I am a late bloomer in the world of cultivating immortals

With the help of the Heavenly Crane Ancestor, they were able to cover it up.

With only the assistance of the Hidden Dragon Guards at the Integration Realm, Qian Ying'er dared not directly challenge the 'Eight Fierce Sea Clan,' which was second only to the Overlord Clan, and then search the entire Flying Cloud Island.

Meanwhile, as this group of Feathered Dragon Clan cultivators circled around Flying Cloud Island...

Wei Tu, Yan Ling Wang, and Qing Jian Zi, led by Tian He Lao Zu, arrived at the 'secret place' that he controlled, leading to the Zi Chen Realm.

This 'secret place' is not an interdimensional teleportation array, but a 'critical abyss' hidden deep beneath the 'Iron-Winged Thunder Sea', which can also be called a 'dangerous place' in the entire spirit world.

The Critical Abyss, also known as the 'Boundary Abyss', is a bad place where interfaces intersect and collide, resulting in 'spatial collapse'.

It is extremely dangerous for any cultivator.

Within it, countless spatial rifts crisscross, stretching to the horizon. The forces of heaven and earth tear at and clash with each other; even a single strand could severely injure or kill a powerful cultivator at the Fusion Stage.

Therefore—even though Wei Tu knew that there were other places in the Spirit Realm that contained 'Critical Abysses' exactly like the 'Underwater Abyss' before him, he dared not go there without permission.

There's no other reason than that facing the 'Abyss of Boundaries' alone is far more terrifying than fighting a Mahayana immortal.

"The Abyss? Fellow Daoist Tianhe, is this the place you speak of as the way to the Purple Palace Realm?"

As a high-ranking member of the human race, Flame Spirit King clearly had some understanding of the 'Underwater Abyss' before him.

With a slightly pale face, he glanced into the distance at the 'Underwater Abyss,' which resembled an endless abyss riddled with spatial rifts, and asked in a low voice.

"Fellow Daoist Yanling, with your seniority, surely you know... that within this Spirit Realm, apart from the Abyss of Realms, all other methods to reach the Ancient Demon Realm have been sealed off by the three major hegemonic clans. Even a Mahayana Immortal would find it difficult to tear through the Spirit Realm's boundary and accurately travel to other realms..."

"The methods possessed by those Nascent Soul cultivators at the auction might be useful, but they are definitely not as 'feasible' as the method I am providing... Otherwise, Fellow Daoist Yanling would not have chosen me."

"Or rather—Fellow Daoist Yanling's purpose in coming to the Flying Cloud Gathering is to exchange a chance to travel to the Ancient Demon Realm from my Eight Fiend Sea Clan..."

Ancestor Tianhe replied with a half-smile.

However, after seeing that his words did not provoke an excessive reaction from Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang, and after obtaining some information, he changed his tone again and said, "Moreover, this time I will also accompany you and Fellow Daoist Lin through this underwater abyss to the Zi Chen Realm... As for safety, I will personally guarantee it. Even if you do not trust me, you have to trust your own eyes."

After speaking, Ancestor Tianhe said no more to King Yanling. He reached out and took the reward of the seventh-tier spiritual treasure, then instantly transformed into a rainbow of light and disappeared into the boundless 'Undersea Abyss' before him.

See this scene.

Flame Spirit King and Azure Sword Master hesitated for a moment, then gritted their teeth and soared into the air, closely following behind Ancestor Heavenly Crane.

Wei Tu, who was at the back, hesitated for a moment before following the three people's escape lights.

As a seventh-tier body refiner, even if he encountered danger in the 'Underwater Abyss,' his chances of dying were far lower than those of the other three.

Moreover, the 'Blood Curse Secret Book' he signed with Ancestor Tianhe also provides him with considerable security and comfort.

“However, this also shows how terrifying this Seven Treasures Demon Ancestor was. He had set up no fewer than two interdimensional teleportation arrays in the Spirit Realm... In his lifetime, he also possessed the [Boundary Severing Stone], a rare treasure of the cultivation world that could directly reach the 'Primordial Demon Source Realm'…” Wei Tu’s eyes flickered slightly as he pondered to himself.

At this moment, he felt more and more that the Seven Treasures Demon Ancestor was no ordinary demon ancestor.

Because—its supernatural powers are so vast that they are close to the level of demon gods, which is beyond the reach of ordinary Mahayana practitioners.

……

The Heavenly Crane Ancestor, who ventured into the 'Underwater Abyss,' was certainly not playing with his life.

Soon, as time went by.

After Wei Tu and the others followed Ancestor Tianhe into several 'spatial rifts' and safely ventured a considerable distance into the 'Abyss of Boundaries'... their trust in Ancestor Tianhe also increased accordingly.

Of course, this is also largely due to the fact that the road ahead is a complete dead end.

