With Xuan Long's shout, Li Qiang, who was spinning rapidly, suddenly stopped in mid-air, headfirst.
Xuan Long clapped his hands and said, "How is it? How does it taste?"
Li Qiang was completely dizzy from being spun around so fast; the speed was terrifying. Hanging upside down, looking utterly disheveled, he finally managed to utter, "Huh? That's strange, how come you have three heads... ah? Six arms... a monster!"
Xuan Long was amused and annoyed by him. This kid actually dared to be so glib! At the same time, he admired the kid's toughness. He knew that the spinning just now was not something an ordinary person could endure, especially since he was wrapped with seven golden threads.
Xuan Long raised his hand, and with a "thud," Li Qiang slammed headfirst to the ground.
Li Qiang had nothing to say about the power of immortals; it was something that no one in this realm could contend with. Even with his cultivation of the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture, he was still far inferior.
Li Qiang felt like a child facing a burly man, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't possibly beat him.
Li Qiang gradually calmed down and realized that a direct confrontation would lead nowhere.
He slowly sat up, put away his Fire Essence Immortal Armor, recalled the Star-Absorbing Sword that had flown out, and leisurely straightened his clothes. As if nothing had happened, he casually said, " Xuan Long, have you had enough? Hey, what's that thing you're holding onto me? Please take it off, it's really uncomfortable."
Xuan Long was also a very strange immortal. He tilted his head and thought for a moment, then waved his hand, sending seven golden threads flying back into his palm. He then said, "There are a few questions you need to answer honestly, or you can forget about leaving."
Li Qiang knew that pretending to be tough was useless, so he went all out and said with a grin, "Fine, do you think I wouldn't tell the truth? But I also have some questions to ask, can you answer them?"
Xuan Long was quite straightforward. "I'll answer whatever I can. Kid, go check on your friend first, I'll be back in a bit." He suddenly vanished without a trace.
The area remains under lockdown.
Li Qiang strode to the small house, where he saw Xuanyuan Yiqing and the other two people lying at the door, their six eyes wide open, staring blankly as Li Qiang approached.
Xuanyuan Yiqing was the quickest to react. He jumped up from the ground and shouted, "Get up quickly, Senior is coming!"
Li Qiang said with a wry smile, "I'm really sorry to have dragged the three of you into this."
Xuanyuan Yiqing hurriedly said, "We came together, so we should share the joys and sorrows. Is Senior alright?" He was actually very anxious, but he had to put on a show on the surface.
Bai Shengzhen had no idea what to say and stood to the side without uttering a word.
Dan Boyu smiled and said, "I don't think it's anything serious. That immortal senior doesn't seem like a bad guy, hehe." Despite his words, his face was ashen, pale with a bluish tinge, and his smile was as stiff as if it had been carved with a knife.
"Who said I'm a bad guy?"
Xuan Long's figure appeared as he spoke, and Dan Boyu was nearly scared to death. He stammered, "I... I didn't... I..."
Li Qiang said, "You all go outside and meditate. I want to talk to him."
Xuan Long said, "No need, the three of you can just sit over there." He didn't take them seriously at all.
Xuan Long changed into a wide robe, the style of which was strange yet very beautiful. It was a pure black robe with a three-finger-wide gold belt with dark patterns around his waist. A light blue spirit beast was embroidered on his left shoulder, and a triangular ornament was pasted on his forehead, resembling an eagle spreading its wings and soaring high. The expression on his face was ambiguous, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
Xuan Long said calmly, "Boy, sit down and talk." He sat down cross-legged first.
Xuanyuan Yiqing and the other two had long since collapsed to the ground, but fortunately, Xuan Long had restrained his aura, allowing them to endure it.
Not to be outdone, Li Qiang sat cross-legged in front of Xuan Long and preemptively asked, "Old Dragon, just how many immortals are there in this realm?"
Xuan Long casually replied, "There should be six or seven, but I don't know the exact number. Hey kid, answer my question first."
