Manlong Marquis

After entering the secret chamber, Ling Xuan quickly noticed the differences from his last visit.

A few of the powerhouses who had been here previously had already left, and several newcomers had arrived.

However, just like the others before them, they were all absorbed in contemplating the secret patterns before them.

Recalling the World Lord Level powerhouse he had just encountered, Ling Xuan instantly understood that powerhouses of different levels were granted different amounts of time for contemplation.

A World Lord Level was granted two thousand years, while a Planetary Level was only granted three days.

It was no wonder he was the only one living in that small courtyard.

Only a Planetary Level rookie like him, who needed to contemplate and digest insights in such short bursts, would need to frequently enter and exit the temple and require a residence here.

The number of Star Level individuals on Manlong Planet who possessed a domain was zero.

The number of Universe Level powerhouses who possessed a domain could also be counted on one hand, and these powerhouses measured their contemplation time in years or months.

The time required to digest their insights after contemplation was even longer; thus, these powerhouses would leave the temple immediately after finishing their contemplation and only return once they had fully digested the knowledge.

With their speed, traveling back and forth across Manlong Planet was very convenient.

Ling Xuan sat cross-legged in front of the new stone tablet once more and slowly released his Flame Domain.

At first, the fluctuations of the Law of Fire that Ling Xuan sensed from the secret patterns were like thin threads, barely perceptible.

Ling Xuan calmed his mind, remaining as motionless as a statue, focusing his entire being on sensing those faint fluctuations.

Time ticked by second by second, the temperature around Ling Xuan rose quietly, and his Flame Domain began to undergo subtle changes.

His consciousness felt as if it had been dragged into a vast ocean of fire, where every flame spoke of ancient laws and mysteries.

Ling Xuan gritted his teeth, operating his force to the limit, driving his Flame Domain to merge with this power.

Under the impact of the waves of fire, his domain would at times shrink to a single point, and at others, expand to its absolute limit; each change was accompanied by his consciousness surging and gaining insights along with the tide of fire.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and with a deafening roar exploding within his domain, a shackle shattered.

His dark golden Flame Domain surged wildly. Ling Xuan slowly opened his eyes, bright flames dancing within them. He clearly felt that his Flame Domain had broken through to the fourth level.

Not only that, he could also sense a faint, elusive fluctuation in the surrounding cosmic space.

This fluctuation was of a higher order than his Law of Fire, and far more scorching.

Is this the Law of Fire? Ling Xuan thought to himself. It's close. I will be able to comprehend the Law of Fire very soon. The initial awakening of the Heart of the Martial God has enhanced my comprehension to such a degree—it really is heaven-defying.

The moment he pushed open the door to the secret chamber, the Temple Envoy's deep gaze swept over him like a physical force: "Are you satisfied with your progress this time?"

Ling Xuan's chest rose and fell slightly, his eyes dancing with excitement: "I feel like I'm about to touch something profound and mysterious, something even more powerful than a domain."

Even with the composure the Temple Envoy had maintained over endless epochs, his pupils couldn't help but constrict at this moment.

The youth before him had broken through to the Planetary Level less than a year ago, yet he was already knocking on the door of the law domain—this timeframe was terrifying within the entire sequence of geniuses in the universe.

"Your talent is even stronger than we anticipated. It seems the training plans for ordinary geniuses are completely useless for you."

Ling Xuan scratched his head in confusion, and before he could ask, the Temple Envoy explained: "Originally, our expectation for you was to participate in the next Universe Level Fighter Tournament held by the Virtual Universe Company. But now it seems that if we cultivate you with all our might, you can definitely catch up to the Star Level Genius Tournament held by the Giant Axe Martial Arena ten years from now."

As he finished speaking, a bright green pillar of light shot into the sky, and space twisted like a mirror, instantly forming a spatial tunnel.

This spatial tunnel enveloped Ling Xuan in an instant.

Ling Xuan felt the pressure around him increase sharply, and when the light dissipated, he found himself in a magnificent and grand giant palace.

The dome was carved with a totem of thousands of intertwined Zhulong, and the purple crystals paved on the floor reflected a vast galaxy.

