After Xiao Tian let out a triumphant laugh, he sought a tranquil place to heal his injuries.
Time flowed steadily, and three days passed.
The radiant sunlight gently illuminated the vast Demon God Realm, its warm rays reaching a young man meditating deep within a secluded cave. Slowly, he opened his eyes, taking a deep breath of the sunlit air, then exhaled it with measured calm.
"At last, my injuries are fully healed. It seems my foundation has reached the pinnacle of the Alchemy Realm. Just a little more, and I should be able to break through the limits."
"For now, I suppose I'll hunt a few more Rank Seven Beast Spirits."
Xiao Tian rose gracefully from his meditative stance, his movements unhurried yet decisive. In the next moment, his figure vanished into the void, as if time itself held no sway over him.
-----
In the depths of the Demon God Realm's ancient forest...
"Young Master Zhao Wei, are we truly venturing this far into the heart of the forest? I've heard tales of an Ancient Demon God dwelling here—an entity older than the birth of time and countless worlds."
"The rumor goes that it resides in this abyss because it was sealed away by the Prime Celestials, the progenitors of the Ten Sacred Realms. I don't think we should go any deeper, Young Master Zhao Wei."
"Do not worry," Zhao Wei replied calmly. "What you speak of is no mere rumor."
Hearing this, unease gripped the group even tighter, though none dared voice their protests.
Zhao Wei then declared with unwavering confidence, "I have come here precisely because I am certain the Ancient Demon God will not harm us."
His voice carried such conviction that the followers could not help but feel their tension ease, if only slightly.
In another part of the competition grounds...
"Elder Xie Bai Shan, how many do you think will pass this round of the trial?"
Xie Bai Shan responded thoughtfully, "I cannot say for certain, but if I were to guess, perhaps around 300 participants will succeed out of the 1,200 who entered."
The elder who posed the question raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? Is that truly your estimation?"
"And what is your opinion, Elder Lei Yuan?"
Elder Lei Yuan chuckled softly, his voice light and unbothered. "In my opinion, there will likely be more than 500 survivors."
"Hmm? What leads you to think so, Elder Lei Yuan?"
With a carefree tone, Elder Lei Yuan replied, "Just a hunch, that's all."
"Hahaha!"
Cut to the Ninth Sacred Daughter, Lan Xin. She was locked in fierce combat with a Rank Seven Beast, her loyal guards battling valiantly by her side. Blood stained her garments, her left waist and knee bearing grievous wounds. Cornered and overwhelmed, her guards begged her to flee, promising to buy her time. Though reluctant and unwilling to abandon them, in the end, she had no choice but to retreat, disappearing into the dense forests of the Demon God Realm.
Panting... panting... panting...
Lan Xin ran for what felt like an eternity, her steps driven by desperation and survival. She finally collapsed beneath the shade of a towering ancient tree, its base hollowed out like a natural cave.
"Why... why must I endure this? I haven't even avenged my mother yet..."
Her voice trembled, and tears began to stream down her face like a relentless torrent. The dignified Sacred Daughter sobbed uncontrollably, her cries echoing like those of a lost child. Exhaustion from the battle and her tears soon overtook her, and she slipped into unconsciousness.
Three hours later...
"Hmm?... Ah—!"
A deep, resonant voice suddenly filled the silence.
"Stay still. Do not attempt to move. Your injuries are severe; if you push yourself further, your body may very well break beyond repair."
The voice carried the weight of authority and wisdom, its tone as if spoken by one who had stood above countless others. Lan Xin awoke, startled and disoriented, the unfamiliar surroundings and mysterious voice filling her with dread.
"Y-you! What have you done to me?" she shouted, her voice tinged with fear and unease.
The voice responded, calm yet commanding, "If I intended harm, do you think you would still be alive to question me? Now, lie still. You won't die. I'll tend to your wounds."
