Chapter 999

The Patriarch of Heavenly Sword was startled.

Know that the Celestial Mechanism Pavilion guards near the barrier; if any anomaly occurs, it must be the first to detect it.

His expression turned grave as he bowed and asked, "May I ask, two fellow cultivators, what anomaly has appeared beyond the barrier?"

Wang Tuwei spoke in a deep tone: "Due to the barrier's rules, cultivators of Star Wheel realm and above are restricted from entering or exiting, so only those of Ocean Core realm may cross between the two domains. But several days ago, a group of cultivators fighting in the zone between the eastern and central barriers accidentally discovered a treasure mine..."

The Patriarch of Heavenly Sword frowned: "If this were merely an ordinary treasure mine, it wouldn't warrant such special attention. What is so extraordinary about this mine? Could it be... Divine Source?!"

In this world, many peculiar creations exist.

For example, pocket realms, secret zones, spirit veins, spirit springs, spirit fields... and more.

A treasure mine is one such creation.

It not only contains abundant spirit stones but also holds extremely precious divine fluid.

It might even harbor the legendary "Divine Source!"

Divine Source is a creation of heaven and earth, containing the purest, most primordial essence of heaven and earth.

It is said that in the Ancient Era, or even more distant times,

some earth-shattering supreme experts, seeking to extend their lifespans and preserve their true spirits from decay, sealed themselves using Divine Source!

This alone reveals the preciousness of Divine Source!

At this moment, facing the Patriarch of Heavenly Sword's question, Wang Tuwei slowly said: "After the group of cultivators entered the mine, they encountered a swarm of ore worms of Star Wheel realm even in the outer regions; among them, the strongest bore the aura of Moon Wheel realm. The cultivators were defeated and had no choice but to retreat."

"But according to intelligence gathered by our Celestial Mechanism Pavilion, someone inside discovered an extremely dense concentration of heavenly essence..."

"That person hailed from a Celestial Clan and had seen divine fluid before, familiar with its aura. Precisely because of this, he concluded that the heavenly essence seeping from the mine far surpassed divine fluid—if the information is correct, it must be Divine Source..."

The Patriarch of Heavenly Sword was visibly shaken.

In the long history of our Eastern Domain, though many treasure mines have appeared, most never contained Divine Source.

Even when a mine with Divine Source was fortuitously discovered, its reserves were so scarce that no faction could claim enough, leading to bloody conflicts.

Every emergence of Divine Source is destined to bring bloodshed!

In his memory, the last time a Divine Source treasure mine appeared was tens of thousands of years ago.

Suddenly, Lin Xingqiu added: "According to our Celestial Mechanism Pavilion's calculations, in about a year, the barrier's power will weaken again. This time, the cultivation restriction will rise from Star Wheel realm to Primordial Spirit realm. At that point, both Eastern and Central Domains may send cultivators up to Nascent Soul ninth layer through the barrier to compete for the mine."

"If we miss this chance, the next weakening of the barrier's power won't come for another ten years."

"By then, it will be too late. With the heavenly rules no longer limiting them, the Central Domain's sacred sects can fully invade our Eastern Domain—total subjugation is merely a matter of time..."

Hearing this, the Patriarch of Heavenly Sword's eyes flashed with understanding: "Once the barrier weakens and allows Nascent Soul cultivators to enter, the competition for the mine won't be limited to just Eastern and Central Domains—cultivators from the other three domains will also rush here."

"A five-domain clash would be horrific. To seize the mine from them, one must possess the utmost combat power below Primordial Spirit realm, to overpower all rivals and claim the Divine Source..."

The Patriarch of Heavenly Sword slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on Jiang Chen and the others nearby.

"So that's why you wish to establish a true Eastern Domain prodigy list—to select those worthy of joining this five-domain struggle?"

Lin Xingqiu smiled but said nothing.

Wang Tuwei nodded: "Correct. That is precisely our goal."

"As for other candidates, we have a clear idea. But regarding all members of the Cangwu Jiang Clan, we still have no clarity."

"Thus, we came here in person to Cangwu Mountain, to see whether these so-called Eight Prodigies of Cangwu truly merit inclusion..."

Upon hearing this, the Patriarch of Heavenly Sword's lips curled into a faint smile.

He recalled how Jiang Chen had displayed astonishing feats during his battle with Wang Jizhou.

And how his disciple Jiang Zhi had revealed terrifying talent and combat power.

He couldn't help murmuring: "Heh. If even they lack qualification, then across the five domains, no one else deserves it."

Hearing this, Wang Tuwei and Lin Xingqiu exchanged glances, their pupils brimming with heightened anticipation.

Then, silently, they shifted their gaze toward a young man nearby.

Noticing their stare, the young man hurried over and bowed: "Ji Feibai greets the two elders!"

Wang Tuwei waved his hand: "Do you still remember the task we assigned you?"

Ji Feibai replied solemnly: "Your elder's instructions, this junior would never forget."

Wang Tuwei nodded slightly: "Good. The current Eastern Domain prodigy list is false—a fabrication by busybodies. Many are dissatisfied but dare not speak out, fearing the Jiang Clan Chief. Now, with the Jiang Clan Chief temporarily absent, all that's missing is a catalyst."

"You shall now open the prelude to today's events."

"Rest assured, regardless of victory or defeat, what we promised you, we will fulfill—no broken vows..."

Ji Feibai's face lit up: "Your elder's cultivation is profound; you would never deceive a junior like me. Moreover, even without your special arrangement, I would have come today to test the reputation of the Eight Prodigies of Cangwu—to see for myself whether the rumors are true!"

With that, he turned to Jiang Chen, his fists clenching silently within his sleeves, his battle intent surging!

As a top prodigy of the Great Jin Empire's Celestial Clan, the Ji family,

he not only possesses cultivation base of Sun Wheel third layer but has also awakened the Saint Bloodline passed down from his distant ancestor, mastering divine techniques!

He wields multiple Heaven-grade supreme cultivation arts and combat skills—his strength ranks among the top five prodigies of the Great Jin Empire!

Yet in this Eastern Domain prodigy list, he is ranked eleventh.

The tenth-ranked ahead of him is... Jiang Zhi.

Being overshadowed by a woman, he has become a laughingstock among peers of his level.

How could he accept such a result?!

Added to this, with the Celestial Mechanism Pavilion's promise, he had no hesitation in being the first to strike—to show the world that Jiang Zhi is nothing but a fraud with fame exceeding her true power, utterly unworthy of tenth place, let alone towering above him!