In another part of the Realm of Ruin, a group of twenty people had banded together, creating a small, self-sustaining community. Among them were eight women, with the rest being men. Each person had their role and responsibility, ensuring the survival of their collective. Four members stood as sentinels, each possessing mid-level supernatural cultivation, ensuring the group's safety against external threats.
The settlement itself was rudimentary but functional, composed of wooden structures crafted from the forest's resources. Eight modest homes served as their shelter amidst this desolate world. Their encampment was nestled on the edge of a forest that bordered a vast sea—a fertile biome that promised both challenges and sustenance.
At the helm of this group was a courageous man named Chen Yunxiao.
Since his arrival in the Realm of Ruin, Chen Yunxiao had carved his path with unparalleled bravery. He was the first to venture into the treacherous forest, battling a horde of ferocious spirit beasts. Despite being only at the advanced stage of Level Six cultivation, he had triumphed over Level Seven beasts, a testament to his immense strength and indomitable will. This feat had earned him the respect and trust of his companions, who saw in him the hope of survival. It was under his leadership that this group was formed, a sanctuary for those seeking an escape from this merciless realm.
At dawn, Chen Yunxiao stood atop a cliff, gazing at the horizon where the sun began its ascent. The golden rays bathed his figure as he closed his eyes, inhaling the crisp morning air. With each breath, he calmed his spirit, immersing himself in meditation.
Suddenly, a soft presence approached. A beautiful woman with long, flowing brown hair and a graceful figure wrapped her arms around his back. Her beauty was captivating, her allure undeniable, yet her heart belonged solely to Chen Yunxiao—the strongest among them. Her name was Chen Xinyue.
"Are you here again, basking in the morning light and the tranquility of this place?" she said gently. "It's been over two years since we entered this Realm of Ruin. So much has happened… the chaos, the relentless battles… It frightens me to think of how we've survived."
Chen Yunxiao placed his hand over hers, his voice firm yet reassuring. "Fear not. No matter the trials that lie ahead, I will overcome them. Together, we will see the light beyond this darkness."
His words carried a resolute strength, a promise unwavering. Chen Yunxiao's steadfast determination had seen them through countless perils. His unmatched will to grow stronger was the foundation of their survival.
"I must continue my training," he said after a moment, turning to Chen Xinyue. "Go and have breakfast. I'll return once I've refined my skills. Only by pushing myself further can I protect all of you."
Chen Xinyue nodded with a soft smile, understanding his resolve. She watched as he departed, a figure of unyielding strength vanishing into the distance.
---
Chen Yunxiao traveled far from their encampment, his stride unbroken until he reached an ancient ruin over a thousand miles away. The desolate remnants of a bygone civilization lay scattered—a once-thriving village now reduced to crumbling structures and weathered stones. Vines and moss enveloped the ruins, their tendrils reaching skyward as if reclaiming what man had built.
In the heart of the ruins stood a dried-up fountain, its surface tarnished with rust and overgrown with creeping ivy. Chen Yunxiao's gaze fixed upon it, his eyes narrowing.
"Is this the place, Master?" he asked aloud.
From within his soul, a voice resonated. "Indeed, this is it. Do as I instructed. Place a drop of the Spirit Essence upon the small altar beside the fountain. It will awaken what lies dormant here."
This voice belonged to Jing Haotian, a legendary figure of a bygone era. Once a sage who roamed the heavens and mastered countless Dao, Jing Haotian had ascended to the brink of ultimate divinity—only to fall at the final step. As he sought to transcend into the Supreme Celestial Realm, he was struck down by the wrath of the heavens, his body destroyed and his soul scattered across the cosmos.
It was within the Realm of Ruin that Chen Yunxiao had encountered Jing Haotian's fragmented spirit, the remnant of an immortal who had once defied the heavens. Near death, Chen Yunxiao had been saved by this ancient soul. The sage's ethereal form appeared as a wizened elder with flowing white hair, his presence imbued with both wisdom and sorrow.
"Your destiny is bound to the heavens," Jing Haotian had told him upon their first meeting. "I shall guide you along the Dao of Duality and teach you the principles of balance, so that one day, you may transcend where I have failed."
