22: Chapter 22 Asking the Question Platform

In the inner city of Tianque City, there was an elegant teahouse named "Tingyu Pavilion."

The private room by the window on the top floor was quiet and elegant. Outside the window lay a shimmering artificial lake, and in the distance, one could see the silhouette of the "Asking Dao Platform," towering into the clouds and shrouded in a faint rosy glow. Sandalwood incense curled in the air, and the aroma of spiritual tea wafted about.

Lin Wan and Zhuge Ming sat opposite each other. On the table, a pot of "Cloud Mist Spirit Tips" tea was emitting a refreshing fragrance. Senior Sister Su Qing and Xu Feng sat to the side, their expressions slightly solemn.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, please." Zhuge Ming poured the tea himself. His movements were elegant and natural, completely devoid of the arrogance typical of young masters from aristocratic families; instead, he gave one the feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze. "This tea is harvested from ancient tea trees deep within the Cloud Dream Marsh of the Central Plains. Only a few taels are produced every thousand years. It has the effect of calming the mind and nourishing the Divine Soul, which is quite beneficial for us Cultivators when sensing the heavens and earth."

"Fellow Daoist Zhuge is too polite." Lin Wan picked up the white jade teacup and took a small sip. As the tea entered his throat, it transformed into a stream of warm, gentle Spiritual Qi that dispersed throughout his body. His Divine Soul was indeed refreshed, and his sensitivity to the surrounding Five Elements Spiritual Qi became even sharper. It was truly excellent tea, and undoubtedly worth a fortune.

"Just now at the fighting arena, seeing Fellow Daoist Lin easily suppress the Scarlet Sun True Fire with the power of the Five Elements, your Divine Ability was profound and mysterious, truly an eye-opener for me." Zhuge Ming set down his teacup and looked at Lin Wan with clear eyes. "If my guess is correct, the Cultivation Technique you practice must be the Legacy of the ancient Five Elements Sect, right?"

Lin Wan's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. "Fellow Daoist Zhuge has a Wisdom Eye. By a stroke of luck, I did indeed obtain some minor Legacy of the Five Elements Sect. I have barely managed to get started, so it is hardly profound."

"Fellow Daoist, you are too modest." Zhuge Ming shook his head, a flash of brilliance crossing his eyes. "The Dao of the Five Elements is vast and profound. To be able to Cultivate Five Elements Spiritual Qi to such a pure and harmonious state at this age, and to have initially grasped the true meaning of the Five Elements generating and overcoming each other, and suppressing all techniques, is already extraordinary. Even more rare is that you have actually condensed a five elements sword core. Such Aptitude, perseverance, and Opportunity are truly one in a million throughout history."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of emotion. "To be honest, I am also quite interested in the Dao of the Five Elements. In the library of my Heavenly Secret Pavilion, we also possess some incomplete classics of the Five Elements Sect. I once studied them devotedly, but unfortunately, my Aptitude is dull, and I could never find the way in. Seeing you today, I realize that the Great Dao of the Five Elements still has an unbroken Legacy, which is truly a fortunate event."

"Oh? Fellow Daoist Zhuge also has research into the Dao of the Five Elements?" Lin Wan was somewhat surprised. Heavenly Secret Pavilion was world-renowned for its Formation and divination of heavenly secrets; he had not expected its successor to also delve into the Five Elements.

"I only know a little bit of the surface," Zhuge Ming said modestly. "The Formations of my Heavenly Secret Pavilion are born from the nature of heaven and earth, and the changes of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. Studying the Five Elements is also a part of practicing the Dao of Formations. It is just that without guidance, it is ultimately like looking at flowers through the fog—it is difficult to see the full picture."

He changed the subject and looked directly at Lin Wan. "Fellow Daoist Lin, I invited you here today quite presumptuously. I truly have one thing to ask of you, and one thing to tell you. I hope you will consider them."

"Please speak." Lin Wan set down his teacup, knowing the main topic had arrived.

"Regarding the request," Zhuge Ming's expression became solemn. "I hope to trade with Fellow Daoist Lin for the cultivation insights of the Five Elements Sect for the Foundation Establishment and even Golden Core Stages, especially regarding the balance of the Five Elements, their generation and overcoming, and the insights on condensing the Golden Core. Of course, I am certainly not asking for your core Cultivation Technique Legacy, just the insights and realizations, and I am willing to exchange them for items of equal value. My Heavenly Secret Pavilion may not be able to claim much else, but regarding Formation classics, ancient secrets, techniques of divination, and even some rare Heaven And Earth Treasure, as long as you need them, I will do my best to satisfy you."

