I conquer the immortal with my strength.

Chapter 722 Blood Lake Ridge
"With this news spreading, the clansmen will surely think our clan is in danger. You must take this opportunity to observe everyone's reactions and select those with firm Dao hearts, loyalty to the clan, and fearlessness in the face of powerful enemies as key individuals for future cultivation. Alright, now you may all step back and strengthen patrols and defenses, preparing for an attack from Blood Lake Ridge." Zhu Chixuan gave these instructions and waved his hand.

Everyone bowed and withdrew.

Soon, news spread throughout Danxia Mountain that Zhu Liao had been demoted and Zhu Qiluo had been established as the first Golden Immortal seed disciple of the Zhu family of Danxia Mountain.

The Zhu family and the forces that depended on them were immediately shaken.

Some affiliated forces secretly send their promising young members or disciples to other places as a way out.

As members of the Zhu family, they had no choice when their family faced a life-or-death crisis.

A significant number of people are filled with fear and anxiety, their faces constantly clouded with worry.

However, some people, when faced with great calamity, abandoned their previous calculations of personal gain and loss, were inspired to fight, and were determined to protect their families. With their Daoist hearts steadfast, they became even more diligent in their cultivation.

The elders secretly recorded the performance of these individuals as a reference for their future development.

The news gradually spread from Danxia Mountain.

This caused a sensation among various factions in Qionghua Shangjun, and they were also puzzled by it.

Danxia Mountain clearly knows that Blood Lake Ridge is powerful, that Gong Shasong and his wife are incredibly strong when they join forces, and that the Blood River's true water is extremely poisonous. Why would they provoke them at this critical moment?

Could it be that Zhu Chixuan believed that Gong Shasong and his wife were merely bluffing and dared not attack Danxia Mountain?

Or did Zhu Chixuan believe that Danxia Mountain could withstand the attack from Xuehu Ridge?
Or perhaps Zhu Chixuan found some help?

The first guess is somewhat plausible.

After all, the confrontation between Golden Immortal forces is no small matter. Even if one wins, one may be severely weakened and unable to recover in a short time, thus giving other Golden Immortal forces an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. As a result, one's joy may turn into sorrow and one may lose one's foundation.

The second hypothesis is highly unlikely.

Danxia Mountain's strength is undeniable, and Zhu Chixuan should be well aware of this. If Blood Lake Ridge is determined to fight to the bitter end, Danxia Mountain will ultimately be unable to withstand it.

It is even less likely that Zhu Chixuan would bring in help.

If Zhu Chixuan could really get help, he would definitely release the news early on, thus achieving victory without fighting and avoiding war. This would be the best outcome for Danxia Mountain, so why would he keep it a secret?

Regardless of the circumstances, Zhu Chixuan's decision to provoke Gong Shasong and his wife at this critical juncture is truly baffling, and certainly not a wise move.
-
Zhangqi County, central part.

There is a large lake surrounded by mountains.

Under the setting sun, the lake seemed to steam with a bloody aura, its bright red water gurgling as if the entire lake were thickened blood, sending chills down one's spine at a glance.

There are more than a dozen islands in the lake.

The island is dotted with buildings shrouded in blood.

The mountains surrounding the lake are each guarded by immortal cultivators who keep watch and guard against all directions.

This place is Blood Lake Ridge.

In the center of the Blood Lake, on a large island, stands the imposing Blood River Palace. Inside the Blood River Palace, Gong Shasong and his wife sit side by side on high seats, with a blood river phantom flowing silently behind their heads, exuding an eerie aura.

The blood river phantom behind Gong Shasong's head was much more solid than his wife's, clearly indicating that it was already at the mid-stage of the Condensation Realm.

Below the main hall, a True Immortal of the Twelve Assemblies was kneeling, reporting the reply from Danxia Mountain to Gong Shasong and his wife.

"Good, good. I deliberately kept the breakthrough news under wraps because I was worried that old man Zhu would be scared out of his wits and obediently hand over Zhu Qiluo. In that case, my Blood Lake Ridge would have no reason to attack Danxia Mountain and would not be able to expand its influence to Qionghua Upper County!"
As it turned out, this old man Zhu actually went ahead and did it. Not only did he not offer up Zhu Qiluo, but he even appointed her as the first Golden Immortal seed. In that case, if my Blood Lake Ridge doesn't attack Danxia Mountain, won't we be laughed at for being cowards?

