. This technique concerns the inheritance of my sect and cannot be divulged.”

Lu Quanzhen said calmly and coldly.

His only reliance now was having cultivated the “Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic Divine Art,” which was related to this secret realm. These people wouldn’t kill him before they saw the core opportunity.

But once he revealed the core secrets of the cultivation technique, letting others copy it and losing his value, it would only bring disaster upon himself.

Moreover, the more one speaks, the more mistakes one makes!

Lying in front of a group of Nascent Soul True Monarchs was too difficult.

His ability to cultivate the “Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic Divine Art” was entirely due to his father Lu Changsheng’s help. Once he revealed it, it would only bring disaster upon himself and his family.

“This young friend is from the Heavenly Demonic Sect. Does Daoist Gongyang want the Heavenly Demonic Sect’s inheritance? Aren’t you afraid of causing trouble?”

Old Demon Wugu also chuckled sinisterly.

As soon as the three words “Heavenly Demonic Sect” were spoken, the cultivators present’s expressions tightened slightly, clearly having heard of the Heavenly Demonic Sect’s great name.

However, for them, that was all there was to it.

At most, they would be more careful when acting against Lu Quanzhen, lest there be any marks or identifiers that could alert the Heavenly Demonic Sect.

However, not far away, a man in a scholar’s robe heard the three words “Heavenly Demonic Sect” and looked at Lu Quanzhen a few more times.

With the names of True Monarch Shi Hai, Old Demon Wugu, and the Heavenly Demonic Sect, no one made things difficult for Lu Quanzhen.

He also took this opportunity to gaze at the runes flowing on the ancient nest and the Kunpeng’s intent, verifying his own cultivation technique and practice.

Time passed little by little, and more and more cultivators arrived at the ancient nest.

Lu Quanzhen saw many successors who cultivated the Kunpeng Demonic Technique.

Some, like him, were reluctant, while others came upon orders.

But there was one prerequisite: none of these people were in the Nascent Soul stage.

“That’s right, the Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic Divine Art is extremely difficult to cultivate. If not for my father’s help, I wouldn’t have been able to truly master this technique.”

“And most of these people cultivate the ‘Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic Technique.’ Even if they continue cultivating, they are prone to qi deviation, increasing the power of their heavenly tribulations, and are almost certainly destined to never reach the Nascent Soul stage.”

Lu Quanzhen’s expression was calm, and he pondered inwardly, constantly observing the situation in the field, wondering if he had a chance to escape.

But in the Star Constellation Sea, there was fundamentally no distinction between righteous and demonic paths.

For example, he saw several righteous cultivators who had no thought of eliminating demons and defending the Dao when facing Old Demon Wugu, or even that Six Paths Demonic Consort.

There were only some personal grudges and mutual hostility between some Nascent Soul cultivators and forces.

But within the secret realm, in broad daylight, these people also put their personal grudges aside, which resulted in him being unable to find any opportunity.

“Shi Hai cultivates a righteous technique and belongs to the righteous path cultivators, yet he still cooperates with Old Demon Wugu, addressing him as fellow Daoist, without any prejudice between righteous and demonic paths.”

Lu Quanzhen felt helpless in his heart, completely unable to think of how he could escape under the noses of Nascent Soul cultivators in this situation.

“I can only hope that this nest opens and the opportunity appears, causing them to start fighting and no longer pay attention to me.”

“At that time, with my father’s substitute talisman and the secret treasure my uncle gave me, there might be a sliver of hope.”

Just as Lu Quanzhen was thinking in his heart, True Monarch Shi Hai stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and said, “Good disciple, almost everyone is here, let’s continue.”

Under the gaze of many Nascent Soul cultivators, Lu Quanzhen and a group of demonic technique practitioners began to inject their magical power into the ancient nest before them.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz—”

One could see that the ancient nest, constantly transforming between the divine Peng and the giant Kun, began to tremble, like a Kunpeng roaring, harmonizing with the Great Dao.

All the Nascent Soul cultivators were excited, looking at Lu Quanzhen and the others with anticipation.

But seeing the ancient nest trembling, yet still lacking a bit of momentum, from within the distant throne, the Six Paths Demonic Consort extended a fair and slender jade hand, like a work of exquisite art.

