451: Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Thunder Villa

Deep within the ruins.

On the square, a group of Eastern Zhou cultivators gathered, gazing at the withered Taiyin Ancient Blood Tree with astonished expressions.

“The Taiyin Ancient Blood Tree has actually withered.”

“In just half a month, all the Yin energy and death energy in the entire Taiyin Ancient Land have vanished. What exactly happened here?”

“I heard that half a month ago, people from the Blood River Sect, Profound Corpse Sect, and the Demon Race came here, but now only corpses remain. Something major must have happened.”

These cultivators spoke with solemn expressions.

As they entered the ruins, they discovered numerous skeletons within.

Some were from people who had entered half a month ago, all slaughtered.

There were also some extremely ancient skeletons, their death energy and Yin energy completely dissipated, leaving only dry bones.

From the scene, it seemed that those who died tragically half a month ago were likely slaughtered by the ancient skeletons, but for some unknown reason, those ancient skeletons were also completely destroyed.

“......”

Just then, Xie Weilou flew out from the deep pit.

“Hmm?”

When everyone saw Xie Weilou, their eyes narrowed, and a wary look appeared in them. There was actually someone else here.

This Taiyin Ancient Land must conceal some fortune. Could this person have obtained some fortune by staying down there?

Thinking of this, a hint of greed appeared in everyone's eyes.

An old man stared at Xie Weilou, a Profound Manifestation Realm aura emanating from him. He coldly said, “Young man, when did you arrive here? Did you obtain anything good?”

The auras of the others also erupted, surrounding Xie Weilou, ready to strike at any moment. Killing and plundering treasures was a common occurrence in the cultivation world.

Boom!

Xie Weilou instantly appeared before the old man and grabbed him by the neck.

“You…”

The old man's expression changed drastically, and he instinctively tried to retaliate.

Bang!

Xie Weilou squeezed hard, and the old man's body was instantly crushed into dust, leaving no blood mist. He died and his Dao dissipated.

“He actually instantly crushed a Profound Manifestation Realm expert…”

The other cultivators' expressions changed at the sight, and they instinctively retreated.

Among their group, a Profound Manifestation Realm expert was already an extremely powerful existence.

But now, a Profound Manifestation Realm expert was easily crushed to death, which made them feel a chill down their spines, and their eyes were filled with terror.

“Die!”

Xie Weilou looked at everyone with chilling eyes. With a flick of his sleeve, a fierce aura erupted.

“Ah…”

These cultivators instantly turned into blood mist, completely annihilated.

“......”

Xie Weilou didn't spare them another glance and flew away directly.

——————

The Eastern Zhou Dynasty boasts vast territories.

It borders the boundless sea to the east, Great Xia to the west, the demon-occupied lands to the north, and connects to numerous small and medium-sized dynasties to the south. Looking at this world, Eastern Zhou's foundation is not weak.

The three most powerful dynasties in this world are Great Xia, West Chu, and Eastern Zhou.

The Eastern Zhou Dynasty has numerous sects, with the strongest being the Tai Academy, which is affiliated with the imperial court. Imperial Advisor Li Guanxuan holds two positions, serving as both the Imperial Advisor of Eastern Zhou and the Dean of the Tai Academy.

The Tai Academy, with the Divine Court overseeing it, is naturally not weak, but it cannot compare to the Great Xia Holy Academy. Therefore, in terms of overall foundation, Great Xia still holds the advantage.

Tianlei Province.

Located in the western part of Eastern Zhou, this province is exceptionally unique, with constant thunderstorms year-round.

In the central part of Tianlei Province, there is a Thunder Sacred Mountain, named Thunder Sacred Mountain.

Legend has it that many years ago, a great figure from Eastern Zhou achieved Dao on the Sacred Mountain, leaving behind a peerless fortune before ascending.

Whether that great figure truly existed is unknown; many believe it to be a fabrication and embellishment, as Eastern Zhou's history contains no such peerless existence.

However, Thunder Sacred Mountain is indeed extraordinary. To this day, no one has ever been able to reach its summit, not even Divine Court experts.

Because of this, many people visit Thunder Sacred Mountain to explore and attempt to climb it. Many young people also use it as an opportunity for competition.

Three days later.

Thunderclap City.

Xie Weilou, having changed his appearance, sat in an inn drinking tea.

The tea here carried a subtle lightning attribute, making it extremely unique and difficult for outsiders to drink, yet the people of Tianlei Province drank it with great pleasure.

“......”

Xie Weilou glanced around the inn and noticed that even ordinary people in Tianlei Province had much stronger physical bodies than usual.

This was due to their long-term exposure to lightning, which subtly tempered their bodies with lightning energy. And the physical bodies of some cultivators were even more extraordinary, far surpassing those of their peers.

“Have you all heard? Thunderclap Estate is hosting a banquet today, inviting many young prodigies. It’s sure to be very lively.”

“This news has spread throughout Tianlei Province. Thunderclap Estate will also bring out some treasures. At that time, the young people will engage in some sparring. If someone can suppress the crowd, they will definitely get good things.”

“It’s a pity we didn’t receive an invitation, otherwise, we could go join the fun. It’s said that the young master and eldest miss of Thunderclap Estate are both exceptionally talented and extraordinary.”

Some people in the inn were conversing.

“......”

Xie Weilou paid little attention, continuing to savor his tea.

“Fellow Daoist, there are no seats left around here. May I sit here?”

At this moment, a voice entered Xie Weilou's ears.

Xie Weilou looked up and saw a handsome young man in a blue robe holding a folding fan walking over with a smile. He was cupping his fist slightly towards him. This person's cultivation was quite good, at the Dao Repository Realm Peak.

Xie Weilou nodded and said, “Of course!”

“Thank you, Fellow Daoist.”

The young man smiled and sat down beside him, then said to the inn's waiter, “Waiter, a pot of strong wine.”

“Guest, please wait a moment.”

The waiter immediately went to get the wine.

A moment later.

The waiter brought up a pot of fine wine.

The young man poured a cup of wine and took a sip. A subtle lightning force entered his mouth and finally reached his abdomen. He narrowed his eyes and said, “The Thunderclap Wine of Tianlei Province carries an even stronger lightning force. It tingles upon entry, and after entering the abdomen, it can even cleanse the body. It’s truly excellent.”

He picked up a clean wine glass, poured a cup of wine for Xie Weilou, and said with a smile, “Fellow Daoist, I am Li Xuankong. How about we become friends? The tea in Tianlei Province is good, but it’s not as strong as the wine. Only strong wine has a stronger lightning force.”

Xie Weilou was not modest either. He put down his teacup, picked up the wine glass, and said with a faint smile, “I am Xie Wushi.”

Saying that, he took a sip of the fine wine and felt it. The wine was indeed good, and the accompanying lightning force was a few points richer than that of the tea. It could be considered a good item.

Li Xuankong looked at Xie Weilou and asked with a smile, “Brother Xie, your aura is contained, you must be unfathomable. Are you planning to go to Thunderclap Estate this time? It is said that Thunderclap Estate has brought out many good things, among which there is even an exotic flame map.”