Ancient Ruins Appear
The main hall of the Five Elements Sect stands majestically atop the mountain, like a lurking ancient beast overlooking the sprawling sect buildings below.
The hall is constructed from rare Five Elements Stone, with blue, red, yellow, white, and black colors interwoven, subtly corresponding to the primordial energy of heaven and earth, flowing with a profound and magnificent meaning.
Sunlight streamed through the Transparent Spirit Crystal embedded in the dome, refracting into colorful halos that blended with the warm glow reflected from the floor paved with Five Elements Spirit Jade, making the entire hall's interior a fantastical and otherworldly wonderland.
The ground was as smooth as a mirror, clearly reflecting the flickering flames of the Spirit Lamp on the surrounding walls, as well as the Five Elements Rune that seemed to move on their own, their light and shadow shifting as if they were alive.
These runes sometimes converge into the image of rushing rivers, and sometimes scatter into the image of arrayed stars. They are extremely mysterious and not only form a powerful Protective Formation for the main hall, but also constantly gather the Heaven and Earth Energy, making the concentration of Spirit Qi inside the hall far exceed that outside. Every breath makes one feel refreshed and invigorated, and one's cultivation level will subtly improve.
Lin Ming sat calmly in the main seat.
It was a large throne carved from a single piece of Thousand-Year Warm Soul Jade, warm to the touch, which was of great benefit to nourishing the soul.
He didn't deliberately exude any aura; his face was calm, and his eyes were deep. However, his powerful soul, tempered by the Turbid World Demon Lotus Fallen Phoenix Abyss and having reached the Heavenly Realm, along with his formidable cultivation Four-Star Dou Venerate, had already made his every move subtly in harmony with the Dao. Just sitting there casually, he naturally revealed the aura of a grandmaster, as profound and unfathomable as a mountain, inspiring awe and making people dare not be negligent in the slightest.
Below, Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan, as Vice Sect Master, sat to Lin Ming's left and right, while Elder Yao, as the Great Elder, naturally sat in the first seat on the left. The rest of the people, such as Qing Lin, Xiong Zhan, and the newly joined Venerable Mo Ying, along with other core members of the Dou Zong Sect, also took their seats in the main hall.
The atmosphere inside the hall was lively. On the Jade Table in front of each person were displayed various rare Spiritual Fruit and Immortal Brew exuding rich energy. The Spiritual Fruit had an exotic fragrance, and the Immortal Brew Spirit Qi energy. They were all rare treasures that were hard to find in the outside world. Everyone was chatting and laughing, and as they clasped their cups together, most of their eyes were focused on the person in the main seat, listening to Lin Ming briefly recount his thrilling journey to the Fallen Phoenix Abyss.
Lin Ming's voice was steady and magnetic as he eloquently described the grandeur and antiquity of the Beast Taming Sect Ruins, depicting the dusty palaces, the broken Restriction, and the ancient desolation permeating the air.
Of course, he only vaguely mentioned the <Turbid Lotus Spirit Quenching Art> with phrases like "encountering a powerful enemy and engaging in a fierce battle," focusing instead on the astonishing inheritance that Qing Lin had obtained.
Even so, when Lin Ming uttered words like "Heavenly Phoenix Remnant Soul," "Heavenly Soul," and "perfect inheritance of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils," which were enough to shake the continent, they still stirred up a tidal wave in the hearts of everyone present, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.
Especially the newly joined Venerable Mo Ying and others, although they knew that the Sect Master was incredibly powerful, they never expected that he could achieve such a shocking feat.
Heavenly Soul! That's a realm that even countless legendary Dou Sheng haven't reached! So much so that the awe and admiration in his eyes as he looked at Lin Ming at this moment grew even stronger, and he secretly rejoiced that joining the Five Elements Sect with its unlimited potential was perhaps the wisest decision of his life.
"... That's roughly it. Although this trip was dangerous, with dangers at every turn, the gains are enough to greatly enhance the foundation of my Five Elements Sect and make our foothold in the Middle Continent even more solid." Lin Ming picked up a cup of Spirit Tea with colorful ripples and a refreshing aroma, took a sip, and summarized, with a gentle and satisfied smile on his face.
"Our Sect Master is blessed with boundless fortune and Tong Xuan strength. Under his leadership, our sect is flourishing and will surely create an immortal legend in this Middle Continent Plains!"
Mo Ying was the first to stand up, expressing his heartfelt praise with excitement in his voice. The others followed suit, raising their glasses in agreement, their faces beaming with anticipation for the future and absolute faith in Lin Ming. The hall was filled with an atmosphere of harmony and prosperity, and the sect's cohesion reached its peak at this moment.
However, just as the guests and hosts were enjoying themselves immensely, and the atmosphere was at its most lively—
"Report!"
A slightly hurried but powerful announcement pierced through the laughter and chatter inside the hall like a sharp arrow, echoing from afar outside.
Instantly, all the lively conversation came to a halt. Everyone's expressions hardened, and their gazes turned sharply towards the entrance of the main hall.
A young man dressed in the robes of a core disciple of the Five Elements Sect, whose cultivation had reached the Dou Emperor level, strode in with a hurried expression and a brisk pace.
His face was handsome, but at this moment it carried an undisguised sense of urgency. He walked straight through the gazes of the people on both sides of the seat to the center of the hall. Facing Lin Ming in the main seat, he knelt down on one knee without hesitation and held up a jade slip, no bigger than the palm of his hand, which was shimmering with Jade Slip but unusually stable Spatial Fluctuations.