This hand was very beautiful, without the slightest flaw. The thumb and index finger each wore a ring, one pitch-black and one blood-red.

The middle finger, ring finger, and little finger wore finger guards that were neither bone nor jade, resembling young snakes, adding a touch of eerie charm and seduction to this jade hand.

At this moment, the finger guards resembling young snakes seemed to come alive, flicking their tongues, emitting a crimson glow, and then a burst of bloody mist rapidly surged towards the demonic technique successors in the field.

Lu Quanzhen suddenly felt something rush into his body, only to feel his vital energy and magical power boiling and surging uncontrollably, as if activating some kind of blood-burning secret technique.

He turned his head to look, but Old Demon Wugu merely rebuked, “Aren’t you going to focus on circulating your technique!”

Lu Quanzhen’s face sank, and he instantly guessed that this group of Nascent Soul cultivators had used some kind of demonic secret technique on him.

Not only him, but all the other cultivators opening the ancient nest were also like this.

Although he had long anticipated this situation, being treated so inhumanely, Lu Quanzhen’s expression was still somewhat gloomy and unpleasant.

As the ancient nest trembled more and more intensely, the Nascent Soul cultivators present all took action, unleashing their divine abilities, attempting to force open the ancient nest.

Half an hour later.

“Roar!!!”

The Kun Peng phantom of the ancient nest roared towards the sky, its divine might was vast and mighty, sweeping across heaven and earth, causing many people present to tremble and even prostrate themselves.

This aura of power was too terrifying; even Nascent Soul True Monarchs found it difficult to bear.

“What’s going on? Is the Kun Peng still alive?”

A Nascent Soul cultivator said with a trembling voice.

After countless years, even if the Kun Peng is rumored to be an existence beyond Nascent Soul cultivators, it should no longer exist. Why is there still such a terrifying aura?

If this Kun Peng is still alive, and they have broken into its nest to compete for opportunities, aren’t they seeking death?

The next moment, the enormous Kun Peng phantom disappeared, and the ancient nest rumbled open a colossal gate.

“Hmm? What’s going on!”

“I understand. This is the Kun Peng’s true nest, containing its aura, thus manifesting a trace of its true spirit’s divine power.”

In an instant, everyone was in an uproar, rushing towards the colossal gate.

Even though these Nascent Soul cultivators had previously appeared very calm and aloof, at this moment, they all found it difficult to control themselves.

After all, merely the residual aura is so terrifying; there might be an opportunity to break through to the God Transformation stage within the nest.

Even if they couldn’t reach God Transformation, breaking through to the late Nascent Soul stage would allow them to dominate the Star Constellation Sea and the entire Southern Wasteland cultivation world!

“Whoosh whoosh whoosh—”

As the ancient nest opened, Lu Quanzhen felt a wave of weakness wash over his body.

Then a piercing, bone-chilling pain surged from every part of his body, knowing this was the aftermath of the demonic secret technique he used earlier.

“Damn it!”

His face was pale, he gritted his teeth and endured, watching these Nascent Soul cultivators enter the nest, preparing to find an opportunity to escape.

“My good disciple, are you alright?”

However, Shi Hai Zhenjun instantly appeared beside him, vast magic power poured into his body, stabilizing the piercing pain for him.

“This is the aftermath of the secret technique. This medicinal pill can help you temporarily alleviate the situation.”

Shi Hai Zhenjun directly tossed a medicinal pill into Lu Quanzhen’s mouth, and then led him into the ancient nest.

Not only Lu Quanzhen, but all the inheritors of demonic techniques were like fish on a chopping block at this moment, being led by others into the nest.

The spiritual energy here was pure and rich, mist and vapor rose, like a piece of fairyland. Boundlessly, one could see some trees bathed in morning light, tables and chairs, wine pots, and meditation mats.

But even so, these things were also being snatched by a group of Nascent Soul cultivators.

After all, the trees, tables and chairs, and fine wine of an existence like the Kun Peng, how could they be ordinary items? Their materials might even be comparable to the spirit treasures of some Nascent Soul cultivators.

