Chapter 103

The many elders on the flying vessel were now stunned, mouths agape. Looking at those cultivators who had reached the peak of the Spirit Transformation realm but whose aura was faint, they were filled with doubt—what on earth was happening? And there were so many of them! Not to mention Dongfang Yuan, even if they suppressed their cultivation to enter the ancient ruins, facing so many opponents would put immense pressure on them.

"They are cultivators forcibly piled up with resources—there's nothing to fear. You, who have survived the forbidden heavenly tribulation, bear great fortune; suppressing them is a foregone conclusion." The grand elder spoke, feigning calm, reminding Dongfang Yuan to remember his current status. Yet the situation before them truly gave him a headache; trying to seize an opportunity in such fierce competition was as hard as climbing to heaven.

Dongfang Yuan heard his master's words, forcing a smile worse than a cry onto his face. He felt deep down that this was likely a near‑death situation, but he had no choice but to steel himself and go forward. If he failed to seize the inheritance opportunity of the ancient expert, he would have only a dead end. The position of junior sect leader was within reach; the martial path was inherently perilous, and only a life‑or‑death struggle would do! He forced himself to calm down, lifted his head, and gazed at the faint, flickering shadow of heaven and earth above the firmament.

Not only were the members of the Profound Yang Sect shocked; the five major Dao lineages here were likewise somewhat dazed.

"Dongfang Yuan… fourth level of the Spirit Transformation realm??" Lan Xiao could hardly believe his eyes, "He's over twenty—could this possibly be the peerless monster who survived the forbidden heavenly tribulation?"

In the ancient records, which of those peerless monsters did not possess an invincible bloodline and an innate special constitution? Breaking through to the Earth Profound realm at twenty and suppressing peers of the same generation were commonplace. Yet Dongfang Yuan's strength at the fourth level of the Spirit Transformation realm is absurdly weak. Moreover, the many younger disciples of the Profound Yang Sect are generally not strong; most are only at the first or second level of Spirit Transformation. Had they known this was his level, they would never have wasted vast resources to forcibly forge two peak Spirit Transformation true‑transmission disciples. The future cultivation of those two disciples is practically ruined—unless they encounter a top‑tier opportunity, they will struggle to break into the Heavenly Origin realm, amounting to the loss of two talents. Isn't that just wasted effort?

"Is Dongfang Yuan truly a genius who survived the forbidden heavenly tribulation?" The Master of the Qingcheng Pavilion remained silent for a long time, but finally could not help asking.

"Perhaps his talent was mediocre before, but later he obtained some top‑tier inheritance, awakening his bloodline or constitution, which drew the forbidden heavenly tribulation. At that time our sect's elders saw it with their own eyes and sent word back; it should be about eighty‑ninety percent certain, yet we cannot let our guard down." The Second Elder of the Floating Light Sect slowly exhaled a turbid breath and said.

Having said that, he looked toward the handsome youth leading the group behind him and sent a mental message: "Zhangwu, this time you will lead the team to contend for the opportunity in the ancient ruins. Dongfang Yuan… perhaps poses no threat, but you must watch out for the people of the other four Dao lineages. From now on, all sides will surely clash. You disciples who have broken through to the peak of the Spirit Transformation realm have only one goal: to hunt down Dongfang Yuan. Anyone who has survived the forbidden heavenly tribulation must not be underestimated! Once you meet, strike immediately—give him no chance to catch his breath."

The two peak Spirit Transformation true‑transmission disciples, along with the senior brother of the Floating Light Sect, all nodded.

"As you command."

Although they were filled with doubt, they also knew that any bearer of great fortune could possibly survive a desperate situation, so none dared to let their guard down.

The strong ones of the Myriad Sea Sect and the other three Dao lineages were also secretly instructing their disciples. Originally everyone had united to deal with Dongfang Yuan, but they never expected his strength to be so feeble; they instantly felt he was nothing to fear.

Thus, each harbored their own thoughts and waited in silence.

The shadow of heaven and earth kept trembling, emitting a tremendous sound as the earth shook along with it. The phantom gradually descended, joining with this world.

