The First Venerable of All Paths

"Brother Fang Xuan, I'm entrusting Manman to you."

Lu Zhao looked at Fang Xuan and said in a low voice, "Take good care of her."

"good!"

Fang Xuan nodded seriously.

"Lu Ling, once inside, everything will be under the guidance of Master Xuantian."

Lu Zhao looked at Lu Ling, his tone serious, and said, "Did you remember?"

"Understood, patriarch."

Lu Ling nodded obediently.

Seeing this, Lu Zhao nodded in satisfaction, took Manman's hand, and led Fang Xuan toward the entrance of the blood pool.

"Although the Lu family's blood pool can help martial artists strengthen their blood essence, solidify their foundation, and increase the probability of breaking through to the Divine Intent Realm, it is also accompanied by dangers."

Lu Zhao explained softly, "But don't worry, Lu Ling knows where you can't go. You can ask her for advice later."

Fang Xuan nodded, indicating that he understood.

"Go inside, and be careful."

Lu Zhao gestured to Manman, who stepped forward and took Fang Xuan's hand.

Watching the three enter the crimson vortex, Lu Zhao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Don't worry, Auntie, I'll take good care of Manman."

At this moment, Lu Ren walked over and smiled calmly at Lu Zhao.

"After all, she's kind of my sister."

Behind Lu Ren were two martial artists in their early thirties, with strong and robust physiques and powerful blood and energy.

Clearly, he has achieved remarkable success in terms of physical strength.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Nephew Lu Ren."

Lu Zhao did not confront Lu Ren as he had before, but his tone was not exactly gentle either.

"Hurry up and go in, the entrance to the blood pool won't last long."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ren's smile deepened.

He first gave Lu Fa a meaningful look, then took a step forward and went straight into the entrance of the blood pool.

The crimson vortex flickered slightly before closing tightly.

"Alright, it will take some time for the blood pool to reopen, so everyone should go and do their jobs."

Once the blood pool was closed, Lu Zhao gave a casual order, and the others left one after another.

However, Lu Fa did not leave.

"Is there anything else the Grand Elder needs to do here?"

Lu Zhao glanced at Lu Fa, his tone carrying a hint of reminder.

"Master, before the young master went in, he instructed me to wait here."

Lu Fa smiled slightly and said, "I'll also protect the elders while I'm at it."

"You're quite thoughtful."

Lu Zhao nodded slightly and said, "In that case, let's stay."

"Shouldn't the master go home and rest first?"

Taking advantage of the situation, Lu Fa said, "I will keep an eye on things here for you."

"I dare not trouble the Grand Elder."

Lu Zhao politely declined, saying, "This is Manman's first time entering the Blood Pool, so as her mother, I naturally want to wait for her to come out myself."

"The hearts of parents are truly full of love and worry."

Lu Fa let out a sigh.

The two appeared to be chatting and laughing, but they were actually fully aware of what was going on.

The opening of the blood pool signifies that the internal strife within the Lu family can no longer be concealed, and a bloody battle is inevitable.

Both sides are waiting, waiting for an opportunity.

"Miss, it's windy here. Why don't you sit in the pavilion and wait?"

Granny Yin came over and whispered, "The Blood Pool will reopen in as little as seven days or as long as a month. Your body can't withstand that."

Lu Zhao did not refuse and moved into the pavilion.

Inside, soft couches, tea, and snacks have already been set up.

Even with Chunxing and Qiuju serving him, Lu Zhao looked exhausted and showed no signs of relaxation.

"Master, are you worried about Miss Manman?"

Chunxing massaged Lu Zhao's shoulders and whispered, "With Master Xuantian and Miss Lu Ling here, Miss Manman will be fine."

"Yes, Master."

Qiuju also said, "Miss Manman is clever and quick-witted, so you don't need to worry too much."

Lu Zhao shook his head and casually asked, "What did Lu Fei say?"

Lu Fei is Lu Ling's brother.

Lu Zhao originally intended to have him accompany him into the blood pool to protect Manman.

But he was suddenly injured and recommended Lu Ling again.

"The investigation has been completed."

Chunxing glanced around and, seeing that no one was watching, whispered in Lu Zhao's ear, "Master, the servants in my young master Lu Fei's courtyard said that he wasn't injured outside. It seems that he was practicing some kind of secret technique and was too eager for quick success, which caused him to suffer a backlash."

"That's it?"

"That's all."

Chunxing pouted and said, "Anyway, no matter how I inquire, those servants don't know much. Besides, Young Master Lu Fei is in seclusion healing his injuries, so we can't find out any information."

Lu Zhaofeng narrowed her eyes, her jade-like fingers gently tapping the teacup, as if she were lost in thought.

"Master, I have a feeling that something is not right here."

It was Qiuju who spoke.

Tell me about it.

Qiuju analyzed earnestly, "Patriarch, you see, it was decided long ago to let Young Master Lu Fei enter the Blood Pool to protect Miss. Logically speaking, even if Young Master Lu Fei wanted to improve his strength, he would definitely be careful and wouldn't get injured while practicing some kind of secret technique."

"This reason seems plausible, but it is actually completely untenable."

Qiuju continued, "Most importantly, the timing is too coincidental. This servant believes, believes..."

"Do you think he did it on purpose?"

Lu Zhao glanced at Qiu Ju.

"This servant wouldn't dare!"

Qiuju waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "This servant was just saying it casually, I..."

You have a point.

Lu Zhao said, "Continue to send people to keep an eye on things, so as not to arouse suspicion."