“Boom boom boom!!!”

A great battle in the field was on the verge of breaking out, terrifying Nascent Soul auras permeated and raged.

Even Shi Hai Zhenjun, his entire body was permeated with terrifying auras like mountains and seas, extremely frightening.

Facing this situation, Lu Quanzhen could only let Shi Hai Zhenjun carry him, not daring to move recklessly, otherwise, just the residual magic power would be enough to worsen his injuries.

However, everyone could see that this was just an appetizer, they weren’t truly fighting with killing intent; once something had an owner, they would stop snatching it.

The heroes continuously searched and plundered within the ancient nest. After a long while, someone saw an ancient altar appearing in the void ahead.

The altar was grand, its aura majestic, like a mountain, sinking and floating.

“It’s there!”

The Nascent Soul cultivators present immediately all rushed towards the altar.

They saw on the altar, radiant light flowed, blooming with brilliant divine radiance, as if priceless treasures were placed upon it.

However, no one acted rashly.

Most of those present were Nascent Soul cultivators and transformed Demon Kings; able to cultivate to this level, none were impulsive or foolish.

They saw that the altar before them had a sense of integration with this world.

Once they moved recklessly, it would be a great disrespect, likely attracting killing intent!

“Boom!”

Someone released a puppet or spirit beast to go forward, but just as it approached the altar, it was sent flying by a vast and mighty force.

“This power merely isolates and repels people; it doesn’t attack, indicating that the Kun Peng has perished, leaving opportunities for later generations.”

Someone used a spiritual eye divine ability, observing the altar’s restrictions, then looked at Lu Quanzhen and the other inheritors of the demonic technique, and said, “Let an inheritor of the Kun Peng Demonic Technique go up.”

Hearing this, instantly a cultivator practicing the Kun Peng Demonic Technique was pushed forward. His cultivation technique circulated, he was not isolated by the altar’s mighty force, and could walk up.

“My good disciple, hurry and go. As long as you can obtain the treasures on top, I will absolutely not treat you unfairly. I will give you the Nascent Formation Pill I promised before.”

Shi Hai Zhenjun saw this scene, his expression immediately became excited, promising benefits, thinking to himself that his efforts in protecting Lu Quanzhen all along were not in vain.

“Lad, I have a Heavenly Nascent Fruit on my island. It will mature in another hundred years, and I can give it to you then. This fruit can not only serve as the main ingredient for the Nascent Formation Pill, but can also be consumed directly as a top-tier Nascent Soul spirit item, improving the quality of your Nascent Soul!”

The nearby Wugu Laomo also spoke out to entice Lu Quanzhen, drawing a large pie (promising unrealistic benefits).

Although he knew the Kun Peng Demonic Technique, he had only studied incomplete fragments, understood a few divine abilities and spell techniques, and did not primarily cultivate it.

Even if he could simulate the Kun Peng Demonic Technique to some extent, he didn’t dare to go forward; who knew if there would still be danger on the altar.

“Seniors, I was affected by the secret technique earlier and am now in a weak state, and I don’t know what dangers this altar holds. Could you please bestow upon this junior a few more treasures to protect myself? Otherwise, my heart is truly uneasy.”

Lu Quanzhen glanced at the altar, then said with a conflicted expression.

Whether the altar was dangerous, he didn’t know.

But once the treasures on the altar were taken, a Nascent Soul battle would definitely erupt here!

Whether Shi Hai Zhenjun and Wugu Laomo would still protect him was one thing, but it would be very difficult for him to leave the secret realm alive.

Taking advantage of the situation to ask for a few treasures now could also serve as preparation for the upcoming battle, increasing his chances of survival.

Both Shi Hai Zhenjun and Wugu Laomo were somewhat displeased.

They had previously given Lu Quanzhen several treasures to protect himself, yet the latter was actually taking the opportunity to demand more.

However, at this time, the two were not stingy, and each gave him another secret treasure.

“Seniors, I was affected by the secret technique earlier, causing my vital energy and magic power to be in disarray. It is truly difficult to activate such secret treasures. Do you have any Tier 4 puppets, talismans, or true treasures?”

