45: Chapter 45 The Ruins of Tiannan

The Tiannan Ruins, located at the boundary between the Southern Region and the Guixu Sea, were not a naturally formed landmass or island. Instead, it was a massive, unimaginably large aerial city suspended between the vast sea and sky, forcibly aggregated and anchored by Formations using countless enormous floating mountains, fragments of ancient ruins, and even the remains of stars refined by great divine abilities.

The time of this city's construction was unknown. It was said that after an ancient war between Immortals and Demons, several great experts used supreme divine abilities to drag it from the shattered Void Realm to serve as an outpost for guarding and monitoring the Guixu Sea. Over countless years, it gradually evolved into the first gateway for the Tiannan Continent's cultivation world facing the Guixu Sea, as well as the largest, most chaotic, and freest gathering place for Cultivators, a trading hub, an intelligence center, and... a springboard for entering the Guixu Sea.

The Tiannan Ruins were not under the complete control of any single force. Basic order was maintained by the "Ruins Market Council," jointly composed of top Sects and clans from the five major regions (Central Province, Eastern Wasteland, Western Desert, Northern Plains, Southern Region), as well as some reclusive, powerful Loose Cultivators and merchant Alliances. There were no fixed rulers here, only the naked reality of strength being supreme and the exchange of interests. Killing for treasures, schemes, and open or covert struggles occurred every moment. However, at the same time, this place also hosted the top auctions of the Tiannan Continent, possessed the most complete supplies, the most well-informed intelligence, and... countless legends, true or false, about the Guixu Sea and the Five Elements Hall.

There was half a year left until the Restriction of the Guixu Sea weakened and the Gate of Guixu opened.

At this moment, the Tiannan Ruins were a gathering place of storms, teeming with voices. Cultivators from the five major regions, and even more distant lands, swarmed into this massive floating city like carp crossing a river. In the sky, various lights of escape, cloud boats, and Spirit Beast mounts shuttled ceaselessly, dense and thick, blocking the sky and sun. On the ground, streets crisscrossed, shops stood in rows, stalls were everywhere, crowds surged, and the noise was deafening. The air was filled with rich, chaotic Spiritual Qi, mixed with the scents of Medicinal Pills, Magic Treasures, Materials, blood, sweat, and countless desires.

It was three months later when Lin Wan arrived at the Tiannan Ruins.

During these three months, he had found a place deep within the desolate "Miasma Cloud Swamp" at the border of the Southern Region and Central Province to enter seclusion. He had completely digested the insights from his battle with Ghost Hand Daoist and raised his cultivation to the Peak of the Mid-stage Golden Core, only a single Opportunity away from the Late Stage. His understanding of the "Guixu" Sword Intent had also deepened, especially after fusing the Void Dao Seed and the initially awakened guixu sword spirit; he had a more blurred touch on the mysteries of space, nirvana, and even a trace of "fate." However, the threshold of the Nascent Soul remained towering, not to be broken by simple accumulation; it required Opportunity, which perhaps lay within the Guixu Sea.

Upon entering the Tiannan Ruins, he maintained his low profile. He changed into a plain dark blue Daoist robe, used the Mind Splitting Technique to maintain his aura at the Mid-stage Golden Core, tied his gray-white hair casually with a wooden hairpin, and slightly adjusted his features to become more ordinary and cold. The guixu sword had all its brilliance concealed by a specially made scabbard, carried on his back. The void five elements token and the Void Dao Seed were further sealed and hidden layer by layer.

Walking on the bustling streets, Lin Wan's gaze swept calmly over everything around him. Golden Core Cultivators were not rare here, and one could occasionally sense the obscure, abyss-like auras of Nascent Soul old monsters sweeping past. The shops on both sides of the street sold various rare items seldom seen in the outside world, and the prices were shockingly high. Discussions about the Guixu Sea, the Five Elements Hall, the Void Dao Seed, and various "keys," "maps," and "tokens" were endless, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood.

His goals were clear: First, collect reliable intelligence about the interior of the Guixu Sea, especially the "Five Elements Hall," as well as the specific time, location, and conditions for the opening of the "Gate of Guixu." Second, see if he could purchase some special items to assist in breaking through to the Late Stage of the Golden Core or to help with entering the Guixu Sea. Third, try to make contact with people from the Qingyun Sect to understand the Sect's movements and... the current situation of his wife and child.

He first headed toward one of the largest intelligence hubs in the city—the "Tianji Tower." This was a nine-story pavilion built entirely of cyan-black exotic stone, with an ancient design and a huge Bagua mirror hanging at the entrance. It was said that the shadow of the Central Province's "Heavenly Secret Pavilion" was behind it, with an intelligence network covering the five major regions; it was well-informed, but the fees were also extremely expensive.