Suddenly, golden auras began to manifest around Lan Xin, emerging from the void and fusing with her wounds. Slowly but surely, her injuries began to heal, the radiant energy mending both her body and spirit. As she observed this miraculous sight, she could feel the overwhelming might of the aura—its purity unparalleled. Such pristine energy could only belong to someone of immense strength.
"Who is he? Why would someone like this be in the Demon God Realm's competition grounds?" she thought, her mind swirling with confusion. Yet, she chose not to question further, understanding that such matters must remain a secret of the one aiding her.
As the golden aura continued to mend her body, Lan Xin noticed something extraordinary. Not only was it healing her, but it also enhanced her cultivation base. Resolute, she began to meditate, drawing in the boundless golden aura to strengthen herself.
---
One day later
In the depths of the mysterious realm, a sudden eruption of power shattered the silence.
"BOOOOOOM!!!"
A surge of aura burst forth, spreading across hundreds of miles. Its intensity was nothing short of terrifying, signifying a breakthrough of staggering magnitude.
A voice echoed through the realm: "I never imagined... to break through in just a single day!"
The voice belonged to none other than Lan Xin. By absorbing the golden aura—a source of both healing and cultivation energy—she had rapidly elevated her cultivation to a new peak. Her determination and insatiable drive had borne incredible results.
Nearby, Xuan Xu—disguised as Xiao Tian—watched with incredulity, muttering to himself, "This girl... is she a bottomless pit? She's devoured nearly all the energy I summoned from Heaven and Earth! I'm barely holding on here..."
He spoke with a dry voice, sweat beading on his brow, though his stoic demeanor betrayed none of his internal exhaustion. Clad in a black cloak that obscured his face, he maintained an aura of mystery as he stepped forward.
When Lan Xin finally noticed his presence, she immediately realized that this was the person who had healed her and supplied her with the energy she had absorbed. Without hesitation, she bowed deeply, showing utmost respect.
"This junior, Lan Xin, greets the esteemed elder. May I have the honor of knowing your name?"
Xuan Xu paused thoughtfully before replying, "You may call me Xuan Xu Ancestor (玄虚)."
The name sent ripples of shock through Lan Xin's heart. It was unfamiliar, a name absent from the annals of history or legends. Her mind raced with curiosity and unease.
"Elder... may I ask if you are a resident of this realm or a participant in the competition?"
Xuan Xu chuckled softly, his voice enigmatic. "Think carefully. How many iterations of this competition have passed? The rules are clear—no outsiders may disguise themselves as youths eligible to compete. Now, what does that tell you?"
Lan Xin's face grew pale as she pieced together his meaning. "Could it be... this elder has existed since the earliest eras? Or perhaps even before?" The realization made her shudder with a mixture of awe and fear.
"Elder, are you... not of this world?" she asked hesitantly.
Xuan Xu answered calmly, "I am neither of this realm nor the mortal world. I exist beyond all things, able to traverse the infinite void with but a single step."
Inside, he chuckled wryly at his own dramatics. "Boasting like this is oddly satisfying," he thought, though his expression remained stoic, hidden by his black cloak.
"Fear not," he continued, "I mean you no harm. I merely aided you because I saw potential in you—potential to one day ascend as a true immortal. What happens next is up to you. Surviving this realm will depend on your strength and wits."
Lan Xin bowed deeply once more. "Thank you, Elder Xuan Xu. I will remember your words." With that, she turned and departed, understanding that pressing further would be futile.
As she left, Xuan Xu called out one final warning: "If you seek more Rank Seven Beasts, do not venture deeper into the realm. Catastrophe stirs within the depths, and even you would not survive ten breaths in its presence."
Lan Xin nodded solemnly and vanished into the forest.
---
Once she was gone, Xuan Xu collapsed to the ground with a heavy sigh.
"Finally... some rest. I can't believe how draining it is to wield Heaven and Earth's energy. Nearly exposed myself back there. Good thing this transformation technique masks my aura as well as my appearance."
With a weary smile, he lay back, savoring a brief moment of peace.