"Boom—!" A deep, muffled roar rang out continuously; a ring of lustrous divine light flared into view, sending ripples through the void.

The passage appeared.

"Enter the ruins!" an elder shouted, and the youths shot forth like arrows from a bow, racing toward the passage at breakneck speed as multicolored spiritual energy burst forth instantly.

The disciples of the Floating Light Sect were the first to rush into the passage; the others from the various Dao lineages followed close behind. Since Dongfang Yuan's side lacked any peak Spirit Transformation disciples, their strength was relatively insufficient, so they did not vie for entry and only entered the ruins last.

"It seems the so‑called forbidden heavenly tribulation is merely an empty reputation; within half a day you'll hear news of Dongfang Yuan's demise." Lan Xiao gave a cold snort, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes. From now on he would wait for the appearance of Yangtian Venerable. Five venerables lay hidden in the surrounding void; as soon as Yangtian Venerable showed up, they would immediately activate the grand formation and launch a fierce assault, giving him no chance whatsoever! Yangtian Ancestor had blocked their advances for thousands of years; if this continued, the forces behind him would surely grow dissatisfied.

The Profound Darkness Holy Land had never taken direct action, because the Profound Yang Sect had once cooperated with a great sect not inferior to it. However, in recent years the Profound Darkness Holy Land has supported the Myriad Sea Sect, the Qingcheng Pavilion, and others, deeming them sufficient to contend with the Profound Yang Sect. Moreover, the curse placed by the Wu tribe's strongmen was chiefly intended to prevent Yangtian Venerable from breaking through to the Dao stage, for his performance in the Venerable realm had been astonishingly brilliant, nearly invincible.

"It seems this palace has arrived late." Just then, a youth in black robes walked up behind Lan Xiao; his aura was gloomy, touched with a hint of deathly stillness.

Lan Xiao hurriedly nodded slightly, performed a deep bow, and said in a low voice: "The ancient ruins have just appeared; Your Highness's timing is perfect. Once you enter the ruins, tie this token to your waist; the members of the five Dao lineages will not dare to move against you, and you can even command my Myriad Sea Sect's true‑transmission disciples."

The black‑robed youth gave a light chuckle: "Some early‑stage Spirit Transformation cultivators, plus those peak Spirit Transformation ones forged from resources—whether we use them or not makes no difference."

He is a top true‑transmission disciple of the Profound Darkness Holy Land; the Holy Land is currently selecting its Seven Holy Sons, and if he becomes one of them he will have a chance to vie for the position of Holy Lord. Upon learning that the Myriad Sea Sect side possesses an extraordinary ancient ruin, he decided to try his luck. If he could obtain a Dao‑stage inheritance or treasure, the benefit to him would be immense.

Having said that, he took no token and stepped straight into the ancient ruins.

Seeing this, the strong ones of the other four Dao lineages narrowed their eyes slightly: "The heaven‑chosen genius of the Profound Darkness Holy Land… it seems this opportunity is a bit precarious." After all, he is a top‑tier talent of a premier Dao lineage, his strength extraordinary; for their own disciples to compete with him would be immensely difficult.

At that moment, amidst the crowd behind the Floating Light Sect, a girl in a white long dress drew everyone's attention. Her skin was snow‑white; under the sunlight it looked as if it could be broken by a blow, flawless and spotless, like a fairy stepped out of a painting.

The Second Elder of the Floating Light Sect hurried forward to greet her: "I never expected you to really come!"

This person was the Dao lineage disciple who had been supporting the Floating Light Sect from behind; someone was expected to come, but no one imagined it would be her—one of the Ten Divine Ladies of the Eastern Divine Province, the Eastern Jade Goddess of the Silver Moon Divine Sect!

The Eastern Divine Province is divided into thirty‑six regions, with five major domains. The Silver Moon Divine Sect is one of the hegemons of the Western Sea Main Domain; its inheritance is extremely ancient, originating from antiquity, having survived countless great calamities, and it once gave birth to a Silver Moon Immortal comparable to a sacred realm.

