Chapter 535: Divine Stone Instance Opens, Factions Gather

At the edge of Fortress No. 4, the officials erected a large viewing platform that can accommodate tens of thousands of people watching simultaneously.

The Entrance of the Divine Stone Instance will not open for several more hours, and already many practitioners and spectators have gathered here. The Divine Stone Instance opens only once every twenty years, and its ultimate reward is a Talent Divine Stone that contains mysterious power, drawing people like moths to a flame.

Although this stone is only a fragment of the legend, it is said that its contained power can give cultivators a huge boost when breaking through a bottleneck. The complete stone has long been lost; only the half‑stone that appears once every twenty years in this Divine Stone Instance is the object everyone competes to seize.

As time passes, more and more practitioners gather. Some come alone, some in groups, and every face is filled with anticipation and excitement.

Jiang Chen also moves silently through the crowd. He notices that many young practitioners have made new friends in just a few days, and some have even begun their adventure journeys. Their laughter, cheerful voices, and supportive silhouettes give Jiang Chen a hint of warmth.

Besides the youths, many old folks have also arrived. Some seek a chance to breakthrough, others wish to relive the passion of youthful adventures. They gather, exchanging past experiences and future plans, making the scene very lively.

The number of people on the viewing platform keeps growing, except for one area that remains especially quiet. That is the VIP section, accessible only to guests officially invited. As a young powerhouse who has emerged in recent years, Jiang Chen is, of course, also on the invitation list.

His appearance draws many eyes. People discuss this young Divine General, who, at just over fifty levels, already possesses such great strength, prompting admiration of his extraordinary talent.

While Jiang Chen quietly waits for the Divine Stone Instance to open, someone suddenly pats his shoulder. He turns and sees a tall, burly man smiling at him. The man wears leather armor, wields a Giant Hammer, and looks imposing.

"Little brother, did you come alone?" the burly man asks.

Jiang Chen lightly nods, indicating he has no companion. In his heart he feels a bit worried, because the Lin Caier he has been searching for has not yet been contacted.

The burly man, seeing this, laughs heartily: "No problem, little brother; you're so outstanding that someone will surely seek you out. I'm just a rough guy, five‑head‑and‑three‑fat, so I doubt anyone wants to team up with me."

Jiang Chen is amused by his frankness, shakes his head and says, "Everyone has their own traits and strengths; you needn't belittle yourself."

The two continue chatting idly, waiting for the moment the Divine Stone Instance opens.

Jiang Chen suddenly stops, a gleam of joy flashing in his eyes, then resolutely strides forward.

"Kid, that's the VIP seat; you can't just go wherever you like!" the burly man hurriedly shouts.

Someone notices Jiang Chen's movement and says, "Someone actually dares to breach the VIP seat—truly ignorant of the heavens and earth."

"The VIP area is filled with high officials and guarded heavily by the military; his rash intrusion will surely cause big trouble."

"That youngster is bound to have bad luck."

"I don't know which country boy this is, so ignorant of the rules."

"Look, the military troops have already rushed over."

Several soldiers quickly arrive, block Jiang Chen, and sternly warn, "Stop! Ahead is the VIP seat; unauthorized entry is prohibited!"

However, Jiang Chen nonchalantly flashes his three‑star Divine General Badge, worn on his chest.

The soldiers instantly stand in solemn respect, saluting in unison, "Divine General!"

Jiang Chen nods slightly, walks past them, and steps straight into the VIP seat.

The scene leaves everyone stunned.

"That youngster is actually a Divine General?"

"It can't be a mistake, can it?"

"A mistake? Only if the sun rose from the west could the Divine General's identity be mistaken?"

"My god, I know who he is—he's Divine General Jiang!"

The VIP area erupts with chatter. A Divine General so young can only be Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen ignores the surrounding clamor, his gaze fixed on one person.

Lin Caier stands there, her beautiful eyes sparkling with anticipation as she watches Jiang Chen. A mischievous smile graces her face, as if she has long awaited this moment.

Jiang Chen strides forward, his eyes never leaving Lin Caier. The old man Lin beside her is completely ignored by him.

Jiang Chen reaches Lin Caier, who gleefully throws herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. No words are spoken; only their heartfelt longing flows silently.

Old Master Lin, standing aside, twirls his beard and glares, yet says nothing and dares not disturb the tender scene. He has fought countless battles, fearing neither heaven nor earth, but he is only afraid of his beloved granddaughter.

At that moment, a brilliant light flashes in the distant sky, streaking like a meteor across the horizon, then blooming into a beautiful firework, adding a touch of romance to the scene.

