I seek immortality by chance

Chapter 677 Ascending to the Peak of the Cave Heaven, Five Veins Battle!
White clouds drift lazily by, and clear waters flow gently.

This is a hidden paradise, existing beyond the heavens and beyond the mortal realm.

This secret realm is not very vast, only about 100,000 miles in all directions, but as far as the eye can see, the void is filled with a faint "silver-gray" hue.

This "silver-gray" color is not dazzling, but it makes the vast void seem more "solid," exuding a sense of indestructibility.

Ascend to the highest realm!

This is a secret realm specifically used for combat by the Crimson Cloud Daoist lineage. It is reinforced with countless "Star Rock Restrictions" and can withstand attacks from Mahayana cultivators and even Immortal Seals without being damaged.

At this moment, beneath the white clouds and above the blue water, there is a cloud platform about ten thousand feet high, suspended in the air.

On the left and right sides of the cloud platform, many cultivators stood on it. The lowest cultivation level among these cultivators was the early stage of the Heavenly Spirit Realm. In the outside world, they would all be powerful figures. However, now that they were sitting on the viewing platform, their eyes were filled with excitement.

"The Five Veins Dharma Assembly is a grand event that hasn't been held in a long time."

On the stands, someone sighed.

"The Dharma assembly is a minor matter. The most important thing is that we will definitely witness a great battle between many immortal seals. This is the real grand event, and we can get a glimpse of the power of the immortal seals."

Many Heavenly Spirit cultivators revealed longing in their eyes.

The Immortal Seal is an unparalleled power in the mortal realm, rarely seen by ordinary people.

"No matter how wonderful the Immortal Seal is, it is now irrelevant to us. In my opinion, the most crucial thing is the matter of the New World."

"I've already heard that Chenhui is the richest place in the New Territories. Whichever lineage's Mahayana cultivator wins will be able to lead the three lineages, conquer Chenhui, and enjoy countless resources!"

A Heavenly Spirit cultivator's voice was deep and filled with longing.

"To command the three lineages?"

"I heard that this Dharma assembly is just for the competition for the position of Palace Master of the Heavenly Star Palace in the Chenhui Realm. When did it become about commanding the three lineages?"

A monk asked doubtfully.

"This is old news."

"The new world of Chenhui is vast and boundless, even surpassing my Xuanhuang realm. Great demons and Mahayana cultivators emerge in abundance in this world. In fact, their numbers may not be less than those of my Xuanhuang realm. However, there are only about ten Mahayana cultivators in one lineage. Including the various sects and forces within the state, the total number of Mahayana cultivators is only about twenty. It will be quite difficult for such a small number of people to conquer Chenhui."

"Therefore, the five lineage leaders discussed and decided to join forces to conquer Chenhui first, while the other two lineages could conquer the other new realms. In this way, the immortal treasures could also be shared to avoid any accidents."

A well-informed disciple said with a smile.

"The power of the three channels combined!"

Upon hearing this news for the first time, many Heavenly Spirit cultivators gasped in shock.

This is truly a grand gesture.

There are over thirty Mahayana cultivators from the three lineages alone, and with the addition of various forces from the three continents, they could easily gather over fifty Mahayana cultivators.

But it’s normal to think about it.

That was, after all, a new realm, vast and boundless, teeming with powerful demons and thriving with unorthodox sects. Without unparalleled power, any talk of conquest would be nothing more than petty squabbles.

"What a pity, there are still three lineages that have been ordered not to leave the mountains, otherwise, if all eight lineages were to come out together, they would definitely be able to conquer several new realms at the same time!"

Suddenly, a cultivator sighed.

But a cold laugh immediately followed: "What's there to regret?"

"It's one thing for sects within the state to seek refuge in Daoist lineages and not receive protection; at worst, they can be left to fend for themselves. But to actually sacrifice Mahayana cultivators to obtain immortal power—how is such behavior any different from that of the demonic path?"

"If the Supreme One were still alive, lightning would have struck that very day, reducing the entire mountain gate to dust!"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding area fell silent.

This matter was indeed handled poorly.

