Chapter 61: The Ancestral Star and the Saintess, The Mount Taming Plan Begins!

Reborn into this life, Lu Yuan now understood many things. Especially after Chen Song’s account, he was certain in his heart that the woman searching for the small cauldron came from beyond the stars.

The reason was simple: in his previous life, he had been able to enter the imperial mausoleum of Mount Li and was familiar with the various trials within. It was by chance that he had followed this group into the tomb. Though he had never met that woman himself, the ones who truly reached the final destination inside the imperial mausoleum were indeed outsiders.

As for why those people were so knowledgeable about the resting place of the First Emperor, Lu Yuan had never quite figured it out. Yet it was obvious that a great secret lay hidden there. Furthermore, some of those outsiders hailed from different star realms, but none were ordinary. A few, as Lu Yuan understood, originally belonged to this world, yet for reasons unknown had departed for deep space at least a thousand years ago.

He hadn’t expected them to arrive so quickly, and previously there had been no sign. Perhaps they had appeared long before, simply choosing to lie low, beyond his knowledge.

"It seems, with these upheavals, the true rise of heroes has only just begun," Lu Yuan mused. Everything was only at its inception. Before long, the grand era would fully descend. More crises and adversaries would spring up like bamboo after the rain.

Fortunately, unlike in his past life, he was now adequately prepared. A series of plans to grow stronger were already underway.

At this moment, Lu Yuan set aside his contemplation of the sword of heaven and earth, focusing instead on the others’ progress at the Sword Stele.

After several hours, this round of enlightenment was drawing to a close. Even figures like the Ice Fairy had each gained their own fortune, copying down a record to hand over to Sundan Academy, as previously agreed.

Among the twenty thousand Awakened present, half had failed, most of them below the fifth level. The five deans of Sundan Academy did not expect much from these participants; a single copy of their insights would suffice.

So, after a few more hours, as dusk approached, the inheritance ceremony at Ancient Shu Mountain’s Sword Stele officially concluded. When the next opportunity would arise depended on the academy’s discretion, but at least for this group, there would be no chance for the next three years.

Afterward, under Dean Zheng’s arrangements, Lu Yuan, Zhu Qingyu, the Northern Emperor, and others boarded a plane to Chang’an. Before leaving, the Ice Fairy’s gaze lingered on him, filled with wonder and awe. She felt that with each meeting, this man brought her a new shock—profound strength, a forceful character, and extraordinary talent—qualities she had never encountered before.

Even the Young Celestial Master of Pure Yang and Master Huikong of Mount Jiuhua came forward to exchange a few words, their tones full of respect. Both were men of the outside world, harboring no jealousy, only admiration.

Indeed, most present felt the same, gazing at Lu Yuan with profound reverence.

Such is human nature: when you surpass others by a small margin, they envy you, feeling you’re on the same level and only luck separates you. But when your power or influence grows so great it defies pursuit, all dissatisfaction vanishes. The gap is acknowledged, and only self-reflection remains.

Simply put, everyone admires the strong, and at this moment, Lu Yuan was that very figure.

On the journey back, the Northern Emperor, Qin Lan, and the others kept their distance, their eyes curious yet wary, like children staring at a monster, intrigued by his supreme abilities yet too cautious to ask. Only Zhu Qingyu, having interacted with him more, was at ease.

Upon returning to Chang’an, Lu Yuan did not immediately depart, instead taking up residence once again at Sundan Academy, thanks to Dean Zheng’s arrangements. During this time, he had gained much—from the Ancestral Dragon Breathing Technique and the Scarlet Dragon Fruit to the ultimate Sword of Heaven and Earth. Even with his deep foundation, he needed time to digest and familiarize himself with his transformed body. Only by fully understanding one’s self could one wield the greatest power. Lu Yuan, experienced as he was, understood this well.

During these few days, news of the Ancient Shu Mountain Sword Stele’s inheritance spread far and wide. When word got out that some had indeed gained enlightenment there, obtaining breathing techniques and supernatural arts, excitement swept through the awakened community. Many, who had been watching cautiously, now discussed it fervently: there were real rewards and little danger. For many Awakened, Ancient Shu Mountain became a promising destination—perhaps they might acquire a visualization method and advance further on the path of evolution.