"Where is this?" Ling Xuan gazed at the dome, which flowed with a mysterious halo.

"This is the Imperial Planet of the Zhulong Empire, and also the place where the Ancestor once lived." The Temple Envoy led Ling Xuan forward.

"Is this the ancestral planet of my Zhulong clan?" Ling Xuan asked curiously.

"This is certainly not the ancestral planet of the Zhulong clan. The Ancestor, the Zhulong King, originated from the ancient Yanfeng Clan, which was one of the most primitive sparks of human civilization. The Yanfeng Planet turned into cosmic dust in the long river of time ages ago.

Today, the Yanfeng Clan has long since integrated into every corner of the human universe; very few people can recognize a member of the Yanfeng Clan. Only my Zhulong lineage, protected by the Ancestor, has consistently maintained our bloodline inheritance."

A hint of pride permeated the Temple Envoy's tone.

Although the Zhulong Ancestor's combat power was not the strongest among the King Level Immortals, he was incredibly old and had vast connections. He was a living fossil of the human race, much older than many ancient cosmic country lords, and held a lofty status.

Because other branches of the Yanfeng Clan lacked such an elder, they naturally did not coalesce into a single entity like the Zhulong lineage, nor did they have a continuous inheritance.

Passing through twelve light gates, the two arrived at a White Jade Palace.

Inside the White Jade Palace, an old man draped in a gilded robe sat cross-legged in the void, his body surrounded by a faint halo of laws, like an ancient deity.

His presence caused the entire space to undergo subtle distortions, and an awe-inspiring pressure permeated the air.

The Temple Envoy knelt heavily on one knee, his posture extremely respectful: "Third Elder, this child is the Ling Xuan I mentioned in my previous message. He awakened his Flame Domain at the first stage of the Planetary Level, and in less than a year, he has already sensed the fluctuations of the Law of Fire. Such talent is truly the greatest recorded in the history of our Zhulong lineage!"

The Third Elder slowly opened his closed eyes, and a tangible light burst from his bronze-colored pupils, like two golden swords, instantly scanning Ling Xuan from head to toe.

"This talent is indeed heaven-defying!" The Third Elder's voice was low and powerful, carrying the weight of accumulated time. "If I couldn't sense the same life essence from this little guy that I possess, confirming he is a descendant of my lineage, I would have suspected he had been secretly swapped!"

In this universe filled with powerhouses, the act of soul-possession was not uncommon, but the Third Elder quickly dismissed the possibility.

Ling Xuan was only at the Planetary Level; to possess him, one's strength could not exceed the Planetary Level.

His parents were both Star Level powerhouses, the Mangu Tribe was filled with Universe Level and Domain Lord Level powerhouses, and the Tribal Chief was a terrifying World Lord Level existence.

How could a little Planetary Level brat manage to perform a soul transfer right under the noses of so many powerhouses?

Furthermore, although the Zhulong lineage possessed a deep foundation, it relied on the long-term accumulation of growing alongside the human race for trillions of epochs; its bloodline could only be considered average, and in terms of innate talent, it was far inferior to those inherently powerful high-tier bloodline clans, making it truly unworthy of being coveted.

"Greetings, Ancestor!" Facing this bloodline forefather, Ling Xuan did not hesitate in the slightest and bowed respectfully.

The Third Elder nodded slightly, a trace of gratification flashing in his eyes: "A good seedling, you've brought honor to my Manlong Lineage!" His tone carried a hint of appreciation, yet also an unquestionable majesty: "From now on, focus solely on comprehending the laws. Do not waste any more time absorbing cosmic origin energy to cultivate; it is too slow and a complete waste!"

After a brief pause, the Third Elder continued: "Advancing from the first rank to the ninth rank of the Planetary Level is merely an accumulation of energy. This matter is simple; I will order a custom-made Planetary Level nutrient pod from the Virtual Universe Company to assist you. But breaking through to the Star Level is a leap in life form, and that can only be achieved through your own comprehension!"

Thanks to 'Book Friend 20231208174059391' for the two monthly tickets. Continuing to ask for follow-up reads, monthly tickets, and collections.