“This place is a treasure trove!”
“Who the hell said that the Dantai Clan’s estate was completely destroyed decades ago? Isn’t this the paradise we’ve always dreamed of?
If this is considered a ruin, then the places we live in must be worse than dog kennels!”
“Just the spiritual energy in this place is countless times denser than what we have in our sects.”
“You brat, stop! I saw it first!”
“Haha, in the world of treasures, the fated one claims them. So what if you saw it first? Why did I manage to grab it before you?”
“…”
Cultivators from Qingzhou and the surrounding regions had just entered the Dantai Ruins through the passage. They were immediately stunned by the sight before them.
The abundance of spiritual herbs and medicines scattered everywhere instantly triggered intense conflicts. It could be said that the moment they stepped into the ruins, many cultivators began to shed blood.
As more people poured into the ruins, cultivators fell by the second.
Great wealth comes with great danger, but the spoils only go to the few. For many, it’s a graveyard where countless perish for the success of a few.
Just as Su Jingzhen and his companions predicted, many people immediately forgot their original purpose for entering the ruins.
The sects, who initially intended to use this expedition to train their younger disciples, could no longer focus on anything other than collecting the treasures before them.
As Shen Yifeng had previously mentioned, the real disaster for the Dantai Ruins began when the large groups of cultivators arrived. Wherever these people went, not a blade of grass was left intact.
The valuable materials embedded in many of the pavilions and towers weren’t spared either, as they were ruthlessly scavenged by the cultivators.
The result was complete destruction—spiritual flowers and herbs were plundered, and the pavilions and towers collapsed one after another.
When the crowd spotted intact treasure vaults, such as the Pavilion of Elixirs, the Pavilion of Scriptures, and the Pavilion of Artifacts, their eyes turned blood-red with greed.
“This Pavilion of Elixirs was discovered first by our Heavenly Fiend Sect! We are claiming it! If you want treasures, go find your own!”
A group of black-robed cultivators, radiating an ominous aura, instantly positioned themselves at the entrance of the Pavilion of Elixirs.
Their combined auras surged as they quickly formed a powerful formation, intending to monopolize the pavilion.
However, this was the Dantai Clan’s Pavilion of Elixirs…
The Dantai Clan—what kind of power were they?
They were once the foremost force in Qingzhou, specializing in alchemy.
The number of pills and elixirs stored in their Pavilion of Elixirs was beyond the imagination of the cultivators present.
Although the Heavenly Fiend Sect was a top-tier power, it was a leading force in the neighboring Cangzhou, not Qingzhou.
Their ambition to monopolize the pavilion was far-fetched.
Immediately, dozens of flying swords streaked toward them from behind.
Each of these swords radiated formidable power.
“Heavenly Fiend Sect, do you think you can swallow this place whole without breaking your teeth? It’s been a while since my Flowing Wind Sword Sect has encountered your fiendish aura.”
These sharp flying swords were clearly from the Flowing Wind Sword Sect.
But they were not alone.
Soon, top forces from Qingzhou like the Spirit Sound Valley and Lingxiu Pavilion also arrived at the scene.
These three top-tier forces from the Yunmeng City system had temporarily formed an alliance.
Even after witnessing the vast number of treasures in the Dantai Ruins, they maintained their cooperation without any disputes over distribution so far.
Together, their combined might was unmatched.
All the top-tier and even secondary forces within the Yunmeng City system had established early cooperation with the Linjiang Branch of the Evil Moon Sect.
Initially, upon entering the ruins, their first objective was to find Su Jingzhen and his group to form an alliance.
After all, they had all witnessed Shen Yifeng’s overwhelming strength. If their ranks included a cultivator as powerful as Shen Yifeng, they would be nearly invincible in the Dantai Ruins.
However, after the three forces regrouped, Su Jingzhen and his companions were nowhere to be found.
As top-tier powers, they quickly deduced that Xuening likely had control over another entrance to the ruins. They didn’t dwell on it.