Regarding the magic treasures the two gave him, such as the previous Black Spirit Ring, Lu Quanzhen was extremely wary in his heart.

If he managed to escape, the first thing he would do is throw all these magic treasures into the sea.

Therefore, compared to magic treasures and exotic treasures, he preferred puppets, talismans, and true treasures.

“Lad, don’t push your luck.”

Wugu Laomo said coldly; how could he not see Lu Quanzhen’s intention?

This lad is very smart, clearly preparing a retreat for himself.

Although they had Tier 4 talismans, they didn’t have many, and needed to prepare for the upcoming battle.

“This junior just wants to live.”

Lu Quanzhen said with a serious expression.

“This is a Tier 4 [Golden Light Undying Talisman], it is enough to block a Nascent Soul spell technique for you.”

“This [Spirit Void Restoration Pill] can quickly help you recover from injuries.”

Shi Hai Zhenjun said with a gentle smile, handing a Tier 4 talisman and a medicinal pill to Lu Quanzhen.

Seeing this, Wugu Laomo also took out a Tier 4 talisman from his storage ring and gave it to Lu Quanzhen.

After taking the medicinal pill, holding the two talismans in his hand, Lu Quanzhen took a deep breath and walked towards the altar.

His “Kun Peng Devouring Heaven Demonic God Technique,” when approaching the altar, instinctively circulated, then passed through an invisible light barrier, and walked up step by step.

He walked very carefully, disregarding the urging looks from Shi Hai Zhenjun and Wugu Laomo, letting the people ahead of him take the lead.

“If I obtain some rare item later, perhaps I can ask someone present to speak up and protect me.”

Lu Quanzhen calculated in his heart, having no trust in Shi Hai Zhenjun and Wugu Laomo, he wanted to see if he could obtain a promise from a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Unfortunately, there was no distinction between righteous and demonic paths in the Star Constellation Sea, and he didn’t understand the Nascent Soul cultivators, completely unaware of which one had a good reputation.

Time passed bit by bit, the situation that followed was very unexpected.

These cultivators practicing the Kun Peng Demonic Technique all successfully ascended to the highest point of the altar, without any unexpected occurrences.

They saw priceless treasures placed on the altar, one after another: vermilion fruits, bright red and crystal clear, with a fragrant aroma; a precious fan flowing with five-colored radiance; an ancient cauldron flowing with golden dragon energy; a bone talisman flowing with Yin and Yang energies; porcelain bottles containing medicinal pills and essence blood.

At this moment, everyone who had come up, their hearts were excited, looking at the treasures before them.

“My good disciple, hurry and act!”

Shi Hai Zhenjun and some others were frantically urging from below, wishing they could rush onto the altar themselves.

But Lu Quanzhen and the others all looked at each other, their expressions wary.

“We are all here against our will, why must we fight over them? There are so many treasures, enough for us to choose from.”

An inheritor of the demonic technique spoke up.

“That’s right, everyone can just choose separately.”

They tried to spread out, but no one made a move, fearing that if they acted, they would trigger the altar’s restrictions, causing danger to descend.

But under the urging from below, finally, a cold and beautiful woman with long hair made a move, looking at the ancient cauldron flowing with golden dragon energy, and took it into her hand with magic power.

Nothing happened, instantly, the snatching began.

Seeing this, Lu Quanzhen also suddenly stepped forward, looking at a bone talisman emitting five-colored radiance and a blue porcelain bottle with wood grain patterns.

On one hand, among these people, his early Core Formation stage cultivation meant his competitiveness was insufficient.

On the other hand, were the bone talisman and medicinal pill, likely having great uses, helping him escape and survive!

However, just as everyone was snatching, the altar suddenly rumbled and trembled, and the sky suddenly flowed with golden radiance and eerie black light, like an enormous Kun Peng phantom.

Immediately after, a black hole appeared at the original location of the altar, making wailing sounds, as if demons were roaring and howling, eerie and terrifying!

“What’s going on!”

Everyone present was horrified. However, Lu Quanzhen and the others didn’t even have time to think further and were directly swallowed into the altar’s black hole.

This black hole was very deep, completely dark. Lu Quanzhen and the others were constantly sinking; their Core Formation stage magic power couldn’t break free at all.

