80: Chapter 80 A New Journey Begins

Early morning, three days after the Heavenly Secret Secret Report.

Inside the meeting hall of the Heavenly Court stronghold, people sat on both sides of a long table.

Lin Ye sat in the main seat. To his left were Su Qingyue, Chen Hao, and Shi Potian. To his right were Zhao Wuji and Qin Ruoxue, as well as the four hall masters: Azure Dragon Hall Master Wang Iron Pillar (who had rejoined the team after his resurrection), White Tiger Hall Master Shadow Blade, Vermilion Bird Hall Vice Master Fire Dance (who handled daily affairs during the period Su Qingyue concurrently served as the hall master), and Black Tortoise Hall Master Iron Wall.

A topographical map of the Eastern Wilderness hung on the hall wall, with seven locations marked in red—these were the abnormal outbreak points mentioned in Qin Ruoxue's report. At the northernmost end of the map, a black skull mark was exceptionally striking: the Primal Ancient Mine.

"Everyone is here," Lin Ye spoke, his voice echoing in the hall. "Let's begin."

He first looked at Qin Ruoxue: "Pavilion Master Qin, please report the latest situation first."

Qin Ruoxue stood up and walked to the map. The Jade Slip in her hand emitted a faint light, projecting dynamic images onto the map.

"Over the past seventy-two hours, abnormal events in the Eastern Wilderness have continued to escalate." Her tone was steady, but the content was alarming. "Nine new abnormal points have appeared, three of which have already evolved into regional disasters."

The images projected by the Jade Slip changed, showing three scenes:

The first was a burning forest where the flames appeared a bizarre purple. Trees twisted into grotesque forms within the fire, and humanoid creatures could be seen moving faintly within the flames.

[Location: 'Purple Flame Forest', Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness]

[Event: Abnormal Fire Riot]

[Details: 'Nine Nether Purple Fire' has gushed from deep within the earth veins. The fire possesses sentience and can actively attack living beings. It has spread for three hundred miles, swallowing seventeen villages. Player deaths confirmed at 243, while NPC deaths cannot be calculated.]

[System Prompt: This area has transformed into the 'Flame Hell' dungeon (World-class). Entering requires enduring continuous fire damage (-500 HP per second). Killing fire creatures can yield 'Fire Law Fragments'.]

The second was a frozen lake. The surface was completely frozen, but massive shadows swam beneath the ice. Every so often, the ice would crack, and tentacles covered in suckers would emerge.

[Location: 'Cold Soul Lake', Northern Border of the Eastern Wilderness]

[Event: Awakening of an Ancient Yao Beast]

[Details: The 'Ice Soul Octopus' (estimated level 90+, Xiantai Realm) sleeping at the bottom of the lake has partially awakened. Its tentacles can extend ten miles to the shore. It has currently destroyed three docks and swallowed twenty-three ships.]

[System Prompt: A crusade mission 'Threat of Cold Soul Lake' has been issued for this area. Rewards include 'Ice Law Fragments', 'Ancient Yao Beast Materials', and 'Cold Soul Lake Treasure Map'.]

The third was the most bizarre—a distorted space where the ground was cracked and the sky appeared like a vortex. Debris of buildings floated in mid-air, as if gravity had failed.

[Location: 'Falling Star Plain', Central Eastern Wilderness]

[Event: Spatial Collapse]

[Details: Unknown reasons have led to an unstable spatial structure in this area, resulting in numerous spatial cracks and gravity anomaly zones. Over five hundred players have gone missing after accidentally entering (status shows 'Space-Time Exile', unable to respawn).]

[System Prompt: This area is marked as a 'High-Risk Restricted Zone'; players are advised to stay away. However, witnesses claim to have seen the outlines of ancient ruins within the spatial cracks.]

The images disappeared, and the hall fell silent.

"This is only the beginning." Qin Ruoxue put away the Jade Slip. "According to the Heavenly Secret Pavilion's model deductions, the number and intensity of abnormal events will double every seven days. In three months at most, there will be no absolute safe zones in the Eastern Wilderness."

"Three months..." Zhao Wuji smiled bitterly. "It's only been two months since the game launched, right? This pace is way too fast."

"Because the world is accelerating its 'realization'," Lin Ye took over the conversation. "Pavilion Master Qin, what about the situation in the Big Dipper Star Field?"

"Worse." Qin Ruoxue's expression was grave. "Yaoguang Holy Land has already closed its mountain gates and activated its sect-protecting Formation. The three ancient stars of Tianshu, Tianxuan, and Tianquan have simultaneously issued a 'Star Warning', advising all Cultivators to reduce travel. And according to news sent back from the Big Dipper main station... the Seal on the Primal Ancient Mine is loosening."

Everyone's gaze simultaneously focused on the black skull mark at the northern end of the map.

The Primal Ancient Mine.

In the setting of the "covering the heavens era", it was one of the seven Forbidden Zones of Life in the Eastern Wilderness, and perhaps the most dangerous one. Legend has it that secrets of the Mythological Era are buried deep within the mine, where Archaic creatures sleep, Supreme corpses lie, and curses that can cause a Great Emperor to fall exist.

