The Witch Clan exists in the Western Continent, having long become its sole overlord.

  Born with powerful flesh and a warlike nature, even the youngest Witch Clan children can chase ferocious beasts across the land.

  When it comes to combat, the Witch Clan fears no one.

  Thus, when Wu Qi saw one of his own great shamans being chased by a blazing sun, rage instantly ignited.

  In a flash, he crossed the distance, erupting with shocking blood qi.

  Golden Crow Demon Saint was equally stunned. He never expected such a race to exist in the far west—possessing Xuan Immortal-level combat power!

  Yet Golden Crow Demon Saint was fearless. Zhu Long’s sermon had benefited him greatly—his strength had slightly advanced. Combined with his unique bloodline, he was no longer the fledgling Xuan Immortal he once was.

  Boom!

  Golden flames swept outward. A resounding cry echoed from the Golden Crow’s beak.

  Transforming into human form, spear in hand, he clashed with Wu Qi, whose body blazed with Golden Crow Divine Fire.

  The earth shook, the vast sea boiled.

  This was a battle between a Witch Clan Witch King and a Demon Clan Demon Saint.

  The great shaman, panting heavily, looked at Golden Crow Demon Saint with eyes full of awe and fear.

  A Witch King-level powerhouse!

  He was truly fortunate to have survived.

  “Must hurry back and inform the other Witch Kings!”

  With this thought, the great shaman turned and fled in disgrace.

  Meanwhile, Wu Qi and Golden Crow’s battle showed no sign of stopping.

  The sky burned crimson. Wu Qi’s power was terrifying—Witch Clan bloodline, honed by Overlord and Tang Yimo, made him far from weak.

  Golden Crow was equally formidable—his powerful demon bloodline granting immense strength.

  “Kill my Demon Clan’s great demon—regardless of your race—today you must die!”

  Golden Crow roared in fury.

  Golden flames scorched the earth, cracking the soil.

  Wu Qi grew more excited the longer they fought—red light surging, qi like a dragon.

  “Fine bird! Be my mount, and live!”

  Wu Qi bellowed.

  Blood qi roiled. He uprooted a mountain peak and hurled it at Golden Crow.

  Golden Crow swung his spear, shattering the peak.

  Their verbal sparring fueled the battle’s ferocity.

  For a time, they fought evenly.

  The clash moved to the vast sea, then to the sky—each move threatening to overturn the land.

  Finally, Wu Qi unleashed his innate divine ability—speed reaching extreme limits.

  As though piercing space itself.

  Golden Crow was suppressed—golden feathers scattering. Yet Golden Crow was no weakling—sun divine fire blazed, sealing Wu Qi’s retreat.

  Wu Qi’s skin charred—face blackened.

  The two fought fiercely.

  Meanwhile, the other Witch Kings—alerted by the great shaman—rushed from their tribes.

  Boom!

  Terrifying flames soared. Zhu Yan glared furiously.

  One by one, Witch Kings’ auras erupted—like rainbows piercing the sun—changing the color of heaven and earth.

  Golden Crow sensed it—expression changing drastically.

  So many Xuan Immortal-level powerhouses?

  What kind of race was this?

  The Five Phoenixes—besides humans—had such a powerful race?

  This was Golden Crow’s first discovery of such a secret.

  Struggling even against Wu Qi alone—now facing so many Witch Kings—Golden Crow dared not linger.

  In an instant, he streaked across the sky—wings blazing—fleeing toward the Demon Clan.

  Like a sun, trailing scorching light.

  “Don’t run!”

  “Be my mount!”

  Wu Qi—unwilling to let go—had taken a liking to Golden Crow during the fight.

  Thus, Wu Qi charged—exploding with extreme speed—like traversing space.

  However…

  Golden Crow transformed into blazing sun—also extreme speed.

  No matter how Wu Qi chased—he always fell just short.

  The other Witch Kings did not pursue—there was no need. Wu Qi was strong enough—not easily suppressed.

  Over the vast sea—Wu Qi pursued wildly—Golden Crow soared above.

  From afar—it looked like chasing the sun—quite dazzling.

  When Golden Crow reached the Demon Clan Court—

  Terrifying auras erupted instantly.

  One by one—demons stood on the city walls—seeing their Demon Saint chased by a ferocious figure.

  Boom!

  From the Demon Clan city—auras surged skyward.

  One by one—great demons rushed from the walls.

  Yet under Golden Crow’s command—all retreated to defend the city.

