Chapter 343: Anomaly in the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain! Ancient Domain Platform! Xiao Yan

After Gu Yuan entered the courtyard, he noticed that Chu Yang's gaze at him was a bit strange, his peripheral glance flicked at the youthful maiden, then he cleared his throat and said:

"Um… Emperor Chu, news has come from the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain!"

"Ah?" Chu Yang raised an eyebrow; he had been asking the Ancient Clan to keep an eye on the situation over at the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain.

After all, although he had accelerated the process at a time node deep within the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain, he still could not pinpoint the exact moment the Bodhi Ancient Tree would appear.

Gu Yuan continued, "The Bodhi Ancient Tree is about to manifest!"

"According to the records, one month before each manifestation of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, a celestial anomaly occurs."

"The signs in the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain have already appeared, and they have locked onto the area where the Bodhi Ancient Tree will manifest."

At this point, Gu Yuan's face showed a hint of doubt as he probed, "Emperor Chu, are you intending to seize the Bodhi Heart and Bodhi Seed for the Yun Lan Sect?"

Although the Bodhi Ancient Tree is among the finest treasures on the Douqi Continent, its greatest function is simply to allow a person to become a saint on the spot.

In Gu Yuan's view, for Chu Yang, the Bodhi Ancient Tree holds no value at all.

Thus he guessed that Chu Yang's interest in the Bodhi Ancient Tree was most likely to cultivate strong disciples for the Yun Lan Sect.

Chu Yang gave a noncommittal smile and then asked, "Does the Ancient Clan have any interest in the Bodhi Ancient Tree?"

Gu Yuan hurriedly replied, "With Emperor Chu present, I fear all forces on the continent will retreat in defeat; our Ancient Clan certainly won't make a fool of ourselves."

After pondering briefly, Chu Yang whispered, "Release the news that I will personally go to the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain, but I will not intervene in the contest for the Bodhi Tree's opportunity."

"Whether it's the Bodhi Seed, the Bodhi Heart, or the chance to attain insight beneath the Bodhi Tree, any stronger below Dou Saint may claim it through their own ability."

Gu Yuan was momentarily stunned; though more puzzled, he asked no further questions, then took his leave.

Gu Yuan naturally harbored a few thoughts; he had originally thought Chu Yang sought the Bodhi Tree's opportunity, but now it seemed not to be the case.

Given that, the Ancient Clan would naturally vie for it! After Gu Yuan left, Chu Yang established communication with Pan Gu and the Black Tower, relaying the Bodhi Ancient Tree news to Na Lan Yanran.

Na Lan Yanran was, accordingly, extremely excited.

Because she was already near the Dou Zun Peak, obtaining the Bodhi Heart would surely let her break through to Dou Saint in one leap! Though her cultivation core technique leaves no bottleneck that can halt her progress, the Bodhi Heart could drastically shorten the time she needs to surpass Dou Saint.

Moreover, the Yun Lan Sect also needs this opportunity to further boost its overall strength.

After Gu Yuan released the news, the entire Central Continent became restless.

Chu Yang himself announced his intention, went to the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain to take charge, and issued a decree forbidding any stronger above Dou Saint from intervening.

Thus, many Dou Zun‑level strongers without backing from major forces now had the confidence to vie for the opportunity.

In any case, everyone relies on their own ability, and who will claim victory remains an unknown.

Consequently, a great number of Dou Zun strongers gathered, even strongers from beyond the Central Continent rushed over.

For ninety‑nine percent of Dou Zun, the hope of breaking through to Dou Saint is exceedingly slim, perhaps never attaining the saint realm in a lifetime.

And once one possesses the Bodhi Heart or Bodhi Seed, if an alchemist can be hired to forge a Bodhi Great Rebirth Pill, that faint hope can be magnified infinitely.

The gap between Dou Zun and Dou Saint is like a heavenly trench; crossing it not only lifts oneself but also propels one's sect to the heavens.

After all, even the top forces on the Central Continent usually have only one or two Dou Saints stationed.

…………

Mánghuāng Ancient Domain.

It is ordinarily regarded as a human forbidden zone and one of the continent's oldest places.

The environment of the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain is extremely harsh, with poisonous gases and countless ferocious beasts, and ancient aberrations are not lacking.

Even if one were to throw in top‑blooded demonic beasts like the Heavenly Demon Phoenix or the Grand Void Ancient Dragon, the bloodline advantage would vanish.

However, the ferocious beasts and ancient aberrations of the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain are quite unique; unlike demonic beasts, they generally possess low intellect but are blood‑thirsty and ferocious.

In such circumstances, even a Dou Zun Peak stronger venturing alone may not survive, as there have been gruesome precedents.

Chu Yang strolled through the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain without using spatial jumps or even soaring, as if walking in his own garden.

