"Thank you, Brother Zhao."
In the center of the Tian Yan Sword Sect's martial arts arena, Ling Cang stood with his sword sheathed, dressed in white that gleamed like snow, untainted by dust. The spiritual sword in his hand, known as Purple Lightning, Azure Frost, emitted a gentle hum, its blade shimmering with a faint purple-blue glow.
Opposite him stood Zhao Tuo, a well-known disciple from the inner sect. At this moment, his face was flushed, gripping the long knife that had been knocked into the air and had now returned to his hand. His palm was torn and bleeding, and his breath was ragged, making him appear utterly disheveled. It had taken only three moves!
Ling Cang had not even exerted himself fully yet he had defeated this inner sect powerhouse who was on the verge of becoming a Core Disciple!
"Junior Brother Ling's swordsmanship has become increasingly exquisite. I, Zhao, am truly convinced!" Zhao Tuo managed to suppress his surging blood and cupped his hands in respect towards Ling Cang.
"Brother Zhao's knife techniques have also improved; they just lack a bit of fluidity," Ling Cang replied with a slight nod, casually twirling his sword. He was not being arrogant; he was simply speaking the truth.
This was Ling Cang.
He was the most dazzling genius of the Tian Yan Sword Sect and indeed the entire Eastern Domain Cultivation Realm over the past century! At just twenty years old, he was already the youngest Core Disciple of the sect, with cultivation that firmly surpassed all his peers. His talent in swordsmanship was hailed as a "Millennium Encounter," even attracting praise from the Grand Elder who had been in seclusion for many years, remarking from afar that "his sword bones are naturally gifted; great things are to come."
Around the martial arts arena, numerous disciples from both inner and outer sects had gathered to watch. As victory became clear, they erupted into thunderous cheers.
"Junior Brother Ling has won again! He defeated Zhao Tuo in three moves—so strong!"
"This is our Tian Yan Sword Sect's Qilin Zi! With Junior Brother Ling here, how can we worry about the future of our sect?"
"It is said that Junior Brother Ling's cultivation is just a step away from reaching elder level—truly terrifying!"
The praises surged like a tide, surrounding the figure in white at the center of the arena.
Among the crowd was Su Qingying, a Core Disciple hailed as the jewel of the sect, who gazed at Ling Cang with unabashed admiration in her eyes.
In another corner, Yue Kunlun, also a Core Disciple, smiled as he applauded Ling Cang in the arena, his voice ringing out louder than others: "Junior Brother Ling's might is unparalleled; he is indeed a model for us all!"
At that moment, a resounding bell echoed throughout the Tian Yan Mountain Range.
It rang nine times!
All disciples fell silent instantly, their faces alight with excitement.
The nine chimes signified that an important announcement was to be made by the sect and often related to significant opportunities!
Sure enough, moments later, the authoritative voice of the sect leader resonated through secret channels across every corner of the sect: "All Core Disciples, gather at Tian Yan Hall immediately! The ancient secret realm 'Falling Star Ruins' will open in three days. Prepare yourselves for selection and seek opportunities within!"
Falling Star Ruins!
That was a legendary fragment of an ancient battlefield's secret realm. It was said to possess its own space filled with countless lost treasures and ancient legacies and might even hold key opportunities for breaking through realms! Each opening was a grand event for the entire Eastern Domain Cultivation Realm!
Inside Tian Yan Hall, the atmosphere was solemn. The Sect Master and several powerful elders sat in high positions. Below, Ling Cang, Yue Kunlun, and all the Core Disciples, including Su Qingying, stood upright, their eyes filled with fervor.
An elder cleared his throat and looked at the Sect Master. "Master, although Ling Cang possesses exceptional talent, he is still young. Given the dangers of this secret realm, should we reconsider who leads the team..."
The Sect Master's gaze darkened slightly, and he did not respond directly. He simply said, "Let the selection proceed according to the rules."
The selection process was not complicated; it involved several tests regarding cultivation level, comprehension, and practical combat skills. Ling Cang passed all with absolute superiority, securing the first spot to enter the Falling Star Ruins.
Yue Kunlun followed closely behind, narrowly winning in the final practical match and successfully earning his place. Su Qingying and others also obtained their spots.
During this time, the sect distributed pills and talismans for entering the secret realm. The most precious one was personally handed to Ling Cang by the Sect Master, who urged him to prioritize the greater good and seize every opportunity. Although Yue Kunlun and the others showed no outward signs of discontent, envy flickered in their eyes.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
At the entrance square of Tian Yan Sword Sect, a massive teleportation array shone brightly. The Sect Master personally presided over its activation, opening a spatial passage to the Falling Star Ruins.
