40: Chapter 40: Arrow Shocks the False King, Mysterious Ruins Display Divine Power

The golden rain of arrows tore through the air with a piercing whistle, shooting toward the Initial Stage pseudo-king Protector of the Blood Shadow like meteors chasing the moon.

The Protector of the Blood Shadow was raising his hand with a sinister grin, preparing to crush Zhang Feng's skull. Suddenly, he felt a fatal threat, and the hair all over his body stood on end. He turned his head abruptly, his pupils shrinking as he watched the overwhelming rain of gold and red arrows, a flash of horror crossing his eyes.

"Pseudo-King Rank power! This is impossible!"

The Protector of the Blood Shadow roared in shock. He could clearly feel the terrifying power contained within the rain of arrows and the lock-on effect that ignored evasion. In his haste, he could no longer care about killing Zhang Feng. The blood mist around him surged frantically, condensing into a thick blood-colored giant shield, while the Pseudo-King Rank Spiritual Qi within his body erupted without reservation.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The gold and red rain of arrows crashed into the blood-colored giant shield like a torrential downpour, producing deafening booms. Each arrow carried the dual effects of penetration and burning. At the tips of the arrows, the Minor Achievement Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin transformed into invisible pressure, forcibly suppressing the giant shield until it dented inward.

Crack!

A crisp cracking sound rang out as the blood-colored giant shield became covered in dense cracks before shattering violently. The remaining arrows continued their momentum unabated, shooting toward the Protector of the Blood Shadow's body.

Puchi!

Several arrows pierced through the Protector of the Blood Shadow's black robes and deep into his body. Scorching spiritual power instantly erupted, burning his Meridians.

"Ah—!"

The Protector of the Blood Shadow let out a shrill scream, his body staggering back several steps. His face was as pale as paper, and dark red blood overflowed from the corners of his mouth. He looked down at the arrow holes on his body, his eyes filled with disbelief: "You... you are clearly only at the Late Stage of the legend. How could you possibly launch a Pseudo-King Rank attack?"

Lin Zhou ignored his questioning. With a flash of his figure, he activated the Concept of the Space Jump Arrow, instantly appearing ten meters in front of the Protector of the Blood Shadow. The blazing sun sniper bow was drawn to its full extent once more, and a Pseudo-King level armor-piercing arrow shimmering with cold light was notched on the bowstring, its tip pointed directly at the Protector of the Blood Shadow's forehead.

"Scum of the Blood Shadow Pavilion deserve to be executed by everyone." Lin Zhou's voice was bone-chilling, like a cold winter wind. "Today is the day you die!"

"You want to kill me? It won't be that easy!"

A flash of madness crossed the Protector of the Blood Shadow's eyes. He slammed his chest, spitting out a mouthful of essence blood while chanting under his breath: "Blood Shadow Secret Technique: Blood Escape!"

As his words fell, the blood mist around him instantly became incredibly thick, enveloping his body. Within the blood mist, the aura of spatial fluctuations faintly emerged; he was clearly trying to use a secret technique to flee.

"Thinking of running? Too late!"

Lin Zhou's eyes narrowed as he operated his Celestial Fox Physique to its full capacity. The 60% Awakening degree allowed his perception to reach its Peak, instantly locking onto the Protector of the Blood Shadow's position within the blood mist. Simultaneously, he activated his passive skill—Celestial Fox Charm!

An invisible mental wave spread out. Inside the blood mist, the Protector of the Blood Shadow's body suddenly stiffened, and a slight delay appeared in his movements to perform the Blood Escape secret technique.

Now!

Lin Zhou released his fingers. The Pseudo-King level armor-piercing arrow shot out like a bolt of black lightning, instantly piercing through the blood mist and accurately striking the Protector of the Blood Shadow's forehead.

Puff!

The arrow sank into his forehead, and the Protector of the Blood Shadow's body froze instantly. The blood mist slowly dissipated as his eyes filled with resentment and fear. His body fell straight down, completely devoid of life.

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for slaying the Initial Stage pseudo-king Protector of the Blood Shadow. Obtained 80,000 points!]

[Ding! The Sun-Shooting Squad has completed the Oath of Protection mission progress: 2/10 (Hunt Pseudo-King Rank targets)!]

[Ding! The Host's Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin has deepened again, promoting to the Major Achievement stage!]

The System notification rang in his mind, and Lin Zhou felt a surge of joy. Slaying the Initial Stage pseudo-king Protector of the Blood Shadow not only completed a part of the System mission but also elevated the Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin to the Major Achievement stage, causing his strength to skyrocket once more!

