Chapter 426 Compensation from the Three Elders! Stepping into the Liu Family Ancestral Land?!

After Liu Lie walked to the side with a grim expression,

the atmosphere on the square became subtle.

Everyone's gaze

naturally fell upon the remaining three Grand Elders.

Liu Lie had already taken the lead, apologized, and brought out a treasure.

The remaining three naturally could not be an exception.

The second Grand Elder was that tall and thin old man.

Just now, his clamoring was second only to Liu Lie's.

Now that Liu Lie had bowed his head, he stood alone without support, and the expression on his Face was even more complex than Liu Lie's.

There was unwillingness, anger, and grievance, but more than anything, it was a sense of helplessness after recognizing the situation.

He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

His steps were slightly lighter than Liu Lie's, but still heavy.

Walking in front of Jiang Yun, he stopped and gave Jiang Yun a complex look.

Then, he bent his waist.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan."

His voice was low and raspy, but it carried a bit more sincerity than Liu Lie's.

It wasn't because he was willing, but because he had recognized reality sooner than Liu Lie.

This hurdle today could not be cleared no matter what.

Rather than struggling to the death, it was better to be straightforward and lose a bit less Face.

"I have offended you greatly just now, and my words were very disrespectful to the Grand Tutor. I... apologize to the Grand Tutor."

After saying that, he straightened up and reached into his sleeve.

When he pulled his hand out again, there was something in his palm.

It was a palm-sized piece of beast hide.

The beast hide was dark brown with jagged edges, clearly a corner torn from a complete beast hide.

On the surface of the hide, several twisted lines and a few blurry runes were drawn.

Those lines and runes were extremely ancient, with a style that was primitive and mysterious, completely different from any rune System in circulation today. The texture of the beast hide was also very special; although it looked incredibly old, with even some wear on the edges, there was not the slightest sign of decay. Instead, it faintly exuded a heart-palpitating Aura.

That Aura was extremely subtle; if one were not a person with powerful Divine Sense, it would be impossible to detect.

But once detected, one would find that the level of that Aura was extremely high, so high that even perceiving it for an instant would make one's mind tremble.

"This is the treasure I am giving to the Grand Tutor as compensation."

The tall and thin Grand Elder handed the beast hide to Jiang Yun, a flash of reluctance in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a resigned calmness.

"A beast hide map fragment. I obtained it from a ruin many years ago and have studied it for most of my life. I only know that it is extremely ancient and likely records the location of some Secret Realm. But as for what specific Secret Realm it is, where it is located, and how to interpret the runes... I am ashamed to say that I have never been able to crack it."

As soon as these words were spoken,

the surrounding Liu Family members immediately burst into discussion.

"A beast hide map fragment? Obtained from a ruin?"

"Something that could be collected by Elder Liu Ku for half his life is certainly not simple. Items produced from ancient ruins, even if only a map fragment, are not necessarily lower in value than a complete Eclipsing Moon Rank treasure."

"However, if even Elder Liu Ku could not crack the map fragment, can Grand Tutor Dongxuan crack it?"

"Aren't you talking nonsense? Grand Tutor Dongxuan could even see through soul crystal fragments at a glance, what does a mere map fragment count for?"

"True..."

Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan stroked his beard, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

"That Old Fellow Liu Ku certainly knows how to pick things. He has studied this beast hide map fragment for half his life without making any sense of it, so keeping it in his hands is also useless. Bringing it out as compensation both preserves his Face and doesn't hurt too much. He certainly has a fine calculation going."

Elder Liu Lan stood to the side, her water-blue eyes falling on that beast hide map fragment, her brow furrowing slightly.

For some reason, the Aura emitted by that map fragment made her feel a faint palpitation.

But as for what specifically it was, she could not say.

Jiang Yun's gaze fell on that beast hide map fragment, and the pupils beneath his mask constricted slightly.

His Innate Talent Skill, Entry Manifestation, activated instantly.

Lines of text emerged beside the beast hide map fragment,

presenting all of its information before Jiang Yun's eyes.