In the two months since the game launched, no player has ever dared to venture deep into the mine. Even the outermost areas require at least the Four Extremities Realm (Level 60 or above) to be eligible for exploration.

And now, the place Lin Ye was going to was this very spot.

"I know what you are thinking." Lin Ye stood up and walked to the map, his finger pointing at the mark for the Primal Ancient Mine. "It's dangerous, a slim chance of survival, or even certain death."

He turned to look at everyone: "But have you considered why it's happening now? Why is the Seal on the Primal Ancient Mine loosening just as the world begins its 'realization' and anomalies are occurring frequently?"

Su Qingyue was thoughtful: "Are you saying... this isn't a coincidence?"

"Absolutely not." Lin Ye said decisively. "The Primal Ancient Mine is a restricted zone, but it's even more of a Treasure Trove. Buried deep within the mine are relics of the Mythological Era: God Source Liquid that can transform one's constitution, God Gold for forging Emperor Weapons, Immortal Divine Medicine fragments that can extend life, and even... complete Great Emperor Legacies."

With every item mentioned, everyone's breathing quickened a bit.

"And these are exactly what we need most." Lin Ye's gaze swept over everyone present. "If the Heavenly Court is to grow and stand firm in this upheaval, we need resources, we need Legacies, and we need to rapidly increase our strength."

"The danger of the Primal Ancient Mine precisely means Opportunity. Because it's dangerous, few people go; because few people go, the opportunities are still there."

"More importantly—" Lin Ye paused, stating the most critical reason, "I need the chance to break through to the Dao Palace Second Layer."

He raised his hand, and a mass of Chaos airflow appeared in his palm. Within the airflow, the phantoms of the five internal organs were faintly visible, but only the 'Heart Divine Palace' at the heart's position was solid and bright. The other four palaces—liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys—were still in a hazy state.

"The Five Realms of the Dao Palace correspond to the Five Internal Organs Divine Treasures. I opened my heart palace half a month ago, but I have been unable to select the second divine treasure." Lin Ye explained, "Ordinary Cultivators can simply follow the order of the Five Elements' mutual generation. But the Chaos Body is special; it requires using Chaos to evolve the Five Elements. I must find treasures containing the Five Elements Origin to perfectly open them."

"In the Primal Ancient Mine, there are 'Five Elements Divine Stones'." Pavilion Master Qin added. "Ancient records of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion state that the depths of the mine produce a rare stone containing Innate Five Elements essence. It is a Supreme treasure for refining Five Elements Magic Treasures and can also help Cultivators comprehend the Laws of the Five Elements."

"Exactly." Lin Ye nodded. "I need at least three Five Elements Divine Stones of different attributes to determine the direction of the second divine treasure and open it in one go."

He looked at everyone: "Therefore, the trip to the Primal Ancient Mine is imperative."

A brief silence fell over the hall.

"I'll go with you." Su Qingyue was the first to speak, her voice calm but firm. "The Vast Cold Spirit Body is of the Yin attribute, but it can evolve Taiyin Power, which is close to the water element of the Five Elements. If there are water-attribute Divine Stones in the mine, I can help you sense them."

"Count me in too." Chen Hao grinned. "Although the God King Body focuses on offense, its defense isn't bad either. If we really encounter danger, I can block a few hits for you."

Shi Potian didn't speak; he just gripped the battle axe on his back, Battle Intent burning in his eyes—this was his stance.

Zhao Wuji smiled bitterly: "I won't go and hold you back with my weak combat power. However, leave the logistics to me. Give me a list of whatever equipment, Medicinal Pills, or Talismans you need, and I'll have them ready within three days."

Qin Ruoxue said: "The Heavenly Secret Pavilion will do its best to gather intelligence on the mine, but... the heavenly secrets inside the mine are chaotic, so our information may be limited. Additionally, I will arrange an elite intelligence squad at the outskirts of the mine to provide support and relay messages at any time."

The four hall masters also expressed their stances:

Azure Dragon Hall Master Wang Iron Pillar: "The hall can dispatch twenty Dao Palace Realm experts to form a guard team."

White Tiger Hall Master Shadow Blade: "The assassin hall is skilled in reconnaissance and assassination; we can scout ahead."

Vermilion Bird Hall Vice Master Fire Dance: "The mage group can provide long-range fire support, but we need time to assemble."

Black Tortoise Hall Master Iron Wall: "The defense hall can set up temporary camp Formations, but the environment inside the mine is complex, so the effectiveness of the Formations may be reduced."

Lin Ye quietly listened to everyone's words, a sense of warmth rising in his heart.

This was his team, his Heavenly Court.

"Good." He finally nodded. "Since everyone agrees, then it's settled."

He walked back to the main seat and began detailed deployment:

"This trip to the Primal Ancient Mine will focus on quality rather than quantity. Qingyue, Chen Hao, Shi Potian, and I will form the core team responsible for deep exploration."

"Shadow Blade, select five brothers from the White Tiger Hall who are best at stealth and reconnaissance to serve as the vanguard. Depart three days early to scout the situation within fifty miles of the mine's outskirts. Focus on marking dangerous areas, Yao Beast distributions, and potential resource points."