After all, neither Lingxiu Pavilion, Spirit Sound Valley, nor the Flowing Wind Sword Sect had any intention of standing against the Linjiang Branch of the Evil Moon Sect from the beginning.
Their original goal was to provide their disciples with a valuable training experience.
Although their purpose had shifted somewhat after entering the ruins, they still didn’t plan to seize the most critical treasures of the Dantai Ruins.
At this moment, if they could secure this Pavilion of Elixirs, it would be more than worth their journey.
An elderly black-robed cultivator from the Heavenly Fiend Sect, in the middle stage of the Nascent Soul, stood at the front, with five other Nascent Soul stage cultivators behind him.
Their lineup was similar to that of the Zhou family before it was annihilated—nearly the entire force was here.
However, when this Soul Formation stage ancestor from the Heavenly Fiend Sect saw the alliance of the three great powers—Spirit Sound Valley, Lingxiu Pavilion, and Flowing Wind Sword Sect—his expression became increasingly uncertain.
“The Dantai Ruins are clearly not as disappointing as we initially thought.
There are still countless treasures within, so why make things difficult for my Heavenly Fiend Sect?
If we truly engage in battle, I admit we may not be a match for you. However, we can certainly delay you for a while.
It would be wiser for us to take separate paths, so please consider carefully.”
Having been the first to reach the entrance of the Pavilion of Elixirs, the Heavenly Fiend Sect found it incredibly difficult to just give up.
Upon hearing his words, a stunningly beautiful young woman, appearing to be in her early twenties, gracefully walked through the air toward them.
She was none other than Fairy Lingyun, who had previously appeared in Yunmeng City and personally retrieved the captives of Lingxiu Pavilion from the Feng family.
She was also the current head of Lingxiu Pavilion!
Though Fairy Lingyun had only recently stepped into the Soul Formation stage, her status was extraordinary, and Lingxiu Pavilion had more than just her at this level.
Among the top powers in Qingzhou, aside from the Evil Moon Sect and neutral entities like the Treasure Gathering Pavilion and the Alchemist Association, Lingxiu Pavilion was widely regarded as the strongest.
Given their standing, Lingxiu Pavilion had no reason to fear the Heavenly Fiend Sect.
“Either we capture this pavilion together, or the Heavenly Fiend Sect meets its end here today. Heavenly Fiend Ancestor, the choice is yours.”
Fairy Lingyun didn’t waste time with pleasantries after stepping forward. She immediately presented two choices.
This left the Heavenly Fiend Sect in a tight spot. The Heavenly Fiend Ancestor glanced at the alliance of the three top-tier forces, then back at the Pavilion of Elixirs behind him. His expression turned grim.
However, deep down, he already knew what his decision had to be.
The combined strength of these three top-tier forces from Yunmeng City was more than enough to wipe out the Heavenly Fiend Sect, and he was certain that Fairy Lingyun was not bluffing.
With a heavy sigh, the Heavenly Fiend Ancestor fixed his gaze on Fairy Lingyun and spoke seriously,
“Very well, then. Let our four factions jointly capture this Pavilion of Elixirs. However, we must ensure that no other forces are allowed to interfere. Can Fairy Lingyun guarantee this?”
Though they couldn’t monopolize the pavilion, they could still gain some benefits. The Heavenly Fiend Sect had no choice but to compromise.
Fairy Lingyun smiled slightly.
“That is agreeable.”
With just a few words, an agreement was reached.
However, as the four top-tier forces prepared to break through the pavilion’s entrance…
However, they hadn’t anticipated that as they approached the entrance of the Pavilion of Elixirs, a formidable barrier suddenly surged into existence.
This barrier was powerful enough that it temporarily thwarted any attempt to gain entry.
It wasn’t just the Pavilion of Elixirs; similar barriers appeared at the entrances of the Pavilion of Artifacts and the Pavilion of Scriptures, among other treasure repositories.
No top-tier faction could claim these pavilions for themselves.
As various factions began to join forces to explore these treasure troves, they were all stopped in their tracks by these formidable barriers.