Li Qiang spread his hands, looking completely innocent, and said with a grin, "Since you're not going to say anything, I'll have to speak first, hehe."
Xuan Long pondered for a moment, then asked, "Have you met Lord Gu Xing?"
Li Qiang was puzzled. Who was Gu Xing? He thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Who is Gu Xing? I don't remember knowing this person. What does he do? Oh, right, he's an immortal! But I don't know him." He suddenly remembered what Feng Qianbao had said.
Xuan Long, observing Li Qiang's expression, knew he genuinely didn't recognize him. He asked curiously, "Did you obtain the Heaven-Defying Treasure Mirror and the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation?"
Li Qiang's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "I've already cultivated the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture, Heaven-Defying Treasure Mirror isn't with me. What does this have to do with Lord Gu Xing?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly realized that the master of the Star Palace was probably Gu Xing, and that he and Mo Huaiyuan might have been wrong; the Star Palace wasn't built by Loose Immortal immortal at all. He muttered to himself, "So it was Gu Xing!"
Xuan Long grabbed Li Qiang's shoulder and said urgently, "Lord Gu Xing Star is of course an immortal! You've seen him? You've seen him!"
Since Li Qiang began cultivating the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation, his body has become extremely strong. However, when Xuan Long's five fingers gripped his shoulder, he still felt he couldn't take it, and his shoulder even made a strange "crackling" sound.
Li Qiang yelled, "Whoa! Are you trying to kill someone? You're using so much force!"
Xuan Long quickly let go, and said with a wry smile, "I was too impatient. Have you seen Lord Gu Xing? Where is he?"
Li Qiang was confused about the relationships between Xuan Long and his group of immortals, so he didn't dare to speak carelessly. He rolled his eyes and asked, "Old Dragon, first tell me who Lord Gu Xing is? And why are you immortals stuck in this realm? Only then can I deduce Lord Gu Xing Star's situation. Let me make it clear, I have never seen Lord Gu Xing."
Xuan Long sighed, a hint of helplessness appearing on his ancient face. He pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll go first. Lord Gu Xing is Luo Heaven High Immortal in the Immortal Realm, specializing in punishing those immortals who disturb the Immortal Realm, much like a law enforcement officer in the mortal world. He wields great power, but in the Immortal Realm, this is also a position that offends immortals."
Li Qiang laughed and said, "Huh, this is different from what I thought. The Immortal Realm isn't much different from our mortal world."
Xuanyuan Yiqing, Dan Boyu, and Bai Shengzhen all stared wide-eyed, dumbfounded. It was the first time they had ever heard about the Immortal Realm. Curiosity overcame their fear, and they unconsciously moved closer.
Xuan Long lowered his head, his thoughts already drifting back to his days in the Immortal Realm. He said, "You know about the Reverse Passage to Lesser Lin Heaven, right?"
Li Qiang nodded and said, "I know, I heard it's open again now."
Xuan Long was taken aback. "It's working? Impossible... How did you know?"
Li Qiang said calmly, "Because the Cultivation Realm here has received High Immortal Decree from the Immortal Realm."
Xuan Long's hand trembled slightly as he murmured, " The High Immortal Decree, the High Immortal Decree! It's the Great Luo High Immortal Decree! Alas! I've been in seclusion for too long this time." He suddenly looked up and asked, "Boy, what does the High Immortal Decree refer to?"
Li Qiang knew he couldn't hide it from him, so he said, "My image is left in the High Immortal Decree; you need to find me."
Not only were Xuanyuan Yiqing and the other two dumbfounded, but even Xuan Long was stunned. He asked in bewilderment, "Why would the Immortal Realm be looking for you? You're not an immortal from the Immortal Realm... No, you must be related to Lord Gu Xing!"
Li Qiang asked, "Why?"
