93: Explore the Hongmeng Valley to fight the dragon, ascend the Hongmeng Platform to seize the inheritance, and embark on a new path to the Dao.

Nian Xue threw a light orb from A Qing's back. The orb glowed grayish-purple and struck the back of a beast. The beast shrieked in pain and turned to pounce. A Qing spat Dragon Breath, which was wrapped in primordial chaos qi, burning toward the beast's face. The beast retreated in a panic and crashed into another beast; both froze simultaneously and transformed into Origin light specks.

Lin Chen teleported into the center of the beast pack, merging the Anti-Heavenly Dao Rule with primordial chaos qi. Where his palm fell, the crystal core of the strongest beast instantly cracked and turned into Origin light specks. Seeing this, the surrounding beast pack's aura dropped sharply, as if they were struck by fear.

With the main force team joining in, the beast pack was quickly cleared out. Over a hundred grayish-purple crystal cores were left on the ground; these were Late Stage Primordial Realm beast cores, containing pure energy mixed with Primordial and Grandmist power.

Clear Snow wiped the sweat from her forehead. The Ice and Snow Primordial Chaos Formation retracted slightly, and her aura fluctuated a bit: "These beasts are much stronger than those in the Yuan Chu Realm. Their hides are thicker, and their cores are harder. Luckily, we had support from the primordial chaos cannons."

Lin Chen picked up a crystal core and weighed it. The crystal core was heavier than a Primordial beast core and felt cold to the touch, with the energy inside being more violent: "The energy in the Hongmeng Realm is more complex, so the beasts are naturally stronger. Everyone must be careful; the road ahead will only get more dangerous."

The Support Team stepped forward to collect the crystal cores, placing them into specially made Grandmist bags. The patterns on the bags could suppress the violent energy inside the crystal cores to prevent leakage.

Nian Xue ran to Lin Chen's side, holding up a small crystal core, her little face full of pride: "Daddy, A Qing and I took this one down together! Its energy is so strong, I can feel it!"

Lin Chen took the crystal core and placed it in her palm, gently rubbing her head: "Well done. Our Nian Xue is getting more and more impressive. When we get back, I'll use this to make a small accessory for you."

Nian Xue gripped the crystal core tightly, her palm glowing as the crystal core's energy slowly flowed into her body. Her little face was full of seriousness, as if she were working hard to absorb this hard-earned energy.

A Qing leaned over and also picked up a crystal core in his mouth. With a swirl of Dragon Breath, the crystal core transformed into energy and entered his body. The gray patterns on his dragon wings grew brighter, and the power of his Dragon Breath increased by several degrees.

The group rested for a moment. The Star Spirit Clan Leader held up a crystal stone, which glowed: "There is a Hongmeng Valley ten miles ahead. There is unusual movement inside, and the aura is several times stronger than the beast pack just now. It's likely a grandmist rank Guardian Beast!"

Lin Chen stood up and brushed the dust off his clothes, the Grandmist light in his palm growing more intense: "Let's go. Let's check out Hongmeng Valley. The Opportunity of the ultimate realm might be waiting for us there."

The team regrouped and set off toward Hongmeng Valley. The wind of the Hongmeng Realm carried a faint scent of Chaos, blowing against their faces as if washing everyone's Origin. The exploration of the Hongmeng Realm had only just begun.

As the team advanced toward Hongmeng Valley, the light gray of the ground deepened. The blades of grass were like silk, swaying with the wind and emitting a Grandmist glimmer.

Nian Xue rode on A Qing's back, her small hands plucking gray flowers by the roadside: "A Qing, the patterns on these flowers look like swirling clouds. How special!"

A Qing let out a Little Dragon Breath, blowing the flowers into a spin: "Once we defeat the beasts in the valley, we'll pick one to take back."

Clear Snow walked at the front of the team, using the Ice and Snow Primordial Chaos Formation to clear the mist. Grayish-purple ice crystals in the mist acted like stars, illuminating the path ahead with a cold light.

After traveling three miles, Grandmist crystal clusters appeared by the roadside. The clusters were shaped like coiled dragons and were deep gray. Touching them revealed the circulation of primordial chaos qi and a slight vibration.

A Metal Clan warrior touched a crystal cluster: "Cannons forged from these crystals would be fifty percent harder than Primordial crystals. It's a pity we're in a hurry and don't have time to harvest them."

