Chapter 344: Interwoven Truths

Ao Li, after telling Lín Jìn the truth about the Ao Zhan incident that she deciphered from the Taichu She Shen Jing, the two fell into contemplation. Ao Li recalled the fleeting memory fragments that surfaced, increasingly feeling that more secrets were hidden within them. "Lín Jìn, during the Ao Zhan incident they risked death to seize the First-generation Gene Sample and destroyed it; there must be a significant reason behind this, and it seems closely linked to the Secret History of the Measuring Ruler in the synopsis."

Lín Jìn slightly frowned, trying to sort the known clues in his mind: "Measuring Ruler, the legendary artifact said to measure heaven and earth and perceive the mysteries of the universe. Could it be that the First-generation Gene Sample and the Measuring Ruler share some connection capable of altering the cosmic order?"

At this moment, let us turn our gaze once more to those black‑robed mystics. They hail from an ancient organization hidden in the dark corners of the universe—the Dark Abyss Society. The society's history is so ancient it is hard to trace; they have long upheld an extreme doctrine: to reshape the cosmic order by mastering absolute power, and they believe the Measuring Ruler is the key to obtaining such absolute power.

Members of the Dark Abyss Society are gatherers of various evil forces across the universe; they excel at using dark magic and bizarre technology, sparing no means to achieve their goals. The leader, a mysterious figure named Mo Sha, was once a powerful dark mage who gradually lost himself in the pursuit of power; after being recruited by the Dark Abyss Society, his cruel methods and superior cunning quickly made him one of the organization's core figures. Mo Sha is tall and gaunt, his skin as dry‑yellow as aged parchment, his dim‑green eyes like twin ghost‑flames exuding a sinister aura, and his crimson lips seem stained with the blood of countless lives.

Ao Li and Lín Jìn know well that to fully uncover the truth and thwart the Dark Abyss Society's plot, they must investigate the link between the Secret History of the Measuring Ruler and the First-generation Gene Sample. They decide to first seek clues on the mysterious continent, hoping that this land steeped in secrets might give them some insight.

The two continue exploring the ancient ruins of the mysterious continent. On a stone wall worn by time, they discover a massive mural. The mural depicts a group of people in strange attire gathered around a radiant ruler, its surface engraved with mysterious runes; beneath the ruler are several oddly shaped containers that seem to hold some liquid, faintly shimmering.

"Could the ruler in this mural be the Measuring Ruler? And those containers, might they be where the First-generation Gene Sample is stored?" Ao Li said, pointing at the mural.

Lín Jìn examined the mural's details closely and found some blurred characters in a corner, resembling an ancient record. He applied his knowledge and experience to try deciphering them. After some effort, Lín Jìn finally identified part of the text: "These inscriptions state that the Measuring Ruler possesses the ability to open a passage to higher‑dimensional space, and the First-generation Gene Sample is one of the keys to activating this ability, though it requires a specific ritual and the guidance of great power."

Ao Li's heart stirred: "So the Dark Abyss Society's desire to control the Spirit Source is likely to obtain sufficient power to activate the Measuring Ruler, open the passage to higher dimensions, and thereby achieve their unspeakable goals."

The two continued searching the ruins for clues, hoping to learn more about the Measuring Ruler's secrets and the Dark Abyss Society's concrete plot. Deep within the ruins, they discovered a hidden chamber. Its door was tightly shut, its surface covered with intricate rune locks.

Lín Jìn examined the rune locks and said, "These rune locks are ingeniously designed; they seem to require a specific code to open."

Ao Li recalled the information obtained from the mural and the text, and a flash of insight struck: "Perhaps it's related to the information concerning the Measuring Ruler and the First-generation Gene Sample."

After some calculations and attempts, Ao Li and Lín Jìn finally discovered a way to open the chamber. An old scent permeated the chamber, and in the center stood a stone platform bearing an ancient scroll.

Lín Jìn carefully lifted the scroll and slowly unfurled it. The scroll recorded a more detailed Secret History of the Measuring Ruler: the Measuring Ruler is not a single artifact but consists of three rulers, each representing the forces of Time, Space, and Life. When the three rulers are gathered and arranged in a specific order while injecting sufficiently powerful and pure energy, a passage to higher dimensions can be opened. The First-generation Gene Sample is the key that contains the Life force; its peculiarity lies in its ability to resonate with the Measuring Ruler and guide the infusion of energy.

"If the Dark Abyss Society were to gather the three Measuring Rulers and use the Spirit Source's power to activate them, the consequences would be unimaginable," Ao Li said gravely.

Lín Jìn nodded, "We must stop them as soon as possible. Yet we still do not know the whereabouts of the other two Measuring Rulers, nor are we clear on how far the Dark Abyss Society has progressed."

At that moment, a clamor erupted outside the chamber. Ao Li and Lín Jìn exchanged a glance, swiftly tucked away the scroll, and exited the chamber. A group of the Dark Abyss Society's black‑robed mystics were rushing toward them, led by Mo Sha.

"Hmph, I didn't expect you to find this place and uncover part of the Measuring Ruler's secrets. However, your exploration ends here!" Mo Sha sneered ominously, waving his staff, and a black energy wave surged toward Ao Li and Lín Jìn.

Ao Li swiftly drew the long sword, forming a shield with Inheritance Power and the remnants of the Ancient Dragon Clan's souls, blocking Mo Sha's attack. Lín Jìn, meanwhile, gathered energy beside them, preparing to counterattack.

"You evil scoundrels, you'll never continue your plot!" Ao Li shouted angrily.

An intense battle erupted amid the ruins, with Ao Li and Lín Jìn confronting numerous black‑robed mystics. Will they break through? How will they find the other two Measuring Rulers before the Dark Abyss Society and stop them from opening the passage to higher dimensions? Everything is shrouded in uncertainty and suspense…