…
While over ninety percent of the top-tier factions had their sights set on these treasure pavilions, the Evil Moon Sect’s Longyan Branch and the Holy City’s Treasure Gathering Pavilion were focusing on tracking down Su Jingzhen and his group.
For cultivators like Zou Zeyu and Tuoba Junlin, the treasures and spiritual plants they encountered along the way were impressive but not compelling enough to make them take action.
As for the treasure pavilions such as the Pavilion of Elixirs and the Pavilion of Artifacts, they too had noticed them.
Initially, they had considered investigating these pavilions, but upon witnessing the strength of the barriers at their entrances, they temporarily abandoned the idea.
Zou Zeyu and the others were well aware that breaching such powerful barriers would require considerable effort.
Moreover, the fact that they had not yet spotted Su Jingzhen and his companions gnawed at them, filling them with unease and frustration.
They knew that with Xuening, a descendant of the Dantai Clan, on their side, Su Jingzhen’s group would have access to numerous advantages.
After seeing how well-preserved the Dantai Ruins were, they, like Shen Yifeng before them, doubted the narrative that the Dantai Clan had been completely wiped out.
They were convinced that the Dantai Clan harbored secrets beyond their knowledge.
“Holy Son, where should we search next?”
Standing on a corner the Second Elder asked Zou Zeyu.
His expression was extremely solemn.
Even the formidable Second Elder found that his divine consciousness was less effective within the ruins.
He was also quite unfamiliar with everything in the ruins.
Given the Second Elder’s cultivation level, the treasures surrounding them were hardly worth his attention.
Instead, what interested them were the secrets that the ruins might be concealing.
They had a strong feeling that these secrets could be of monumental significance.
As for the other treasures, they could easily obtain them outside the Dantai Ruins, so there was no point in wasting time on them.
Hearing this, Zou Zeyu looked around.
The various buildings and layouts within the ruins of the Dantai were quite complex.
They even contained some form of array principles.
Upon entering, even Soul Formation stage cultivators found it challenging to determine their direction.
Thus, although they initially aimed to head towards the central area, they struggled to identify their exact location.
They had to rely on their instincts!
After a moment’s consideration, Zou Zeyu stepped forward.
He then headed towards the end of the corridor.
“I have always believed that traveling in a straight line will ultimately get us to our destination the fastest.
There may be many obstacles ahead, but Elder, with your strength, clearing a path should be no trouble, right?”
Zou Zeyu’s idea was simple.
Since there were numerous traces of arrays and extremely complex layouts here, he thought it would be better to bypass the established routes and create a straight path himself.
Upon hearing this, the Second Elder was momentarily stunned but then nodded solemnly.
“This old man is willing to give it a try for the Holy Son!”
…
“Young Master, we actually don’t need to get too involved in this matter.
Although the Dantai clan once dominated the land of Qingzhou,
They are ultimately just a top-tier force in Qingzhou.
Our Treasure Gathering Pavilion is spread throughout the cultivation world. As long as your strength is sufficient, there will be opportunities to be assigned to broader regions in the future.
You want Su Jingzhen dead, and this time, Zou Zeyu and others have such strong killing intent towards him so there is no need for us to take action.
We should just observe this time.”
In a finely designed and elegant garden path, Elder Qin of the Holy City Treasure Gathering Pavilion said to Tuoba Junlin with a serious expression.
At this point, he had noticed that Tuoba Junlin’s thoughts seemed to have shifted after entering the ruins.
Logically, a neutral force like the Treasure Gathering Pavilion shouldn’t directly involve itself in such perilous situations.
Just like the Feng family of the Yunmeng City Treasure Gathering Pavilion, who didn’t send anyone over.
Yet Tuoba Junlin seemed intent on becoming deeply involved.
Elder Qin tried to pull him back on track.
Hearing this, Tuoba Junlin’s lips curled into a smile again.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to serve at the Luo River or in the Zhongzhou Treasure Gathering Pavilion in the future.
