61: Chapter 61 Holy Land Rewards: Choose Your Cultivation Technique

Morning light pierced through the mist of Xuanwei Peak, casting mottled shadows on the wooden floor of the bamboo house.

Lin Ye awoke from his meditation, feeling the new power within his body.

His cultivation at the Dao Palace Sixth Layer had completely stabilized, his Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body had an adaptation rate of 33%, and his Divine Sense strength was 750 zhang.

More importantly, that faint, golden rune in his Dantian—[Nine Secrets · Jie Secret (Incomplete)]—was quietly floating beside the three big dipper star seals, emitting profound fluctuations.

He called up the System interface to check the detailed data of last night's gains:

[Nine Secrets · Jie Secret (Incomplete)]

Mastery Level: Beginner (0/1000)

Current Effect: 3% chance to trigger a five-fold critical hit when attacking

Special Status: Because the first shackle was broken using the "Stellar Rhythm" as a key, the critical hit probability for star-type skills/attacks is increased by an additional 1%

Growth Path:

1. Continue to comprehend the more complete Dao Rhyme of the Jie Secret (requires finding other Nine Secrets inheritance sites or inheritors)

2. Improve your own cultivation and Comprehension Ability to gradually unlock higher trigger probabilities (can be increased to 4% at Dao Palace Peak, 5% at Four Extremities Realm...)

3. Collect items related to the Nine Secrets to accelerate comprehension progress

Karma Hint: This inheritance has already attracted the attention of certain existences; please use it with caution

A 3% probability for a five-fold critical hit. It might not seem high, but in actual combat, especially during protracted battles or high-frequency attacks, this passive effect is enough to change the course of a battle.

Even more crucial is that additional 1% star-type bonus—Lin Ye's Big Dipper True Scripture and any star-type skills he might obtain in the future will all benefit.

"It's time to go collect the trial overall evaluation reward."

Lin Ye stood up, washed briefly, and pushed open the bamboo door.

In the courtyard, Elder Xuanwei was squatting by the vegetable patch, frowning at a wilted Spirit Medicine.

"Good morning, Master."

"Good morning, what good morning? The sun is already high up," Elder Xuanwei said without raising his head. "This 'Seven Star Grass' was fine yesterday, why is it wilted today... Do you think I watered it too much?"

Lin Ye walked over to observe. The Seven Star Grass was silvery-white throughout, its leaves shaped like seven-pointed stars; it should have been full of vitality, but now its leaves were curled and its luster was dim.

"The soil moisture is normal; it's not a watering issue." Lin Ye squatted down and swept his Divine Sense over the plant. "It's the root System... it's been bitten by 'Spirit-Devouring Worms'. Look here—"

He gently pushed aside the soil, revealing the roots. Several transparent, hair-thin worms were attached to the root whiskers, greedily absorbing the Spiritual Qi of the Spirit Medicine.

"Tsk, these little things." Elder Xuanwei frowned and took a small packet of white powder from his bosom, sprinkling it evenly around the soil.

The powder dissolved upon touching the soil, and those Spirit-Devouring Worms, as if encountering a natural predator, fell off the roots one after another, turning into green smoke and dissipating.

"Thank you for the guidance, Master," Lin Ye said at the right moment.

"What is there to thank? You were the one who saw it." Elder Xuanwei clapped the dirt off his hands. "Right, you can go collect the trial overall evaluation reward today. According to custom, the first place in the overall evaluation can choose one Holy Land Cultivation Technique, with a grade not exceeding High Grade Earth Rank. Have you thought about what to choose?"

"This Disciple wants to choose a movement technique." Lin Ye had already planned this. "The Chaos Body has both offense and defense, but its mobility is slightly lacking. Although Void Step is good, it consumes too much and isn't suitable for protracted battles. I need a conventional movement technique to make up for this shortcoming."

