In one of the many mysterious corners of the Realm of Ruin, an unusual sight unfolded.
"It seems there are no demonic beasts here..." a voice mused aloud.
The figure wandered through the tranquil surroundings, which were dominated by a vast, crystalline lake. The water shimmered with purity, emanating an aura of vitality and spiritual energy from its very core. This aura nourished the flora and fauna in the area, allowing even ordinary creatures to evolve into powerful beings capable of rivaling cultivators.
"Hmm?"
The voice paused, as if sensing something.
"This must be the place," the figure murmured.
With a determined leap, he plunged into the lake.
Splash!
As he descended into the heart of the lake, his gaze fell upon an enormous spirit stone, radiant and flawless like a crystalline gem. Its bluish glow illuminated the water, pulsing with an endless stream of spiritual energy that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of the lake.
The man wasted no time. He erected a formation around himself, ensuring he could breathe and move freely underwater.
Moments later, his voice broke the stillness, carrying a note of triumph. "Finally… it's done!"
He stared at the glowing crystal with a mixture of awe and greed, muttering to himself, "It's time to harvest this boundless natural energy!"
Without delay, he assumed a meditative posture, his body and mind focused entirely on absorbing the energy radiating from the spirit stone. Streams of pure energy surged into him, but his body remained unaffected, refining the energy as though it were his own.
"Hahaha!" His laughter echoed through the lake, filled with confidence and satisfaction.
"It seems my Sacred Body remains impervious to even this overwhelming natural energy. As expected of a high-tier Sacred Physique!"
This man, none other than the First Sacred Son, Long Tian, reveled in his success.
"The energy from this crystal is extraordinary—limitless, even. But if I continue absorbing it until it reaches its peak, it may no longer yield the same benefits to my body. No matter… I shall push my Sacred Body to its current limits!"
Long Tian continued meditating, his focus unwavering. The spiritual energy flooded his body, tempering it further and breaking through the shackles of his Sacred Physique. As the crystal's energy waned, his aura grew sharper and more profound, marking another step in his ascent toward absolute supremacy.
....
Somewhere within the Realm of Ruin
"Sacred Son Yu Han, do you think it is truly possible for us to comprehend the essence of duality?"
"I'm not entirely certain, Sacred Son Bai Yao," came the reply, calm yet tinged with hope. "But there's a glimmer of possibility."
The two voices belonged to none other than Sacred Son Bai Yao, ranked second among the Sacred Sons, and Sacred Son Yu Han, ranked fifth. By chance, the two had encountered one another after entering the mysterious and treacherous Realm of Ruin.
"And what is this hope you speak of?" Bai Yao asked, his brow furrowed in mild confusion.
Yu Han paused briefly before answering, "My master once spoke of understanding duality and its profound truths. He mentioned that within the Realm of Ruin, there lies a place—a specific location dedicated to the comprehension of duality. According to him, it exists on the other side of this realm."
"The other side of the realm?" Bai Yao repeated, visibly perplexed. The idea was foreign even to him, despite his extensive knowledge.
"That's correct," Yu Han affirmed. "It's strange, but my master described it as a domain of existence distinct from our current plane. The beings there are far stronger than those we face on this side. It is said that their strength is unparalleled, and that side is akin to a higher realm, while this side we now traverse is but a lower realm. We're merely wandering the outskirts of its magnificence."
Bai Yao stood stunned. Even his sacred sect lacked information regarding such a phenomenon. The implications were profound, yet he withheld further questions, instead remarking, "Then how do we reach this so-called other side? Surely, it must be separated from us by some form of barrier. How can we possibly traverse it?"
Yu Han's gaze turned serious as he replied, "It's not as impossible as it seems. My master provided me with crucial insight—this barrier, separating the two sides, is none other than a dimensional boundary. It is a realm of parallel duality, where countless dimensions intersect and coexist. By grasping even a fragment of its essence, we could pierce through to the other side.
"Furthermore," he continued, "this process of comprehension would significantly enhance our foundational understanding of duality, enriching our cultivation paths. Our comprehension of the Dao of Enlightenment would deepen, advancing our spiritual perfection."
Hearing this, Bai Yao could not help but nod in admiration. Despite his lofty position as the second-ranked Sacred Son, he recognized the brilliance and depth of Yu Han's understanding. He resolved then and there to strengthen his bond with Yu Han, seeing him as an invaluable ally.