After paying a hefty "consultation fee," Lin Wan was led into a quiet room on the third floor. He was received by a middle-aged scholar wearing a moon-white long robe, with a gaunt face and cultivation at the Early Stage of the Golden Core, who called himself "Tianji Zi."

"Fellow Daoist, what information would you like to know about the Guixu Sea?" Tianji Zi asked with a professional smile.

"The specific time, location, and entry conditions for the opening of the Gate of Guixu. A detailed map of the interior of the Guixu Sea, especially intelligence regarding the 'Five Elements Hall.' The more detailed, the better," Lin Wan said bluntly.

A look of surprise flashed in Tianji Zi's eyes; clearly, what Lin Wan asked for was the most core and most expensive information. He pondered and said: "The opening of the Gate of Guixu, according to our tower's latest deduction, should be in four months and seven days, at the third quarter of the Zi hour. The locations will be at the weakest points of the 'Guixu Mist' in the northeast, southeast, and southwest directions of the Guixu Sea, where three relatively stable passages will appear simultaneously; these are the 'Gate of Guixu.' As for the entry conditions... there are no explicit Restrictions, but although the 'Guixu Mist' weakens, it remains dangerous. Those without cultivation above the Golden Core or special protective treasures will find it difficult to pass. Moreover, each passage entrance will likely be guarded by factions competing for entry slots."

"Three passages?" Lin Wan noted.

"As for the map of the interior of the Guixu Sea... our tower does have it for sale, but they are all pieced together and deduced by explorers through the ages, incomplete, and often contain errors, with varying value. The most detailed one marks the general terrain of the outer three thousand li, dangerous areas, and several known ancient ruins and natural hazards, priced at... one hundred thousand Medium Grade Spirit Stones," Tianji Zi quoted an astronomical price.

One hundred thousand Medium Grade Spirit Stones was equivalent to ten million Low-Grade Spirit Stones! Even though Lin Wan was now quite wealthy (from the spoils of Ghost Hand, Elder Hanyue, and others), he felt a pang of heartache. But he did not hesitate and nodded: "I will take it."

"As for the 'Five Elements Hall'..." Tianji Zi's expression became more serious, "This is core intelligence of the Guixu Sea; legend says it is the true place of inheritance of the ancient Five Elements Sect. Its specific location is unknown; it is only known to be located in the deepest part of the Guixu Sea, guarded by countless terrifying Restrictions and spatial turbulence. Our tower does have some fragmented intelligence regarding its outer Restrictions and possible methods of entry, but the authenticity cannot be guaranteed, and the price is... higher."

"Let me hear it."

"According to ancient Incomplete Manuals and the oral accounts of certain ancient existences, the periphery of the Five Elements Hall has several layers of trials such as the 'Heart Refining Road,' the 'Void Maze,' and the 'guixu sword Formation.' It is difficult to pass unless one is a successor of the Five Elements Sect or possesses specific tokens or inheritance. And the token to enter the Five Elements Hall is rumored to be five fragments of tokens called 'void five elements token.' If one collects all five, one might be able to open the hall door. In addition, there is another saying that those who possess the 'Five Elements Dao Seed' can sense the location of the Five Elements Hall and gain recognition from some of the Restrictions..." Tianji Zi said slowly, looking at Lin Wan with a meaningful gaze.

Lin Wan felt a slight tremor in his heart. The Tianji Tower was indeed well-informed; they even knew about the 'void five elements token' and the 'Five Elements Dao Seed' (Void Dao Seed). It seemed that the matter of him possessing heavy treasures was likely no longer a top secret in the eyes of the true upper echelons. Fortunately, the Tianji Tower only did business and did not ask about origins; as long as one could afford the price, they would not meddle in other people's affairs.

"How much is this intelligence worth?"

"For the intelligence on the outer Restrictions and tokens of the Five Elements Hall, the package price is three hundred thousand Medium Grade Spirit Stones. No bargaining," Tianji Zi quoted another astronomical price.

Lin Wan's mouth twitched slightly, but he gritted his teeth and nodded: "Agreed."

Having paid the huge sum of four hundred thousand Medium Grade Spirit Stones (almost half of the liquid Spirit Stones on him), Lin Wan obtained two Jade Slips containing a massive amount of information, as well as a relatively detailed map of the outer Guixu Sea drawn on special animal hide.

Leaving the Tianji Tower, Lin Wan went to several large merchant firms and spent most of his remaining Spirit Stones to purchase some top-grade Medicinal Pills that could quickly restore spiritual power and treat Divine Soul injuries, several sets of protective Formation Plates and Talismans that could cope with different environments (such as extreme cold, toxic miasma, and spatial turbulence), and some rare Materials that could be used for Artifact Refining and setting up Formations, fully preparing himself for entering the Guixu Sea.

