The Sand Shadow Mountain Range, situated on the edge of the Northern Heaven Desert, earned its name from the frequent sandstorms that often obscured it, leaving only a blurry outline swaying erratically in the sunlight.
From a distance, the mountain range appeared mysterious and desolate.
In reality, before the emergence of these Ancient Ruins, it was merely a large Magical Beast Mountain Range. Apart from powerful individuals hunting Magical Beasts and some mercenaries, few people ventured there.
Previously, the most powerful Magical Beast in this mountain range was a seventh-tier Phantom Claw Bear King. Had the ruins not appeared, it might have continued to reign supreme here, living a peaceful life.
However, the whereabouts of this Bear King were now unknown. It might have fled in advance, or perhaps its Magic Core had become the prize of some powerful individual.
After resting for a night in the pavilion, as dawn broke the next day, Chen Xiao and Xiao Yi Xian arrived at the Sand Shadow Mountain Range. Looking down, they saw a shocking 'scar' cutting through the lush, continuous sea of trees. An area spanning dozens of miles had been cleared of vegetation, creating a vast, open space.
In its place stood numerous temporary encampments of varying sizes.
These encampments were arranged in a well-ordered fashion, with a certain distance between them, signifying the various factions present.
"Let's rendezvous with Qing Lin and the others first," Chen Xiao said, ignoring the soul perceptions directed at them as he surveyed the scene below.
Xiao Yi Xian nodded slightly and smiled, "Then we can just head straight for the most conspicuous mountain peak. Qing Lin was the first to discover the ruins and set up a barrier on that peak. We can monitor the ruins' movements from there."
Chen Xiao nodded and, without delay, led Xiao Yi Xian towards the highest mountain peak.
The area spanning dozens of miles was now densely packed with people, transforming the once peaceful mountain range into something akin to a bustling marketplace. A cacophony of various noises surged towards them, reaching for the sky.
As the two drew closer, Chen Xiao and Xiao Yi Xian could sense the presence of many powerful Dou Venerate experts within the various camps below.
Sensing their arrival, some experts briefly released their soul perception, conveying goodwill. Many others, however, remained unaware, their soul perception fixed on the duo with heightened vigilance, only retracting it as they flew past the areas where these experts were located.
"It seems the commotion you caused in the Eastern Region hasn't reached here yet, otherwise, these people would be far more wary," Xiao Yi Xian chuckled lightly.
During their rest the previous night, Chen Xiao had already recounted the events at Yellow Maple Valley to them.
"That's for the best. If we end up confronting them, we can give them a surprise. While the people from the First Palace and First Tower aren't here, there are quite a few from the Second Sect, Third Valley, and Four Great Pavilions. I wonder if any Half-Saint level experts are hiding in the shadows."
It was a mutual exchange; just as others were observing Chen Xiao and Xiao Yi Xian, they were also sensing the other powerful individuals.
In Chen Xiao's perception, the strongest among the gathered experts was a peak Nine-Star Dou Venerate, who had not yet reached the Nine Revolutions to Sainthood stage.
This individual was concealing their cultivation, only revealing the strength of a Four-Star Dou Venerate.
Unfortunately, this clumsy concealment could not fool his Heavenly Realm soul perception.
Within the same faction as this person were two other Dou Venerates.
This meant that this particular force had deployed a total of three Dou Venerate experts for these Ancient Ruins, a considerable undertaking.
"Heavenly Underworld Sect..."
Glancing at the disciples and elders within their camp, Chen Xiao recognized the dark red starry sky pattern on their chests. Although he hadn't interacted with the Heavenly Underworld Sect before, he could identify the faction they represented.
No one would rashly offend two high-level Dou Venerates, and Chen Xiao and Xiao Yi Xian were certainly not looking to stir up trouble.
Therefore, the two quickly ascended to the highest mountain peak.
"Young Master, Sister Xiao Yi Xian!"
"Pavilion Master!"
As they hadn't deliberately concealed their auras, Qing Lin and the others sensed their arrival immediately. They had been waiting for a long time, and their calls rang out.
Chen Xiao nodded slightly in response to the disciples and elders, waved his hand, and kept only Qing Lin and Heavenly Flame Honored One.
"Where's Brother Hei Qing?"
"I don't know. Big Brother Hei Qing comes and goes without a trace; he's quite elusive," Qing Lin replied with a helpless shake of her head.
If one were to purely consider strength, she was now stronger than Hei Qing. Within her Three-Flower Pupils' space, she even possessed several Dou Venerate-level combatants, giving her an absolute advantage in a direct confrontation.
However, as Hei Qing was from the Ancient Void Dragon clan, his racial talent was undeniable. It was genuinely difficult to track his movements if one wasn't actively paying attention.
Chen Xiao didn't mind and looked up at the distant sky.
The space there resembled a lake disturbed by a falling stone, with ripples of spatial distortion spreading outwards continuously, without pause.
Furthermore, this spatial fluctuation showed no signs of stopping; instead, it was becoming increasingly violent.
