Invite Kong Xuan to Join the Jie Sect—Who Says I'm at the Heavenly Immortal Realm?

Great Wilderness Southernmost, Undying Volcano.

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

The Crimson Earth was split by countless fissures, Dark Red Lava flowing slowly through them and occasionally spraying sparks that filled the sky.

In the distance, volcanoes rose in towering ranks, thick smoke billowing from their craters as firelight flickered within, as though they could erupt at any moment and burn heaven and earth to ash.

This was a forbidden zone of life, where searing heat and destruction reigned eternal.

A streak of Misty Escape Light ignored the brutal environment, tearing through the steaming, distorted air as it boldly broke in.

The escape light faded, revealing Xuandu.

He hovered in midair, Misty Immortal Light circulating naturally around him and shutting out the heatwaves and flames.

As far as the eye could see, there was only desolation and Deathly Stillness.

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

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

Xuandu's Spiritual Sense spread out, blanketing heaven and earth.

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

Mountain rocks, lava, earth veins, Fire Fiends... every minute detail lay within his perception.

He was searching for that unique, proud aura.

The First Peacock in the World, bearing the Primordial Five Elements Qi, the Son of Primordial Phoenix—Kong Xuan!

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

He was most likely cultivating in the depths of Undying Volcano, using the Phoenix Clan Destiny left behind here and the Endless Fire Spirit Power to temper himself.

His realm had most likely not yet 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 his opportunity!

His Spiritual Sense carefully swept across volcano after dormant or active volcano, skimming over rushing Underground Fire Veins.

Suddenly, Xuandu's heart stirred.

In the Northwest Direction, deep within a Deep Mountain Valley that appeared utterly ordinary but was in fact a place where Earth Fire Spirit Veins gathered in unusual abundance—

He caught a trace of an obscure yet incomparably pure Five Elements Fluctuation!

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

It stood utterly at odds with the surrounding Raging Fire Spirit Qi, yet blended seamlessly into it, as though it were the master of this place.

Found him!

A sharp gleam flashed in Xuandu's eyes. His figure swayed, and in the next moment, he appeared above that 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, suspended above the lava.

A figure sat quietly cross-legged atop the stone platform.

He was a Young Man clad in a Five-Colored Immortal Robe.

His features were handsome to the point of seeming almost demonic, his brow bearing an inborn Arrogance and Indifference.

His eyes were tightly shut, and no powerful aura emanated from his body. Yet the lava beneath him was utterly docile—not even a single bubble rose.

Wisps of incomparably pure Primordial Five Elements Qi flowed in and out through the Pores of his body, 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 His Eyes and vanished, sharp as a Heavenly Sword as it stabbed toward Xuandu in the air.

"Who dares disturb my Pure Cultivation?"

His voice was cool and clear, carrying both displeasure at being interrupted and the lofty scrutiny of one looking down from above.

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

How could a Mere Heavenly Immortal break into the Undying Volcano Core?

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

There was something strange about This Child.

Facing Kong Xuan's oppressive gaze, Xuandu's expression remained unchanged. He cupped his hands in salute and said in a clear voice:

"This Poor Daoist is Xuandu, a disciple under Sage Tongtian of the Jie Sect. Greetings, Fellow Daoist."

Jie Sect?

A disciple of Sage Tongtian?

A flicker of surprise passed through Kong Xuan's eyes.

Why did a Sage Disciple possess only Heavenly Immortal cultivation?

And... Xuandu?

He had never heard this man's name before.

"What business does a Jie Sect Follower have at my Undying Volcano?"

Kong Xuan's tone remained cool, untouched by the other man's sect.

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

Xuandu smiled faintly, neither servile nor overbearing.

"I came especially for your future, Fellow Daoist."

Hearing this, the corner of Kong Xuan's lips curled into a half-smile carrying a trace of mockery.

"Oh?"

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

Though he found This Child strange, he was an Early Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal himself. With the Five-Colored Divine Light among his Divine Abilities, How could he take the "guidance" of a Heavenly Immortal to heart?

Xuandu paid no heed to his mockery and continued.

"Fellow Daoist bears the Phoenix Clan Destiny, has Deep Roots, Extraordinary Talent, and is uniquely favored in the Great Dao of Five Elements. Your future achievements are beyond measure."

"Yet the Phoenix Clan's glory has already faded. As the shamans and demons contend for supremacy, the Killing Tribulation sweeps across heaven and earth."

"You alone occupy this place, seeming detached from the world, yet in truth you are like rootless duckweed. Beneath the great calamity, how can any egg remain unbroken?"

At those words, Kong Xuan's gaze chilled as he said coldly, "Are you threatening me?"

Seeing this, Xuandu slowly Shook His Head.

"This is not a threat. It is merely a statement of fact."

"Amid the great tide of the Great Wilderness, seeking to preserve oneself alone is nothing but a vain hope."

Kong Xuan's tone was indifferent, but he did want to hear what grand words this Heavenly Immortal brat could produce.