"yes!"

"Oh, right, Chunxing."

Lu Zhao reclined on the soft couch and said softly, "Have everyone prepare. As soon as we have news, we'll act immediately!"

Chunxing nodded, twisted her body, and disappeared into the void like a shadow.

After Chunxing left, Lu Zhao looked at the entrance to the blood pool and murmured softly.

"Brother Fang Xuan, your sister is waiting for your news."

......

"Is this the Lu family's blood pool? It's not quite what I imagined."

Looking at the vibrant, fragrant valley before him, Fang Xuan was taken aback.

"The Lu Family Blood Pool is just a general term; in reality, it is a small secret realm."

Lu Ling said dismissively, "It's normal that Daoist Xuantian doesn't know."

"I see."

Fang Xuan looked at Lu Ling and said, "Patriarch Lu said you know more about the Blood Pool, so you can lead the way from here on out."

"I wouldn't dare."

Lu Ling pouted and said, "The patriarch said that I should follow Master Xuantian's orders, so how could I dare to make decisions on my own?"

Fang Xuan frowned.

"Miss Lu Ling, I have a question for you."

"you say."

Lu Ling's tone was somewhat impatient.

Fang Xuan asked, "Have we met before?"

"How could someone as insignificant as me know a Taoist master like Master Xuantian?"

Lu Ling turned her head to the side, refusing to look at Fang Xuan.

"So, do I have a grudge against Miss Lu Ling?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Ling's expression froze, and she stammered, "No, no."

"Since we don't know each other and have no grudge against each other, why are you so hostile towards me?"

Fang Xuan, holding Manman's hand and protecting her behind him, stared at Lu Ling and said indifferently, "Or are you taking Patriarch Lu's words to heart?"

"you......"

Lu Ling hesitated for a moment, then blushed and protested, "Don't talk nonsense, I didn't."

"Since there isn't one, then answer whatever I ask."

Fang Xuan flicked his whisk and said, "If you dare to have any wicked thoughts, don't blame me for being impolite to you."

"Yes, yes, please speak, Taoist priest."

Lu Ling clenched her hands, not daring to look Fang Xuan in the eye.

"lead the way."

Fang Xuan said, "Go to the Blood Pool."

"it is good."

Lu Ling forced an awkward smile and said, "Daoist Master, come with me."

"Oh, right, Manman."

Lu Ling said, "Do you want me to hold your hand? Don't trouble Master Xuantian."

"Thank you, Sister Lu Ling."

Manman held onto Fang Xuan's hand tightly and said in a clear voice, "Mother said that I should just stay with Brother Xuantian."

"Oh well."

Lu Ling's smile froze again, and she walked ahead to lead the way.

Fang Xuan looked at Manman, but unexpectedly, the little girl winked at him gently.

Fang Xuan's eyes flashed.

This little girl, could she know something?

"The Blood Pool is in the center of the secret realm. It takes at most two hours to get there by air from here."

On the way, Lu Ling explained, "But walking would take at least half a day, and we also need to consider avoiding some dangerous areas."

"It's alright."

Fang Xuan said, "Anyway, we're not in a hurry, so we can take our time. Safety first."

"Master Xuantian is right."

Lu Ling said, "This secret realm not only contains some powerful formations left over from ancient times, but also some powerful demonic beasts."

"The most deadly thing is that these demonic beasts living in the Blood Pool Secret Realm are not suppressed, but those who enter, even if they are experts in the Divine Intent Realm, will have their cultivation suppressed to the Condensation Realm."

Lu Ling said, "So if we encounter those demonic beasts at the Demon Emperor level, we should avoid them if possible, and absolutely avoid conflict with them."

Fang Xuan frowned and asked, "Are there many demonic beasts at the Demon Emperor level here?"

"Not many, only one."

Lu Ling said, "But this demon king beast is extremely powerful and beyond our ability to deal with."

"However, Master Xuantian need not worry."

Lu Ling added, "This demon king beast basically likes to stay in its lair and sleep. As long as you don't step into its territory, you'll be fine."

"On the contrary, those dangerous areas and abandoned formations are the most difficult to defend against."

Fang Xuan nodded and said, "It seems that Patriarch Lu made a wise choice by sending Miss Lu Ling."

"You flatter me, Daoist Master."

Lu Ling said apologetically, "I can only lead the way. If we encounter any danger, we'll have to rely on the Taoist priest."

"Haha, it's no big deal."

Fang Xuan laughed and said, "If you really encounter danger, just hide behind me, and leave the rest to me."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ling simply smiled and continued leading the way.

About half an hour later, the three of them finally emerged from the valley.

"Master, you must follow my steps closely from now on, and don't go astray."

Lu Ling said, "Because the path below contains traces of an ancient formation. If we take the wrong turn and trigger the formation, we will all die here."

"Thank you for your hard work, Miss Lu Ling."

Fang Xuan looked at Lu Ling, a slight smile curving his lips, but he held onto Manman tightly.

As they walked, a thick fog gradually rose around them.

The fog rolled in, obscuring the view.

Lu Ling's figure became indistinct.

"Taoist priest, be careful. This is a soul-disturbing mist that can affect the soul and interfere with vision."

Lu Ling walked through the mist and spoke in a solemn tone.

"If her spirit is weak, she may experience hallucinations. Please make sure to take good care of Manman."

After receiving no response for a while, Lu Ling turned her head but did not see Fang Xuan and Manman. She was immediately startled.

"Oh no!"