Upon hearing the report, Gong Shasong was not angry but pleased. The blood river phantom that had been flowing quietly behind his head began to ripple, as if a ferocious blood dragon was baring its fangs and claws.

"My Blood Lake Ridge has been secluded in a remote corner for many years, unable to set foot in the nearby Qionghua Upper County. I can only watch as various Golden Immortal forces enjoy the excellent resources of the Upper County. Fortunately, my husband was wise enough to deliberately block the news of the breakthrough, and then took advantage of the murder of Gong Ning to seize the opportunity to plot against Danxia Mountain!" Chu Meishuang said.

"Hmph, it's laughable that the True Lords like Jun Ce, who are stationed in the county city, are unwilling to step forward to mediate. They say it's a personal grudge between us and they can't get involved. They clearly want us and Danxia Mountain to fight to the death so they can reap the benefits and take the opportunity to recover Zhangqi County," Gong Shasong sneered.

"When they discover that my husband is actually a Golden Immortal in the mid-stage of the Dao Condensation Realm, and with you and me working together, killing Old Man Zhu will be a piece of cake. Their expressions will be quite interesting, hehe!" As she finished speaking, Chu Meishuang smiled and laughed, her charming demeanor overflowing.

The immortal kneeling before the palace glanced up, his heart trembling. He was so frightened that he quickly lowered his head and dared not look up again.

"Haha!" Gong Shasong laughed triumphantly, reached out and pulled Chu Meishuang into his arms. In front of His Highness, a True Immortal, he actually put his hand inside his wife's robe, which frightened the True Immortal so much that he quickly took his leave.
-
A few months later.

Tianluo Peak, the Peak Master's Cave.

Looking at Zhu Qiluo, who had broken through the barrier and was now completely transformed, Xia Daoming couldn't help but show a look of surprise and delight.

"Excellent, excellent! Your talent, and the effect of this breakthrough, are even better than I imagined. It's a pity I don't have any extra Nine Profound Golden Embryo Pills right now, otherwise they could help you break through to the Golden Immortal Path in the near future!" Xia Daoming exclaimed with a hint of regret.

He entered the land of fragments of the primordial wilderness, not knowing how long he would stay. Back then, he produced three Nine Profound Golden Embryo Pills. He gave one to the Azure Feather Eagle King, and the other two were naturally left to his elders Yue Huang and Xiao Hongyi, respectively, in preparation for their future attempts to break through to the Golden Immortal Dao.

"Could it be that Master has already refined the Nine Profound Golden Embryo Pill?" Zhu Qiluo blurted out instinctively upon hearing this.

Xia Daoming nodded.

"It was thanks to the master's guidance and the Nine Profound Golden Embryo Pill that I was able to achieve the Golden Immortal Path. Otherwise, with my talent, how could I have ever had the chance to step onto the Golden Immortal Path in this lifetime!" said the Azure Feather Eagle King.

"My martial uncle has taken it..." Upon hearing this, Zhu Qiluo felt as if a tidal wave had surged through her heart.

Only at this moment did she truly understand why the Azure Feather Eagle King, a Golden Immortal, held such extraordinary respect for the Sect Master.

Thinking of the Azure Feather Eagle King, Zhu Qiluo realized that since she had submitted to the sect leader, he had never treated her as a servant or ordered her around at will, but had instead cultivated her with genuine care. When he heard that she was in trouble, he even came to her rescue. Now, he was still regretting that he could not give her another push because he lacked the Nine Profound Golden Embryo Pill. Zhu Qiluo's heart was filled with emotion, and she respected him even more from the bottom of her heart.

"Rest assured, Master, I will diligently cultivate and never cease until I reach the Golden Immortal Path, so as not to fail your great kindness!" Zhu Qiluo said resolutely, her eyes firm.

"With such determination, even without the Nine Profound Golden Embryo Pill, you will have a great chance of achieving the Golden Immortal Path!" Xia Daoming praised.

As he spoke, he sensed something and looked up at the palace gate.

　That concludes today's update.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)