  Wu Qi—seeing the Demon Clan city—eyes narrowed. The next moment—battle intent boiled.

  He had worried the Witch Clan tribesmen grew too slowly—lacking combat—blood cooling.

  Now—seeing the Demon Clan Court—he grew excited.

  Perhaps—the Witch Clan warriors could finally find a place to fight and train!

  “This Demon Saint-level powerhouse!”

  On the Demon Clan walls—great demons felt dread.

  They never expected such Xuan Immortal-level existences in the far west!

  A human powerhouse?

  Didn’t seem like it!

  Golden Crow and Wu Qi clashed before the Demon Clan city—the shockwaves cracking the walls.

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  The Demon Monkey King soon sensed it—arriving as a streak of light.

  Iron staff sweeping—joining the battle.

  With Demon Monkey King and Golden Crow—Wu Qi quickly felt pressure.

  After all—neither was a weak Xuan Immortal. Together—they turned the tide.

  Knowing he couldn’t defeat Golden Crow—Wu Qi retreated.

  Golden Crow landed on the city walls—coldly watching Wu Qi leave—vaguely sensing immense pressure looming over the Demon Clan.

  “What kind of being is this?”

  Demon Monkey King’s expression grave.

  “They call themselves ‘Witch’—possess innate divine abilities—very strong.”

  Golden Crow said.

  “One of our great demons—killed—shamefully eaten as food.”

  Golden Crow’s words made Demon Monkey King’s gaze sharpen.

  Other great demons roared in fury.

  Humans and demons had warred for endless years—yet never ate each other. Humans sought demon crystals.

  Now—a race emerged—treating demon consumption as purpose.

  How could the Demon Clan not feel threatened?

  Golden Crow raised his head—seeing the Demon Clan’s fortune begin to waver.

  “Fortune turbulent… this Witch Clan’s appearance will surely bring great calamity to the Demon Clan.”

  “Blessing or disaster—impossible to predict.”

  “Moreover—this race seems not to cultivate fortune—unaffected by it…”

  Golden Crow said gravely.

  Demon Monkey King stared into the distance.

  “Furthermore—this clan has eleven more Xuan Immortal-level powerhouses. The Demon Clan Court… may not withstand them.”

  Golden Crow’s words shocked Demon Monkey King.

  Eleven more powerhouses like Wu Qi?

  “Is this race… no weaker than the human cultivation world?”

  Demon Monkey King was stunned. When did such a powerful tribe quietly emerge in the far west?

  After Wu Qi retreated—soon five more Witch Kings arrived.

  The remaining Witch Kings guarded their tribes.

  Wu Qi—delighted—gathered five Witch Kings’ power—attacking the Demon Clan Court again.

  As dawn’s light—shattered gold across the vast sea’s horizon—

  Six Witch Kings stepped across the sea—arriving at the Demon Clan Court.

  On the Demon Clan walls—the horn sounded.

  The prepared Demon Clan army mobilized—surrounding the six Witch Kings.

  Golden Crow Demon Saint and Demon Monkey King acted together.

  This battle—utterly brutal.

  The Demon Clan city ran red with blood—many demons dying before its gates.

  The six Witch Kings’ power was terrifying.

  Wu Qi and the six Witch Kings—stimulated by blood—grew frenzied—even entering berserk states.

  Golden Crow—heavily injured—detonated sun divine fire—repelling the Witch Kings.

  But the Witch Kings only temporarily withdrew—soon returning.

  Under Wu Qi’s lead—the six Witch Kings charged deep into the Demon Clan Court’s palaces.

  Golden Crow Demon Saint—gravely wounded—coldly watched them.

  Golden Crow fervently sought Zhu Long’s aid.

  As her disciple—under his sincerity—Zhu Long soon sensed it.

  For Zhu Long—the current Demon Clan provided her vast fortune. How could she watch it perish?

  Moreover—Father arranged for her to protect the Demon Clan. Naturally—she could not allow its destruction.

  Thus—

  Just as the six Witch Kings surged with unstoppable momentum—

  Zhu Long’s statue radiated light.

  Soon—her phantom appeared above the statue.

  “Leave at once.”

  Zhu Long said calmly.

  The Witch Kings—except Heavenly Witch—feared nothing. Naturally—they had no fear of Zhu Long.

  Witch Clan warlike—with an axe—they would even split the heavens.

  Thus—the Witch Kings roared—charging Zhu Long.

  Golden Crow’s face flushed with rage. These Witch Kings… utter barbarians—complete idiots!