If the other five lineages hadn't fought so hard and were prepared to die, that would have been one thing. But the lineage leaders of the five lineages disregarded their own lives and fought to the death. Compared to them, the other three lineages would seem insignificant.

Being forbidden from leaving the mountains and deprived of resources from the New Territories is also a form of punishment for them.

After several centuries, these three lineages will inevitably diverge from the other five.

"So, what exactly is the procedure for this Dharma assembly?"

"Who will win first place and lead the three clans?"

One of the cultivators changed the subject and asked the others a question.

For this Dharma assembly, the Crimson Cloud Dao Clan not only invited the Heavenly Spirit cultivators from the five clans, but also various forces from the five continents to attend the ceremony.

Because the Crimson Cloud Daoist lineage is a staunch "radical" faction.

Inviting numerous forces was meant to show them that entering the New Realm would grant them materials for seals and immortal scriptures, thereby encouraging them to participate in the conquest of Chenhui.

Therefore, some Heavenly Spirit cultivators from certain factions were not well-informed and knew very little about this Dharma Assembly.

Fortunately, some well-informed people generously shared: "This Dharma assembly is simple; it's just a Mahayana Dharma contest, a competition of strength."

"But it's not just a competition of strength, it's also a competition of influence."

"There will be three competitions, divided into the three realms of Mahayana. The lineage with the most victories will be able to rule over the three lineages. The lineage with the fewest victories will be able to rule over one lineage and conquer the other new realms. The rest will be assigned to the first or second place lineage according to their ranking."

Upon hearing this, many Heavenly Spirit cultivators who were temporarily unaware of the rules immediately revealed thoughtful expressions.

"The three realms of Mahayana Buddhism? The heads of various clans will also make a move?"

But someone immediately raised a question.

At the peak of Xuanhuang, the strongest are naturally the lineage leaders of each family. They are the ones who control the foundation of their lineage and have countless hidden methods. One such person is equivalent to many Mahayana cultivators. If the lineage leader were to make a move, then the previous matches would have lost their meaning.

"The master of the pulse will naturally not get involved."

"The lineage leader will not participate in this campaign, but all Mahayana masters below the lineage leader can participate."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

If even the clan leaders have intervened, then something extraordinary must have happened in the New Territories.

The pulse master is each family's last remaining strength, and they won't easily make a move.

However, some people have raised questions: "Is it only a battle of Mahayana magic among the five major sects? Or can all Mahayana practitioners from the five continents participate?"

This is a key issue.

In other words, it means whether or not we can ask for outside help.

"Of course, that's possible."

The core disciple of the Crimson Cloud Dao lineage answered affirmatively.

"This competition is precisely to test the strength of my Xuanhuang!"

"The reason it's called a grand event is precisely because of this: those who stand out in this Dharma Assembly are the pinnacle of Xuanhuang!"

The disciple's gaze was deep and filled with longing.

This is the entire Xuanhuang Mahayana Dharma Assembly!
"But I've heard that some Mahayana practitioners have already gone to the New Territories and gained opportunities, while others haven't gone to Xuanhuang and haven't had any opportunities. Isn't that unfair?"

Suddenly someone spoke up and asked.

"What injustice?"

"To venture into Chenhui is a testament to courage and a part of one's strength. What's wrong with that?"

One of the disciples sneered.

As for the fact that independent cultivators and Mahayana cultivators from small factions cannot go to the New World, that is not within his concern.

If you feel it's unfair and want an opportunity, then come with me to conquer the New Territories!
The reason why the Chixia Daoist lineage is wholeheartedly organizing this Dharma assembly is precisely this.

Some cultivators wanted to ask more questions, but suddenly a vast aura surged forth, as if the stars were suppressing them, and fell into the cave.

This aura was not singular; it looked down upon heaven and earth, soared into the sky, suppressed the nine heavens and ten earths, and was extremely heavy.

The cultivators immediately fell silent, not daring to say anything more, and bowed their heads in respect.

The Supreme Being of Mahayana Buddhism has arrived.

"clang!"

"The Chaotic Origin Dao Vein has arrived!"