Trading cultivation insights? Lin Wan's heart stirred. This was worth considering. He practiced the Great Five Elements True Scripture, and his insights were unique. The parts regarding the balance of the Five Elements and condensing the Golden Core were indeed commendable and had great reference value for other Cultivators practicing the Dao of the Five Elements. Moreover, it was just insights, not involving the specific Cultivation Technique, so it would not count as leaking the Legacy. If he could trade for Heavenly Secret Pavilion's Formation classics or some urgently needed Five Elements spiritual items or intelligence, it would be a good deal.

However, he did not agree immediately but asked, "I wonder what this 'thing to tell you' that Fellow Daoist Zhuge mentioned might be?"

A flash of appreciation crossed Zhuge Ming's eyes; he seemed very satisfied with Lin Wan's composure. He picked up his teacup, took another sip, and then slowly said, "The matter I wish to tell you is closely related to this Great Competition, the newly discovered Five Elements Secret Realm, and even more so, to you, Fellow Daoist."

He tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table, his voice dropping a few degrees. "According to the latest divination from my Heavenly Secret Pavilion, this newly appeared Five Elements Secret Realm is not an ordinary ruin or branch location. It is highly likely to be a core fragment of the 'Five Elements Cave Heaven,' sealed by supreme power by the ancient Five Elements Sect to avoid a catastrophe!"

"A core fragment of the Five Elements Cave Heaven?" Lin Wan, Senior Sister Su Qing, and Xu Feng were all startled. Cave Heavens and blessed lands were small spaces independent of the main world, rich in Spiritual Qi and with unique rules; they were the Foundation places that Sects and families dreamed of. And a "core fragment" was the most essential and important part of a Cave Heaven, often carrying the Origin rules and the greatest Treasure Trove of the Cave Heaven.

"Correct." Zhuge Ming nodded. "Inside this fragment, not only is the Five Elements Spiritual Qi so dense it has liquefied, but it may also preserve the most core Legacy and treasury of the Five Elements Sect, and perhaps… it might even contain the 'Five Elements Origin' left behind by the great powers of the Five Elements Sect back then! Whoever can obtain it will have a great possibility of reproducing the glory of the ancient Five Elements Sect, or at the very least, walking a smooth, heavenly path on the Dao of the Five Elements."

The Five Elements Origin! That was a treasure even more precious than Five Elements Spirit Marrow or Five Elements Primordial Qi, and closer to the Origin of the Great Dao! For a Cultivator practicing Five Elements Cultivation Technique, it was a supreme treasure comparable to an Immortal Pill!

Lin Wan's breathing quickened slightly, but he quickly calmed down. "With such important information, why would Fellow Daoist Zhuge tell me?"

"Because only a Cultivator who has practiced the authentic Five Elements Legacy and condensed a Five Elements Golden Core can possibly obtain the recognition of that 'Five Elements Origin' and truly control that core fragment." Zhuge Ming looked at Lin Wan with burning eyes. "Others, even if they enter, can only obtain some scraps and might even trigger Restrictions and perish inside. According to my knowledge, in the world today, among those under fifty who have condensed a Five Elements Golden Core, besides you, Fellow Daoist, there may be one or two reclusive geniuses, but on the surface, you are the only one. You are the most crucial 'key' to opening that core Treasure Trove."

A key! Another key! Lin Wan recalled Mo Xuan's words in the Secret Realm. Could it be that there was a destined will in the dark?

"This matter is likely not known only to you, right?" Lin Wan said in a deep voice.

"Naturally." Zhuge Ming said frankly. "The several great hegemons of the Central Plains, the top forces of the Southern Region and Eastern Wasteland, and even some reclusive old monsters have likely calculated part of the truth. Therefore, the competition in this Great Competition will be so intense. Those true Prodigies have the goal not only of entering the Tianqiong Secret Realm, but also of standing out in this Great Competition to obtain the qualification to enter the Five Elements Cave Heaven fragment, and… attempt to control the key and seize the Five Elements Origin."

"So I have become the target of everyone." Lin Wan's tone was calm. He had expected this, just not that it would come so quickly and so directly.

