This was a vast and endless grassland, its lush green expanse overwhelming the eyes and emanating an immense vitality. Amidst this boundless sea of green, a majestic and imposing stone plaza stood tall and mighty. The colossal stone square, suspended about a hundred zhang above the ground, was supported by countless massive stone pillars. From a distance, it resembled a giant standing firm between heaven and earth, evoking a sense of grandeur. On top of this immense stone plaza, the space shimmered with a distorted hue, occasionally flickering with silver light. Figures flashed out of the distortions, landing gracefully onto the square. At this moment, the vast plaza was already teeming with people, their clamorous voices merging into a deafening roar that pierced the heavens. “Swoosh…” The space mid-air distorted violently once more, and several figures emerged from it, landing firmly on the stone platform. As they looked around, their faces were filled with astonishment. “This must be the ancient stone plaza on the map; it seems we haven’t taken the wrong path.” Gazing at the majestic stone plaza, Little Healer Immortal smiled faintly and turned to Xiao Yan. “Hmm.” Xiao Yan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the immense platform. With his keen perception, he naturally noticed that the auras present here were all quite formidable. There were even a few that made him pay serious attention. “It’s no wonder the Ancient Clan can command such respect. The ones they invite are all true powerhouses. Such a call to arms is truly terrifying.” The Heavenly Fire Venerable, standing by, also nodded slowly, admiration in his voice. Xiao Yan smiled, his gaze turning eastward. In the distance, he could make out the silhouette of an enormous city, and he said, “That must be our destination, the Ancient Holy City. Let’s go.”
At the end of his words, an eager look appeared on Xiao Yan’s face. The mysterious Ancient Realm had long piqued his curiosity, especially since the tomb of his ancestor, Xiao Xuan, lay within. As his descendant, Xiao Yan felt it was his duty to visit.
There was no disagreement among the group, and without further delay, they leaped into the air, soaring towards the distant city.
In the sky, there were many others traveling along the same path. From the speed of their flight, most were clearly not weak. However, Xiao Yan saw no familiar factions, only then did he realize the truth behind the saying that the Central Plains hid dragons and tigers. These powerhouses were no less than the elders of some first-class forces, but they normally kept a low profile, making them even more formidable.
Although the grassland was vast, it posed no challenge to Xiao Yan’s group. In less than ten minutes, the towering city came clearly into view.
Upon first sight, Xiao Yan and his companions were somewhat stunned. The city, rather than being awe-inspiring, was built of pale green rock, perhaps eroded by time, giving it a rather dilapidated appearance. An ancient aura permeated the air, bringing a sense of the distant past.
As they drew closer, Xiao Yan and the others realized that this ancient city was enveloped by a slightly transparent light barrier. Though it seemed thin, it exerted a powerful, almost soul-deep, pressure. This force made many faces change, and those who knew the city’s background gazed at it with a mix of reverence and awe.
“Heavenly Fire Venerable whispered, “This Ancient Holy City was left from ancient times, reportedly built by a Dou Emperor of the Ancient Clan. The light barrier contains a sliver of Dou Emperor power, making the city impenetrable.”
“Dou Emperor power… no wonder it’s so terrifying,” Xiao Yan murmured, understanding why the pressure in his soul grew stronger as they approached the city.
“In honor of the Dou Emperor, flight is forbidden within a thousand zhang of the Ancient Holy City. We’ll have to walk. Otherwise, the pressure will intensify.” The Heavenly Fire Vverable smiled and took the lead, descending to the ground. Xiao Yan and the others quickly followed, maintaining their speed and racing towards the ancient city like blurs.
At the entrance to the Ancient Holy City, Xiao Yan and his group paused. Access to the city was not easy, and generally, ordinary folk were not allowed in. Although the entry procedures were complicated, the reputation of the Ancient Clan ensured no one dared to act rashly.
Xiao Yan and the others entered in line. Upon reaching the gate, they saw nearly a hundred black-armored figures standing straight, their sharp, cold gazes sweeping the surroundings. A robust aura emanated from them, making one marvel at the Ancient Clan’s scale.
Xiao Yan’s gaze shifted, and his eyes suddenly narrowed as he spotted a familiar figure at the gate: Ling Quan, the Black Annihilation Army commander, with whom he had a grudge. It was unexpected that he would meet Ling Quan so soon after arriving.
As Xiao Yan spotted Ling Quan, the latter’s cold gaze also turned toward him, and he froze before his face darkened.
“Xiao Yan, who gave you permission to come here?” Ling Quan’s grim expression and harsh tone drew many curious glances. Many recognized Xiao Yan, the champion of the alchemists’ conference, a name now well-known across the Central Plains. But now, it seemed there was a conflict between the champion and the young commander of the Ancient Clan.
Ignoring Ling Quan’s cold rebuke, Xiao Yan flicked his finger, and a jade tablet emerged from his ring, slicing through the air towards Ling Quan.
“Hmph!” Seeing this, Ling Quan’s face darkened, and he grabbed the tablet with a burst of Dou Qi, but a terrifying heat surged from the tablet, scorching his palm with a dense white mist.
The intense pain made Ling Quan’s face darken further, but he gritted his teeth and endured, slamming the tablet to receive the information within.
“Star-Falling Pavilion, how could such a minor force be invited by our Ancient Clan?” Ling Quan sneered, with a hint of disdain in his voice.
“The writing on the tablet is clear. If you don’t recognize it, ask your Ancient Clan… now return the tablet,” Xiao Yan said calmly.
Ling Quan fumed, tightening his grip on the tablet. “Come and take it!”
In a flash, the tablet flew from Ling Quan’s hand, and when he regained his focus, it was already in Xiao Yan’s hand, causing his face to redden with embarrassment.
“Bastard!” Enraged and humiliated, Ling Quan forgot his status, lashing out with a fierce palm strike towards Xiao Yan.
“Bang!” Before Ling Quan’s attack could land, a leg as fast as lightning slammed into his chest, sending him flying back and crashing into the wall.
Ling Quan crashed to the ground, spewing blood. He was shocked and incredulous. When they last met at the Ye Family, his strength had been one star higher than Xiao Yan’s. Now, he couldn’t even see Xiao Yan’s move before failing. The gap between them had grown frighteningly wide.
This extreme shift made the proud Ling Quan want to vomit blood. It was only a short time ago that the boy he had seen as an ant in the Inner Academy now stood above him!
Onlookers, surprised by Xiao Yan’s display, saw that he was not only skilled in alchemy but also in Dou Qi cultivation.
“Ling Quan, sorry for the rough handling. Next time, please refrain from such foolishness. After all, not many are as gentle as I am,” Xiao Yan said, pocketing the jade tablet and giving Ling Quan a smile.
“Black Annihilation Squad, seize him!” Ling Quan’s eyes turned red with anger, and he roared.
“Yes, sir!” The nearly hundred black-armored warriors of the Ancient Clan, without hesitation, aimed their spears at Xiao Yan.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan’s face darkened.
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