[Item Name]: Ancestral Dragon's Lair Secret Realm Entrance Map Fragment

[Grade]: ??? (Damaged state, complete grade not lower than Legendary)

[Completeness]: Approx 25% (A complete map should be formed by joining four fragments)

[Era]: Ancient Era (At least ten thousand years ago)

[Material]: Sun-Level exotic beast hide

[Recorded Content]: Spatial coordinates and entrance location of the Ancient Ancestral Dragon's Lair Secret Realm

[Secret Realm Introduction]: Ancestral Dragon's Lair, the place where the Ancient Ancestral Dragon fell. Legend has it that the Ancestral Dragon's Legacy is buried within, including ancestral dragon essence blood, Ancestral Dragon Bones, Ancestral Dragon Reverse Scale, and countless Heaven And Earth Treasures collected by the Ancestral Dragon during its life.

[Acquisition Condition]: Collect all four fragments to assemble the complete map and obtain the accurate spatial coordinates of the Secret Realm entrance.

[Current Fragment Info]: This fragment records the approximate location of the Secret Realm entrance, situated within a spatial rift somewhere in the Beast Domain. Specific coordinates can only be obtained after joining the complete map.

...

Jiang Yun's pupils constricted violently.

The Ancestral Dragon's Lair Secret Realm!

The place where the Ancient Ancestral Dragon fell!

ancestral dragon essence blood! Ancestral Dragon Bones! Ancestral Dragon Reverse Scale!

Each of these terms was like a clap of thunder, exploding in Jiang Yun's mind.

His breathing involuntarily quickened by several degrees.

If he could obtain the Ancestral Dragon Reverse Scale,

even if it was just a single reverse scale from the Ancestral Dragon,

Little Fire's Bloodline would likely undergo a qualitative change!

It might jump directly from a Golden Scaled Fire Dragon Fish to a top-tier Dragon Clan Bloodline possessing the Ancestral Dragon Bloodline!

Not to mention, there was also ancestral dragon essence blood!

Ancestral Dragon Bones!

And countless Heaven And Earth Treasures!

The value of this Secret Realm!

Was simply immeasurable!

Jiang Yun suppressed the stormy waves in his heart, his Face remaining as calm as water.

He gave the tall and thin Grand Elder a deep look, a thought rising in his mind.

This Elder Liu Ku probably has no idea what he has brought out.

He merely treated this beast hide map fragment as a useless item that could not be cracked.

Bringing it out as compensation might be painful, but it wouldn't be a crippling loss.

After all,

something that had been studied for half a life without any results was just waste in his hands.

Using it as compensation could both shut Jiang Yun's mouth and not cause any real loss.

What a well-played calculation.

But what he didn't know was...

the true Face of this useless map fragment was the key to a super Secret Realm!

"It's also thanks to Elder Liu Ku's lack of discernment."

Jiang Yun sneered internally.

"If he knew the value of this map fragment, he wouldn't bring it out even if he were killed. If this item were outside and known by someone who recognized it, let alone one Eclipsing Moon Rank Low Grade treasure, even ten or twenty would not be enough to trade for a corner of this fragment!"

However, there was no fluctuation on his Face.

He casually reached out and took the beast hide map fragment from Liu Ku's hand.

The movement was still crisp and blunt, showing no politeness.

As if what he was taking was not the key to a Secret Realm, but a piece of ordinary scrap paper.

"Elder Liu Ku is very thoughtful. I shall accept this map fragment."

His tone was flat, without any hint of joy or anger.

Seeing that Jiang Yun did not say much, Liu Ku secretly breathed a sigh of relief, cupped his hands, and stepped to the side.

The third Grand Elder was that slightly plump old man.

He took a step forward, his round Face covered in a smile.

Although that smile was a bit stiff, it was much more sincere than Liu Lie's or Liu Ku's.

It wasn't because he was willing, but because he had thought it through.

Since bowing his head was inevitable, he might as well do it gracefully.

Rather than having his neck held down like Liu Lie, it was better to bend his waist voluntarily, which would make him appear more magnanimous.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan."

His voice was loud and hearty, carrying a bit of deliberate warmth.