"Fire Dance, the Vermilion Bird Hall should prepare three sets of 'Element Amulets' (one each for fire, ice, and thunder attributes), as well as enough 'Exorcism Talismans' and 'Heart-Purifying Talismans'. The Yin Qi inside the mine is heavy, and there may be evil spirits; these Talismans will be of great use."

"Iron Wall, the Black Tortoise Hall will forge four sets of 'Earth Vein Armor' (Excellent Grade is sufficient), requiring added 'anti-curse' and 'anti-Yin Qi erosion' attributes. Also, prepare a 'Portable Defense Formation Plate' (small); we need to establish a temporary stronghold inside the mine."

"Wang Iron Pillar, the Azure Dragon Hall guard team doesn't need to enter the mine, but you must establish a forward base on the outskirts. The base needs to accommodate fifty people for garrison duty and have basic defense and supply functions."

"Zhao Wuji, here is the material list." Lin Ye handed over a Jade Slip. "Prepare them according to the highest standards; Spirit Stones will be drawn from the guild warehouse. Additionally, through merchant guild channels, acquire 'Life-Substitute Talismans' (Legendary-grade life-saving items)—buy as many as you can, price is not an issue."

Zhao Wuji took the Jade Slip, and after a scan with his Divine Sense, he gasped: "Boss, this list... is worth at least three hundred thousand Spirit Stones! Life-Substitute Talismans are even rarer; a single one on the black market can go for fifty thousand!"

"Money can be earned again, but there's only one life," Lin Ye said indifferently. "Do as I say."

"Yes!"

"Pavilion Master Qin." Lin Ye finally looked at Qin Ruoxue. "The Heavenly Secret Pavilion has three tasks: first, continuous monitoring of Eastern Wilderness anomalies, especially in the direction of the mine; second, collecting all ancient books, legends, and map fragments regarding the Primal Ancient Mine; third, establishing an emergency transmission channel from God City to the mine to ensure messages can be sent even if space is distorted."

"Understood." Qin Ruoxue nodded. "Additionally, I will personally compile an 'Ancient Mine Survival Guide', summarizing all known dangers and countermeasures."

Deployment complete, everyone took their orders and left.

Only Lin Ye and Su Qingyue remained in the hall.

"Qingyue," Lin Ye looked at her, "this really is very dangerous. Deep inside the mine, we may encounter existences beyond our understanding. You could actually stay in..."

"I said, I'm going with you." Su Qingyue interrupted him, her eyes clear and firm. "It's not just to help you find the Five Elements Divine Stones."

She walked to the window, gazing at the Heavenly Court members practicing hard on the training grounds outside.

"Lin Ye, do you know? These past few days, I've been thinking: if the game really manifests into reality, if the world really undergoes an upheaval a year from now... then shouldn't those of us who know in advance do something?"

She turned, her eyes holding a light Lin Ye had never seen before.

"The Heavenly Court has five hundred people now, and in the future, there might be five thousand, fifty thousand, or five hundred thousand. They trust us, follow us, and place their fates in our hands. Then we must become stronger, strong enough to protect them in troubled times."

"The Primal Ancient Mine is dangerous, but it's also an Opportunity. If we can achieve Breakthroughs and obtain Legacies in the mine, then the Heavenly Court will truly have the Foundation to stand firm."

"So," she walked back in front of Lin Ye and took his hand, "it's not just for you, but also for the Heavenly Court, and for everyone who trusts us."

Lin Ye looked at the girl before him, complex emotions rising in his heart.

In his previous life, Su Qingyue was the same, always standing by his side and thinking of him, only to eventually...

He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging memories.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

“Alright, let's go together.” He held her hand back. “But you must promise me, no matter what happens, preserving yourself is the priority. I have the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body and memories from my Rebirth; I have far more means to save my life than you do.”

Su Qingyue smiled: “I should be the one saying that. The Vast Cold Spirit Body also has the ‘Moonlight Escape’ Divine Ability; if we really need to run, you might not be able to catch up to me.”

The two looked at each other and smiled, the atmosphere lightening slightly.

“By the way,” Su Qingyue remembered something, “you mentioned needing Five Elements Divine Stones to determine the direction of your second Divine Treasury. How exactly do you do that?”

Lin Ye opened his palm, and the Chaos energy emerged again, with the phantoms of the five viscera floating within it.

“The Dao Palace Realm corresponds to the Five Elements: the heart belongs to Fire, the liver to Wood, the spleen to Earth, the lungs to Metal, and the kidneys to Water. Ordinary Cultivators proceed in the order of Fire → Earth → Metal → Water → Wood, or choose based on their own Physique.”

“But the Chaos Body encompasses everything. Theoretically, it can be opened in any order, or even simultaneously. However, that requires immense energy and a profound understanding of the essence of the Five Elements.”

He pointed to his heart palace: “I have already opened the heart palace, which belongs to Fire. For the next palace, I need to determine its attribute first. The method is to refine Five Elements Divine Stones and sense which attribute resonates most strongly with me.”

“Five Elements Divine Stones are Innate items containing the most fundamental Laws of the Five Elements. After refining them, the Chaos Body will naturally provide feedback.”

Su Qingyue was thoughtful: “So, our primary goal in entering the Primal Ancient Mine is to find Five Elements Divine Stones?”