Xuan Long said, "There are a total of eighteen Luo Heaven High Immortal in the Immortal Realm. The most powerful are the top three. Gu Xing ranks third and wields the Heaven-Defying Treasure Mirror. I am also a Luo Heaven High Immortal, but I rank fifteenth. There is another Luo Heaven High Immortal in this realm, Qian Shanyong, who ranks seventeenth."
Li Qiang had a vague feeling that something must have happened between the three of them.
Xuan Long continued, "A major event once occurred in the Immortal Realm: an immortal stole a treasure from the Immortal Realm's Supreme Azure Emperor... the Immortal Realm Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation, the most famous Cultivation Method in the Immortal Realm, and the Cultivation Method practiced by the Immortal Realm's Supreme Being."
Li Qiang shuddered in fright, realizing he was in deep trouble. He had actually cultivated the Cultivation Method of the Immortal Realm's Supreme Beings, and it seemed the Immortal Realm would never forgive him.
Xuan Long gave him a deep look and said, "That immortal cultivated the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture, and knowing he couldn't stay in the Immortal Realm for long, he planned to secretly escape to this realm through the Reverse Passage of Lesser Lin Heaven. Lord Gu Xing Qian Shanyong, and I were ordered by the Azure Emperor to capture that immortal and retrieve the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture. Lord Gu Xing blocked that immortal at the entrance of the passage... Alas!" He sighed deeply, as if recalling a painful memory.
Li Qiang was filled with thoughts, pondering how to deal with this terrible situation.
Xuan Long ignored what Li Qiang was thinking and continued, "At the passage, Lord Gu Xing Star and I fought a fierce battle with that man. I didn't expect that after he cultivated the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture, his strength became terrifying. Even Gu Xing Star's Heaven-Defying Treasure Mirror and my Immortal Immortal-Seeking Silk had a hard time subduing him. If he hadn't suddenly gone mad, we would probably all be finished."
Li Qiang was startled again, and asked with a wry smile, "Old Long, what you mean by 'going mad'... is it Qi Deviation?"
Xuan Long said, " The Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation is the Cultivation Method practiced by the Azure Emperor. Not just anyone can cultivate it. Of course, immortals still have a chance of succeeding." He stared at Li Qiang for a while, then suddenly laughed, "Kid, do you know? Although you've cultivated the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture, your chances of success are almost nonexistent. The Heavenly Recommendation Scripture is relatively easy to cultivate at the beginning, but it becomes increasingly difficult as you progress, and it's extremely easy to Qi Deviation. That immortal went mad when he reached the Seven Star Heaven realm. He not only severely injured Lord Gu Xing and me, but also seriously injured Qian Shanyong, who arrived later. In the end, he exploded and died, completely sealing off the Reverse Passage."
Li Qiang muttered to himself, "He self-destructed? Doesn't that Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation is finished too? Wait a minute, Qian Shanyong seems to hate Lord Gu Xing a lot... Strange."
He realized he had reached a dead end. Big Brother Mo and his master certainly didn't understand the consequences of cultivating the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture. They were only focused on making him stronger and more powerful, and had absolutely no intention of harming him. Gradually, he came to terms with it. In any case, living in this world and being able to live each day well was the greatest reward God could give him. He could worry about the future later. With this in mind, he rallied his spirits once again.
Xuan Long had been observing Li Qiang's expression. At first, he could see that Li Qiang looked somewhat worried, but soon he adopted an indifferent expression, seemingly unconcerned about cultivating the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture or the possibility of Qi Deviation. Xuanlong couldn't help but secretly admire him. He said, "When we caught up with that immortal, he returned the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation to Lord Gu Xing Star, but he resolutely refused to return to the Immortal Realm with us, which led to the fight. At that time, I almost lost all my cultivation and spirit, barely managing to teleport to an uninhabited planet. It took me over a thousand years to recover. I don't know what happened after that."