As they fell, they seemed to hear resentment weeping and roaring, entering a hellish abyss.

After a long while, they heavily slammed onto the ground, their bodies felt like they were about to split apart, their bones crackled, and blood flowed from their bodies.

“What is this place!”

Everyone looked around, their expressions horrified. This place was filled with chilling white bones; there were human bones, and also skeletal remains of various savage beasts and avian demon kings.

Not far from this ghost-like domain, was a brilliant and dazzling expanse, a crystal-clear blood pool with a sacred aura rushing towards them.

Golden radiance permeated the pool, forming Kun Peng-shaped runes, coiling around a giant egg dozens of meters in size.

This giant egg was half brilliant gold, half deep black like an abyss, covered in rugged and mysterious patterns, resembling the two colors of the Kun Peng’s great fish and divine bird forms, emitting a vast and mighty aura.

Lu Quanzhen and the others sensed an astonishing vitality from this giant egg, as if seeing a primeval fierce beast pressing down on them, making it difficult to resist.

“Could this be the Kun Peng’s egg?”

“The Kun Peng is a True Spirit level demon beast. If one could obtain a Kun Peng egg, wouldn’t they be able to hatch a Kun Peng cub!”

Someone said with a fervent expression, but just as the words left their mouth, they saw the patterns on the Kun Peng giant egg flowing, forming interwoven runes, and then transforming into black hole-like vortices.

Everyone present’s cultivation techniques instantly circulated on their own, and their magic power uncontrollably surged towards the giant egg.

“This Kun Peng egg is problematic!”

“This Kun Peng egg is going to swallow us!”

“A scam! This secret realm is a scam! Deliberately spreading the ‘Kun Peng Demonic Technique’ is just to feed this Kun Peng egg!”

“The Kun Peng is a True Spirit level bloodline demon beast, difficult to hatch. So through this method, it seems this Kun Peng egg already has vitality; it’s just accumulating its foundation and hasn’t been born yet!”

The cultivators present, although they were previously manipulated by the other Nascent Soul cultivators.

But placed in the outside world, they were also Core Formation stage ancestors of a region, possessing considerable knowledge.

Instantly seeing that this Kun Peng giant egg was problematic, guessing that the secret realm and the cultivation technique were traps, they wanted to struggle and escape, but at this moment, their cultivation techniques were completely out of control, continuously pouring into the giant egg.

“Damn it!”

Lu Quanzhen’s “Kun Peng Devouring Heaven Demonic God Technique” was also completely out of control.

Even because he had cultivated the entire technique and condensed the Kun Peng Demonic Body, this Kun Peng egg was even more eager for him.

He quickly crushed the Golden Light Undying Talisman Shi Hai Zhenjun gave him, and his entire body was wrapped in a layer of golden light.

But the vortex of black light formed by the Kun Peng giant egg continuously corroded and corrupted the golden light on his body; it was estimated that it wouldn’t take long before it could break through the golden light.

Without hesitation, he again crushed the Tier 4 talisman given by Wugu Laomo, but the mysterious runes coiling around the Kun Peng giant egg dissolved the attack from this talisman.

He also tried using the third-tier substitute talisman his father gave him years ago, but it had no effect.

“Is Heaven trying to destroy me?!”

Lu Quanzhen’s face was extremely grim.

Although he still had some tricks up his sleeve, since even a fourth-tier talisman couldn’t affect the giant egg before him, he knew that activating them would also be useless.

Watching the golden light on his body continuously dissipate, and seeing some people whose magic power, vital essence, and flesh had been devoured by the giant egg, leaving them skin and bones, he constantly pondered how to break the situation.

But no matter how much he thought, his current methods were completely useless in the face of absolute power.

He didn’t give up and performed a life-burning explosive secret technique, but his cultivation method ran completely out of control.

He tried to activate the bone talisman he had obtained earlier, but as soon as it emitted a glow, it was suppressed by the Kunpeng runes surging in the blood pool.

Lu Quanzhen understood; this place had long been set up with means, top-tier array patterns, to prevent anyone from harming this Kunpeng egg.

“Bang!!!”