"Movement technique..." Elder Xuanwei pondered for a moment. "There are several good movement techniques on the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion: 'Flowing Cloud Step', 'Phantom Movement Technique', 'Chasing Wind and Moon'... all are High Grade Profound Rank. However, since you can choose any, I suggest you go to the third floor and take a look. There is a 'Yaoguang Footwork' there, created by the first Holy Master of the Holy Land; it is Medium Grade Earth Rank, and most suitable for Yaoguang Disciples to Cultivate."

Yaoguang Footwork! Lin Ye's heart stirred. He had heard of this movement technique in his previous life but never had the chance to learn it. It was said that once cultivated to Major Achievement, one could teleport a hundred zhang under starlight, being elusive and unpredictable.

"This Disciple understands."

"Go, go." Elder Xuanwei waved his hand. "Come back after you've chosen; I have something to tell you."

Lin Ye bowed and took his leave, departing from Xuanwei Peak.

On the way to the Scripture Pavilion, he encountered many Holy Land Disciples. Many recognized him, their gazes complex—there was awe, curiosity, and hidden jealousy. After all, climbing to the top of the heavenly ladder, triggering the Chaos Planting Blue Lotus phenomenon, and stirring up mysterious Dao Rhyme last night—these deeds had long since spread throughout the Holy Land.

Lin Ye remained calm, his pace composed.

When he arrived at the Scripture Pavilion, the guarding Disciple was noticeably more respectful than usual: "Senior Brother Lin, the Elder is already waiting on the third floor."

"Thank you for your trouble."

He climbed the stairs leading to the third floor. The third floor of the Scripture Pavilion was not usually open to the public; only Disciples who had performed great meritorious service or received special rewards had the Opportunity to enter. The walls on both sides of the stairs were embedded with glowing Star Crystals, illuminating the ancient stone steps.

Pushing open the door to the third floor, before him was a space much smaller than the first and second floors. It was only about ten zhang square, with bookshelves on all four walls, but the classics on the shelves were sparse, with no more than a dozen scrolls per row. In the center was a white jade table, and sitting before it was a white-haired old man, holding a bamboo scroll and reading.

"Disciple Lin Ye greets the Elder." Lin Ye bowed.

The old man raised his head, his face gaunt, his eyes as deep as the starry sky. Lin Ye could feel that this old man's cultivation was unfathomable, at least above the Xiantai Realm.

"Lin Ye..." The old man slowly put down the bamboo scroll. "I am the Elder guarding the Scripture Pavilion, with the Daoist title 'Xingshou'. On the orders of the Holy Master, I am waiting here. You were first in the trial overall evaluation; according to the rules, you may choose one Cultivation Technique, with a grade not exceeding High Grade Earth Rank."

He pointed to the surrounding bookshelves: "Everything collected on the third floor is Earth Rank Cultivation Technique and secret arts. There are 37 Cultivation Techniques, 24 secret arts, 9 movement techniques, 7 Formations, and 15 miscellaneous studies on alchemy and artifacts. You may choose for yourself; there is no time limit, but you can only choose one to take away."

"This Disciple would like to look at the movement techniques first," Lin Ye said.

Elder Xingshou nodded and waved his right hand lightly. From the western bookshelf, nine Jade Slips flew out automatically, hovering in front of Lin Ye.

Next to each Jade Slip was a brief introduction:

["Flowing Cloud Step" (Low Grade Earth Rank)]: Body like flowing clouds, ever-changing and unpredictable. Cultivate to Major Achievement to walk on air for a short time. Movement speed +40%, evasion rate +12%.

["Phantom Movement Technique" (Low Grade Earth Rank)]: Create phantom Clones to confuse enemies, while the real body remains hidden. Can create up to three phantoms, lasting ten breaths. Movement speed +35%, evasion rate +15%.

["Chasing Wind and Moon" (Medium Grade Earth Rank)]: Speed-type movement technique, strong explosive power. When activated, can instantly increase speed by 300%, lasting three breaths. Movement speed +45%, evasion rate +10%.