In the distance, Zhang Feng looked at the fallen Protector of the Blood Shadow and then at Lin Zhou, who stood in the blood mist like a god of war. His eyes were filled with complex emotions: shock, fear, and a faint, hard-to-detect trace of gratitude.

He struggled to get up from the ground, clutching the wound on his chest. After a moment of hesitation, he still cupped his hands toward Lin Zhou: "Thank you... thank you for saving me."

Lin Zhou glanced at him and said indifferently, "I saved you not because of who you are, but because the Blood Shadow Pavilion is our enemy. Remember, next time you encounter people from the Blood Shadow Pavilion, you'd better have some skill of your own. Don't be like today, left at someone else's mercy."

Zhang Feng's face turned red and white alternately, but he finally lowered his head: "I understand. I will remember today's kindness. In the future, I will not cause you any more trouble."

With that, he led his two remaining subordinates and left the valley in a pathetic state.

Su Ye and Qin Yue walked over to Lin Zhou's side. Su Ye patted Lin Zhou's shoulder and laughed loudly, "Lin Zhou, you're too amazing! An Initial Stage pseudo-king powerhouse couldn't even last three moves against you!"

Qin Yue also nodded, a glint of brilliance flashing in her eyes: "The Celestial Fox Charm combined with the Pseudo-King level armor-piercing arrow is simply a finishing move. Even a Middle Stage pseudo-king powerhouse would have to keep their distance from you."

Zhao Lie also came over, his eyes filled with wonder as he looked at Lin Zhou: "Brother Lin Zhou, your strength is simply unfathomable! With a Late Stage Legend cultivation, you can slay an Initial Stage pseudo-king powerhouse. Even in all of Huaxia, one couldn't find a second Genius like you!"

Lin Zhou smiled: "It was just luck. It was mainly because the Protector of the Blood Shadow underestimated his opponent, and my talents and skills happened to counter him."

Just then, Lin Zhou's gaze fell upon the Protector of the Blood Shadow's corpse. Beside the body was a black token engraved with a blood-colored skull, emitting a dense, sinister aura.

Lin Zhou bent down and picked up the token; it felt ice-cold to the touch. In his mind, the System notification rang again.

[Ding! Detected Blood Shadow Pavilion Core Token. Can be used to track the locations of Blood Shadow Pavilion members and open hidden Blood Shadow Pavilion strongholds!]

"A Blood Shadow Pavilion Core Token?" A sharp light flashed in Lin Zhou's eyes. "This is a good item. With it, we can grasp the movements of the Blood Shadow Pavilion and prepare for the general offensive on Blood Shadow Mountain in a month."

Qin Yue nodded: "Since the people from the Blood Shadow Pavilion could enter the Kunlun Secret Realm, it means they must have a secret stronghold in the Realm. We can use this token to find their stronghold and wipe them out in one go."

"Exactly." Lin Zhou put away the token. "But for now, let's head to the Source of the Spiritual Vein and the Ancient Ruins first. Improving our strength is the priority."

Zhao Lie said, "I have some knowledge of the Kunlun Secret Realm. The Source of the Spiritual Vein is in the eastern part of the Realm, while the Ancient Ruins are deep within. We can go to the Source of the Spiritual Vein first to absorb pure Spiritual Qi and increase our cultivation, then go to the Ancient Ruins to find a Legacy."

"Good!" Lin Zhou nodded. "No time to lose, let's head out now!"

The four of them didn't delay any further and flew toward the eastern part of the Secret Realm.

The eastern part of the Kunlun Secret Realm was a range of rolling mountains. Within the mountains, the Spiritual Qi was dense to the extreme, even forming visible clouds and mists of Spiritual Qi. Amidst the swirling mist, a massive Peak could be faintly seen. At the summit of the Peak was a giant spiritual spring, from which pure Spiritual Qi gushed out continuously.

"That is the Source of the Spiritual Vein!" Zhao Lie pointed at the spiritual spring on the summit and said excitedly, "Legend has it that the spring contains Spiritual Qi from ancient times, which is of immense benefit for increasing cultivation!"

Su Ye's eyes lit up instantly: "Great! I'm currently stuck at the Peak of the Middle Stage legend. As long as I absorb the Spiritual Qi from the Source of the Spiritual Vein, I'll definitely be able to break through to the Late Stage!"

Qin Yue also nodded: "I am also just one step away from the Peak of the legend. The Spiritual Qi from the Source of the Spiritual Vein should help me break through the Bottleneck."

Lin Zhou was also full of anticipation. He was currently at the Late Stage of the legend. If he could absorb the Spiritual Qi from the Source of the Spiritual Vein, he might be able to break through directly to the Peak of the legend, and perhaps even touch the threshold of the Pseudo-King Rank!