The next moment, the golden light around his body completely dissipated and shattered. He felt that not only his flesh and magic power, but even his divine soul was about to be swallowed by the giant egg’s black hole vortex.

No, this giant egg seemed even more eager for his divine soul!

However, just as the world in front of Lu Quanzhen suddenly turned pitch black, shrouded in dark, misty haze, and his divine soul was about to be pulled out and devoured, an indescribably clear spiritual energy suddenly surged from the depths of his sea of consciousness, stabilizing his divine soul and consciousness.

“Hmm? What’s going on?”

Lu Quanzhen was conscious but didn’t know what was happening.

The Kunpeng giant egg also seemed startled, not knowing what was going on, and then continued to surge out a powerful suction force, trying to pull out Lu Quanzhen’s divine soul.

Heart-wrenching divine soul pain surged.

But a clear stream of energy surged from the depths of his divine soul again, helping him stabilize his divine soul and consciousness.

“Roar!”

The Kunpeng giant egg seemed to be enraged. Within the swirling black hole, a small Kunpeng phantom appeared, as if opening its giant mouth and swallowing Lu Quanzhen’s entire body into the egg.

Lu Quanzhen instantly felt sticky all around him, and his body began to dissolve. The Kunpeng was trying to tear and devour his divine soul.

“Damn it!”

Knowing that once his physical body was destroyed, he would surely die, a fierce look suddenly appeared in Lu Quanzhen’s eyes. The moment the Kunpeng continued to tear at his divine soul, he unleashed a divine ability secret technique!

Demonic Embryo Parasitism Great Method!

His uncle, Qu Changge, had given him many things back then.

Although he only gave him one cultivation method, the 《Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic God Art》, there was also a cultivation method jade slip that could only be opened after forming a Golden Core.

It recorded many top-tier demonic path divine abilities and secret methods.

This 《Demonic Embryo Parasitism Great Method》 was a mysterious, overbearing, and profound divine ability recorded within!

It could allow a Golden Core cultivator to transform into a demonic embryo and perform parasitism and possession!

Lu Quanzhen had broken through to the Golden Core stage, opened the cultivation method jade slip, and used the Nine-Eyed Bodhi Seed to comprehend this divine ability.

After all, although this cultivation method was vicious and came with a great cost, potentially failing the parasitism and becoming a stepping stone for others, it was a fallback in times of life-and-death crisis.

In this desperate situation, he directly used this divine ability, which he was not yet proficient in!

“Buzz!”

Lu Quanzhen used the quasi-fourth tier [Substitute Talisman] in his mind. With the help of this power, his殘軀 directly transformed into a demonic embryo and instantly rushed into the Kunpeng infant, performing parasitism and possession.

But this Kunpeng infant’s vitality was extremely vigorous and tenacious. For Lu Quanzhen to attempt possession in his current state was simply wishful thinking.

“Damn it, damn it!” His divine soul roared frantically, attempting to parasitize this Kunpeng infant.

The Kunpeng infant in the giant egg also let out a painful low growl.

It was born with a defect and only gained new life through the various means arranged by the old Kunpeng, constantly being nourished and nurtured over the years. It was not particularly powerful.

Just now, after devouring Lu Quanzhen’s divine soul memories, it was also injured by a terrifying force of rules, severely depleting it.

This resulted in its inability to completely eradicate Lu Quanzhen’s demonic embryo parasitism.

“Let’s both take a step back!”

After a long struggle between the person and the beast, Lu Quanzhen seemed to merge with the Kunpeng infant and communicated with it. He knew that he could only parasitize for a short time and could not outlast the Kunpeng infant.

Although the Kunpeng infant was young and naive, through memory inheritance and devouring the divine souls of other cultivators, it possessed a lot of knowledge and knew that Lu Quanzhen was not right.

Facing this inexplicable parasitism and possession, and the pain in its divine soul, it still nodded in agreement and asked Lu Quanzhen how he would be willing to leave.

“Great Medicine!”

Lu Quanzhen’s vital essence and magic power were currently depleted, almost collapsing. Once the parasitism failed, the demonic embryo would immediately turn into ashes, leaving only death!