Thus, Chen Yunxiao became Jing Haotian's disciple, learning not only the arts of survival but also the profound truths of existence. Now, standing amidst the ruins, he prepared to awaken the power his master had foretold. With unshaken resolve, he stepped toward the altar, ready to take the next step on his path to greatness.
---
Chen Yunxiao retrieved a small glass vial from his belongings and carefully placed it on a modest pedestal before releasing a single drop of liquid. This was no ordinary liquid—it was the distilled essence of a mighty spirit, a rare and ancient soul that had undergone countless refinements to produce this singular drop of pure, untainted spirit essence. A drop so potent that it radiated the quintessence of the soul itself.
As the droplet touched the pedestal, a profound reaction ensued. Soft white light began to emanate from the stone, growing steadily brighter, pulsating with energy. The glow intensified until, in a dazzling eruption, it burst forth, piercing the heavens and spreading waves of energy across the distant landscape.
The pedestal activated an ancient formation, creating a vast Spirit Array that enveloped the ruins. When the radiance finally dimmed, the once-desolate ruins transformed into a magnificent, pristine sanctuary. Crumbling waterfalls now glimmered with crystal-clear streams, and the ancient stone platform gleamed as though newly forged.
Chen Yunxiao stood in awe, marveling at the transformation. Yet before he could fully absorb the scene, his master's calm yet commanding voice pulled him from his reverie:
"This place will remain in this state for no longer than ten days. You must descend into the spring immediately and begin your cultivation."
Without hesitation, Chen Yunxiao obeyed. Settling himself in the sacred spring, he assumed a meditative posture. This ancient sanctuary, though restored, consumed immense energy, and the precious soul essence was too rare to squander.
As the days passed, Chen Yunxiao immersed himself in comprehending the myriad paths of the Dao. At first, he gained insights into a thousand ordinary Daos—1,500, then 1,700. By the sixth day, his understanding had soared to over 2,700 paths.
Drawing upon the abundant energy of the spring, he channeled its power into forging inner worlds of will, opening new dimensions within his soul. By the eighth day, he had created two such worlds and comprehended nearly 3,900 distinct paths of the Dao.
Time pressed on, and by the tenth day, the sanctuary's energy waned. The Spirit Array dissipated, and the ruins reverted to their former state. Yet Chen Yunxiao's cultivation had reached an extraordinary climax. In the last two days, he had transcended his previous achievements, comprehending over 100,000 ordinary Daos—a feat that left even his master speechless.
"You truly are Heaven's chosen," his master mused, awe and pride gleaming in his eyes. "I made no mistake in taking you as my disciple. Heaven itself seems to favor you."
Chen Yunxiao humbly bowed, expressing his gratitude. "Master, this disciple has only been fortunate."
In acknowledgment of his disciple's progress, the master gifted him a profound manual—a tome detailing the mysteries of the body, granting mastery over every sinew and joint, and imparting techniques capable of shattering both body and soul with unparalleled precision. This art, the master's own creation, was without equal in the mortal realm.
With heartfelt thanks, Chen Yunxiao departed, eager to reunite with his comrades. Yet upon returning to his stronghold, he was met with a scene of devastation. Blood stained the ground, and the aftermath of fierce battles was evident. Among the carnage, only four survivors remained, while sixteen lay lifeless.
A faint, hoarse voice called out to him. It was Fei Nan, the gatekeeper, mortally wounded and barely clinging to life. With trembling words, he recounted the calamity:
"A group... led by Zhao Wei, the Sixth Divine Son... attacked. Their leader... a cultivator at the seventh stage of the Creation Realm... overwhelmed us. They... they took everything."
Fei Nan coughed violently, blood spilling from his lips as his life ebbed away. Before succumbing, he revealed that the survivors had been captured, destined to serve as concubines for Zhao Wei's subordinates.
Chen Yunxiao knelt in silence, rage boiling within him. His fists clenched, his veins bulged, and his aura surged with unbridled fury. Yet his master, observing from afar, saw this as a test of will.
