Divine Wilderness Dragon Emperor

A strange phenomenon suddenly appeared in the Great Tang Empire.

Elder Ling was the first to discover it.

However, after investigating for a while, he gave up on the idea.

This opportunity was not meant for him. The Dao Patterns there had coalesced into a Seal that repelled him.

If he tried to take it by force, it would only cause a huge disturbance. In his current, heavily injured state, it was not wise to engage in a major conflict.

But the light in the mountains remained dazzling, with iridescent glows swirling about like auspicious clouds gathering. It seemed a Supreme Treasure was about to emerge.

Immediately, nearby Cultivators noticed the phenomenon.

Subsequently, a steady stream of Cultivators gathered to explore the area.

However, some were sent flying the moment they touched the light barrier of the Seal.

Some young geniuses who were out training managed to enter.

But after entering, some encountered powerful Demon Beasts and returned in defeat, while others obtained Spiritual Essence and broke through in their Cultivation.

For a time, the entire Great Tang Empire was in an uproar.

The major powers all sent people to investigate.

After several investigations, however, everyone finally confirmed that the site had an age restriction for entry.

Any Cultivator over the age of twenty was unable to pass through the light barrier.

Even experts at the Celestial Spirit Realm, if they were over twenty, could not force their way through the light barrier. In fact, trying to do so would easily trigger a repulsion that could injure them.

'We must send some young geniuses here.' Finally, the major powers understood and began to dispatch their young talents.

...

Celestial River Academy also received this news.

Some of their experts who were already out had even gone to investigate, only to return in defeat.

However, after several probes, they had gained some understanding of these Ancient Ruins and divided them into several zones.

First, the outer zone.

This area contained a good amount of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence. After consuming it, Cultivators at the Eighth Layer of Body Tempering could actually refine their Blood Qi to produce True Qi.

Second was the central zone.

Here, there was Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence that, when consumed by Cultivators at the Nine Layers of Body Tempering, could lead to an epiphany. Some even broke through to the Innate Realm in one go.

Of course, those who could break through to the Innate Realm were all people who already had a solid foundation and were just one step away.

After that was the core zone.

The core zone was extremely dangerous. Powerful Demon Beasts roamed there, and many Innate Realm Cultivators were ambushed and nearly perished.

In fact, many had already fallen.

Beyond the core zone was the key area.

No one had set foot there yet, but it was the source of the iridescent light. According to everyone's speculation, a Supreme Treasure was likely to emerge there, making it the most crucial part of this place. To obtain the greatest opportunity, one had to go there. As for the other areas, they were just minor bonuses.

However, just as many Cultivators were rushing over after hearing the news, the Three Great Academies sent people to guard the area, preventing outsiders from entering.

The Empire's Four Major Clans also joined in.

They would naturally not hand over such ruins to others. So, after taking control, they began preparing to send their own younger generation disciples here for training.

Thus, the ruins were effectively controlled by these few major powers.

「Inside Celestial River Academy.」

Dean Han, Vice Dean Zhou, and others were discussing the matter.

"I see this as an opportunity," said Vice Dean Zhou. "Basic Level Students can train in the outer zone, Mid Level Students can train in the central zone, and the senior students can go to the core zone. A few exceptional geniuses could even try their luck at the source of the phenomenon. They might just have a chance to secure an opportunity."

"I think this plan is feasible. We can arrange for the students to go to these ruins for training in batches."

"An opportunity like this is something our Celestial River Academy students absolutely cannot miss." The various directors nodded in agreement.

"This time, with both Wan'Er and Rulong having broken through to the Celestial Spirit Realm, our Celestial River Academy students can definitely compete with the other two great academies," Director Pang said with a nod.

"Good!" Dean Han nodded. "In that case, Director Pang, handle this immediately. Remember, everything should be based on the students' wishes. Do not force them to go."

"Rest assured, Dean. Leave everything to me," Director Pang nodded.

The ruins were dangerous, and entering them carried the risk of death. Naturally, students could not be forced to go; in fact, this point had to be made clear.

Soon, the news spread throughout Celestial River Academy.

"Did you hear? Auspicious light is shooting into the sky in the Xiling Mountain Range of Xiling County. Some ancient ruins have appeared! They say a Supreme Treasure is about to emerge from inside, and there's a ton of Spiritual Essence. Many people broke through to the Innate Realm after taking it. Now the academy is gathering geniuses to lead everyone in search of opportunities there!"

"I heard too. I'm planning to go check it out."

"Ancient ruins... I wonder what kind of Supreme Treasure is inside?" The students were filled with interest.

Many students who had been in seclusion came out.

Shangguan Wan'Er also came out of seclusion because of this.

'Ancient Ruins have appeared... Could it be a grotto-heaven left behind from the Ancient Era?' Upon hearing this news, a ripple finally appeared in her usually indifferent eyes. If it was truly Ancient Ruins from the Ancient Era, it would be a massive opportunity. She then glanced at her father beside her.

Beside her stood Shangguan Hong, Shangguan Yurou, and Shangguan Qingmu.

"According to speculation, it should be a set of Ancient Ruins. As for how old they are, that still needs to be verified. But judging by the Seal at the entrance, it is far from simple," said Shangguan Hong. "It is said that Primordial Pill Realm masters from various clans went to investigate but were injured by the Seal's light barrier."

"That's why they gave up on exploring it." Shangguan Hong was also full of anticipation for this place.

"The Primordial Pill Realm?!" Hearing this, Shangguan Wan'Er's eyes lit up.

The Primordial Pill Realm...

These were true masters.

In the Great Tang Empire, at least, such figures could dominate an entire region.

If even masters like that couldn't break the Seal, it showed just how extraordinary the ruins were.

