Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 765

Fangzhang Continent

"Haha…"

A hearty laugh escaped Lu Xuan's lips; a profound sense of ease washed over him. For centuries, he had navigated life with utmost caution, constantly concealing his true self and bending to the whims of others.

Even during pursuits of cultivators and demons, he always held back, never revealing his full might.

Yet in this clash, joy surged through him as he unleashed every ounce of his strength. At the Void Achieving realm, he held his own against two formidable Tao Achievers, enduring hundreds of exchanges without falling—a feat any cultivator would envy.

This intense confrontation let Lu Xuan tap into his utmost battle prowess and deepen his grasp of his physical form, deploying numerous techniques he had kept hidden until now.

While Lu Xuan reveled in the fight, Zhou Yuan and Lin Hongcong wore grim expressions, with Lin Hongcong pushing even fiercer. In response, Lu Xuan struck back harder, leaving the man with several light wounds.

Such a turn humiliated Lin Hongcong deeply; he was aware that countless eyes observed this duel. For a Tao Achiever to struggle against a mere Void Achiever was already a disgrace.

"Boom!"

As the duo failed to overpower Lu Xuan despite the prolonged struggle, the towering Space Battleship above unleashed its might. A devastating shot from its particle cannon reduced both Lu Xuan and the massive peak behind him to nothingness.

"He's still alive."

To their astonishment, Zhou Yuan and Lin Hongcong discovered upon inspection that Lu Xuan persisted. Though his form lay in ruins, life clung to him inexplicably—a phenomenon beyond comprehension.

"Lin Hongcong, Zhou Yuan, does Lu Xuan yet draw breath?"

"Indeed, Ancestor."

Lin Jiang's voice transmitted through their wrist devices, prompting Lin Hongcong's swift affirmation.

"Seize him alive and return him for examination."

Even Lin Jiang, from his position in Haigang City, reeled in surprise. That particle cannon had felled Demon Emperors before, yet it spared a Void Achiever?

Lu Xuan's enigma deepened Lin Jiang's fascination; he yearned to apprehend him intact for thorough analysis.

"Understood."

Lin Hongcong charged into the swirling debris, resolute in his intent to take Lu Xuan captive.

In that instant, Lu Xuan's condition was dire. The cannon's blast surpassed the force of a Tao Achieving strike. Only his exceptional regenerative powers kept him from oblivion.

As Lin Hongcong emerged once more, Lu Xuan realized his body's role neared its conclusion. Capture would unravel his mysteries, exposing his ultimate safeguard.

"Hellfire."

Instantly, dark infernos blazed across Lu Xuan's frame. His vital force morphed into that dread blaze, propelling his fading silhouette straight at Lin Hongcong.

"Ah!"

Lin Hongcong failed to evade, engulfed by the inferno Lu Xuan conjured. A piercing wail tore from him as his body, essence, and very soul ignited in agony.

"Extinguish."

With a desperate roar, Lin Hongcong expelled a chilling aura from within, seeking to douse the flames. But his efforts proved futile.

"Senior Brother Lin, allow me to assist."

Anxiety gripped Zhou Yuan, who promptly activated a spiritual talisman, calling forth a roaring water dragon to quench the blaze.

"This is strange fire; water won't smother it. Employ spiritual energy to seal off the flames—quickly!"

"Zhou Yuan, channel your life force against the blaze."

Lin Jiang's command resounded anew. Lu Xuan's technique astonished him yet again; he hadn't anticipated such a potent secret from one without apparent arcane arts.

Guided by Lin Jiang's words, Lin Hongcong rallied his spiritual essence to shield his core from the devouring fire, as Zhou Yuan lent aid in neutralizing its potency.

After a grueling hour, the flames at last faded, depleted of Lu Xuan's fueling energy. Lin Hongcong teetered on the brink of death, while Zhou Yuan collapsed nearby, gasping and utterly spent.

Meanwhile, within an elite academy in Huaxia's Yun River Province, a youthful student abruptly trembled, inundated by a torrent of knowledge flooding his consciousness. Moments later, he gazed upon his peers with an enigmatic grin.

