106: Chapter 106: Ancient Secret Realm, Past Events

“Boom, boom.”

Loud rumbling sounds constantly came from all over the Imperial City, and the screams of eunuchs, palace maids, and the Imperial Family echoed from all directions.

The once glorious capital of the Great Xia Imperial Dynasty was now a ruin, broken and dilapidated.

After a long while, Fu You and the others returned, handing a ring to Jiang Xuan and respectfully saying, “Sir, all the Imperial Family members have been annihilated, not a single one alive. This was plundered from the Imperial Palace treasury.”

Jiang Xuan took the ring and glanced at it, feeling a slight disappointment when he found no Saint Medicine. Given his current Bloodline Realm value, only Saint-tier precious medicines could significantly boost it.

Jiang Xuan returned the ring to Fu You, “Keep it for the development of the Heavenly Realm. From now on, apart from Saint Medicines, everything else will remain within the Heavenly Realm.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Jiang Xuan then looked at the three Imperial Lords of the Three Great Dynasties, “Conquer the Great Xia Imperial Dynasty as quickly as possible. As for how to divide it, you all decide amongst yourselves. Remember, since you have pledged allegiance to me, competition is allowed, but do not go too far. Otherwise, you know the consequences.”

The three hurriedly bowed and said, “We will respectfully obey Saint Sir’s teachings.”

Jiang Xuan nodded, turned, and gazed at the horizon. It was time to return to the Holy Land.

A few days later, in the Saint Lord’s main hall of the Supreme Beginning Holy Land, Jiang Xuan, the nine sequences, and all the core Elders were present, as if to discuss some major matter.

Lin Wuyuan saw that everyone had arrived and scanned the hall with his gaze, “Everyone, a thousand years have passed, and Barren State is about to become lively again.”

The nine sequences exchanged glances, recalling some unpleasant memories. Jiang Xuan wondered in his heart if something big was about to happen in Barren State.

The core Elders pondered for a moment, then a glint flashed in their eyes, “Saint Lord, are you saying that the Ancient Secret Realm, which opens once every thousand years in the Nine Great States, is about to open again?”

“Yes, by my reckoning, it should be about time.”

A trace of recollection appeared in Lin Wuyuan’s eyes, “Indeed, anomalies have been frequent near the Barren State Ancient Secret Realm recently. I reckon it will fully open in at most a month.”

Jiang Xuan asked in confusion, “What is this Ancient Secret Realm?”

Lin Wuyuan’s expression was serious as he explained, “The Ancient Secret Realm was created by Human Race Great Experts for future generations when the Human Race rose to prominence.”

“There are nine of them in total, appearing in the Nine Great States every thousand years.”

“Within each Secret Realm, countless precious medicines and Cultivation Techniques are circulated. Most importantly, it contains the opportunity to become a Saint, the Saint Dao Fruit!”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan and the others were shocked. The Saint Dao Fruit was the key for a Supreme to Breakthrough to a Saint. Dao Fruits are divided into two types: one is a naturally formed Dao Fruit, which is already extremely rare, and the other is a Dao Fruit within a Saint’s body.

Either type can lead to the position of a Saint. For a Cultivator, a Saint is an existence standing at the pinnacle of the continent's pyramid. Not only are they powerful, but they can also extend their lifespan. Therefore, the allure of the Dao Fruit is undeniably immense, especially for Supreme powerhouses.

Thinking of this, he said to Lin Wuyuan, “Then will Revered Master and the others also go this time?”

Lin Wuyuan shook his head, “There is a Restriction within the Secret Realm; only Cultivators under a hundred years old can enter.”

“Jiang Xuan, the Holy Land’s intention is for you to lead the team to the Ancient Secret Realm this time to contend for the Dao Fruit.”

Jiang Xuan pondered in his heart, “System, if I Breakthrough to a Saint, do I need a Dao Fruit?”

【No need. That trash is unworthy.】

Hearing the System’s words, Jiang Xuan was momentarily stunned. The Saint Dao Fruit was considered trash in the System’s eyes?