["Seven Star Treading" (Medium Grade Earth Rank)]: Moves in coordination with the positions of the big dipper, the footwork is profound. Effect doubles under starlight. Movement speed +42%, evasion rate +13%.

["Void Evasion" (High Grade Earth Rank · Incomplete)]: A top-tier movement technique involving spatial Law, unfortunately, it is mostly incomplete. After cultivation, one can perform short-distance spatial jumps. Movement speed +50%, evasion rate +20% (Note: Effect halved in incomplete state).

["Yaoguang Footwork" (Medium Grade Earth Rank)]: Created by the first Holy Master of Yaoguang Holy Land, most suitable for Disciples cultivating the Big Dipper True Scripture. The footwork secretly aligns with the Laws of stellar movement, making one like a fish in water under starlight. Movement speed +50%, evasion rate +15%. Special effect: At night or in a starlight environment, gain an additional "Starlight Protection" status (damage received -10%).

Nine movement techniques, each with its own pros and cons.

Lin Ye compared them carefully. "Void Evasion" had the highest grade and best effect, but it was severely incomplete, and the actual effect was greatly discounted. Although "Yaoguang Footwork" was only Medium Grade Earth Rank, it fit perfectly with the Big Dipper True Scripture he was cultivating, and it possessed a special environmental bonus.

More importantly, he recalled a rumor from his previous life: when "Yaoguang Footwork" is cultivated to the extreme, it can resonate and combine with the seven stars of the Big Dipper True Scripture to form the "Seven Star Step," a terrifying speed comparable to a Heaven Rank movement technique.

"This Disciple chooses 'Yaoguang Footwork'." Lin Ye made his decision.

A trace of approval flashed in Elder Xingshou's eyes: "A wise choice. Cultivation Techniques are valuable for their compatibility, not just for pursuing grade. 'Yaoguang Footwork' combined with your big dipper star seals is no less powerful than a High Grade Earth Rank movement technique."

He reached out, and the Jade Slip for "Yaoguang Footwork" flew into his hand. But he didn't hand it directly to Lin Ye; instead, he took out a blank Jade Slip and began to copy it.

"Holy Land Cultivation Techniques cannot be taken out originally. This is a copy, containing the content of the technique as well as the insights and annotations of past Cultivators. You have one month to study it; after one month, the Jade Slip will automatically destroy itself. Whether you can Master it depends on your Comprehension Ability."

"Thank you, Elder."

The copying was complete, and Elder Xingshou handed the Jade Slip to Lin Ye. At the same time, he took out a palm-sized bronze token from his bosom.

"This is the access token for the 'Star Refining Room', which can be used three times, for up to twelve hours each time. There is a starlight simulation Formation in the Star Refining Room that can assist in cultivating 'Yaoguang Footwork'. Consider it an extra reward from me personally."

[Star Refining Room Access Token (Special)]

Quality: Blue (Consumable)

Effect: Key to open the Yaoguang Holy Land "Star Refining Room", can be used three times, up to 12 hours each time.

Star Refining Room Effects:

1. Starlight Simulation: Can simulate the starry sky environment of any time and any place.

2. Footwork Training: The ground will automatically generate the best footwork trajectory guidance.

3. Pressure Adjustment: Can adjust gravity (1-10 times) and air resistance (1-5 times) to assist in improving movement technique adaptability.

4. Error Correction: When footwork errors occur during cultivation, there will be starlight prompts to correct them.

Description: A cultivation room specially built by the Holy Land for cultivating star-type movement techniques, usually only open to core True Disciples.

"This Disciple is extremely grateful." Lin Ye took it solemnly. The effects of this Star Refining Room were practically tailor-made for "Yaoguang Footwork"!

Leaving the Scripture Pavilion, Lin Ye did not immediately return to Xuanwei Peak but instead detoured to the Contribution Hall.

There were seven days left until the Five Elements Secret Realm opened, and he needed to prepare some supplies for the members of the Heavenly Court.

