I am a late bloomer in the world of cultivating immortals

At the same time.

Inside the Mirage Realm, in a palace, the true form of the Great Abyss Consort, who was sitting cross-legged outside the 'Land of Human Heritage', also showed a hint of embarrassment and annoyance on her pink face at this moment.

However, this change in expression was so fleeting that Pei Hong, who was standing to the side, did not notice it.

“Hong’er, the grand plan is about to succeed. The old thief Geng Qiao, who was hiding in that Mustard Seed Immortal Boat, and… Master Ruan Dan will soon leave that ‘secret realm’. Inform your clansmen and fellow Daoists on this trip to prepare…” Consort Da Yuan said to Pei Hong with her lips slightly parted and her expression calm.

"Master Ruan?" However, Pei Hong noticed at this moment that Da Yuanfei's deliberate pause and politeness when addressing Wei Tu seemed to indicate that she was quite wary of Wei Tu.

This is quite different from before.

When Wei Tu broke into the 'Illusory Mirage Realm', Da Yuanfei called him 'Old Thief' just like Geng Qiaozi, after all, he had a bad reputation for suddenly attacking and forcing Da Yuanfei's 'Blood Ghost Soul' to take the poison pill.

This sudden display of politeness is quite surprising.

However, Consort Dayuan did not want Pei Hong to know too much about the humiliation she suffered in the 'Holy Emperor's Palace'. Therefore, even though she noticed Pei Hong's surprise, she only frowned slightly and did not offer any explanation.

She wouldn't say that her sudden politeness towards Wei Tu was simply because she was worried about offending him with these subtle forms of address...

"Let's take it one step at a time."

"That old scoundrel Ruan knows that my clone in the Holy Emperor's Palace is just a clone... Outside, he shouldn't humiliate me too much, nor endanger the life of that clone... Once this matter is over, I'll let him 'leave' and force him to release my 'clone' from its clutches. This shameful matter should then be resolved." Da Yuanfei's eyes flickered slightly as she comforted herself with a glimmer of hope.

People should have self-awareness and be willing to admit their mistakes.

Having witnessed Wei Tu slay the divided soul of 'Old Ghost Pei', she no longer had any intention of being Wei Tu's enemy in this 'Illusory Mirage Realm'.

Secondly, it was based on her own judgment.

At this moment, she was certain that Wei Tu was most likely a 'Demon Ancestor clone'—so, even if she managed to kill him, it would be futile and would only greatly offend a Demon Ancestor whose strength was unknown and who was hiding in the Spirit Realm.

She wouldn't dare take that risk just for this one thing.

"Yes, Mother."

Seeing that his birth mother was unwilling to explain, Pei Hong did not dare to say anything more. He clasped his hands in a salute and accepted the task. Then he immediately flew out of the palace and came outside.

Meanwhile, on the spirit lake outside the 'Land of Human Heritage', there were already more than twenty Nascent Soul level experts standing.

These Nascent Soul cultivators had different appearances and auras. Some were thin cultivators like Pei Hong, with pale faces and a ghostly aura; others were burly men with square faces and strong figures; and still others were demon cultivators with dog ears on their heads and beast tails on their buttocks.

However, without exception, the auras of these twenty-odd Nascent Soul experts were all at the late Nascent Soul stage, making them powerful figures capable of dominating a region within the Spirit Realm.

Indeed, these three distinct groups of cultivators are the combined cultivators of the Mist Ghost Clan, the Four-Armed Ape Clan, and the Howling Sky Clan, who gathered in this Illusionary Mirage Realm because of Pei Hong and Da Yuanfei.

Clearly, in the matter of besieging this 'treasure land of the human race' and the 'woodcutter', Consort Dayuan did not intend to rely solely on the Mist Ghost Clan to profit. Instead, she rallied the Mist Ghost Clan and the Four-Armed Ape Clan cultivators who occupied this realm to seek common gain.

With such a formidable lineup, as long as the cultivators who come are not Mahayana immortals, they are basically invincible.

This was also the source of Da Yuanfei's initial confidence in 'competing for profit' with Wei Tu and Geng Qiaozi.

"Nephew Pei, are you saying that inside the Mustard Seed Immortal Boat, besides the human woodcutter... there is also a 'corpse spirit' that is suspected to be formed from the corpse of a human ancestor?"

Soon, after listening to Pei Hong's account of the information obtained from Consort Dayuan, the faces of the three races' Nascent Soul experts also became more solemn.

Although this 'corpse spirit' was not confirmed by Consort Dayuan, with their knowledge, it was not difficult for them to guess that it was very likely a 'corpse spirit' formed from the corpse of a 'Mahayana Immortal'.

Only such a 'corpse spirit' has the power to suppress the Great Abyss Consort, who possesses 'Mahayana Techniques,' and kill Pei Hong's clone who entered this [Mustard Seed Immortal Boat].

"This matter is absolutely certain."

"However, besides that... seniors, you should also be careful of that alchemist Ruan, whose strength should not be underestimated."

Upon hearing this, Pei Hong nodded in response with a look of apprehension, but then seemed to remember something and added this last sentence to remind the assembled cultivators present.

