Lu Xuan observed the changes in his three disciples with a faint, satisfied smile.

Internally, however, he remained utterly unchanged. Heaven-defying treasures poured into him, instantly swallowed and sinking to the bottom, as if his body were a bottomless abyss.

Around Ji Fuyao, spiritual energy swirled, manifesting a faint, auspicious glow. Her hair danced, accentuating her peerless beauty, and her fiery red dress seemed to ignite with power.

Ye Chen's breathing grew rapid, his face flushed, and blood surged through his meridians like a raging torrent. The Desolate Heaven Art and the first volume of the Grand Dao Scripture automatically activated. Behind him, a golden, immense Martial Dao Furnace manifested, radiating an overwhelming aura.

Chen Changsheng's aura, however, was like a mound of earth, as if he were holding back a massive, explosive move.

Soon, Lu Xuan finished his meal and reclined on his lounge chair, settling in for a rest.

Ji Fuyao and the other two disciples were still slowly eating, simultaneously absorbing the Dao Rhyme infused within the dishes.

The jade pendant on Ye Chen's chest emitted a faint glow.

Yao Yan silently absorbed the Dao Rhyme that diffused into the air, a tempest raging within his heart. "Peak Master Lu's three disciples, consuming such heaven-defying treasures daily... their physical bodies, souls, and Dao Foundations will be endlessly tempered. If this continues, their future potential will be immeasurable! In the Southern Wilds, throughout the long river of history, has there ever been a master who pampered his disciples to such an extent? To be honest, if Peak Master Lu didn't mind, I'd even want to become his disciple!"

Just then, the System's voice echoed in Lu Xuan's ears.

"Ding! First disciple Ji Fuyao's comprehension of the Heaven-Burning Art has increased! Synchronization initiated!"

"Ding! Second disciple Ye Chen's comprehension of the Desolate Heaven Art has increased! Synchronization initiated!"

"Ding! Third disciple Chen Changsheng's comprehension of the Scripture of Non-Action and the Grand Dao Scripture..."

As the voice faded, incredibly profound insights transformed into clusters of light, scattering within Lu Xuan's mind. He felt a slight coolness on his brow, quite comfortable.

Lu Xuan glanced at his three disciples, nodding faintly. "Not bad, all of you are doing well."

***

News of the Fuyao Dynasty Founding Ceremony spread, stirring up a massive uproar across the Southern Wilds. Although preparations for the ceremony in the Blackflame Mountain Range were in full swing, many factions remained skeptical.

This was because the Demon Hall's reaction was exceptionally fierce! The Red Serpent Race, rulers of the Demon Hall and proxies for the Demon Court, had just emerged when their Nine-star Emperor Realm Old Ancestor was brutally annihilated by the White Robe Great Emperor. Given the Demon Race's bloodthirsty nature, they would never tolerate such an insult. In recent days, the Demon Hall had been openly gathering numerous Monster Race Magnates.

Human cultivators across the various states were profoundly shaken. This time, the Fuyao Dynasty Founding Ceremony was likely to be a monumental event! The Demon Race was powerful and unified under the Lord of the Demon Court. Though the human race also boasted many powerful cultivators, they were fragmented, each acting independently.

A powerful cultivator worriedly remarked, "This time, the Grand Dao Sect has not only offended the Demon Hall, but also the Stabbing Heaven Palace! That's the Stabbing Heaven Palace we're talking about!" At the mention of the Stabbing Heaven Palace, everyone felt a chill creep into their hearts. Assassins from the Stabbing Heaven Palace could lie dormant for centuries, even millennia. They were a blade hanging over one's head, causing sleepless nights and restless days. As the saying goes, how can one sleep soundly with another lurking under their bed? But now, the Stabbing Heaven Palace was literally under the Grand Dao Sect's bed—this would surely become the Grand Dao Sect's nightmare!

Soon after, news spread that the White Robe Great Emperor had also offended the Ghost Shadow Race. Powerful cultivators across the states were stunned once more. The Bronze Ancient Palace hadn't even fully descended, yet the Grand Dao Sect had already offended so many factions. Was it truly trying to challenge three thousand states with the power of a single sect? Not to mention, the Silent Destruction Old Man from the Ancient Desolate Forbidden Zone was still watching like a tiger eyeing its prey! That Must Kill Order remained active!

For a time, a strange atmosphere permeated the states, like the calm before a storm. A Great Emperor skilled in Divination deduced the Heavenly Secrets, uttering only one word: "Blood." This seemed to be the omen for the Blackflame Mountain Range's future. A bloody battle was destined to erupt there!

However, some major human powers chose to pledge allegiance to the Fuyao Dynasty. This was because the Fuyao Dynasty was newly rising, backed by the Grand Dao Sect and the White Robe Great Emperor! There was no greater merit than Serving the Rising Emperor! They were gambling! Gambling that the Fuyao Dynasty could weather this calamity!