Lin Chen nodded: "Explore the valley first. We'll collect them on the return trip. The movement inside the valley is more critical; we cannot delay."

The Star Spirit Clan crystal stone suddenly lit up: "The valley is seven miles from here. There is a flood dragon inside with an Early Stage grandmist rank aura, coiled at the bottom of the valley."

Everyone stopped. The Metal Clan set up the primordial chaos cannons, their muzzles glowing deep gray. As they charged, gray patterns circulated, and the pressure gradually rose.

The Stone Spirit Clan's shield formation contracted, the gray patterns on the shield surfaces lighting up. They entered a full impact-resistance state, protecting the Support Team within.

Clear Snow expanded her formation: "I will freeze the valley entrance to restrict the flood dragon's movements. Everyone, look for an Opportunity to attack. Do not rush in blindly."

The temperature plummeted. The mist at the valley entrance froze into a wall of gray ice crystals. The wall was covered in patterns and was as hard as a Grandmist crystal, blocking the valley entrance.

Lin Chen teleported behind the wall and used his Divine Thought to probe the valley: The flood dragon was two hundred zhang long, covered in gray scales. Its horns were branched and patterned, and it was coiled around a crystal pillar in an underground river.

"The flood dragon is coiled around a crystal pillar; its core is beneath its belly. We need to lure it out of the valley before surrounding it," Lin Chen messaged everyone, his tone solemn.

The Dragon Clan Dragon Guard Leader volunteered: "I will lure it! By singeing its scales with Dragon Breath, it will surely give chase. I will control the distance."

Lin Chen cautioned: "Be careful. The Grandmist flood dragon's scales are hard. Don't get too close; just lure it to the crystal wall."

The Dragon Clan Dragon Guards spread their wings and took to the air. Dragon Breath shot into the valley like gray pillars, grazing the flood dragon's scales. The flood dragon's angry roar shook the valley, causing crystals to fall from the walls.

The flood dragon's tail struck the crystal pillar, causing it to shatter. The flood dragon charged toward the valley entrance and slammed into the ice crystal wall. The wall shattered, and ice shards splashed like gray snow.

"Attack!" As Lin Chen's voice fell, the Metal Clan's cannons fired in unison. The cannon light was as bright and gray as arrows, striking the flood dragon's scales and splashing crystal fragments.

The flood dragon lashed its tail in pain, sweeping toward the Stone Spirit Clan shield formation. The formation trembled and the shield patterns glowed, but it did not break. The warriors retreated half a step.

Clear Snow condensed an ice spear. The spear glowed deep gray and was shot at the flood dragon's eye. The dragon closed its eyes to avoid it; the spear shattered against its horn, scattering ice shards.

Nian Xue threw a Void Light Orb. The orb glowed grayish-purple and struck the flood dragon's nose. The dragon's nose went numb, its movements stalled, and A Qing circled behind it.

A Qing shot Dragon Breath at the flood dragon's belly. The belly scales turned charred and black. The dragon hissed in pain, rolling over and crashing into the valley wall. The wall collapsed, and crystal chunks fell.

Lin Chen teleported onto the flood dragon's back, standing steadily on the gray scales. In his palm, he gathered Grandmist and Anti-Heavenly Dao Rules: "Grandmist Core Breaker!"

His palm struck beneath the flood dragon's belly. The core glowed with gray patterns. The flood dragon thrashed in agony, its body slamming into the fragments of the crystal wall, sending shards flying everywhere.

Clear Snow condensed ice vines, which wrapped around the flood dragon's legs like gray ropes. The dragon's movements slowed, and the Metal Clan's cannons bombarded the core patterns again, the cannon light concentrating there.

The core cracked, and the gray patterns dissipated. Lin Chen followed up with another palm strike. The core shattered, and the flood dragon stiffened before turning into a sky full of gray light specks that scattered throughout the valley.

An Early Stage grandmist rank crystal core and a deep gray canyon key were left behind. The key's patterns resonated with the primordial chaos qi in Lin Chen's palm, pointing toward the Hong Meng Terrace.

"Distribute the crystal cores to stabilize your realms!" Lin Chen distributed the cores and absorbed energy himself. The barrier to the grandmist rank trembled, as if it were about to break.

Clear Snow absorbed the energy, and her Peak Stage Primordial Realm aura stabilized. The freezing power of the Ice and Snow Primordial Chaos Formation increased, and its range expanded.