"I also offended the Grand Tutor greatly just now, losing my sense of propriety in my words. I am here to apologize to the Grand Tutor!"

After saying that, he bent down and performed a salute, his posture even lower than the previous two.

After straightening up, he reached into his sleeve and took something out.

It was a fist-sized bead.

The bead was entirely amber in color, with a texture as warm as jade, and light faintly circulated within. That light was not static but moved slowly like a living thing, sometimes gathering and sometimes spreading, as if a miniature nebula was sealed inside the bead. The Aura emitted by the bead was pure to the extreme, without any attribute bias, yet it seemed to contain the possibilities of all attributes.

"This is the treasure I am giving to the Grand Tutor as compensation."

The slightly plump Grand Elder handed the bead to Jiang Yun.

"This bead is named the Myriad Spirit Source Bead, Eclipsing Moon Rank Low Grade. It is not an offensive treasure, nor a defensive one, but an extremely rare auxiliary treasure. Its function is very simple: it can purify spiritual power of any attribute."

He paused and explained.

"For example, when the Grand Tutor's contracted beasts absorb spirit crystals during Cultivate, the spiritual power in the spirit crystals will inevitably be mixed with Impurities. If too many are absorbed, they will accumulate in the body and affect the Foundation. But if this Myriad Spirit Source Bead is placed nearby during Cultivate, it will automatically purify the surrounding spiritual power once, removing Impurities and leaving only the most refined Origin spiritual power for the beast to absorb."

"Furthermore, it has no attribute restrictions. fire attribute, water attribute, wind attribute, lightning attribute, dark attribute... as long as it is spiritual power, it can be purified."

As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding Liu Family members once again broke into a chorus of exclamations.

"Myriad Spirit Source Bead! Liu Yuan actually brought this out!"

"This treasure is extraordinary! With it, the efficiency of a beast's spiritual power absorption increases by at least thirty percent, and there's no need to worry about spiritual power Impurities! With long-term use, a beast's Foundation will be much more solid than that of ordinary beasts!"

"And it has no attribute restrictions; any beast can use it! Liu Yuan has truly spent a fortune this time."

Liu Qingyun nodded slightly, a flash of approval in his eyes.

"Liu Yuan's treasure is indeed full of sincerity. The rarity of the Myriad Spirit Source Bead can be considered top-tier among Eclipsing Moon Rank Low Grade treasures."

Elder Liu Lan also nodded secretly.

Although this treasure could not directly increase combat power, its value for the long-term nurturing of beasts was immeasurable.

Jiang Yun's gaze fell on that Myriad Spirit Source Bead, and his Innate Talent Skill activated once again.

The data entries information instantly manifested, basically consistent with what Liu Yuan had said.

However, at the very bottom of the data entries, Jiang Yun saw a line of information that Liu Yuan had not mentioned.

[Hidden Trait]: In the process of purifying spiritual power, the Myriad Spirit Source Bead has an extremely low probability, about one in a thousand, of transforming the purified spiritual power into Origin Spiritual Qi. After Origin Spiritual Qi is absorbed by a beast, it can permanently increase the beast's Spiritual Power Affinity and slightly increase its Aptitude Limit. If used long-term for decades or centuries, there is a probability that the beast's Aptitude will undergo a transformation.

...

The brow beneath Jiang Yun's mask twitched slightly.

Permanently increase Spiritual Power Affinity?

Slightly increase Aptitude Limit?

Liu Yuan clearly did not know about this hidden trait.

Otherwise, he would never have brought it out.

A treasure that could subtly increase a beast's Aptitude Limit had a long-term value far higher than its surface function of purifying spiritual power.

With Little Fire, Little Skylark, and Nether Abyss, the three beasts, benefiting from this Myriad Spirit Source Bead long-term, their future achievements would be limitless.

"Another buried treasure."

Jiang Yun sighed inwardly.

These Liu Family Grand Elders, each holding great treasures, yet they had no idea of their true value.

It was no wonder; how could their vision possibly compare to his Entry Manifestation talent?