“At least three of different attributes,” Lin Ye nodded, “and the quality cannot be too low. It must be at least ‘High Grade’ to trigger the Chaos Body’s response.”

He pulled up the game interface and displayed the information about the Five Elements Divine Stone:

[Five Elements Divine Stone (High Grade)]

[Type: Heavenly and Earthly Wonder / Artifact Refining Material / Cultivation Resource]

[Description: A Divine Stone born at the beginning of heaven and earth, containing Innate Five Elements essence. Because it contains fragments of Laws, it cannot be synthesized artificially and only naturally generates in certain extreme environments.]

[Attributes: Corresponding Five Elements attribute resistance +30%, corresponding Five Elements skill power +50%]

[Special Effects (Refining): 1. Direct absorption can permanently increase corresponding attribute affinity (cap +10%); 2. Used as a main material for refining Magic Treasures, it can add corresponding Five Elements Laws to the Magic Treasure; 3. Refining by a Dao Palace Realm Cultivator can assist in opening the corresponding Divine Treasury.]

[Rarity: Legendary]

[Known Origins: Primal Ancient Mine (Deep Layer), Five Elements Jedi (Destroyed), Ancient Ruins (Small amount unearthed)]

“Legendary material...” Su Qingyue sighed lightly, “As expected, it’s not that easy to obtain.”

“That’s why it’s an Opportunity.” Lin Ye put away the interface, “If it were easy, it would have been dug out long ago. It is precisely because it is dangerous that it has remained until now.”

The two chatted about more details, and then Su Qingyue went to the Vermilion Bird Hall to prepare Talismans.

Lin Ye remained in the hall alone and pulled up his personal attribute panel.

After a series of events such as the first clear of the Bronze Ancient Palace, the Yan State secret history quest, the Wind and Thunder Valley trial, the Yaoguang Holy Land grand competition, and the God City auction, his attributes had undergone earth-shaking changes:

[Player: Lin Ye]

[Level: 38 (Dao Palace First Layer Peak)]

[Realm: Dao Palace Realm · Heart Divine Palace]

[Qi and Blood: 186,450 / 186,450]

[Divine Power: 158,700 / 158,700]

[Attack: 9,280-10,860]

[Defense: 8,720]

[Dao Law Bonus: +235%]

[Divine Sense Strength: 1,250 (Ordinary person 100)]

[Luck: 87 (Hidden value, affects the probability of encountering opportunities)]

[Talent: Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body (Unique)]

[Physique Special Effects: All attributes +100%, experience gain +200%, ignore Realm Bottlenecks, unlock one Chaos Divine Ability per major Realm]

[Current Divine Ability: Chaos Domain (Range 30 meters, enemy attributes -30%, friendly +20%)]

[Skill Tree: Chaos System (Dao Palace Realm)]

[Main Skills: Chaos Fire (heart palace exclusive), Chaos Soul Suppressing Seal, Void Step (Minor Achievement), Jie Character Secret · Incomplete (3% five-fold critical hit)]

[Equipment Slot]

[Weapon: myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo (Growth-type Natal Artifact, current Dao Palace level)]

[Attack: +5,800 (Base + Growth)]

[Defense: +9,200]

[Special Effect 1: Mother Qi Body Protection (Damage reduction 25%, already upgraded)]

[Special Effect 2: Can merge with myriad mother qi to upgrade (Current Fusion degree 12%)]

[Special Effect 3: Chaos Nourishment (Placed in the Wheel Sea to automatically absorb Chaos qi to grow)]

[Armor: Void Armor Set (Epic, 5/5)]

[Set Effect: Void Stealth (Active, enter stealth state for 10 seconds, cooldown 2 minutes)]

[Accessories: bodhi seed (Legendary), bronze finger ring (Special)]

[bodhi seed Special Effect: Comprehension Ability +30%, cultivation speed +50%, Epiphany probability +5%]

[bronze finger ring: Item that triggers “ruthless ones inheritance” clues, function unknown]

[Mount: None]

[Pet: None]

[Faction: Heavenly Court (Level 2)]

[Position: Leader]

[Reputation: Well-known in the Eastern Wilderness (58,700 / 100,000)]

[Assets: 620,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, 3,400 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, 18 High-Grade Spirit Stones, various Materials]

[Guild Warehouse: 1,237 pieces of equipment (Fine or above), material library (Full), Medicinal Pill library (70% full)]

Looking at these data, Lin Ye felt slightly relieved.

Level 38, Dao Palace First Layer Peak. This level was already top-tier among players—he ranked seventh on the server-wide level ranking. The top six were all “leveling machines” piled up by Western large guilds concentrating resources, and their actual combat power might not be stronger than his.

And in terms of attributes, he was crushing those of the same level. Ordinary Dao Palace First Layer players generally had an attack power between 3,000-5,000 and defense of 2,000-3,000. Lin Ye’s attributes were almost three times theirs!

And this didn’t even count the bonuses from the Chaos Domain, Jie Character Secret, etc.

“But it’s still not enough.” Lin Ye muttered to himself.

