Chapter 547: Crossing the Immortal Tribulation, Little Qiongfeng [Large Cup]

The instant enemies appeared above the Duxian Sect, Li Changshou's Dao heart jolted. Something was amiss.

He immediately scattered his consciousness, deploying dozens of paper effigies to meet the incoming threats. But as these paper effigies rushed out from their hidden positions, the enemy suddenly unleashed a formidable magic artifact. At that moment, Li Changshou knew the situation was dire.

Were they targeting the Duxian Sect? Why? Was this another instance of "killing with a borrowed knife"?

Ostensibly, they were attacking the Shang tribe in the Southern Continent. But in reality, they were gradually luring him into this encirclement, then using qi refiners with sensitive identities to attack and overthrow the Duxian Sect, thereby provoking his rage?

This was an old tactic, but if his adversaries were ruthless enough to orchestrate a massacre at the Duxian Sect, then ensure the qi refiners involved destroyed their own primordial spirits to cut off all leads, it would create a significant rift between him and both the Chan and Jie Sects!

In an instant, Li Changshou considered the Western Sect. They might be trying to leverage this incident to force the Chan Sect into an alliance.

It was a blind spot! The blind spot directly beneath the lamp!

What they were truly aiming for today was *him*—Taibai Jinxing Li Chang Geng's base of operations! Yet, he had felt a sense of security because he'd hidden so many paper effigies, and his vigilance had momentarily relaxed after the Sect Master safely returned to the mountain gate!

If the friction between the Three Immortal Sects and the Carefree Immortal Sect was all part of the schemer's calculations, then... Given such thorough preparations, they wouldn't merely be aiming to break the Duxian Sect's protective mountain array. In such a scenario, what was the most likely objective?

To destroy the Duxian Sect using the Jie Sect's Immortal Sect, thereby creating a rift between him and the Jie Sect! The mastermind could be the Chan Sect, the Western Sect, or even the Heavenly Court—there were simply too many factions eager to see him break ties with the Jie Sect!

This was a consequence of his close relationship with Yun Xiao and his position as a primary orchestrator of the Great Tribulation...

There was no time for further thought. These ideas flashed through his mind like lightning. Behind Li Changshou, the Taiji Diagram abruptly solidified, his eyes blazed with blue-red light, and his long hair streamed wildly behind him!

The Xuanhuang Pagoda vibrated, releasing a hundred-zhang aura of profound yellow energy that completely blocked hundreds of incoming streams of light. The pagoda itself remained utterly still.

“Move!” Li Changshou roared softly, taking half a step forward. The shadows of Yin-Yang fish appeared beneath his feet, and as he firmly planted his step, ripples spread out across the cosmos in concentric circles, directly sweeping away numerous figures.

Upon seeing this, Daoist Wen Jing subtly frowned. Sensing the gravity of the situation, she inadvertently maneuvered to Li Changshou's side. While still striking with full force, and still unable to breach the Xuanhuang Pagoda, she ensured her magical attacks would not hinder Li Changshou's advance. However, she dared not directly issue such an order. The ferocious beasts accompanying her, meanwhile, exerted all their might from a distance, attempting to impede Li Changshou's movement. Even if they could only hold him for a few breaths, it seemed worth sacrificing half their lives. Daoist Wen Jing suddenly felt a tremor in her heart and instinctively distanced herself from Li Changshou.

Li Changshou took another step. This time, a wave of aquamarine ripples spread out from beneath his feet, completely engulfing dozens of primordial beasts.

Equilibrium of all things; yet, an intense killing intent.

Daoist Wen Jing's Dao heart trembled... *Maitreya*, she thought, *surely he wouldn't dare touch my Lord's original immortal sect?*

Amidst deafening explosions, the Duxian Sect's protective mountain array was shattered by several palm strikes.

Ling'e rushed from beneath the tree into the sky, peering through the layers of formations on Little Qiong Peak at the dozen or so dark figures plummeting towards the various peaks.

Golden Immortal aura!

In terms of discernment, Ling'e was far more astute than an ordinary Heavenly Immortal. She quickly ascertained that among the attacking immortals, six or seven were formidable Golden Immortal realm experts. She, who had been cultivating beneath a tree, had been startled earlier by a paper effigy flying out from Little Qiong Peak's alchemy chamber, only to watch it revert to its original form and fall limply. Senior Brother's paper effigy divine ability had been neutralized! This meant that all the paper effigies Senior Brother had concealed on Little Qiong Peak, and all the immortal power stored within them, were now utterly useless! And to make matters worse, Senior Brother's true form wasn't even on the mountain!