Thus, anticipation for the next opening ran high.

In addition, Lu Yuan was once again the talk of the city. After his last display of might in slaying the Empress of the South, he was thrust into the spotlight once more—ascending Ancient Shu Sword Mountain, comprehending the ultimate divine power from the ninety-ninth Sword Stele.

With each retelling, the story grew, and his reputation soared, especially after firsthand witnesses described the difficulty of reaching the summit. More and more Awakened came to admire him—not only was he among the five strongest, his insight far surpassed the likes of the Northern Emperor and the Ice Fairy. Some predicted Lu Yuan would become one of the most powerful Awakened in the future, believing him well deserving of the title Human Sovereign.

Some even posted online, debating who among the five was truly strongest. Lu Yuan’s votes far outnumbered those for the Winged Celestial, putting him at the top. Everyone knew the two had once clashed, with the Winged Celestial suffering a hidden loss.

Students at Sundan Academy reported that the Northern Emperor himself conceded that his physique was inferior to Lu Yuan’s, and after returning from Ancient Shu Mountain, had secluded himself in training, apparently shaken. Comments flooded in, and the name of Human Sovereign Lu Yuan was firmly established, without doubt. Even supporters of the Winged Celestial fell silent.

That was until rumors spread of the Winged Celestial’s bloodline awakening and a surge in power, accompanied by a video of him battling a monstrous beast. Then, counterarguments to Lu Yuan’s supremacy appeared, but they caused little stir. Most believed that only a true duel would decide the stronger.

People quietly anticipated an inevitable clash between these two titans. But Lu Yuan knew nothing of this, nor would he have cared if he had.

One morning, at Sundan Academy, Dean Zheng stood at the gates with Zhu Qingyu and the others.

“Mr. Lu, are you truly unwilling to stay a few more days? There are many students here who look up to you as a hero.” His tone betrayed his regret—departure was inevitable.

“No, I have many matters to attend to. Thank you for your hospitality,” Lu Yuan replied, shaking his head. He had fully adjusted to his new state, and with his affairs settled, he would not linger.

“Very well.” Dean Zheng knew he could not persuade him. He extended his hand solemnly. “Remember this: No matter when you come to Sundan Academy, you are always an honored guest. Should you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask. We will do our utmost to help.”

His implication was clear: he considered Lu Yuan one of his own, even if it was wishful thinking.

“Thank you. I understand.” Lu Yuan shook the dean’s hand. “Don’t worry, we will meet again.”

With that, he greeted Zhu Qingyu and the others, then departed Sundan Academy without a backward glance, heading north toward the Qinling Mountains.

“Dean, Mr. Lu has left,” Zhu Qingyu said.

“Yes, it’s time we returned as well,” Dean Zheng sighed. He looked at the young woman before him. “Now you must work hard. The academy will devote great resources to your cultivation. Your future will be bright.”

“Understood.” Zhu Qingyu smiled, gentle and beautiful.

“Dean! Dean!” At that moment, an urgent voice called out. It was Instructor Zhao Wuji, his expression anxious.

“Just now, Commander Xu of the Defense Army arrived. There’s been a beast uprising in the Qinling direction—very unstable, seemingly gathering in numbers. He asks that you come to the conference room at once.”

“What? So soon?” Dean Zheng was startled, but wasted no time. “In the name of Sundan Academy, issue an announcement to the whole city—summon all Awakened.”

“And notify the other academies: there may be a beast attack on the city. In a crisis, cooperation will be essential.”

Chang’an was now one of the super cities, with most of the surrounding population relocated within. Should an attack come unprepared, casualties would be disastrous—something neither he nor the authorities could accept.

“Yes!” Zhao Wuji nodded, receiving further orders before Dean Zheng hurried to the conference room.

There, the academy’s leadership had assembled, joined by several military officers. Their expressions were grave as they stared at the display screen, linked to instruments tracking powerful life signs. Numerous red dots converged from all directions—so many it was impossible to count.

Dean Zheng’s heart grew heavy. Disaster was coming. The thought occurred to request Lu Yuan’s return, but he dismissed it. Lu Yuan was not of Sundan Academy, not bound by this duty—and he was already gone. Chang’an would have to face this on its own.

Meanwhile...