In the Blackflame Mountain Range, though Ji Fuyao was absent, Qing Yan and Wang Man were meticulously arranging the dynasty's ceremony. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" Around the Blackflame Mountain Range, towering cities were rapidly constructed, brilliant Great Emperor Formation Patterns surged ceaselessly, day and night, like glittering stars descending from the heavens. Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion!

***

At the Supreme Profound Sect.

Nanchenzi's Great Emperor Dao Pattern Baptism for the Divine Son candidates Nangong Baixue, Chu Yuan, and Qin Wang had concluded. Chu Yuan had broken through to Seven-star Profound Saint! Nangong Baixue had directly stepped into Five-star Profound Saint! Qin Wang, meanwhile, had broken through to Two-star Profound Saint!

Only a few days remained until the Supreme Profound Sect's Divine Son Competition. Nanchenzi, Sect Master Wei Qianhan, and others observed Nangong Baixue's performance. Sect Master Wei Qianhan's eyes gleamed. "Baixue truly lives up to her Primordial Yin Body! Even without dual cultivation, her talent far surpasses ordinary people!" Yuan Qingzi nodded faintly. "Perhaps Baixue will bring us some surprises in the Divine Son Competition."

During this period, Quasi-Emperor Yunyang had specifically allowed Nangong Baixue to rest more and adjust her state. Nangong Baixue frequently left Yunyang Peak for Supreme Peak, ostensibly for "deep communication." Quasi-Emperor Yunyang stood atop the spiritual peak, watching Nangong Baixue's retreating figure, taking it all in. Based on his understanding of Nangong Baixue, it seemed she was engaging in 'that thing.' Quasi-Emperor Yunyang murmured, "Baixue is still a Virgin/Intact Body; it seems she's only Tasting it lightly." He had once consulted the sect's ancient texts on the Primordial Yin Body, knowing it possessed a thousand desires and myriad emotions. Someone like Nangong Baixue would always struggle to restrain herself. Quasi-Emperor Yunyang's gaze was profound. "This isn't Baixue's fault; it's the cause of her physique."

Soon, the day before the Divine Son Competition arrived. Nangong Baixue stepped onto Supreme Peak. Dressed in a long gown, a faint melancholy graced her face as her slender legs carried her to Chu Yuan's cave dwelling. Chu Yuan was currently the strongest Divine Son candidate in the Supreme Profound Sect.

Just then, Qin Wang opened his cave dwelling, secretly peeking out, and saw Nangong Baixue. His heart shattered. How could tenderness and consideration lead to such a desperate experience? This wasn't the first time Nangong Baixue had entered another disciple's cave dwelling. As for what they were doing, Qin Wang could easily imagine. Qin Wang's face was bitter as he sent a mental transmission to Nangong Baixue. "Baixue, are you doing this to spite me? Why are you going to Chu Yuan again?"

Nangong Baixue sneered, "Waste! Keep watch for me. Don't let other disciples discover me." Qin Wang mumbled, "Oh," and truly began extending his Divine Sense, standing guard for Nangong Baixue.

Moments later, Chu Yuan's cave dwelling opened. Nangong Baixue quickly stepped inside, and Chu Yuan immediately cast a sealing Restriction. Nangong Baixue immediately embraced Chu Yuan, her peaks pressing against his chest, her pretty face flushed, her breath like orchids. "Chu Yuan..." Nangong Baixue, sweet and delicate, appeared utterly pitiful. "I've missed you so much, thinking of you every moment..." Chu Yuan gently patted Nangong Baixue's back, his voice trembling. "I... I have too."

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Nangong Baixue's lips. Chu Yuan, this fellow, used to be Stubborn and Rigid, never touching women, only knowing cultivation. It had taken her a full month to 'tame' Chu Yuan. The first time she sought Chu Yuan, she was met with a slammed door. A few days later, using the pretext of seeking cultivation advice, she finally entered Chu Yuan's cave dwelling. After several such attempts, she subtly enticed him, causing this 'wooden' Chu Yuan to finally blossom, developing feelings for her.

Looking at Chu Yuan's ordinary face, which was far inferior to Qin Xiao's and Qin Wang's, Nangong Baixue let out a soft chuckle, recalling some past events. Back when Qin Xiao was still alive, she and Chu Yuan had met a few times. At that time, Nangong Baixue frequently entered and exited Qin Xiao's cave dwelling. When Chu Yuan saw this, he told Qin Xiao not to let women affect his cultivation. Qin Xiao, however, had pulled Nangong Baixue into his arms, kissed her cheek, and mocked Chu Yuan, "My happiness is beyond your imagination." But now Qin Xiao was dead. And she was lying in Chu Yuan's arms. Thinking of this, Nangong Baixue's body tingled as if struck by lightning. For some unknown reason, a surge of Unusual Pleasure arose in her heart, intensely satisfying.