The Contribution Hall was still bustling. Lin Ye walked to the exchange area and checked his contribution point balance—he had spent the previous ten thousand points, but in these five months as a True Disciple, he had a basic quota of five thousand points per month, plus having completed several True Disciple missions, he now had twenty-three thousand points.

He carefully selected:

[Grade 5 Returning Heaven Pill x 50 bottles]: 200 points per bottle, totaling ten thousand points. These are life-saving Medicinal Pills and must be sufficient.

[Grade 4 Poison-Avoiding Pill x 30 bottles]: 80 points per bottle, totaling two thousand four hundred points. It is inevitable to encounter poisonous creatures and miasma in the Secret Realm.

[Communication Talisman x 100 sheets]: 5 points each, totaling five hundred points. For team operations, communication is crucial.

[Simple Formation Plate x 10 sets]: 300 points per set, totaling three thousand points. Can quickly set up alert, defense, and concealment Formations.

[Healing Talisman x 50 sheets]: 20 points each, totaling one thousand points. Instant healing effect, can save lives at critical moments.

[Detoxification Talisman x 30 sheets]: 15 points each, totaling four hundred and fifty points.

[Illumination Crystal x 100 pieces]: 2 points each, totaling two hundred points.

Adding some miscellaneous supplies, the total cost was eighteen thousand points. With the remaining five thousand points, Lin Ye exchanged for ten "Random Teleportation Talismans"—although the teleportation location was uncertain, in a desperate situation, they might create a chance for survival.

Packing all the supplies into a special Storage Pouch, Lin Ye then returned to Xuanwei Peak.

In the bamboo house, Elder Xuanwei had been waiting for him for a long time.

"Chosen it?" The old man glanced at him.

"Chosen, 'Yaoguang Footwork'." Lin Ye took out the Jade Slip.

"Hmm, not bad." Elder Xuanwei gave a rare serious evaluation. "'Yaoguang Footwork' is divided into three Realms: the first Realm, 'Starlight Following', where the footwork is smooth and movement is like the wind; the second Realm, 'Star Shifting and Dipper Turning', where the footwork is elusive and unpredictable; the third Realm, 'Seven Star Treading on Air', where one can briefly walk on air, like teleporting with starlight. You have one month; you must at least Cultivate the first Realm to Minor Achievement to be able to make it useful in the Five Elements Secret Realm."

"This Disciple understands."

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

"And this." Elder Xuanwei pulled a yellowed beast-skin map from his robes and tossed it to Lin Ye. "A map of the Five Elements Secret Realm. I entered it a few times in my youth and marked some useful information. Red areas are dangerous, green are relatively safe, blue may contain treasures, and black... don't go there."

Lin Ye unfurled the map. The beast skin was somewhat damaged, but the lines and annotations remained clear. The Secret Realm was divided into dozens of zones, each with a brief textual description:

"Fire Element Zone: Active earth fire, rich in fire-attribute spiritual Materials. Watch out for 'Flame Burst Beasts,' which travel in packs and are at the Dao Palace First Layer to Third Layer."

"Water Element Zone: Lakes and marshes, contains water-attribute treasures like 'Cold Water Lotuses.' Underwater is dangerous; enter with caution."

"Metal Element Zone: Abundant metal ore veins, but the 'Metal Baleful Qi' is dense; staying too long will erode the Physical Body."

"Wood Element Zone: Towering ancient trees, numerous Spirit Medicines. However, 'Spirit-Devouring Vines' lurk there, specializing in sucking the spiritual power of Cultivators."

"Earth Element Zone: Overlapping mountains, complex underground labyrinths. Easy to get lost; making markers is recommended."

The central area was marked in gold: "Convergence of the Five Elements, suspected core of the Secret Realm. Guarded by powerful Restrictions; do not approach unless you have reached the Four Extremities Realm."