As the golden bell rang, a young Taoist boy shouted loudly.

"boom!"

The scorching heat, like a fiery meteor descending, instantly pierced the sky and arrived at this grotto.

"Fellow Daoists, you've arrived so quickly!"

A loud laugh rang out from within the flames, shouting at the sixteen Mahayana cultivators of the Hunyuan Dao Clan.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists."

Within the Hunyuan Dao lineage, numerous Mahayana cultivators returned the greeting in unison.

"Please be seated and wait for the other Daoist practitioners to arrive."

The flames dissipated, revealing a vigorous, red-haired old man. He led a full twenty Mahayana cultivators, standing in the sky, their auras profound and deep, like a sea of ​​fire that scorched the heavens.

"Boom!" A burst of light flashed, and a huge jade cauldron broke through the air and arrived at the Ascending Cave Heaven in an instant. Eighteen auras from within soared into the sky, dazzlingly powerful.

Besides these eighteen incredibly powerful auras, there were also some low-level cultivators who followed, all of whom were his own nephews and nieces who had come to broaden their horizons.

"clang!"

"The Jade Cauldron Dao Lineage has arrived!"

The golden bell rang, and the young Taoist priest called out the names.

"hold head high!"

An ancient roar echoed, and a huge vortex appeared in the cave, pulled by a dragon and driven by a blue phoenix. Nineteen figures emerged from the void.

"clang!"

"The Heavenly Capital Dao Vein has arrived!"

The golden bell rang again, and the young Taoist priest called out the names once more.

"Crash!"

The sound of flowing water echoed through the sky. In the void, a great river flowed, and on the river stood twenty-three Mahayana cultivators, their auras profound and displaying unprecedented majesty.

Twenty-three Mahayana practitioners!

Without needing to announce their names, everyone already knew which lineage had arrived.

Linchuan!

In recent years, Linchuan has been full of vitality, with a surge of Mahayana cultivators. There are as many as three newly promoted Mahayana cultivators. In addition, with the various forces in Tianhe Prefecture, the number of Mahayana cultivators has reached a terrifying twenty-three!

"Hello fellow Taoists!"

The Venerable Jiuchuan, seated at the head of the table, bowed to the cultivators of the four lineages.

Gu Yuan and the others also bowed in greeting.

The many Mahayana monks returned the greetings and then took their seats.

On the cloud platform, many Heavenly Spirit cultivators dared not even breathe loudly.

Ninety-six Mahayana cultivators!

Back when the Dragon Clan conquered Northern Luzhou, they never mobilized such a force.

But now, for the sake of the New Territories, they've stirred up such a storm; it's truly chilling.

However, this also indirectly shows that Xuanhuang is stable and peaceful. Otherwise, even if there were ten or eight more new worlds, so many Mahayana cultivators would not have been mobilized.

"boom!"

Just then, ripples appeared in the sky, and five divine consciousnesses descended from beyond the heavens, landing on the clouds and looking down upon the crowd.

"Greetings, Master!"

The numerous cultivators bowed in unison.

In the mortal realm, the lineage master wields celestial treasures and controls celestial arrays, making him the strongest in the mortal world. Although the difference in cultivation level between him and the late-stage Mahayana cultivator is not significant, their combat power is on completely different levels.

This is the pillar of stability for our lineage.

Even an ordinary immortal descending to earth might not be able to defeat him.

Even though the time it has been since the Venerable Zhengyi became the master of the lineage is still short, he is still far beyond ordinary people.

"Today's Dharma assembly is held for the New Territories."

"I don't want to say anything more, I only have one sentence."

"The human world is not peaceful. The Dragon Court has fled Xuanhuang, but not all of them have died. The Heavenly Palace above may not be able to protect us all the time."

"Strive hard today, so that you will not be controlled by others in the future."

Amidst a burst of flames, the voice of the Crimson Cloud Daoist Master was cold and sharp, like metal rubbing against stone.

The Chixia lineage, from top to bottom, consists entirely of radicals.

It was precisely because of this that several factions were forced to follow suit.

Chixia is truly willing to use her divine treasures. If we don't follow her, the different lineages might fall behind in a few decades.