He clearly remembered that in his previous life, in the third month after the game launched, the first Four Extremities Realm player appeared. That was a Western Berserker who followed a pure strength route and obtained a Heaven-Defying Opportunity in a large dungeon, leveling up ten times in a row and directly breaking through to the Four Extremities.

The Four Extremities Realm and the Dao Palace Realm were a qualitative difference.

The Four Extremities Realm can Cultivate the four limbs, connecting the four poles of heaven and earth, and initially mobilize the power of heaven and earth. A Four Extremities First Layer player could easily crush ten Dao Palace Peak players.

“Must speed up.” Lin Ye closed the attribute panel, “The Primal Ancient Mine is the Opportunity for a Breakthrough.”

For the next three days, the entire Heavenly Court operated at high speed.

Zhao Wuji almost lived in the Chamber of Commerce, mobilizing all resources to purchase supplies. When the final list came out, even Lin Ye was shocked:

[Primal Ancient Mine Operation Supply List (Final Version)]

[Life-saving type: Substitute Death Talisman x2 (Legendary, unit price 58,000 Spirit Stones), Small Resurrection Pill x10 (Epic, can be used within 30 seconds after death, restores 50% state), Heaven Escape Talisman x20 (Rare, instantly teleport to a marked point a thousand miles away)]

[Recovery type: Great spirit recovery pill x100 (Restores 2,000 Qi and Blood per second, lasts 10 seconds), Great spirit recovery pill x100 (Restores 1,500 Divine Power per second, lasts 10 seconds), Universal Antidote x50 (Dispels most negative statuses)]

[Auxiliary type: Elemental Amulet (Fire, Ice, Thunder) x5 each, Exorcism Talisman x200, Mind Calming Talisman x200, Illumination Talisman x500 (No light inside the Ancient Mine)]

[Equipment type: Earth Vein Armor x4 (Fine, curse resistance +15%, Yin Qi resistance +20%), Magic Resistance Boots x4 (Rare, Spell resistance +10%), Ore Prospecting Pickaxe x2 (Fine, mining speed +30%)]

[Formation type: Portable Defensive Formation Plate (Small) x1 (Can block attacks below the Four Extremities Realm for half an hour), Warning Formation Flag x12 (After deployment, senses movement within 100 meters)]

[Other: Compressed Rations x100 (Eating required in-game), Clear Water x200 bags, Sleeping Bag x4, Recording Jade Slip x50...]

[Total Cost: 427,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones]

“Two Substitute Death Talismans cost 116,000...” Zhao Wuji’s face twitched with pain, “Boss, this is almost half of the guild’s savings.”

“It’s worth it.” Lin Ye put away the supplies, “Money can be earned again if it’s gone, but if people are gone, they are truly gone.”

Qin Ruoxue also had fruitful results. She not only compiled a 300-page “Ancient Mine Survival Guide” but also obtained a “Primal Ancient Mine Peripheral Topographic Map (Incomplete Manual)” through special channels.

[Primal Ancient Mine Peripheral Topographic Map (Incomplete Manual)]

[Type: Special Item / Map]

[Description: A map fragment brought out of the Ancient Mine by an adventurer, recording the terrain of about one-tenth of the outer area of the Ancient Mine. It is very old, and some information may have changed.]

[Effect: Use in the corresponding area to unlock map fog and mark known resource points and danger points.]

[Incomplete Manual Completeness: 11%]

[Marked Points: Yin Wind Canyon (Dangerous), Corpse Plain (High Danger), Ancient Mine Entrance (Three known), Abandoned Mine Shaft x7, Divine Source Vein (Suspected, unconfirmed)]

“Divine Source Vein?” Lin Ye’s pupils constricted when he saw the last point.

Divine Source was a cultivation resource a hundred times more precious than High-Grade Spirit Stones! A standard-sized piece of Divine Source (fist-sized) was worth a million Low-Grade Spirit Stones and was priceless. Divine Source contained pure essence of heaven and earth and fragments of Laws; it was a necessity for Cultivators above the Xiantai Realm to Cultivate, and also the core energy for driving Imperial Weapons and setting up Great Emperor Formations.

If there really was a Divine Source Vein in the periphery of the Ancient Mine, even if it was just a small vein, it would be enough to make the Heavenly Court rich overnight!

“It’s just suspected.” Qin Ruoxue reminded him, “The map is from 3,000 years ago, and the marker was just guessing. And even if it existed, after 3,000 years, it might have been dug out long ago, or occupied by some powerful existence.”

“It’s worth exploring if there’s a clue.” Lin Ye put away the map fragment, “Thank you for your hard work.”

Shadow Blade’s vanguard also sent back news on the evening of the third day:

[Vanguard Report (Shadow Blade)]

[Time: Fifth day of arriving at the Ancient Mine periphery]

[Location: Southern edge of the Primal Ancient Mine, coordinates (Eastern Wilderness: North Latitude 37°, East Longitude 122°)]

[Investigation Situation:

1. Within 50 miles of the Ancient Mine periphery, seventeen gathering points of Yao Beasts were discovered, including three Yao Beast leaders above the Four Extremities Realm (namely: Iron-boned Violent Bear · estimated 70 level). It is recommended to bypass.

