I am a late bloomer in the world of cultivating immortals

Upon hearing this, both the two saints of the Yang family and the group of Nascent Soul cultivators of the Snow Infant Clan felt a sense of urgency as they peered deeper into the 'Stone Cocoon Secret Realm'.

And... eager to try!
If there is only one faction, one can wait for its breakthrough to fail and then directly take advantage of the situation.

But three forces arrived at the same time...

If you fall behind even a little, it will be difficult to get anything at all.

And at this very moment.

After half a day of quiet silence in the surroundings.

The breakthrough phenomenon deep within the Stone Cocoon Secret Realm finally took a turn. The spiritual energy vortex that had swept through most of the secret realm suddenly stagnated, as if it were about to collapse.

"This cultivator failed to break through?"

In an instant, the consensus among the three forces was rekindled.

Even though there is another possible interpretation of this strange phenomenon, they do not believe that a random encounter with a "Great Master of Integration" in this "desolate wilderness" could offer any hope of breaking through to the Mahayana stage.

However, seemingly out of apprehension, none of the three forces dared to seize the 'legacy' of the cultivator who failed to break through, right under everyone's noses.

One day.

Two days...

Time passed slowly.

Just as the 'spiritual energy vortex' had collapsed by nearly half and the three forces were becoming increasingly tense, a faint but very clear aura of fusion suddenly emerged, like a strange guest, squeezed out by the 'heavenly tribulation pressure' from afar.

Ignoring the terrifying heavenly tribulation that was close at hand and poised to strike, and seeing that his aura had been exposed, he immediately used all his strength to fly towards the birthplace of the 'spiritual energy vortex'.

"Who is that person, to be so audacious..."

"There are other combined entities here?"

One stone stirs up a thousand ripples. Instantly, the silent atmosphere was broken, and the faces of the group of Nascent Soul experts turned slightly ugly.

"The aura of this cultivator... must be Xie Liao, the Rat King? Only this cultivator possesses such sneaky and stealthy supernatural abilities that can evade our senses!"

The Bloodstone Sect Master narrowed his eyes and coldly glanced at the Yang Family's Twin Saints beside him.

This cultivation is also a combined independent cultivation, like the "Two Saints of the Yang Family".

According to his understanding, he and the "Two Saints of the Sheep Family" were very close friends.

In other words, it is highly likely that Xie Liao, the 'Heavenly Rat King,' arrived here because the two saints of the Yang family secretly informed him, intending to steal the 'legacy' left behind by the cultivator who failed to break through to the next level.

"Sect Leader Fu, this place is where we each rely on our own methods. Although Fellow Daoist Xie was invited by me, bringing companions... shouldn't be considered breaking the rules..." The elder of the Yang Family's Twin Saints chuckled, his expression calm and fearless.

Upon hearing this, the Bloodstone Sect Master and the Snow Infant Clan Chief's expressions turned slightly grim, but at that moment, as if their hearts had been stirred, they looked at the thick, leaden 'calamity clouds' and finally felt a little more tempted.

After a brief pause, the two exchanged a glance and finally made up their minds. They immediately soared into the air, transforming into streaks of light, and led their fellow cultivators, closely following the aura left behind by 'Sky Rat King' Xie Liao, towards the birthplace of that 'spiritual energy vortex'.

Meanwhile, the "Two Saints of the Yang Family" were not to be outdone, and they too transformed into streaks of light and followed closely behind.

In a situation where the strengths are evenly matched.

The only danger here is that the 'Great Cultivator of Integration' successfully breaks through... and then uses 'Great Ascension Power' to kill them.

However, in their view, such extreme situations are precisely the kind of things that are extremely difficult to happen.

Even among those who have achieved the Great Vehicle, the majority of those who have merged with the Six Divine Lords will fail in their attempts to attain enlightenment, let alone an unknown 'rogue cultivator' attempting a breakthrough in this remote place!
but--

Just as they were halfway through their escape, the light of their escape beams reached its peak.

A chilling aura suddenly erupted from the depths of that 'spiritual energy vortex'.

Immediately following was a deafening roar that echoed through the clouds.

At the same time, Xie Liao, the Heavenly Rat King, who had just rushed into the depths of this 'spiritual energy vortex', was also sent flying backward like a broken sack. After spitting out several mouthfuls of blood, he barely managed to stabilize himself in the air.

"Guardians of the Way?"

Immediately, the Bloodstone Sect Master, the Snow Infant Clan Chief, the Two Saints of the Yang Family, and others who had flown over stopped in their tracks, frowning as they watched this scene, their eyes revealing a hint of apprehension.

There's no other reason than that Xie Liao, the Heavenly Rat King, is no small fry.

Rather, they are strong enough to be on par with them.

Now that this cultivator has suffered such a hasty defeat, it means that the cultivators within must also be at the level of 'Great Integration Cultivator'.

However, this is normal. Without such strength, how could one help protect the 'Great Body Integration Cultivator' who is breaking through to the Great Ascension Realm?
However, Rao knew about this matter.