In the eastern reaches of the Demon God Realm, a deafening explosion shook the earth, its shockwaves spreading over a thousand miles. The aftermath left many creatures injured, and those too weak to endure perished instantly. From the thick, billowing smoke emerged a solitary figure—a young man clutching the core of a mid-tier Rank 8 Beast.
This was none other than Long Tian, the First Holy Son, revered as the strongest among the disciples of the Sacred Sect. He had single-handedly slain the Rank 8 Beast, while a group of guards stationed at a safe distance stood ready to intervene if unforeseen circumstances arose.
One of the guards, Long Yan, stepped forward, concern evident in his voice.
"Young Master Long Tian! Are you unharmed?"
Long Tian gave a faint nod, his expression as calm as ever, before responding,
"There is no need to worry. With the beast core and its soul essence in our possession, we now have enough to secure a position among the top ten. There's no risk of us being eliminated."
Hearing this, the guards visibly relaxed, their tension dissipating. They quickly began harvesting the valuable remains of the Rank 8 Beast. Its blood, bones, and flesh—all imbued with immense energy—were treasures of inestimable worth.
As the guards worked, Long Tian lifted his gaze to the skies, his expression shifting to one of resolve. He turned his attention toward the heart of the Demon God Realm's depths. With a commanding voice, he declared,
"Once we've rested, we move out. Tomorrow, we venture into the core of this realm. Prepare yourselves."
---
Elsewhere, other groups of participants adopted varying strategies. Some, unable to withstand the competition's fierce trials, resorted to hiding, while others continued hunting beasts in desperation to avoid elimination. Yet, the groups of Holy Sons and Daughters remained unbothered by such struggles. Their profound cultivation foundations and personal guards ensured their safety, allowing them to dominate their respective regions.
With the competition nearing its end, tension mounted across the realm. The allotted one-month period had already surpassed two weeks, leaving little time for those still striving. In this second week, many contestants sought refuge, avoiding the powerful beasts roaming the realm. Meanwhile, the elite participants—Holy Sons, Daughters, and the most skilled disciples of prominent sects—pressed onward, heading toward the core of the Demon God Realm.
The outer regions had long been scoured clean of spirit cores and treasures, leaving no choice but to delve deeper into the perilous depths. Only the heart of the realm held the remaining opportunities to secure victory—and for the boldest, a chance at greatness.
In the depths of the Demon God Realm, Xiao Tian strode with purpose, steadily advancing into the near-heart of the forbidden domain. Along the way, he encountered lower-ranked Rank 7 and Rank 8 beasts, dispatching them with ease and storing their cores and spirits within his spirit token. The journey brought him to an area devoid of high-tier Rank 8 beasts, a place eerily quiet yet brimming with foreboding energy.
It was here that Xiao Tian sensed the presence of a group—seven individuals, one of whom exuded the unmistakable aura of a Holy Son. Observing silently, Xiao Tian noticed them approach an ancient concealed formation located at the heart of the Demon God Realm. When the group disappeared within the formation, he emerged from his hiding spot to investigate.
---
Xiao Tian extended his hand toward the air, feeling the resistance of an invisible barrier. Its texture was dense and unyielding, pulsing with ancient power. It was no ordinary seal—it felt akin to a prison barrier designed to contain something immensely powerful, perhaps even a legendary artifact or a primeval lifeform.
He studied the formation, tracing its intricacies. Its patterns radiated age and mystery, far beyond anything he had encountered before.
"This... This formation must have been here for billions of years, far older than my own existence. It's not something I can break through by brute force," Xiao Tian muttered to himself, his mind racing for a solution.
After a moment of contemplation, a realization struck him.
"Of course! The Heavenly Will Insight!"
Activating his Heavenly Will Insight, a profound ability that allowed him to borrow the understanding of the heavens themselves, Xiao Tian sought to unravel the secrets of the formation. Threads of celestial energy flowed through him as he immersed himself in the study of the barrier.
Time passed, and with steady determination, he managed to unseal part of the formation. His eyes lit up with triumph.
