Along the way, Kunpeng grew curious about the source of Lu Changqing's merit, but he did not dare ask directly. Instead, he probed indirectly. "Great Master, have you made any major moves lately? How did you obtain so many Merit Magic Treasures?"
Lu Changqing, who had been lost in thought, immediately saw through his intentions. His face darkened. "Little Kun, do not ask what you should not ask."
"Be careful, or Heaven's condemnation may descend upon you. Understand?"
Kunpeng hurriedly replied, "Understood, Great Master." Yet he became even more curious about Lu Changqing.
Being able to make a vow before the Heavenly Dao promising fifty million merits meant that this man truly possessed such an enormous fortune.
Fifty million merits! Even the merit Nuwa gained from creating humans was probably not that much.
The Great Master had casually spent fifty million merits to hire a mount. Such extravagance... could he be one favored by destiny? Kunpeng clicked his tongue inwardly.
How else could a late-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal possess so much merit, if not as a Son of Heaven's Dao?
As they flew, Kunpeng's heart suddenly stirred. He discovered a group of cultivators below fighting over a mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root.
Though tempted, he remembered that he was now a mount and could only remind him, "Great Master, people below are fighting over a treasure."
Lu Changqing had noticed long ago, but he could not be bothered with it. "A mere mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root is worth caring about?"
As a famously impoverished cultivator of the Primordial Wilderness, Kunpeng could only smile bitterly. The Great Master truly is lavish. He does not even care for a mid-grade Innate Spiritual Root. As expected of one favored by destiny!
Just as Kunpeng was about to leave, the Spiritual Root suddenly flew toward Lu Changqing of its own accord.
The cultivators fighting over it cried out, "The treasure flew away!" Everyone looked up and saw the Spiritual Root streak through the air, taking Lu Changqing as its master of its own accord.
All the cultivators present were stunned. Even Lu Changqing was somewhat surprised. He put away the Spiritual Root and sighed softly. "I had long heard that those with great fortune can obtain things in the Primordial Wilderness as easily as reaching into a bag. Today, I learned that the rumors were true."
Seeing him take the Spiritual Root away, the cultivators immediately erupted into an uproar.
The late-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal leading them shouted sternly, "Fellow Daoist! We waited a long time for the Spiritual Root to mature, yet you wish to claim it all just by passing through. Is that not too overbearing?" Before he finished speaking, the cultivators had already quietly risen into the air and surrounded him.
Fourteen cultivators encircled Lu Changqing, determined to seize his Spiritual Root.
Seeing this, Kunpeng abruptly revealed his enormous true form. His wings blotted out the sky and cast vast shadows as he swept a cold gaze over the immortals. "Who dares block my master's path?"
The pressure of a Quasi-Saint swept in all directions, and the cultivators turned pale in horror. "It is Kunpeng, the Demon Master of the Heavenly Court!"
The Demon Clan Heavenly Court was led by four emperors—Nuwa, Fu Xi, Tai Yi, and Di Jun.
And Kunpeng, as the Teacher of Ten Thousand Demons, held a status second only to the four emperors.
Now, seeing this mighty figure willingly serve as Lu Changqing's mount, the immortals were dumbfounded. "How could the dignified Demon Master submit beneath a Grand Unity Golden Immortal?"
Kunpeng sneered inwardly. How could frogs at the bottom of a well understand the Heavenly Secret? This is the Son of Heaven's Dao. Following him will surely bring great fortune in the future!
The fierce bird bared a savage grin, frightening the cultivators into fleeing in panic. "Please forgive us, Fellow Daoist. We shall take our leave!"
In an instant, everyone scattered like frightened birds and beasts.
Kunpeng shrank down and respectfully carried Lu Changqing toward the Heavenly Court.
Lu Changqing remained calm and unconcerned.
In the distance, the fleeing cultivators gathered and whispered among themselves. "Anyone who can make Kunpeng submit must have an astonishing background!"
"Could he be connected to a Sage?" The moment those words were spoken, everyone was shocked.
During the Witch-Demon Calamity, there were only seven Sages in the Primordial Wilderness.
Aside from Hongjun, who had Integrated with Dao, there were only six newly ascended Sages.
If Lu Changqing could ask a Sage to subdue Kunpeng...
