Chapter 270-272 (Patreon)

270. Standoff

Outside the Immortal Mansion, deep under the sea.

When True Person Lu Feng withdrew from the formation, Wind Sovereign was seething with anger. He could only watch helplessly as the mansion's defensive formation closed, and it seemed that the Immortal Mansion was about to activate and disappear.

"Lu Feng!" Wind Sovereign gritted his teeth.

Lu Feng's action was a clear breach of their agreement. In truth, Wind Sovereign had anticipated such a scenario, even warning Lin Fei to leave the Immortal Mansion beforehand. Yet, he still fell into Lu Feng's trap.

This highlighted the gap between the three major powers and the Taiyi Dao Palace. The Taiyi Dao Palace, in its dominant position, acted unilaterally, fearing no consequences. Even if Lu Feng suddenly withdrew, what could Wind Sovereign do?

However, Wind Sovereign, Red Crane True Person, and Golden Light True Person couldn't act with such impunity, fearing that Lu Feng, representing Taiyi Dao Palace, would use any indiscretions as an excuse against them. The three major powers could just barely hold on, further showcasing the dominance of Taiyi Dao Palace.

"Lin Fei dared to kill so many Foundation Establishment cultivators from my Taiyi Dao Palace; let him be forever trapped inside the Immortal Mansion," said Lu Feng, his gaze icy. But even if he killed Lin Fei, it wouldn't quench his anger. He even glanced at Wind Sovereign, but didn't act. Nearby were the vigilant eyes of both Red Crane True Person and Golden Light True Person.

Lu Feng had previously tried to sow discord among them, hoping to weaken them and kill Wind Sovereign. Perhaps even using this rift as a wedge to further divide the three major powers. Unfortunately, he underestimated the unity of the three powers and the resolve of both Red Crane True Person and Golden Light True Person. Even Golden Light True Person, who had conflicts with Wind Sovereign, stood resolutely by his side now.

True Person Lu Feng wasn't confident in taking on three powerful figures at the Golden Core and Martial Sovereign levels. Thus, he refrained.

Although many Foundation Establishment cultivators had died, this expedition to the Immortal Mansion had yielded numerous treasures. At the very least, they managed to extract some treasures. Perhaps, this was the only gain for the Taiyi Dao Palace from this journey.

"Let's go," declared True Person Lu Feng preparing to leave with the remaining five Foundation Establishment True Persons.

Wind Sovereign's face grew cold.

"Lu Feng," he bellowed, "I give you one last chance. Join us, the three of us, to once again activate the Immortal Mansion's grand formation. If you do, all past grievances will be forgotten. However, if you refuse, perhaps you might escape, but the five Foundation Establishment cultivators of your Taiyi Dao Palace will not!"

Wind Sovereign's eyes bore into Lu Feng with an icy intensity. He struggled to swallow his rage. Who was Lin Fei? He was a Dao Seeker of the path, the brightest talent of the Ancient Origin Sect in centuries. He held the potential to shatter the chains of the Life Wheel and ascend to the realm of Martial Sovereign. And now, he was gone, lost forever within the Immortal Mansion, all because of Lu Feng.

Wind Sovereign's rage was palpable. Perhaps he couldn't kill Lu Feng, but the five Foundation Establishment cultivators by his side? For Wind Sovereign, snuffing out their lives would be as easy as crushing five mosquitoes. Lu Feng would be powerless to protect them.

"Wind Sovereign," Lu Feng said icily, "are you really considering laying a hand on the disciples of my Taiyi Dao Palace? Do you truly wish to incite a war between Taiyi Dao Palace and your Ancient Origin Sect?"

Wind Sovereign remained silent, simply staring coldly at Lu Feng.

"Red Crane True Person, Golden Light True Person," Lu Feng continued, directing his gaze to the other two Golden Core True Persons, "Do you share his sentiments?"

The Red Crane True Person and Golden Light True Person exchanged a glance. They were well aware of Wind Sovereign's resolve. Although the three major powers moved in harmony, they were not truly united. They could stand united against Lu Feng, but in the Immortal Mansion, only Lin Fei was lost. Their sects hadn't lost anyone within it. Thus, Wind Sovereign's aggressive stance meant he was leaving no room for compromise with the Taiyi Dao Palace.