"Brother Dao, there's no need for further words."

Let's fight it out!

"The victor will wield the immortal treasure, command the three lineages, and suppress Chen Hui!"

Amidst a burst of rosy light, the voice of the Jade Cauldron Clan Master rang out.

The others had no objections.

Zhengyi Shangzun glanced at Jiuchuan Shangzun, who nodded solemnly and bowed.

The clan leader has already decided to wage war, and today he must exert his strength and do everything in his power.

"Then let's get started!"

Amidst the firelight, the leader of the Crimson Cloud Path gave his instructions.

"boom!"

In an instant, a ball of flame rose from the cloud platform, transforming into a barrier.

Only cultivators in the early stages of Mahayana can enter the Cloud Platform.

Above the cloud platform, there is a dazzling "star stone".

This is the "Asking for the Peak Stone".

In the early stages of Mahayana Buddhism, a single magical duel can yield one stone.

In the middle stage of Mahayana Buddhism, one can obtain two stones; in the later stage, one can obtain three stones.

The lineage that obtains the most Ascension Stones will be able to rule over the three lineages.

"I've come to experience the immortal techniques of you fellow Daoists!"

As soon as the leader of the Crimson Cloud Dao Clan finished speaking, a tall and smiling young man from within the Crimson Cloud Dao Clan crossed the void like a ball of spiritual fire and entered the Cloud Platform.

Crimson Cloud Dao Lineage, Early Stage of Mahayana, Supreme Venerable of Fiery Clouds!

This person attained Mahayana enlightenment three hundred years ago, and then lived a secluded life, never leaving the mountain. During these three hundred years, it is unknown what kind of Dharma he practiced, or what his strength became.

As soon as this person appeared, all the meridians fell silent.

But in the blink of an eye, a female cultivator with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, who looked just like a man, stepped onto the cloud platform from within the Heavenly Capital Daoist lineage.

"I've come to learn from your superior skills, fellow Daoist!"

Upon seeing this woman step onto the stage, the Mahayana monks in the audience frowned slightly, but no one said a word.

This woman is not a Mahayana cultivator from the Heavenly Capital Dao lineage, but rather a Mahayana cultivator from the Sword Cloud Sect, which is under the control of the Great Continent.

This sect excels in swordsmanship. Although there are not many disciples in the sect, all of them are exceptionally strong and are well-known figures in the Imperial Archives.

"My lord, which of these two Venerable Ones do you think will win?"

Just as the two were about to engage in combat, a faint divine thought transmission came from a cloud in the sky.

A young Taoist priest sat cross-legged on a cloud, his wide robes fluttering in the wind. His eyes were bright as stars, and he had a smile on his lips. He had an otherworldly air about him, and two beautiful women were attending him on either side.

A woman with a light veil covering her face, pink eyes, and snow-white skin exuded a cool and aloof charm that was hard for ordinary people to detect.

Another woman had a face as beautiful as a lotus, delicate and radiant, with long, ivory-carved legs. It was this woman who was asking the question.

These three people are naturally Gu Yuan, his senior sister, and Cen Qingqing.

The two women had been cultivating for a long time, and Gu Yuan had not returned for several years. Taking advantage of this Dharma assembly, he simply brought the two women along to observe.

Given his current status, no one will object; in fact, he will have to bow to the two women.

The senior sister had been calm and just watching, but when she heard Qingqing ask a question, she turned her pink eyes and showed curiosity.

"Although Chixia is strong, this woman has already refined the Immortal Seal, making her a top expert in the early stage of the Mahayana realm. She should have a 70% chance of winning this battle..."

Gu Yuan looked at the two women and said with a smile.

With his current strength, he could easily discern a fraction of their thoughts with a mere sweep of his mental powers.

The outcome of this battle is almost entirely clear.

This battle was just an appetizer.

His gaze was deep and unfathomable as he looked up at the clouds and the sky.

Although there are many Mahayana cultivators in this world, only about ten of them possess the Immortal Seal.

The outcome will almost certainly be decided in these dozen or so matches.

(End of this chapter)