Jiang Yun's Face remained impassive as he casually reached out and took the Myriad Spirit Source Bead.

"Liu Yuan is very thoughtful. I shall accept this bead."

His tone was still flat.

Seeing Jiang Yun accept it, the smile on Liu Yuan's Face grew even brighter; he cupped his hands and stepped to the side.

The last Grand Elder was the one who had been quiet and had the lowest presence.

His stature was the shortest among the four, his back slightly hunched, and his Face was full of the furrows of time.

When Liu Lie and the others were clamoring just now, although he had also chimed in with a few words, he spoke the least and his attitude was the least intense.

Now that it was his turn to step forward, he did not hesitate and directly walked out.

Walking in front of Jiang Yun, he bent down, his posture being the most respectful of the four.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan."

His voice was old and peaceful, without any unwillingness or resentment.

"I am Liu Shi. I offended the Grand Tutor greatly just now. I apologize to the Grand Tutor."

A simple sentence, without extra explanation or deliberate warmth.

But it was precisely this unadorned posture that instead seemed the most sincere.

After straightening up, he reached into his robe and took out a palm-sized stone box.

The stone box was entirely gray-white and looked unremarkable, without any decoration or patterns, as if it were just an ordinary stone that had been hollowed out.

But the moment Jiang Yun's gaze fell on the stone box, he noticed something strange.

His Divine Sense was actually unable to penetrate the material of this stone box.

One must know that his Divine Sense was Diamond Rank.

A material that even his Divine Sense could not penetrate was definitely no ordinary item.

Elder Liu Shi opened the stone box.

Inside lay a fist-sized crystal.

The crystal was a deep dark purple, its surface as smooth as a mirror, yet the interior seemed to have countless stars twinkling.

The light of those stars was extremely faint; if one did not look closely, it was impossible to detect.

But when one's gaze focused on the depths of the crystal, one would find that the starry sky was so vast it made one's heart palpitate, as if the entire Universe were sealed within this tiny crystal.

"This is the treasure I am giving to the Grand Tutor as compensation."

Elder Liu Shi's voice remained peaceful.

"A World Stone, Eclipsing Moon Rank Low Grade."

As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding Liu Family members were first stunned, and then a far more intense gasp erupted than before.

"What?! A World Stone?!"

"Heavens! Elder Liu Shi actually brought out a World Stone! This is a Legendary spatial-type treasure!"

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"Boundary Stone! That is a supreme treasure capable of creating an independent space! Although it is only Eclipsing Moon Rank Low Grade, and the space created won't be very large, it is still an independent space! It can store living things! It can be used as a mobile Immortal Cave!"

"The rarity of spatial treasures is more than ten times that of other treasures of the same grade! Elder Liu Shi's Eclipsing Moon Rank Low Grade Boundary Stone likely has an actual value no less than a Eclipsing Moon Rank High Grade offensive treasure!"

"Elder Liu Shi is usually so quiet; I never expected his Family fortune to be this deep..."

Even Liu Qingyun's eyes flashed with a trace of shock when he saw that Boundary Stone.

"Elder Liu Shi, you... do you really intend to take out this item?"

Elder Liu Shi nodded, his tone indifferent.

"They are merely worldly possessions. If Grand Tutor Dongxuan can activate the soul crystal main body and allow my Liu Family to regain our Legacy, what does one Boundary Stone matter?"

These words were spoken with utmost sincerity, without the slightest pretense.

Liu Lie, watching this scene from the side, nearly had his eyeballs pop out.

"That old fool Liu Shi! To dare to take out a Boundary Stone! Has he gone mad?!"

He roared frantically in his heart, but did not dare to show the slightest bit of it on his Face.

Jiang Yun's gaze fell upon that Boundary Stone, and his Innate Talent Skill activated.

[Item Name]: Boundary Stone (Inactive)

[Grade]: Eclipsing Moon Rank Low Grade (Spatial Type)

[Core Function]: After activation, it can create an independent space. The initial space size is about ten zhang in radius, and it can gradually expand as the host nurtures it over time.

