Reincarnated as a Divine Tree

Chen Qingyu remained calm. Behind him, Chen Qinghe and Chen Qingmeng showed only faint traces of surprise.

Before they fell last time, the three of them used the martial technique Bright Moon like Frost to glimpse the situation inside.

At that time, Chen Qingyu unleashed his full strength, enabling all three to see the scene within.

It was precisely because of this that Chen Qingyu judged the area to be the ruins of an ancient family's estate.

Meanwhile, Chen Tianyu quickly reconstructed the image he had just seen in his mind. To prevent another accident like before, when his consciousness had blurred, he used the glow of fluorite to sketch the scene onto a silk scroll.

The other clansmen did not rush forward but instead waited quietly in place.

Soon, a brand-new map appeared before everyone. To verify its accuracy, Chen Tianyu had Chen Qingyu cast the Bright Moon like Frost spell twice more.

Once confirmed, Chen Tianyu finally relaxed.

After studying the map for a while, he led the group forward without hesitation.

He chose to head toward the large stone marked on the map.

Although the vision had been hazy and fleeting, the stone seemed to bear ancient markings. Chen Tianyu believed that perhaps the origins of the ruins could be found on it, which would allow the family to make a better judgment.

The journey was smooth and uneventful.

No mishaps occurred until they arrived before the great stone, though the clansmen remained vigilant.

Danger often lurks in a single careless thought. We must not be reckless.

"Brother, this stone seems to be made of an unusual material. Should we...?"

Just as they reached the stone, one of the clansmen could no longer restrain himself.

Any object that could stand here for so long surely was no ordinary one. Bringing it back to the clan would be the best thing to do.

"No rush. Let's examine it first. But remember—do not touch it carelessly,”

Chen Tianyu warned, carefully observing the stone before him.

It was ash-gray and different from the surrounding stone walls. Though it looked ordinary, traces of deliberate carving were evident, clearly indicating that it was not naturally formed.

Several clansmen raised their fluorite lamps and circled the stone, searching for clues.

Soon, one of them exclaimed,

"Brother, there are words on it!"

Chen Tianyu approached quickly.

Indeed, on the other side of the stone were strange symbols carved in a style resembling writing, yet unfamiliar.

But these characters were bizarre. Despite his knowledge, he could not decipher them.

Fortunately, the family had prepared for this. Among the three elders present, one had expertise in such matters.

"Uncle Xingxu, please take a look."

"All right, let this old man see."

Chen Xingxu stepped forward while the others illuminated the stone with several fluorite lamps.

After carefully studying the stone, Chen Xingxu finally spoke.

"These are indeed ancient characters. I recognize quite a few, but time has eroded many. Some are too damaged for me to discern.”

Chen Tianyu's face lit up with joy.

"No matter. Just tell us the ones you recognize.”

"Very well. This is an introductory inscription. This character reads 'Blood,' and the one beside it reads 'Sect.' The middle character resembles both 'River' and 'Sea,' but it's too blurred to be certain.

"The rest describes the origins of this Blood-something Sect. Unfortunately, I can only make out half of it. The rest is illegible."

The clansmen listened, bewildered.

"Blood River Sect? Blood Sea Sect? What kind of place is that?"

“Wasn’t this supposed to be the ruins of an ancient family?”

Many voiced their doubts, but Chen Xingxu shook his head.

"Not so," he said. According to ancient records, families were not the dominant force in the primordial era. Beyond families, there were powers known as sects.

Sects accepted disciples regardless of bloodline or surname. As long as one was talented, the sect would accept them, treating all equally."

This revelation shocked the clansmen.

Families had endured for ages. They believed that only families could survive in this world and endure to the end. The notion of sects was difficult to accept.

"By your words, Uncle, sects must have been immensely powerful. Then why don't any exist today?"

The contemplative Chen Tianyu spoke up from the side.

Clans relied heavily on bloodlines and surnames, so their growth was slow. However, sects did not suffer from this limitation. After all, this land had never lacked martial youths or prodigies in their teens. If a clan's lineage were ever broken, the clan could easily decline and disappear.

Therefore, sects should have developed far faster than clans. Yet, in all that they had seen, there were no sects, nor had they ever heard of any.

Chen Xingsu chuckled and said,

"Hehe, indeed, as you say, sects grew at an astonishing pace. In that era, clans had almost ceased to exist.

"Prosperity always gives way to decline. When a sect grows to a certain size, its flaws inevitably become apparent. Human hearts are unpredictable within sects. Disciples cannot be as open or united as blood relatives. They conceal things; they scheme.

“Over time, internal conflicts grow sharper, leading to severe polarization within the sect. Under the influence of certain external factors, the sect naturally collapses and vanishes."

Upon hearing this, the clansmen present all revealed expressions of deep emotion.

Who would have thought that such hidden truths existed in the ancient era?

If unity cannot be maintained, it is indeed difficult to endure until the end. Even within clans, disputes among clansmen are inevitable. Yet, ultimately, blood ties them together—roots intertwined, sharing glory and suffering alike.

This made the clansmen realize that unity among the clan members was essential for the clan to flourish.

"It seems this place must have been the seat of the Blood River Sect. Though we do not know why the sect was buried, it must be unique for it to have endured for so long. Perhaps within these ruins, our clan can find many useful things,”

Chen Tianyu said from the side. Whether this place was called the Blood River Sect or the Blood Sea Sect mattered little.

The other clansmen nodded in agreement, their eyes brimming with excitement.

Exploring a sect that vanished from history in the ancient era was enough to stir the heart.

"Qingmeng, come! Let's see if we can carry this great stone back!"

As Chen Tianyu spoke, Chen Qinghe and Chen Qingmeng began to move the massive stone.