Invite Kong Xuan to Join the Interception Sect-Who Said I Was at the Heavenly Immortal Realm?

Great Wilderness Southernmost, Undying Volcano.

Scorching heat filled heaven and earth, and the air was saturated with flames.

The Crimson Earth was cracked with countless ravines, Dark Red Lava slowly flowing through them and occasionally splashing sparks across the sky.

In the distance, towering volcanoes rose one after another. Thick smoke billowed from their craters, firelight flickering within as though they could erupt at any moment and burn heaven and earth to ash.

This was a forbidden zone of life, where scorching heat and destruction endured eternally.

A streak of Misty Escape Light ignored the brutal environment, tearing through the steaming, distorted air as it forcefully entered.

The escape light faded, revealing Xuandu.

He hovered in midair, Misty Immortal Light circulating around him and keeping the heat waves and flames at bay.

As far as the eye could see, there was only desolation and deathly silence.

Only the Vast Fire Spirit Power surging through the Earth Vein Depths displayed this place's extraordinary nature.

"Undying Volcano... the Phoenix Clan Suppression Site."

Xuandu's Spiritual Sense spread out in all directions.

How formidable was the Spiritual Sense of a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Peak? In an instant, it covered a Ten Thousand Mile Territory.

Mountains and stones, magma, earth veins, Fire Fiends... every minute detail was within his perception.

He was searching for that unique and prideful aura.

The First Peacock in the World, born with Innate Five Elements, the Son of Primordial Phoenix—Kong Xuan!

Based on his Past Life Memories and deductions from the Great Wilderness Timeline, Kong Xuan should have already been born by now.

He was most likely cultivating deep within the Undying Volcano, using the lingering Phoenix Clan Destiny and Endless Fire Spirit Power here to temper himself.

His cultivation most likely had not reached the Quasi-Saint Peak of the Investiture of the Gods period. At most, he was at the Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Level.

This was precisely Xuandu's opportunity!

His Spiritual Sense carefully swept over volcanoes both dormant and active, passing over rushing Underground Fire Veins.

Suddenly, Xuandu's heart stirred.

In the northwest, deep within a Deep Mountain Valley that appeared unremarkable but where Earth Fire Spirit Veins had gathered unusually densely.

He caught a faint, concealed, yet incomparably pure Five Elements Fluctuation!

The fluctuation was restrained yet vast, carrying the noble Dao Charm of Innate Birth.

It stood entirely apart from the surrounding Raging Fire Spirit Qi, yet blended into it perfectly, as though it were the ruler of this place.

Found him!

A sharp glint flashed through Xuandu's eyes. His figure flickered, and in the next moment, he appeared above the valley.

The valley was not broad, with steep crimson rock walls on all sides.

Dark Red Lava churned at the valley floor. At its center was a small Black Stone Platform floating above the magma.

A figure sat cross-legged in silence atop the stone platform.

It was a handsome young man clad in a Five-Colored Immortal Robe.

His features were so beautiful they seemed almost demonic, while his brows carried an innate pride and aloofness.

His eyes were shut, and no powerful aura leaked from his body. Yet the magma beneath him was utterly docile, not even producing a single bubble.

Strands of incomparably pure Primordial Five Elements Qi flowed in and out through his pores, faintly resonating with the earth veins of the entire Undying Volcano.

It was Kong Xuan!

As though sensing the outsider's scrutiny, Kong Xuan abruptly opened his eyes.

Five-Colored Radiance flashed through them before vanishing, sharp as a heavenly sword as it pierced toward Xuandu in the air.

"Who dares disturb my cultivation?"

His voice was cold, carrying irritation at being interrupted, along with a lofty scrutiny.

His gaze swept across Xuandu. Sensing the Heavenly Immortal Realm that Xuandu had deliberately revealed, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

How could a Mere Heavenly Immortal enter the Undying Volcano Core?

And how could he evade the Minor Restrictions Kong Xuan had laid down and appear directly above his Secluded Cultivation Place?