Finally, the Red Crane True Person spoke, a frown marring his features. "Wind Sovereign, I suggest you immediately seek reinforcements from the Ancient Origin Sect. We three can hold the fort for a while and try to prevent the Immortal Mansion from escaping. This might offer us a glimmer of hope. Otherwise, even if you annihilate the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Taiyi Dao Palace, what purpose will it serve?"

The words of the Red Crane True Person were laden with reason. Yet, if they waited for the Martial Sovereign to arrive, the Immortal Mansion would have long since vanished. How could the three of them possibly contain the Immortal Mansion, empowered by a Nascent Soul Great Being?

"Lu Feng," Wind Sovereign voiced darkly, "if you do not stay to activate the Immortal Mansion's grand formation, the five Foundation Establishment cultivators of Taiyi Dao Palace are doomed. Mark my words!"

Wind Sovereign remained unyielding. As a formidable Martial Sovereign, his will was steadfast. Would mere words be enough to sway him? If someone as prodigious as Lin Fei, the peak talent, couldn't be protected by the Ancient Origin Sect, then how could they consider themselves a grand martial sect? Even if Lin Fei could not be saved, Wind Sovereign was resolved that Lu Feng, and the Taiyi Dao Palace, would pay the price!

With that, Wind Sovereign took a step forward. A resounding "boom" echoed. The entire ocean floor seemed to turn on its head as if heaven and earth were reversing. An overwhelming aura enveloped the seabed. Even True Person Lu Feng was staggeringly affected. Behind Wind Sovereign, a faint luminescent ring began to emerge – the Life Wheel! This was the core of a Martial Sovereign! Once a Martial Sovereign invoked it, there would be no holding back, leaving no room for fortuity.

Witnessing this, the faces of Red Crane True Person, Golden Light True Person, and even Lu Feng slightly changed in color. As for the five Foundation Establishment cultivators beside Lu Feng, their faces turned ashen. Just the sheer aura exuded by Wind Sovereign was unbearable for them. If Wind Sovereign truly acted, their fates would undoubtedly be sealed.

"Elder Lu, save us..." The five Foundation Establishment cultivators were truly frightened. Inside the Immortal Mansion, they encountered a ruthless person like Lin Fei who single-handedly forced more than twenty of their peak Foundation Establishment cultivators to flee in disgrace. After leaving the Immortal Mansion, they believed that with True Person Lu Feng by their side, they would be safe.

However, they hadn't anticipated encountering another fearsome figure in Wind Sovereign, a Martial Sovereign of terrifying might. If it came to a real confrontation, Lu Feng might remain unscathed, but judging by Wind Sovereign's demeanor, he seemed determined to annihilate them, whatever the cost.

Lu Feng hadn't imagined that Wind Sovereign would be so unyieldingly fierce, seemingly willing to pay any price.

Consequently, True Person Lu Feng laughed in fury. A hint of Golden Core energy emanated from him, and a flicker of light flashed from within him. A great seal appeared in front of him – the Great Mountain Seal!

This was the Golden Core stage's Great Mountain Seal. And having been refined by Lu Feng himself over countless periods, its power, when deployed by him – a Golden Core True Person – was naturally incomparable.

"I'd like to see how Wind Sovereign plans to kill our Taiyi Dao Palace's Foundation Establishment True Persons!"

The tension was palpable, with both sides unwilling to back down, as if on the brink of a battle.

Red Crane True Person and Golden Light True Person were at a loss for what to do next.

Just then, the Immortal Mansion began to tremble violently.

"Boom!"

The Immortal Mansion's grand formation shook intensely. Furthermore, a terrifying force seemed to erupt from within it. The entire grand formation of the Immortal Mansion flickered non-stop as if it was about to disintegrate.

"What's happening..." Everyone was taken aback, gazing at the changes happening to the Immortal Mansion. Could such a massive disturbance indicate some mishap inside the Immortal Mansion?

Suddenly, everyone witnessed a transformation in the Immortal Mansion. A crack appeared in its grand formation. And from this crack, a brilliant blade of light emerged. This dazzling blade of light penetrated the Immortal Mansion's formation from the inside out.