Nian Xue absorbed the core fragments. Her Void Light Orbs turned a deeper gray, their impact force increased, and they could now leave shallow marks on crystals.

A Qing absorbed the energy. His dragon wings glowed gray as if on fire. The range of his Dragon Breath increased by more than a zhang, and its temperature could melt thin crystals.

The Dragon Clan Dragon Guard Leader absorbed energy. His wingspan widened, he could condense Dragon Breath into pillars faster, the impact range expanded, and his armor-piercing power improved.

The Support Team handed out Grandmist Medicinal Pills. Everyone took them, and primordial chaos qi surged within their Dantians. The duration they could sustain themselves was extended by three hours, and their combat power rose temporarily.

The Metal Clan checked the cannons; the gray patterns on the cannon bodies glowed, charging faster and increasing the power of the cannon light. The Stone Spirit Clan reinforced their shields, and the shield patterns became clearer.

The team advanced into the valley. The gray crystals on the valley walls refracted light like gray lamps hanging on the walls. The primordial chaos qi inside the valley was dense, and breathing it in cleared the mind.

Reaching the depths of the valley, the Hong Meng Terrace appeared. It was four hundred zhang high, built of deep gray crystals. A Grandmist slot was embedded at the top of the terrace, emitting Chaos light.

Beside the terrace lay a Guardian Beast—the Grandmist Lion. It was one hundred and twenty zhang long, with a gray mane like fire. The lion's claws stepped on gray patterns, and its aura was Middle Stage grandmist rank.

"All personnel, prepare for battle!" At Lin Chen's command, the Metal Clan set up cannons around the terrace, their muzzles aimed at the lion, charging with a gray light.

The Wood Spirit Clan threw vine seeds. The vines grew and wrapped around the terrace pillars. The vines glowed deep gray, securing the base of the terrace to prevent vibrations.

The Stone Spirit Clan formed a circular shield formation to protect the main force team. The gray patterns on the shield surfaces glowed like a gray protective ring, making it impeccable.

Clear Snow expanded her formation to its maximum. Cold air enveloped the deep gray, and ice spears hovered before her. The spear tips were sharp and ready to be fired.

Members of the Supreme Clan walked around the terrace holding staves. Gray light flashed from the tips of the staves, laying out a light net to lock down the lion's range of movement.

The Dragon Clan Dragon Guards spread their wings and took to the air, their wings forming an array. They condensed Dragon Breath into gray pillars in their throats, like arrows on a string, aiming at the lion's eyes.

The Elf Clan notched arrows and drew their bows. The arrowheads carried sacred plant poison, and the fletching was tied with Grandmist crystal fragments to increase armor-piercing power.

Nian Xue crouched on A Qing's back, her hands condensing light orbs. The orbs glowed deep gray, larger than before, and fully charged.

A Qing's dragon wings flapped, bringing a gray wind. Dragon Breath swirled in his mouth like a small gray sun, ready to be spat out at any moment.

Lin Chen gathered both powers in his palms. Gray and dark light intertwined, and his aura became heavy: "Attack in three waves! The vanguard will distract, the main force will attack the core, and the support will replenish energy!"

"Vanguard, go!" Clear Snow led the charge. Wood Spirit vines wrapped around the lion's legs; the vines were like gray ropes, making it difficult for the lion to move.

The Sea Spirits sprayed a water screen wrapped in primordial chaos qi to cover the lion's head and disturb its vision. The lion roared in anger, shaking its head to break the screen, the sound echoing through the fields.

The Void Clan's shield formation pushed and slammed into the lion's body. The shield patterns glowed, and the lion retreated half a step. Its claws left deep marks on the ground, and the terrace vibrated slightly.

"Main force, attack!" Lin Chen teleported to the lion's side. His palm, containing both powers, struck the lion's core. The core glowed with gray patterns, and the lion let out a long howl of pain.

The Metal Clan's cannons blasted the patterned area. The gray cannon light exploded into mist. The lion's body shook, its gray mane became disheveled, and its aura dropped slightly.

The Stone Spirit Clan's shields blocked the lion's charge. The shield patterns glowed as the lion slammed into the shields. The shields did not break, but the Stone Spirit Clan members retreated half a step, gritting their teeth to hold on.

The Dragon Clan Dragon Guards struck the lion's head with their wings, making it dazed. The Supreme Clan's staves pierced the lion's belly, light penetrating through. The lion rolled in pain, and crystals fell from the top of the terrace.