"It works! But this formation has multiple layers. I'll need to dismantle them all before anyone else arrives."
Without hesitation, Xiao Tian sat cross-legged before the formation. His focus became absolute as he immersed himself in deciphering its ancient runes and seals, heedless of the dangers or the passing time. With each revelation, his comprehension deepened, his mind attuned to the ancient wisdom of the formation.
As the intricate mysteries unfolded before him, Xiao Tian muttered under his breath,
"So this is the wisdom of an era long past... If I can truly unlock this, it will surely be worth the effort."
The world around him seemed to fade as his entire being became one with the profound act of unraveling the ancient seal.
Three days had passed in the blink of an eye.
Xiao Tian remained seated in meditation, tirelessly unraveling the mysteries of the ancient seal. Using his mastery over the Will of the Heavens, he steadily dismantled the countless layers of the formation. His dedication bore fruit as more and more layers fell, leaving only a dozen or so barriers standing between him and the heart of this hidden domain.
With unwavering confidence, Xiao Tian declared,
"Just a few more layers, and the seal shall yield to me. The depths will soon be within my grasp."
Meanwhile, those who lacked the courage or strength to venture further had gathered on the outskirts of the Demon God Realm. Among them were disciples of mid-tier sects, as well as a handful of elites from high-tier sects. Notably, Xiao Tian's elder sister and her fellow sect members were also among this group. They understood all too well the dangers of the deeper regions, dominated as they were by the Ten Sacred Scions. To press onward would be tantamount to courting death.
Xiao Han Yan, his elder sister, gazed into the distance and whispered,
"May Xiao Tian remain safe. May the heavens shield him from harm."
Were Xiao Tian to hear these words, his heart would surely ache, and perhaps he might even cough up blood in sorrow. After all, he had once defied the Middle Heavens, disrupting the balance they upheld in the mortal realm. His actions had wrought calamity, leaving the Will of the Heavens struggling to restore harmony—a process that would take countless eons to complete.
Five more days passed.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Xiao Tian opened his eyes, their depths now reflecting profound understanding. He had unraveled the entirety of the ancient formation's mysteries, breaking through every barrier. A faint smile played on his lips as he exhaled a breath of relief.
"The final layers... such formidable barriers they were," he muttered.
"The last three seals alone tested my limits. No ordinary genius, not even a Sacred Scion, could have broken through them with ease."
Xiao Tian spoke without arrogance, for his words stemmed not from pride, but from cold, hard truth. The complexity of these seals surpassed even his expectations, each imbued with the ancient laws of the cosmos.
As for the Sixth even Sacred Scions who had entered earlier, their method of passage had been altogether different. This group, led by Sacred Scion Zhao Wei, possessed a token—one bestowed upon them by the Lord of the Sixth Holy Land. This artifact granted them passage through the ancient formation with ease, bypassing the need for comprehension or effort.
Yet Xiao Tian did not lament his path. In truth, he had gained far more than what he sought. By unravelling the seals, he had absorbed their ancient wisdom, gaining mastery over the lost art of Runic Arrays and the forgotten Language of Seals. Now, he could wield this knowledge with unparalleled precision, a skill that would elevate him to heights few could imagine. These seals, crafted by the ancestors of the Ten Holy Lands in the distant past, had gifted Xiao Tian with insights beyond measure.
As he stood before the now-dismantled formation, the air seemed to hum with anticipation.
"Let us see what treasures await within," Xiao Tian said, his voice carrying a hint of excitement and determination. Then, without hesitation, he stepped forward, vanishing into the ancient domain beyond.
Deep within the ancient formation, a group of seven individuals arrived at a mysterious chamber.
This group was none other than Zhao Wei's entourage, and they now stood before a small, palm-sized wooden box resting on a pedestal at the center of the chamber. The guards exchanged glances before one of them spoke.
"Young Master, this is the treasure our ancestor spoke of."
Zhao Wei's lips curled into a smirk.