For Shangguan Wan'Er, who had just stepped into the Celestial Spirit Realm, this was indeed an opportunity.

"Alright, I'll go to the ruins and try my luck." A hopeful light flickered in Shangguan Wan'Er's eyes.

"The Three Great Academies will all send people. There will be Celestial Spirit Realm experts among them, but with your talent, dealing with them shouldn't be difficult," Shangguan Hong said, full of confidence in his daughter. Although Shangguan Wan'Er had only just entered the Celestial Spirit Realm, her combat power was definitely not weaker than others.

"Mm," Shangguan Wan'Er nodded, not paying them much mind. Then she asked, "Will people from the Royal Academy be going too?"

Her brow furrowed slightly at the mention of the Royal Academy.

"It's said that a few of the Princes are in seclusion, so they probably won't be going anytime soon." Shangguan Hong smiled, knowing what his daughter was worried about.

Hearing this, Shangguan Wan'Er's slightly furrowed brow finally relaxed.

She did not want to have too much involvement with those Princes.

...

「In the Cold Vein Cultivation Room.」

Ling Fei sat cross-legged on a Cultivation Platform.

His eyes were tightly shut, his Heart Spirit completely immersed within his mind.

Suddenly, his eyelids twitched. His eyes snapped open, and a True Dragon Momentum abruptly condensed, causing a Dragon's Might to spread out around him.

AOOOAR!

As the True Dragon Momentum spread, Ling Fei opened his mouth, and a deep sound boomed from his throat.

The sound was low at first, but it continued unabated, growing louder and clearer until it was like the roar of a dragon and the cry of a a tiger, capable of piercing metal and shattering stone.

BANG!

Where the soundwave passed, an invisible ripple swept out like a monstrous wave. The stone pillars in front of him immediately cracked.

Then, under the impact of the ferocious soundwave, the stone pillars were directly pulverized into dust, as if annihilated by a torrent.

Such an impact was comparable to a full-powered strike from an Innate Mid Stage Realm Cultivator.

'Only by Gathering True Dragon Intent and coordinating it with my Blood Qi can the True Dragon Roar's power be maximized.' Seeing the stone pillars pulverized by the soundwaves of the True Dragon Roar, a satisfied look appeared in Ling Fei's eyes. After a full month of arduous training, he had finally mastered the True Dragon Roar.

This mastery wasn't just of the soul; it also integrated the power of his physical body's Blood Qi.

Only in this way could the True Dragon Roar unleash its proper power.

The roar lasted for a full two breaths before it subsided.

'My True Dragon Roar Soul Technique has finally reached Minor Achievement.' As the soundwaves dissipated, Ling Fei took a deep breath, a smile touching the corner of his mouth.

Afterward, Ling Fei stood up, preparing to leave the Cold Cave.

Just then, a soundwave came from outside.

The Communication Bell was being rung.

'Something important?' Ling Fei's brow twitched when he heard the bell.

When he entered seclusion, he had specifically left instructions outside not to be disturbed unless it was for something major.

For the bell to ring now, something must have happened.

This made him both surprised and extremely curious.

'What could have happened?' With a touch of curiosity, Ling Fei opened the door to the Cold Cave and walked out.

Just as he stepped out of the Cold Cave, he saw a few familiar figures.

It was none other than Shangguan Hong, Shangguan Qingmu, and Shangguan Yurou.

As for Shangguan Wan'Er, she had not come with them.

It seemed such a small matter was not worth her personal attention.

"Lord Shangguan, is something the matter?" Seeing them waiting outside, Ling Fei asked with some surprise.

"Hehe, I did indeed have a reason for disturbing you," Shangguan Hong said with a laugh.

"In that case, please come in!" At this, Ling Fei invited them into the adjacent parlor to talk.

Afterward, Shangguan Hong told Ling Fei about the strange phenomenon in the Xiling Mountain Range and the appearance of the ancient ruins.

"Oh? Ruins suspected to be from the Ancient Era, with a lot of Spiritual Essence that can help people comprehend the Mystical of Heaven and Earth and break through to the Innate Realm in one go?" Hearing this, surprise showed in Ling Fei's eyes. Having been well-read in ancient texts since childhood, he knew that there were some Spiritual Objects in the world that contained the Mystical of Heaven and Earth.

Consuming them could aid in comprehension.

However, this kind of Spiritual Essence was extremely rare; even the Major Clans had a hard time finding it.

Now, hearing about it, his heart couldn't help but be moved.

"The academy plans to send three batches of students to train in the Xiling Ruins. Yurou and the others are planning to go as the first batch. Are you willing to go with them?" Shangguan Hong asked. "Because it's the first batch, they will know very little about the unknown risks in the ruins. The danger is immense, but so is the opportunity."

"Since Miss Shangguan is also going, I am naturally willing to go as well." Ling Fei didn't overthink it and agreed immediately.

He naturally understood the principle that risk accompanies opportunity.

Cultivators must endure hardship to reach the peak. If there were no risks, wouldn't everyone be able to achieve immortality?

Besides, he had just cultivated the True Dragon Roar to Minor Achievement, his True Dragon Refining God Technique was at a bottleneck, and his Cultivation had stabilized at the Late Stage of Innate.

Secluded cultivation wouldn't be very effective for Ling Fei right now. It would be better to go out and train; perhaps he would even find an opportunity to break through.

"I just knew Young Master Ling would go! Hehe, let me tell you some good news: my older sister will also be in this first training batch," Shangguan Yurou said with a playful grin, blinking her long eyelashes. It seemed she was very eager for her sister and Ling Fei to meet soon.

'Only after they meet can sparks begin to fly!'