[Special Features]: This Boundary Stone has an extremely high quality, and the internal spatial Law is extremely complete. The space created after activation has the potential to grow into a Small World. If the host nurtures it with Mental Energy over a long period and continuously integrates Heaven And Earth Treasures of the spatial type, this space has a very small probability of evolving into a true Small World, possessing an independent flow of time and a complete ecological cycle System.

[Activation Method]: Bind with blood, communicate with the spatial Law inside the Boundary Stone using Divine Sense, and continuously nurture it for seven days; the space will then be created.

After reading the data entries, Jiang Yun's heart stirred with waves once again.

A Boundary Stone with the potential to grow into a Small World! Although the probability is only one in ten thousand, it is still a Small World! This hidden space of the Liu Family is a Small World. Jiang Yun has already witnessed its value with his own eyes. And this Boundary Stone actually possesses the potential to grow into a Small World! Even if the probability is extremely low, as long as there is even a glimmer of possibility, its value cannot be measured by spirit crystals!

Furthermore, even if it cannot eventually evolve into a Small World, an independent space with a radius of ten zhang is extremely useful to him. It can store living things, serve as a mobile warehouse, and he can even hide inside it to take refuge at critical moments. Later, when it is inconvenient for Fox Immortal, she can also take shelter within it.

Jiang Yun took a deep look at Elder Liu Shi. This taciturn old man either truly did not care for worldly possessions, or his foresight far exceeded the other three. But regardless, he was determined to accept this Boundary Stone.

Jiang Yun reached out and took the stone box along with the Boundary Stone inside. His movements were still as casual as ever.

"Elder Liu Shi, you are too kind. Junior will accept this Boundary Stone." His tone remained indifferent.

Four Grand Elders, four Eclipsing Moon Rank treasures, all obtained. Jiang Yun stored the last Boundary Stone into his storage space. He would only research these treasures after the matter here was concluded.

Jiang Yun raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the four from Liu Lie's group.

"Since the four Elders have already apologized to this Junior and provided treasures as compensation, then this Junior will no longer hold this matter against you." His tone was indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"I hope the four Elders remember today's lesson. In the future, do not judge people by their appearance or their age."

These words were spoken quite bluntly, but the four of them had completely lost their temper by now. The treasures had been given, and Face had been lost; what was the point of arguing further? The four men had different expressions, but none of them spoke again.

Seeing this, Liu Qingyun hurriedly stepped forward, smiling to smooth things over. "Grand Tutor Dongxuan is broad-minded and does not hold grudges; this Patriarch admires you!"

He turned to the four Elders, his tone sincere. "Although the four Elders paid a price today, it can also be considered buying a lesson. In the future, our Liu Family must treat distinguished guests from the outside with courtesy and must never repeat today's mistake."

His words both flattered Jiang Yun and gave the four Elders a way to step down, while also incidentally highlighting his own demeanor as a Patriarch who prioritized the big picture. Sure enough, the surrounding Liu Family members nodded one after another.

"The Patriarch is right! Grand Tutor Dongxuan is magnanimous, and the Patriarch is wise!"

"Although today's events had twists and turns, the final result is good. Although the four Elders lost treasures, it is worth it to have Grand Tutor Dongxuan identify the soul crystal!"

"Yes, indeed. For the future of the Liu Family, the Patriarch has truly exhausted his heart."

Liu Lie's mouth twitched violently upon hearing these discussions. Exhausted his heart? What has Liu Qingyun exhausted his heart over? It was clearly the four of us who were forced to apologize and compensate with treasures! It was clearly the four of us whose hearts were bleeding! And yet the whole clan is praising Liu Qingyun? Praising that masked kid? He was roaring frantically in his heart, but could only squeeze out a stiff smile on his Face. "The Patriarch is right... is right..." Every word was squeezed out through his teeth.

Jiang Yun observed this scene, the corners of his mouth beneath the mask curling up slightly. He ignored the four men and turned to Liu Qingyun. "Patriarch Liu, since this matter is concluded, please lead the way. Let us head to the Ancestral Land to identify the item your Liu Family requires." His tone was indifferent but carried an unquestionable air.