The four of them accelerated and flew toward the summit of the Peak.

However, just as they were about to reach the Source of the Spiritual Vein, a massive golden barrier suddenly appeared, blocking their path. Dense ancient runes were engraved on the barrier, emitting a sacred aura.

"This is... an ancient guardian formation!" Zhao Lie said with a grave expression. "It seems the guardian of the Source of the Spiritual Vein is right behind this Formation."

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure slowly walked out from within the golden barrier.

It was a warrior clad in golden armor, over three meters tall, holding a massive golden spear. His entire body radiated the aura of a Peak pseudo-king. His eyes were cold, like ice that hadn't melted for ten thousand years, staring fixedly at Lin Zhou's group of four.

"Outsiders, halt!"

The golden-armored warrior's voice rang out like a great bell, carrying an unquestionable authority: "The Source of the Spiritual Vein is the core of the Kunlun Secret Realm; those without destiny may not enter. Retreat immediately, or else, die!"

Su Ye roared, "What's all this talk about destiny or no destiny? We just want to absorb a bit of Spiritual Qi from the Source of the Spiritual Vein to increase our strength, slay exotic beasts, and protect Blue Star! You old fossil, don't block the way!"

The golden-armored warrior's eyes turned cold, and he swung the golden spear in his hand violently. A terrifying pressure spread out: "Presumptuous! How dare you disrespect this Guardian? Seek death!"

The spear swept across, carrying power that could tear the heavens and earth apart, smashing toward Su Ye.

Su Ye's face changed. He wanted to dodge, but he found his body firmly locked by the pressure, unable to move at all.

"Su Ye, watch out!"

Lin Zhou shouted, his figure flashing as he blocked the path in front of Su Ye. The blazing sun sniper bow was instantly drawn to its limit, the Major Achievement Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin was fully activated, the talent Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds was triggered, and a gold-red arrow condensing all his power shot out!

This arrow fused the power of a Pseudo-King level armor-piercing arrow, the speed of the Celestial Fox Physique, and the Major Achievement Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin. Its power far surpassed the arrow that had slain the Protector of the Blood Shadow earlier!

Clang!

The arrow and the golden spear collided, producing a deafening crash. A violent shockwave of energy spread out, and the surrounding Peaks were instantly leveled to the ground.

Lin Zhou only felt a massive force transmit through, making his arm go numb. His body staggered back several steps, and a trace of blood overflowed from the corner of his mouth. Meanwhile, the golden-armored warrior was also shaken back a step by the arrow's power, and a shallow crack appeared on the golden spear in his hand.

The warrior in golden armor looked at Lin Zhou, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "A cultivation level of legend high stage, yet you could withstand a strike from this Guardian and even damage my spear. Interesting. You are indeed qualified to be one who is fated with the Source of the Spiritual Vein."

Lin Zhou wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said in a heavy voice, "We have no intention of making an enemy of you. We only wish to enter the Source of the Spiritual Vein to absorb Spiritual Qi and increase our strength. I ask the Guardian to grant us passage."

The golden-armored warrior fell silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "It is not impossible to enter the Source of the Spiritual Vein. However, you must pass my trial—withstand three strikes from my spear. If you can, I will let you enter. If not, then please leave the Kunlun Secret Realm."

"Fine! I accept!" Lin Zhou said without hesitation.

He knew this was the only chance to enter the Source of the Spiritual Vein. As long as he passed the trial, he could absorb the Spiritual Qi from the source and achieve a Breakthrough to Legend Peak!

The golden-armored warrior nodded and raised his golden spear once more. "First strike: Mountain Breaker!"

The spear thrust out, causing the Void Realm to tremble. At the tip of the spear, a terrifying power condensed, as if it could pierce through a mountain Peak in an instant!

Lin Zhou's eyes narrowed. He pushed his Celestial Fox Physique to its limit, boosting his speed to the maximum. Simultaneously, he drew the blazing sun sniper bow to full draw and fired a Pseudo-King level armor-piercing arrow!

*Clang!*

Another massive boom resounded. Lin Zhou was shaken back several steps, his blood and Qi churning. However, he still managed to withstand the strike by sheer force of will.

"Second strike: Sky Render!"

The golden-armored warrior's voice rang out again. The spear thrust forward, its tip tearing through space with a power that seemed to devour everything as it shot toward Lin Zhou!

Lin Zhou took a deep breath, pushing the Major Achievement Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin to its limit. His Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds talent activated once more, firing a rain of a hundred gold-red arrows that formed a wall to block the spear's attack!