When he walked out of the last merchant firm, the Spirit Stones on him were almost gone, but his Storage Pouch was much fuller.

"It is time to rendezvous with the people from the Sect."

Lin Wan looked toward an area in the city shrouded in faint mist; that was the Qingyun Sect's base in the Tiannan Ruins—the "Qingyun Courtyard."

According to the intelligence purchased earlier from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, as well as the information he had secretly gathered, the Qingyun Sect's team this time was led personally by Sect Head True Monarch Daoxuan. Peak Master Yue Lingyun, Han Lingtian, several Golden Core Elders, and dozens of elite Disciples had arrived at the Tiannan Ruins a month ago, moved into the Qingyun Courtyard, and were making preparations for entering the Guixu Sea.

He straightened his robes and walked toward the direction of the Qingyun Courtyard.

The Qingyun Courtyard was located in the southeastern region of the Tiannan Ruins. It occupied a vast area with deep courtyards and abundant Spiritual Qi, and there were Qingyun Sect Disciples standing guard at the entrance.

Lin Wan reported his name (his real name) and produced the identity Jade Slip that Peak Master Yue Lingyun had given him years ago.

The guarding Disciple verified the Jade Slip and looked Lin Wan up and down carefully (evidently having heard of his "legend"), and not daring to neglect him, hurried inside to report.

A moment later, a flurry of hurried footsteps approached.

"Junior Brother Lin!" "Lin Wan!"

Two calls filled with surprise and excitement rang out.

Han Lingtian and Xu Feng could be seen walking quickly out of the courtyard, one after the other.

Han Lingtian was still dressed in black, clutching his sword with a cold expression, but the joy in his eyes was hard to conceal.

Xu Feng, on the other hand, looked excited. He stepped forward and punched Lin Wan on the shoulder (without using force): "You rascal! I knew you wouldn't die so easily! And you caused such a huge commotion! You even slaughtered that old ghost, Ghost Hand!"

Feeling the sincere concern of his fellow Sect members, a warmth welled up in Lin Wan's heart. He cupped his hands and said: "Senior Brother Han, Senior Brother Xu, it has been many years. How have you been?"

"Let's go inside to talk!" Han Lingtian patted Lin Wan on the shoulder and led him into the courtyard.

Deep within the Qingyun Courtyard, in a spacious quiet room.

Peak Master Yue Lingyun sat in the main seat, watching Lin Wan, who was bowing respectfully below. His eyes were filled with relief, emotion, and a trace of complexity that was hard to detect.

Below him, in addition to Han Lingtian and Xu Feng, there were several unfamiliar Golden Core Elders, as well as... Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and a sturdy-looking little boy, about eight or nine years old, whose features resembled Lin Wan's by six or seven parts, and who was staring at him curiously with wide eyes—Lin Jingyun.

"Wan'er..." Liu Ruyan's eyes welled up with tears, which she forced back.

Chu Qingyao's beautiful eyes were also red, and she was tightly holding Lin Jingyun's hand.

"Dad?" Lin Jingyun called out timidly. Lin Wan had "fallen" shortly after he was born, so his impression of his father was limited to the descriptions from his mother and aunt, as well as that cold life tablet.

Seeing the real person now, he felt both a sense of strangeness and an innate closeness.

Seeing his wife and child safe and sound, and that his son had grown so big, Lin Wan felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. He stepped forward, nodded to Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao, then crouched down to look at Lin Jingyun, trying to keep his voice as gentle as possible: "Jingyun, it's me. Dad is back."

Lin Jingyun blinked his large eyes, then suddenly broke free from Chu Qingyao's hand and threw himself into Lin Wan's arms, crying out: "Dad! You're finally back! Mom and Aunt think of you every day, and I miss you too!"

The child's innocent words instantly struck the softest part of his heart. He hugged his son tightly, his throat choked with emotion: "Dad is back, and I will never leave you for so long again."

Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao could no longer hold back their tears. The family of four was finally reunited after being separated for so many years. Although the occasion was slightly formal, the warmth touched everyone present. Several Elders also revealed kind smiles.

Peak Master Yue Lingyun coughed lightly, and after the emotions had calmed slightly, he spoke: "Lin Wan, that you have returned safely and your cultivation has greatly advanced is truly a blessing for our Qingyun Sect, and also your own good fortune. As for the matter of Ghost Hand, the Sect Head has already reached a conclusion, so you need not worry. Now that the opening of the Guixu Sea is imminent, the Sect needs your strength. Are you... willing to accompany the Sect into the Guixu Sea to explore the Five Elements Hall and contend for opportunities?"

Lin Wan released his son, stood up, and bowed solemnly to Peak Master Yue Lingyun: "As a member of the Qingyun Sect, I should naturally do my utmost for the Sect. I am duty-bound to go on the trip to the Guixu Sea. It is just..." He hesitated slightly, "I carry the Legacy of the Five Elements Sect and have obtained the 'Void Dao Seed'. I fear that going to the Guixu Sea will make me a target for everyone, implicating the Sect..."