Even more precious were the few lines of small notes on the edge of the map:

"Northwest corner of the Water Element Zone, three zhang underwater is a hidden cave leading to a secret stone chamber. Inside are the remains of an ancient Cultivator (suspected Dragon Transformation Realm); the funerary items include a 'Water Spirit Pearl'."

"Southeast crater of the Fire Element Zone, erupts once every seven days. Within three hours after eruption, one can enter the volcano's interior; 'Earth Core Fire Lotuses' grow there (blooms every three hundred years)."

"Deep within the Metal Element Zone's ore veins, there is a natural 'Geng-Metal Sword Qi' tempering site, which can strengthen metal-attribute Magic Treasures (requires at least Epic quality)."

"Ancient tree at the center of the Wood Element Zone, there is a 'Green Luan Nest' in the canopy. Defeating the guardian Green Luan yields 'Green Luan Feathers' (material for refining flying Magic Treasures)."

"Third layer of the Earth Element Zone's underground labyrinth, there is a complete ancient Pill Refining Room. The Pill Furnace may still contain unformed ancient pills (must be careful of Pill Poison)."

This information was worth a fortune!

"Master, this map..." Lin Ye looked at Elder Xuanwei.

"Keep it, I have no use for it anyway," Elder Xuanwei waved his hand. "The Five Elements Secret Realm opens once every seven years. The terrain changes each time, but the general regions remain the same. These markings are information from decades ago and might not be perfectly accurate, but it's better than wandering blindly."

"Thank you, Master!" Lin Ye was truly grateful. With this map, the Heavenly Court's actions in the Secret Realm would have the upper hand.

"Don't be so quick to thank me." Elder Xuanwei's expression turned serious. "While the Five Elements Secret Realm has many opportunities, it also has many dangers. Besides the dangers of the Secret Realm itself, you must be careful of people from other factions. This opening is on an unprecedented scale; every reputable power in the Eastern Barrens will send people. Olympus, the Zongheng Alliance, the Green Robe Tower, the remnants of the Shadow Kill Tower... as well as those rogue experts and the descendants of reclusive old monsters."

He paused and lowered his voice: "More importantly, I've received word that 'That Organization' will also be sending people in."

"That Organization?" Lin Ye's heart stirred.

"A power hidden in the shadows that specializes in hunting down talented geniuses to seize their talent, Physique, and Legacy." Cold light flashed in Elder Xuanwei's eyes. "You triggered the Chaos Seeded in a Green Lotus vision and invoked the Dao Rhyme of the Nine Secrets; you are exactly the kind of target they are most interested in. Within the Five Elements Secret Realm, you must be careful."

Lin Ye noted the warning. In his past life, he had vaguely heard of similar organizations but had never had a direct encounter with them.

"This Disciple will keep it in mind."

"Alright, off you go." Elder Xuanwei returned to his lazy manner. "Spend these few days cultivating the Yaoguang Footwork well; we depart in seven days. Oh, and before you go, water the vegetable patch. My back has been hurting lately."

Lin Ye didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but he agreed nonetheless.

Over the next seven days, Lin Ye entered a state of full-scale preparation.

On the first day, he used his Star Refinement Chamber pass to enter the Star Refinement Chamber to Cultivate the Yaoguang Footwork.

The Star Refinement Chamber was located deep within the Holy Land and was a completely sealed stone room. The room was empty, except for the floor, walls, and ceiling, which were all embedded with Star Crystals. When Lin Ye activated the pass, the Star Crystals lit up simultaneously, instantly transforming the entire stone room into a starry sky!

Above his head was a rotating galaxy, and beneath his feet was a flowing nebula. Even more miraculous was that silver footprints began to emerge on the floor, moving according to a profound pattern—this was the cultivation path for the Yaoguang Footwork.

Following the records in the Jade Slip, Lin Ye began the first step: sensing the astral rhythm.