Li Qiang was almost certain that something must have happened between Gu Xing and Qian Shanyong. He asked, "Why didn't you ask me for the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture and the Heaven-Defying Treasure Mirror?" He also had another question in his mind: when he took the Heaven-Defying Treasure Mirror, the spiritual light emitted by the mirror had startled Qian Shanyong. If he wasn't the owner of the mirror, how could he have noticed it? But he could only keep this question to himself and couldn't ask Xuan Long.
Xuan Long said, "You've cultivated Cultivation Method you shouldn't have. Although you can become very strong, hehe, sooner or later you'll Qi Deviation, or even explode and die. I don't want to Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation. Although the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture's Cultivation Method are remarkable, I won't cultivate it unless absolutely necessary. Even for immortals, the risks are very high. Besides, the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation is the Azure Emperor 'Azure Emperor treasure, and I don't want to anger him."
He paused, then continued, "The real Heavenly Recommendation Scripture was long ago sent back to the Azure Emperor. The one you obtained is likely a copy left behind by Lord Gu Xing. Perhaps he intended to study it himself, or perhaps he had other intentions. It's just unfortunate that you cultivated it... Strangely, cultivators cannot cultivate the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture. Could it be that Lord Gu Xing used you as an experiment?"
Li Qiang said, "Old Long, there's no need to be so direct. I'm still alive, after all. Why do you sound like you're talking to a dead man? If you don't want to cultivate the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture, why are all the other immortals coming to capture me and demanding the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation for cultivation? Especially Qian Shanyong. Don't they know how dangerous it is to cultivate the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture?" He deliberately avoided the topic of the Gu Xing.
Xuan Long said, " The Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation is very famous, not only in the Immortal Realm but also in the Cultivation Realm Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation. However, few people know that it is a Cultivation Method with both great and terrible consequences. Once you start cultivating it, the risks are extremely high. As for why Qian Shanyong wanted to obtain it, perhaps it really has something to do with Lord Gu Xing. Hmm, since I left the Reverse Passage, I haven't seen him or Lord Gu Xing again. Could it be that he...?"
Xuanyuan Yiqing and the other two were completely confused and dared not ask any questions. They just stood there dumbfounded. However, they did understand one thing: Li Qiang had cultivated a terrifying Cultivation Method that was fatal. But to their surprise, Li Qiang as if he were talking about someone else's business, appearing completely unconcerned. His open-mindedness and nonchalance impressed the three of them greatly.
Xuan Long stood up and paced back and forth. He reached the door, leaned on the lintel, looked up at the sky, and after a long while, said, " The Immortal Realm's search for you probably doesn't mean any harm. They may be inquiring about Gu Xing Guxing. You don't need to hide everywhere. Although the Immortal Realm isn't as wonderful as you imagine, it's not an unreasonable place either."
Li Qiang curled his lip and said, "Really? I think the few immortals I've met are all pretty lousy." His words had a hint of criticizing a bald man for being a good lamp, making people both laugh and cry.
Xuan Long turned to stare at Li Qiang, a half-smile on his face, and said, "Does that include me too?"
Li Qiang nodded with a grin, but said, "A little better than the others, but we'll see how you perform later." He was truly going all out now; even if a god were standing in front of him, he wouldn't hold back what he wanted to say.
Xuan Long couldn't help but burst into laughter. This was the first time he had laughed so loudly in front of Li Qiang and the others, and it was indeed a bit frightening.
Xuanyuan Yiqing was terrified. Senior Muzi was too arrogant, daring to spout nonsense so recklessly, even towards the Immortal Senior. The three of them dared not move an inch amidst Xuan Long's loud laughter.
Li Qiang, still all smiles, asked, "What does Lao Long plan to do to me?"
In truth, Xuan Long was quite wary of Li Qiang. He knew it was best to avoid provoking someone who had cultivated the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture. He still vividly remembered the fight in the Reverse Passage. If Li Qiang were to use the Explosion Body technique, his own Divine Yi Power would be insufficient to withstand it. He was unwilling to risk his life unless absolutely necessary.
