I conquer the immortal with my strength.

Chapter 769 Entering the Mountain
A staircase of crimson flames descends from the clouds.

Each step seems to be formed from solidified lava, with fire patterns flowing inside, transforming into the phantom of a firebird flapping its wings and dancing, its flames faintly echoing the entire fiery veins of Mount Lieyao.

“This staircase is connected to the fire source of the Lieyao Mountain’s ley lines,” Xia Chengdao said in a low voice. “This staircase is both a way to welcome guests and a gate to select bloodlines. Those without the bloodline of the Flame Bird cannot even step onto it.”

The three of them climbed the steps.

Auspicious clouds swirl around the steps on both sides, and fire feather banners stand tall, embroidered with flame bird totems.

The flags fluttered in the fire and wind, like ten thousand birds facing the sky.

The higher you go, the stronger the fire becomes.

Ordinary immortals without the bloodline of the fire bird, or whose cultivation has not reached the Twelve Ascensions level, would likely be suppressed by the fire vein halfway through their journey, causing their blood and qi to surge and forcing them to retreat.

Xia Chengdao remained calm, the Southern Bright Fire slowly circulating within his body. Within that fire lay a hint of rebirth, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, dissolving the fire energy that had invaded his body from the steps and transforming it for his own use.

Many of the Twelve True Immortals with the bloodline of the Firebird initially found it easy, but as time went on, their steps became increasingly heavy, and sweat appeared on their foreheads.

Xia Daoming walked with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent, as if he were simply treading an ordinary mountain path.

He gazed at his son's retreating figure ahead, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.

But beneath the relief lay an increasingly intense mix of heartache and anger.

Flame Phoenix Mountain is the legacy of an ancient fire phoenix, possessing profound cultural heritage. Even in its current decline, it still boasts several Golden Immortals at the True Transformation Realm, making it far superior to Blazing Radiance Mountain.

Logically speaking, with Xia Chengdao's bloodline and talent, if he had been properly nurtured within the clan, he should have already attained the Golden Immortal realm and would never have stagnated at the Twelfth Assembly level.

Considering Li Xuanxiao's earlier disdain and sarcasm, and Xia Chengdao's abrupt halt in his speech—

Xia Daoming had already made his judgment.

His wife and children were in a far from easy situation on Flame Phoenix Mountain.

Even... they suffered suppression.

Thinking of this, a slight coldness appeared in the depths of his eyes.
-
While Xia Daoming was secretly observing his son and praising him in his heart, Xia Chengdao was also secretly observing Xia Daoming.

Seeing Xia Daoming strolling leisurely, as if he were not suppressed by the fire vein at all, his heart was filled with turbulent waves.

Others may not know his own strength, but Xia Chengdao knows it perfectly well.

He incorporated the Nirvana Fire Intent into the Southern Bright Fire, making it incredibly powerful. With this, he was able to withstand the Golden Immortal despite being at the Twelfth Assembly True Immortal level. Only then could he easily cope with the suppression of the fire vein. Very few other Twelfth Assembly True Immortals could do this.

To Xia Chengdao's utter surprise, any True Immortal he encountered at the same level could also easily cope with the suppression of the fire veins, just as he had.

"It seems the Immortal Realm is vast and boundless, with countless talented people. I must not be arrogant or underestimate others!" Xia Chengdao warned himself.

The old woman following closely behind Xia Chengdao looked at Xia Daoming with not only shock but also deep vigilance and unease.

"I wonder if what this person said earlier was true or false. If it was false, then he must be a formidable opponent in the young master's marriage contest!"

soon.

The group was led to Guangfeng Square.

It was a red stone platform covering a radius of a hundred miles, its surface like glass, with flowing fire patterns.

Li Guangfeng was the place where Xia Daoming served as a fire supplier back then.

That section of ancient sycamore branch is located in a deep recess in the back mountain.

In the past, it was hidden behind the mountain shadows, with only the glow of flames visible.

And today—

Flames shot into the sky.

The flames swirled like a sea, within which suddenly appeared the phantom of a towering fire sycamore tree, its branches and leaves outstretched, its flames drooping, seemingly a symbol of rebirth.