"Support, replenish!" The Star Spirit Clan's crystal stone shone like a torch, probing for the weak spots in the lion's belly. They messaged the various clans to point out the attack locations.

The Elf Clan fired a volley of arrows at the lion's belly. The arrowheads sank in. The lion clawed at the terrace in pain, causing terrace crystals to collapse and shatter against the shields.

Nian Xue threw a light orb, hitting the lion's nose. The lion's nose went numb, and its aura dropped. A Qing circled behind and shot Dragon Breath at the lion's belly, charring the belly fur.

Lin Chen teleported onto the lion's back, stacking his palms and gathering all his strength: "Grandmist Ultimate Core Breaker!" His palms fell onto the core patterns.

The core cracked, and the gray patterns scattered like stars. Lin Chen added another palm strike. The lion's core shattered, and the lion stiffened before turning into gray light specks that scattered across the top of the terrace.

The light specks dispersed, leaving a Middle Stage grandmist rank crystal core and a deep gray Grandmist inheritance pearl. Patterns circulated on the pearl, emitting Chaos light.

"We won!" The Allied Army cheered, the sound shaking Hongmeng Valley. Nian Xue slid down from A Qing's back and ran toward Lin Chen, waving her small fists.

Lin Chen picked up the crystal core and the pearl. The pearl felt warm in his hand and resonated with the qi in his palm, as if Legacy information were flowing through it.

"Distribute the crystal cores to stabilize your realms!" Lin Chen distributed the cores and absorbed energy himself. The grandmist rank barrier broke, and his aura rose sharply.

Clear Snow absorbed the energy, and her Peak Stage Primordial Realm reached its limit, as if touching the grandmist rank. Nian Xue absorbed the core fragments, and the power of her light orbs increased again.

A Qing absorbed the energy. His dragon wings glowed gray, and his Dragon Breath reached the grandmist rank, significantly increasing his combat power. The auras of the various clan leaders all showed progress.

Lin Chen held the pearl and ascended to the top of the terrace. The Grandmist slot glowed deep gray. When the pearl was embedded into the slot, the slot patterns lit up, circulating like a living thing.

Injecting Grandmist energy, a Grandmist inheritance crystal rose from the slot. The crystal was deep gray, with patterns like Chaos, complex and mysterious.

Everyone took turns absorbing the crystal. The crystal qi entered their bodies, and their auras rose. Grandmist qi surged around the terrace like a tide, enveloping everyone's bodies.

When the inheritance crystal was exhausted, the Grandmist Record appeared in the slot. Light patterns formed words: "Grandmist is not the end. One should seek the 'Dao Origin World', explore the Dao Origin Core, and witness the ultimate of the Great Dao."

"Dao Origin World?" Lin Chen's Divine Thought probed the far reaches of heaven and earth. He sensed a faint dao origin qi in the extreme distance, hiding the ultimate Opportunity.

The Supreme Clan Leader approached, his tone solemn: "The Dao Origin World might be the ultimate realm. The Guardian Beasts there are likely to reach the Dao Source Realm. We need to be fully prepared."

Lin Chen nodded and looked down the terrace: "Back to the Stronghold first! After resting, inform all clans so we can prepare together for the journey to the Dao Origin World."

The team organized their supplies. The Metal Clan packed the cannons, the Stone Spirit Clan collected the shields, and the Support Team packed the crystal cores and Medicinal Pills.

Nian Xue pulled at the tip of A Qing's wing: "A Qing, will the Crystal Beasts in the Dao Origin World really be able to sing?"

A Qing blew a Little Dragon Breath, his wings glowing gray: "They definitely will! Maybe they'll even dance and play games with you."

Clear Snow came to Lin Chen's side, her aura stable: "Husband, although the Dao Origin World is dangerous, we have traveled through many realms; we will surely succeed."

Lin Chen held Clear Snow's hand, his palm warm: "Mhm. Only by exploring the ultimate of the Great Dao can we be considered to have reached Perfection."

The team returned toward the Stronghold. The deep purple light of the Hong Meng Terrace gradually faded. The road to the Dao Origin World was quietly unfolding ahead, waiting for them to explore.

The Star Spirit Clan Leader held up a crystal stone: "We need the resonance of five crystals—Grandmist, Dao Origin, the inheritance pearl, the Grandmist seed, and the dao origin seed."