Liu Qingyun felt energized upon hearing this and hurriedly cupped his hands. "Good! Grand Tutor Dongxuan, please follow this Patriarch!"

He turned to the four Elders, as well as Grand Elder Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan and others, his tone solemn. "According to Grand Tutor Dongxuan's request, during the identification, except for this Patriarch and Elder Liu Lan, no one else is permitted to enter the Ancestral Land. Elders, please wait outside the Ancestral Land."

Grand Elder Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan nodded. "It should be so. Grand Tutor Dongxuan requires a quiet environment for identification; we understand."

Elder Liu Lan also stepped forward, following beside Liu Qingyun. Although the four men were unwilling, they dared not say anything else at this moment and could only nod with gloomy Faces.

Liu Qingyun turned and flew toward the depths of the Liu Family space. Jiang Yun was also swept up by a force. The figures of the group gradually moved away under the gaze of hundreds of the Liu Family clan members.

On the square, the Liu Family members watched Jiang Yun's retreating back, discussing amongst themselves.

"Do you think Grand Tutor Dongxuan can really activate the soul crystal main body?"

"I think he can! He could see through the soul crystal fragments at a glance; the soul crystal main body will surely be no problem!"

"Let's hope so... Our Liu Family has been waiting for this day for three hundred years. If Grand Tutor Dongxuan can truly succeed, he will be a great benefactor to our Liu Family!"

Others held reservations. "One shouldn't speak too soon. soul crystal fragments are, after all, just fragments; the soul crystal main body is the true core. Even President Yun Xi couldn't crack it back then. Grand Tutor Dongxuan is formidable, but he is young after all..."

"Indeed. Identifying fragments and activating the main body are two different things. Activation requires the simultaneous injection of spiritual power of three attributes. Although Grand Tutor Dongxuan knows the method, he may not necessarily have beasts with these three attributes."

"That is also true..."

On the other side of the square, the four men gathered together, looking gloomily in the direction where Jiang Yun had departed.

"Elder Lie, should we... go and wait outside the Ancestral Land?" the tall and thin Liu Ku asked in a low voice.

Elder Lie snorted coldly, a trace of sinister malice flashing in his eyes. "Go! Why wouldn't we go?" His voice was low and hoarse, carrying a suppressed anger. "I want to see if this kid can still put on such an act when we arrive at the Ancestral Land and truly see that item!"

He gritted his teeth, saying each word clearly. "That fragment just now might have just been his good luck, and he happened to recognize it. Are the soul crystal main body and the fragments the same? That is something even President Yun Xi couldn't do anything about! For a sixteen-year-old kid to identify the fragment is already a stroke of dog-shit luck. I don't believe he can also activate the soul crystal main body!"

Liu Ku, behind him, nodded in agreement. "Elder Lie is right. This kid was so arrogant just now, forcing us to apologize and compensate with treasures. If he cannot activate the soul crystal main body, I want to see what Face he has left to keep our treasures!"

Liu Yuan and Liu Shi did not speak, but their gazes carried a hint of complexity. The four men said no more, leaped up, and flew toward the Ancestral Land.

The Ancestral Land was located in the deepest part of the Liu Family space. It was an area isolated on its own, surrounded by eight black stone pillars standing dozens of zhang high. Each stone pillar was engraved with dense runes; those runes originated from the same source as the ancient soul patterns on the soul crystal fragments, only they were more complete and grander. The eight stone pillars formed a huge circle, and within the circle was an area shrouded by a Formation.

Jiang Yun's group arrived before the Ancestral Land and stopped. Jiang Yun raised his head, looking at the scene before him, his pupils beneath the mask slightly constricting. Seen from the outside, the Ancestral Land looked like a massive Ancient Tomb standing on the ground. It was a structure built entirely of dark cyan boulders, over ten zhang high, and occupied a vast area. The building was octagonal, with each corner corresponding to the position of a stone pillar. There were no windows on the walls, only a huge stone door. The stone door was tightly shut, and a Phoenix with spread wings was carved on it. The Phoenix was lifelike; the texture of the feathers, the curve of the wings, and even the majesty in its eyes were depicted with meticulous detail. It was as if, in the next second, it would fly out from the stone door and soar straight into the clouds.