A roar from nearby. Xiong Lingli had already risen, watching the battle beyond the peak with concern.

The peak masters and elders of the Duxian Sect soared into the sky, hastily setting up simple formations, but a significant portion of them were repelled in their very first encounter.

A long cry echoed from the Duxian Hall, and Ji Wuyou, the Sect Master of Duxian Sect, emerged with his sword! From the direction of the Dao Repository Hall on Shattered Heaven Peak, a black Qilin, wreathed in dark flames, shot into the sky. It spewed forth a torrent of black fire, immediately drawing the attention of three or four Golden Immortal experts. But it wasn't enough, far from it.

The attacking shadows, with a single sword stroke, could cleave a mountain ridge; with a single palm, they could shatter a peak. A sweep of sword qi meant the tragic death of a dozen or more disciples, and the very summit of Elixir Cauldron Peak was directly pulverized! Another dark figure waved a sleeve, conjuring a sky-spanning black cloud. These were, in fact, countless venomous insects, spreading out towards every living being.

Disciples from various peaks were bewildered and helpless. True Immortals had already ascended to form defensive arrays, while the elders of the Hall of Mundane Affairs shouted for disciples from all peaks to take shelter underground... In mere moments, over a hundred disciples had already met their tragic end.

This... this was...

Ling'e froze, instinctively clenching her small fist. Because of Little Qiong Peak's unassuming nature, it had not yet been targeted.

At that moment, a sudden thought struck Ling'e. From her sleeve, she pulled out a palm-sized banner.

The Innate Spirit Treasure, the Banner of Fiery Light!

But just as she was about to cast the banner, Ling'e's small hand trembled, as if all strength had left her. Once the precious banner was revealed, Senior Brother's long-hidden origins would be exposed. The truth that Taibai Jinxing Li Chang Geng of the Heavenly Court was none other than Li Changshou, a disciple of the Duxian Sect of the Human School, would be completely revealed to the entire Primordial World.

With Senior Brother's origins exposed, years of meticulous disguise would be undone... Senior Brother... what would Senior Brother do?

Ling'e's Dao heart quivered, and she looked up again at the surrounding scenes of devastation! What would Senior Brother do...?

Ling'e's lips trembled faintly. In the span of a single breath, the confusion in her eyes remained, and her hand still shook. But she squeezed her eyes shut, and with a flick of her slender wrist, hurled the fiery red banner forward.

“Please, Senior! I'll take the blame with Senior Brother. At worst, if we can't be senior and junior siblings anymore, I'll just go find Master!”

The Banner of Fiery Light fluttered gently. A burst of flame suddenly flashed upon it, and the banner instantly vanished. Ling'e was taken aback. Had the banner run away?

Just then, a burst of fiery light erupted above Little Qiong Peak, like a burning scene played in reverse. A thousand-zhang-wide precious banner materialized in the sky above the peak! The banner's tail swayed gently, and a ten-thousand-zhang-diameter illusory projection of the banner rose into the air, instantly enveloping the nearest peaks to Little Qiong Peak!

Large swarms of venomous insects flew towards it, but spontaneously combusted a thousand zhang away from the banner's actual form. Incoming streams of light and chaotic sword qi were effortlessly deflected by the precious banner, leaving its surface without a single crease.

The Innate Four Directions Banners repel evil and are impervious to all magic! The Banner of Fiery Light can disrupt Yin-Yang and invert the Five Elements!

The Duxian Sect immortals were momentarily stunned, as were the dozen or so attacking immortals.

Flames surged on the banner, condensing into a hundred-zhang-tall ethereal figure of Ling'e. She held a precious vase, her brows furrowed in a stern expression, and softly called out to the figures charging everywhere:

“The Star Lord Taibai's dwelling is here! What petty scoundrels dare to cause trouble?! Duxian Sect disciples, heed Star Lord Taibai's command: immediately take shelter beneath this precious banner!”

While her first two sentences carried some force, the eyes of the dozen attackers all glowed with an eerie blue light. Ignoring her words, they began to specifically target disciples with weaker cultivation.