Where he passed, no ferocious beast dared to approach.

These beasts, though low in intellect, all understood self‑preservation and sensed a threat from Chu Yang.

Chu Yang's brows furrowed tighter the deeper he went.

It was his first time in the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain; although previously, when altering a time node via a Klein Bottle, Soul Force had briefly swept through.

But at that moment, the Klein Bottle was constantly draining his Primordial Qi, so Chu Yang only gave it a hurried glance, without delaying time.

This time, as he walked and observed, he sensed something amiss in the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain.

The beasts here did not seem born blood‑thirsty and brutal, nor inherently low‑intellect, but rather seemed affected by something.

In other words, even humans born here would be influenced during their growth!

To encompass such a vast area with such massive influence, its source must be extraordinary, perhaps comparable to the Black Crystal.

But the Black Crystal is a dead fetus of a Plane Spirit; surely there cannot be a second Plane Spirit's dead fetus within the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain.

Chu Yang vaguely felt that the secret of the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain might be linked to a historical fracture of the Douqi Continent.

With the information he now possesses, the clues pointing to the historical fracture, aside from the founder of Yin Valley, the Yin Emperor, are only the Black Crystal and the Bodhi Ancient Tree.

The Bodhi Ancient Tree has low intellect and cannot communicate normally, yet it harbors the Dou Emperor's negative emotions.

If the Dou Emperor's negative emotions could be combined with the Bodhi Ancient Tree's intellect and materialized, perhaps some answers could be obtained.

How much information might be obtained remains unknown.

However, Chu Yang does not intend to explore the Mánghuāng Ancient Domain's secret now; with the Bodhi Ancient Tree about to appear, this place has become a convergence of countless eyes across the continent.

If Chu Yang makes too much noise at this critical moment, trouble is inevitable.

Should he inadvertently kill all the strongers from all sides, it would certainly be a spectacle.

Chu Yang does not wish to become the target of everyone's arrows; at that point, although the continent's strongers and forces may be angry but silent, gathering the power of belief would become far more difficult for him.

He casually seized a beast, extracted permeation particles from its body and sent them into his Soul Palace, then without further delay leapt straight into a spatial wormhole.

…………

Ancient Domain Platform.

This place is the junction between the middle and deep parts of the Vast Wasteland Ancient Domain; it is said to have been a battlefield in ancient times where countless experts fell, so a constant pressure lingers here.

It is precisely because of this pressure that even the primeval exotic species of the Vast Wasteland Ancient Domain dare not approach lightly; when Chu Yang arrived, a battle was erupting before the Ancient Domain Terrace.

The two sides of the battle were, surprisingly, the younger generation of the Tian Yao Phoenix Tribe led by Feng Qing'er, and Xiao Yan's team.

Worth mentioning is that the younger generation of the Ancient Clan led by Xiao Xun'er stood on Xiao Yan's side.

Chu Yang appeared silently on the Ancient Domain Terrace, merely glanced over it indifferently before withdrawing his gaze.

He naturally had no interest in the petty squabbles of Dou Zun-level experts, and besides, he already knew the outcome of this battle.

Chu Yang lowered his head to look at the Ancient Domain Terrace beneath his feet, slightly narrowing his eyes.

After a moment's hesitation, he took out the Klein bottle, infused a thread of Soul Force into it, and then activated it with Primordial Qi.

In an instant, through that thread of Soul Force, Chu Yang saw countless scenes playing like a slideshow in his mind.

At the same time, the light from the Klein bottle attracted the gaze of all beings in the surrounding heaven and earth.

Xiao Yan slapped Feng Qing'er away with a single palm; overcome by rage and anxiety, she fainted on the spot.

Gazing at the strange light on the Ancient Domain Terrace, many people's eyes flashed with a hint of greed.

Meanwhile, some who had seen Chu Yang before changed expression slightly; Xiao Xun'er, without a word, directly led people to fly up and guard Chu Yang's side, adopting a posture that anyone who dared to disturb him would be fought to the death.

Those strong individuals who did not understand the situation instinctively assumed Chu Yang was a member of the Ancient Clan, and still felt somewhat eager to act.

After all, although Chu Yang's reputation was great, few had actually seen him.

Or rather, many people wished to see him once, but simply lacked the opportunity.

At this very moment, experts from various major powers and transcendent forces, even the younger generation of the Tian Yao Phoenix Tribe who had just nearly clashed with Xiao Xun'er and the others, spontaneously stepped forward to help guard the ritual.

Witnessing this scene, countless people stared dumbfounded, speculating wildly about Chu Yang's origins.

Xiao Yan, meanwhile, frowned slightly; although he had visited the Ancient Clan not long ago, reuniting with Xiao Xun'er could be considered a long-awaited meeting.

But before he could even greet her, Xiao Xun'er, upon seeing Chu Yang, rushed forward to guard the ritual, leaving Xiao Yan with a mixed feeling in his heart.