The two Sacred Sons set off, venturing deeper into the dense, shadowy forests of the Realm of Ruin. They chose a straightforward path—one that cut directly through all obstacles, whether it was towering mountains or bottomless chasms. When they encountered impassable terrain, they either soared through the skies on their swords or simply flew unaided.
Their destination was clear: the barrier separating the lower realm from the higher one.
However, their chosen path was fraught with challenges. Traversing in a straight line through the unknown was more arduous than navigating a labyrinth. The terrain was unforgiving, and dangers lurked at every turn. Yet neither Sacred Son wavered.
With resolute determination, they pressed onward, prepared to confront whatever trials the journey would bring, for the path to enlightenment was never meant to be easy.
Somewhere within the Realm of Ruin
"Uh… Leader, what do we do about this mysterious energy barrier? We couldn't even leave a scratch on it, not even the faintest crack."
The voices of over twenty individuals filled the air as they debated the enigmatic energy barrier before them.
Suddenly, a loud, commanding voice interrupted, "Enough with your chatter!"
The speaker slammed both hands against the table, the sheer force silencing the room. Rising to his feet was a man exuding an oppressive aura—Qin HaoLang. He was the strongest among the twenty present and, excluding the Sacred Sons, could be considered nearly invincible.
Qin HaoLang hailed from the Tie Hu Xiao Sect, his mere presence enough to cow the others into submission.
However, another voice spoke up—calm, steady, and composed. "Let us not act hastily, Qin HaoLang," said a man with shimmering blue hair, his eyes perpetually closed. Rising from his seat, he continued, "Though our combined strength has failed against this barrier, I may have an alternative solution."
This man was Liu Changzi, a member of the Jingliu Sect, and known as the sharpest mind among them. His intellect had garnered him great respect, even among these powerful leaders.
The twenty gathered here were leaders of various factions, their temporary alliance forged to tackle this peculiar energy barrier. Trapped in its vicinity for over two weeks, they had yet to find a way to breach it or move forward.
Qin HaoLang, though frustrated, conceded, "Fine. Let's adjourn the meeting and test Liu Changzi's method. We can't afford to waste any more time here. The longer we linger, the greater the risk of attracting spirit beasts. If we're caught off guard without an escape route, the consequences will be dire. We must find a way to the other side of this barrier."
The other leaders nodded in agreement, some quietly rising to prepare, while others simply followed in silence.
Once they had all assembled before the strange barrier, Liu Changzi approached it. Extending his hand, he pressed his palm against its surface, releasing a faint spiritual glow as he sent his consciousness into the barrier. A tense silence followed, the others watching intently as he stood motionless.
After a moment, Liu Changzi stirred and spoke, "It seems my method has worked. There is indeed a way to pass through to the other side. However, it depends on your own comprehension—whether your minds are capable of grasping its essence."
The gathered leaders exchanged puzzled glances. Some remained silent, others openly confused.
"This barrier," Liu Changzi explained, "is not a mere wall of energy. It is a construct of infinite dualities—a dimensional field where the principles of duality intersect and overlap endlessly. Within it lies not only the natural energy of the world but also the laws of duality and the profound concepts that govern existence itself."
His words left the others in stunned silence, their disbelief mingling with awe.
"To traverse this barrier," Liu Changzi continued, "you must comprehend the essence of duality. You must meditate, extending your will to connect with the barrier and understand its intricacies. Only then can you move forward.
"Even I have only grasped a sliver of its truth. It may take days, perhaps weeks, but with enough focus, one might achieve minor success. So do not waste time—begin your comprehension now."
The leaders exchanged determined glances, immediately issuing orders for their subordinates to stand guard. Should spirit beasts attack, the followers would defend while their leaders focused on comprehending the barrier.
However, Liu Changzi's final warning hung heavy in the air: "For those who cannot comprehend the barrier, or lack the intelligence to do so, there will be no place for them on the other side. They will be left behind."
The group's determination solidified. They had no choice but to rise to the challenge of understanding the infinite dualities of the barrier, knowing that failure would mean being abandoned in the dangerous Realm of Ruin.
The five companions fought together seamlessly, their teamwork growing more refined with each passing moment. They took turns switching between offensive and defensive roles, adapting their strategies continuously to prevent the spirit beasts from predicting their attacks.
At the rear, Zhang Bai played a vital role. Hamessing his Qi of the Wind, he disrupted the beasts' movements, creating opportunities for his team. His timely interventions caused the beasts to stumble, giving Zhang Dalei and Xiao Han Yan the perfect openings to strike and eliminate their foes.
