Longevity begins with alchemy master

The Netherworld Continent, in the far west.

Stretching for hundreds of millions of miles, it occupies a full third of the continent's vast territory.

It is home to countless cultivators, powerful individuals, and numerous ancient families.

Even in a secular dynasty with hundreds of millions of people, there are still traces of cultivators.

And on this land, there is only one master.

That is—Youdu!
A figure came from the far east, crossed the Central Plains of the Nine Sects, and finally arrived at the territory of Youdu.

Even though this person was incredibly powerful, he kept his aura hidden the whole way, not daring to reveal it in the slightest.

Finally, his figure came to a stop before a magnificent city.

This city is extremely magnificent, with walls over a hundred feet high that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see.

Where it stretches out, it resembles a giant, winding dragon, with no beginning or end in sight, encompassing more than ten million miles of land.

The most peculiar thing is that there are no city gates anywhere in the great city!

The great city has no gate; it is also called Youdu!
Legend has it that Youdu was not originally like this; this city was built after the great war between the Xuan and Mo gods ten thousand years ago.

The reason for not setting up city gates is to guard against powerful demons and maximize the power of the formation.

"But rumors are just rumors. According to our ancestor, this city is a giant, heaven-reaching spiritual treasure jointly crafted by several Mahayana Celestial Venerables. Once a critical moment arrives, activating this city and gathering the power of the Origin Court will be enough to annihilate any invading enemy!"

A man in a black and red imperial robe quietly surveyed the giant city before him through the beaded curtain of his crown.

His eyes held both admiration and horror.

How could the human race's weapon-forging techniques reach such a level?

No wonder that even with the ancient Heavenly Phoenix body of their ancestor and the terrifying strength of being at the pinnacle of Mahayana cultivation, the Heavenly Phoenix Clan could only be relegated to a corner of the eastern part of the continent.

If a real battle were to break out, the Ancestor might be able to move freely and unchecked, but the mere Heavenly Phoenix Clan would likely be destroyed in an instant.

Taking a deep breath, the man descended from the clouds.

Ignoring the fleets of flying ships passing by, it slowly released its own aura.

In an instant, a magnificent power connected heaven and earth.

All the creatures around felt a chill in their hearts, as if they were facing the might of heaven.

If a Nascent Soul cultivator comprehends the true meaning of the laws, they can borrow the primordial energy of heaven and earth and wield a slight degree of authority over the Great Dao.

Therefore, this characteristic, which is like the great Dao of Heaven and Earth, is beyond doubt.

The Great Venerable One of Fusion!

It's not about borrowing, but about merging the laws of the Great Dao with one's own primordial spirit, becoming a part of the laws of the Great Dao itself.

If one can achieve great success, one will become the supreme ruler of heaven and earth, above countless living beings!

That is, the Great Vehicle Heavenly Venerable!

The moment this power appeared, Youdu seemed to react.

One after another, streaks of light shot out and stood atop the city wall, ready for battle.

A Nascent Soul cultivator stepped forward from the crowd and looked at the man outside the city. Despite the huge difference in their cultivation levels, his eyes remained cold and showed no fear.

"Where did this demonic cultivator come from, daring to act so presumptuously in front of Youdu?"

Faced with such disrespectful words, the man in the black and red imperial robe was displeased, but showed no sign of it on his face.

He simply handed over a jade token.

"I am Yan Di, a subordinate of the Heavenly Phoenix Ancestor, and I request an audience with the Netherworld Dream Celestial Venerable!"

"Ancestor Tianfeng?"

Youdu Nascent Soul was taken aback. Even with his noble status as a Yuan Ting cultivator, he still had to show respect to the strongest person standing at the top of this continent.

He thought for a moment, then clasped his hands in a fist and said, “Senior, please wait a moment while I inform the elders of the Illusion Dream Dojo.”

Yan Di nodded calmly.

However, a few ripples still stirred within my heart.

With his late-stage Nascent Soul realm, he could travel to any continent and, even encountering a Source Court-level power like Youdu, be treated with respect.