He shook his head. Then he would take it out for Revered Master and the others to use. Moreover, there were many Saint Medicines in the Secret Realm. Thinking of this, a mysterious smile appeared on his face.

At this moment, Wu Tian’s words came, with a hint of worry in his tone, “Disciple, the opening of this Secret Realm is a major event for the entire Barren State. Not only our Southern Barren, but also the Geniuses and Prodigies from the other three great regions will participate.”

“Most of the top Prodigies in Barren State have already entered the Supreme Realm. With your cultivation, you will still be at a disadvantage. If you are unwilling, the Holy Land will not force you. For the Holy Land, no Secret Realm is as important as you.”

“That’s right, Jiang Xuan, don’t force yourself. Dao Fruits are not only found in Secret Realms.”

The other Elders also spoke up, but there was a hint of anticipation in their eyes. While they worried about Jiang Xuan, they also somewhat hoped to obtain a Saint Dao Fruit.

Jiang Xuan saw the expressions of the few and said with a smile, “Revered Master, Elders, this is a rare opportunity. I still want to go and experience the Geniuses of Barren State. Don’t worry, I will absolutely not overexert myself.”

Jiang Xuan was humble on the surface; as for what he truly thought in his heart, that remained unknown.

Seeing Jiang Xuan’s firm attitude, the few stopped trying to persuade him.

At this moment, Lin Wuyuan stood up and said, “Since that’s the case, it’s decided then. Jiang Xuan will lead the team to the Ancient Secret Realm, departing in ten days.”

Outside the main hall, Jiang Xuan and the nine sequences stood in place. Zhan Hong stepped forward, cupped her fists to Jiang Xuan, and said coldly,

“Thank you for what happened last time.”

After speaking, without waiting for Jiang Xuan’s reply, she turned and left.

Jiang Xuan was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and chuckled. Her personality was truly cold enough.

Bai Yansheng stepped forward, speaking with an apologetic tone, “Saint, please do not take offense. Zhan Hong has always been like this to everyone, and she did not intend to disrespect the Saint.”

The others also nodded.

Jiang Xuan waved his hand, saying indifferently, “No matter.”

Jiang Xuan indeed did not take the matter to heart. Everyone had a different personality, and he could understand. If he got angry over such a small matter, he would surely be exhausted to death.

“Hehe, Saint Sir is indeed magnanimous. This time, I, Shi Teng, can finally fight alongside the Saint. The humiliation the Holy Land suffered in the past, we must reclaim it this time.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xuan asked, “Have you all been in before?”

Bai Yansheng fanned his folding fan, “Not us, but the previous generation of sequences a thousand years ago.”

“The previous generation of sequences?”

Jiang Xuan felt puzzled. Speaking of which, he seemed to have never seen the previous Disciple sequences in the Holy Land.

“Where are the previous Disciple sequences? Why have I, this Saint, never seen them?”

Hearing Jiang Xuan ask this, the few silently lowered their heads, a trace of desolation flashing in their eyes, and a somber atmosphere permeated the air.

After a long while, Bai Yansheng sighed, “Alas, the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters of the previous generation all died within the Ancient Secret Realm. Not even their bones were brought out. The Holy Land Disciples are unwilling to mention this matter, so it’s normal that the Saint doesn’t know.”

Jiang Xuan’s heart trembled, and he had a gut feeling that this matter was not so simple. The death of one or two could be understood, but the complete annihilation of the entire force was somewhat suspicious.

“Do you know how they died?”

Hearing this, hatred flashed in the eyes of the eight, “According to people from other Sects who came out of the Secret Realm, it was the Lingyun Sword Sect, in collusion with some major forces from other regions, who made a move.”

Because of this incident, the Holy Land and the Sword Sect almost went to war, but lacking evidence, it eventually came to nothing.

“Hmph, who else could it be but the Sword Sect? They have always been at odds with the Holy Land!” Shi Teng said angrily.

It’s the Lingyun Sword Sect again, Jiang Xuan’s eyes flashed with a cold light as he heard their reply.