"I heard that a heaven‑chosen genius who survived the forbidden heavenly tribulation has appeared here, so I came specially to take a look." The Eastern Jade Goddess gave a slight nod.

The sect had arranged for her to come and inspect Dongfang Yuan; if she approved, they could opt for a marriage alliance. The Eastern Jade Goddess possesses extraordinary talent, an innate Dao body; at her birth a piece of emerald‑green jade hung outside the courtyard, manifesting an auspicious omen. If two top‑tier monstrous talents were to unite and bear offspring, the result would likely be even more powerful. Although the Eastern Jade Goddess is extremely dissatisfied with this, it is the sect's arrangement, and she cannot resist.

Upon seeing Dongfang Yuan, her dissatisfaction grew. In her eyes, Dongfang Yuan was timid and shrinking, incapable of great achievement; she simply did not believe this person could be the so‑called monster who survived the forbidden heavenly tribulation.

However, this ancient ruin gave her a pleasant surprise, emitting some remarkable auras that even resonated with the technique cultivated within her body. That is why she revealed herself, intending to enter the ruins.

"Before Dongfang Yuan's identity is confirmed, no one may act against him." At that moment, the old woman behind the Eastern Jade Goddess spoke slowly, her body exuding a powerful pressure.

The Second Elder of the Floating Light Sect's face changed; this old woman is at least a late‑stage Venerable in strength.

"This… is actually our sect's sect leader, who fell in the hands of the Profound Yang Sect before. If we do not avenge this, how can we convince the followers?" The Second Elder of the Floating Light Sect looked extremely grim.

The old woman calmly said: "Before Dongfang Yuan's identity is confirmed, no one may act against him—I will not say this twice. This is an order from above. Before long, the Profound Yang Sect will submit to the Divine Sect, and you will then be allies. Do you understand?"

Although her words were calm, they carried an undeniable domineering air. Her visit this time was merely to notify the Floating Light Sect to set aside its grudges and not interfere with the Divine Sect's affairs. Moreover, the old woman herself believed that the renown of the Silver Moon Divine Sect echoed throughout the Eastern Divine Province, in no way inferior to the Profound Darkness Holy Land. As long as Dongfang Yuan joined the Divine Sect, he would receive its protection. They were certain the Profound Yang Sect would submit, without the slightest hesitation; otherwise, if the five Dao lineages struck together, the Profound Yang Sect would not last three days. Of course, the Silver Moon Divine Sect usually does not meddle in the affairs of the lower powers, letting them develop freely. The five Dao lineages also have their own calculations, each fearing that if they exerted themselves and became the spearhead, they would suffer a heavy blow from the Profound Yang Sect, so over the years they have merely been gradually exploiting the Profound Yang Sect.

"Hmm…" The Second Elder of the Floating Light Sect forcibly suppressed his inner anger, after all these years the Silver Moon Divine Sect has supported them in resources, allowing the Floating Light Sect to rise in the Canglan Yu, gain a firm foothold, and become one of the two foremost sects. The Silver Moon Divine Sect's reach is limited; it has backed forces in all thirty‑six regions to expand its influence, gather heaven‑chosen geniuses, and face the great age.

The Second Elder of the Floating Light Sect's face flushed crimson with repressed frustration; in the end he could only crush the sound‑transmitting jade tablet, warning the disciples inside the ruins to protect Dongfang Yuan…

The strong ones of the other four Dao lineages, seeing this, were filled with doubt. Why has the Floating Light Sect raised a sound‑isolating barrier formation? Moreover, everyone was astonished that the Floating Light Sect had actually invited the goddess of the Silver Moon Divine Sect to personally contend for the opportunity—wasn't this just making the competition fiercer? They all felt a bit resentful.

Hummm!

Just then, another flying vessel came from the void in the distance, bearing a great sun on its mast—the banner of the Profound Yang Sect.

Upon seeing the person at the forefront, everyone was shocked.

It was an old acquaintance—Lin Wu Ren, who once swept across the Canglan Yu in an era, and he has now emerged from seclusion!

Behind him was none other than Qin Yu!