Simultaneously, a silhouette swiftly emerged from the fissure in the Immortal Mansion's formation!

271. Attack True Person Lu Feng

Silence!

The entire ocean floor suddenly became still. Whether it was Wind Sovereign, True Person Lu Feng, Red Crane True Person, Golden Light True Person, or any of the Foundation Establishment True Persons from Taiyi Dao Palace, Profound Light Cave Heaven, and Red Hades Mansion, all eyes were fixed on this figure.

Lin Fei!

Lin Fei of the Ancient Origin Sect had actually escaped from the Immortal Mansion. Wasn't it said that without reaching the Golden Core stage, breaking the formation was impossible? Even causing a slight tremor was difficult. Yet Lin Fei had come out, and it seemed he had sliced open the grand formation of the Immortal Mansion with a single blade.

Lin Fei's gaze swept over the surroundings. He noticed the Life Wheel behind Wind Sovereign. Once a Martial Sovereign displays the Life Wheel, it signifies a battle - potentially even a fight to the death. Opposing Wind Sovereign was Lu Feng. However, with his appearance, both sides ceased their hostilities.

"You can still come out?" Lu Feng's face was ashen, his eyes filled with undisguised killing intent. If Lin Fei remained trapped in the Immortal Mansion, it would have been fine, equivalent to him being dead. But Lin Fei escaping from the Immortal Mansion was something Lu Feng couldn't ignore.

"Lin Fei, you've come out?" Wind Sovereign, on the other hand, was overjoyed. Unexpectedly, Lin Fei had emerged and seemed unharmed. Lin Fei nodded and asked Wind Sovereign, "What happened outside earlier? Why did the formation's gateway disappear on the 29th day?"

Lin Fei desperately wanted to know what had transpired outside. He was so close to not making it out.

Wind Sovereign glanced at Lu Feng and said with a cold smile, "Lu Feng of Tianyi Dao Palace knew you were on a killing spree within the Immortal Mansion, eliminating numerous Taiyi Dao Palace Foundation Establishment cultivators. Thus, he prematurely withdrew from the grand formation. Relying on just the three of us, we couldn't maintain the Immortal Mansion's gateway. That's why you almost couldn't get out."

Wind Sovereign explained everything in detail.

Lin Fei's gaze fixed on Lu Feng. Through Wind Sovereign's words, he had a rough understanding of what had happened. He realized that Wind Sovereign had even threatened Lu Feng for his sake. The tension between the two sides was palpable. If he hadn't emerged, a great battle would surely have ensued.

Lin Fei was naturally pleased with Wind Sovereign's actions. This was the Ancient Origin Sect he remembered. Even if it was against the Taiyi Dao Palace, if anyone endangered an Ancient Origin Sect disciple, they had to pay the price!

At this moment, Lu Feng was also filled with murderous intent. He genuinely wanted to kill Lin Fei. Had it not been for the presence of the five Foundation Establishment True Persons from Taiyi Dao Palace, perhaps Lu Feng would have acted without hesitation. Even with Wind Sovereign present, he would not have hesitated and would surely attempt to kill Lin Fei.

However, with the five Foundation Establishment True Persons from Taiyi Dao Palace present, he had to be cautious. No matter how much he loathed Lin Fei, he had to prioritize the bigger picture for now. At the very least, he had to ensure the safety of his companions and return to Taiyi Dao Palace.

"Lin Fei, I'm sparing you this time," Lu Feng declared coldly. "But remember, you killed over a dozen of our top Foundation Establishment True Persons from Taiyi Dao Palace. Not just you, but even your Ancient Origin Sect, should brace yourselves for the wrath of Taiyi Dao Palace."

Having said his piece, Lu Feng was ready to leave with his group. But out of nowhere, a saber shot directly towards him. With a swift move, Lu Feng raised his hand, and his Golden Core energy immediately blocked Lin Fei's blade.

No one expected Lin Fei to take the initiative, especially against a Golden Core True Person. It was... unimaginable! No matter how powerful a Martial Saint or Foundation Establishment cultivator was, they could never match a Golden Core True Person. The difference between the two realms was simply vast and incalculable.