"Restrain your anger," the master said, his voice steady. "If revenge is what you seek, I will teach you the means to crush even a Divine Son with a single strike. But you must cultivate both your strength and your resolve."
With fiery determination, Chen Yunxiao nodded, setting forth on a path of vengeance. Along the way, he trained rigorously under his master's guidance, preparing for the day when he would confront Zhao Wei and restore justice to the fallen.
In another part of the Realm of Ruin, a large convoy made its way through the desolate landscape. At the forefront was none other than Zhao Wei, the Sixth Divine Son.
The convoy's destination was the depths of the realm, a place shrouded in mystery and danger. The Realm of Ruin was vast beyond measure, its boundaries seemingly endless. There were no discernible directions, and even the most detailed maps failed to capture its true scope. Only the great sects and holy lands held fragments of knowledge about this enigmatic domain, and the Divine Sons, with their privileged upbringing, were well-versed in such secrets.
Zhao Wei was celebrated not only for his cultivation but for his unparalleled intellect. Known as the "Mind of the Sacred Lands," he was regarded as the most cunning and brilliant of all the Divine Sons. His reputation had earned him reverence as one of the most strategically gifted figures in history, rivaling even his legendary ancestors, who had built the Sixth Holy Land through cunning and conquest.
As the convoy pressed onward, Zhao Wei's piercing gaze swept across the group. His eyes fell upon a young woman—Chen Xinyue.
She was a vision of purity and grace, her demeanor calm despite being surrounded by hostile captors. Her tranquil resolve betrayed no fear, even in the face of the crude taunts and lecherous glances from Zhao Wei's subordinates.
One of the men in the convoy, a burly figure named Long Baitie, leered at Chen Xinyue with a twisted smile. "You, girl," he sneered. "Tonight, you'll keep me company. I promise you'll want for nothing—wealth, jewels, even authority over my men. What say you?"
Another man scoffed. "Not fair, Long Baitie! You already had the voluptuous beauty last night. Her cries echoed through the entire camp! And now you want this one too? How insatiable are you, you depraved beast?"
The group burst into arguments, their bickering intensifying.
"Enough!" Zhao Wei's voice cut through the clamor like a blade. With a wave of his hand, the convoy fell silent. "This woman is under my protection. Return to your positions and focus on your duties. Do not test my patience."
His words were final, and no one dared oppose him. The convoy resumed its journey, with Zhao Wei now walking beside Chen Xinyue.
"What is your name, fair maiden?" he asked, his tone deceptively gentle.
Chen Xinyue, her voice steady, replied, "My name is Chen Xinyue."
"A beautiful name for a beautiful woman," Zhao Wei said with a charming smile. Yet behind that facade lay a calculating mind. "I must apologize for the uncouth behavior of my men earlier. Their actions were inexcusable. Please allow me to make amends. I would be honored if you would accompany me. You could hold a special place in my heart, should you wish it."
Chen Xinyue responded coolly, her eyes unwavering. "If you can prove yourself worthy, I might consider it. But mere words will not suffice."
Zhao Wei's smile did not falter, but inwardly, he noted her sharpness. "She's not as naive as the others," he thought. "Interesting."
"Very well," he said aloud. "I shall show you my worth in due time. For now, let my men attend to your needs."
In truth, Zhao Wei harbored no affection for Chen Xinyue. She was merely a pawn in his grander schemes, a tool to be manipulated and discarded when her usefulness had run its course.
He ordered his servants to care for her, ensuring she was treated with utmost courtesy, all while weaving his web of deceit.
---
Hours later, as the convoy passed through a sprawling grassland, a shadowy figure appeared where they had once traveled. Clad in black robes and a hood that concealed his face, the man stood motionless, watching the group's retreating forms.
"Ah, Zhao Wei," he muttered, his voice carrying a lazy, almost amused tone. "It seems fate has intertwined our paths once more. How... tiresome."
With a faint smile, the figure vanished without a trace. No ripple in space, no shift in time. It was as though he had never been there at all.