2. Three traces of player activity were found, all of which were exploration teams of large guilds (Identification marks: Overlord Pavilion, Blood Fiend Alliance, Eternal Dynasty). They seem to be looking for something, and their actions are secretive.

3. Three entrances to the Ancient Mine were confirmed: Entrance No. 1 (Map marked point) has been occupied by “Cave Spider Swarm” (Spider Mother estimated 75 level); Entrance No. 2 (Newly discovered) has spatial disorder phenomena, unstable; Entrance No. 3 (Map marked) is relatively safe, but there are unknown Formation residues that need to be broken.

4. Weather abnormality: The Ancient Mine area is shrouded in gray fog all year round. The gray fog has a “Divine Sense suppression” effect (Divine Sense detection range reduced by 80%), and the concentration increases over time. The gray fog is thickest around the Rat hour, so it is recommended to avoid night operations.

5. Important discovery: Near the No. 3 entrance, traces of “Five Elements Qi” were found (suspected that Five Elements Divine Stone once appeared here), but the traces have faded and are difficult to track.]

[Suggestion: Enter from the No. 3 entrance, but need to bring a Formation Master to break the residual Formation. Choose the time of action from the Dragon hour to the Monkey hour, avoiding the dense period of gray fog.]

[Attached: Scan map of the No. 3 entrance Formation (needs interpretation by a Formation Master)]]

“Formation Master...” Lin Ye pondered.

The Heavenly Court currently does not have a full-time Formation Master. Formation is the most difficult of the five manufacturing branches, requiring extremely high talent and huge knowledge accumulation. The early investment is large and the results are slow, so very few players choose the Formation route.

“I’ll go.” A voice came from outside the door.

Everyone turned their heads and saw Lu Ming walking in.

“Brother Lu?” Lin Ye was a bit surprised. Since joining the Heavenly Court, Lu Ming had been very low-key, spending most of his time in the Scripture Pavilion studying ancient books and rarely participating in guild affairs.

“I have some research on Formations.” Lu Ming smiled, “In the Scripture Pavilion of the Yaoguang Holy Land, there are 3,000 volumes of Formation classics, and I have read more than half of them. Although I dare not say I am proficient, it should be enough to break a residual Formation at an Ancient Mine entrance.”

He handed over a Jade Slip: “This is my analysis of that Formation scan map.”

Lin Ye took it, scanned it with his Divine Sense, and showed appreciation in his eyes.

Inside the Jade Slip, not only were the Formation structure, energy nodes, and breaking methods analyzed in detail, but three possible Formation-breaking schemes were also marked, along with a risk assessment for each.

"Brother Lu, you really hide your depth," Lin Ye laughed. "Then, for this operation, I'll have to trouble you to accompany us."

"It's only right," Lu Ming said seriously. "Since I have joined the Heavenly Court, I should naturally contribute. Besides... I am also very interested in the Primal Ancient Mine."

He paused, lowering his voice: "Yaoguang Holy Land ancient records state that a 'Source Heaven Master' Legacy might be hidden deep within the Ancient Mine. And the 'Source Heaven Scripture' I Cultivate is the foundational technique of the Source Heaven Master lineage. If I could obtain the complete Legacy..."

Source Heaven Master!

Lin Ye's heart stirred. In the original "Covering the Heavens" novel, the Source Heaven Master was a profession specializing in studying "Source" (i.e., Spirit Stone, Divine Stone, etc.), proficient in finding, identifying, and mining Source, and even capable of manipulating the heaven and earth energy contained within Source to set up Source-art Formations, with power not inferior to orthodox Cultivators.

In the game, the Source Heaven Master was a hidden profession, and its Legacy was extremely rare. That Lu Ming actually possessed the foundational volume of the "Source Heaven Scripture" was an unexpected joy.

"Good, then we shall go find this Legacy together." Lin Ye patted Lu Ming on the shoulder.

The personnel were finally decided: Lin Ye, Su Qingyue, Chen Hao, Shi Potian, and Lu Ming, totaling five people. Shadow Blade's vanguard team would continue to scout and provide support on the periphery.

The night before departure, Lin Ye went to the stronghold's cultivation room alone.

He sat cross-legged and took out the myriad things mother qi cauldron embryo.

The palm-sized bronze cauldron hovered in his palm, with mysterious yellow mother qi flowing on its surface, and the phantom images of mountains, rivers, plants, trees, the sun, moon, and stars faintly visible on the cauldron body. After this period of nourishing with Chaos, the spirit of the cauldron embryo had clearly strengthened, and its connection with Lin Ye's mind was even tighter.

"This trip to the Ancient Mine is fraught with unknown dangers." Lin Ye gently stroked the cauldron body. "You are my Natal Artifact, connected to my life and death. If I fall, you will also lose your spirit."

The cauldron embryo trembled slightly, emitting a faint hum, as if in response.

"Therefore, we must become stronger together." Lin Ye closed his eyes and circulated the Chaos Scripture.

This was the prototype of the Cultivation Technique he had created himself, combining the characteristics of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body. Taking Chaos as the Foundation, it encompassed everything. Currently, it only had the framework for the Lunhai Chapter and the Dao Palace Chapter, which needed continuous refinement in the future.

The Chaos qi flowed out from the Lunhai, passed through his limbs and bones, and finally gathered in the heart palace.

