In the depths of the Starfall Pavilion’s inner quarters, there lay a tranquil cluster of secluded rooms. These rooms were built specifically for the guest elders of the pavilion, and only those of such rank had the privilege to cultivate here, for the energy within was particularly dense in this part of the Star Realm. Ordinarily, many elders would gather here, engaging in friendly duels to hone their cultivation. Today was no exception. A group of elderly figures stood on the empty ground outside the quiet chambers, laughing and exchanging pleasantries.
“Bang!”
The serene atmosphere did not last long before it was abruptly shattered by a loud explosion. The startled gazes of the elders followed the sound, only to see that one of the nearby chambers had suddenly exploded, with faint golden light flickering from within.
“What is this…?”
Many of the elders, caught off guard by the sudden spectacle, gaped in wonder.
“Boom!”
Another colossal blast echoed, shattering the sturdy room apart. Amidst the stunned onlookers, a towering figure, nearly eight zhang tall and as radiant as gold, rose from the chamber. Stepping out with tremors that shook the earth and mountains, he roared at the sky, unleashing a terrifying sound wave that became tangible, sweeping through like a storm. The powerful sonic boom spread to every corner of the Star Realm, pushing the closest elders back several steps before they could regain their footing.
“What is that thing?”
Feeling the intimidating aura of the golden giant, most of the elders were visibly shaken. From the entity, they sensed an overwhelmingly dangerous threat, as if a single punch from this behemoth could turn them into pulp.
This feeling made the corners of many elders’ eyes twitch uncontrollably. Their strength, the weakest being at the Dou Zun level, and the strongest among them even reaching the level of eight or nine-star Dou Zun, yet all of them felt acutely threatened by this golden giant.
Thankfully, these elders possessed the qualities of true masters. After the initial shock, they quickly dispersed and formed a loose circle around the giant, ready to strike simultaneously if it made any aggressive move.
“Heh, so this is the Vajra Glass Body. Indeed, it has its unique aspects.”
As the elders stood poised, several figures appeared, landing in the air above the scene. It was Pharmacist Elder, Cai Lin, Little Healer Immortal, and the others who had hastened at the first hint of disturbance.
Seeing the arrival of the Pharmacist, the elders promptly bowed in greeting. One elder could not help but ask, “Pavilion Master, what is…?”
“Heh, Xiao Yan,” the Pharmacist explained with a slight smile.
At his words, the elders were taken aback, staring incredulously at the golden giant. They found it hard to imagine that such a formidable creature was actually Xiao Yan.
“Haha…”
Under the astonished gaze of the onlookers, the golden giant erupted in a resonant, hearty laugh. A burst of golden light shot out, and its massive body began to rapidly shrink. In just over a dozen seconds, the giant transformed back into its lean original form.
“Cough…”
Back in his normal state, Xiao Yan did not spit blood this time, but he still coughed violently, clearly due to the intense pain caused by the transformation.
“Unfortunately, the Vajra Glass Body I cultivated is only about seven zhang tall. To reach the peak of nine zhang and nine chi, I still have a considerable distance to go,” Xiao Yan lamented, shaking his head in slight regret.
“Don’t be discontent. If not for the numerous medicinal baths and celestial treasures that tempered your flesh and blood from a young age, another half-year would not have been enough to reach this level,” the Pharmacist reassured him, smiling.
Xiao Yan also smiled, recognizing that his progress was already commendable. He had only managed to cultivate to around seven zhang due to the limitations of his physical endurance. If he could obtain more celestial treasures to further refine his body, he might be able to leap to nine zhang and nine chi. At that point, he had confidence that, in his transformed state, he could beat a regular peak Dou Zun into a bloody mess with a single punch.
“After this period of cultivation, my aura has slightly advanced. Although the Ancient Barbaric Domain is perilous, it is rich in rare treasures that are hard to find elsewhere. If I have good luck, I may reach the level of nine-star Dou Zun and successfully cultivate the Vajra Glass Body before finding the Ancient Bodhi Tree,” Xiao Yan thought to himself, knowing he needed to constantly improve his strength.