Despite the overwhelming odds, they managed to slay four Rank 7 spirit beasts-a remarkable achievement given that only two of them, Zhang Dalei and Xiao Han Yan, were at Rank 7 themselves. These two held the front lines, battling the more powerful beasts head-on.
Meanwhile, Chen Xinyue provided crucial support from a distance. Wielding her bow with precision, she struck at critical points-eyes, legs, and joints-immobilizing the beasts and disrupting their vision. Though she appeared innocent and delicate, her sharpshooting skills were impeccable.
On defense, Xiao Shan held firm, shielding his companions and absorbing the brunt of the attacks. His exceptional defensive abilities and rapid regeneration, fueled by consuming spirit herbs, allowed him to sustain his comrades in the thick of battle.
The group's coordination and adaptability confused their adversaries, as they constantly shifted their combat styles, keeping the beasts off balance. They fought like a well-oiled machine.
However, their unity was tested when ten mid-tier Rank 7 spirit beasts, led by their chieftain, emerged before them. The chieftain, a high-tier mid-stage Rank 7 beast, radiated a commanding presence. It possessed not only immense strength but also intelligence and strange magical abilities that enhanced its followers.
Under its command, the tide of battle shifted. The group's coordinated attacks faltered as the sheer numbers and overwhelming power of their enemies became apparent. When Xiao Shan rotated to the front line to relieve his comrades, he found himself outmatched. Unable to hold the line, he was struck down, coughing up blood as he was flung backward.
"Ugh!" Xiao Shan groaned, staggering to his feet. The team found themselves encircled with no way to retreat.
The chieftain began casting a spell, its malicious intent bearing down on them. But before it could complete its incantation, a sword flashed through the air, severing its head and limbs in an instant.
The chieftain's body collapsed to the ground with a resounding thud. The remaining ten beasts roared in fury and charged toward the one responsible-Xiao Tian, who had silently reappeared.
Without hesitation, Xiao Tian unleashed his Heaven-Cleaving Sword Art, executing the first two stances: Earth-Shattering Slash and Sky-Rending Strike. These two moves alone were enough to obliterate the ten beasts, their bodies torn asunder and scattering across the battlefield like rain.
Xiao Tian turned to his stunned companions and commanded, "Collect the beast cores. They're valuable and will strengthen your foundations."
The group nodded wordlessly, quickly obeying his orders. Though still reeling from shock, none dared to question him. Over their journey, they had come to trust Xiao Tian's leadership and expertise.
Their success against such overwhelming odds was no accident. Xiao Tian's strategic mind, honed in his previous life through chess, ancient military tactics, and battle formations, had been the key to their survival. He had trained them, drilled them, and molded them into a cohesive unit capable of facing challenges far beyond their cultivation levels.
In that moment, the group silently acknowledged one truth: Xiao Tian wasn't merely their leader-he was their cornerstone, the one who could guide them to greatness.
After some rest, Xiao Tian's group successfully eradicated the horde of spirit beasts. They then began to survey the area where the beasts had been dwelling.
"Hmm?" Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed as he pointed ahead. "There's a cave here. Everyone, come quickly!"
"Is this the cave you spoke of, Xiao Shan?" someone asked with curiosity.
"Yes! But it's strange… This cave is empty—no creatures, no remnants of habitation. And it looks quite deep. Let's explore it; perhaps we'll uncover something valuable," Xiao Shan suggested eagerly.
.....
The group ventured deeper into the cave, and suddenly, their eyes widened in utter disbelief.
"This… this is… a spiritual vein?" Xiao Tian's voice trembled, hardly daring to believe the sight before him.
The others were similarly shocked. Though the beasts they had fought were rank 7, they lacked the strength typical of their level. It now became clear—the beasts had been drawing energy from this vein, cultivating their strength unnaturally.
However, this false foundation left them far weaker than true rank 7 cultivators.
As they stepped closer, their awe deepened. The spiritual vein shimmered with an otherworldly glow—a deep violet streaked with faint, ethereal blues, radiating brilliance. The vein was vast, its massive crystals towering over even the tallest among them, radiating an aura of unfathomable power.
Xiao Tian suddenly exclaimed, "This… this is no ordinary vein! It's a Primordial Spiritual Vein!"
The group gasped. Even the most experienced among them had never encountered such a thing. Only Chen Xinyue, her face suddenly pale, recognized its significance.