In Hucheng, the steel city walls were still under construction, high-rises towering within and the streets bustling with life. Even after the upheaval, it retained the old world’s magic and allure.

Because of its proximity to the sea, the walls on that side were built even thicker. In the distance, mountains rose abruptly from the earth, exuding a wild and primal air.

Atop one of these peaks, a solitary figure stood—a woman. Her long black hair cascaded to her waist, her form graceful, her face breathtaking, with an air difficult to describe. Her eyes shone bright as stars, as if she were a celestial maiden.

In beauty and bearing, she outshone even Zhou Yunqiong.

She wore an ancient-style gown, her hair adorned with a simple hairpin, as though from another era.

“Saintess, that man called Chen Song was clearly lying. Why didn’t you question him further?” A hoarse voice suddenly sounded, though no one could be seen. It was as if the air itself spoke—a sight that would terrify anyone who stumbled upon it by day.

“I already looked into it. The cauldron is gone. Questioning him further would make no difference,” the Saintess replied, her voice elegant and calm, like orchids blooming in a secluded valley.

“It must be in someone else’s hands. It shouldn’t be too difficult for us to find it,” the unseen voice persisted, aged yet undiminished in strength.

“It’s useless. There were two keys in total; now both are missing. Even finding one is pointless.” The Saintess continued, “With our abilities, entering the Ancestral Dragon’s mausoleum is difficult, but given time, it’s not impossible. Leave it be.”

“But that small cauldron is extraordinary—a great secret is at stake,” the voice argued, baffled. Even if they forced their way in, the cauldron was essential.

“We’ll take it slowly. By the way, any news from the Ancestral Star lately?”

“None. The distance is too great—it takes time.”

“It really is difficult.” The Saintess sighed, then asked, “How long until you recover? We need to enter the mausoleum soon and retrieve that breathing technique. My power is suppressed—I’ll need your help.”

“A month or two should suffice,” the voice replied.

“Then let’s wander this world for a while. So many years have passed—how different it is from the records of the Ancestral Star.”

The Saintess gazed toward Hucheng, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

“Yes, Saintess.”

As the voice faded, the air rippled, and the woman’s figure vanished abruptly.

A few days later...

A vast and majestic mountain range stretched on endlessly, peaks rising and falling in grand relief, the end nowhere in sight. Trees soared to heights of over a hundred meters, their trunks so thick it would take dozens to encircle one.

The terrain was rugged, the foliage dense and primordial. Further off, clouds undulated among the peaks.

Deep in the forest, ancient trees soared, massive vines snaked across the ground, monkeys shrieked and tigers roared, sending leaves fluttering down.

Above, savage raptors soared, wingspans reaching a hundred meters, blocking out the sun as they flew. Like lightning, they dove into the forest and, when they emerged, clutched prey larger and stronger than wild elephants and boars.

But soon, a massive python, its girth over ten meters, suddenly appeared, leaping into the sky and biting down on the raptor.

Such sights vividly demonstrated the law of the jungle—the strong prey on the weak, the fittest survive.

At the edge of these mountains, a young man appeared, his eyes shining with excitement as he surveyed the scene.

“Most humans are still at the initial stages of evolution, unable to fully unleash their power in battle. The beasts are different—aligned with nature, they evolve faster and grow stronger. This should make for an excellent training ground.”

The young man was, of course, Lu Yuan. Before him stood the famed Qinling Mountains. Even before the upheaval, this range stretched over a thousand kilometers; now, it was even vaster. The number of beasts within defied counting.

Lu Yuan had two goals for coming here: to find what he needed for his next evolution, and to challenge the many powerful beasts rumored to dwell within—some perhaps having reached the Shackles Realm. To fight them would hone his own strength.

After several days’ journey, he entertained a new idea. Until now, he’d traveled everywhere on foot—a troublesome endeavor. In the Qinling Mountains, a supremely powerful flying beast was said to dwell. With his current strength, he was confident he could tame it as a mount, making travel much easier.

He also noticed that the beasts of the Qinling Mountains seemed unusually agitated and fierce, according to his senses.

Agitated? All the better! Let’s see who’s fiercer!

With these thoughts, Lu Yuan felt a rush of anticipation and plunged headlong into the depths of the Qinling Mountains.

(End of chapter)