But this place happens to be the Netherworld Continent!
Nominally, the Heavenly Phoenix Clan and the Youdu Yuanting are on equal footing, but in reality, everyone knows perfectly well who the overlord of this place is.

Only by invoking the name of one's ancestor can one gain respect.

For a moment, a competitive spirit couldn't help but arise in my heart.

All of this is because the Tianfeng Clan only has one Mahayana cultivator in charge, while the Youdu Yuanting has more than a dozen.

If I can break through to that level in the future, perhaps I can improve this predicament.

While we are inspired, waiting is an essential part of the process.

And this wait lasted for three days and three nights.

Three days later, the Nascent Soul cultivator returned, his face finally showing a respectful expression.

“Senior, the Illusionary Dream Dojo has approved your request for an audience, but to avoid any unnecessary trouble, please keep this token at your waist.”

Yan Di frowned slightly, but still accepted the token.

Then he entered Youdu openly and confidently.

Several days later.

Within the Dream Dojo, Yan Di, accompanied by one person, admired the unique scenery of this place.

One after another, the magnificent Dream Locust trees are scattered throughout the temple grounds.

Every now and then, some intangible and intangible strange beings are attracted to it.

Those things weren't powerful, but even someone as strong as Yan Di felt a sense of awe every time he sensed them.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, what is that?"

The young man beside him said with a smile, "This is the Nightmare of the Ghosts. Have you heard of it, Brother Yan?"

Yan Di raised an eyebrow. "Nightmare? Could it be the legendary nightmare?"

The cultivator surnamed Lin smiled slightly, "Yes, nightmare is what mortals call it, but ghost nightmares do indeed like to eat the dreams of living beings to strengthen themselves."

Emperor Yan frowned and said, "This item should have long since disappeared from the Xuan Realm. Why are there so many of them in the Illusion Dream Dojo? Aren't you afraid of affecting the cultivation of your disciples?"

"Impact?" The cultivator surnamed Lin did not explain why this place could attract so many ghosts and nightmares. Instead, he chuckled and said, "The more of this thing there is, the happier my ancestor will be."

Emperor Yan was puzzled.

But before he could ask any further questions, his expression suddenly changed, and he subconsciously bowed.

The cultivator surnamed Lin beside him also put away his smile and respectfully bowed to the void.

"Greetings, Ancestor!"

"Junior Yanxin greets Senior!"

A powerful divine thought descended from the void.

Wherever it passed, ripples appeared in the void.

The ghostly demons that had been perched on the Dream Locust trees seemed to be drawn to the divine thought, and all of them rushed toward it with the force of a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down. There were only a few hundred of them, but they were as powerful as a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down.

However, this momentum vanished as quickly as it appeared before the divine sense, as if it had disappeared into thin air.

Upon witnessing this scene, Yan Di's heart trembled, and he began to suspect something. This Illusionary Dream Celestial Venerable actually feeds on Nightmares; he must be cultivating some earth-shattering power!
After feasting on a ghostly nightmare, the divine sense seemed to be in a very good mood.

"So you are the Goose Emperor, the most outstanding junior of the Feather Clan today?"

Yan Di bowed even lower, "I dare not claim to be the most outstanding. Before me, there was the Flying Peng King of the Amitabha Continent who attained the Great Vehicle, and after me, there was the Phoenix Child of my clan who broke through to the Integration stage at less than eight thousand years old. I am just fortunate to have some minor reputation."

"The Phoenix Clan reaches the Fusion Stage at eight thousand years old? If we were to convert that to the human race, it would be an unparalleled genius who breaks through to the Fusion Stage at two thousand years old," the Celestial Venerable Illusionary Dream exclaimed in admiration.

In terms of lifespan, the Nascent Soul cultivator has a lifespan of 1,000 years, the Deity Transformation cultivator has a lifespan of 2,000 years, and the Void Refining cultivator has a lifespan of 5,000 years.