Within the Abyss, the larger spatial rifts, though unchanged, are still "allowing entry but not exit," and the spatial forces are extremely chaotic... Trying to return by the original path would likely result in being annihilated by the forces of heaven and earth from who knows where.

Of course, if one were a Mahayana immortal, the danger of this extremely perilous return journey would be greatly reduced.

This instantly reassured Wei Tu about the Heavenly Crane Ancestor.

From this point, it is not difficult to see that the method he possessed to travel from the Abyss to the Purple Palace Realm came from the 'Great Vehicle Immortal' who was close to him, rather than from himself.

Their need for him has remained unchanged, and there is no question of deliberate deception.

Time passed quietly.

After traveling for a full half month within the 'Underwater Abyss' and passing through dozens of 'spatial rifts', Wei Tu and the others finally saw the transparent 'spatial barrier' that resembled a broken portal, blocking their way and adjacent to the Zi Chen Realm...

And that 'natural barrier' that prevented the ancient demon from invading the spirit world.

It exudes an ethereal aura and gleams with golden light. Inside, it seems as if countless tadpole-like characters in gold and silver are constantly swimming, making it appear exceptionally mysterious.

Upon seeing this, Wei Tu's expression changed slightly.

Having left the Purple Palace Realm and traveled to the Spirit Realm, he naturally understood what the appearance of this 'natural restriction' meant...

However, after glancing secretly at Flame Spirit King and Heavenly Crane Ancestor in front of him, he suppressed the slight worry in his heart and became expressionless.

The Purple Palace Realm is home to three ancient demons of extraordinary strength, namely the "One God and Two Ancestors," but given their level of cultivation, it is unlikely that they would waste time exploring this "natural restriction."

More likely, this place has been guarded by ancient demons and then 'tainted' by the demonic energy they planted.

Therefore, this 'natural restriction' protecting the spirit world was triggered to prevent the ancient demons from invading.

Meanwhile, Flame Spirit King and Heavenly Crane Ancestor, who were standing to the side, seemed to be encountering this 'natural restriction' for the first time. After frowning slightly and touching it with their magic power, they relaxed their worried expressions upon seeing that it did not resist the spiritual energy.

"According to my elder brothers, the Purple Palace Realm is a border abyss similar to the 'Underwater Abyss' here... However, in terms of danger, it is far less dangerous than the Spirit Realm..."

"You can pass through the mid-stage of the Integration Realm."

"However, the appearance of this restriction here is something we must be wary of."

Ancestor Tianhe stroked his chin, glanced at Qing Jianzi who was as transparent as a ghost, and said calmly.

The implication is quite clear.

The plan was to send Qing Jianzi ahead to explore the 'Zi Chen Realm' behind the boundary wall, and then send a message back to them to ascertain their safety.

Under normal circumstances, this task could be easily completed using puppets, spirit pets, or similar items...

But now—with this 'spatial barrier' strong enough to block a cultivator's divine sense, and the gold and silver restrictions in place, only the more flexible and powerful Qing Jianzi can handle this matter.

Of course, as one of the cunning and scheming Eight Fiends, the Heavenly Crane Ancestor's intentions were not so simple.

It was also a calculated move to split and isolate Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang.

Once Wei Tu remained silent on the matter.

Therefore, in the ensuing 'conflict,' Wei Tu could only stand on the side of Tianhe Patriarch and was targeted by both Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang.

If the Flame Spirit King also abandons the Azure Sword Child because of this...

For Ancestor Tianhe, this would be an even better thing.

A cultivator at the early stage of the Integration Realm is not a threat, but if you add Flame Spirit King, a seasoned late-stage Integration Realm expert, the trouble he creates will be far greater than facing a mid-stage Integration Realm cultivator alone.

however--

A surprising scene unfolded.

Upon hearing this, Flame Spirit King and Azure Sword Child exchanged a glance and then, without hesitation, both of them vanished into the spatial barrier in front of them, completely ignoring the Heavenly Crane Ancestor who had just made the insidious suggestion.

Upon seeing this, Ancestor Tianhe was immediately taken aback, his face showing astonishment.

Although he hadn't had much interaction with the 'Five Kings of Fusion,' he had heard about their reputation in the Spirit Realm... and knew that these five were not benevolent individuals, nor were they 'selfless' cultivators.

That is why he made this suggestion, which on the surface benefits the three of them but only harms Qing Jianzi.

Therefore, when this scene unfolded before his eyes, he never expected that the Flame Spirit King would be so loyal and devoted to a mere newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator, even at the cost of offending him, a half-step Mahayana cultivator!

"It seems that Qing Jianzi and Yan Lingwang are not as simple as they appear, just as I thought..."

After a moment, the Heavenly Crane Ancestor, having regained his senses, seemed to have thought of something, and a hint of surprise flashed deep in his eyes.

Thinking of this, he did not hesitate. He turned his head to look at Wei Tu, who was at the very back, nodded to him, and then flicked his sleeves and directly entered the spatial barrier in front of him.