"One could say that." Zhuge Ming nodded. "When a tree stands above the forest, the wind will surely destroy it. The matter of your Five Elements Golden Core, Fellow Daoist, has likely spread throughout all the major forces. Next, whether it is the arena battle or the Secret Realm trial, you will face unprecedented challenges and… murderous intent. Those forces determined to obtain the Five Elements Origin may very well join forces during the Great Competition to destroy you, this 'key,' or… control you."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for your frankness." Lin Wan cupped his hands, though there was little fear in his heart. Soldiers come, block them; water comes, cover it with earth. If they want his life, they must have the ability to take it.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, there is no need for such politeness. I am telling you this, firstly, because I admire your Aptitude and cannot bear to see a bright pearl covered in dust, or even perish halfway. Secondly, I also wish to forge a good relationship with you." Zhuge Ming smiled. "My Heavenly Secret Pavilion does not have a must-have desire for the Five Elements Origin; we value more the ancient Formation and Restriction classics that might exist in the Secret Realm. If you can enter the core of the Secret Realm and obtain the Five Elements Origin, I hope that you can allow my Heavenly Secret Pavilion's Disciples to have priority in selecting the Formation-related Legacy and treasures in the Secret Realm. In return, my Heavenly Secret Pavilion can provide you with necessary intelligence support during the Great Competition, and even… lend you a helping hand at critical moments. Additionally, for the Earth Heart Flame you previously needed, my Heavenly Secret Pavilion can also find a way to obtain a strand of higher-quality 'Earth Heart Spirit Flame' for you."

The conditions were very generous. Intelligence support, assistance at critical moments, and the Earth Heart Spirit Flame in exchange for priority in selecting Formation Legacy in the Secret Realm. To Lin Wan, the Formation Legacy was not essential, but the intelligence and assistance were crucial in the dangerous Great Competition. The Earth Heart Spirit Flame was something he urgently needed.

"Fellow Daoist Zhuge's conditions are very tempting." Lin Wan pondered and said, "However, regarding the matter of trading cultivation insights, I need to consider it for a moment. As for the cooperation in the Secret Realm, I agree in principle, but the specific details need to be discussed at length. After all, there are too many variables in the Secret Realm."

"That should be the case." Zhuge Ming was not surprised. He took out a Jade Slip engraved with complex star patterns and handed it to Lin Wan. "This is the most detailed intelligence collected by my Heavenly Secret Pavilion regarding this Great Competition, including some undisclosed information about opponents who might pose a threat to you, as well as some speculations about the Secret Realm. Consider this as my sincerity in forming an alliance with you. In three days, at the Wanbao Tower auction, I will also be present, and we can discuss the details of the cooperation then. Keep this communication jade talisman well; you can contact me at any time."

"Thank you." Lin Wan took the Jade Slip and the jade talisman and put them away solemnly. Regardless of the other party's purpose, this intelligence was indeed what he urgently needed.

"Since that is the case, I will not disturb you further. Fellow Daoist Lin, Fellow Daoist Su, Fellow Daoist Xu, farewell." Zhuge Ming stood up, cupped his hands in a salute, and left gracefully.

Inside the private room, only the three of them remained.

"Junior Brother, is this person… trustworthy?" Xu Feng asked with a frown. Heavenly Secret Pavilion was famous for its divination of heavenly secrets and far-reaching schemes; one had to be on guard when dealing with a tiger.

"At least for now, the goodwill he is displaying is greater. The things he seeks are not things we cannot part with. The intelligence and the Earth Heart Spirit Flame are, however, things we urgently need." Lin Wan analyzed, "Moreover, by pointing out the matters of the Five Elements Origin and the key, he has essentially placed us in the open, but he has also allowed us to be on guard. Rather than being hurt by a hidden arrow, it is better to face it openly. As for the cooperation… in the Secret Realm, interests come first; we will adapt to circumstances."

"Junior Brother's words make sense." Senior Sister Su Qing nodded. "However, one's own strength is the Foundation. In the next few days, Junior Brother needs to digest this intelligence as quickly as possible and find a way to improve your combat power. If your Five Elements Divine Light Divine Ability can reach Minor Achievement before the arena battle, it will be a great help."