"No matter," Peak Master Yue Lingyun waved his hand, his expression stern. "Your opportunities are your own good fortune. The Sect will not covet them; on the contrary, we will support you with all our might. As for outside enemies... Hmph, my Qingyun Sect has stood in the Southern Region for thousands of years; when have we ever feared a challenge? This time in the Guixu Sea, powers from the Five Great Regions, and even the Central Plains, will be involved. It is destined to be a chaotic battle. You have the strength and the Luck; it is time for you to fight for glory and seize opportunities for our Qingyun Sect in front of all the heroes of the world! The Sect will be your most solid backing."

Peak Master Yue Lingyun's words were resonant and powerful, filled with trust and expectation for Lin Wan. Several Elders also nodded, evidently having reached a consensus. The strength and potential Lin Wan had displayed were worthy of such investment from the Sect.

"Thank you, Revered Master! Thank you, Sect!" Lin Wan was moved and bowed again.

"Alright, we can save the reminiscing for later. Let's discuss serious matters first," Peak Master Yue Lingyun said sternly. "According to the intelligence the Sect has gathered, as well as news from channels like the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, the opening of the Guixu Sea this time is no small matter. Not only might the 'Five Elements Hall' appear, but other ancient ruins, and even secret treasures concerning the Luck of this world, may emerge. Top powers like the 'Tian Dao Sect' and 'Tianyin Pavilion' from the Central Plains, the 'Skyfire Sect' from the Eastern Wasteland, the 'Vajra Temple' from the Western Desert, and the 'Ice Soul Palace' and 'Xuanming Sect' from the Northern Plains have all sent out their elites. Even... some reclusive old monsters, and even those from the Demonic Path and evil Cultivators, may appear."

"Our primary goal is the Five Elements Hall. Lin Wan, you carry the void five elements token and the Dao Seed; you are the key to entering the Five Elements Hall. The Sect will do everything to assist you in clearing obstacles and reaching the core. Han Lingtian, Xu Feng, and several Elders will accompany you and follow your command. As for Ruyan, Qing Yao, and Jingyun, they can remain in the Courtyard, where I will personally sit and guard them to ensure their safety."

The arrangements were meticulous and well-considered. Lin Wan had no objections.

Next, the group discussed in detail the route after entering the Guixu Sea, the potential dangers, and the possible conflicts with other forces and strategies to deal with them. Lin Wan also took the intelligence and maps he had purchased from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and corroborated and supplemented them with the information the Sect possessed.

When everything was decided, it was already late at night.

Lin Wan finally had the Opportunity to be alone with his wife and child.

A sound-insulation Restriction was placed in the quiet room. Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao nestled by his side, one on the left and one on the right, recounting their longing and worries over these years. Lin Jingyun excitedly talked about his cultivation (he had already begun to draw Qi into his body, and his Aptitude was good) and interesting things in his life, full of curiosity about his father's experiences over these years.

Lin Wan did not go into detail about those life-and-death battles and narrow escapes; he only briefly spoke about his experiences overseas and the progress of his cultivation. He knew that the bloodshed and danger would only make them worry more.

"Brother Wan, you must be careful entering the Guixu Sea this time. Sister Qing Yao and I, along with Jingyun, will be here waiting for you to return safely," Liu Ruyan said softly, her eyes full of concern.

"Dad, you have to defeat all the bad guys and find the most amazing treasure to bring back and show me!" Lin Jingyun waved his little fist, still sounding childish.

Lin Wan smiled and patted his son's head, pulling his wife and child into his arms. He said solemnly: "Rest assured, I will definitely return safely. When the time comes, our family will never be separated again."

Happy times are always fleeting.

Three days later, the Qingyun Sect's team was about to set off for the northeastern entrance region where the Gate of Guixu would open. Other forces must have already begun to take action.

And on the night before their departure, while Lin Wan was making his final preparations and adjusting his state in the quiet room, suddenly, the "Void Dao Seed" between his brows began to vibrate violently without any warning!

At the same time, the void five elements token in his embrace also emitted a scorching light, pointing frantically toward... the northwest direction of the Tiannan Ruins, that chaotic Void Realm region known as the "Burial Star Sea"!

An attraction and summoning, so intense it was impossible to resist, came from that direction, as if something vital to his life, something of the same origin and Sect, was... awakening there? Or perhaps, about to be born?

The fourth fragment of the void five elements token?! Or... something else related to the Five Elements Hall?

Lin Wan stood up abruptly, the silver-gray light in his eyes surging.

It seemed that before entering the Guixu Sea, he still needed to make a trip to this "Burial Star Sea" first.