"Then what do you think I should do?"

Hearing this, Xuandu rejoiced inwardly. There's a chance!

He then declared with certainty, "Join my Jie Sect!"

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

"The Jie Sect teaches without discrimination and seizes a thread of heavenly opportunity. It is precisely suited to helping Fellow Daoist Break Free from Shackles and transcend the path of fate!"

Kong Xuan seemed to have heard some joke and gave a disdainful laugh.

"Join the Jie Sect?"

"Though Sect Leader Tongtian is a Sage, I, Kong Xuan, possess the Phoenix Clan's inheritance. Why should I submit myself to another?"

"Besides..."

His gaze swept over Xuandu, the meaning obvious.

Keep company with a Heavenly Immortal like you?

Xuandu knew of the pride in his heart, yet he was not angered. He merely said slowly, "Does Fellow Daoist know what transcendence is?"

Without waiting for Kong Xuan's reply, he continued on his own.

"The Phoenix Clan's progenitor, Primordial Phoenix—what boundless might he possessed in those days, hailed as the Great Wilderness Overlord. And how did he end?"

"Still trapped by Karma, he fell in the great tribulation."

"Relying on one's own roots and inheritance alone, wishing to attain Hunyuan and Transcend Heavenly Dao—difficult! Difficult! Difficult!"

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

Kong Xuan's Face Darkened.

What had happened to Primordial Phoenix was an unhealed ache in the Phoenix Clan's heart, as well as the shadow of fate that their descendants found difficult to escape.

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

"Moreover, you may discuss the Dao and spar with countless Fellow Disciples, seizing inspiration from among the myriad immortals to perfect your own Great Dao of Five Elements."

Xuandu's voice carried temptation as he said, "The Sect Leader is broad-minded and teaches without discrimination. He will never bind Fellow Daoist's path."

"On the contrary, the Jie Sect's Teachings can help Fellow Daoist shatter the destiny of your bloodline and truly walk your own path!"

"When that time comes, the future will be promising, and transcendence will be within reach!"

Kong Xuan remained silent, his gaze flickering.

It had to be said, Xuandu's words had indeed struck at some of the thoughts buried deep within Kong Xuan's 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 fraught with difficulty.

The Jie Sect... Sage Tongtian...

Seeing Kong Xuan waver, Xuandu pressed his advantage:

"With Fellow Daoist's gifts, entering the Jie Sect would surely earn the Sect Master's regard. It is not impossible that he might personally impart the Great Dao to you."

"Your future standing would certainly not fall below that of Daoist Duobao, Saint Mother Jinling, and the other chief disciples."

"It would be far better than remaining alone in this desolate place, groping your way forward, letting the years slip by, perhaps even being swept into the war between the witches and demons, meeting Death and Dao Annihilation."

That final sentence carried a faint warning.

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

"Who exactly are you? How dare a Mere Heavenly Immortal prattle on about the Great Dao here and plan my future for me?"

His suspicions deepened. This Child's manner of speech, knowledge, and bearing were far beyond what an ordinary Heavenly Immortal could possess.

Xuandu knew he had become suspicious, yet remained unruffled. He merely smiled calmly.

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

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

Though he did not fully release the pressure of a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal, an unfathomable bearing, still as an abyss and firm as a mountain, naturally seeped forth.

"Besides, how does Fellow Daoist know that I am only in the Heavenly Immortal Realm?"

Sensing that sudden change in the deep aura, Kong Xuan's Pupils Suddenly Contracted!

This aura... vast as the sea, concealed yet unspent, was enough to make even him, a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal, feel a trace of Heart Palpitation!

He was absolutely no Heavenly Immortal!

This man had been hiding his cultivation all along!

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

He shot to his feet. Five-colored immortal light flowed around him as Primordial Five Elements Qi burst forth, instantly bringing the lava within the valley to a boil. Terrifying waves of heat surged into the heavens!

"Does a fellow Hiding Head and Showing Tail deserve to discuss the Dao with me?!"

Kong Xuan shouted fiercely, shock and fury roiling within him, along with an even deeper sense of humiliation at having been toyed with.

Facing Kong Xuan's sudden outburst, Xuandu's expression remained calm.

This was precisely the effect he needed.

First shake his heart with words, then display strength to intimidate his courage.

Employing both favor and might was the best method.

"Why must Fellow Daoist be angry?"

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

"I invited you with sincerity, only to jointly comprehend the Great Dao. If Fellow Daoist insists on refusing..."

His gaze chilled slightly as the vast mana of a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Peak, like a sea of stars within his body, slowly began to stir.

"...then I can only ask Fellow Daoist to accompany me on a trip to Golden Ao Island."

Words fell, and a terrifying pressure belonging solely to a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Peak crashed down upon the valley!

Heaven and earth lost their color; the lava froze solid.

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

Sensing this, Kong Xuan's expression changed drastically, and for the first time, incredulous terror appeared in his eyes!

This pressure...

Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal Peak?

How was that possible?