Chen Xinyue's voice trembled as she began to speak, recounting an old, tragic tale. "The Primordial Spiritual Vein... It's said to predate the very birth of the universe itself, formed from the chaotic energy of the primordial void. Such veins have drawn countless powerful cultivators to their doom. My… my father was among them. He perished protecting such a vein, ambushed by rival sects. It was because of this vein that I lost everything…" Her voice trailed off, a shadow of sorrow clouding her face.
The group fell silent, the weight of her words pressing down on them.
Xiao Tian, however, smirked faintly. "Since you seem to know its secrets, explain to everyone here," he said lazily, clearly uninterested in a lengthy explanation himself.
Chen Xinyue nodded solemnly and continued, "The Primordial Spiritual Vein is an ancient source of unimaginable power. Its chaotic energy can propel one's cultivation to unimaginable heights. But be warned: if one lacks sufficient control, this energy will devour the very soul, erasing one's existence completely—leaving not even a trace for rebirth."
The group shivered at her words, equal parts awed and fearful.
"But…" she added, "if handled carefully, even the smallest fragment can elevate one's cultivation immensely, strengthening the foundation and even enhancing one's spirit and will. However, to overreach, to succumb to greed… that is a path to destruction."
Her warning sobered them, though Xiao Tian seemed undeterred. He approached one of the crystals, stretching out his hand to absorb its energy.
"Stop!" one of the group shouted, pulling him back. "Do you want to die? No one can survive such reckless absorption!"
Xiao Tian laughed, waving them off. "Relax. I'm not like you. I have my own methods," he said, his confidence unshakable.
Despite their protests, Xiao Tian assured them. "Leave this to me. Trust me, I know my limits."
Reluctantly, the group retreated, though Xiao Hanyan lingered, her gaze heavy with worry.
"You don't need to worry about me," Xiao Tian said softly, sensing her concern. "I understand the risks, and I know what I'm doing."
Her expression remained conflicted, but with a resigned sigh, she turned and left, leaving Xiao Tian alone in the cavern.
When the others had gone, Xiao Tian retrieved a large object from his spatial ring—a massive egg, nearly reaching his chest in height.
"Now, let's see if this works," he muttered, placing the egg near the vein.
As moments passed, the egg began to react.
"It's working!" Xiao Tian's eyes gleamed with excitement. The egg absorbed the chaotic energy from the Primordial Vein in torrents, drawing it in with an almost insatiable hunger.
For hours, he watched, maintaining his distance to observe any changes. The energy flow grew fiercer until cracks began to form along the egg's surface.
Then, with a sudden burst, golden light erupted from the egg, illuminating the entire cavern like the dawn of creation itself. Xiao Tian's breath hitched—what was about to emerge defied even his wildest expectations.
Outside the cave, Xiao Tian's group suddenly sensed an unimaginably powerful aura. Alarmed, they rushed inside, only to be blinded by a burst of golden light that filled the air, dazzling their eyes.
As the light gradually faded, the figure of a small creature came into view before Xiao Tian.
"A dragon…?"
The group was utterly stunned. Where on earth had Xiao Tian obtained a dragon?
Their gazes locked onto the small dragon. Its body was tiny, clearly that of a newly hatched hatchling. Yet, it possessed striking features: long, elegant horns more pronounced than those of any ordinary dragonling, and brilliant golden scales that shimmered sharply under the light of the Primordial Chaos Crystal.
The little dragon stared at Xiao Tian with unrestrained joy before leaping toward him, letting out a delighted cry. It had mistaken Xiao Tian as its mother, the one who had given birth to it.
The rest of the group hurried over, their curiosity overwhelming them. What kind of dragon was this? None of them had ever seen such a creature, nor had they read about it in any of the texts they had studied.
"Xiao Tian," one of them finally asked, "What kind of dragon is this? And where did you get it?"
Xiao Tian hesitated before answering. "This is… a dragon egg that my father—the Sect Master—entrusted to me before I set out. He said that if I ever found a suitable place, I should hatch it. As for the dragon itself…" He trailed off, clearly reluctant to reveal more.
Instead, he quickly fabricated a story. "It's a high-level dragon species. Naturally, you wouldn't find any mention of it in your books—it's from a secret lineage. My father said he couldn't figure out how to hatch it, so he gave it to me, hoping I might succeed."
He then added with feigned casualness, "And now, as you can see, it's hatched."