*Bang!*

The arrow wall shattered. Lin Zhou spat out blood as his body was sent flying, crashing heavily onto the ground. Yet, he struggled to crawl back up, his gaze remaining resolute.

A flicker of admiration flashed in the golden-armored warrior's eyes. "Not bad, to actually withstand two of my strikes. The third strike is the final one—World Extinction!"

The spear thrust forward. This strike lacked an earth-shattering momentum, yet it contained a power capable of destroying everything. The surrounding space began to collapse and the Spiritual Qi dissipated, as if the entire world was about to be destroyed by this single thrust!

Lin Zhou felt an unprecedented pressure. He knew this strike was the golden-armored warrior's full power. If he couldn't block it, he would surely die!

He gritted his teeth, erupting the spiritual power within his body without reservation. At the same time, he pushed the Awakening level of his Celestial Fox Physique to its limit; the 60% Awakening provided speed and perception that pushed his reactions to the absolute extreme.

He drew the blazing sun sniper bow to its limit as an arrow, condensing all his power, talent, and Concept, slowly took shape.

This arrow was his strongest attack!

"Sun-Shooting!"

Lin Zhou let out a low shout. The arrow shot out like a golden meteor, slicing through the Void Realm as it flew toward the golden spear!

*Clang—!*

A deafening roar erupted, causing the entire mountain Peak to tremble violently. Lin Zhou's body was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily into the ground. He coughed up a large mouthful of blood, and his aura instantly withered.

But that arrow had successfully blocked the golden-armored warrior's third strike!

The tip of the golden spear was less than an inch away from the center of Lin Zhou's forehead.

The golden-armored warrior slowly withdrew his spear. Looking at Lin Zhou lying on the ground, his eyes were filled with respect. "Very well, you have passed the trial. From now on, you may enter the Source of the Spiritual Vein to absorb Spiritual Qi."

Having said that, he turned and waved his hand. The golden barrier slowly opened, revealing the Source of the Spiritual Vein behind it.

Su Ye and Qin Yue rushed over to support Lin Zhou. Qin Yue took out a healing Medicinal Pill and fed it to him.

The pill melted upon entering his mouth, and a gentle energy flooded his body. Lin Zhou's injuries healed rapidly, and his aura gradually stabilized.

"Lin Zhou, are you alright?" Su Ye asked worriedly.

Lin Zhou shook his head and smiled. "I'm fine. It's just a minor injury. Come, let's go to the Source of the Spiritual Vein!"

The four of them walked through the golden barrier and arrived at the Source of the Spiritual Vein.

At the summit of the mountain, a spiritual spring gurgled and flowed. Pure Spiritual Qi poured down like a waterfall, permeating the entire space. Even a single breath made one feel refreshed and their cultivation progress.

"Great! This Spiritual Qi is so pure!" Su Ye shouted excitedly and immediately sat cross-legged to begin absorbing the Qi.

Qin Yue and Zhao Lie also sat cross-legged, absorbing the Spiritual Qi from the Source of the Spiritual Vein with all their might.

Lin Zhou also sat down and circulated his Mind-Cultivation Technique, drawing the surrounding Spiritual Qi continuously into his body. The pure Qi flooded his Meridians and washed through his Dantian, causing his cultivation to soar.

legend high stage Middle Stage... legend high stage Late Stage... legend high stage Peak...

Soon, Lin Zhou's cultivation reached the legend high stage Peak, only a step away from the Legend Peak.

He did not stop and continued to absorb the Qi. Within his Dantian, the spiritual power became increasingly dense and pure.

Finally, after absorbing Spiritual Qi for a full six hours, Lin Zhou's Dantian shuddered violently, and a majestic aura spread out.

Legend Peak!

Lin Zhou had successfully achieved a Breakthrough to Legend Peak!

Feeling the surging spiritual power within him and the Major Achievement Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin, Lin Zhou's gaze became incredibly sharp. Now, even against a Pseudo-King Middle Stage expert, he would have the strength to fight!

Just then, Su Ye and Qin Yue opened their eyes one after another. Su Ye's aura surged as he successfully broke through to legend high stage; Qin Yue's aura also became more majestic, reaching Legend Peak!

Zhao Lie opened his eyes as well. His cultivation was originally at Legend Peak, but after absorbing the Spiritual Qi from the Source of the Spiritual Vein, he had touched the threshold of the Pseudo-King Rank and could break through at any moment!

"Excellent! Our strength has all increased significantly!" Su Ye said excitedly.

Lin Zhou nodded, his gaze looking toward the depths of the Secret Realm. "The Spiritual Qi of the Source of the Spiritual Vein truly lives up to its reputation. Now, it's time for us to go to the Ancient Ruins."

