331: The first life in the mortal world!

Chapter 329: The First Life of the Red Dust!

At the northernmost tip of the Wujie Sea, a brilliant stream of light tore through the sky, plummeting towards the ground like a falling meteor.

Before long, Lu Xuan stepped out from the stream of light, his dark robes fluttering, an almost imperceptible pressure swirling around his body.

His expression was cold, his gaze sweeping the surroundings like that of a hawk.

Years of relentless ocean waves had scoured the sandy ground bare, leaving it utterly desolate.

Finally, his gaze locked onto the depths of the desolate island, where mist shrouded the area, faintly emanating a mysterious aura.

Beneath the ten-thousand-zhang abyss at the base of the island, Lu Xuan's hands simultaneously flickered.

Streaks of spiritual light burst forth from Lu Xuan's fingertips, layer upon layer of immortal Restrictions spreading out like a spiderweb.

The spiritual energy here was extremely thin, like a corner forgotten by heaven and earth, which ordinary living beings would avoid.

Coupled with the layers of Restrictions laid down by Lu Xuan.

Should there be any unusual movement, he would be able to sense it immediately, ensuring foolproof security.

None other than the mortal Reincarnation of a Red Dust Immortal, which must not be affected by anyone.

Otherwise.

Not only would this cycle of tempering be completely wasted, but the Divine Soul would also suffer severe damage.

It could even affect the Foundation of the next Red Dust trial; attempting to step back onto the immortal path then would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

Lu Xuan sat cross-legged beneath the ten-thousand-zhang abyss, faint Reincarnation energy swirling around his body.

He slowly opened his eyes, his pupils seeming to contain the flow of myriad Red Dust scenes.

Precisely because of the unique nature of a Red Dust Immortal's Breakthrough.

Therefore, every Cultivator who achieves the Red Dust Immortal path must find an isolated, desolate place.

They must conceal their Physical Body within it, while their Divine Soul enters myriad void cracks, undergoing the baptism of Reincarnation life after life.

When the Mortal World of Red Dust reaches completion, their Divine Soul returns to its place, obtaining the immortal power of that life in the Red Dust.

The essence of the Divine Soul's trial is to gradually shed the aura of the Mortal World and transform into an immortal soul.

Thus, the immortal body and immortal soul merge into one, achieving the Tian Yuan Dao Immortal, a state rarely seen throughout the ages!

Lu Xuan suddenly recalled the secrets revealed by those five Immortal Venerables, a playful smile involuntarily appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Among them, one piece of news came as a great surprise to Lu Xuan.

The Sacred Ancestor of the Great Xia Dynasty, Xia Wuji, was currently hidden in some unknown corner of the world, quietly beginning the mortal Reincarnation of a Red Dust Immortal.

This figure, who had always lived in legend, was actually still alive.

And furthermore, he was a powerful and terrifying existence like a Red Dust Immortal.

At the same time, Lu Xuan also faintly perceived from the words of those five Immortal Venerables.

The strength of this Great Xia Sacred Ancestor, Xia Wuji, seemed to far surpass theirs.

The five Human Race Immortal Venerables were all existences who had undergone three lives as Red Dust Immortals.

Then, Xia Wuji might be an incredible existence like a four-life Red Dust Immortal... a seven-life Red Dust Immortal, or even a nine-life Red Dust Immortal.

A sharp glint flickered in Lu Xuan's eyes.

Since even an existence like Xia Wuji had to undergo Red Dust Reincarnation in secret, it showed how perilous this path was.

Immediately, black and gold light flowed around Lu Xuan like a liquid star river, creating ripples in the deep abyss forbidden area.

The moment his breathing completely aligned with the pulse of heaven and earth, a dark gold intertwined profound light erupted from the crown of Lu Xuan's head.

It was as if a rift from the dawn of Chaos, tearing through the void, carrying the power of the stars.

The surrounding invisible void disintegrated inch by inch, and Lu Xuan's Divine Soul, instantly submerged into the myriad cycles of Reincarnation in the Mortal World.

