The vast expanse of the Beast Domain, though not as immense as the Central State, was not to be underestimated. The endless, overlapping mountain ranges, stretching endlessly into the horizon, emanated a unique and wild aura. Although the Beast Domain was known as the Ten-Thousand Great Mountains, this was but a rough estimation. If one were to accurately count, the actual number would undoubtedly far exceed this figure. These mountains stretched to unimaginably distant places, where the passage of time had left countless hidden treasures waiting for those with the right destiny to uncover.
The location of the ancient relic this time was in the Bone Mountains of the Beast Domain, a place of some repute within the domain. This mountain range contained a terrifying Bone Ocean, where uncountable skeletons of beasts were scattered. Over time, these skeletal remains gradually released peculiar forces, which, while useless to humans, were like supplements to the Magical Beasts, thus making the Bone Mountains a favored gathering spot for many Magical Beasts.
The Bone Mountains lie to the southwest of the Beast Domain. Fearing that the Soul Infant Fruit might be seized by others, Xiao Yan’s group hurriedly set off towards the Bone Mountains soon after entering the Beast Domain.
The present Beast Domain was undoubtedly agitated by the emergence of the ancient relic. As they journeyed toward the Bone Mountains, Xiao Yan and his companions encountered many other strong individuals, both Magical Beasts capable of transforming into human form and human experts who had raced to the scene from outside the domain after hearing the news. It was clear that the word of the relic’s appearance had spread far and wide.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan’s brow involuntarily furrowed. He hadn’t expected the relics to attract such a great force. While isolated strong individuals posed no significant threat, he was concerned about powerful factions arriving en masse, which would indeed complicate matters.
“Rumors say that Heavenly Rank martial arts exist in this ancient relic. It is likely that large powers came here for just that. Our only goal is the Soul Infant Fruit. If circumstances turn foul, we should take it and leave. This murky situation is not for us.”
Looking at the rapidly receding mountain ranges below, Xiao Yan fell into deep contemplation. Not that he wasn’t interested in Heavenly Tier combat skills — frankly, he had yet to see one despite his progress. However, he knew what was important now. The top priority was to restore Pharmacist Elder’s peak strength; otherwise, the gap between Meteorite Pavilion and the Hall of Souls would be too great, perhaps ending in Meteorite Pavilion’s downfall once the Hall made its move.
If the acquisition of the Soul Infant Fruit proceeded without unexpected issues, he might divert some attention to the Heavenly Level Martial Technique, whose power was likely comparable to Xiao Yan’s Destruction Fire Lotus.
After two days of continuous travel through the vast, interwoven mountains, a striking white hue finally appeared in the distance. The sharp white, appearing amidst the lush greenery, looked extremely out of place. Yet, when Xiao Yan and the others saw it, their eyes lit up with excitement. They had finally arrived after nearly ten days on the road.
Here, the airways began to fill with an increasing number of people, with figures speeding past like whirlwinds and darting towards that distant white mountain range.
“The Bone Mountains are near. Two elders from the Meteorite Pavilion are scouting here. We should meet with them first and plan our next steps. How does that sound?” Looking out at the white bone-covered mountains, Mu Qingluan’s expression became grave. Even from such a great distance, she could sense the overwhelmingly formidable auras.
“Hmm.” Xiao Yan nodded slightly. This place was truly a mixed bag, with various forces and strong individuals gathered. Diving in headfirst without knowing the lay of the land would make them a target for all sides.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s nod, Mu Qingluan took out an ancient jade from her storage ring and gently crushed it. Shortly after, a figure swiftly emerged from the distance, approaching Xiao Yan and his companions. Soon, the newcomer alighted atop a giant crane, his expression visibly relieved upon seeing Xiao Yan’s party.
The newcomer was an old man in gray robes, wearing an elder’s insignia of the Meteorite Pavilion on his chest. However, he seemed somewhat disheveled, as if he had just been in a fight.
“Elder Hu, what happened? Where is Elder Qi?” Seeing the old man’s state, Mu Qingluan blurted out.
“Ah…” Hearing this, the elder named Hu bitterly smiled, then explained with anger, “Elder Qi and I, on the orders of the Pavilion Masters, came to scout the conditions at the Bone Mountains. There are many mighty forces and powerful individuals here, each seeking favorable locations. Elder Qi and I were lucky enough to find a peak near the ancient relic. But when we tried to set up a camp there, we ran into the people from the Wind and Lightning Pavilion…”
“Wind and Lightning Pavilion?” Xiao Yan’s brows flickered. Indeed, an old enemy.
“They actually dared to act?” Mu Qingluan’s face turned grim, her eyes flashing with anger. The Wind and Lightning Pavilion, buoyed by their good relations with the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, had become increasingly audacious.
“Alas, what can we do? The Wind and Lightning Pavilion sent even the Thunder Venerable this time. Before we could argue, they drove us away. Elder Qi, enraged, got injured fighting their strongmen. He is currently under care and cannot move, so I had to come to fetch you.”
Elder Hu sighed, but his face bore a clear look of resentment.
Mu Qingluan’s brows knotted, and she turned to Xiao Yan, whispering, “Teacher said that this journey is under your command.”
Upon hearing this, Elder Hu also bowed respectfully, saying, “You must be the young master, Xiao Yan, the personal disciple of the Pavilion Master?”
“No need for such formality. Just call me Xiao Yan,” Xiao Yan smiled and waved, then said, “Let’s go see Elder Qi first.”
“I’ll lead the way,” Elder Hu chuckled and led them forward.
As they followed Elder Hu through the vast mountains, the area was bustling with people, turning the once-quiet mountains into a busy market. Amidst the noise, Xiao Yan caught the presence of some formidable individuals, proving that the ancient relic had indeed attracted many true strongmen.
After much wandering, they finally stopped at a secluded hill, guarded by more than twenty disciples of the Meteorite Pavilion, who looked rather dejected and infuriated — clearly forced out of their camp by the Wind and Lightning Pavilion.
Elder Hu’s return brought a slight lift to the morale, which surged when they saw Mu Qingluan and her companions. Many gazes fixed on Xiao Yan, the legendary direct disciple of the Pavilion Master, who had been in seclusion for a year.
“Young master, pardon our inability to welcome you farther. Please forgive us,” a pale, red-robed elder, supported by two disciples, saluted Xiao Yan.
Before he could finish, the elder, called Qi, coughed violently, blood seeping from his mouth, indicating severe internal injuries.
“Damn, the Wind and Lightning Pavilion! If our main force were here, they wouldn’t dare to act so arrogantly!” Anger flared among the Meteorite Pavilion disciples at the sight of Elder Qi’s condition.
Xiao Yan walked over, checked Elder Qi’s injuries, and asked, “Who did this?”
“Chief North Pavilion, Fei Tian,” Qi sighed.
Fei Tian, as domineering as ever, Xiao Yan mused, taking out a pill for him. “How many Emperors are at the Wind and Lightning Pavilion?”
“Just the Thunder Venerable.” Xiao Yan nodded, then turned to the crowd, “Let’s go…and stir up trouble.”
His words caused the Meteorite Pavilion disciples’ blood to boil.
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