Many cultivators who have reached the Void Refinement stage may not be able to break through to the Body Integration stage even after exhausting their lifespan of five thousand years.

The phoenix mentioned by the Goose Emperor only took two thousand years, equivalent to the lifespan of a human, to cultivate to the Integration Stage, which shows how terrifying its talent is!
Yan Di humbly said, "She also went through many hardships and faced death many times before she finally gained some insights and entered the Integration Stage."

The Celestial Venerable of Illusions laughed and said, "It's one thing for you to be modest, but why are you being humble on behalf of others? I received your ancestor's help during the great war between the Xuan and Demon realms. I certainly remember that kindness. Today you've come to my door in the name of the Heavenly Phoenix Ancestor, so you must have something important to discuss. Speak!"

Yan Di's expression turned solemn, and he cupped his hands and said, "To be honest, senior, this matter is related to the phoenix girl of my clan."

"Oh? Could it be that near-death experience you mentioned?"

"Exactly!" Yan Di's face flashed with anger as he explained the whole story: "Two thousand years ago, my clan's Phoenix Child Qixia was at the peak of the Void Refinement stage. According to clan custom, she went out to travel and prepare for a breakthrough. However, she was framed by a villain and unfortunately fell into a minor world, where she has been trapped for many years. In that battle, only two Void Refinement cultivators were involved, but the mastermind behind it was a Grand Venerable of the Integration stage. If that were all, it would be fine, but not long ago, another junior of my clan at the peak of the Void Refinement stage was ambushed and murdered, and his body has not been found to this day. According to my secret investigation, this matter is inextricably linked to the Tianyuan Dao Sect, one of the Nine Great Holy Sects!"

The Celestial Venerable of Illusions clicked his tongue and said, "After old grudges, there are new ones. Are you planning to seek justice?"

Yan Di nodded. "That's right. If we can't avenge our grievances through fair and just punishment, won't all the prodigies of our clan live in fear? How can we then talk about strengthening our clan? The reason I came here to see you is to inform Youdu and avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."

"It could easily cause misunderstandings! On the Youxuan Continent, the human and winged races have lived in peace for tens of thousands of years. A major conflict could easily become the fuse for a full-scale war," said the Celestial Venerable Illusion Dream softly.

Emperor Yan was taken aback.

He hesitated and asked, "Does the Heavenly Venerable forbid it?"

The Celestial Venerable of Illusions said softly, "If I refuse, it would seem that I have no regard for past relationships. But as you said, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, let's keep things quiet!"

"A little smaller..." Yan Di murmured these words.

Suddenly, the Celestial Venerable of Illusions turned to another person and asked.

"Xi Xiang, judging by the dates, it should be the Demon Suppression Trial soon, right?"

Lin Xixiang nodded. "Reporting to Master, it is currently the period of demon suppression."

"Which agency is in charge now?"

"It is indeed the Tianyuan Dao Sect!"

"Suppressing the demon is a major event that cannot be delayed. Yan Xin, if you want revenge, do it after this. Do not ruin the fortune of the Youxuan Continent."

Yan Di seemed to be deep in thought, then bowed deeply, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior!"

"Go ahead and give my regards to your ancestor. I'm afraid we won't have many days left to meet."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor Yan's expression changed slightly.

But since the other party had already told him to leave, he couldn't stay any longer and had no choice but to take his leave.

After he left.

Lin Xixiang remained where he was, looking puzzled.

"Xi Xiang, what are your concerns?" The Celestial Venerable of Illusion Dreams was quite good-natured, and since he rarely came out of seclusion, he thought of helping his disciple answer his questions.

Lin Xixiang asked in confusion, "Master, all of this is just their side of the story, why don't you investigate further?"

"Are you trying to say evidence?" Illusionary Dream Celestial Venerable chuckled.

“Yes! Although the nine holy sects are nominally independent, they are still part of our human race and they all worship our Youdu Yuanting as the overlord of the continent!” Lin Xixiang changed his gentle and refined manner when facing Yan Di, and his tone unconsciously revealed his superior arrogance.