Qin Yue also nodded. "In the Ancient Ruins, there will surely be ancient Legacies and Divine Artifact fragments. If we can obtain an Ancient Legacy, our strength will surely skyrocket again!"

Just as the four were preparing to set out for the Ancient Ruins, the System's notification sound suddenly rang in Lin Zhou's mind.

[Ding! Detected strong Legacy fluctuations coming from the direction of the Ancient Ruins. It is suspected that an Ancient Archer Legacy has appeared!]

[Ding! Triggered System Mission—Ancient Legacy!]

[Mission Requirement: Obtain the Ancient Archer Legacy and improve your Archery Concept!]

[Mission Reward: Unlock the complete form of the sun-shooting bow and obtain the Ancient Archer exclusive skill—Divine Arrow of Sun-Shooting!]

The complete form of the sun-shooting bow! Divine Arrow of Sun-Shooting!

Lin Zhou was ecstatic. The sun-shooting bow was currently only in a fragmented state and already possessed such power. If its complete form was unlocked, its power would surely explode! And the Divine Arrow of Sun-Shooting—just from the name, he knew it was a powerful skill!

"Let's go! To the Ancient Ruins immediately!" Lin Zhou said impatiently.

The four of them delayed no longer and flew toward the Ancient Ruins in the depths of the Secret Realm.

The Ancient Ruins were located in the deepest part of the Kunlun Secret Realm, consisting of a vast expanse of debris. Atop the ruins, ancient runes and Formations were scattered, emitting an ancient and mysterious aura.

In the center of the ruins stood an altar that towered into the clouds. Above the altar hovered a massive golden longbow. The bow emitted a divine light; it was the complete form of the sun-shooting bow!

Beside the golden longbow was a golden scroll. On the scroll were written four ancient characters—Divine Arrow of Sun-Shooting!

Lin Zhou looked at the golden longbow and the scroll on the altar, his eyes filled with excitement. This was exactly the Ancient Archer Legacy mentioned in the System mission!

"That is... the ancient Divine Artifact, the sun-shooting bow!" Zhao Lie said in shock. "Legend says the sun-shooting bow was the Divine Artifact used by Hou Yi to shoot down the suns in ancient times, possessing infinite power! I didn't expect it to appear here!"

Lin Zhou did not hesitate. With a flash of his body, he flew toward the altar.

However, just as he was about to reach the altar, a cold voice suddenly rang out: "Halt! The sun-shooting bow is an ancient Divine Artifact. None but the descendant of my master, Hou Yi, may touch it!"

As the voice fell, a golden shadow emerged from the sun-shooting bow, transforming into a man wearing golden battle armor. The man held a golden longbow, his eyes cold, and his entire body radiated the aura of a king-level expert!

A king-level expert!

The faces of Lin Zhou's group changed drastically, their eyes filled with shock. They never imagined that the guardian of the Ancient Ruins would be a king-level powerhouse!

The The Golden-Armored Man looked at Lin Zhou, a flicker of doubt crossing his eyes. "On your person... why is there the aura of a sun-shooting bow fragment?"

Lin Zhou's heart stirred, and he quickly said, "Senior, I have a fragment of the sun-shooting bow, obtained by chance. I have an incomparable love for the Dao of Archery and hope to obtain the Legacy of the sun-shooting bow to protect Blue Star and slay the exotic beasts!"

The The Golden-Armored Man fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "It is not impossible to obtain the Legacy of the sun-shooting bow. But you must pass my trial—use your arrow to strike the center of my forehead. If you can hit it, I will give you the sun-shooting bow and the Legacy of the Divine Arrow of Sun-Shooting. If not, then please leave the Ancient Ruins."

Lin Zhou looked at the confidence in the The Golden-Armored Man's eyes and that king-level aura. He took a deep breath and raised the blazing sun sniper bow.

He knew this was his only chance to obtain the Ancient Legacy.

Even if the opponent was a king-level expert, he had to give it his all!

Lin Zhou's gaze became incredibly firm. The spiritual power in his body surged frantically into the blazing sun sniper bow, the Major Achievement Concept of Ten Thousand Arrows Return to Origin was fully deployed, the Ten Thousand Arrows Rending the Sky and Piercing Clouds talent activated, and the speed and perception of his Celestial Fox Physique were pushed to the extreme.

An arrow, condensing all his power, talent, and Concept, slowly took shape.

This arrow was his strongest attack!

"Senior, forgive my offense!"

Lin Zhou gave a low shout, and the arrow shot out like a golden meteor, slicing through the Void Realm as it flew toward the center of the The Golden-Armored Man's forehead!

An archery duel spanning across eras had begun!