A Tranquil Night
Under the serene night sky, the camp of the Sixth Divine Scion, Zhao Wei, was alive with the glow of a blazing fire. His followers sat around, roasting the meat of slain beasts and indulging in crude revelries with women they had captured during raids on rival groups. For them, life held no meaning beyond the rewards and power bestowed by their master, Zhao Wei—a force they revered above all else.
On the outskirts of the camp, Chen Xinyue sat quietly by the fire, her thoughts adrift. She couldn't help but wonder about Chen Yunxiao, who had been missing for ten days now. Was he safe? Why hadn't he come for her? Despite her calm demeanor, a shadow of unease flickered within her heart.
Breaking her thoughts, Zhao Wei approached and sat beside her, his tone feigned with concern.
"It seems like something weighs heavily on your mind, Lady Xinyue. Why not speak it aloud? I'm here to listen," he said with an air of gentle persuasion.
Chen Xinyue shook her head lightly and replied, "There's nothing to speak of, Young Master Zhao Wei. I wouldn't want to waste your time with idle words."
A smirk played on Zhao Wei's lips as he responded, "Is that so? It looks to me like you're thinking of someone… someone who isn't me, perhaps?"
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. How had he guessed? His words hit closer to home than she liked to admit. Seeing her reaction, Zhao Wei leaned in subtly, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone.
"Ah, I see. You miss someone who isn't here, don't you? Perhaps this person has abandoned you because they feared facing someone as powerful as me."
Chen Xinyue immediately snapped back, her voice firm with conviction. "Impossible! He is no coward. Chen Yunxiao has always faced danger head-on. Even in this accursed Kingdom of Ruin, he was the first to confront a Seventh Realm beast and survived."
Zhao Wei chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with calculation. "Oh? But what if his absence during the time we launched that ambush means he knew he couldn't protect you? Perhaps he fled to save his own life, making excuses about needing to leave for some grand purpose."
His words struck a nerve. Chen Xinyue stood abruptly, her voice rising with indignation.
"Don't you dare speak ill of him! You don't even know him. How can you slander him so cruelly?"
Zhao Wei, unperturbed, rose to his feet as well, speaking with calm confidence.
"Do you truly know him? In this realm, where betrayal and slaughter are the norm, can anyone be trusted? People hide their true intentions, burying their darkest thoughts deep within their hearts. Even those who appear kind and loving may harbor sinister motives, using trust as a weapon to manipulate and deceive."
Chen Xinyue faltered, his words sowing seeds of doubt in her mind. Could it be true? What if Chen Yunxiao had indeed abandoned them to face the dangers alone? Zhao Wei's arguments felt disturbingly plausible, and the cracks in her confidence began to show.
Seeing her hesitation, Zhao Wei pressed his advantage, speaking with a soothing yet authoritative tone.
"Rest assured, Lady Xinyue. While my men may act recklessly at times, I hold myself to a higher standard. I would never harm a woman, unlike those vile beings who cling to my power for survival."
His gentle demeanor and carefully chosen words began to sway Chen Xinyue. Her anger and doubts started to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of trust in Zhao Wei. Slowly, she sat back down, her heart conflicted.
Taking his chance, Zhao Wei leaned closer, resting a hand on her shoulder. His voice was soft, almost hypnotic.
"Fear not. I will protect you, Lady Xinyue, until the day we leave this forsaken realm. I swear it—I will ensure your safety and see you through this nightmare."
His words carried a deceptive warmth, and Chen Xinyue felt herself drawn in, lulled by the illusion of security he offered.
Morning of Resolve
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Zhao Wei stirred from his rest. Rising from his bedroll, his gaze fell upon Chen Xinyue, who slept soundly beside him. Her delicate face, framed by loose strands of hair, radiated a serene beauty that caught his attention. Leaning closer, Zhao Wei gently brushed the stray locks behind her ear with a tenderness that seemed almost out of character. A faint smile graced his lips, one that might have belonged to a man with pure intentions and untainted affection.
Without another glance, he stood and quietly left the campsite. Moments later, Chen Xinyue's eyes fluttered open. She had only been feigning sleep, curious to see if Zhao Wei would dare take advantage of her vulnerability. To her surprise, his actions were far from what she had expected. Instead of malice, she sensed care, restraint, and a level of respect that began to chip away at her mistrust.