It was as if the demon race's targeting of the nine holy sects was a disservice to Youdu.

It's up to the owner to beat the dog!

The Celestial Venerable of Illusionary Dreams laughed and said, "You people should at least regard the Heavenly Phoenix Clan as a power at the Origin Court level, how can you look down on them like this?"

Lin Xixiang was taken aback.

The Celestial Venerable of Illusion explained, “Although the Heavenly Phoenix Clan only has one Grand Ascension Realm cultivator, the Heavenly Phoenix Ancestor possesses extraordinary strength. He is an ancient monster who has lived for tens of thousands of years and has undergone eight Heavenly Tribulations, making him comparable to the Nine Tribulations Celestial Venerable who perished ten thousand years ago under the siege of more than a dozen Demon Ancestors. Compared to him, our Youdu Origin Court only has the advantage of having a larger number of Grand Ascension Realm cultivators. It can be said that as long as the Heavenly Phoenix Ancestor is still alive, the Heavenly Phoenix Clan can still stand on equal footing with us. Why would such an existence need concrete evidence to attack a mere Integration Realm force?”

Lin Xixiang hesitated and asked, "If that's the case, then why did they still come to see Master?"

He realized what he had said as soon as he said it.

"Don't want to cause a misunderstanding?"

"You haven't become stupid from cultivation," Celestial Venerable Huanmeng teased, then said seriously, "It's not just that I'm afraid of causing misunderstandings in Youdu, but also in all the humans on the Youxuan Continent. Personal grudges are fine; revenge killings and vengeance are commonplace in the cultivation world every day. But if it involves a war between clans, then Youdu will absolutely not stand idly by. I hope they can control the situation. If they go too far, even with the kindness of Ancestor Tianfeng, I will find it difficult to mediate."

Lin Xixiang suddenly realized.

Because of their ancestor, the Tianfeng Clan naturally enjoys a superior status.

Even the Netherworld Origin Court showed them sufficient respect.

However, when it comes to inter-tribal warfare, the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, which is located in the eastern part of the continent, is completely outmatched.

In a moment of realization, Lin Xixiang suddenly recalled something.

He tentatively asked, "Master, you just said that Ancestor Tianfeng has already survived eight Great Ascension Heavenly Tribulations?"

This time, the Celestial Venerable of Illusions said nothing, his divine sense drifted away, and only a soft laugh echoed.

But within that light laughter was a hint of barely perceptible sigh and lament.

Lin Xixiang remained where he was, his expression shifting, especially as he recalled the words his master had spoken before Yan Di left, which stirred up a lot of emotions within him.

"It seems that the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's plan to take action against the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect is not just due to old or new grudges!"

……

In the dimly lit cave.

A figure suddenly stopped flying and touched the space between his eyebrows with his fingers.

A lotus flower mark appeared, shimmering slightly.

"The Lotus Mark really works! It seems there's a fellow disciple from the Su Ling Sect nearby!"

Luo Chen's expression shifted slightly, and as his eyes flickered, the hand seals on his fingers changed, causing the lotus mark between his brows to gradually dim.

From the very beginning, he had no intention of acting with the others during this trial.

And now...

He mobilized his internal magical power, and the Blood Refining Divine Qi also circulated along with it.

Two forces surged into his eyes.

In an instant, the complete crimson eyes and golden pupils reappeared!

Within the Dark Demon Cave, the suppression of divine sense reached its extreme; even his divine sense at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage could not spread beyond a hundred miles.

This situation is extremely dangerous for ordinary cultivators who are used to having their divine sense with them at all times.

But he was not seriously injured.

With those eyes, few can deceive him.

As the golden light burst forth, Luo Chen suddenly raised an eyebrow.

"found it!"

Eight hundred miles away, phantoms appeared one after another, and demonic energy blazed fiercely.

It was precisely a demonic lair that was beginning to take shape! (End of Chapter)