At Chen Lin's question, Dugu Xiuxiu also looked over.
"That was the Sun Lineage's holy land. It used to be connected to the First Peak, but they offended a Peerless Powerhouse, and their patriarch, Sun Houwu, was slain."
"That mysterious powerhouse possessed heaven-reaching abilities. It's said that a single strike wiped out the Sun Lineage, renowned for its defenses, leaving only a few low-ranking disciples who were away at the time."
"After that, it fell into decline."
A wistful note entered Dugu Xiuxiu's voice.
Looking at the floating mountaintop, she said, "The aura of rules that powerhouse left behind has never dissipated. It's unsuitable for living or cultivation, and it has lain desolate for countless years."
"The Sun Lineage's disciples never appeared again, either."
Chen Lin's eyes flickered.
He asked tentatively, "I've heard the Five Major Families of Wudaopo are branches of the same tree. Didn't the other four help them back then?"
"That, I don't know."
Dugu Xiuxiu shook her head.
"It happened a very long time ago, and very little information survived. The current Four Great Clans seem to have risen only after the Sun Lineage was destroyed."
"I see."
Chen Lin asked no more.
In the cultivation world, the strong preyed on the weak. Every faction's rise was steeped in blood and violence. The victor became king; the truth did not matter.
Nor did it have anything to do with him.
After that,
they wandered around a while longer. Chen Lin suggested visiting the other three families' territories, but Dugu Xiuxiu refused, saying they needed the patriarch's permission.
Losing interest, he flew toward his courtyard.
"Xiuxiu, so this is where you were. I've been looking everywhere for you."
Before they reached the courtyard, three figures blocked their path. The Pale-Faced Youth leading them spoke with a smile.