---
A Month of Wandering
Over the next month, their journey through the Kingdom of Ruin grew increasingly arduous. The group eventually arrived at a desolate ruin—a sprawling expanse of ancient structures, their grandeur faded but not forgotten. Scattered among the ruins were signs of a recent battle: fresh corpses, shattered weapons, and blood that had yet to dry completely.
"This place has been claimed by someone," one of the followers remarked uneasily.
Zhao Wei, however, stood unfazed. "No ordinary group could breach this place," he declared with calm authority. "This is no ordinary ruin—it is a sacred inheritance ground. The legacies of ancient masters who once ruled this realm lie within, along with mystical treasures and techniques of the highest order. Heaven-grade techniques, even. Those who obtain them will stand unmatched under the heavens."
His words stirred excitement among his followers. With torches in hand, they ventured deeper into the ruin, guided by Zhao Wei's instructions. Soon, they faced a fork in the path. Zhao Wei swiftly divided the group into smaller teams, each taking a different route. Out of 42 followers, they formed ten groups to explore the labyrinthine caves ahead.
Zhao Wei himself chose to accompany Chen Xinyue, holding her hand firmly as they ventured into the ominous darkness. The gesture, though simple, filled Chen Xinyue with a sense of security. His constant presence over the past month had slowly begun to overshadow her memories of Chen Yunxiao.
She found herself thinking, Even though he once led an attack on my people, Zhao Wei has shown me nothing but care and protection. How different he is from Chen Yunxiao, who relied on me for everything... These thoughts gnawed at her, and before long, she leaned against Zhao Wei's arm, seeking comfort as they navigated the treacherous paths.
---
The Shadow Follows
Unbeknownst to them, a shadowy figure followed in their wake. Clad in black with his face obscured, the man trailed the pair silently, his gaze sharp and filled with disdain.
Deeper within the ruins, another cloaked figure observed a different group from afar. This group of four—three men and one woman—caught his attention. The observer's aura betrayed his immense cultivation, his voice low and derisive as he murmured to himself.
"So, even here, in the Kingdom of Ruin, there are cultivators outside the Divine Scion factions? Interesting."
His sharp eyes swept over the group, noting their strengths. "That man, likely their leader, is at the Seventh Realm of the Creation Sovereign stage. And the woman… she's in the lower stages of the Creation Sovereign realm, but nearing a breakthrough. Intriguing progress for two years of hardship in this realm."
Yet he dismissed his curiosity with a shake of his head. "No matter. Compared to me, their cultivation is but a fragile foundation. I, who stand in the mid-upper echelon of the Creation Sovereign realm, have surpassed them in every way."
The cloaked man's voice dripped with arrogance, but it was not without merit. His presence exuded an unshakable confidence, his cultivation deeper and more refined than most. His self-praise bordered on madness, yet it carried the weight of truth.
After observing for another hour, he began to move. His steps were silent but deliberate as he entered the labyrinth, his eyes fixed on an unknown goal.
---
A Looming Threat
With the two forces unwittingly converging, the ancient inheritance ground became a stage for fateful encounters. Unseen dangers lurked within the shadows, and alliances would be tested as long-buried secrets began to stir.
A Dark Encounter in the Depths
Within the labyrinthine cave system, the groups under Zhao Wei's command continued to explore their respective paths. The tunnels twisted and turned, many leading to dead ends or looping back to their origin, creating a maze that tested both their patience and courage.
In one of the groups, two younger cultivators lagged behind, their nerves fraying as the oppressive darkness closed in around them.
"Why did I agree to this?" one of them grumbled, his voice tinged with frustration and fear. "This place is dark and terrifying. We should just head back and wait for the others outside. What's the point of wandering in circles?"
"Yeah," the other chimed in, clearly just as eager to abandon the task. "Let's leave. We're not going to find anything useful here anyway."
But before they could turn to leave, a chilling voice echoed through the cavern. It was low and mocking, filled with a sinister glee.
"Leaving so soon? Oh no, little lambs. You'll need to play a little game before you can go. Understand?"