"I understand." Lin Wan said. The conversation with Zhuge Ming had increased the pressure, but also boosted his motivation. He was determined to obtain the Five Elements Origin! This was not only about his own Dao path, but also about his promise to Mo Xuan and the future of his Family.

The three of them discussed for a while longer, then stood up and returned to Qingyun Courtyard.

Over the next three days, Lin Wan did not step out, focusing all his efforts on studying the intelligence Jade Slip given by Zhuge Ming and attempting to Cultivate the "Five Elements Divine Light."

The information in the intelligence Jade Slip was indeed more detailed and terrifying than what the Qingyun Sect had collected. In addition to the known Prodigies from various regions, the Jade Slip also mentioned several descendants suspected to be from "Reclusive Immortal Sects" and "Ancient Families," as well as a few odd geniuses who had risen among the Loose Cultivators. Most of these people were unassuming, but their strength was unfathomable. Among them, two were even marked as "suspected Mid-stage Golden Core, with combat power comparable to Late Stage Golden Core"!

What made Lin Wan even more vigilant was that the Jade Slip specifically pointed out several representatives of forces who had shown keen interest in the "Five Elements Origin" and who might have old grudges with him. Among them, strikingly, were a Mid-stage Golden Core Elder of the "Chiyang Sect" (Lieyangzi's Junior Martial Uncle), several Golden Core Stage Protectors of the "Xuanyin Sect," and… a guest retainer of the "Great Xia Dynasty" from the Central Plains. This person practiced a rare "Imperial Earth" Cultivation Technique and was determined to obtain the "Earth Origin" within the Five Elements Origin. These people would very likely attempt to kill Lin Wan or find a way to control him during the Great Competition.

"Sure enough, they are all tough opponents." Lin Wan took a deep breath and firmly remembered this information in his heart.

At the same time, in the quiet room, he also tried to Cultivate the "Five Elements Divine Light." This Divine Ability was one of the great Divine Abilities recorded in the Golden Core chapter of the Great Five Elements True Scripture. Once cultivated, it could sweep away all things and restrict the Five Elements, possessing infinite power. However, it was extremely difficult to Cultivate; it required extremely fine control over the Five Elements Spiritual Qi and, even more, an understanding of the true meaning of the Five Elements generating and overcoming each other in an endless cycle.

Lin Wan had the five elements sword core and Five Elements Spirit Body as a Foundation, and he had also initially grasped the "Five Elements Suppression Technique," so he was not without a clue in his cultivation. He tried to condense, compress, and rotate the Five Elements Spiritual Qi at his fingertips according to a specific ratio and trajectory, attempting to condense a wisp of "Five Elements Divine Light."

At first, he always failed; the Five Elements Spiritual Qi conflicted and was difficult to balance. But he was patient and tried again and again, combining his own understanding of the Five Elements and constantly adjusting. Finally, on the evening of the third day, he successfully condensed a wisp of "Five Elements Divine Light" at his fingertip. It was as thin as a hair, about an inch long, presenting a chaotic color, yet containing a five-colored glow within, emitting profound fluctuations!

Although weak, it was indeed the Five Elements Divine Light! As soon as this wisp of light appeared, the Five Elements Spiritual Qi in the quiet room immediately became chaotic, as if it had encountered a monarch, and it even had a faint tendency to be attracted and swallowed by it.

"It's done!" A flash of joy crossed Lin Wan's eyes. Although it was only an embryonic form with limited power, this was a good start. With this Divine Ability, he would have a great advantage when facing attacks and defenses of the Five Elements attribute.

The three days ended, and the Wanbao Tower auction was held as scheduled.

Wanbao Tower was located on the most prosperous central avenue of Tianque City. It was a giant nine-story pavilion, with carved beams and painted pillars, and an imposing Aura. Tonight, the area in front of the building was bustling with traffic and overflowing with colorful light. Countless Cultivators were arriving in an endless stream, some walking, some riding Spirit Beasts, and others driving Magic Treasures. Those invited to attend this high-end auction were either rich or noble; the lowest cultivation level was Foundation Establishment Late Stage, and Golden Core Immortal Masters were visible everywhere.