At this moment, Lu Changqing was refining the Spiritual Root atop Kunpeng's back. The Primordial Creation Art circulated on its own, Three Thousand Dao Seeds evolved laws, and Great Dao Divine Patterns circled his body.
Feeling the pressure from his back, Kunpeng was secretly alarmed. A Grand Unity cultivator can actually stir the Three Thousand Great Daos. He truly is the Son of Heaven's Dao!
In only a moment, the Spiritual Root had been fully refined, and Lu Changqing's cultivation directly reached the peak of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.
This breakthrough only made Kunpeng more certain of his identity.
Yet Lu Changqing was distracted.
His ambition did not lie in cultivation—no matter how diligently he cultivated, it would be difficult to become a Great Dao Saint.
Only by squandering one million billion merits could he become a Saint on the spot!
At this time, outside the Southern Heavenly Gate of the Heavenly Court, Demon Marshal Qiongqi was on patrol.
"The Witch Clan has been growing restless lately. You must all remain vigilant!"
"Yes, sir!"
Suddenly seeing Kunpeng return while carrying someone, Qiongqi's eyes widened. "The Demon Master is serving as someone's mount?"
The demon soldiers erupted into an uproar and hastily reported the matter to the Ten Great Demon Gods.
Qiongqi angrily pointed at Lu Changqing. "Arrogant cultivator, how dare you humiliate our clan's Demon Master!"
Having returned to human form, Kunpeng shouted sternly, "Insolence! How dare you disrespect my master?"
The demons were stunned—the Teacher of Ten Thousand Demons actually called someone his master?
Lu Changqing stood quietly to one side, as though he were entirely uninvolved.
Qiongqi stammered, "Demon Master, have you fallen under some evil spell? If you are being coerced, blink your eyes!"
Kunpeng said proudly, "How could ants like you understand my opportunity? Being able to serve my master is the blessing of three lifetimes!"
His words left the demons staring at one another in even greater shock.
Suddenly, three imperial auras descended—Di Jun, Tai Yi, and Fu Xi arrived together.
Di Jun questioned him in a deep voice, "Kunpeng, are you truly willing to serve as a mount?"
"Absolutely."
Fu Xi examined Lu Changqing. "Have you been forced?"
"Willingly." Kunpeng laughed inwardly. Why would I need to be forced into such a fine position? If I revealed the truth, I fear all of you would be fighting to take it.
He then said seriously, "I came today to bid farewell. From now on, I shall follow my master and travel throughout the Primordial Wilderness."
Upon hearing that Kunpeng intended to leave the Heavenly Court, Tai Yi flew into a rage. "Madman, how dare you disrupt my Heavenly Court!"
He raised the Chaos Bell and prepared to attack.
Kunpeng could not bear to watch and turned his head away.
In an instant, heaven and earth darkened. Endless thunderclouds blanketed the Heavenly Court, and the pressure of the Heavenly Dao made all living beings tremble.
The Six Saints simultaneously sensed the Heavenly Secret, and all revealed shocked expressions—the Heavenly Dao had actually gathered World-Ending Divine Thunder to protect one person?
What sort of existence could earn the favor of the Heavenly Dao?
Though Tai Yi had not yet become a Sage, he also felt the Heavenly Dao lock onto him. Horrified, he withdrew his hand. "How did this trigger Heaven's Punishment?"
No matter how powerful the Chaos Bell was, it was nothing more than an ant before the Heavenly Dao.
Even Sages had to avoid its edge, much less a mere Quasi-Saint.
Those who defied Heaven would surely be destroyed.
Within the Heavenly Dao's confinement, Tai Yi was deeply unsettled.
If Heaven's Punishment descended, he would surely be reduced to ashes.
Tai Yi looked doubtfully at Lu Changqing, who was leisurely enjoying spiritual fruit, unable to comprehend it. Why would the Heavenly Dao actively protect him? Does he have some connection to the Heavenly Dao?
At this moment, Di Jun and Fu Xi also noticed the anomaly and were greatly shocked.
What virtue or ability did this man possess to receive Heaven's favor?
Di Jun was astonished. He could not understand why the supreme Heavenly Dao would favor an ordinary cultivator.
Fu Xi had witnessed Nuwa receiving the Heavenly Dao's blessing when she created humans. Seeing Lu Changqing possess a Merit Supreme Treasure, he fell into thought. "Could it be the protection of merit?"