Ling'e's voice softened as she explained, “My cultivation is too low; I cannot use the precious banner to protect the entire Duxian Sect. Please forgive me.”

“Everyone, go to Little Qiong Peak!” Ji Wuyou, wielding his sword and battling two Golden Immortals, roared in a low voice. “Peak Masters and Elders, cover the disciples' retreat! You fiends, if you have any ability, come and fight me!”

No sooner had he spoken than four more dark figures lunged from various directions. Streams of light flashed, immortal radiance flickered, and the glow of divine abilities and magic treasures intensified!

Ji Wuyou held his longsword horizontally before his chest, while three broad swords materialized behind him. A cyan flame suddenly ignited on his forehead, instantly elevating his entire Dao Realm by a significant degree!

Burning his primordial spirit! *Two Qi Hidden in the Orifice, This Qi is Primordially Constant!* A divine ability! *Two Qi in the Orifice, the Hum-Character Technique!* “Hmph!”

The hum echoed like a thunderclap, a wisp of white smoke curling from Ji Wuyou's nostrils as invisible shockwaves rippled outwards! Incoming streams of light were sent tumbling back in disarray. The figures surging towards Ji Wuyou abruptly froze, their primordial spirits nearly jolted from their bodies, their blood and qi churning violently! Two of the weaker attacking Golden Immortals bowed their heads, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

“Hahahaha!” Ji Wuyou threw his head back and laughed heartily, forcefully suppressing the blood that had welled up to his throat. He declared loudly, “What kind of skill is it to bully disciples who have not yet attained immortality? I am Ji Wuyou, Sect Master of the Duxian Sect, a disciple of True Immortal Du'e from Kunlun Mountain, and I specifically invite all fellow Daoists to enlighten me with your prowess!”

Clang, clang-clang—Behind Ji Wuyou, three sword scabbards opened, and numerous slender flying swords swiftly darted out, encircling him.

Behold this immortal: Long hair danced in the wind, a blue robe imbued with the essence of Dao! His gaze swept over the peaks further from Little Qiong Peak, observing the figures hurriedly escaping underground and dashing through the forests. His eyes grew increasingly resolute.

“Come, fight!”

Consequently, two more dark figures assailed Ji Wuyou. Even though the previous six immortals had suffered the impact of the Hum-Character Technique, they now disregarded everything, activating their magic treasures and unleashing divine abilities.

Ji Wuyou's figure shot into the sky, drawing half of his formidable enemies as far away from the ground as possible. The flame on his forehead intensified, and countless flying swords whistled forth, barely fending off the assaults of seven or eight individuals! A Qilin's furious roar suddenly erupted nearby. Elder Qiling, releasing the elemental power that had suppressed his injuries, underwent a sudden surge in size, barely managing to hold back two or three Golden Immortals...

Yet, at this moment, three or four of the attacking immortals continued to relentlessly slaughter disciples across the peaks. Dozens of deacons and elders had already fallen, and two to three hundred more disciples were effortlessly crushed by the enemy. Ji Wuyou observed this, searing it into his heart, yet outwardly he maintained a façade of composure, 'calmly' fending off the surrounding assaults.

*Two Qi Hidden in the Orifice, This Qi is Primordially Constant!* “Hmph!”

The nearest Golden Immortals bowed their heads, spitting blood, their primordial spirits heavily damaged. Meanwhile, several stronger Golden Immortals seized the moment to directly assault Ji Wuyou. They had discerned that Ji Wuyou was merely feigning strength, using a primordial spirit-burning technique to temporarily elevate his Dao Realm. He was clearly risking severe post-battle injuries to delay them here. Though potent, this 'Hum' technique wounded the caster before the target!

Seeing the ferocious enemy, Ji Wuyou no longer bothered to suppress his injuries. A few drops of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth as flying swords danced about him.

Suddenly, sounds echoed from below...

“Sect Master! Sect Master, we are not worth it!” An elder True Immortal from within the sect knelt at the edge of the forest. “You have achieved the Golden Immortal path of longevity. We are merely idle immortals with limited lifespans. Please, Sect Master, quickly take shelter beneath the banner!” From the nearby woods, several elderly figures rushed out, kneeling and crying out, “Please, Sect Master, quickly take shelter beneath the banner!”