...

After an unknown amount of time, the crisp scent of books mingled with sandalwood wafted into his nostrils.

Lu Xuan slowly lifted his eyelids; sunlight filtering through the carved window lattice wove threads of gold on the blue brick floor.

He leaned back in an elaborately carved huanghuali grand tutor's chair, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the cloud patterns subtly carved into the armrest.

By Lu Xuan's hand, a white mist curled up from a green jade teacup, surprisingly still warm.

Lu Xuan raised his eyes and scanned the surroundings, his gaze sharp, taking in everything in the room.

The ink landscape painting hanging on the east wall had vigorous brushstrokes yet subtly concealed a killing aura.

The entire bookshelf on the west side was filled with bamboo slips, and the edges of the book on the top shelf showed signs of wear.

Under the mutton-fat jade paperweight on the desk lay a half-dried battle map; the ink in the inkstone hadn't solidified, and a drop of ink was suspended at the tip of the brush, about to fall.

Seeing this, Lu Xuan slowly lowered his eyes to look at his hands; his fingers were long and slender yet covered in thin calluses, and the scars at the base of his thumb spoke of years of tempering.

Immediately after, Lu Xuan inwardly examined his Dantian; his profound true essence surged like an undercurrent, clearly indicating the state of having stepped into the Peak of the Martial Dao.

Such grandeur and cultivation were absolutely incomparable to ordinary commoners.

Is this the first life of the Red Dust Immortal?

Wait!

Lu Xuan suddenly remembered something, instantly closed his eyes, and focused his attention on his mind.

Host: Red Dust Immortal Lu Xuan (First Life)

Realm: Supreme Grandmaster (Initial Stage)

Cultivation Method: Tiger Splitting Blade Technique! (8/9)

Points: 0

Damn.

...

A golden light flashed in Lu Xuan's eyes; the familiar System panel was quietly suspended there.

This pleasant surprise caused the corner of Lu Xuan's lips to curve slightly—

This treasure that had accompanied him through myriad heavens had actually failed to sever its connection even in the Red Dust Reincarnation.

The moment Lu Xuan's fingertip traced across the virtual System panel before him, the corner of his lips curved into an arc of determination.

The reason he was so eager to step into the Mortal World was all for this conjecture in his heart.

As expected, the System panel really followed him.

When ordinary Red Dust Immortals enter Reincarnation, their past cultivation cannot be used in this world.

They need to start anew in this world, climbing step by step to the Peak.

This long path of cultivation often takes thousands or even tens of thousands of years.

Of course, most Red Dust Immortals fail in their Mortal World trials during Reincarnation and perish prematurely.

Ultimately, this leads to damage to their Divine Soul, forcing them to end their Red Dust trial in dejection.

Only when the damaged Divine Soul recovers to a perfect state can they again enter the Red Dust Reincarnation trial.

"No wonder those old monsters often go into seclusion for tens of thousands of years."

Lu Xuan lightly tapped the desk with his fingertips, sorting through the information in his mind.

...

Just then!

An aged voice came from beyond the carved wooden door, respectful yet with a hint of unease.

"Lord, the Second Young Master... he still refuses to give up!"

Lu Xuan's eyes narrowed; all the information about this world was laid out before him.

Great Qian Dynasty, Lu Family!

The person undergoing the trial in this life also happened to be named Lu Xuan.

Personally enfeoffed by the Emperor as the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces, holding command over the nation's military power, granted the hereditary title of Pillar of the State Duke, with an estate of ten thousand households.

Not only that, but Lu Xuan was also entrusted with the important position of Grand Tutor, serving as the current Great Qian Emperor's mentor.

Furthermore, in this world, Lu Xuan had lived for over eighty years.

Having served through three dynasties, he was highly respected and held an extremely esteemed position.

Three successive emperors had specially permitted him not to bow when meeting the Emperor and to wear his sword and shoes in court during morning sessions.