There was something strange about this man.

Facing Kong Xuan's oppressive gaze, Xuandu's expression remained unchanged. He cupped his hands in greeting and declared, "I am Xuandu, a disciple under Sage Tongtian of the Interception Sect. Greetings, fellow Daoist."

The Interception Sect?

A disciple of Sage Tongtian?

A trace of surprise flashed through Kong Xuan's eyes.

Why did a Sage Disciple possess only Heavenly Immortal cultivation?

And... Xuandu?

He had never heard of this person.

"What business does an Interception Sect follower have at my Undying Volcano?"

Kong Xuan's tone remained cold. He was not moved by Xuandu's sect.

He possessed the Phoenix Clan's inheritance and noble origins. Even when facing a Sage Disciple, he still had his own pride.

Xuandu smiled faintly, neither servile nor overbearing.

"I came specifically for your future, fellow Daoist."

Upon hearing that, Kong Xuan's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.

"Oh?"

"For my future? With your Heavenly Immortal cultivation?"

Though he found this man strange, Kong Xuan himself was an Early Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal. Coupled with his Five-Colored Divine Light Divine Ability, how could he take a Heavenly Immortal's "guidance" seriously?

Xuandu paid no heed to the mockery and continued.

"You carry Phoenix Clan Destiny, possess profound origins, extraordinary talent, and are uniquely blessed in the Great Dao of Five Elements. Your future achievements will be limitless."

"However, the Phoenix Clan's glory has already faded. The struggle between the Wu and Demon Clans rages on, and the Killing Tribulation is sweeping through heaven and earth."

"You remain here alone, seeming detached from the world, but in truth you are like duckweed without roots. When the Great Tribulation descends, how can any egg remain unbroken?"

At those words, Kong Xuan's eyes turned cold.

"Are you threatening me?"

Xuandu slowly shook his head.

"This is not a threat. I am merely stating the facts."

"In the great tide of the Great Wilderness, preserving oneself alone is nothing more than a vain hope."

Kong Xuan spoke indifferently, wanting to hear what this Heavenly Immortal brat could possibly say.

"Then what do you think I should do?"

Hearing this, Xuandu rejoiced inwardly. There was a chance!

He then said with certainty.

"Join the Interception Sect!"

"The Interception Sect is a Sage's lineage. Myriad Immortals Come to Court, and its destiny flourishes."

"The Interception Sect teaches without discrimination and seizes a thread of Heavenly Secret. It is perfectly suited to helping you break free of your shackles and transcend fate!"

Kong Xuan seemed to have heard a joke and let out a scornful laugh.

"Join the Interception Sect?"

"Sect Leader Tongtian may be a Sage, but I, Kong Xuan, possess my own Phoenix Clan inheritance. Why should I live under another's roof?"

"Besides..."

His gaze swept over Xuandu, the implication unmistakable.

Keep company with a Heavenly Immortal like you?

Xuandu understood Kong Xuan's pride and was not angered. He merely said slowly, "Do you know what transcendence is, fellow Daoist?"

Without waiting for Kong Xuan to answer, he continued.

"Yuanfeng, progenitor of the Phoenix Clan, was once so mighty that she could be called a Great Wilderness Overlord. Yet what became of her in the end?"

"She was still trapped by Karma and fell in the Great Tribulation."

"Relying solely on one's own origins and inheritance to attain Hunyuan and Transcend Heavenly Dao is difficult! Difficult! Difficult!"

He spoke the word "difficult" three times, each one striking Kong Xuan's heart.

Kong Xuan's expression darkened slightly.

Yuanfeng's fate was an old wound in the Phoenix Clan's heart, as well as the shadow of destiny that descendants like him found difficult to escape.

"Join my Interception Sect, gain a Sage's Protection, and enjoy the destiny of a great sect."

"You may also discuss the Dao and spar with countless fellow disciples, drawing inspiration from among Myriad Immortals to perfect your own Great Dao of Five Elements."