"Do not judge it by its appearance. This is no ordinary relic. Even our ancestor, in his prime, was unable to claim it. That alone speaks to its extraordinary nature."
He stepped forward confidently, adding,
"Stand guard. Only a Sacred Scion can inherit this treasure. Our ancestor said it requires the Will and Soul of its wielder to activate. I will take care of this myself."
The guards immediately responded,
"Understood, Young Master!"
---
Meanwhile, at the outskirts of the formation, a lone figure approached.
It was Xiao Tian, moving cautiously as he scanned his surroundings. He wasn't sure whether the earlier group had left sentinels behind to guard the entrance. Using the Will of the Heavens, he probed the area, confirming no signs of life before venturing further.
As he explored, Xiao Tian discovered numerous treasures—ancient weapons and high-tier artifacts. These relics were crafted with exceptional precision, clearly the work of master artisans long lost to history. However, despite their craftsmanship, they paled in comparison to the Ancient Sword bestowed upon him by his father, a blade once wielded by their ancestor during the primal wars against the ancient beasts.
Nonetheless, Xiao Tian collected these items. Though they weren't useful to him directly, they held immense value and could be sold or traded for vital resources.
---
Venturing deeper into the formation, Xiao Tian came upon a colossal temple.
Its sheer scale took his breath away. Stretching over 100 million square meters, the structure exuded an air of ancient majesty. Though the temple appeared abandoned, its grandeur was undeniable.
Inside, Xiao Tian found a straight corridor leading to a massive door at the center of the temple. The door, slightly ajar, hinted at recent activity. His suspicions were confirmed—it had to be Zhao Wei's group that entered before him.
Cautiously, Xiao Tian extended his Will beyond the door, observing the scene within. There, Zhao Wei sat cross-legged, channeling his soul into the wooden box. Around him, six guards stood vigilant, forming a defensive perimeter. The box itself was unlike anything Xiao Tian had ever encountered. Encased in layers upon layers of ancient seals and curses, the box seemed to evolve endlessly, each barrier reinforcing the next in an infinite cycle of protection.
Recognizing the complexity of the seals, Xiao Tian withdrew his Will. Staying any longer risked detection.
---
Xiao Tian began preparing his next move.
He decided against a direct confrontation. The odds were stacked against him; Zhao Wei's guards, all at Mid-Tier Seventh Realm, far outmatched him. Instead, he would use his mastery of formations to lay a trap.
Drawing on the knowledge gained from deciphering the ancient seals earlier, Xiao Tian crafted a formation of his own—a Soul Confinement Array, designed to trap both the soul and Will of its victims. This custom array was untraceable by conventional means, as it bore no connection to the original formation.
Xiao Tian worked silently and methodically, weaving his trap with precision. Though Zhao Wei's token granted him dominance over the entrance's formation, it would prove useless here. Xiao Tian's array operated on entirely different principles, making it impossible for Zhao Wei or his guards to dismantle.
"Foolish arrogance shall be their undoing," Xiao Tian mused as he finalized his trap. Now, all that remained was to wait.
Outside the Ancient Formation
A confrontation brewed among the Sacred Scions who had gathered, each of them renowned as some of the most formidable figures of their generation.
This gathering brought together five Sacred Scions, all of whom ranked among the top ten strongest:
1. Long Tian, the First Scion.
2. Bai Yao, the Second Scion.
3. Feng Lin, the Third Scion.
4. Zi Rong, the Fourth Scion.
5. Yu Han, the Fifth Scion.
These five individuals, equal in cultivation level and surrounded by equally powerful guards, stood as paragons of balance. The only difference lay in the depth of their foundations, their mastery of natural laws, and their understanding of the Dao's profound truths.
Amid this tension, the Fourth Scion, Zi Rong, broke the silence.
"What a pleasure it is to meet all of you esteemed Scions. Truly, it warms my heart to see such an assembly. Hahaha! But I must say, wouldn't it be better for us to wait here in peace rather than resort to violence? After all, conflict would yield no profit—only needless injuries and losses for all sides."