Moreover, he could barely parasitize this Kunpeng infant entirely because the other party had swallowed him into the giant egg; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to break through this layer of absolute defense.

Therefore, in this situation, it was absolutely impossible to abandon the Kunpeng infant and leave. He hoped to obtain enough energy through it to recover himself and then find a way to leave.

The Kunpeng infant felt Lu Quanzhen’s divine soul intention, which was as frantic as a demon, and let out a low growl, sharing the vast energy in the Kunpeng giant egg with him.

In an instant, Lu Quanzhen, who had transformed into a demonic embryo, received replenishment and instinctively circulated the 《Kunpeng Devouring Heaven Demonic God Art》.

For some reason, when he circulated this cultivation method at this time, it felt smoother and more fluid than ever before.

Even the process of circulating the cultivation method was constantly being corrected, or rather, it was becoming more compatible with him.

“So, this is the true Kunpeng inheritance!”

As Lu Quanzhen circulated his cultivation method, because he was parasitizing the Kunpeng infant, he vaguely understood the patterns on the Kunpeng giant egg.

These patterns intertwined with the Kunpeng-shaped runes coiled in the blood pool, like Peng birds and Kun fish unfolding and undulating in the void, forming a profoundly esoteric Kunpeng technique.

At the same time, above the black hole.

As the altar underwent a change, and all the inheritors of the demonic cultivation method were swallowed into the black hole, the invisible mighty power around the altar suddenly dissipated. All the rare treasures on the altar flew in all directions, and all the Nascent Soul cultivators in the field simultaneously took action, beginning a fierce scramble.

As for the inheritors of the demonic cultivation method who fell into the black hole, some saw the aura of great terror emanating from within and stopped looking, continuing to vie for opportunities and snatch treasures.

Jiang Kingdom.

Great Dream Immortal City.

News of the Great Dream Marsh Secret Realm’s appearance spread quickly. Within a month, Golden Core cultivators from the four major immortal sects came to visit the City Lord’s Mansion to inquire about the secret realm.

However, the Great Dream Immortal City was now regarded as a Nascent Soul level force by the four major immortal sects, so the cultivators who came were extremely polite, only inquiring whether they needed to jointly develop it.

For example, the immortal sects could provide personnel to help with exploration, pioneering, etc.

Ling Zixiao, as the head manager of the Immortal City, did not appear overly domineering. He only stated that the secret realm had not yet fully opened and that specific matters, such as whether joint development and exploration were needed, could be discussed later. He invited everyone to rest in the Immortal City for now.

Meanwhile, Lu Changsheng received news that Yan Lan had broken through to the False Core stage.

As his first concubine to break through to the False Core stage, it was necessary for Old Ancestor Lu to visit her.

When he arrived at Yunmeng Mountain, there were already many cultivators gathering to watch.

This was quite normal.

Breaking through to the False Core stage was not worth mentioning to Lu Changsheng.

But for the cultivators of Jiang Kingdom and the rogue cultivators of the Immortal City, it was still quite lively, with many people coming to pay their respects.

“Greetings, True Person Changsheng!”

“Greetings, Mountain Lord Lu! City Lord Lu!”

Although Lu Changsheng rarely showed his face on a daily basis, almost all the cultivators in Great Dream Immortal City recognized him. Seeing him appear here, they quickly cupped their hands in greeting, guessing what he was here for.

Was he recruiting the newly advanced False Core cultivator, or was he acquainted with her and came to offer congratulations?

Seeing Lu Changsheng arrive, Yan Lan immediately walked out of her cave mansion and invited him in to rest.

“What, what, what is going on? He just went in?”

“Wait, isn’t that woman Yan Lan, the major market owner of Yan Yu Market? One of True Person Changsheng’s concubines!”

“What, Mountain Lord Lu’s concubine?”

“True Person Changsheng’s concubine has also broken through to the False Core stage?”

“Five years ago, True Person Changsheng seemed to have auctioned off a third-tier demon core at the Immortal City auction. Was it for this Market Owner Yan to break through to the False Core stage?”

Although Yan Lan was the owner of a market, Great Dream Immortal City was quite far from Qingyun’s jurisdiction, so her reputation was average, and not many people knew her.