While the three Demon Emperors were uncertain, Kunpeng stared intensely at Lu Changqing and secretly made up his mind. As expected, he is a darling of the Heavenly Dao! I, Kunpeng, will cling to this thigh no matter what!
The Heavenly Dao personally protected Lu Changqing, making Kunpeng even more certain—this man had to be one favored by destiny. By following him, where in the Primordial Wilderness could he not go?
Just as the entire Demon Clan was shaken, a Sage's pressure suddenly enveloped the Heavenly Court.
In an instant, purple qi stretched for thirty thousand miles, auspicious clouds swirled, and radiant colors filled the sky.
Great Dao runes flickered in and out of sight as supreme Saintly Might covered the entire Heavenly Court.
Before the person was seen, her presence was already felt.
Every Demon Clan soldier became solemn and held their breath—a Sage had arrived!
In the blink of an eye, Nuwa crossed time and space upon a golden bridge of laws and descended into the Demon Court.
"Greetings, Sage!"
The Demon Emperors and the gathered generals saluted in unison. Even Kunpeng did not dare be negligent and respectfully welcomed her.
Amid the sounds of obeisance filling the court, Lu Changqing alone remained relaxed, eating spiritual fruit as though the Sage's arrival had nothing to do with him.
The moment Nuwa appeared, the entire Demon Clan was stirred.
"What is happening? Even Saint Nuwa has come?"
The ordinary members of the Demon Clan had not noticed the Heavenly Dao's protection over Lu Changqing.
When the heavens changed as Tai Yi prepared to attack Lu Changqing, the demons had all speculated whether some great power stood behind him.
Only after Nuwa arrived did they realize that the matter was far more complicated than they had imagined.
The moment Nuwa arrived at the Demon Court, her divine sense stirred slightly, and her gaze fell upon Lu Changqing, who was leisurely eating spiritual fruit.
"This man's fortune soars like a rainbow, and his merits are boundless. His origins are extraordinary."
After a simple inspection, Nuwa understood the reason.
She nodded faintly at Lu Changqing and spoke.
"I am Nuwa. How should I address you, Fellow Daoist?"
Although Lu Changqing displayed only the cultivation of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal, even a Sage did not dare underestimate such immense fortune.
Even Sages had to be cautious regarding the karmic ties of the Heavenly Dao.
The moment Nuwa spoke, the Demon Clan Crowd was stunned.
A dignified Sage was actually addressing a Grand Unity Golden Immortal as Fellow Daoist. This was equivalent to treating him as an equal.
At once, every gaze focused on Lu Changqing, who had been leisurely watching the spectacle.
Lu Changqing, who had seemed ordinary before, suddenly became unfathomably mysterious in everyone's eyes.
Lu Changqing, who had been enjoying the show, heard Nuwa's question and replied with a smile.
"I am Lu Changqing, Daoist title Longevity Immortal Venerable."
Nuwa responded politely.
"So you are Fellow Daoist Changqing. I already know of Kunpeng's matter."
"Since he is willing to follow you, I shall agree to it on behalf of the Demon Clan."
Seeing Nuwa's friendly attitude, Lu Changqing nodded.
"Very good."
Di Jun quickly added.
"Since the Demon Master is willing, we should naturally fulfill his wish."
"Fellow Daoist Changqing, we offended you earlier. I hope you will be magnanimous."
Lu Changqing, who had remained detached throughout, had no intention of pursuing the matter. He smiled and waved his hand, then called for Kunpeng to reveal his true form before leaving together.
After Lu Changqing departed, Tai Yi asked Nuwa.
"Wa Huang, what exactly is Lu Changqing's background?"
Fu Xi and Di Jun also cast questioning looks toward her.
Nuwa looked into the distance and said solemnly.
"This is a Heavenly Secret and cannot be pried into."
"However, Fellow Daoist Changqing is far from ordinary. Remember this well: under no circumstances must you offend him!"
The three Demon Emperors were shocked. Even a Sage could not see through Lu Changqing's origins.
But when they remembered that he was protected by the Heavenly Dao, it seemed only natural—after all, it was unprecedented.
While Fu Xi and Tai Yi were stunned by Lu Changqing's mystery and regretted losing Kunpeng, Di Jun had other thoughts.
If I can recruit such an extraordinary person, would the conflict between the Witch and Demon Clans not be resolved with ease?