Bai Yao, the Second Scion, replied coldly,
"And what brings you to the heart of this ancient place, Zi Rong?"
Zi Rong smirked, his tone laced with mockery.
"What, am I the only one not allowed here? Look around! Even Long Tian, the First Scion, has come. Why shouldn't I? Or are you implying that only you have the right to be here, Bai Yao?"
Despite the provocative tone, the others remained composed, knowing there was no merit in falling for such petty jibes.
It was Yu Han, the Fifth Scion, who spoke next.
"I have surveyed this area. It seems eight individuals entered this place before us."
These words sent shockwaves through the group. Even Long Tian, the First Scion, had only recently arrived after enduring the onslaught of beasts—some at the peak of the Eighth Tier, others bordering on the Ninth. Such foes were nearly insurmountable for those still within the bounds of the Seventh Realm.
The notion that another group had entered earlier seemed implausible. Could it have been other Sacred Scions? If so, how could they have surpassed the trials faster?
Bai Yao's expression darkened as he murmured,
"There is an ancient formation hidden here."
His words stunned the group. None of them, not even the Sacred Scions, had sensed any trace of such a formation.
Long Tian frowned.
"Do you truly mean that, Bai Yao? I sense nothing."
Bai Yao responded calmly,
"It is no surprise. The formation is veiled in ancient scripts so profound that even my ancestors struggled to decipher them. My clan has studied these ancient arts for generations. While I cannot fully comprehend the formation's nature, I can detect its presence."
He gestured toward faint traces on the ground.
"The group of eight entered through this formation, bypassing the trials with ease."
The others were astonished. The possibility that someone could not only understand such ancient scripts but also navigate the formation was beyond their comprehension.
"Perhaps one of the Sacred Scions hired an expert in ancient languages," one suggested.
"It would require immense resources, but it is not impossible."
With renewed determination, the group began scrutinizing the formation, attempting to glean its secrets.
---
Within the Formation's Heart
A sudden commotion erupted within the formation's core, alarming Zhao Wei's guards. They grew anxious and restless. Observing this from the shadows, Xiao Tian readied himself, sensing his opportunity was at hand.
Suddenly, a terrifying aura swept across the ancient formation. It was an oppressive force unlike anything they had encountered—a fear that transcended mortal comprehension. The guards faltered, their spirits shaken to their core. Even Xiao Tian struggled to maintain his composure, though he had faced greater terrors in the past.
From his concealed vantage, Xiao Tian observed Zhao Wei, who remained unnervingly calm, his focus unwavering as he meditated. This composure marked Zhao Wei as no ordinary Scion. Xiao Tian recalled faint rumors—Zhao Wei was the Sixth Scion, renowned for his cunning intellect and unparalleled strategic mind.
"What could this man be planning?" Xiao Tian wondered, silently adjusting his approach.
---
A Shocking Turn of Events
As the seals surrounding the formation quivered, Zhao Wei struck with Beyond Speed Limit. His hand darted forward, grasping the small wooden box at the formation's center. Time seemed to freeze as he retrieved the artifact.
Awakening his guards from their stupor, Zhao Wei commanded,
"Compose yourselves. Our task here is done."
Satisfied, Zhao Wei strode out of the chamber. Though Xiao Tian could have attacked, he refrained. Engaging Zhao Wei now would risk incurring the wrath of an entire sacred faction. Such recklessness could doom not only Xiao Tian but also his clan and sect.
"I have what I came for," Zhao Wei murmured to himself, his smile brimming with dark triumph.
"The ancestors will surely be proud."
Once Zhao Wei had departed, Xiao Tian emerged, staring at the endless ancient inscriptions that shimmered in the chamber.
"What value does that wooden box hold?" Xiao Tian mused. "No matter. It is not my concern."
Smiling faintly, Xiao Tian turned his focus to the inscriptions, delving into their profound mysteries with unyielding determination. A storm of schemes brewed in his mind as he prepared for the challenges ahead.