Lin Wan came with Senior Sister Su Qing and Xu Feng. He was still wearing a simple green robe, his Aura restrained, but in the eyes of those who cared, his undisguised Early Stage Golden Core cultivation and composed temperament were still eye-catching. Especially after the battle at the fighting arena, many people had already recognized this "Five Elements Golden Core" Lin Wan, casting gazes of curiosity, dread, or greed.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this way, please." Zhuge Ming had already been waiting at the entrance, still with that gentle-as-jade appearance. Beside him were two old men with deep Auras and sharp eyes, clearly Golden Core Protectors of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. He nodded at Lin Wan and led the three of them through the VIP passage directly into a luxurious private room on the third floor.

The view from the private room was excellent, allowing one to overlook the entire auction hall. The hall was already filled with people, noisy and boisterous. The private room, however, was isolated by a Formation, providing excellent privacy.

"The auction is about to begin. The Earth Heart Spirit Flame is the third grand finale item. Before that, there are also many good things. If you are interested, Fellow Daoist, feel free to bid." Zhuge Ming smiled and handed over a list of tonight's auction items.

Lin Wan scanned the list. It listed dozens of auction items: Medicinal Pills, Magic Treasures, Materials, Cultivation Techniques, Spirit Beast eggs... dazzling, with nothing mediocre among them. Among them, several Five Elements spiritual items were of good quality, but the price was also frighteningly high. His gaze finally landed on the line for "Earth Core Spirit Flame (Tier 4 High Grade)".

"This flame was obtained by an Elder of our Heavenly Secret Pavilion by chance after closed-door cultivation for a hundred years in the depths of the Earth Core. It is of extremely high quality and contains a trace of Earth Vein spirituality. It has miraculous effects when used for Artifact Refining, Alchemy, or cultivating fire-type Divine Abilities. The starting bid is 500,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, or items of equivalent value." Zhuge Ming introduced.

500,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones! That's equivalent to 5,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, or 50 High-Grade Spirit Stones! And that was just the starting bid! Lin Wan sighed inwardly; the cost of living in the Central Plains was indeed incomparable to the Southern Region. The Spirit Stones he had on him didn't even add up to that amount. It seemed he would have to use the barter method.

Soon, the auction began.

One by one, treasures were sent up to the high platform, triggering waves of bidding frenzies. Lin Wan had little interest in the first few items and just watched quietly. Senior Sister Su Qing made a move and bid for a rare Tier 4 "Seven-Star Moon-Seeing Grass," the main ingredient for a type of Medicinal Pill that breaks through Bottlenecks, spending 80,000 Spirit Stones.

When it was the turn for Five Elements spiritual items, Lin Wan made two moves. Using some Secret Realm Materials he didn't need and a few bottles of Medicinal Pills, he exchanged for a piece of "Kuisui Essence" and a piece of "Lihuo Crystal Core". The quality was passable, and they could be used to nourish the five elements sword.

Time passed, and finally, the grand finale items began to be auctioned.

The first finale item was an "Infant Transformation Pill" that could increase the success rate of forming a Nascent Soul by 20%. It triggered crazy bidding and was eventually auctioned off by an ancient Family from the Central Plains at a sky-high price.

The second finale item was a damaged ancient treasure, the "Earth-Shaking Hammer". Although damaged, its power was still astonishing, and it was purchased at a high price by a Body Cultivator at the Golden Core Stage.

The third item was the "Earth Core Spirit Flame".

When the jade box containing the Earth Core Spirit Flame, carved entirely from "Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Jade," was sent to the high platform, the temperature of the entire hall rose sharply. The air was filled with pure, explosive, yet heavy earth-attribute spiritual power. The jade box opened, and a fist-sized flame, dark red bordering on black, constantly changing form, with what looked like Earth Vein magma flowing inside, hovered quietly. The Spiritual Pressure it emitted made many Golden Core Cultivators moved.

"Tier 4 High Grade Earth Core Spirit Flame, starting bid 500,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, each bid increment must not be less than 10,000. Now, let the bidding begin!" The auctioneer was an elderly man in white robes at the Late Stage Golden Core, his voice resonant.

"550,000!"

"600,000!"

"650,000!"

The price climbed rapidly, and the competition was fierce. Most of those bidding were Golden Core Stage Alchemists, Artifact Refiners, or Cultivators practicing fire-type Cultivation Techniques.

Lin Wan didn't bid immediately; he was waiting. It wasn't until the price was raised to 900,000 and only two or three bidders remained that he nodded to Zhuge Ming.