Xiao Hanyan approached, her eyes fixed on the dragon with fascination. She leaned in close, studying it intently. The dragon, noticing her gaze, turned its head to look at her. After a moment of contemplation, it seemed to come to a conclusion: this woman must be its mother, and Xiao Tian its father.
Without warning, the little dragon leapt into Xiao Hanyan's arms and nuzzled her affectionately. The group was taken aback, but their amazement soon gave way to envy.
However, when someone tried to reach out and touch the dragon, it bared its tiny fangs and let out a low growl, its eyes glinting with a fierce warning.
"Looks like it only recognizes you two as its parents," Zhang Dalei remarked, his tone half-teasing.
The group fell silent, the implication of his words sinking in.
Xiao Tian quickly changed the subject. "Enough nonsense. We need to focus on naming this little one." He looked away, missing how Xiao Hanyan's face turned bright red, her cheeks resembling ripe tomatoes.
The group brainstormed, but no name seemed fitting for the majestic creature.
Finally, Xiao Hanyan hesitated before suggesting, "Why don't we call it Long'er?"
The group considered her suggestion and found it reasonable. "For now, it's still young," Xiao Hanyan added. "When it grows older, we can give it a proper title."
Xiao Tian nodded in agreement. "Since you came up with the name, you should be the one to call it first."
Xiao Hanyan smiled shyly and stepped forward. She looked into the little dragon's bright, curious eyes and softly said, "From this day forward, your name will be Long'er."
The dragon let out a joyful cry, its tiny body wriggling with excitement. It leapt into her arms before bounding over to Xiao Tian, embracing them both.
The sight was heartwarming, and Xiao Tian and Xiao Hanyan couldn't help but smile. In that moment, they looked at the little dragon as though it truly were their child.
Watching from the sidelines, the rest of the group couldn't hide their envy.
"Ugh," someone muttered, "why doesn't anything like this ever happen to me?"
And so, the moment passed, leaving the group with a mixture of awe, amusement, and a tinge of jealousy.
.....~
"It seems like there's still a lot of Primordial Chaos Crystal left. What should we do with it?" someone from the group asked.
Xiao Tian stepped forward and said with a hint of mischief, "I hope no one minds if I set aside a portion for my little dragon here. It seems to enjoy absorbing the energy of these crystals, and this might be the most suitable nourishment for it right now."
The group exchanged glances but ultimately nodded in agreement. None of them objected.
They began attempting to harvest the Primordial Chaos Crystals, but their task proved far more challenging than they had anticipated. The crystals were astonishingly dense and resilient, defying even their most concentrated efforts. Seeing their struggle, Xiao Tian's eyes gleamed with an idea.
Picking up his little dragon, he approached the largest cluster of crystals and asked playfully, "Little one, can you help your father break these crystals into smaller pieces?"
The dragon tilted its head, understanding his words. Its ability to comprehend human speech didn't surprise Xiao Tian in the least—after all, this was no ordinary creature. Its origins were of a celestial nature, a dragon beyond the heavens themselves. Even the highest laws of reality would struggle to contain its true power.
The tiny dragon nodded in response and waddled toward the cluster of crystals. Standing at the center of the formation, it let out a deafening roar.
The group immediately clapped their hands over their ears, but the sound still overwhelmed them. Several stumbled back, nearly losing consciousness, until the roar subsided.
As the echo of its cry faded, a miraculous sight unfolded. The mighty Primordial Chaos Crystals, so firmly rooted moments before, began to tremble. One by one, they collapsed as if the very force binding them had dissolved. The once immovable crystals fell into fragments, scattering across the ground.
The group stood frozen in astonishment, their jaws agape. Some even questioned if their eyes were playing tricks on them.
Xiao Tian walked over and scooped up the little dragon, holding it close. Laughing heartily, he exclaimed, "Thank you, my little one! You're amazing! Your father loves you more than anything—ha ha ha!"
The dragon chirped happily, basking in his praise.
~
After handing the dragon to his elder sister, Xiao Tian turned his attention to the fragments of the crystals. He carefully divided the haul among his team members, cautioning them not to absorb too much. "The energy within these crystals is potent but dangerous if taken in excess. Take only what you need."
Most of the crystals, however, were reserved for the little dragon, as Xiao Tian believed they would be the perfect sustenance for its growth.
Once they had finished collecting what they needed, the group left the site and continued their journey. Their path forward remained uncertain, for in this boundless realm, no direction was truly clear.~