The two froze, their blood running cold. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere, wrapping around them like a predator toying with its prey.
"Who's there?!" one of them shouted, his voice trembling. "Show yourself!"
Silence answered them at first. The oppressive quiet only deepened their dread, and beads of sweat began to form on their foreheads. Then, the voice came again, dripping with disdain.
"Is that fear I hear? Grown men, trembling like frightened children. How disappointing. I can't imagine what your parents must think, raising such weaklings."
The words struck a nerve, but before either could muster a retort, the voice continued, a malicious edge creeping into its tone.
"Let me teach you something about fear. Perhaps then you'll learn to stop shivering like leaves in the wind."
The air grew heavier, the oppressive darkness around them deepening unnaturally. Then, without warning, a shadowy figure appeared behind them, its form an amorphous mass of black, shifting and writhing as if it were alive.
Before they could react, the shadow moved with terrifying speed. Tendrils of darkness wrapped around their bodies, muffling their screams as they were dragged deeper into the shadows. The cave fell silent once more, save for the faint, lingering echo of the sinister voice.
"Good little lambs. Now, let's begin the lesson."
---
The rest of the group, unaware of the fate of their companions, continued their exploration. But the ominous presence lurking in the caves had already begun to weave its web, and it was only a matter of time before others would fall into its grasp.
_______
The Luminous Vault
Deep within the intricate labyrinth of the cave, Zhao Wei and Chen Xinyue finally reached the end of their winding path. Before them stood an awe-inspiring sight—a cavern so vast it dwarfed even the arenas where they had once battled fierce beasts. The chamber was a marvel of ancient architecture, with towering columns and intricate structures that seemed to defy the passage of time.
But what truly commanded their attention was the structure at the heart of the cavern. Bathed in a radiant golden glow, it resembled a grand temple or a vault, its aura exuding both mystery and majesty. The gilded light danced off its ornate carvings, making it seem almost alive. Zhao Wei's sharp gaze lingered on it, his expression hardening as if he sensed a foreboding challenge ahead.
Chen Xinyue noticed his unease. Her heart tightened as she clutched his arm. "Is there something dangerous in there? Should we turn back?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.
Zhao Wei shook his head and smiled, his tone calm yet resolute. "We've come too far to retreat now. This place might hold the legacy I mentioned—a treasure that could elevate our cultivation and skills beyond imagination. It's worth the risk."
His confidence was infectious, and Chen Xinyue found herself smiling despite her lingering fears. She tightened her grip on his hand, drawing strength from his unwavering determination.
Meanwhile, the shadowy figure trailing them watched their exchange from the darkness, his emotions a storm of rage and envy. Hidden behind his mask, his teeth ground together audibly, and veins bulged on his temples as his clenched fists began to bleed from the pressure. Yet, he forced himself to remain still, his seething fury barely contained.
As Zhao Wei and Chen Xinyue approached the golden structure, its imposing doors loomed before them, carved with runes and ancient symbols glowing faintly in the dim light. Zhao Wei turned to her, a playful smile lighting up his face. "Let's see what treasures lie within, shall we?"
With deliberate care, he extended his hand and pushed against the heavy door. It creaked open slowly, revealing a flood of golden light that burst forth like a tidal wave, engulfing them entirely.
The brilliance was overwhelming, forcing them to shield their eyes as the radiant energy surged across the cavern, illuminating every corner. For a moment, the world seemed to pause, the blinding light transforming the cavern into an ethereal realm of shimmering gold.
Chen Xinyue gasped, clutching Zhao Wei's arm tighter. "What... what is this?"
Zhao Wei's lips curled into a faint smirk. "A grand entrance, it seems. Let's not waste the opportunity."
With that, they stepped into the glowing temple, their figures disappearing into the radiant depths, unaware of the challenges—and dangers—that awaited them within.
_______
Meanwhile, the masked figure took a step forward, his eyes locked onto the golden light fading into the distance. A dangerous glint flickered in his gaze as he muttered under his breath, "You won't claim what's inside so easily, Zhao Wei. Not while I still breathe."
His figure melted into the shadows, silently pursuing them into the temple's heart.