"Has this ruin space always been in this state?" Chen Xiao shifted his gaze and asked Qing Lin.
Upon hearing this, Qing Lin shook her head slightly. "Young Master, these Ancient Ruins are likely hidden within a spatial seal. Periodically, under intense spatial fluctuations, some cracks appear, revealing glimpses of the ruins' interior. During this period, three spatial rifts have appeared, and the duration of each rift has been progressively longer."
"The most recent one was two days ago and lasted for half an hour. At that time, many impatient individuals rushed in, including some peak Dou Ancestors. However, as of today, not a single one has emerged. I've checked the sects of those who entered the ruins; their soul tokens have all shattered, without exception!"
The so-called soul token was similar to the Soul Thunder Stele, used to determine life and death. Different sects had different names for it.
The former Wind and Lightning Pavilion called it the Soul Thunder Stele, while the Purple Firmament Pavilion, using the materials left behind, created what they called soul tokens.
"Even peak Dou Ancestors have perished within. It seems the danger level of these ruins cannot be underestimated," Xiao Yi Xian remarked with a slight frown.
Although the Purple Firmament Pavilion was developing rapidly now, with dozens of Dou Venerate-level combatants including their puppets, making peak Dou Ancestors seem insignificant, individuals of that caliber were actually powerful figures in their own right.
Yet, despite this, their entry into the ruins had not caused even the slightest ripple, indicating the immense danger within.
"It seems more terrifying than the ruins in the Beast Region," Chen Xiao agreed.
He clearly remembered that in the original timeline, when the Ancient Ruins in the Beast Region emerged, it was similar. Many people had ventured in prematurely, only to return in a sorry state.
Comparing the two, it was clear which was more perilous.
"Qing Lin, have any Dou Venerate experts attempted to enter?"
Qing Lin nodded and replied, "When the spatial rift last appeared, two Dou Venerate experts tried to enter. I also had a puppet attempt it. This spatial seal is incredibly strong and has a restrictive effect. Currently, only those below the Dou Venerate level can enter. If a Dou Venerate expert forcibly enters, it will trigger an extremely fierce counterattack from the seal."
As she spoke, Qing Lin produced a Heavenly Demon Puppet.
Its entire body was golden, and its aura was no less than that of an ordinary Three or Four-Star Dou Venerate, clearly having evolved to the Heavenly-grade Heavenly Demon Puppet level.
However, what was most striking was that one of its arms was missing, and large sections of its body surface had collapsed, making it look incredibly battered.
Fortunately, it was a puppet. As long as it wasn't completely annihilated on the spot, there was still a chance for repair. If it had been a human body, they would have likely perished long ago.
"This is the result of the spatial seal's counterattack. On that day, a Black Robe Dou Venerate, possessing extraordinary life-saving means, returned with minor injuries. The other was a Dou Venerate expert from the Hidden Sect, Qingshan Sect, who was severely wounded on the spot and has already been carried back. After these three attempts, other sects no longer dare to test it themselves."
"Dou Venerates can't enter? That's not good news," Xiao Yi Xian frowned slightly.
At the Dou Venerate level, the Purple Firmament Pavilion feared no competition. With so many Dou Venerate combatants, a sheer numbers strategy could sweep away ninety-nine percent of other forces.
However, when it came to the Dou Ancestor level, they didn't have anyone particularly outstanding.
Did they have to call Hai Bo Dong?
"It shouldn't come to that," Chen Xiao shook his head.
"The Pavilion Master is correct. We could sense the spatial rifts when they appeared twice. That spatial seal is becoming increasingly thin. At most, after two more spatial rifts appear, the seal will completely dissipate. At that time, if another spatial rift appears, without the seal's defense, Dou Venerate experts will surely be able to enter safely. In this Sand Shadow Mountain Range, there are quite a few Dou Venerate experts waiting for that moment," Heavenly Flame Honored One chimed in.
Hearing this, Xiao Yi Xian finally felt at ease.
On their way here, she and Chen Xiao had sensed more than ten powerful auras, meaning that the number of Dou Venerate experts gathered here currently exceeded ten!
As the news of the Ancient Ruins spread further, the number of Dou Venerate experts drawn to the area would only increase.
However, as mentioned before, they had no fear of competition at the Dou Venerate level!
As for those above Dou Venerate, like Half-Saints, and even true Dou Saints…
Those were old monsters who rarely appeared. The possibility of them being attracted was not very high.
Half-Saints were one thing, but Dou Saints truly wouldn't deign to show up.
After all, no one knew the strength of the owner of these ruins. They only knew that at most, the owner was of the same Dou Saint level, and it was even possible that the owner's strength was inferior to theirs.
Under these circumstances, to disregard their status and participate in the scramble for opportunities that were neither here nor there would be beneath the dignity of a Dou Saint expert.
Unless, like Grand Elder Qingshan last time, they knew in advance that there was a treasure like the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit within the ruins that could move them!