Ji Wuyou subtly frowned, yet his composed voice echoed across the area as he controlled his multitude of swords to dance wildly in the air. “There is no 'worth it' or 'not worth it.' All who enter my sect are my disciples. Now, go quickly, and do not betray Changshou's and Ling'e's intentions.”

The Grand Elder who had once wished to take Ling'e as a disciple suddenly charged towards one of the Golden Immortals. Her body was enveloped in a faint glow, and the spirit treasure in her hand was flung forth, only to shatter directly before the enemy, catching him off guard! The female elder turned her head and roared, “Those with not much lifespan left, step forward!”

“I, too, have but a few centuries left to live! All of you, step aside!”

“Many thanks, Changshou and Ling'e, many thanks, Star Lord Taibai!”

“Changshou is actually Taibai Jinxing… Hahahaha! My Duxian Sect disciple, Changshou, is none other than the Heavenly Court's Taibai Jinxing! My life is complete!”

Amidst cries and shouts, elderly figures with white hair surged forward, throwing themselves at the enemy Golden Immortals who were indiscriminately slaughtering disciples, and at those besieging Ji Wuyou and the black Qilin; meanwhile, True Immortals unable to engage in direct combat shielded the weaker disciples beneath them, rapidly fleeing towards the vicinity of Little Qiong Peak.

Suddenly, a flash of cyan light erupted from Little Qiong Peak. A hundred-zhang-long illusory giant sword swiftly slashed forth, aimed at one of the Golden Immortal experts besieging Ji Wuyou! The opponent reacted with astonishing speed. The instant he perceived danger, his figure immediately fled backward. Even so, the illusory giant sword narrowly grazed the Golden Immortal, completely obliterating one of his arms. The individual shrieked, unable to maintain the dark aura around him, revealing an aged, deathly pale face.

In an instant, the gaze of all the attacking Golden Immortals shifted behind the Banner of Fiery Light...

Above Little Qiong Peak's spirit lake, Ling'e stood with closed eyes, her toes barely touching the water's surface. Dense Five Elements power swirled around her. Her left hand held a formation-guiding jade talisman, while her right formed a sword-finger, slowly drawing upon the power of the Great Five Elements Formation. Senior Brother's formations were rooted in the concept of 'balance' – the balance of the Five Elements, the balance of Yin and Yang. They unleashed power capable of slaying Golden Immortals by deliberately creating a momentary imbalance. Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth – the Five Elements, freely at her disposal.

With her immortal consciousness, she locked on, condensing sword qi... predicting Sect Master Ji Wuyou's position, aiming to strike slightly away from him, to complement his 'Hum' divine ability. Suddenly, a cold snort echoed in the air, and the figures besieging Ji Wuyou paused once more. Ling'e's Dao heart quivered, but she forcefully stabilized herself, comprehending the limitless cosmos and experiencing the profound spontaneity of her mind. She raised her sword-finger forward and gave a gentle tremor!

From the outer perimeter of Little Qiong Peak, a hundred-zhang-long sword qi pierced through the air, effortlessly passing through the illusory projection of the Banner of Fiery Light, instantly obliterating a Golden Immortal who had been stunned by the Hum-Character Technique!

Not enough. Still not enough.

Ling'e gently pursed her lips, tightening her grip on the jade talisman. She let out a soft cry, “Aunt Lingli, please receive our fellow disciples coming to Little Qiong Peak!”

Xiong Lingli, who had been standing guard nearby, using her massive body as part of Little Qiong Peak's defensive formation, immediately assented. Though brimming with combat prowess, she couldn't fly or break through, trapped within the confines of the Banner of Fiery Light. (To allow people into Little Qiong Peak, Ling'e had been forced to deactivate the outer isolation array, relying solely on the precious banner for cover and defense.)

At this moment, Ling'e felt her immortal energy being rapidly drained by the jade talisman. She bit down on the spiritual elixir in her mouth to maintain a steady flow of immortal power.

Rumble—Little Qiong Peak trembled faintly. Fish-scale ripples spread across the spirit lake, and a circle of cracks appeared at the base of the entire small mountain. Seemingly effortlessly, it began to levitate! Within Little Qiong Peak, individual formation cores burst forth with brilliant light. The entire grand formation was instantly enveloped in spiritual energy, and various secret locations, such as the alchemy chamber, the bean cultivation yard, the spirit beast garden, and the card room, were all protected by smaller defensive arrays. Reflected in the spirit lake, Ling'e was now wreathed in immortal light. Though her small face was pale, she gritted her teeth and endured.