"Lu Feng, did I say you could leave?" Lin Fei's tone was calm, but his killing intent was clear. Lu Feng had nearly trapped him inside the Immortal Mansion, essentially attempting to kill him. No one had ever tried to harm Lin Fei without facing consequences, not even a Golden Core True Person!

"To think you'd dare to act against me. Very well!" Lu Feng roared in fury. "No one can save you today!"

Lin Fei, a mere Martial Saint. How dare he raise his hand against the esteemed Golden Core True Person!

For this audacity alone, Lu Feng vowed to end Lin Fei's life this very day! Even if the Wind Sovereign intervened, it would make no difference. No one could stop him. At any cost, he would strike down Lin Fei!

"Lin Fei, you..."

The countenance of Wind Sovereign shifted slightly. Even he thought Lin Fei had acted recklessly. Having emerged thus far, one ought to curb their impulsiveness. Wait until he ascends to the Martial Sovereign, plenty of opportunities would then present themselves to confront Lu Feng.

It was unwise to entirely enrage him now. To provoke such a Golden Core True Person, especially one from the Taiyi Dao Palace, it wasn't a wise course of action.

"Boom."

Yet, Lin Fei remained impassive, appearing unafraid of any challenge. With a single step, it seemed as if the very void trembled. Simultaneously, an Energy Flower suddenly blossomed above his head. His blood energy domain erupted. Then, as he took a second step, another flower, a Qi Flower, appeared.

In the void, a blade materialized, its presence even more terrifying. The ferocious essence of the saber poured wildly into the blade. But the spectacle did not end there.

As Lin Fei's third step landed, another flower, Spirit Flower, emerged above him!

Instantly, the three flowers converged above Lin Fei's head, casting a radiant light upon each other. It seemed as if they would merge into one.

Witnessing this, everyone was profoundly stunned.

"Three flowers! The Gathering of the Three Blooms?"

"Has Lin Fei actually achieved the Three Blooms Gathering? He's merely half a step from Martial Sovereign!"

"Lin Fei has almost set foot in the realm of Martial Sovereign."

"What kind of fortune did Lin Fei obtain within the immortal mansion?"

Wind Sovereign, Lu Feng, Red Crane True Person, Golden Light True Person. Three Golden Cores and a Martial Sovereign all were deeply shaken at this moment.

Even if many weren't martial artists, they recognized the significance of the Three Flowers Gathering. If all went as anticipated, the Ancient Origin Sect might witness the rise of another Martial Sovereign!

However, upon witnessing this, the murderous intent in Lu Feng grew even more intense. His resolve to eliminate Lin Fei only strengthened. If he didn't act against Lin Fei now, once Lin Fei became a Martial Sovereign, he wouldn't be able to!

Thus, now was the only opportunity.

"Great Mountain Seal!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Lu Feng unleashed the Great Mountain Seal.

"Boom."

The Great Mountain Seal was activated. Below the sea, where everything was submerged in water, yet, the Great Mountain Seal still soared to immense heights, resembling a colossal mountain within the ocean's depths.

Propelled by the might of the Golden Core True Person's magic, its power was earth-shattering.

"Saber momentum!"

Lin Fei's saber momentum descended. The Spirit Flower quivered slightly, and Lin Fei's saber momentum, a radiant circle of multicolored light, spread instantaneously in all directions. It enveloped the Great Mountain Seal and even Lu Feng. Within Lin Fei's saber momentum, there was a hint of scorching flames. Even under the sea, it was the same, as if raging flames were consuming everything from the inside out, reducing it to ash.

Furthermore, there was a formidable oppressive force. The blood energy domain melded seamlessly with the saber momentum. Simultaneously, boosted by the saber momentum, the luminance of Lin Fei's blade stretched to immense heights!

With the Gathering of the Three Flowers, Lin Fei's spirit, energy, and Qi were all propelled to their pinnacle at that moment.

"Slash!"

Suddenly, Lin Fei's blade descended in a swift cut. The blade's luminance spanned immense distances boosted by the saber momentum. Its speed was astonishingly swift, like a fleeting shadow. As the blade came down, it felt as if the heavens were collapsing and the earth was splitting, with an overwhelming force, it cleaved the deep sea waters apart. The terrifying luminance of the blade fiercely struck the towering Great Mountain Seal.

272. The Power of Martial Sovereign

"Boom!"