Inside the heart palace, a ball of Chaos flames burned fiercely. That was the Origin of the Chaos Fire and the core of the heart palace's power.

As the technique circulated, Lin Ye's aura gradually climbed.

The Bottleneck of the Dao Palace First Layer Peak began to loosen.

But he did not choose to force a Breakthrough.

"The second divine storage is not yet decided; breaking through now would make my Foundation unstable." Lin Ye suppressed the urge to break through. "After I get the Five Elements Divine Stone and determine the direction, I will break through in one go."

He turned to tempering his Divine Sense instead.

The bodhi seed hovered at his brow, emitting a cool aura, making his thinking clearer. His Divine Sense spread out like threads, penetrating the walls of the cultivation room, perceiving the movements of the entire stronghold.

On the training ground, members were still doing extra training; in the workshop, the fire of the forging furnace burned through the night; inside the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, intelligence personnel were still analyzing data; in the council hall, Zhao Wuji was still checking the final inventory list...

This was his Heavenly Court, his Foundation.

"I will lead you all to carve out a path of survival in this world that is about to undergo drastic changes." Lin Ye silently thought to himself.

I don't know how long it had been, when the door of the cultivation room was gently knocked.

"Lin Ye, it's time to set off." Su Qingyue's voice came.

Lin Ye opened his eyes, a flash of light passing through them.

He got up, put away the cauldron embryo, and pushed open the door of the cultivation room.

Outside the door, the morning light was just beginning to appear.

Su Qingyue, Chen Hao, Shi Potian, and Lu Ming were already prepared to set off. All four were wearing Earth Vein Armor, carrying packs, and their expressions were solemn.

Zhao Wuji, Qin Ruoxue, and the four hall masters were also present; they were here to see them off.

"Boss, take care." Zhao Wuji handed over a Storage Pouch. "Inside are the last replenished supplies, and... this."

He took out a jade pendant from his chest; the jade pendant was warm and smooth, with the words "Peace" carved on it.

"My mother asked for it at a temple; it has been blessed." Zhao Wuji was rarely this serious. "Although I don't know if it works in the game, but... just take it."

Lin Ye took the jade pendant, feeling it warm in his hand.

"Thank you."

Qin Ruoxue also handed over a Jade Slip: "Latest intelligence. The exploration teams of the Overlord Pavilion, the Blood Fiend Alliance, and the Eternal Dynasty might also be targeting the Five Elements Divine Stone. They are purchasing large quantities of 'Five Elements Compass' (a prop for finding Five Elements items) on the black market; their actions are very secretive, but our people still discovered it."

"Understood." Lin Ye put away the Jade Slip. "We will be careful."

"Leader," Azure Dragon Hall Master Wang Iron Pillar said in a deep voice, "The peripheral base has been established, and fifty brothers are on standby at all times. If you encounter danger, send a signal, and we will support you immediately."

"Although we cannot rush into the depths of the Ancient Mine, we have no problem providing support on the periphery," added Black Tortoise Hall Master Iron Wall.

Lin Ye nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"The Heavenly Court is temporarily left to you all."

"Rest assured," everyone said in unison.

Lin Ye said no more and turned to walk towards the teleportation array.

Su Qingyue and the other four followed closely behind.

Five beams of light lit up, and their figures disappeared.

...

On the periphery of the Primal Ancient Mine, at Entrance No. 3. This was a desolate valley with steep black stone walls on both sides, covered in crisscrossing cracks, as if torn by giant claws. In the center of the valley, a mine cave with a diameter of ten zhang extended diagonally downwards, the entrance filled with a faint gray mist.

Beside the mine cave, Shadow Blade and five members of the White Tiger Hall had been waiting for a long time.

"Leader." Shadow Blade stepped forward and pointed to the mine cave. "This is Entrance No. 3. The residual Formation is thirty meters deep inside the cave; it has already activated the alert mode, and any living creature that approaches will trigger it."

Lu Ming stepped forward, took out the compass and Formation Flags, and began to survey.

Lin Ye looked at Shadow Blade: "What about the situation with the other two factions?"

"People from the Overlord Pavilion and the Eternal Dynasty entered Entrance No. 2 yesterday," Shadow Blade said in a low voice. "The Blood Fiend Alliance hasn't arrived yet, but according to intelligence, they are also on the way and will arrive by this afternoon at the latest. Also... there are players suspected to be from the 'Archaic Race' lurking nearby, with unknown identities and unknown purposes."

Archaic Race!

Lin Ye's eyes sharpened. In "covering the heavens era", players could not only choose the Human Race but also special races such as the Archaic Race, Yao Race, and God Race. The Archaic Race was born with strong physical bodies and had Bloodline legacies, but their leveling speed was slower, and their relationship with the Human Race was tense.

Unexpectedly, the Primal Ancient Mine had even attracted Archaic Race players.

"It's getting livelier." Lin Ye narrowed his eyes. "But that's good; the muddier the water, the more opportunities there are."

At this time, Lu Ming had finished his survey.