"Within the Falling Star Ruins, dangers abound, and opportunities must be sought amidst peril. Remember your camaraderie; support one another and do not let greed lead to infighting!" The Sect Master's voice resonated in everyone's ears as he scanned each disciple about to enter.
"We will heed your teachings, Master!" everyone responded in unison.
Ling Cang bowed to the Sect Master and elders before stepping first into the twisting spatial passage. Yue Kunlun, Su Qingying, and others followed closely behind.
After a brief moment of dizziness, Ling Cang found himself on solid ground. Before him lay a scene entirely different from what he knew. The sky shimmered with an eerie dark purple hue, while the earth appeared desolate and vast. The air was thick with rich yet somewhat violent spiritual energy.
"Is this really the Falling Star Ruins? It’s truly extraordinary!" one disciple exclaimed in awe.
"Be cautious; although the spiritual energy is dense here, it also harbors unknown dangers," Yue Kunlun reminded them at an opportune moment.
Ling Cang extended his consciousness and sensed several powerful presences hidden in the distance.
"Let’s stick to our plan; we will explore towards the core area first while keeping an eye on each other," Ling Cang instructed.
As they entered the palace grounds, they were immediately met with danger. In a chaotic spatial turbulence, junior Liu cried out as she was flung towards a spatial rift! In a critical moment, Ling Cang swiftly pointed his finger; a precise sword aura struck at a node in space, instantly stabilizing the force field and pulling junior Liu back from the brink of death.
"Thank you, Brother Ling!" junior Liu gasped in relief, tears of gratitude streaming down her face.
Ling Cang nodded slightly, his gaze locking onto two stone lions at the palace entrance that radiated Killing Intent. He said calmly, "Stay close." His composure stung Yue Kunlun beside him; he clenched his fists tightly before relaxing them again.
"The stone lions are Killing Intent puppets; we need to destroy their nodes simultaneously," Ling Cang ordered succinctly as he and Yue Kunlun took responsibility for one each.
The two acted simultaneously! Ling Cang's sword struck accurately, instantly silencing the left lion. Yue Kunlun also gave his all and struck hard at the right lion's node! However, unexpectedly, upon shattering it, a violent surge of Killing Intent erupted like a volcanic explosion and engulfed him instantly!
"Ah!" Yue Kunlun screamed in agony as his protective spiritual light shattered; he was on the verge of being completely consumed by Killing Intent! Su Qingying and others were horrified and unable to assist in time.
"Tian Yan Mirror Stone!"
Without hesitation, Ling Cang unleashed a brilliant sword wheel that forcibly purified the Killing Intent, rescuing Yue Kunlun from death’s door while simultaneously defeating the frenzied stone lion.
"This place is not safe for long!" Ling Cang glanced at the injured Yue Kunlun and tossed a healing pill to Su Qingying. "Opportunities lie ahead, hurry and follow!" He shot forward toward the radiant light.
Yue Kunlun swallowed the pill, watching Ling Cang's leading figure with a flash of mad determination in his eyes. Concealed by his sleeve, he signaled to his trusted disciple.
junior Liu caught the signal, gripping the poisoned dagger hidden in his sleeve, his gaze turning fierce.
The group set off again, discovering a floating, dilapidated altar enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colors. At the top of the altar, a chaotic light trembled, emanating a deadly allure that captivated them all.
"Hongmeng Dao Seed!"
Ling Cang's heart raced. He could feel that seed calling out to him! This was his opportunity!
"This is it!" He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement as he prepared to step forward.
"Congratulations, Junior Brother Ling, on finding such an incredible opportunity!" Yue Kunlun's voice rang out behind him.
Su Qingying also moved closer, her joy evident. "Senior Brother Ling, go claim the treasure! We will protect you!"
The other disciples echoed their sentiments, seemingly thrilled for Ling Cang.
Filled with ambition, Ling Cang approached the altar and smiled. "As fellow brothers and sisters, there's no need for formality. Once I obtain this treasure..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a force filled with a sense of destruction erupted like a long-hidden venomous snake from all directions!
Dozens of dark red chains shot through the air, aiming directly for his vital points!
At the same time, several techniques from the Tian Yan Sword Sect, imbued with chilling intent to kill, struck him fiercely from behind!
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