Above the boundless azure sky, clouds floated, and occasionally, a gentle breeze blew, creating a wave of green that stretched to the horizon across the vast grasslands below…
“Shh!” In the sky, a sudden and intense fluctuation appeared, followed by a large, pitch-black spatial gate appearing mysteriously in the air. Soon after, figures began to emerge and stand in this unfamiliar world.
“Is this the Ancient Realm? The energy of heaven and earth is so dense, at least several times stronger than the outside world!”
“No wonder only Dou Sheng experts can reach this place. Such profound abilities are truly incredible.”
As more figures appeared, exclamations of surprise began to spread. While everyone was amazed, Xiao Yan and his companions also stepped out from the spatial gate, their faces showing astonishment as they felt the dense energy in this world.
“The energy of heaven and earth is so powerful. If one cultivates here, progress might be at least twice as fast as in the outside world. Not only does the Gu Clan have a natural talent for cultivation, but they also have such a blessed land. Their strength is not without reason.”
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, marveling at the surrounding energy. “This kind of spatial domain is almost another world. Although it is not as vast as the Dou Qi Continent, it is precisely because of its smaller size that the energy of heaven and earth is concentrated, making cultivation here far more effective.”
The Heavenly Fire Venerable nodded in agreement. “Boom!”
While Xiao Yan and the Heavenly Fire Venerable were conversing, a distant rumble sounded in the sky. Soon, everyone saw a thick, dark cloud moving towards them, covering the entire area.
“That is…”
Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, staring at the cloud. After a moment, his pupils suddenly contracted. “Flying warships?”
As Xiao Yan noticed the dark cloud, others with keen eyesight also discovered it. Shouts of surprise echoed. It turned out that the dark cloud was actually formed by ten warships flying in the sky. The dark cloud surrounded the warships, and from a distance, it looked as if the ships were riding the clouds, coming with thunder. The spectacle was grand and majestic.
“Indeed, the Gu Clan. Such a display is rare among the forces of the Central Plain.”
Watching the rapidly approaching warships, Xiao Yan sighed softly.
“Rumble!”
The dark cloud, carrying the roar of thunder, came to a halt in the sky. An aged voice then called out from the ships.
“Hehe, esteemed guests, please board the ship.”
As the aged voice finished, the swirling dark cloud suddenly split open, revealing a crack that led directly to the ships. Seeing this, some people hesitated for a moment before moving, entering the large warship. Xiao Yan and his companions, after waiting and seeing no changes, followed suit.
After boarding the warship, Xiao Yan and his companions realized just how massive it was. They seemed incredibly small in comparison. Inside the ship, Black Annihilation soldiers with long spears stood everywhere, making the defense particularly strict.
Once everyone was aboard, the aged voice spoke again. Soon, the ship trembled, and Xiao Yan immediately sensed extremely intense fluctuations in the surrounding space. Closing his eyes and sensing, his face was filled with amazement.
“Traveling through space, what a magical warship…”
“Hehe, this warship is an ancient legacy of the Gu Clan, called the Spatial Shuttle. In terms of speed, even a peak Dou Zun might not keep up. However, it’s a pity that such things are now extremely rare.”
As Xiao Yan was amazed, a laugh suddenly came from behind him. Xiao Yan turned to see a man in white robes standing with a smile. On the man’s forehead, a lifelike flame mark slowly burned. This was the man Xiao Yan had seen in the tower that day.
“Thank you for the information.”
The man in white robes smiled naturally, and Xiao Yan could sense no ill intentions. He smiled back and greeted him.
“Hehe, my name is Huo Xuan…”
The man in white robes introduced himself with a smile.
“Xiao Yan…” Xiao Yan returned the greeting. But Huo Xuan waved his hand, saying, “Champion of the Alchemist Conference, Xiao Yan, hehe, I naturally recognize you.”
“Brother Huo Xuan, you must be from the Yan Clan, right?” Xiao Yan said with a smile.
Not surprised by Xiao Yan’s observation, Huo Xuan nodded. “Truly, a long time ago, our two clans had a connection. I wonder if Brother Xiao Yan is here for the opening of the Heavenly Tomb?”