Such an honor, throughout the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, was a privilege that could scare one to death.

Because, in this life, Lu Xuan.

Was not only the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces, but also one of the Great Qian Dynasty's only three Supreme Grandmasters!

Damn!

What kind of package is this, leading to confiscation of property and extermination of the clan!

Controlling the nation's armed forces, wearing a sword and shoes in court, not needing to hurry when entering court, and not having his name called out during ceremonies.

Granted Nine Bestowments, including a seal cord, a far-traveling crown, a green ribbon, given the authority to establish a mansion equal to the Three Dukes, his rank above that of the feudal princes!

It was just short of writing the position of 'Great Qian Executive Vice-Emperor' on Lu Xuan.

With the memory Fusion complete, the corner of Lu Xuan's lips curved slightly, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes.

So, the original owner of this body—that is, the 'Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces', 'Pillar of the State Duke', and 'Grand Tutor' who held immense power in court—

He was actually an old stubborn man so upright he was almost pedantic!

Simply put, this old fellow was practically righteous to the point of being perverse!

Holding supreme military power, he did not form factions or engage in private gain; his Disciples and former subordinates were spread throughout the court, yet he never cultivated private forces.

He was not greedy for wealth or lustful; there wasn't even a decent treasure in his mansion, and his entire salary was used for disaster relief and aiding the people.

He did not act partial or pervert the law; if his own relatives violated military discipline, they were executed according to the law, even the Emperor's pleas were useless.

He did not fear power or death; he was once beaten fifty times with a staff in court for remonstrating with the late Emperor, yet his expression remained unchanged.

"Good heavens, is this a reincarnated Saint?" Lu Xuan couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.

The problem was—he felt good, but the people around him were going to suffer greatly.

The descendants of the Lu Family, due to the original owner's impartiality, had no Family privileges and were even suppressed more than ordinary official families.

Some court officials who sided with the original owner, as well as old subordinates who had followed him in battle.

Anyone who violated discipline was severely punished by the original owner without any regard for personal connections; minor offenses resulted in exile, while serious ones led to the execution of the entire Family.

"Sacrificing Family for righteousness?"

By now, Lu Xuan was numb.

The original owner's favorite Disciple, for accepting favors from local officials, was publicly stripped of his military robe by him and never employed again.

There were also several life-saving benefactors, including an old general who had once blocked an arrow for the original owner in his youth.

For embezzling military pay, he was personally sent to the execution block by the original owner.

Even now, his own grandson, Lu Haowu.

For privately escaping from the military camp and also harassing the Prime Minister's daughter.

Was personally ordered to be imprisoned by the original owner, preparing to be publicly executed in a few days.

"No wonder the Emperor trusts him so much... How is this a powerful minister?"

"This is clearly a living King Yama!"

Lu Xuan rubbed his brow; he suddenly felt things were a bit tricky.

The original owner's reputation was too upright; if he suddenly changed his style, it would instead arouse everyone's suspicion.

But if he continued to maintain this 'unyielding integrity' persona, Lu Xuan's Red Dust trial plan would likely be difficult to advance.

Because the trial of Red Dust is fundamentally about following one's true heart, how could it go against one's Dao Heart?

So be it. Since I have inherited this body, let everything proceed according to my will!

Outside the door!

The scorching sun heated the blue flagstones until they were hot, and the rising heat distorted the air.

Ahead, a white-haired old steward leaned against a vermilion-lacquered corridor pillar, his cloudy old eyes fixed on the stubborn figure in the courtyard.

A middle-aged man in a moon-white long gown had large sweat stains soaking through beneath his knees.

His hair crown was askew, and the cuts on his forehead from the gravel were mixed with dust, gleaming a dazzling red in the sunlight.

"Alas!"

A sigh escaped the throat of the Lu Family's old steward, his withered fingers unconsciously rubbing the copper key at his waist.

"Lord... he's probably made up his mind this time."

"Young Master Jin Yun, why don't you go back first!"