Xuan Long tilted his head and said, "I won't do anything to you unless the Azure Emperor of the Immortal Realm issues an order. Right now... your fate is determined by Heaven, not by us immortals. So, you can rest assured. Your greatest enemy is yourself; that's what will take your life."
Li Qiang understood what he meant. After cultivating the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture, his fate had completely changed. The Heavenly Recommendation Scripture Heavenly Recommendation Scripture bring him power, but it could also kill him. However, having cultivated to this point, especially after experiencing twenty-seven realms on the Heavenly Court Star, Li Qiang no longer cared too much about life and death, and his heart was also light about gains and losses.
He still had a smile on his face and said, "Old Dragon, so you're not going to force me to give you the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture?"
Xuan Long nodded and said, "I would never cultivate the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture. What would I need it for? Kid, you're lucky you met me. If it were any other immortal, you'd all be in trouble. There are a few notorious scoundrels among the immortals of this Immortal Realm who do things entirely according to their own whims. If you had encountered them, hehe, you probably wouldn't even have time to cry. Your current strength is far from sufficient; you can't defeat them."
Li Qiang declared with boundless pride, "If we can't win, we'll just die together!"
Xuan Long clapped his hands and sarcastically said, "Well done, you're quite remarkable! But who would want to die with you? With the methods of an immortal, you could be in a life-or-death situation. Forget it, there's no use in talking nonsense! Kid, you should stay on Beiling Mountain and wait for the people from the Immortal Realm to arrive."
Li Qiang laughed and said, "Are you afraid I'll run away? Don't worry, the entire large teleportation array of Linming Planet is sealed off. Even if I wanted to escape, I couldn't. I can stay here with you for a few days, and then I'm going to Snow Dragon City."
Xuan Long laughed, "It's rare to find someone who can joke and laugh with me. Alright, you can stay here for a few days. The three of you have come here. Since we've met, it must be fate. Here are three spirit pills. Take them and meditate in the room. Then it's up to your own destiny." He raised his hand and shot out three milky-white spirit pills, and the small house was immediately filled with a pleasant fragrance.
Xuanyuan Yiqing and the other two were overjoyed. They were finally relieved. Since the immortal senior was willing to give them the elixir, it meant that he would not make things difficult for them. The three of them kowtowed repeatedly to express their gratitude.
Xuan Long said, "Don't worry, even immortals can't do whatever they want. You are the foundation and basis of the Immortal Realm, just like you are to the mortal world. The three of you should meditate in the room and not wander around. The restrictions here are very strong. Boy, I'll accompany you to visit the main branch of Beiling Mountain."
Only then did Li Qiang realize that Xuan Long possessed the air of an immortal. He laughed and said, "Alright, I only got involved with you because I wanted to see the main branch of the sacred mountain. Wouldn't it be a huge loss if I didn't take this opportunity to see it?" He stood up and followed Xuan Long out of the hut.
Xuan Long released the restrictions on the Crimson Stone Field and slowly walked out. As he walked, he said, "I have lived here for a long time. Now that the Reverse Passage of Lesser Lin Heaven has opened, it is time for me to leave this place and return to the Immortal Realm." He was somewhat lost and sentimental.
Li Qiang asked curiously, "That's not right. If there's no passage, you can't go back? Can't you just ascend directly to the Immortal Realm? Aren't cultivators allowed to ascend directly to the Immortal Realm after reaching the Mahayana Realm? That's strange."
Xuan Long laughed, "You don't understand. The process of cultivators ascending to the Immortal Realm is a complete transformation. Relying on this unparalleled natural power, they can directly ascend to the Immortal Realm. But we immortals cannot undergo another transformation, so we cannot enter the Immortal Realm out of thin air unless we are reincarnated and start cultivating again. If we want to return to the Immortal Realm, we must take the Reverse Passage of Lesser Lin Heaven. Therefore, very few immortals are willing to come to this realm. They only come when they have no other choice."