Before heading to the 'Holy Emperor's Palace', his clone had already been possessed by the 'Confucian Robe Corpse Spirit' and died.

However—from Da Yuanfei's words and the slight strength Wei Tu revealed before entering the 'Illusory Mirage Realm', it was not difficult to see how troublesome Wei Tu was.

"A mere alchemist from a minor clan, how much skill could she possibly possess? It's just that Fairy Fei has been on Silver Canopy Island for too long, and her horizons have become somewhat limited..." Upon hearing this, a cultivator from the Howling Sky Clan, holding a silver short ruler, immediately smiled and uttered these words indifferently.

As soon as he said this...

Pei Hong, whose expression had been calm just moments before, suddenly looked rather unpleasant.

With his knowledge, it was not difficult for him to tell that this was an insult from the Xiaotian Clan cultivators to him, to 'Dayuanfei', and to the Mist Ghost Clan.

It is true that the Mist Demon clan is a powerful clan.

But in the eyes of the Ten Spirit Clan, such as the Howling Sky Clan and the Four-Armed Ape Clan, who have never weakened and have deep experience, he is just a nouveau riche.

Of course, the fact that he could speak so bluntly and ridicule him is probably closely related to his background of becoming a disciple of Zi Chi Jun and joining the Yulong Clan.

The Xiaotian Clan is a servant clan of the Bazu Shenjia Clan and has a close relationship with the Shenjia Clan.

The Divine Armor Clan, on the other hand, is not on good terms with the Feathered Dragon Clan, and the two clans have a history of mutual resentment.

Therefore, by humiliating him, this cultivator was, in effect, demonstrating his loyalty to the Divine Armor Clan... even though there were no cultivators of the Divine Armor Clan in this 'Illusory Mirage Realm'.

However, despite his unpleasant expression, Pei Hong did not refute the cultivator, lest he escalate the conflict.

He lowered his head, his expression shifting between light and dark for a moment before returning to calm.

But at this moment, the cultivator from the Four-Armed Ape Clan, the one who had just addressed him as "nephew," sneered and stood up for him.

"The six Divine Lords of the cultivation world, though they were praised by the 'Old Man of Preserving Goodness' back then, who believed that these six were the most likely cultivators to break through to the Mahayana realm within ten thousand years... However, rumors circulated that the 'Old Man of Preserving Goodness' back then also seemed to have some comments about these six."

"For example, the Earth Abyss Lord is deep-seated and adept at accumulating power... the Nine Flames Lord is violent and enjoys killing... the Yang Feather Lord is beautiful and will attract romantic entanglements and ruin his path to immortality..."

"But when the topic turned to 'Lord Aoshan,' Elder Cunshan suddenly smiled and said that 'Lord Aoshan' had the most potential because of the four key elements of 'wealth, companions, methods, and land' cultivation. 'Lord Aoshan' possesses the virtue of loyalty, and he will surely rise to prominence in the future..."

The four-armed ape clan cultivator spoke each word carefully, completely ignoring the howling sky clan cultivator who held a silver short ruler and whose face was gradually turning sinister.

Clearly, the "Monkey Lord of Mount Ma" being referred to here is none other than this Xiu.

“Da Yuanjing, I will not stoop to your level today. I will settle accounts with you after I have dealt with that human cultivator and the Mahayana ‘corpse spirit’…” Aoshan Jun said coldly.

However, despite saying that, his gaze toward 'Da Yuanjing' showed no contempt whatsoever.

Although Da Yuanjing is not among the six Divine Lords of the Fusion Realm as commented by the 'Old Man of Preserving Goodness', it does not mean that his peer is weak.

Moreover, like Consort Dayuan, she is also the offspring of the Great Elder of the Four-Armed Ape Clan, belonging to the direct bloodline of that Mahayana Ancestor of the Four-Armed Ape Clan... This alone is enough to prevent him from underestimating her.

"Thank you for speaking up for me, Uncle." At this moment, Pei Hong, seeing that Aoshan Jun had finished making his harsh words, immediately sent his thanks via telepathy.

"There's no need for such intimacy when we're out. Just call me 'senior.'" Da Yuanjing didn't fully accept the thanks, and instead gave a cold snort.

"Just now, I spoke up to help my sister only because I couldn't bear to see her humiliated by this cultivator. Your Mist Ghost clan... has little to do with me..."

Da Yuanjing's voice was slightly cold, further distancing himself from Pei Hong, and in the following conversation, he still addressed him as "nephew Pei".

……

"Lord Aoshan, Da Yuanjing... more than twenty Nascent Soul stage experts, this lineup is quite extraordinary..."

Meanwhile, Wei Tu, far away in the 'Holy Emperor's Palace', also learned from 'Consort Dayuan's' words about the detailed combat forces that this woman had invited to besiege them.

This made him secretly click his tongue, and he couldn't help but wonder whether he should continue to risk getting involved in this great battle.

After all, there were only two useful benefits for him in this battle.

Firstly, the "Avoiding Calamity Immortal Jade" in Geng Qiaozi's possession will greatly benefit his future breakthrough to the Mahayana stage and his overcoming of the "Crimson Tribulation."