········

"Lu Xuan has perished."

Back in Haigang City, Cao Ying informed Lin Jiang.

"He's gone, and it doesn't appear he slipped away through some sly maneuver, but unease lingers in me."

"I share that suspicion. Lu Xuan strikes me as shrewd. With Qiu Weidao probing him, he wouldn't erupt in rash fury. He'd leverage ties for talks or vanish. Striking out guarantees his end—Huaxia packs real power."

"True, and once he secured his prize from the outpost, escape was effortless. His velocity would've carried him anywhere unchallenged."

"Uncle, what's our course?"

"Investigate first, then decide."

Lin Jiang noted Lu Xuan's odd conduct, a point they all recognized, yet none could pinpoint the anomaly.

Eventually, Zhou Yuan, Lin Hongcong, Chen Jinfa, and the rest made their way back to Haigang City. With Lin Hongcong gravely wounded, Lin Jiang saw to his recovery, as Zhou Yuan debriefed him on the mission.

"Ancestor Lin, this Lu Xuan defies norms. At Tianya Mountain Base, I witnessed his combat, and he wasn't this formidable. It appears he possesses varying modes, each unleashing distinct might. Furthermore, his physique is extraordinary; that regenerative capacity outstrips certain demon kin, and moreover…"

Zhou Yuan detailed his observations from the skirmish with Lu Xuan. The man brimmed with enigmas. Regrettably, they hadn't secured him for dissection and study.

"I have come to greet Ancestor Lin."

"Chen Jinfa, yes, I recall you."

"Indeed, I am Chen Jinfa."

"Recount the Lu Xuan affair for me."

"As you wish, elder. My encounters with Lu Xuan commenced…"

Thrilled that Lin Jiang knew his name, Chen Jinfa buzzed with excitement—this was a titan of influence in their realm.

Chen Jinfa recounted every detail of his involvement with Lu Xuan, from the Penglai Continent incident years prior, withholding nothing except his rushed case closure under duress.

"Does this suggest Lu Xuan employed some cunning ruse to evade once more?"

"Elder, I wouldn't presume to speculate, but given Lu Xuan's cunning and wisdom, he'd hardly act so recklessly without a contingency."

"Excellent. Would you assume charge of this investigation?"

"My gratitude for your faith, elder; I'll exert every effort…"

"No need for excess; I disdain empty promises. I require results and resolution."

"Understood, elder."

"Upon Qiu Weidao's return, I'll have him grant you full authority. If authority falls short, we'll elevate your rank. Regardless, I demand clarity on this."

Lin Jiang emphasized that Lu Xuan now imperiled their vital stakes. A definitive outcome was essential; else, should he ascend to Tao Achieving, subduing him would demand personal intervention from the likes of Lin Jiang and Cao Ying.

"Little Ying, care to dive into some public service intrigue?"

"You aim to thrust me into the heroic role, don't you?"

"Sharp as ever! I can't entangle myself here; you'll play the villain this round."

Lin Jiang explained that Lu Xuan mingled with Huaxia's younger elite, including Lin Liyan. This incident warranted their discipline, and with Lin Ying's regard for the Lin lineage, his direct involvement would prove awkward.

"Fine, I grasp your intent. I'll handle it personally; no one daunts me."

Cao Ying understood Lin Jiang sought to exploit the chaos for a sweeping purge masked as anti-corruption.

Over centuries, Huaxia's mid-to-high echelons stagnated. Upward flow stalled, hierarchies ossified. Persistent graft irked Lin Jiang beyond tolerance.

Internal scrutiny would ruffle feathers, necessitating cop and crook personas. Unfazed by backlash, Cao Ying stepped up.

"My deepest thanks, Little Ying."

"Merely a trifle."

"You lot, retire now."

With a gesture, Lin Jiang dismissed Zhou Yuan and Chen Jinfa, intent on hashing out the purge's intricacies away from their ears.