Xuandu's voice was tempting.

"The Sect Master is broad-minded and teaches without discrimination. He will never restrain your Dao."

"On the contrary, the Jie Sect's Teachings can help you break your bloodline's destined shackles and truly walk your own path!"

"Then your future will be boundless, and transcendence will be within reach!"

Kong Xuan fell silent, his eyes flickering.

Xuandu's words had indeed struck upon thoughts buried deep in his heart.

The Phoenix Clan had declined. Though he possessed pride and talent, he had no powerful faction to rely on. In this Great Wilderness where the Killing Tribulation was gradually rising, every step was difficult.

The Interception Sect... Sage Tongtian...

Seeing that Kong Xuan was tempted, Xuandu pressed on while the iron was hot.

"With your talent, fellow Daoist, you will certainly be valued upon entering the Interception Sect. It may not even be impossible for the Sect Master to personally impart the Great Dao to you."

"Your future status will certainly not be below that of chief disciples such as Daoist Duobao and Saint Mother Jinling."

"That would be far better than remaining in this remote place, exploring alone, wasting away the years, and perhaps even being drawn into the war between the Wu and Demon Clans, only to die with your Dao extinguished."

His final sentence carried an implicit warning.

Kong Xuan suddenly raised his head, his gaze like lightning as he stared directly at Xuandu.

"Who exactly are you? How dare a Mere Heavenly Immortal speak so recklessly of the Great Dao and plan my future for me?"

His doubts deepened. This man's words, bearing, knowledge, and temperament were not things an ordinary Heavenly Immortal could possess.

Xuandu knew Kong Xuan had grown suspicious, but he was not flustered. He simply smiled calmly.

"I am Xuandu, nothing more. Whether my words are true or false, fellow Daoist can judge for yourself."

He paused, and the Heavenly Immortal aura around him suddenly changed.

Though he did not fully release the pressure of a Daluo Golden Immortal, an unfathomable presence, as deep and steady as an abyss or mountain, naturally seeped forth.

"Besides, how do you know that I am merely at the Heavenly Immortal Realm?"

Sensing that sudden, profound aura, Kong Xuan's pupils abruptly contracted!

This aura... vast as the sea, concealed yet unexpressed, actually made even him, a Daluo Golden Immortal, feel a trace of alarm!

He was absolutely not a Heavenly Immortal!

This man had been concealing his cultivation all along!

To perfectly hide his aura before Kong Xuan, his strength... was likely no weaker than Kong Xuan's own!

He sprang to his feet. Five-Colored Immortal Light swirled around him as Primordial Five Elements Qi erupted forth. The magma within the valley instantly boiled, and terrifying heat waves surged into the sky!

"You skulking wretch, are you worthy of discussing the Dao with me?!"

Kong Xuan shouted furiously, his heart filled with shock and anger, along with the humiliation of having been toyed with.

Xuandu's expression remained calm in the face of Kong Xuan's sudden eruption.

This was precisely the effect he wanted.

First shake Kong Xuan's resolve with words, then display his strength to intimidate him.

Using both favor and force was the best approach.

"Why must you be angry, fellow Daoist?"

Pure and Bright Immortal Light circulated around Xuandu, easily neutralizing the scorching pressure rushing toward him.

"My invitation is sincere. I only wish to explore the Great Dao together. If you insist on refusing..."

His gaze turned slightly cold as the vast mana of a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Peak within him began to stir slowly.

"...then I will have no choice but to invite you to accompany me to Golden Ao Island."

As his words fell, a terrifying pressure unique to a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Peak crashed down upon the valley!

Heaven and earth lost their color, and the magma froze solid.

Even the laws of this place seemed to slow at this very moment.

Feeling this, Kong Xuan's expression changed drastically, and for the first time, utter disbelief and horror appeared in his eyes!

This pressure...

Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Peak?

How was that possible?