Heaven-Dominating Martial Emperor

"The Kunlun Key?"

At these words, everyone present looked shocked, unable to believe that Liu Tianxin would offer such a treasure as a gift.

"Grandpa, that's our family's ancestral treasure," Liu Yuchan said hesitantly. "Is it really appropriate to hand it over so easily...?"

"What's inappropriate about it?"

Liu Tianxin shook his head and sighed softly. "Master Ye has shown our Liu family immense kindness. Only a treasure like this can properly express our gratitude!"

"Besides, it's just a key to the Kunlun Mountain secret realm. Keeping it is useless and will only invite deadly trouble! The Lei family is a perfect example of that!"

"The Kunlun Mountain secret realm?" Ye Chen froze.

He had heard of Kunlun Mountain before. It was located on the border of Lei Province, adjacent to two other large neighboring provinces.

To some Cultivators, it was a Holy Mountain!

Since ancient times, Kunlun Mountain had been the subject of many rich and magnificent legends. It was rumored that endless eons ago, a supreme Great Power had resided on its peak and even passed into final meditation there.

But those were just legends. Although some strange phenomena had indeed occurred on Kunlun Mountain, people concluded it was just the work of nearby demonic beasts and not worth paying any mind to.

Therefore, like most Cultivators, Ye Chen saw the present-day Kunlun Mountain as just an ordinary peak, nothing special at all.

That's why he was so surprised when he heard the four words "Kunlun Mountain secret realm."

"Correct."

Liu Tianxin nodded gravely. "An ancestor of the Liu family once sought enlightenment at the foot of Kunlun Mountain."

"According to our records, 'Kunlun Mountain erupted with a five-colored radiance, its aura magnificent and profound, like a primeval Divine Mountain.' Afterward, my ancestor found a metal plate at the foot of the mountain. Kunlun Mountain then returned to normal, with no further strange occurrences."

"That metal plate is the legendary Kunlun Key, said to be able to open the Kunlun Mountain secret realm!"

This was the first time anyone had heard Liu Tianxin speak of this, and for a moment, they were all entranced.

Song Yubing, however, frowned. "From what you're saying, this is all just your ancestor's side of the story."

"I mean no disrespect, but these events have never been verified. How can you be so sure any of it is real?"

"Does the Kunlun Key passed down through your family truly have such a mystical effect?"

Liu Tianxin sighed, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Miss, you are correct. I used to treat it as just an ordinary treasure myself. I even once believed it was nothing more than a worthless piece of scrap metal."

"But the Lei family's relentless attempts to seize it made me start to believe that it might truly be the Kunlun Key. Perhaps our ancestor didn't deceive us!"

"So, before I fell ill, I personally took the Kunlun Key to Kunlun Mountain!"

At these words, everyone's breath quickened.

Liu Tianxin paused before speaking slowly, resolving the questions in their minds. "Just as I suspected, the moment I came within ten li of it, I felt a fluctuation coming from the direction of Kunlun Mountain!"

"The fluctuation was incredibly profound. It grew more intense the closer I got. Not daring to cause a major disturbance, I had no choice but to retreat."

"But I fear I still failed to escape the notice of the Lei family. Three days after my return, I fell ill, bedridden and unable to rise!"

"I'm afraid the Lei family must have sensed the disturbance from Kunlun Mountain. Worried I would beat them to it, they immediately made their move, controlling someone close to me and having them poison me!"

'So it seems the Kunlun Key is real, then?' Ye Chen's eyes gleamed.

He knew nothing about the Kunlun Mountain secret realm. There were no rumors in the outside world about what it was like inside.

"Accept."

Just then, a voice spoke directly into Ye Chen's mind.

The voice was as heavenly and melodious as a song. The speaker was none other than the Realm Spirit!

Ye Chen froze, unable to stop himself from glancing at the Realm Spirit beside him.

The Realm Spirit's expression remained unchanged, but her voice echoed in his mind once more. "If I'm not mistaken, there is likely a peerless treasure hidden within the Kunlun Mountain secret realm—a treasure that will be of immense benefit to you."

"Accept. There is no downside for you."

Hearing this, Ye Chen's hesitation vanished. He immediately agreed. "In that case, I will accompany the Liu family."

'Even the Realm Spirit is telling me to go. The treasure in that secret realm must be something incredible.'

Ye Chen found himself growing faintly excited.

"That would be wonderful!"

"Master Ye, we are entrusting everything to you! The very survival of the Liu family is at stake, so please, be extremely cautious!"

A joyous expression spread across Liu Tianxin's face as he thanked Ye Chen profusely.

Ye Chen shook his head slightly. "Time is of the essence. We should depart now."

"Very well."

The group quickly finalized their plans. Led by Liu Yuchan and accompanied by Ye Chen's party of three, they set out with a retinue of Liu family guards and clansmen.

As for the Liu family's stronghold, only Liu Yanran and a few other clan members were left to stand guard.

After all, Liu Tianxin had now regained some of his strength. With him guarding the stronghold, few in the entirety of Lei Province would dare to cause trouble.

...

「Wandering City.」

This city was under the control of the Liu family, one of the four great families of Lei Province, and served as their main seat of power.

The Liu family headquarters was located here, and the city was normally bustling with people and exceptionally lively.

On this day, a Spirit Stone mine outside Wandering City under the Liu family's control was suddenly attacked.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

...

In an instant, the fires of battle erupted. Countless workers under the Liu family's employ dropped their tools and fled for their lives, their faces masks of terror.

The Liu family guards fought back in a rage, but they were ultimately all defeated.

This marked the fall of the mine.

...

「Wandering City. Inside the Liu Family's Main Residence.」

"Bad news, Patriarch!"

"The mine outside the city has been attacked! The assailants are all experts from the Lei family!"

"We were powerless to resist! The mine has fallen! The Lei family has seized it!"

Panicked voices rang out from outside Liu Kunlun's study.

"What?"

"How could this happen?"

Liu Kunlun shot to his feet in anger. "Is the Lei family declaring war?"

His father was still in Luoyun City, awaiting treatment from Master Ye. The Liu family was already in a precarious position, lacking its strongest expert to hold down the fort.

He never expected the Lei family to suddenly choose this moment to turn on them. This was definitely not good news for the Liu family!

"Liu Kunlun, come out and die!"

Just then, a thunderous roar echoed from outside the Liu family's main residence!

A potent aura swept over the area in an instant as the experts of the Lei family descended!

His face a mask of fury, Liu Kunlun hurriedly led his men outside the main residence.

"Lei Wanjun!"

"Are you declaring war on the Liu family?!"

Liu Kunlun's anger was uncontrollable as he looked at the wounded and maimed scattered across the ground.

There, at the very front of the Lei family's formation, stood the figure of Lei Wanjun!