At this moment, the Bloodstone Sect Master, the Snow Infant Clan Chief, and the 'Two Saints of the Sheep Family' showed no sign of panic or retreat.

The addition of a protector at the 'Combined Body Cultivation' level has somewhat disrupted their plans, but... the fact that he can be in seclusion here means that his background and identity are undoubtedly 'humble'.

Secondly, their advance has reached this point, and they can no longer retreat.

Moreover, no matter how strong a 'Combination Stage cultivator' is, can he be compared to this group of Combination Stage cultivators?
"Please do not panic, everyone. The protector within that secret realm is merely a newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator... but her methods were quite extraordinary, which is why she was able to repel me..."

The Heavenly Rat King Xie Liao's face was cold and gloomy. After wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he coldly said this sentence.

As soon as he said this...

The cultivators' apprehension immediately lessened, and after secretly breathing a sigh of relief, they immediately released their divine senses to probe the blurry figure that had just repelled the Heavenly Rat King Xie Liao within this 'secret space'.

The next moment, a graceful woman dressed in a white dress and wearing a thin veil appeared near the 'spiritual energy vortex' under their divine senses.

"This woman is..." The Snow Infant Clan Chief frowned. Although he was unfamiliar with her aura, her figure and vaguely visible 'appearance' gave him a sense of déjà vu.

"They are indeed a newly formed duo..."

"I'm just controlling a 'yin creature' that's in the late stage of the fusion realm."

The Bloodstone Sect Master let out a soft "Eh," and as he looked at the figure of the woman in the white dress, a sense of greed immediately arose in his heart.

The yin entity in the 'late stage of fusion' is terrifying.

But... for a mere newly ascended cultivator to possess such a treasure is no less than a child possessing gold.

"If we can seize this Yin artifact at the late stage of the Fusion Realm, we can go anywhere in the world..." The two saints of the Yang family exchanged glances, their eyes flashing slightly, and they were determined to obtain this treasure.

"An opportunity! An opportunity! It really is an opportunity! No wonder it was able to defeat me, it turns out it was a Yin creature at the late stage of the Fusion Realm..." Heavenly Rat King Xie Liao was overjoyed.

If even a newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator can possess such a treasure, wouldn't the fortune of a Nascent Soul cultivator attempting to break through to the Mahayana stage within this 'secret realm' be even greater?
"This 'yin thing'... is it the soul of the Xuan Turtle from the 'Dragon-Trapping Tower'?" At this moment, the Snow Infant Clan Chief, who knew more about this 'secret space' than the Blood Stone Sect and the Yang Family's two saints, felt a great sense of apprehension.

Because this 'Mysterious Tortoise Soul' was a terrifying being he dared not provoke within the 'Dragon-Trapping Tower'.

—It appears to be only at the 'late stage of the Fusion Realm,' but in reality, it is the 'remnant soul of the True Spirit' of the Taoist Li Shan, which is difficult for even a Fusion Realm cultivator of the same level to defeat.

Now, he is imprisoned in the hands of that mysterious female cultivator and has become a 'plaything'... This is enough to prove the extraordinary nature of that 'Great Cultivator of Integration' who is currently in seclusion here to break through.

He did not seem to be the rogue cultivator who was unwilling to die and was trying to break through to the 'Mahayana Realm' that he thought he was!

On the contrary, it is highly likely that they are those ruthless cultivators who have hidden themselves in the cultivation world and possess extraordinary strength!

If you provoke someone like this...

Even if they have no hope of advancing to the Mahayana stage, the remaining strength from their failed breakthrough is enough to kill one or two of them and send them to their graves.

"Combined cultivation... Stone Cocoon Secret Realm... Turtle Belly Space... This familiar female cultivator..."

"Could it be—"

At that moment, the Snow Infant Clan Chief, who had been secretly wary and calmed down, suddenly had an almost absurd idea pop into his mind.

The secret of the 'turtle belly space' was known only to him and some members of the Shocking King Society.

After the 'Five Kings Combined' were defeated.

This secret was gradually kept to himself.

But there are some exceptions besides him.

That was his daughter, and Wei Tu, who stole the Immortal Ruins Token in front of his daughter back then in this 'turtle belly space'!

Over the course of a thousand years, after his daughter was abducted by that demonic cultivator, he had already forgotten this humiliation.

However, a rumor from a hundred years ago seems to point directly to Wei Tu as the demonic cultivator of that time!
In that rumor, Wei Tu was recognized by all cultivators as a "Great Master of Integration," comparable to the "Six Divine Lords of Integration," and a contemporary prodigy with the potential to break through to the Great Ascension stage!
"If the person who broke through here... is indeed Wei Tu... not only should we not make a move now, but we should also try our best to protect him..." The Snow Infant Clan Chief's eyes flickered, and his thoughts underwent a dramatic reversal in that instant.

This is not just about protecting his own; it's also about his fear of Wei Tu.

Even if a cultivator of that level fails to attain Mahayana status, it is not difficult to break through to the "half-step Mahayana" stage. They will not die and perish as he, the two saints of the Yang family, and the sect leader of the Bloodstone Sect imagined.