Secondly, from Geng Qiaozi, a high-ranking member of the human race, we learned the specific origin of the pale yellow jade pendant he had taken from the 'Lava Sea', as well as its corresponding function.

While these two things are useful to him, they are not exactly what he urgently needs at this moment.

“But… if we seize the opportunity, the dangers from the outside world may not be too deadly…” Wei Tu stroked the yellow jade talisman he had taken from Consort Dayuan in his sleeve and pondered to himself.

This 'yellow jade talisman' can also greatly increase his combat power. With the combination of several methods, it will not be difficult for him to escape unscathed from this 'illusory realm'.

“Even without fighter jets… the [Boundary Stone] can guarantee my safe escape from here. There’s no need to worry too much about this…” Wei Tu temporarily put aside his worries.

At least, he didn't believe that Princess Da Yuan would actually sit idly by and watch this 'avatar' perish with him.

"Fellow Daoist Ruan, rest assured, I will activate the 'Interdimensional Teleportation Array' within this 'Illusory Mirage Realm'... Once this battle is over, you can take this array and leave at your leisure..." The 'Great Abyss Consort' clone, who was imprisoned by Wei Tu, seemed to have noticed Wei Tu's hesitation and hurriedly reminded him.

However, the shrewd and experienced Wei Tu would not easily believe such words.

He nodded, using this gesture to temporarily appease the woman, and then, after making a few threatening remarks, continued to wait patiently inside the 'Holy Emperor's Palace'.

Until 15 minutes later.

After the woman uttered "Geng Qiaozi," she had already opened the void where the "Confucian Robe Corpse Spirit" was located, and fled to the "Illusory Mirage Realm" from there... Only then did he immediately get up, imitating Geng Qiaozi, and with his hands forming a hand seal, he opened the teleportation spirit barrier located beneath the "Statue Base," and brought Da Yuanfei's clone with him to the outside of the "Mustard Seed Immortal Boat."

And at this moment.

The 'rune passage' that led from this void to the outside world also appeared before Wei Tu's eyes.

At this moment, he could also clearly see that at the end of this 'rune passage,' the Mountain Lord and a group of powerful cultivators at the Fusion Realm were battling the Woodcutter and the Scholar-Robed Corpse Spirit...

Surprisingly.

Under the siege of this group of powerful beings at the Fusion Realm, Geng Qiaozi and Ru Pao Shi Ling actually reached a brief cooperation at this moment, and with their combined strength, they forced the three powerful beings of the Spirit Realm, such as Ao Shan Jun and Da Yuan Jing, to retreat in defeat.

Of course, at this moment, Geng Qiaozi also seemed to be exhausted, and he used the 'Mahayana Relic' that Wei Tu was so wary of, which he had seen in the memories of Qianyun Demon Ancestor...

However, at the same time...

Outside the 'Illusory Mirage Realm', a strange change occurred, with a series of terrifying auras of 'Combined Realm Cultivators' suddenly appearing.

And the aura of these 'Great Cultivation Integration' cultivators clearly originated from the human race.

One of them, whose aura was familiar to Wei Tu, was Duan Jiu, a disciple of Tie Tou Tuo.

Clearly, Geng Qiaozi's risky journey here was well-prepared. Like Da Yuanfei, he had long ago arranged for his fellow cultivators to prepare for today's battle.

He was not confident enough to believe that he alone could handle the reinforcements summoned by Princess Da Yuan.

"Given this situation, it's unlikely we'll have a chance to forcibly seize this [Avoidance Jade] from him..."

Seeing this, Wei Tu, who had originally intended to fly away, frowned slightly and then abandoned the idea.

Immediately afterwards, he did not hesitate any longer. He reached out and grabbed the Great Abyss Consort clone beside him, stuffing it into the 'Qiankun Bag' at his waist. Then, he immediately raised his hand to activate the [Boundary-Severing Stone] that he had been holding tightly in his hand.

He wasn't that stupid; seeing the unfavorable situation, he wouldn't continue to "pull chestnuts out of the fire."

next moment.

As countless silver-white runes appeared.

Within this void, a 'teleportation channel' similar to the adjacent 'rune channel' also appeared, winding its way out to a remote and secluded place.

"Not good! That guy surnamed Ruan is trying to escape!" Immediately, Da Yuanfei, who was watching the battle from a distance and sensing the movement of her clone, changed her expression after seeing that Wei Tu had completely sealed her senses. She hurriedly warned Da Yuanjing and Aoshanjun, who were nearby in the 'rune passage'.

She never imagined that Wei Tu would be so cautious, not wanting to take even the slightest risk... After seeing the unfavorable situation, he immediately planned to escape.

"That's... the Boundary Stone?"

"How did this man surnamed Ruan come to possess such a treasure?"

At the same moment, Pei Hong, who saw this scene, couldn't help but look grim, and immediately thought of that humiliation that spanned a thousand years.

Back then, Xue Qiongyu was also abducted in full view of everyone by a 'mysterious demonic cultivator' using the [Boundary-Severing Stone]. (End of Chapter)