However, now that she had broken through to the False Core stage and her identity as Old Ancestor Lu’s concubine had emerged, everyone was discussing and roughly guessing her identity and situation.

“City Lord Lu is truly generous, actually giving a third-tier demon core to his concubine to attempt breaking through to the False Core stage.”

“Yes, I thought Old Ancestor Lu would keep this demon core as a family heirloom to cultivate False Core True Persons in the future, or to refine magical treasures. I didn’t expect him to give it to his concubine.”

“As expected of the most affectionate person in Jiang Kingdom, True Person Changsheng not only helped his wife Lu Miaoge exchange for a Crystal Condensing Pill, but now his concubine can also obtain a third-tier demon core to attempt breaking through to the False Core stage…”

“If only I could marry True Person Changsheng.”

“Whoever can give me a third-tier demon core as a betrothal gift, I will marry him immediately!”

For a time, besides the appearance of the Great Dream Marsh Secret Realm, the topic of conversation after dinner in Great Dream Immortal City also included the matter of Old Ancestor Lu’s concubine reaching the False Core stage.

And the news of Yan Lan breaking through to the False Core stage also spread from Great Dream Immortal City towards Qingyun’s jurisdiction, and even the entire cultivation world of Jiang Kingdom.

The False Core stage is different from the True Core stage. Upon breaking through, one must properly stabilize their realm to prevent magic power from becoming chaotic and the demon core from backfiring.

Therefore, Lu Changsheng entered Yan Lan’s cave mansion, congratulated her, and spent some time together before instructing her to stabilize her realm properly and then leaving the cave mansion.

Since he was waiting for the Great Dream Marsh Secret Realm to open, Lu Changsheng also found it inconvenient to go into seclusion for alchemy or cultivation. He returned to the City Lord’s Mansion and routinely drew top-tier third-tier talismans.

Just then, he suddenly felt something and looked at the Lu family genealogy.

If someone’s name was recorded in the genealogy and they were soul-searched or possessed, the genealogy could keep their spiritual consciousness from being lost, maintain their divine soul clear, and issue a warning.

“Quanzhen!”

Through the genealogy, he instantly knew that his son, Lu Quanzhen, had been soul-searched by some means.

Whether it was soul-searching or possession, falling into this state was extremely dangerous.

“Quanzhen just broke through to the third layer of the Golden Core stage not long ago. How could he be soul-searched?”

Lu Changsheng’s face slightly darkened.

He tried to divine his son Lu Quanzhen’s situation, but felt that the heavenly secrets were completely chaotic.

Having learned from the previous experience with his son Lu Ping’an, he had studied the genealogy and found that it could shield outsiders but not himself, the head of the family.

So, this chaotic state of heavenly secrets did not come from the genealogy’s interference, but from other aspects.

It didn’t even seem like some wondrous object that concealed heavenly secrets or divination.

Or rather, a mere third-tier magical treasure wouldn’t have this effect!

Lu Changsheng forced a drop of essence blood from his fingertip, then patted his storage ring and found a porcelain bottle with Lu Quanzhen’s name written on it. A drop of essence blood flew out to be used as a medium for divination.

“External interference, isolation from heaven and earth, heavenly secrets chaotic…”

After a long while, Lu Changsheng opened his eyes with a pale face and murmured softly, “Could it be that Quanzhen entered a secret realm?”

Having raised his divination to the third tier, he had gained much more understanding of divination.

He knew that many divinations didn’t yield direct results, but one could infer and analyze from other aspects.

In his son Lu Quanzhen’s situation, he either obtained a supreme treasure like the [Heavenly Origin Treasure Emperor Lotus] which suppressed heavenly secrets; entered a secret realm; or entered the cave mansion of a master of heavenly secrets.

Among these three, Lu Changsheng was more inclined towards his son entering a secret realm.

“Secret realm…”

However, for Lu Changsheng, being inside a secret realm was the most troublesome.

After all, most secret realms isolate heaven and earth, making it difficult to divine heavenly secrets.

And his son was currently being soul-searched, which meant he had likely fallen into the hands of a cultivator. In this situation, the probability of him walking out of the secret realm alive was really not high.