What was most shocking was the Aura emitted by this Ancient Tomb. It was a sense of vicissitudes that was ancient to the extreme. It was as if this building had been standing there for thousands or even tens of thousands of years. Time had left mottled traces on the walls; the surfaces of those dark cyan boulders were covered with fine cracks and moss, but the walls themselves remained indestructible. Besides the vicissitudes, there was also a palpitating pressure. That pressure was extremely subtle, yet omnipresent. It was not aggressive like the pressure released by a Eclipsing Moon Rank expert, but rather, like air, it naturally permeated every inch of space around the Ancestral Land. Someone with slightly lower cultivation standing here would likely find it difficult even to breathe. Even Jiang Yun could clearly feel the existence of that pressure. It was not directed at him, but was the inherent majesty of the building itself. Just like a Mortal standing before a palace hall, one would involuntarily feel awe.

What concerned Jiang Yun most were the dense runes on the walls. He recognized those runes. Ancient Soul Patterns. They were from the same System as those on the soul crystal fragments, but the soul patterns here were much more complete and grander than those on the fragments. They were like swimming spiritual snakes, covering the entire outer wall of the Ancient Tomb. Some runes flickered with faint light, while others were dull and lusterless, but all the runes faintly formed a whole, a vastly immense Formation.

Jiang Yun activated his Innate Talent Skill, his gaze sweeping over the runes. The data entry information manifested instantly.

[Target]: Liu Family Ancestral Land · Storage Place of the Nine Nether Underworld Phoenix soul crystal

[Construction Era]: Approximately five thousand years ago

[Outer Formation]: Eight Desolations Spirit-Sealing Formation (Half-ineffective)

[Formation Function]: Seal soul crystal, isolate from the outside world, nurture Soul Power

[Formation Status]: Core is intact, but three of the eight surrounding Soul-Suppressing Pillars are severely damaged, causing the Formation's power to drop by about sixty percent

[Internal Information]: The Nine Nether Underworld Phoenix soul crystal main body is sealed in the depths of the Ancestral Land

After reading the data entries, Jiang Yun nodded inwardly. As expected. This Ancestral Land itself was a massive sealing Formation. The eight stone pillars were the eight Formation eyes of the Formation, and the Ancient Tomb in the center was the core of the Formation. The Eight Desolations Spirit-Sealing Formation. Although it was already half-ineffective, the residual power alone was enough to make one's heart palpitate. If it were in its prime, how terrifying would the power of this Formation be?

Seeing Jiang Yun staring intently at the runes on the wall, Liu Qingyun thought he was awestruck by the Aura of the Liu Family Ancestral Land, so he smiled and said, "Grand Tutor Dongxuan, this Ancestral Land was built by our Liu Family ancestors five thousand years ago with their own hands. The runes on the outer wall are Ancient Soul Patterns. The eight Soul-Suppressing Pillars and the central Spirit-Sealing Hall jointly constitute an Eight Desolations Spirit-Sealing Formation. Unfortunately, during the incident three hundred years ago, three Soul-Suppressing Pillars were severely damaged, and the Formation's power is no longer what it once was."

He paused, his tone becoming solemn. "And that Nine Nether Underworld Phoenix soul crystal main body is sealed in the deepest part of the Spirit-Sealing Hall."

He stepped forward and raised his hand, pressing it onto the eye of the Phoenix carving on the stone door. A spiritual light lit up from his palm and was injected into the Phoenix's eye. The runes on the stone door lit up one by one, starting from the Phoenix's eye, spreading outwards, and finally covering the entire stone door.

"Rumble..." The heavy stone door slowly opened to both sides, emitting a low, rumbling sound. A more concentrated Aura of vicissitudes surged out from within the door. Liu Qingyun withdrew his hand, turned to look at Jiang Yun, and made a gesture of invitation. "Grand Tutor Dongxuan, please follow me..."