  Zhu Long’s phantom remained calm.

  Flicking her finger lightly.

  Instantly—wind and cloud shifted. Heaven and earth seemed to dim before the Witch Kings.

  The six Witch Kings—blown by gale—like balls—were sent flying from the Demon Clan Court—crashing into the western vast sea—pressed to the seabed by immense pressure.

  The Demon Clan’s crisis—temporarily resolved.

  But this battle—was immense humiliation for the Demon Clan.

  Their high-end combat power—still too weak.

  After this battle—

  The Witch Clan and Demon Clan became irreconcilable enemies.

  The Demon Clan shifted city defenses from the human border—stationing them westward—guarding against the Witch Clan.

  After being flicked away by Zhu Long—

  The Witch Kings dared not easily enter the Demon Clan Court. One flick from Zhu Long—next time—she might swat them like flies.

  They were warlike—but not foolish.

  “That’s Heavenly Witch-level powerhouse! Terrifying! Cannot provoke!”

  Wu Qi said seriously.

  Soon—the Witch Clan tribe warriors and great shamans gathered—twelve tribes forming an expedition army—attacking the Demon Clan.

  Demon Clan and Witch Clan clashed on the plains—Demon Clan fortune rumbling.

  Demon Monkey King—iron staff in hand—left the Demon Clan—heading to human lands.

  Soon—using his connections—he invited several human Xuan Immortals.

  Overlord and Tang Yimo—currently in seclusion—were alerted.

  When Demon Monkey King invited them—they were stunned.

  From Demon Monkey King’s description—they quickly determined—these idiots were the twelve Witch Kings.

  In the end—Overlord and Tang Yimo refused Demon Monkey King. Though Demon Clan fortune turbulent and tempting—

  They had ties with the twelve Witch Kings—karmic bonds. Even participating—gaining fortune would be difficult. Better cultivate in human lands.

  They would not wade into this mess.

  Demon Monkey King invited many human Xuan Immortals to guard—greatly affecting Demon Clan fortune.

  After all—inviting human Xuan Immortals required cost.

  But without human Xuan Immortals—the Demon Clan alone could not resist the Witch Clan’s twelve Xuan Immortal-level powerhouses.

  Du Longyang, Ye Shoudao, and other human Xuan Immortals with Demon Clan ties—also joined.

  Helping the Demon Clan weather the crisis.

  The Demon Clan-Witch Clan war affected not only Demon Clan fortune—but worldly fortune.

  When fortune turbulent—prodigies emerge.

  Soon—the Demon Clan’s special bloodline great demons—gained fortune in battle—proving Demon Saint.

  The Demon Clan gradually caught its breath.

  In battle with the Witch Clan—they slowly gained resistance.

  …

  Origin Lake—Origin Island.

  Regarding the Witch Clan-Demon Clan war—Lu did not intervene.

  The Five Phoenixes could not lack conflict. Without competition—no development. Mutual rivalry stimulated rapid growth.

  Chaos breeds heroes—battle births powerhouses. This had always been Lu’s philosophy.

  Moreover—without conflict—fortune stagnant—birthing Xuan Immortals or Golden Immortals would be too difficult.

  This was why Lu did not stop the fighting.

  The effect was clear. During the war—both Witch and Demon Clans’ overall strength grew visibly.

  In contrast—humanity gradually fell behind. Over the years—human Xuan Immortals were few—because humanity had grown too comfortable.

  Thinking this—Lu fell into contemplation.

  “A race’s development—if lacking ‘tribulation’—may stagnate. Previous beast calamity, later imperial blood calamity—these brought humanity great opportunities—birthing many Xuan Immortal powerhouses.”

  “Now—the nine heavens holy clans that once pressured humanity have settled. Humanity has lost pressure… perhaps—some great tribulations need arranging.”

  Lu thought.

  Shouting about birthing new Golden Immortals—but how?

  Without sufficient opportunity—how to birth them?

  Like heavenly tribulation—designed to temper cultivators. Surviving brings great harvest—even transcendence.

  For the entire world—entire race—the same.

  Surviving tribulations—brings strength.

  Thus—arranging some great tribulations was necessary.

  Entering the Transmission Platform—he began deducing with it.

  How to arrange “tribulations” to advance the Five Phoenixes’ development—crucial for its future.

  …

  While Lu deduced “tribulations”—

  While the Witch Clan and Demon Clan warred—

  On the boundless vast sea—

  Gu Mangran sat on his solitary bamboo raft—drifting endlessly—as though one with heaven and earth.