“Heavenly Tomb?” Xiao Yan was taken aback by the term.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s reaction, Huo Xuan paused and then explained, “I forgot. Since the death of your ancestor, Xiao Xuan, the Xiao Clan has not come to the Ancient Realm. Some things may have been lost in the transmission of knowledge.”
“Brother Huo Xuan, could you explain what the Heavenly Tomb is?” Xiao Yan asked with a smile.
“This is not a secret for you, so I can tell you,” Huo Xuan said after a moment. “The Heavenly Tomb has existed since ancient times. It houses the tombs of many strong individuals, including your ancestor, Xiao Xuan.”
Xiao Yan’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t expect the Heavenly Tomb to have a connection with his ancestor. One of his reasons for coming to the Ancient Realm was to visit his ancestor’s tomb, where he hoped to find something useful.
“The Heavenly Tomb is profoundly mysterious. It contains the energy imprints of many ancient powerhouses. These imprints, over time, take on the appearance of their former selves. By defeating them, one can obtain and absorb these energy imprints, thereby enhancing their strength. You should know that these energy imprints are extraordinary, equivalent to high-grade medicinal pills that can be consumed without losing much efficacy.”
“Most importantly, time in the Heavenly Tomb passes more slowly than in the outside world. Five days in the Heavenly Tomb is equivalent to one day in the outside world…”
“What?” Hearing this, even Xiao Yan, with his composure, couldn’t help but be shocked. Such a wondrous place? Spending five days inside would be like spending only one day outside. So, wouldn’t someone who trained for a hundred years in there become an ultimate powerhouse once they emerged?
“Of course, the Heavenly Tomb is miraculous, but it has its limitations. It opens every twenty years, and each time, one can stay inside for a maximum of three years, which is equivalent to half a year in the outside world. Only the descendants of the eight ancient clans are eligible to enter. Therefore, Brother Xiao Yan, you can also enter.”
“Even though the Xiao Clan is like this, I can still enter?” Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed. Hearing Huo Xuan’s words, he was immensely eager to explore the Heavenly Tomb. The three years inside would allow him to accomplish much. He now felt that the most lacking resource was time…
“Rules are rules. No matter how down the Xiao Clan is, it is still one of the original eight clans. Of course, you understand that there will be some troubles, but with your abilities, you should be able to handle them.”
Xiao Yan nodded silently and then bowed to Huo Xuan, saying, “Thank you, Brother Huo Xuan!”
“Hehe, it’s a small matter. If we do enter the Heavenly Tomb, we might need to cooperate. There are also some clans that have grievances with us. Having more friends is always good.”
Huo Xuan smiled. If Xiao Yan were an ordinary person, he would not have approached him. But being a member of the Xiao Clan and having significant strength made him worth befriending…
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. He understood these principles. Huo Xuan’s telling him this information might be due to his strength, but it was reasonable. He himself would not divulge secrets to someone not in the same league.
“Also, be careful of the Hun Clan and the Yao Clan. I won’t say much about the former, as the Xiao Clan and they have been bitter enemies for a long time. As for the Yao Clan, it’s because of your teacher, Yao Chen. I never imagined that Elder Yao Chen was from the Yao Clan until I heard it from the elders in my clan.”
“Judging by the situation, the Yao Clan is likely sending Yao Xingji, known as the Human Medicine Child. The Yao Clan generally looks down on outside alchemists. Since you are the disciple of the abandoned Yao Chen, and now reputed to be the strongest young alchemist in the Central Plain, if you meet, that guy will definitely challenge you.”
“Human Medicine Child, Yao Xingji, a strange title and a strange name,” Xiao Yan muttered, shaking his head. Just hearing the name made him dislike these people.
“Although his name is peculiar, it’s said that he is a mid-level eighth-grade alchemist and has strength comparable to yours. Be cautious if you meet him.”
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. Eighth-grade, middle rank, was indeed impressive, but he hoped not to confront him. If he did, he would show them that even the disciple of an abandoned clansman could outshine their so-called core members. His teacher’s dignity would be upheld by him.
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