That vitality and fiery intent intertwined to form patterns on the Great Dao, soaring straight into the sky.

On the square, the crowd looked on with burning eyes.

Xia Chengdao's chest rose and fell slightly, and a glint of fire flashed in his eyes.

Only Xia Daoming remained calm, gazing thoughtfully at the flames.

"No wonder Chi Que was able to attain the True Realm, and no wonder he wanted to find a husband for his youngest great-granddaughter and was willing to give his great-granddaughter's husband the opportunity to cultivate and comprehend the Dao in front of that withered tree!"

"After the last incident, this withered tree could no longer suppress its remaining vitality. Instead, like a dying person's final burst of energy, it unleashed its full power, revealing the profound mysteries of the fire path." "Chi Que must know that this clan's treasure doesn't have much time left, which is why he thought of forming an alliance with the powerful firebird bloodline. He even generously offered his son-in-law the opportunity to cultivate and comprehend the Dao in front of this withered tree. This is all for the sake of planning for the long-term prosperity of the Flame Sparrow Clan!"
-
Numerous seats have been set up around the square.

The main branch of the Lieyao Mountain clan resides in the center.

Guests from all sides lined up on both sides.

The Firebird faction forces from Xuan Yue Immortal State and several nearby states have almost all gathered together.

All the visiting immortals were invited to take a seat.

Xia Daoming and his two companions found a secluded spot to sit down.

When the three of the twelve immortals appeared together in a different location, it naturally caused a sensation.

But on this occasion, the Twelve True Immortals seemed quite ordinary, and no one paid much attention to them.

The sun gradually rose higher.

The sound of bells and chimes rang out.

Behind the peak of light, fiery clouds surged.

An elderly man dressed in a crimson-gold robe slowly walked through the air.

Behind him, a fiery feather phantom stretched out for thirty feet.

The atmosphere was deep and heavy.

It was none other than Chi Que, the patriarch of the Lieyao Mountain clan.

Golden Immortal of the Realm of Transformation.

The entire audience fell silent, rising to their feet to bow and pay their respects, even the Golden Immortals like Li Xuanxiao did not.

The True Immortal Realm is the third of the five realms of Golden Immortals, far surpassing the Golden Immortals of the Condensing Dao Realm who want to marry into the Lieyao Mountain.

Chi Que first bowed slightly to the Golden Immortals in return, then slowly swept his gaze across the surroundings, his voice rolling like thunder:
"You have come from afar, and my humble abode at Lieyao Mountain is truly honored."

"Today we are opening this altar for two purposes: first, to preach the doctrine, and second, to find a spouse."

"The rules for the marriage selection are very simple. The first test is a competition among the twelve True Immortals; the second test is a battle between the top three and my great-granddaughter, Chi Lingyao; the third test is a contest between the winner and a Golden Immortal. The outcome of this test is important, but it is not the final criterion. I will consider all aspects and make the final decision."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the square.

The twelve true immortals, in particular, all showed excitement in their eyes.

If we use the strength of the opponent as the standard, then with Golden Immortals like Li Xuanxiao participating, the Twelve True Immortals can basically all go home.

"when!"

The sound of bells and chimes rang out.

The square fell silent immediately.

"Guests are always welcome. Regardless of whether you ultimately become sons-in-law of my Lieyao Mountain, we cannot let you leave empty-handed. Now, I will begin to impart my teachings. Whether you can comprehend them depends on your own destiny!"

After saying this, Chi Que sat up straight, focusing his gaze on his nose and his mind, and slowly began to speak.

The sound of the Great Dao echoed, and the fire surged.

Everyone listened with bated breath.

Only Xia Daoming's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer.

What Chi Que spoke of was nothing more than superficial philosophical pronouncements.

The true essence of fire control was not mentioned at all.

But everyone still tried desperately to glean a few words from the vague rhetoric.

noon.

Chique ceased teaching.

A hint of disappointment flashed in everyone's eyes, but they all still stood up, bowed respectfully, and thanked them.

　That concludes today's update.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)