Zhuge Ming understood and signaled to an Elder beside him. The Elder walked to the box window and said in a deep voice: "Heavenly Secret Pavilion, bids 1,000,000, plus a Tier 3 High Grade Formation diagram, the 'Small Zhou Tian Star Formation'."

Heavenly Secret Pavilion! A Tier 3 High Grade Formation diagram! The hall fell silent instantly. Heavenly Secret Pavilion's Formations were always priceless, and the value of their diagrams was immeasurable. This bid was already far beyond the value of the Earth Core Spirit Flame itself.

The other bidders hesitated for a moment and eventually chose to give up. Offending Heavenly Secret Pavilion was not worth the loss.

"1,000,000 Spirit Stones, plus a Tier 3 High Grade Formation diagram, going once! Going twice! Three times! Sold! Congratulations to Heavenly Secret Pavilion for winning the Earth Core Spirit Flame!" The auctioneer struck the gavel.

Soon, an attendant sent the cold jade box containing the Earth Core Spirit Flame into the private room. After checking it was correct, Zhuge Ming pushed the jade box to Lin Wan: "Fellow Daoist Lin, this flame is yours. As for the Formation diagram, it will be delivered shortly."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhuge." Lin Wan took the jade box. It felt ice-cold to the touch, yet he could clearly feel the terrifying energy contained in the flame inside the box. With this flame, not only was the subsequent tempering of the five elements sword guaranteed, but cultivating the "Li Fire Divine Light" within the "Five Elements Divine Light" would also be twice as effective with half the effort.

"Since we have formed an alliance, why thank me." Zhuge Ming laughed, "The last finale item coming up, you might be even more interested."

The last finale item? Lin Wan looked toward the high platform.

He saw the auctioneer looking solemn, taking out a palm-sized, pitch-black token covered in cracks, as if it could shatter at any moment... A token? The token's design was ancient and simple, engraved with a vague mark that was neither quite a character nor quite a picture, exuding an ancient, desolate, yet strangely fluctuating Aura.

"This item was obtained by a predecessor of our Wanbao Tower from the depths of an ancient battlefield ruin. The material is unknown, it cannot be refined, nor can it be destroyed. It contains a unique power of 'Space' and 'Devouring'. After appraisal by many master appraisers, this item is very likely related to the legendary 'Void Temple'. The starting bid is 1,000,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, or items of equivalent value."

Void Temple?! The hall exploded into Chaos.

The Void Temple was a mysterious place circulating in ancient legends. It was said to have been built by an ancient great power proficient in the Great Dao of Space. The temple wandered within spatial rifts, containing countless treasures, Legacies, and perhaps even secrets leading to the Upper Realm. But the temple's location was erratic, the entrance hard to find, and every time it appeared, it caused bloody storms. Could this token be a token or key to the Void Temple?

However, the cracks on the token and that strange "Devouring" Aura made people wary. What if it was a trap, or a defective product?

For a time, no one bid. 1,000,000 Spirit Stones was not a small amount; the risk of buying a "key" of unknown authenticity that might also contain danger was too great.

Lin Wan's gaze, however, was fixed on that black token. It wasn't because it might be related to the "Void Temple," but because, the moment he saw this token, the "five elements token" in his bosom actually heated up slightly, transmitting an extremely weak fluctuation that carried longing and vigilance!

The five elements token actually reacted to this black token?! Could it be that this token was also related to the Five Elements Sect? Or related to some secrets Mo Xuan mentioned?

"This item... I want it." Lin Wan took a deep breath and said to Zhuge Ming.

A flash of surprise crossed Zhuge Ming's eyes, but he didn't ask further and nodded to the Elder.

The Elder spoke again: "Heavenly Secret Pavilion, bids 1,000,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, plus a Tier 3 Medium Grade movement technique, 'Five Elements Evasion'."

Heavenly Secret Pavilion again! And they added a Five Elements movement technique! Everyone looked sideways again. What was wrong with Heavenly Secret Pavilion today? Why were they so interested in the Earth Core Spirit Flame and this strange token?

"1,000,000 Spirit Stones, plus a Tier 3 Medium Grade movement technique, going once! Going twice! Three times! Sold!" The auctioneer also seemed to let out a sigh of relief and quickly struck the gavel. This hot potato had finally been sold.

Soon, the black token was sent into the private room. It was heavy to the touch and icy cold to the bone, and that "Devouring" power was even stronger, as if it wanted to suck away all the spiritual power in his body. Lin Wan quickly put it into a special jade box to isolate the Aura.