Chu Yang organized and arranged the scenes flashing in his mind, then after a moment withdrew his Soul Force and put away the Klein bottle.

After glancing at the people guarding the surroundings, Chu Yang couldn't help but shake his head and smile wryly; although his consciousness had just sunk into the Klein bottle, even without any resistance, no one here could harm him.

However, since they had shown goodwill, Chu Yang smiled and said, "You mean well, but there's no need to be overly tense; just pretend I don't exist."

"Since I said that anyone below the level of Fighting Sage may contend for fortune, I naturally will not intervene."

Seeing that Chu Yang was unharmed, everyone bowed in respect and then retreated to the sides.

When they heard them mention the two words "Chu Emperor," the entire area around the Ancient Domain Terrace fell instantly silent.

Countless people stared dumbfounded, never expecting to behold the Chu Emperor's countenance under such circumstances.

Some also felt doubtful in their hearts; although they had long heard that the Chu Emperor achieved fame in his youth, they had not imagined he would be this young.

After the crowd came to their senses, they all bowed in unison, chanting the name of the Chu Emperor.

Seeing this scene, Chu Yang knew he would inevitably affect these people here, so helplessly he simply left.

After he departed, many people discovered that their clothes had somehow become soaked in cold sweat.

Without exception, these people had previously harbored malicious intentions due to the strange light of the Klein bottle.

They even felt some gratitude toward Xiao Xun'er and the younger generation of the various forces, for if those people had not protected Chu Yang, they might have already stepped over the line, wanting to kill and seize treasure.

If that were the case, they would probably now be separated head from body!

Whoever dared to act against the Chu Emperor, even if an ancient Fighting Emperor were resurrected, might not be able to protect him! After Chu Yang left, Xiao Xun'er then led the Ancient Clan members to Xiao Yan's presence.

This was her first meeting with Cai Lin; although they had long heard of each other, this encounter between the "principal wife" and the "favored concubine" was still inevitably somewhat awkward.

However, Xiao Xun'er skillfully deflected the emphasis and cleverly resolved the awkwardness.

Arriving beside Xiao Yan, Xiao Xun'er whispered, "Brother Xiao Yan, now no one in the clan opposes our matter anymore..."

Xiao Yan stared for a moment; although he had recently visited the Ancient Clan and gained some approval, he also clearly knew that many opposing voices still existed within the Ancient Clan.

However, he well understood that as his strength grew, those opposing voices would diminish, yet he never imagined he could win the whole clan's approval so quickly! Xiao Yan subconsciously thought that Xiao Xun'er had made a great concession for this, and a hint of heartache appeared in his eyes.

Xiao Xun'er saw through his thoughts, covered her mouth and lightly laughed, "What are you thinking? I don't have that kind of ability!"

"At least, I myself cannot yet influence the entire Ancient Clan!"

"But someone is backing you up; those old fogies in the upper clan have no choice but to acknowledge you."

"Guess who that person is?"

Seeing the sly glint in Xiao Xun'er's eyes, Xiao Yan's heart stirred, "Could it be... Chu Yang?"

Xiao Xun'er stuck out her tongue and said, "Around here, you're the only one who dares to call the Chu Emperor by name directly!"

"But it really is him; for this he even sent our clan a Nine‑grade Golden Pill!"

Actually, both Gu Yuan and Xiao Xun'er clearly understand that Chu Yang produced a Nine‑grade Golden Pill to exchange for a thread of the primal fire seed of the Gold Emperor Blazing Sky Flame.

A large part of the reason for this was to let Xiao Yan gain recognition from the entire Ancient Clan.

Otherwise, not to mention a Nine‑grade Golden Pill, even a mere Nine‑grade precious pill would be more than enough to exchange for a thread of that primal fire seed.

"This..." Xiao Yan wore a bewildered expression, feeling doubtful yet also slightly embarrassed.

He had just been feeling jealous, yet he never expected Chu Yang to secretly help him, smoothing out many obstacles.

"Actually, I too am surprised; I thought he had some design on you, and went to inquire about it..."

Xiao Xun'er spread her hands and said, "But he said it was merely to wait until you become stronger, then have you do something for him."

Xiao Yan fell silent; obtaining the Ancient Clan's approval in advance would indeed allow him to devote all his energy to cultivation and accelerate his growth.

Yet he really could not fathom what matter Chu Yang might need his help with.

Xiao Yan suddenly thought of the Flame Scripture, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"He... could he be intending to gather all the Strange Fires under heaven?" This guess startled Xiao Yan, for even though he cultivated the Flame Scripture, he had never imagined all Strange Fires could be united in one body.

After all, this is truly insane, and would even make him the target of every alchemist.

But if it were Chu Yang... he seemingly would not need to worry about that! (End of chapter)