He secretly decided that he would find an opportunity to pay Lu Changqing a visit.
After leaving the Demon Court, Kunpeng was still sighing.
"The Great Master truly is extraordinary. Even a Sage addressed him as Fellow Daoist."
Eastern Emperor Taiyi had personally experienced the Heavenly Dao's divine might, and the shock in his heart had yet to subside!
Kunpeng's sigh did not draw Lu Changqing's attention. He was considering plans to renovate his cave abode.
After seeing Nuwa's Wa Huang Tian, Lu Changqing deeply felt that his own Wuji Peak paled in comparison.
Within the vast Primordial Wilderness, every blade of grass and every tree could become a world.
Though Lu Changqing's cave abode also had the potential to open a world, his current cultivation was limited. He could only open a Minor World, which did not match his foundation.
As he pondered, inspiration suddenly struck Lu Changqing. Since his strength was insufficient, why not ask a Sage for help?
While weighing the matter, Kunpeng interrupted, "Great Master, where are we going next?"
Lu Changqing asked in turn, "Which Sage's Daoist field is closest to here?"
Kunpeng looked around. "Primordial Heavenly Venerate's Kunlun Mountain is the closest."
Remembering that the Three Pure Ones had long since separated, Lu Changqing decided, "Then let us go to Kunlun Mountain."
Kunpeng hesitated slightly but did not dare disobey. "As you command."
He immediately spread his wings and flew toward Kunlun Mountain.
Kunpeng was somewhat resistant to Kunlun Mountain because Primordial Heavenly Venerate had always looked down upon the Demon Clan.
Among the Six Saints, he disliked Primordial Heavenly Venerate the most, but his master had given the order, so he had no choice but to obey.
With Kunpeng's extreme speed, they soon arrived at the foot of Kunlun Mountain.
"Great Master, Kunlun Mountain lies ahead."
Kunpeng reported respectfully.
Lu Changqing raised his eyes toward the towering mountain range, a smile on his lips. "Take human form and announce our arrival."
Kunpeng immediately transformed into the appearance of a Daoist and shouted toward the mountain, "Longevity Immortal Venerable of Longevity Palace on Wuji Peak has come to visit Primordial Heavenly Venerate!"
At this moment, within the Jade Void Palace, Primordial Heavenly Venerate was comprehending the mysteries of the Great Dao.
Hearing the call, he slowly opened his eyes. It seemed as though galaxies revolved within them, Dao intent flowed around his body, and the Merit of World Creation transformed into golden clouds of light that surrounded him.
With a sweep of his divine sense, he immediately learned who had come to the foot of the mountain.
He paid Kunpeng no attention, but when he saw Lu Changqing, his heart jolted. This man's fortune is so immense, and Golden Light of Merit protects his body. His origins must be extraordinary!
Thinking of the recent incident in which the Heavenly Dao protected someone at the Heavenly Court, Primordial Heavenly Venerate suddenly understood. Could he be that person?
He immediately sent a voice transmission invitation: "Fellow Daoist, please enter!"
Though he was a Sage, Yuanshi did not dare slight this Grand Unity Golden Immortal of astonishing fortune.
Lu Changqing was about to lead Kunpeng up the mountain when he suddenly heard an angry roar:
"Do those covered in fur and bearing horns deserve to set foot upon Kunlun?"
The Sage's pressure bore down on him, and Kunpeng's raised foot froze in midair.
Lu Changqing frowned. "This is my mount.
"I am taking him up the mountain. Who dares stop me?"
The moment his words fell, Heaven shook.
His words became law. The power of the Heavenly Dao shielded Kunpeng, forcing even Primordial Heavenly Venerate to restrain his might.
Kunpeng's eyes brimmed with grateful tears. "Many thanks, Great Master!"
Primordial Heavenly Venerate was secretly alarmed. Just who was this man?
When the two arrived at Jade Void Palace, Primordial Heavenly Venerate could no longer drive Kunpeng away, yet he still treated him as though he did not exist.
He merely stared at Lu Changqing and asked, "May I ask where Fellow Daoist comes from?"
Lu Changqing smiled calmly. "I am merely an ordinary Innate God."
Kunpeng curled his lips in disdain. An Innate God favored by the Heavenly Dao? Even if Pangu were reborn, he probably would not receive such treatment!
Before you continue