"Fellow Daoist Lin seems to recognize this item?" Zhuge Ming asked curiously.

"I just have some intuition about it; as for what it specifically is, I still need to research it." Lin Wan said vaguely. He would not reveal the secret of the five elements token.

"If so, be careful, Fellow Daoist. The Aura of this item is strange; don't get backlashed by it." Zhuge Ming reminded.

The auction ended, and everyone dispersed. Lin Wan chatted a few more sentences with Zhuge Ming, agreeing to keep in touch during the Grand Competition, and then took Senior Sister Su Qing and Xu Feng back to the Qingyun Courtyard.

Returning to the quiet room, Lin Wan immediately set up layers of Restrictions, and only then did he take out the black token and the five elements token.

When the two tokens were placed together, a sudden change occurred!

The five elements token suddenly erupted with brilliant five-colored radiance, while the black token released a burst of black light. From the cracks on its surface, wisps of black mist seeped out, carrying strong spatial fluctuations and devouring power, intertwining, colliding, and merging with the five-colored radiance.

"Hum—!"

With a low hum, the two tokens floated up slowly, rotating relative to each other in mid-air. The five-colored radiance and the pitch-black mist gradually merged, turning into a chaotic, gray luster. Within the luster, a vague shadow of a map faintly appeared. On the map, several light spots were marked. One of the light spots was located at the junction of the Southern Region and the Eastern Wasteland, faintly coinciding with the location of the new Five Elements Secret Realm he had heard of before! And another light spot was located in an unknown place in the Central Plains.

What shocked Lin Wan even more was that the moment the map shadow appeared, the System's notification sound suddenly rang in his mind:

[Ding! Detected special item "void five elements token (damaged)", resonating with the "five elements token (child token)" held by the host, triggering hidden quest: Five Elements Returning to Ruins.]

[Hidden Quest: Five Elements Returning to Ruins]

[Quest Description: Collect all five fragments of the "void five elements token" to synthesize the complete "Five Elements Cave Heaven Hub" and obtain the qualification to control the lost Cave Heaven of the ancient Five Elements Sect, "Five Elements Returning to Ruins". Current progress: 1/5.]

[Quest Clue: The second fragment is suspected to be in the core area of the "Five Elements Cave Heaven fragment". The third, fourth, and fifth fragments are scattered across the Myriad Worlds, requiring opportunities to search for them.]

[Quest Reward: Collect each fragment to receive the corresponding reward. Collect all five to synthesize the hub, obtain control of the "Five Elements Returning to Ruins" Cave Heaven, and unlock the complete Legacy of the Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique "Five Elements Returning to Ruins Scripture".]

[Failure Penalty: None.]

void five elements token! Five Elements Cave Heaven Hub! Control of Five Elements Returning to Ruins! Complete Heaven Rank Cultivation Technique!

Even with Lin Wan's steady Heart-Nature, he couldn't help but feel surging emotions. So, this black token was one of the key tokens to control the legendary lost Cave Heaven of the Five Elements Sect, "Five Elements Returning to Ruins"! And the five elements token was actually a child token, matching it!

No wonder the five elements token reacted to it. No wonder Mo Xuan once said that the Five Elements Sect had a Sect-suppressing supreme treasure, the "Five Elements Mountain and River Cauldron". Perhaps that Five Elements Mountain and River Cauldron was the core of the "Five Elements Returning to Ruins" Cave Heaven, or closely related to it.

"Five Elements Cave Heaven fragment... the second fragment is in there..." Lin Wan's eyes were scorching. It seemed that he had to go to that newly discovered Five Elements Secret Realm! Not only to compete for the Five Elements Origin, but also to find this second void five elements token fragment!

He carefully put away the two tokens. This matter was of great importance and must not be leaked in the slightest.

Over the next two days, Lin Wan continued to familiarize himself with the Earth Core Spirit Flame, attempting to integrate it into the cultivation of the Five Elements Divine Light, while digesting this series of heavy information, adjusting his state of mind, and making final preparations for the upcoming Grand Competition.

Finally, the day of the Grand Competition arrived.

Early in the morning, at the center of Tianque City, that giant arena—the Asking Dao Platform, which was a thousand feet high, built entirely of white jade, and shrouded in seven-colored rays of light—the bell tolled, resounding throughout the city.

