In the vast, resplendent hall, figures were scattered and stood tall. Besides a few lone wanderers, most of the others belonged to formidable powers with considerable fame in the Central Plains, such as the Mythical Beast Phoenix Clan, Wind Lightning Pavilion, Ice River Valley, and Burnt Flame Valley, all of whom were already present. It seemed their goals were quite clear; after entering the ruins, they headed straight to this place. When Xiao Yan and his party entered the hall, they immediately drew the attention of those inside, with glances ranging from vigilant to hostile and friendly shooting towards them. Xiao Yan only smiled in response to these stares. His gaze flicked towards where Feng Qing-er and her companions were standing. He saw that their faces were dark as they fixated on him, likely still bearing grudges from the heavy defeat dealt to them in the previous confrontation with the Beast Spirit Shield. At this, a cold smirk emerged on Xiao Yan’s lips. Under the scrutiny of many sets of eyes, he led his group into the hall, finally coming to a stop.
Upon entering, Xiao Yan realized there were over ten people seated cross-legged around the tall stone dais. They resembled stone statues, immobile and expressionless, their eyes closed. It was unknown just how long they had remained in that posture. However, even with their inaction, no one dared step within a hundred paces of the dais, deterred by those statue-like beings.
“Puppets?” Little Healer Immortal said, her voice laced with shock as she noticed the lifeless, statue-like beings.
“Mm, and probably rather high-ranking puppets too. This feeling is similar to that of Heavenly Demon Puppets. If I’m not mistaken, these dozen or so puppets each possess the strength of Dou Zun,” stated Xiao Yan, a grave look flitting across his face. Though these puppets lay motionless at present, it was only because they hadn’t yet been triggered. It wasn’t hard to imagine the ferocious slaughter that would ensue once these puppets began moving.
At Xiao Yan’s statement, the color slightly left the faces of everyone. To deal with over ten Dou Zuns would certainly come at a cost, even for the strong factions gathered here.
“Fitting of the remains of a Dou Sheng… if a fight breaks out…” The young Qīnglín expressed awe; the formidable force here made even her feel somewhat apprehensive.
“We should all be cautious. Don’t wander off alone…” Xaio Yan advised earnestly, then swiftly turned back, a smile crossing his face as he gave a respectful nod in the direction of the Burnt Flame Valley faction.
“Ho ho, Friend Xiaoyan, it’s better to be lucky than early. The seal here is weakening, perhaps soon, it will dissipate completely.” Tan Zhen, seeing Xiao Yan, replied with a grin, leading his powerful fellows toward Xiao Yan and exchanging pleasantries.
“Elder Valley Master Tang, are these ten your objective? Why are there so many of them?” Xiao Yan inquired with a chuckle. He shared a somewhat amicable relationship with the Burnt Flame Valley but held none with other present groups, some even being sworn enemies.
“Aye, should be accurate, however amongst the ten, most likely only one contains the true Heaven Tier Fighting Technique. Who gets it – that will rely on both fortune and prowess,” Tan Zhen responded with a nod and smile.
“Oh? Nine false, and one real?”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan started in surprise, eyeing those luminous spheres oddly. This ancient relic indeed harbored intricate mysteries, setting up such a ruse as the final challenge. Acquiring the true Heaven Tier Fighting Technique from ten options certainly wouldn’t be easy.
“Indeed…” A smile danced across Tan Zhen’s features, as his gaze scanned the perimeter of the grand hall. Softly, he spoke: “Friend Xiaoyan, it seems there’re quite a few against you this time…”
“Just small nuisances.” Xiao Yan smirked; here, aside from the Mythical Beasts Phoenix Race, Wind and Lightning Pavilions, and Ice River Valleys — three formidable clans whose combined strength might rival his camp, who would come up triumphant remained in the balance.
“Haha, you aren’t the lone wolf you used to be.” Tan glanced back at Xiao Yan’s company, with a touch of admiration in his tone. With his discerning eye, the frightening lineup accompanying Xiao Yan was easily noticeable. Uniting in arms could well stand them on an equal match with their foes: any one sect alone couldn’t take them all.
“Notably among these powers lies fierce contention amongst individual experts; many independent rovers followed the scent of opportunity, their skill commendable, albeit lacking cohesion, yet formidable combatants nonetheless. Should battles break out, things wouldn’t pretty.”
Listening, Tan Zhen’s mouth curved upwards slightly, turning his vision towards the central glowing spheres which dimmed further due to their weakening seal.
Xiao Yan, can you discern the scroll hiding a Heaven Tier Battle Technique in any of those orbs?
Upon Tan Zhens’ question, Xiao Yans’ brows twitched minutely, the Soul Essence probing outward. But he ultimately shook his head lightly. “The full seal blocks every scan. Such an arrangement, masterfully laid by a Dou Sheng, surpasses my capabilities to penetrate. By now, it boils down to luck.”
“Just pure luck may suffice, but amidst this crowd, the prize turns thorny, drawing fire from everywhere.” Tan chuckled mirthlessly.
Pensive, he nodded in acknowledgment.
“Haha, ensuing chaos here would provide grounds for collaboration, especially under unforeseen events.” Scanning the silent puppets encircling the dais like dormant giants, he directed his eyes to the Ice Rivers sect, continuing wryly,
Smiling back warmly, he conceded. Despite being beset from multiple directions, allying with an adept peer as robust as the five-star Dou Zun Tang Zhen, eclipsing even Frost Lord Gu He and possibly rivalling even Palace Ghost Star-picker, presented a fortuitous proposition, bringing more hands onboard always welcome, given the circumstances.
“Additionally, heed those puppets… when their seal dissolves, it’d likely signal a gruesome mêlée.”
Xiao Yan blinked thoughtfully, agreeing silently; navigating this complex web demanded wariness both towards adversaries and enigmatic puppet forces, mishaps risking grievous losses. Eyes flitting past the luminous bubbles finally paused upon the skeletal relics propping the dais. Inspiration flickered—such a complete bone remnant from a Dou Sheng might form an ideal body core in alchemic crafting Elder Pharmacist’s vessel, elevating him perhaps to the Dou Sheng tier, rendering the Pill Tower impregnable, countering Specter Halls’ menace head-on, solidifying his future plans!
“Then… waiting for the seal collapse shall decide our fates, never expecting gratis fortunes.” Reflecting, another gleam coursed through his eye—target set on securing the ancient skeleton!
Amid escalating tension, arrivals swarmed, uneasy truces straining visibly; one moment jovial hellos, next second—savage confrontations awaiting. Gathering allies subtly formed alliances in response while Xiao Yan, signaling caution, huddled tighter. Sudden sharp laughter echoed piercingly throughout, freezing his heart cold—
“Keke, looks like we’re punctual!”
Hearing the eerily familiar cackle, deadly intent radiated from Xiao Yans’ eyes.
“Here at last—Ghost-Star Plucker!”
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