But I do know that to secure such opportunities, I must first strengthen myself.
Although I only need to stay in the Tuoba family, I will basically have endless resources. As long as I am willing, the family will do their best to train me.
Because of this method, the Treasure Gathering Pavilion has left me lacking in some aspects compared to cultivators from other forces.
Whether it’s breakthroughs in cultivation or growth in other areas, what’s learned from books is always superficial. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
It’s more important to experience yourself firsthand.”
As Tuoba Junlin spoke, a hint of pride sparkled in his eyes.
“And does Elder Qin really think I’m inferior to the leaders of other forces?
Zou Zeyu can do it, Su Jingzhen can do it, even Ye Zhiqiu and Bai Xiu from the Alchemist Association can do it.
So why can’t I, Tuoba Junlin?”
Upon hearing this, Elder Qin opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words.
After carefully considering Tuoba Junlin’s words, his gaze toward him softened with a touch of admiration.
At this time, Tuoba Junlin took out a fragment of the map from his storage ring.
He smiled again and said, “The most important thing is that we have certain advantages over other forces this time.
The power of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion is unmatched by other forces.
Although this map of the Dantai ruins is incomplete, it’s enough to guide us to where we want to go.”
Before entering, Tuoba Junlin had thought that the ruins were nothing more than a wasteland.
Given that the place was intact, they were bound to have some advantages.
With that, he didn’t wait for Elder Qin to say anything further and confidently moved in the direction indicated by the map.
…
“Elder, Cang Yun is missing.”
This was what appeared to be a former medicinal field of the Dantai clan.
Though now desolate and abandoned, it still held many years’ worth of valuable herbs.
The group from Dongxuan Academy were searching in this medicinal field.
At this moment, a woman in her twenties, with an exceptional demeanor, approached Han Ning.
Her expression was somewhat grave.
Hearing this, Han Ning looked back.
Indeed, he only saw seven young disciples of Dongxuan Academy.
He sighed slightly.
Among all the forces entering the Dantai ruins today, Dongxuan Academy might be the only one still adhering to its original intentions.
They hadn’t competed with other top forces for seemingly more important areas.
Han Ning and the younger generation were still focused on their training.
“Sigh…
No matter what choice one makes, it is already destined for each cultivator.
Regardless of the final outcome, it is Cang Yun’s fate.
He had long made his decision. Forcing him to stay will only create inner demons.
Let him be.”
Han Ning could only sigh in resignation.
As their leading elder, he could not keep an eye on every disciple at all times.
Their duty was to bring the disciples here and ensure their safety to the best of their ability.
If someone insisted on acting alone, there was nothing Han Ning could do, as their feet were their own.
The female disciple then said, “Elder, with the strength we have brought from Dongxuan Academy, we could also compete for places like the Pavilion of Elixirs.
What I want to say is that Dongxuan Academy is not afraid of any force.”
Youth often feel tempted by wealth and opportunities.
Han Ning shook his head again: “Girl, how do you think the Dantai clan at its peak compares to our Dongxuan Academy?”
The female disciple thought for a moment and then said earnestly, “Setting aside the Dantai clan’s possible connections to the Luo River or even Zhongzhou, even the peak Dantai clan of Qingzhou, as recorded in legends, is inferior to Dongxuan Academy.”
Han Ning nodded approvingly. “That’s right.
Everything that exists in these ruins also exists in our Dongxuan Academy.
Walking around and seeing new things will broaden your horizons and make you realize that there is always someone stronger and something greater beyond.
That is the greatest significance of this trip.
We have our own system and there’s no need to compete head-on with others.
Moreover, the strength displayed by all the forces entering the ruins this time is merely the surface.
In reality, even if it were just Elder Xiao and me, unburdened by any responsibilities, we might not rank in the top five this time.
If we fight hard, we will not be able to ensure your safety.”
Han Ning, or Dongxuan Academy, was not indifferent to everything.
It was just that they were aware of their limitations and had a realistic understanding of their situation.
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