"The Formation is a variant of the 'Nine Palaces Maze Formation'; it is ancient, and less than one-tenth of its power remains." He analyzed. "But the core 'spatial disorder' effect is still there. If we force our way in, we will be randomly teleported to different locations in the Ancient Mine, and it is even possible to be directly teleported to a dangerous area."

"Can it be broken?" Su Qingyue asked.

"It takes time." Lu Ming estimated. "A complete break would take six hours, but we can't afford to wait. I can use the 'Formation Flag Guidance' method to temporarily open a stable passage, but the passage can only be maintained for a quarter of an hour, and at most three people can pass at a time."

"Then we will go in in batches." Lin Ye said decisively. "Lu Ming, you take Qingyue and Shi Potian in the first batch. Chen Hao and I will go in the second. Shadow Blade, you continue to monitor from the outside; if there is any situation, send a message at any time."

"Yes!"

Lu Ming began to set up the Formation. Seventy-two Formation Flags were precisely inserted by him into specific positions on the ground, forming a complex pattern. He bit his fingertip, using his blood as a guide, and outlined runes between the Formation Flags.

As the runes were completed, the Formation Flags lit up simultaneously, and the light converged into a beam, shooting into the depths of the mine cave.

"The passage is open!" Lu Ming shouted. "Hurry in! Remember, after entering, do not look back, walk thirty steps straight!"

Su Qingyue and Shi Potian looked at each other, stepped into the mine cave without hesitation, and disappeared into the beam of light.

Lu Ming followed closely behind.

The beam of light began to flicker, clearly unstable.

"It's our turn." Lin Ye said to Chen Hao.

The two stepped into the mine cave.

The moment they stepped in, the surrounding scene changed abruptly. It was no longer a dark mine cave, but a passage flowing with light and color. On both sides of the passage, blurry images flashed past, faintly revealing mountains, rivers, palace ruins, and even the outlines of some twisted creatures.

Space was fluctuating, and time was in disorder. Lin Ye felt his Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body spontaneously circulate, resisting the erosion of spatial power.

He stared closely ahead, counting his steps. Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty—

With one step out, the world spun. When his feet touched solid ground, he was already in a completely different world.

The dim sky had no sun, moon, or stars, only an eternal grayness. The earth was dark red, as if soaked in blood for millions of years. In the distance, black mountains rose and fell like the backs of giant beasts; nearby, white bones and rusted weapons were scattered.

The air was filled with the aura of decay and death, as well as... dense, chaotic Five Elements Spiritual Qi.

"This is... the Primal Ancient Mine." Su Qingyue's voice came.

The five had reunited and were standing on a low slope.

Lin Ye looked back; the passage they had come through had disappeared, leaving only solid rock walls. They had officially entered the forbidden zone.

"First, establish a temporary stronghold." Lin Ye ordered. "Lu Ming, set up a defensive Formation. Everyone else, keep watch."

Lu Ming took out a portable Formation Plate and began to set it up. Su Qingyue released a cold ice aura, forming a circle of ice walls around them. Chen Hao and Shi Potian stood on the left and right, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

Lin Ye walked to the edge of the low slope, overlooking this ancient and dangerous land.

His Divine Sense, suppressed by the gray fog, could only spread within a range of one hundred meters. But even so, he sensed at least three dangerous auras—predators hidden in the shadows.

And further away, deep in the Ancient Mine, there was a faint, elusive summons, pulling at his Chaos Body.

"Five Elements Divine Stone... Source Heaven Master Legacy... and the secret deep within the Ancient Mine." Lin Ye muttered to himself.

He pulled up the mission interface, and a new mission had been automatically generated: [Hidden Mission: Mystery of the Primal Ancient Mine] [Mission Description: You have entered the life forbidden zone, the Primal Ancient Mine. This land buries the secrets of the Mythical Era and also contains shocking opportunities. Explore the Ancient Mine, unravel the mystery, and perhaps you can find the path to the Peak.] [Phase 1: Survival (In Progress)] [Goal: Survive in the Ancient Mine for seven days] [Reward: EXP + 5 million, Ancient Mine Exploration + 5%, Random Five Elements Divine Stone × 1] [Phase 2: Unlocked] [Phase 3: Unlocked] [Warning: The mortality rate in this area exceeds 90%, please act with caution.]

90% mortality rate. Lin Ye closed the interface, his eyes showing no fear, only burning Battle Intent.

"Ancient Mine, I'm here."

"Your secrets, your treasures, your dangers... I want them all."

He turned and walked towards the temporary stronghold that had already been set up. The new journey officially began.

And at this moment, at another entrance to the Ancient Mine, several figures had just stepped in. Leading them was a player wearing blood-colored armor and carrying dual blades. His ID appeared above his head: [Blood Fiend · Mad Blade].

"Lin Ye... Heavenly Court..." Mad Blade licked his lips, a bloodthirsty light flashing in his eyes. "This time, let's see how you escape."

Behind him, thirty elite members of the Blood Fiend Alliance lined up neatly, filled with Killing Intent.

Further away, in the direction of Entrance No. 2, the teams from the Overlord Pavilion and the Eternal Dynasty had already penetrated deep into the Ancient Mine.

Three factions, one goal. And deep in the Ancient Mine, those sleeping existences seemed to be disturbed by the aura of the outsiders, slowly opening their eyes...