After a short break.

Near the spatial barrier, only Wei Tu remained, his eyes flashing as he examined the natural barrier before him.

"No rush, let's wait a bit longer. Neither Flame Spirit King nor Ancestor Heavenly Crane... these two are beyond my current capabilities to contend with..."

"It may be good to be the fisherman in the fight between the snipe and the clam, but you will also bear the corresponding risks."

Wei Tu took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to 'scavenger' on the battlefield, and sat cross-legged, patiently waiting.

An hour.

Two hours...

Half a day later, when there was still no news from the other side of the 'spatial barrier'.

His expression remained calm, but then he secretly frowned.

"The natural barrier has dissipated?"

At this moment, Wei Tu seemed to sense something and looked up at the natural barrier in front of him, which was a gold and silver color with tadpole-like patterns flowing across it.

The next moment, the natural barrier that had been shining brightly just moments before vanished without a trace.

"Is... the demonic energy here has dissipated?"

Wei Tu's heart skipped a beat.

Thinking of this, he could no longer sit still.

He immediately stood up, flicked his sleeves, and transformed into a rainbow of light, entering the spatial boundary.

next moment.

After a dizzying, teleporting sensation.

He then landed in an underground abyss, similar to the 'Undersea Abyss' of the Spirit Realm, riddled with spatial rifts.

However, unlike the 'Underwater Abyss' in the spirit world.

The 'underground abyss' here is littered with the corpses of ancient demons, a scene of utter devastation.

Even the remains of an ancient demon at the Demon Lord realm were found in two or three places...

"These two are far too powerful..."

Wei Tu's eyes narrowed, deeply shocked.

He couldn't help but feel secretly fortunate that he was the kind of person who was quite 'sensible'.

Otherwise, there might be one more combined corpse here.

Slaying the merged demon lord...

He also has that ability.

However, it would be extremely difficult to easily kill this group of ancient demon cultivators, plus three fusion-level demon lords, within half a day!
But at this very moment.

A talisman floating in the air also caught Wei Tu's attention.

He raised his hand and, after sensing the magical power emanating from the talisman, knew it was left by the Heavenly Crane Ancestor.

The information left inside the talisman was quite simple.

Besides arranging for him to meet her in the 'Holy Origin City' of the Purple Palace Realm, he also mentioned some information about the Flame Spirit King and the Ancient Demon Realm.

"Sacred Yuan City?" Wei Tu's eyes flickered slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

Saint Origin City is a relatively remote but quite famous immortal city within the Purple Star Realm.

The Heavenly Crane Ancestor chose this city for no other reason than that it was famous and easy to find, and not heavily guarded by ancient demons...

At this moment, what he was thinking about was not how this 'Holy Origin City' was, but whether or not he should meet with the Heavenly Crane Ancestor.

Nothing else—

The 'safe passage' to the spirit world that he mentioned on Flying Cloud Island was 'false'.

He initially infiltrated the 'Spiritual Cultivation Ruins' of the Zi Chen Realm as an ancient demon, and then successfully returned to the Spirit Realm using the 'spatial node' there.

Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, he would not want Ancestor Tianhe to discover this 'secret'.

"There's no need to rush this matter. Although the spiritual cultivation ruins can only be entered by ancient demons... with the strength of Ancestor Tianhe and me, dealing with those ancient demons together shouldn't be a big problem..."

Wei Tu shook his head secretly, then turned his gaze to the end of the letter, which contained the information about the Flame Spirit King mentioned by Ancestor Tianhe.

With the wisdom of Ancestor Tianhe, he naturally figured it out, and Flame Spirit King could guess the 'alliance' formed between the two of them.

Therefore, the information about the 'Flame Spirit King' provided by the Heavenly Crane Ancestor within the talisman was also extremely detailed.

This was to prevent Wei Tu from being captured.

The most crucial point, and the one that caught Wei Tu's attention the most, was the number of the 'Five Kings in Fusion' mentioned by Ancestor Tianhe!
This time, the Flame Spirit King who came to the Purple Palace Realm did not bring only Qing Jianzi with him. He also had two other members of the 'Five Kings of Fusion' by his side.

These two, like the Flame Spirit King, are at the late stage of the Integration Realm, not yet at the peak...

However, even the Heavenly Crane Ancestor, who was at the half-step Mahayana stage, was quite troubled by the combined efforts of the three and almost suffered a defeat.

"These two are suspected to be clones of the Flame Spirit King..."

Ancestor Tianhe offered this simple reminder.

"Clone?"

Upon seeing this, Wei Tu could no longer remain calm.

This is even more shocking than the combined forces of the Five Kings.

Two clones of the same cultivation level, with their minds and spirits in harmony, and bearing the title of "Five Kings of Fusion"... are far more difficult to deal with than three ordinary late-stage Fusion cultivators!

Moreover, it signifies the unfathomable depths of the Flame Spirit King. (End of Chapter)