Little Qiong Peak ascended a hundred zhang, with the Banner of Fiery Light fluttering alongside it. The banner dissolved the sky full of venomous insects and could now protect more Duxian Sect disciples. Ling'e steered Little Qiong Peak to slowly approach Shattered Heaven Peak. Streams of light containing fleeing disciples flew from all directions, protected by the Banner of Fiery Light, thus preserving their lives. The enemy seemed intent solely on slaughter, now wielding their weapons like madmen. Some even destroyed mountains directly, leaving no survivors!

‘Sect Master!’ In a thicket on Shattered Heaven Peak, Li Jing held a precious sword, frowning as he watched the battle in the sky. He had initially considered making a risky escape, but he turned his head to look at the dozens of figures hiding behind him within the formation, and rationally chose to wait on Shattered Heaven Peak. Firstly, Shattered Heaven Peak possessed its own protective grand array. Secondly, the enemy had not yet turned their destructive gaze upon this location.

At this moment, still a True Immortal, he could only grip the hilt of his sword, filled with righteous indignation. He longed to rush forward and self-destruct his primordial spirit, yet he knew his meager strength meant even self-immolation would cause little harm to the enemy.

Dao Realm, cultivation, divine abilities!

Li Jing secretly resolved to find a renowned master by any means necessary, to break through his Dao Realm, so that in moments like these, he would not be reduced to a coward—

Whoosh—a streak of light shot towards him. Li Jing reacted too slowly, and the dagger embedded within the light struck the luminous barrier behind him. The formation's luminous barrier shattered with a 'ping,' deflecting the streak of light. But then it struck again.

Without a moment's hesitation, Li Jing, sword in hand, leaped in front of the dozen young disciples behind him. The spirit treasure longsword in his grasp erupted with brilliant light, casting an aura of majesty upon his stern face. The spirit treasure dagger struck again, this time seemingly aiming to pierce the primordial spirits of the young disciples. But a flash of sword light from the side, and his longsword accurately deflected the dagger. Li Jing's figure was flung back by the immortal light released from the collision. The Golden Immortal, who had been merely distracted, controlling the dagger from a distance, now frowned and directed his full attention towards him. In those cold eyes, there was a hint of mockery.

The dagger lunged at Li Jing's neck. Li Jing's eyes narrowed as the Golden Immortal's overwhelming aura bore down on him, causing his primordial spirit to tremble and his body to freeze. His Dao body almost instinctively ceased all resistance! But from the corner of his eye, he suddenly glimpsed the sky, where...

Ji Wuyou, with both hands forming sword-fingers, his ethereal form wreathed in a wisp of grey mist, was surrounded by swirling sword shadows, desperately fending off numerous powerful enemies.

If the Sect Master can endure this, how can a disciple be afraid?! If Senior Brother can fight like this, how can a junior brother not fight?! I am Li Jing!

His precious sword hummed, and immortal power surged forth. Li Jing's face contorted, disregarding the damage to his Dao body, as he fully mobilized and unleashed his immortal energy. He took a bow-front stance, gripping the sword with both hands. His cultivation was already insufficient; he could not afford a single moment of hesitation!

Clink—boom! First, a crisp collision, then an explosion of immortal power. Li Jing was directly flung away, his precious sword cracking like a spiderweb, but the dagger was deflected once more. Li Jing spat blood in mid-air, his skin fissured across his entire body. As he landed, blood seeped from every pore, staining his carelessly tied hair crimson.

At the same instant, high in the sky: “Are you not afraid of the reckoning of my Human School?!”

Ji Wuyou roared in anger, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. The flame on his forehead intensified further. But he remained besieged, completely unable to do anything more.

How regrettable, that the Hum-Character Technique never reached full mastery. How regrettable, that he was never destined to be a figure renowned in the Primordial World, always being compared to other Golden Immortals. Alas, it was truly unfortunate for the Duxian Sect to have a Sect Master as unremarkable as himself.

“Hahahaha!” Ji Wuyou threw his head back and laughed. A hundred-zhang-long sword qi slashed past a hundred zhang from his side, forcing a Golden Immortal to retreat. Then, a bluestone tens of zhang in diameter, wreathed in raging