The clash echoed mightily. Lin Fei's strike against the Golden Core-level magic treasure, the Great Mountain Seal, was nothing short of direct confrontation with the might of a Golden Core True Person Lu Feng.

Lin Fei was only at the Three Flowers Gathering stage and not a Martial Sovereign. How long had it been since a martial artist at the Three Flowers Gathering stage dared to confront a Golden Core True Person?

Many couldn't even recall. Perhaps such records were only found in ancient texts.

The towering Great Mountain Seal, initially as steady as Mount Tai, was menacingly crushing down on Lin Fei. However, Lin Fei's blade, powered by the Three Flowers Gathering, had struck it directly. Instantly, the Great Mountain Seal quivered, and the entire sea seemed to boil in response. The terrifying blade's aura could penetrate tens of thousands of meters.

For the first time, Lu Feng felt a jolt through his entire being. His Great Mountain Seal was actually repelled by Lin Fei's single strike!

"Impossible! A mere Martial Saint, no matter how powerful, is still just a Martial Saint. How could he repel the Great Mountain Seal of this True Person?"

Lu Feng was deeply shocked, finding it hard to believe. Even with the reality before him, he was in disbelief. Lin Fei, a mere Martial Saint, had actually managed to repel his Great Mountain Seal head-on.

Although he hadn't broken through the Great Mountain Seal, the mere act of repelling it was astonishing, leaving Lu Feng unable to accept it. This signified that Lin Fei, in his Martial Saint form, possessed a strength comparable to that of the Golden Core!

"You think a Golden Core True Person only possesses magic treasures? Water Shadow Thunder! Explode!"

Lu Feng was genuinely infuriated. His hands subtly formed several magic symbols. Instantly, the entire seabed began to boil. Around Lin Fei, there seemed to be massive bubbles forming, all made up of seawater.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

These water bubbles explosively detonated. Magic! This was an underwater magic technique. Golden Core cultivators differed from Foundation Establishment cultivators. A Golden Core True Person could instantaneously deploy a myriad of magical techniques, having virtually no weaknesses. Whether underwater, on land, or in the sky, they possessed a diverse array of magical skills, making them incredibly versatile.

Once these Water Shadow Thunders exploded, their power was immensely terrifying. Each of them could easily kill a Martial Saint or a Foundation Establishment True Person.

However, Lin Fei had his saber momentum and Blood Energy Domain. As his Energy Flower and Spirit Flower shifted slightly, the saber momentum and Blood Energy Domain rapidly contracted, encapsulating him within. Each explosion from the Water Shadow Thunder impacted Lin Fei's domains, but that was the extent of it. These mere impacts weren't lethal to him.

Yet, the might of the Water Shadow Thunders drastically upheaved the entire seabed.

"Whizz… Whizz…"

Lin Fei wasn't just passive. His saber essence erupted instantaneously. Wave after wave of saber essence shot out, turning into sharp blades in a blink. Accelerated by the saber momentum, they flew towards Lu Feng in no time.

But Lu Feng had the Great Mountain Seal, a treasure both offensive and defensive. He positioned the seal in front of him, and Lin Fei's blades struck it one after the other. The Great Mountain Seal trembled violently with each impact. Even Lu Feng began to doubt if the seal could withstand this onslaught.

The two adversaries exchanged blows fiercely, not holding back at all. Lu Feng had already deployed almost all his capabilities—magical techniques, magic treasures, and more. Except for the grand array, he was going all out. Yet, he couldn't get the upper hand over Lin Fei. Moreover, every slash from Lin Fei posed a significant threat to him.

Witnessing this, many onlookers were left in silence, with turmoil raging deep within their hearts. Lin Fei, with the stature of a Martial Saint, was actually holding his ground against a Golden Core True Person! And not with magic treasures, but with his own saber techniques, saber momentum, and Blood Energy Domain. This completely overturned everyone's understanding of a Martial Saint.

Generally, even the most potent Martial Saint would never match up to a Golden Core True Person. But now, Lin Fei, who was merely at the Three Flowers Gathering stage and not a true Martial Sovereign, seemed untouchable by Lu Feng. Given the saber techniques Lin Fei was displaying, every strike required a Golden Core True Person to defend with all their might; otherwise, they would be slashed.