He sat cross-legged, and his three big dipper star seals activated automatically, resonating with the surrounding simulated starry sky. Star Power surged into his body like a trickling stream, merging with his Chaos Divine Power. He could clearly 'see' the orbital paths of those stars and how the Yaoguang Footwork utilized these trajectories for movement.

Three hours later, Lin Ye stood up and began attempting to take the first step.

"Left three, right seven, step forward to Tianxuan, turn back to Yaoguang..."

His steps were clumsy, and he made many mistakes. But whenever he stepped wrong, the floor would light up red, while the correct path would become exceptionally bright, guiding him to correct himself.

After another three hours, Lin Ye could complete the basic footwork once in its entirety. Although his speed was slow, at least he didn't make any wrong steps.

On the second and third days, he practiced repeatedly in the Star Refinement Chamber. From clumsy to proficient, from slow to swift. By the third time he used the Star Refinement Chamber, Lin Ye could fluently perform the first stage of the Yaoguang Footwork, 'Starlight Accompaniment,' under conditions of triple gravity and double air resistance.

[System Notification: Yaoguang Footwork cultivation progress increased!]

[Current Realm: First Stage · Starlight Accompaniment (Entry)]

[Effect: Movement Speed +20%, Evasion Rate +6%]

[Special Effect: In starlight environments, movement speed increases by an additional 10%]

[Mastery: 150/1000]

Just at the Entry Realm, there was a 20% speed bonus! Under starlight, it even reached 30%! This was only the first stage at the entry level; if he practiced it to Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, or even the second and third stages...

Lin Ye left the Star Refinement Chamber satisfied. His three opportunities were used up, but the gains were immense.

On the fourth day, he gathered all the members of the Heavenly Court within the Holy Land.

Besides the four core members—Lin Ye, Su Qingyue, Chen Hao, and Shi Potian—there were thirty-two other Heavenly Court members who had become Outer Sect Disciples through the trials. A total of thirty-six people gathered in a hidden valley beneath Xuanwei Peak.

Lin Ye distributed the prepared supplies, giving each person a standard kit: 2 bottles of Grade Five Heaven-Returning Pills, 1 bottle of Grade Four Poison-Averting Pills, 3 Transmission Talismans, 2 Healing Talismans, 1 Detoxification Talisman, and 5 Lighting Crystals. Core members received additional Random Teleportation Talismans.

"The Five Elements Secret Realm opens in seven days and will last for one month." Lin Ye stood before everyone, his voice clear. "This is our Heavenly Court's first large-scale collective operation. The goal is clear: acquire resources, enhance strength, and build the Heavenly Court's reputation."

He unfurled the copy of the map given by Elder Xuanwei: "The Secret Realm is divided into five major zones, and we will operate in four groups. I will lead the first group of ten to the central Five Elements Convergence Zone to attempt exploring the core. Su Qingyue will lead the second group of eight, responsible for the Water and Wood Zones, collecting Spirit Medicines and searching for the Water Spirit Pearl. Chen Hao will lead the third group of ten, responsible for the Fire and Metal Zones, gathering Artifact Refining Materials and Earth Core Fire Lotuses. Shi Potian will lead the fourth group of eight for mobile support, while also being responsible for sentry duty and counter-assassination."

"Each group, remember: safety first. Call for help immediately if you encounter danger; do not try to be a hero. When encountering other factions, cooperate if possible, and avoid them if not. But if the other side takes the initiative to provoke us... then fight back, and show the Heavenly Court's Aura!"

"Yes!" the thirty-six people responded in unison, their Battle Intent soaring.

On the fifth and sixth days, each group conducted tactical drills and coordination training. Lin Ye taught some techniques of the Yaoguang Footwork to the core members; although they couldn't Master it in a short time, it could at least improve their mobility.

Su Qingyue's Vast Cold Spirit Body had a natural advantage in the Water Element Zone, so Lin Ye gave her the detailed information about the Water Spirit Pearl from the map separately. Chen Hao's fire-attribute Cultivation Technique was suited for the Fire Element Zone, and Shi Potian's assassin abilities were suited for mobility and scouting. Everyone had clear duties and goals.