"Reporting to the Sect Master! Elders! The Third Deacon in charge of intelligence from the outer regions has sent back an extremely urgent message!" The young disciple's voice was loud and clear, echoing in the suddenly quiet hall, each word striking a chord in everyone's hearts.
The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. All eyes were focused on the disciple and the seemingly ordinary Jade Slip in his hand, which might contain earth-shattering information.
Lin Ming raised an eyebrow, put down his teacup, and an invisible force lifted the Jade Slip, placing it in his hand. His Soul Power instantly invaded it, reading the information within.
A moment later, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Lin Ming's eyes, a glint that contained a clear understanding and a determination to succeed.
Lin Ming slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below, lingering for a moment on the eager Zi Yan before he spoke, his voice steady yet tinged with excitement:
"Gentlemen, our sect has just received news. In the Beast Domain, a wolf-headed expedition team with keen senses has unexpectedly discovered traces of an Ancient Ruins. According to preliminary investigations, the ruin is extremely vast in scale, and the outer Restriction ancient and powerful, most likely left behind by an ancient Dou Sheng Expert!"
"The Dou Sheng Ruins?!"
These words shocked everyone present! Even the usually composed Elder Yao's eyes blazed with fervor!
Dou Sheng is a being who stands at the pinnacle of the continent. The relics they leave behind represent astonishing opportunities, Cultivation Method, Dou Technique, and even Treasure Hoard of elixirs. They are enough to drive any force mad!
"The news has spread, and the Beast Domain is now in turmoil. Many powerful Monster Beast Clan, such as the Wolf Clan, the Tiger Clan, and even the Nether Python and the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, two of the three overlords of the Magical Beast World, have all been moved by the news and sent their experts there."
In the Middle Continent, these top powers, such as the Soul Hall, the Blazing Flame Ancient, and the Flower Sect, will surely receive the news soon and will certainly not miss this grand event.
Lin Ming continued, clearly presenting the situation to everyone.
A murmur rippled through the hall, and everyone's faces were a mixture of excitement, solemnity, and longing.
The allure of the Dou Sheng Ruins is immense, but the dangers within and the gathering of powerful figures from all sides are enough to inspire fear.
"Sect Master, what do you mean?" Xiao Yi Xian looked at Lin Ming and asked softly.
She understood Lin Ming; since he had made this information public, he must have already made a decision.
Lin Ming tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the chair, making a soft tapping sound, and his gaze became deep.
He knew very well what was in this Ancient Ruins. Within it lay a heaven-defying object capable of altering the balance of power between the Ancient Void Dragon and the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan — the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit!
This fruit is an unparalleled treasure for both the Ancient Void Dragon and the Sky Demon Phoenix races. If they consume and refine it, as long as they survive, there is a very high chance of evolving into the legendary Dragon-Phoenix, a being that combines the advantages of both the Dragon and Dragon Phoenix races, surpassing all other Magical Beast Bloodline! This would grant them the supreme bloodline of unparalleled power in the Magical Beast World!
As a descendant of the Ancient Void Dragon Royal Bloodline, Zi Yan's strength could leap to the level of Dou Sheng after refining the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. This was one of the opportunities he had planned for Zi Yan long ago.
Besides, there was also a Tier 8 seven- or even eight-colored pill inside, as well as the Soul Infant Fruit that I had promised when I exchanged for the Bodhi Treasure Liquid. So, of course, I couldn't miss the Ancient Ruins.
"Opportunities and risks coexist." Lin Ming spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable determination.
"The appearance of such Ancient Ruins is a once-in-a-century, even-in-a-millennium, event. Although our Five Elements Sect is newly established, we must not be complacent and must aspire to soar to great heights!"
Lin Ming paused, then continued, "The battle for the ruins hinges on elite forces, not numbers. I intend to lead the team myself, with Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Xiong Zhan accompanying me. Xiao Yi Xian and Elder Yao, the responsibility of overseeing the sect will fall to you!"
Zi Yan, whose name was called, immediately cheered, her little face full of excitement. Qing Lin and Xiong Zhan also nodded emphatically, their eyes firm. She had just greatly increased her strength and needed real combat to hone and consolidate it.
Although Xiao Yi Xian also wanted to go, she knew that the sect needed someone to oversee it, so she obediently nodded. "Don't worry, leave the sect to me!"
Elder Yao nodded in agreement.
"Sect Master, the ruins are located in the Beast Domain, a place where Magical Beasts roam. The dangers there far exceed those of human territory, and the various forces involved are complex and intertwined, especially the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan..." Venerable Mo Ying reminded him with some concern.
Lin Ming's lips curled into a faint smile, a smile tinged with coldness and absolute confidence, "It's alright. They can't cause any trouble."
"Time is of the essence. Now that the message has been sent out, all parties will act swiftly. We need to set off as soon as possible." Lin Ming stood up, exuding a decisive and efficient aura. "Xian'er, allocate sect resources to us first. Elder Mo Ying, compile a report for me as soon as possible regarding the latest intelligence on the Beast Domain and other known potential participants."
"Yes, Sect Master!" Xiao Yi Xian and Venerable Mo Ying replied in unison.
The atmosphere inside the main hall had, in a short period of time, completely transformed from the previous joyous and peaceful atmosphere to one of solemnity and urgency.
An expedition concerning a momentous opportunity, the future fate of sects, and even the potential to influence the power structure of the continent is about to unfold amidst this confluence of events. The blood of everyone seems to be gradually boiling with Lin Ming's resolute words.