At the very moment this thought had just crossed his mind...

Just now, Xie Liao, the Heavenly Rat King, who had been repelled and coughed up blood, immediately joined forces with the "Two Saints of the Sheep Family" and once again headed towards the gap in the "turtle belly space" that had been torn apart by the "spiritual energy vortex".

It seemed they intended to finish off the mysterious female cultivator and the 'late-stage Fusion Realm' evil creature beside her in one fell swoop.

"Thank you for your actions, fellow Daoist. Did you even ask me, the clan leader? This Stone Cocoon Secret Realm belongs to our clan. How can we allow you three to act so recklessly?" The Snow Infant Clan Chief's face immediately turned cold. He grabbed out a large hand, condensing a magical hand that directly grabbed the three of them.

Unfortunately, his method was utterly insignificant in the face of the combined power of the Two Saints of the Sheep Family and Xie Liao, the Heavenly Rat King.

In an instant, it was torn apart and, without fear, continued to fly into the 'turtle belly space'.

But at this moment—

An unexpected scene then unfolded.

The Bloodstone Sect Master, whose eyes had been gleaming with greed, suddenly unleashed his magical treasure, blocking the three—the Twin Saints of the Yang Family, and the Heavenly Rat King Xie Liao.

"It's not impossible for Fellow Daoist Xie and his two companions to make a move, but they must first ask the permission of my human race and my Bloodstone Sect!" The Bloodstone Sect Master snorted coldly, using his great magical power in conjunction with the Snow Infant Clan Chief to block the Heavenly Rat King Xie Liao and his two companions.

At this moment, seeing that the Snow Infant Clan and the Blood Stone Sect had made their moves at the same time, the three members of the Yang Family's Twin Saints and the Heavenly Rat King Xie Liao dared not continue to attack. After frowning slightly, they floated in the air with cold expressions, confronting the Snow Infant Clan and the Blood Stone Sect once again.

But what the three of them didn't see was...

The instant their escape light stopped, the Snow Infant Clan Chief and the Blood Stone Sect Master exchanged a glance, both revealing a knowing look on their faces.

However, what these people didn't see was...

At the same moment, a 'black figure' hidden in the void suddenly withdrew its eagle-claw-like hands, scrutinizing the three forces with a cold gaze.

Take a breath.

Two breaths...

It was the two saints of the Yang family who broke the silence once again. The old man and the young man looked at the two leaders, the Bloodstone Sect Master and the Snow Infant Clan Chief, with slightly cold expressions.

His gaze carried a hint of pressure, as if he were forcing the two major forces blocking their way to come up with a reasonable plan.

After all, they had already greatly offended that 'Great Master of Integration' who was currently in seclusion to break through. If he were to disregard his breakthrough and prepare to attack them... it would be too late.

At that time, both life and the 'inheritance' that could be seized would be in danger.

but--

Just as the 'elder' of the Yang family's two saints was about to speak, further pressuring the Bloodstone Sect Master and the Snow Infant Clan Chief to express their opinions, the 'spiritual energy vortex' that had been suspended above their heads and had already collapsed by half suddenly changed, its energy surging.

In just a short time, it doubled in size, expanding outwards wildly, greedily absorbing all the spiritual energy around it like a whale drinking from a cow.

"This is……"

"Not good! This cultivator has already entered the Mahayana realm!"

Instantly, the expressions of the three—the Two Saints of the Sheep Family, Xie Liao the Heavenly Rat King, and Yang Jia Shuang Sheng—changed slightly, and a chill ran down their spines.

"You two lied to me. This cultivator is not some kind of Nascent Soul cultivator who is about to fail in his breakthrough..." Heavenly Rat King Xie Liao's face became even more unsightly, half pale and half timid.

Because, unlike the two saints of the Yang family who were preparing to make a move, he was someone who genuinely tried to break into this 'turtle belly space' and was repelled by that mysterious female cultivator!

This means you have already thoroughly offended the other party.

It's a blood feud that can't be extinguished.

"How is this possible? How could a cultivator with the potential for Mahayana cultivation hide in this remote place to break through to the Mahayana realm? Impossible! Impossible!" The two saints of the Yang family muttered to themselves, realizing that they had already stepped one foot into hell.

This misjudgment has already had unimaginable consequences.

"escape!"

In an instant, the three of them realized that this was their only chance to survive.

Even though escaping now might still result in being punished by this 'future Mahayana' one day, it's still better than waiting here for that day of death.

but--

It happened the instant they lifted their feet.

A powerful aura of Mahayana power had already enveloped them, and the icy chill that touched their necks told them that any movement would mean certain death.

Similarly, those enveloped by the pressure of the Mahayana were the combined cultivators of the Bloodstone Sect and the Snow Infant Clan standing to the side.

However, besides fear, the Bloodstone Sect Master and the Snow Infant Clan Chief, who led these two major forces, also harbored a hint of secret delight deep in their eyes. (End of Chapter)