Hearing this, Lu Jin Yun, kneeling on the ground, suddenly raised his head, revealing bloodshot eyes.

"Uncle Li, that child Haowu, I carried him since he was young."

"He doesn't even dare to touch his own maidservants, so how could he do something scandalous like harassing the Prime Minister's daughter?"

"Someone must have set a trap to frame him!!!"

This angry voice made people's eardrums ache.

"Young Master Jin Yun, please go back to your room and rest."

The Lu Family's old steward, his back hunched, stepped forward to help him up, his hand like dry bark hovering in the air before finally dropping it helplessly.

"As for Young Master Haowu, this old servant will definitely risk this old life to try and persuade him."

He truly couldn't bear to see this scene.

Second Young Master Jin Yun had knelt for two full days; the blue bricks beneath his knees were worn dark, yet the person in the study hadn't even lifted the curtain slightly.

Lord, you are still so heartless!

Everyone in the entire mansion knew that only when the late Old Madam was alive could she persuade the Lord somewhat.

Lu Jin Yun did not answer this time, merely kowtowed heavily, his forehead pressed against the cold stone slab.

"Father!"

His voice was hoarse beyond recognition, "Haowu would never do such a thing!"

"He was framed!"

"Please... investigate just once!"

"He is your own grandson!"

"Young Master Jin Yun..."

The Lu Family's old steward beside him said hoarsely, "Why are you putting yourself through this?"

"You know the Lord's temper better than this old servant does."

As soon as the old steward finished speaking, a shadow imbued with pressure suddenly enveloped them.

The air under the scorching sun seemed to solidify instantly, the cicadas' chirping stopped abruptly, and even the lanterns hanging under the corridor forgot to sway.

The old steward subconsciously tilted his wrinkled face upwards, his cloudy eyeballs suddenly bulging—

He saw Lu Xuan dressed in a black brocade robe, swirling like ink clouds, the Nine Bestowments jade pendant at his waist gleaming coldly.

The original owner's face, which had always possessed a natural authority without anger, was now shrouded in shadow, adding to Lu Xuan's unfathomable oppressive presence.

"Lo... Lord!"

The old steward's legs went soft, and he almost knelt down.

Lu Jin Yun also abruptly raised his head, his knees scraping against the blue bricks with a harsh sound.

"Father!"

Lu Jin Yun almost blurted it out but instantly fell silent upon meeting the other party's unfathomable gaze.

"Haowu, he..."

Before the words finished, Lu Xuan's distinctly jointed hand had already extended into the air.

Lu Jin Yun in front, as if possessed, tightly closed his eyes, his neck tensed like a bowstring.

His appearance suggested he was bracing himself for a forceful slap.

Because ever since childhood, whenever a Lu Family descendant made a mistake, minor ones would receive a stinging slap from their Father.

For serious ones, they would be tied up in the Lu Family ancestral hall and endure strict Family punishment.

However, the expected sharp pain did not come; Lu Jin Yun only felt his waist tighten, and he was actually lifted into the air.

That iron-clamp-like hand looked casual, yet it precisely supported his numb body.

When he landed, Lu Jin Yun's feet were firmly on the blue bricks, without even the slightest wobble.

"Father, you!"

Lu Jin Yun stumbled back half a step, Lu Xuan's expressionless face reflected in his wide eyes.

Although the scorching sun was directly overhead, so fierce it could melt a person.

Yet, Lu Jin Yun felt a chill all over; he was questioning reality.

Wondering if he had knelt for too long and was hallucinating.

"Mm."

Lu Xuan's response was brief, his gaze sweeping over the scabbed wound on the other party's forehead.

Immediately after, a dazzling golden light suddenly pierced through the glare of the scorching sun.

"Take this."

"Since there is injustice, then investigate!"

A gilded token suddenly came into Lu Jin Yun's view.

Sunlight flowed over the seven seal script characters for "Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces", stinging Lu Jin Yun's eyes.