  Drifting with the waves—feeling the world’s changes—gaining faint insights.

  After drifting countless days—

  Gu Mangran’s divine soul sensed beings spying on him.

  This left him both astonished and curious.

  Though the vast sea teemed with life—most knew to avoid danger.

  As a Saint—his aura naturally kept sea creatures away.

  Yet now—someone spied—even planned to attack.

  Which bold sea creature dared?

  Gu Mangran’s divine soul swept over.

  Boom!

  Sea water exploded—water prisons rising.

  Within—captive humanoid creatures.

  “Hm? What race is this? Such a race in the vast sea?”

  Gu Mangran was puzzled.

  He dispersed the bubbles.

  The humanoid creatures—immediately kowtowed to Gu Mangran.

  Seeking to learn cultivation from him.

  “Sea Clan?”

  “When did such a race appear in the vast sea?”

  Gu Mangran laughed.

  With a thought—he flung the sea creatures far away—continuing to drift on his raft.

  Yet the sea creatures—thrown away—refused to give up—swimming back—begging to learn cultivation.

  Gu Mangran—ruthless—threw them away again and again.

  His heart was confused—where was the mood to teach sea creatures cultivation?

  After driving them off—he lay back on the raft.

  Yet the sea creatures persisted—unfazed by Gu Mangran’s terrifying aura—like a demon god.

  Gu Mangran froze.

  “Why aren’t you afraid?”

  “Why not give up? I drive you away again and again—yet you still follow?”

  Gu Mangran asked the sea creatures.

  A sea creature—gathering courage—spoke crisply.

  “You are a great powerhouse—stronger than us! Our instinct tells us—following you—we can learn great cultivation arts!”

  “Learning cultivation requires cost—we are prepared. But if fear makes us flee—we miss the chance. Even with willingness—we’d lack ability.”

  The crisp voice—like a heavy hammer—struck Gu Mangran’s heart.

  Making his confused mind gradually clear.

  Fleeing from fear—once missed—the chance is gone forever.

  What was Gu Mangran afraid of?

  He raised his head—sitting on the raft—gazing at the starry night sky—beautiful enough to intoxicate.

  This was the Five Phoenixes—a place that intoxicated him.

  “To understand truth—price must be paid. Such simple truth—even these newly intelligent beings understand—yet I remain confused?”

  Gu Mangran laughed.

  The Five Phoenixes or Ancient Emperor Hao—he could only choose one.

  Whichever he chose—price must be paid.

  Since so—he would prepare to pay the price—choose by heart—by instinct.

  Gu Mangran laughed.

  This laugh—felt like clouds parting—revealing clear sky.

  As though laying down a heavy burden.

  He looked at the sea creatures floating on the water—eyes full of longing.

  Gu Mangran said: “Wait for my return. If I return… I will teach you cultivation—how about it?”

  The sea creatures’ eyes brightened—nodding repeatedly.

  Gu Mangran laughed heartily—clutching the Chrysanthemum Divine Herb—standing on the bamboo raft for the first time.

  He felt an urge to sing at the sky.

  One step—

  Transforming into a streak of light—rushing beyond the Five Phoenixes.

  In the ancient tomb—

  Lu Changkong—studying divine herbs—paused—looking out the palace window—at Gu Mangran soaring into the clouds—smiling.

  Then—lowering his head—continuing his work.

  Gu Mangran rushed out of the Five Phoenix Continent—at extreme speed—soon exiting the void starry sky—plunging into the void abyss.

  The void abyss contained terrifying corrosive power.

  Yet he feared nothing.

  White robes turned blood-red—he crossed the void abyss.

  Hovering in the nine heavens.

  Raising his head—gazing at the sky—eyes blazing.

  He needed an answer. Since Ancient Emperor Hao lived—he would ask directly. Even if the price was heavy—to clarify his heart—he feared nothing.

  These little sea creatures understood—why should he remain confused?

  Boom!

  Blood robes whipped—Gu Mangran stared at the void.

  Blood qi rose like a crimson pillar—piercing the clouds.

  As though knocking on a gate.

  Or issuing a silent roar.

  “Emperor Hao—I know you live.”

  Gu Mangran’s eyes shone—blood robes fluttering—said.

  With his words—

  A faint rumble sounded.

  In the void—

  A light slowly emerged—then tore open the sky—forming a rift stretching endlessly.