This proved that Lin Fei's strength was now comparable to a true Golden Core cultivator or even a Martial Sovereign.

Lin Fei was merely at the stage of Three Flowers Gathering, just a Martial Saint. Once he breaks the shackles of the Life Wheel and manifests it, how powerful will Lin Fei become? It's beyond imagination.

With these thoughts, the Wind Sovereign stepped forward, his Life Wheel emerging behind him. On the Wheel, there was a halo of light defending it. That was a divine ability! Every Sovereign possesses a martial divine technique unique to them.

"Boom!"

The Wind Sovereign made his move. With a single wave, the surrounding seawater seemed to explode. A terrifying force, akin to an avalanche, surged towards the Great Mountain Seal.

"Bang!"

The Great Mountain Seal shuddered momentarily, and immediately after, Lin Fei's saber essence arrived, striking it again.

"Crack!"

At last, the Great Mountain Seal couldn't withstand any longer. When Lin Fei and the Wind Sovereign joined forces, even the Great Mountain Seal of Lu Feng couldn't stand the assault. Instantly, Lu Feng felt the looming threat of death.

"Ancient Origin Sect, well played! Wait for the wrath of the Taiyi Dao Palace! Water Escape!"

In the next moment, Lu Feng summoned a stream of water, swiftly retracting the Great Mountain Seal. Then, with the waters rippling around him, he disappeared without a trace, leaving even Lin Fei's saber momentum unable to restrain him.

Lin Fei looked coldly in the direction where Lu Feng had fled. This time, they hadn't managed to kill Lu Feng. Noticing Lin Fei's disappointment, the Wind Sovereign shook his head slightly, saying with a smile, "Lin Fei, do you know how difficult it is to kill a Golden Core True Person? Even if I teamed up with Red Crane True Person and Golden Light True Person, we wouldn't be sure of killing a Golden Core True Person.

Your current strength, allowing you to confront a Golden Core True Person head-on, is already at the level of a Martial Sovereign. In the history of our Ancient Origin Sect, no one has achieved this. In the vast Ancient Continent, among all Martial Saints, you're probably at the pinnacle. If you wish to kill Lu Feng, it's not too hard. Once you become a Martial Sovereign, the next time you encounter Lu Feng's True Person, you'll undoubtedly be able to slay him."

Red Crane True Person and Golden Light True Person both wore expressions of complexity. Lin Fei's strength had surpassed their expectations. This wasn't a minor matter. This revelation had the potential to change the balance of power among the three major forces in their world. After all, in this universe, the strong are revered above all.

Lin Fei was currently just a Martial Saint, but he had already displayed such formidable strength. How powerful would he become once he ascends to the status of Martial Sovereign?

With a series of swift motions, Lin Fei released five streaks of saber essence. They targeted five Foundation Establishment True Persons from the Taiyi Dao Palace. These individuals were among the top tier of Foundation Establishment True Persons.

While Lu Feng managed to escape, these five couldn't. Even though the treasures they acquired in the immortal mansion had been taken by Lu Feng, they themselves possessed five magic treasures of the Golden Core tier - the Great Mountain Seals, bestowed upon them by the elders of Taiyi Dao Palace. These seals were invaluable treasures. This time, however, the Great Mountain Seals couldn't escape, as they were suppressed by Lin Fei's saber essence and seized.

"Next time, Lu Feng will surely die!" Lin Fei's eyes were filled with cold determination.

Soon after, Lin Fei and the Wind Sovereign swiftly left the seabed, heading towards the Ancient Origin Sect. Golden Light True Person, Red Crane True Person, and the Foundation Establishment True Persons of their respective sects witnessed the entire sequence.

"A figure like Lin Fei has emerged from the Ancient Origin Sect. He acts so decisively. Taiyi Dao Palace surely won't let this slide easily. Perhaps, a great battle is on the horizon."

The eyes of the two Golden Core True Persons held a hint of complexity. Whether they were concerned for Lin Fei or apprehensive about Taiyi Dao Palace was unclear.

Soon, the two Golden Core True Persons, along with the disciples of their sects, departed. The entire seabed regained its tranquility. Even the immortal mansion, under the operation of its grand formation, vanished without a trace.