A slight thought flickered in Li Qiang's heart; he seemed to have realized something, but couldn't quite grasp it. Unable to find the answer, he scratched his head, temporarily ignoring the thought, and nodded, saying, "So that's how it is..."
The main ridge of Ling Mountain is actually a red stone ridge that is nearly a thousand meters long. The ridge is only a dozen meters high and it spirals around in circles, naturally forming a spiral shape. The gaps and open spaces in the ridge are full of strange grasses and trees, and all kinds of spiritual fruits and flowers grow among them, with bursts of fragrance wafting in the wind.
Li Qiang took a deep breath and said with rapt attention, "It smells so good!"
Xuan Long casually waved his hand, and two crimson spirit fruits flew into his hand. He handed one to Li Qiang and said with a smile, "These are exotic Scarlet Radiance Fruit that I brought from the Immortal Realm. They were planted here, and the main vein of Beiling Mountain is full of Spiritual Qi. Two of them have survived. Try one."
The Scarlet Radiance Fruit is only the size of a pigeon egg, and its faint fragrance is refreshing.
Li Qiang laughed, "How come it's so small? It's not even enough to fill a tooth gap." He put it in his mouth and tried to bite it; the Scarlet Radiance Fruit melted instantly.
Li Qiang asked in confusion, "I don't feel anything... What is it... Ouch... Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! It's so spicy!" His face turned purplish-red.
Xuan Long's face was also flushed. He said, "Don't use your internal energy, or it will be a waste."
The spiciness was so intense that Li Qiang lost all feeling in his mouth. Suddenly, a rich fragrance emanated from the depths of his heart.
Xuan Long closed his eyes slightly, looking quite absorbed. Li Qiang followed suit, closing his eyes to savor the flavor. It seemed to begin with his sense of smell, as waves of incredibly pleasant aromas constantly shifted and changed. Then, a faint bitterness filled his mouth, gradually transforming into sweetness. That strange contrast was incredibly comforting. Finally, a clear liquid flowed down his throat, leaving Li Qiang feeling refreshed and clear-headed. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Wonderful! No wonder it's a spiritual fruit from the Immortal Realm, so unpredictable!"
Xuan Long shook his head and said, "Sigh! It tastes far inferior to those produced in the Immortal Realm. The real Scarlet Radiance Fruit, also known as the Thousand Illusions Fruit, is truly potent. Ordinary people can't eat it; they can't even pass the first test. Hehe, they'll die from the spiciness."
Li Qiang asked, "Old Dragon, do you know the Lonely Old Immortal, Tianshi?"
Xuan Long nodded and said, "I know him. What's wrong? Is he looking for you too?"
Li Qiang nodded and said, "I'm afraid so, but not for the Heavenly Recommendation Scripture for God Cultivation. I want to know what kind of person he is." He thought to himself, "If Tianshi goes back, he'll definitely be furious! Ha! That'll be hilarious."
Xuan Long said, " Tianshi is a Fengzi madman with eccentricities in the Immortal Realm Immortal Realm. He couldn't stay there anymore, so he came to this realm. However, he's not that bad; he just likes to play pranks on others. How did you offend him? This guy is very vengeful."
Li Qiang made a face and said, "I broke his Brilliant Swift Immortal Formation and took a few of his treasures."
Xuan Long was startled and said, "Kid, I can't believe you escaped. That's strange... With Tianshi's cultivation level, you shouldn't be able to defeat him." He found it utterly unbelievable.
Li Qiang said with a grin, "He's not home anyway." He then told Xuan Long about his experience on Goulan Planet.
Xuan Long's face darkened, and he said softly, "That bastard is a disgrace to the Immortal Realm! Don't worry, I'll report this to the Azure Emperor when I return to the Immortal Realm." He seemed preoccupied, staring blankly at the sky, muttering to himself, "I wonder who came from the Immortal Realm this time?"
A sudden realization dawned on Li Qiang, and the vague thought from before suddenly became clear. He blurted out, "I know who came from the Immortal Realm!"