Countless Cultivators, like a tide, surged toward the Asking Dao Platform from all directions. In the sky, streaks of light flashed by; those were flying boats, tower ships, and Spirit Beast mounts of various forces, carrying the participating geniuses and the powerful observers, descending onto the viewing platforms pre-set around the Asking Dao Platform.

The Qingyun Sect group, led by Han Lingtian, arrived early at the viewing area belonging to the Southern Region forces. Lin Wan, in a green robe, carrying the five elements sword on his back, stood at the front of the team, looking calmly at that towering arena.

On the arena, Cultivators hosting the Grand Competition were already reading the rules. Around the arena, hundreds of viewing areas of various sizes were divided according to region and influence; it was already a sea of people, with waves of sound like the tide.

Lin Wan could feel countless gazes, open or hidden, falling on him. Curiosity, scrutiny, hostility, murderous intent... woven into an invisible net.

He saw the Eastern Wasteland area, that Saint Son Yan Wuji, dressed in red, with a fiery Aura, staring at him coldly. He saw the Western Desert area, that Liao Chen, sitting cross-legged with eyes closed, like a gold-bronze Buddha statue. He saw the Northern Plains area, that Holy Maiden Xue Jian, in white, as cold as snow. He saw the Southern Region area, on the Xuanyin Sect side, several cold-Aura figures were sizing him up with ill intent. He even saw the Central Plains area, on the Great Xia Dynasty's viewing platform, that elderly man wearing a python robe, with a majestic face and an Aura as heavy as the earth, was looking at him with deep eyes; it was that Dynasty Venerable who was determined to obtain the Wutu Origin.

In addition, there were even more gazes hidden in the crowd with obscure Auras.

"Beat the drums! Start the event!"

With a loud shout, nine huge war drums were struck simultaneously, the sound shaking the Nine Heavens, suppressing all the noise.

On the Asking Dao Platform, a Nascent Soul Immortal Master (the chief referee jointly recommended by the five great Immortal Sects) who was hosting the Grand Competition hovered in mid-air, his voice like a bell:

"The Tiannan Centennial Grand Competition, now begins! First round, Arena Battle! All participants, hold your tokens to enter, randomly matched with opponents, the winner advances, the loser is eliminated! Life or death is not guaranteed, let fate decide! Now, enter!"

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! ..."

In an instant, thousands of streams of light rushed into the sky from various viewing platforms, like a meteor shower flowing backwards, shooting toward that huge white jade arena!

Lin Wan nodded to Han Lingtian, Senior Sister Su Qing, Xu Feng, and others, took a step forward, turned into sword light, mixed into the torrent, and landed on the arena.

His feet landed on solid ground; he was already standing on a wide expanse of white jade floor. The light and shadow around him changed, and the space seemed to be divided into countless independent arenas. The competition token in his hand glowed slightly, and not far in front of him, a figure slowly solidified.

It was a Cultivator wearing a black robe, with a sinister face, holding a white bone sword, his Aura was clearly at the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, and the look he gave Lin Wan carried undisguised murderous intent and greed.

"Xuanyin Sect, Ghost Seven. Lin Wan, I want your Golden Core of the Five Elements!" The black-robed Cultivator licked his lips, pointed his white bone sword, and said grimly.

The first battle, and it was already an enemy.

Lin Wan's expression was calm as he slowly drew the five elements sword from his back. The sword body was chaotic dark gold, without light or luster, but it had an inherent dignity that suppressed everything.

"Noisy."

Before the words were finished, he had already disappeared from where he stood.

The next instant, a chaotic sword light, like lightning tearing through the dark night, appeared three inches in front of Ghost Seven's glabella.

Ghost Seven's pupils shrank, and he only had time to hold his white bone sword horizontally in front of him.

"Clang—!"

A crisp breaking sound rang out. The white bone sword snapped in response. The chaotic sword light, its momentum undiminished, pierced through his glabella and came out from the back of his head.

The spirit in Ghost Seven's eyes quickly dimmed, his face still holding disbelief and horror, and with a thud, he fell backward, his breath gone.

One sword, enemy killed.

Lin Wan sheathed his sword, not even looking at the corpse on the ground, and looked into the void, as if penetrating this independent space, seeing the wider stage outside, and the countless strong enemies eyeing him covetously.

The Grand Competition had begun.

His journey had also officially begun.