The seventh day, the night before departure.

Lin Ye was alone in his bamboo house making final preparations. He checked all his equipment: the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo (Refined +2), the Blood Baleful Battle Armor, the ring of the thunder god (40% repaired), the wind and thunder wings... every piece of equipment was adjusted to its optimal state.

Medicinal Pills were categorized and stored, and Talismans were placed where they could be most easily reached.

The map was memorized, and he had made deductions regarding the possible movements of various factions within the Secret Realm.

Finally, he took out the Jade Slip containing the 'Yaoguang Footwork' and reviewed it once more. Starlight Accompaniment had already reached the entry level; combined with Void Step, his mobility would far exceed those of the same rank.

"That should be enough."

Lin Ye put away the Jade Slip and looked out the window.

The night sky was clear, and the stars were brilliant. Tomorrow, the Five Elements Secret Realm would officially open.

Meanwhile, far beyond the Yaoguang Holy Land, across the Eastern Barrens, countless factions were making similar preparations.

In the Temple of Olympus, Ares was clad in golden battle armor, standing before fifty Olympus elites. Athena's voice came through a transmission Formation: "In the Five Elements Secret Realm, search for the 'Five Elements Origin,' and... if there is an Opportunity, eliminate Lin Ye."

At the Zongheng Alliance headquarters, Zhao Zheng looked grimly at his three hundred members: "In this Secret Realm, the Zongheng Alliance must obtain enough resources! Furthermore, a bounty of one hundred thousand Spirit Stones is placed on Lin Ye's head!"

At the Green Robe Tower, Qingluan gently stroked her zither strings and said softly to the sisters beside her: "In the Secret Realm, focus on self-preservation and seeking opportunities. If you encounter the Heavenly Court... you may cooperate as appropriate."

In the Eternal Star Domain exploration team, a silver-clad man watched a screen scrolling with massive amounts of data: "The Five Elements Secret Realm is suspected to have a 'World Origin' leak point. Objective: Collect samples and analyze the energy composition of this world. Secondary objective: Observe the combat data of the 'Chaos Body' Lin Ye."

The remnants of the Shadow Kill Tower, nine black figures knelt before a hideous idol: "By the Tower Master's command, in the Five Elements Secret Realm, assassinate Lin Ye and seize the Chaos Body Origin."

Rogue experts, descendants of reclusive clans, ancient Sects... every faction had its own designs.

A storm sweeping across the Eastern Barrens was about to erupt in the Five Elements Secret Realm.

And at this moment, Lin Ye was not entirely ignorant of this.

He sat cross-legged on his bamboo bed, playing with a black token—this had been sent secretly by Qin Ruoxue through the Heavenly Secret Pavilion.

There was only one message in the token:

"Five Elements Secret Realm, top of the kill list: Lin Ye. Total bounty: Eight hundred and fifty thousand Spirit Stones. Known hunters: Nine remnants of the Shadow Kill Tower, thirty members of the Zongheng Alliance's 'Hidden Hall,' twelve members of the Olympus 'Punishment Squad,' and an unknown number from the mysterious organization 'Nightfall.' Be careful."

Lin Ye put away the token, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"Hunt me? Then let's see just who is hunting whom."

He closed his eyes and began his final breath regulation.

Tomorrow, the Five Elements Secret Realm.

The banner of the Heavenly Court would be raised for the first time on the grand stage of the Eastern Barrens.

And the name Lin Ye would officially enter the sight of the top-tier powers of the entire covering the heavens era.

Whether it was a blessing or a curse, he had to walk this path.

Because in this life, he not only had to protect himself but also had to guard others.

Guard the Heavenly Court, guard his companions, and guard everything he cared about.

For this, he would not hesitate to make the whole world his enemy.

As the night deepened, the starlight grew brighter.

Dawn was coming.