'Fortunately, no one knows about the alchemical formula for Spirit Nurturing Dust…'
Thinking this, Chen Xiao felt a sense of relief.
If news of the Spirit Nurturing Dust formula in these ruins were to leak, not only Dou Saint experts but even the Ancient Eight Clans would likely get involved.
"In that case, we can also wait with peace of mind. As the ruins are about to open, leave one person behind to guard the Purple Firmament Pavilion. As for the disciples and elders within the pavilion, select five elders and fifteen disciples based on their contributions since the founding of the pavilion, and inquire about their willingness to participate. No one else needs to go."
The opportunities within the Ancient Ruins were not easy to contend for. The greater the opportunity, the greater the danger.
This was especially true with so many Dou Venerate experts participating.
However, even if they couldn't get the main prize, they could at least try to get some scraps.
What if among these disciples and elders, there was someone with great hidden fortune?
"Yes, I'll go make the arrangements," Heavenly Flame Honored One replied.
Since Hai Bo Dong and Qiu Cheng were not present, it was most suitable for him to handle these trivial matters.
...
In the following days, the traffic in the Sand Shadow Mountain Range continued to increase exponentially. The clamor surged like a tide, its sound waves piercing the heavens, as countless people awaited the opening of the Ancient Ruins.
Under the eager anticipation of these countless people, five days passed like sand through one's fingers.
On this day, as the first rays of dawn spilled across the east, everyone in the Sand Shadow Mountain Range simultaneously felt an invisible spatial fluctuation spreading from high above. Following that, the heavens and earth seemed to tremble, awakening countless dreamers.
The sudden commotion plunged the Sand Shadow Mountain Range into silence. But after a brief lull, it erupted into astonishing vitality almost instantly. A continuous barrage of rushing wind sounds filled the air, and figures, like a swarm of locusts, surged towards the center of the mountain range in a mad scramble.
The peak where Chen Xiao and the others were located was already at the very center of the mountain range, thus saving them some effort.
Stepping out from their residence, they stood atop the mountain peak and could see dense crowds surging towards them. Whether they were Dou Emperors, Dou Ancestors, or even stronger Dou Venerates, all were within sight at this moment!
"There are some familiar faces…"
Looking down at the stream of people flying in from lower altitudes, Chen Xiao quickly spotted some acquaintances.
For example, Yellow Springs Venerable from the Yellow Springs Pavilion and Sword Venerable from the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion.
Then there was Wind Honored One from the Burning Flame Valley, who had joined the Pill Tower.
Beside Wind Honored One was a Dou Venerate peak expert with a familiar aura but a completely unfamiliar appearance, which surprised Chen Xiao slightly.
Besides these familiar faces, there were also many unfamiliar powerful individuals.
The Heavenly Underworld Sect, the Burning Flame Valley, and many Dou Venerate experts who might have come from Hidden Sects and were previously unheard of.
With just a casual glance, Chen Xiao spotted seventeen Dou Venerate experts!
The Central State continent truly was a place where the dragon hid and the tiger crouched!
"After so many years, the Purple Firmament Pavilion Master's demeanor is even more impressive than before." Sword Venerable of the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion was the first to fly up, cupping his hands in greeting towards Chen Xiao from a distance, his eyes filled with a degree of respect.
Although they were all part of the Four Great Pavilions, everyone knew that the Purple Firmament Pavilion had already lived up to its name.
"The Sword Venerable's demeanor is as impressive as ever," Chen Xiao returned the gesture.
Without the premise of conflicting interests, if one does not offend me, I will not offend them. If you treat me with courtesy, I will naturally return the favor.
"Greetings, Pavilion Master of the Purple Firmament Pavilion!" The Yellow Springs Venerable arrived shortly after, his face devoid of its former arrogance, replaced only by reverence.
Before Chen Xiao could respond, more Dou Venerate experts surged forward like a tide.
"Haha, this old man is Tang Zhen. Greetings, Pavilion Master of the Purple Firmament Pavilion. I have long admired your great name, and today I finally have the chance to meet you."
"Greetings, Pavilion Master of the Purple Firmament Pavilion, Immortal Venerable, and Azure Venerable!"
"..."
One Dou Venerate expert after another paid their respects, even those who had felt wary upon sensing Chen Xiao's arrival a few days prior were no exception.
For a time, the entire Sand Shadow Mountain Range presented a rather peculiar scene.
High in the sky, spatial fluctuations intensified as a massive spatial rift was torn open, yet no one dared to act rashly.
On a mountaintop beneath the spatial rift, a group of Dou Venerate experts lined up to greet Chen Xiao. This sight caused the disciples and elders of the Purple Firmament Pavilion to hold their heads high, feeling honored by association.
Below, at the mid-mountain level and at the foot of the mountain, were dense crowds of Dou Ancestor and Dou Emperor level individuals, lacking even the qualification to interject, clearly demarcated by rank.
The reason for this situation could be attributed to one factor.
As more people were drawn to the Ancient Ruins, the events at Yellow Maple Valley in the Eastern Region had also spread!
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