“The information has been verified. The Ancient Bodhi Tree has indeed appeared,” the Pharmacist told Xiao Yan, glancing at him.
“Oh?” Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s heart leapt. He nodded slightly, assuming that other forces would now be mobilizing.
“This time, you will lead the way to the Ancient Barbaric Domain. You carry the space jade I gave you. If you encounter any insurmountable trouble, tear it open, and I will come immediately,” the Pharmacist instructed. “The temptation of the Ancient Bodhi Tree is too great; even the ancient races may intervene. Thus, obtaining the Bodhi Heart will not be easy.”
Xiao Yan nodded, having anticipated the challenge.
“The Starfall Pavilion needs me to hold the fort, so the journey ahead must be undertaken by you. If you enter the deeper parts of the domain, tear the scroll open, for it is quite dangerous with your current strength,” the Pharmacist added, patting Xiao Yan’s shoulder. “This mission is crucial, so do your best…”
“When shall we depart?” Xiao Yan asked softly.
“Sooner is better. You’ve been in seclusion for half a month, and many forces have already entered the Ancient Barbaric Domain during this time,” the Pharmacist replied.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly and said, “Then, let’s leave now…”
Xiao Yan was decisive and prompt in his actions. Once he had made up his mind, he wasted no time. He immediately set off for the northeast of the Central Region, accompanied by four people: Cai Lin, Little Healer Immortal, Qing Lin, and an elder at the peak of Dou Zun. Heavenly Fire Venerable, unfortunately, could not join them as he was in seclusion.
Among them, Cai Lin and Little Healer Immortal both had the combat power of eight-star Dou Zun, making them formidable when combined. Qing Lin, with her Jade Snake Three Flower Pupils, was also a strong, explosive combatant. Her ability to control serpentine beasts was especially valuable for this expedition.
Though the team wasn’t large, it was robust. Together, they should be able to handle anything short of a truly formidable opponent.
The Ancient Barbaric Domain was located in the northeast of the Central Region, far from the Starfall Pavilion. Even with maximum speed and a few interdimensional shortcuts, it took six days for Xiao Yan’s group to reach the northeastern border of the Central Region. During this journey, they encountered countless people heading in the same direction. Clearly, all these travelers were headed for the Ancient Barbaric Domain. This observation left Xiao Yan with a wistful sigh. The allure of the Ancient Bodhi Tree was evidently so potent that it made these people forget the terrors of the Forbidden Zone of Humanity.
Wildbarren Town, the closest human settlement to the Ancient Barbaric Domain, was usually sparsely populated. Few ventured near the Ancient Barbaric Domain due to its ominous reputation, leaving the town mostly deserted. However, the emergence of the Ancient Bodhi Tree had drawn in a throng of people, turning the once-quiet town into a bustling, noisy place. The commotion could be heard miles away.
Xiao Yan and his team decided to stop first at Wildbarren Town to gather information related to the Ancient Barbaric Domain. Venturing in blind would be extremely perilous. So, after settling Little Healer Immortal and the others, Xiao Yan went out to gather intelligence. Two hours later, he reconvened with Cai Lin and the others.
“What’s the matter?” Cai Lin asked, noticing Xiao Yan’s somber expression.
“Ah,” Xiao Yan sighed, massaging his forehead. “According to the information I gathered, the previous group that entered the Ancient Barbaric Domain appears to have perished entirely. There were even some Dou Zuns among them…”
Cai Lin and the others were visibly shaken. All dead? Was the Ancient Barbaric Domain truly so deadly?
“What should we do then?” Little Healer Immortal asked, knitting her brows.
“Tomorrow, a group of strong cultivators will be entering. We can follow them. Since the Ancient Barbaric Domain is called the Forbidden Zone of Humanity, it is undoubtedly treacherous. We should observe the situation from a safe distance,” Xiao Yan said, tapping his fingers on the table. The domain must have some peculiarities. To safely explore its depths, they needed to remain calm and vigilant, as any lapse could lead to disaster. Such a price, he could not afford, so they must proceed with utmost caution.
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