Suddenly, a massive purple phoenix appears in the sky, its body radiating dazzling violet light, its silhouette soaring straight into the clouds, nearly filling the entire horizon.

That majestic and mysterious aura pours down from the heavens, shocking everyone present.

"Wow, that's spectacular!"

"That is the First Summoner of Phoenix City, and also one of the Human Race's most outstanding Summoners, Lord Yi Qianjue!"

"A 98‑level Summoner—truly a mythic being!"

"I seem to feel her power; it almost suffocates me."

The young onlookers gasp in awe, their eyes shining with yearning and admiration, hoping that one day they too can reach such heights.

Lin Zhenzi, however, sneers, "Yi Qianjue still loves to show off!"

A few seconds later, the phoenix's silhouette fades, revealing the First Summoner of Phoenix City, Yi Qianjue, accompanied by a young girl—her granddaughter Yi Ning—and her contracted divine beast, the Holy Spirit Unicorn.

Its feathers are as white as snow, eyes sparkling with wisdom, perfectly complementing Yi Ning's cool temperament.

"How beautiful!"

"Miss Yi Ning, she is truly the jewel of Phoenix City!"

"Whoever can marry her will be blessed for three lifetimes!"

"Don't even think about it; a beauty of that caliber is not for ordinary folk to match."

Yi Ning follows Yi Qianjue as they descend into the Guest Area, drawing a chorus of admiration.

Yi Qianjue walks up to Lin Zhenzi, smiling, "Brother Lin, how have you been?"

Lin Zhenzi hums, "You haven't died, how could I possibly have any trouble?"

Yi Qianjue laughs heartily, "We share life and death together; how could I bear to let you go first."

The two are old friends; years of fighting side by side have forged a deep bond.

Lin Caier walks over from Jiang Chen's side, greeting Yi Ning, "Hello, Sister Ning."

Yi Ning looks at Lin Caier, a flash of surprise in her eyes, quickly covered by a gentle smile, "Sister Cai Er, you seem even more outstanding than before."

Lin Caier smiles shyly, "Grandpa keeps pushing me to train hard; I can barely endure it."

Saying that, she sneaks a glare at Lin Zhenzi. Lin Zhenzi pretends not to see and continues chatting with Yi Qianjue.

Yi Ning said softly, "The special training worked well; you should be close to Level 50 now, right?"

Lin Caier nodded, "Just a little short, but I'll work hard."

"You've already been outstanding," Yi Ning encouraged softly.

Since they last separated at the ancestral land, some time had passed without meeting; now that they meet again, they naturally have many words to exchange.

Yi Ning pulled Lin Caier aside, and the two began a low conversation. Though Lin Caier glanced at Jiang Chen with a hint of reluctance, she still followed obediently.

Suddenly, a strange fragrance spread, like a clear stream in the Alien Battlefield. The scent seemed sentient, drifting with the wind yet not dispersing, gently slipping into everyone's nostrils.

Those who smelled it instantly felt refreshed, fatigue vanished, as if infused with new vigor.

"So fragrant!"

"What is this taste? After inhaling it, I feel as if I'm filled with power, my fighting spirit soaring."

"I know, this is the legendary spiritual resonance fragrance, which invigorates the mind, and comes from the hand of the Medicine God."

"The Medicine God has also arrived? What a rare sight!"

Amid the crowd's chatter, an elder in a blue robe slowly appeared in view. His steps were unhurried, demeanor relaxed, exuding an indescribable aura of authority and depth.

When the Medicine God arrived, he gathered with Lin Zhenzi and other old friends, exchanging greetings.

Chu Yao smiled and greeted Jiang Chen: "Junior Brother Jiang, long time no see."

Jiang Chen smiled and replied, "Senior Sister, hello."

"Cai Er is also here; I'll go find her to chat. Junior Brother Jiang, you may be at ease," Chu Yao said, then cheerfully joined Yi Ning and Lin Caier in conversation.

At that moment, the heavens and earth suddenly brightened, and the previously dim Alien Battlefield seemed illuminated by a ray of light.

Immediately after, a colossal azure Long Sword appeared in the sky! The sword emitted fierce Sword Qi, as if it could cleave the void.

"It's the Sword God, Lord Feng An!"

"The Sword God's Sword Qi is truly terrifying; I only glanced at it, and felt my soul being torn apart."

"Lord Sword God's sword technique is unrivaled worldwide; his offensive power is unmatched even among the Divine Level."

"Lord Sword God is my role model; I will certainly cultivate diligently, hoping that one day I can be as strong as he is!"