Lin Chen embedded the five items into the door slots in order. The Grandmist crystal glowed gray, the Dao Origin crystal glowed blue, the inheritance pearl glowed with light, and the patterns on the two seeds circulated.

"Inject Dao Origin and primordial chaos qi!" Lin Chen pressed his palm against the door and injected both types of qi. The patterns on the door spun rapidly, blue and gray intertwining.

Everyone took turns pressing against the door, their dual qi flowing in. The blue and gray light on the Golden Gate grew more intense. The door hinges creaked, sounding like the first chime of the Great Dao, as it slowly opened.

dao origin qi surged from behind the door, clearer and more nourishing than primordial chaos qi. Breathing it into the lungs felt like the rules of the Great Dao were circulating within the body, making the mind clear and the eyes bright.

"vanguard team, enter first!" Clear Snow led the team in, deploying the Ice and Snow Dao Origin Formation. Pale blue ice and snow swept away the mist, and the phantoms in the mist dissipated.

The main force team followed closely. The Metal Clan's Dao Origin cannons charged, their muzzles glowing blue-gray, ready to deal with phantom enemies or real beasts at any time.

Lin Chen walked in the middle, his Divine Thought probing the realm: There was Dao Origin mist three miles ahead, with phantoms hidden inside, and unusual movement five miles away.

"There's mist ahead, watch out for illusions! vanguard team, clear the mist. main force team, stay alert. Don't be fooled by the phantoms!" Lin Chen messaged.

Clear Snow replied: "Understood! The Ice and Snow Dao Origin Formation is active and clearing the mist. The phantoms in the mist are retreating."

Nian Xue lay on A Qing's back, her small hands grabbing his dragon horns: "A Qing, there are so many shadows in the mist. Are they fake?"

A Qing spat Dragon Breath, which carried a blue tint, clearing a patch of mist: "They're fake! My Dragon Breath can disperse them. Don't be afraid."

The team continued forward. The ground of the Dao Origin World glowed pale blue. The blades of grass were like swords, emitting a clear light, and the surrounding crystal clusters glowed blue, like crystals of the Great Dao.

The Dao Origin mist ahead was mostly cleared by Clear Snow's formation. The phantoms in the mist gradually dispersed, revealing a path leading to the Dao Origin Abyss.

The Star Spirit Clan Leader's crystal stone lit up: "Five miles ahead is the Dao Origin Abyss. There is movement inside, and the aura is several times stronger than the Grandmist Guardian Beast!"

Lin Chen stopped and looked toward the Dao Origin Abyss. The dao source record in his palm glowed a deep blue: "Let's go. To the Dao Origin Abyss. The ultimate Opportunity might be right there."

Nian Xue clenched her small fists, her eyes sparkling: "Daddy, are we almost at the ultimate of the Great Dao? I want to see!"

Lin Chen nodded and rubbed her head: "Soon. As long as we are together, we will definitely make it to the end."

The team advanced toward the Dao Origin Abyss. The wind of the Dao Origin World carried a fresh and nourishing scent, blowing against their faces as if telling the secrets of the Great Dao. The journey of exploration continued.

Nian Xue put on a new battle outfit embroidered with pale blue Dao Origin patterns. It was embroidered by the Spirit Plant Clan and could automatically absorb dao origin qi to prevent illusions.

On A Qing's dragon horns, Nian Xue tied a blue ribbon. The ribbon fluttered, seemingly carrying the charm of the Dao Origin, and his dragon scales were polished until they shone.

The team set off. Morning dew clung to the grass along the way, reflecting the pale blue of the dao origin qi like scattered diamonds.

After traveling twenty miles, Dao Origin grass appeared by the roadside. The blades of grass were long and thin, glowing pale blue, and the patterns on the stems were like symbols of the Great Dao.

"This grass can be used to refine anti-illusion medicine, which is more effective than Grandmist fungi." A Spirit Plant Clan warrior collected some and put them into a bag.

After traveling thirty miles, the entrance to the Dao Origin World appeared. Two Dao Origin stone lions guarded the blue-gold gate. Their bodies glowed pale blue, and their eyes were embedded with Dao Origin crystals.

The words "Dao Origin World" were carved on the lintel. The patterns on the characters were like flowing water, glowing pale blue. Touching them felt like the sound of the Great Dao was softly ringing in one's ears.