83: Chapter 83 The Inspector's Journey

Lin Wan did not leave seclusion immediately, but continued to stay in the Chaos void of the "Return-to-Void Secret Treasury," stabilizing his cultivation and familiarizing himself with his surging power, while beginning to refine the chaos dao sword left behind by the Five Elements Dao Venerable.

This sword was nameless, neither gold nor jade; it was forged using the most primal chaotic airflow, combined with the Five Elements Dao Venerable's ultimate insights into Five Elements Returning to Ruins and the Origin of "the end," refined through supreme divine abilities.

Within it, it not only contained terrifying power capable of severing Karma and destroying all laws, but was also imprinted with a portion of the Five Elements Dao Venerable's sword dao Legacy, as well as a special Dao Rhyme that had a strong restraining effect on the power of "the end."

Refining this sword was not difficult for Lin Wan.

He possessed the perfected Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed, the condensed Chaos Return-to-Ruins Dao Fruit was of the same Origin as the Dao Venerable's Dao, and his Primordial Spirit was based on the Chaos Return-to-Ruins.

After spending only a little over a month, he had initially refined the chaos dao sword, connecting his mind and spirit to it, making it as easy to use as his own arm.

When held in hand, the sword felt as light as nothing, yet it seemed to weigh more than a mountain.

With a slight shift of his mind, chaotic radiance flowed across the sword body, faintly revealing scenes of Five Elements birth and destruction, and the silence of the Return-to-Ruins. Furthermore, wisps of sharp Sword Intent targeting "the end" and "nothingness" were contained within, making even Lin Wan feel a trace of trepidation.

"Good sword!" Lin Wan couldn't help but praise.

With this sword in hand, his combat power would increase explosively once again.

Combined with the Chaos Return-to-Ruins Dao, its power was likely not inferior to that of ordinary Soul Transformation Middle Stage, or even Late Stage, Cultivators.

After refining the dao sword, Lin Wan spent some time sorting and storing other precious Materials, texts, and Medicinal Pills in the secret treasury.

These were all legacies left by the Five Elements Sect; whether used for his own cultivation, to arm the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance, or to trade with forces like the Central Plains, they were all worth a fortune.

After finishing all this, he communicated with the core of the Five Elements Barrier with his mind.

As his cultivation stepped into Soul Transformation, his control over the Five Elements Barrier reached a whole new level.

Wherever his mind reached, everything inside the barrier—arrays, Restrictions, palaces, and Spiritual Veins—was "clear as the palm of his hand," as if they were a part of his own body.

"Silent for eternity, it is time to awaken."

Lin Wan whispered, driving his Primordial Spirit power and the Chaos Return-to-Ruins Dao Fruit simultaneously, and through the Chaos Five Elements Wheel, he instantly communicated with the core of the entire Five Elements Barrier's great Formation.

"Hum——!!!"

The entire Five Elements Barrier shook violently! It was more intense, and more... thorough, than when he had opened the "Return-to-Void Secret Treasury" before!

On the outer perimeter of the barrier, that layer of chaotic five-colored boundary membrane suddenly erupted with unprecedented brilliant light, its thickness increasing several times over. Countless complex and profound Five Elements, Return-to-Ruins, Star, and Void Dao patterns appeared upon it, faintly forming a composite defensive Formation that enveloped the entire barrier, vast to an unimaginable degree!

Its defensive power had reached an inconceivable level; even a Void Refining giant would likely find it difficult to break through in a short period.

Inside the barrier, various palaces and pavilions lit up with soft light simultaneously, and hidden arrays started one after another, operating, repairing, and optimizing themselves automatically.

Within the Spiritual Veins, the flow of Five Elements Ancestral Qi suddenly accelerated, becoming several times denser.

From inside those huge, honeycomb-like war Magical Artifact platforms, a low and powerful humming sound emerged, as if giants that had been sleeping for eternity were beginning to slowly stretch their muscles and bones.

Furthermore, squads of "Five Elements Dao Soldiers," entirely formed from pure Five Elements power, clad in armor and expressionless, marched out in Formation from some special barracks buildings, beginning to patrol and stand guard inside the barrier according to preset instructions.

The entire Five Elements Barrier seemed to have completely awakened from a long hibernation, radiating once again the majesty and solemnity that an ancient war fortress should possess.

Although the interior was still empty and many functions could not be fully activated due to the lack of resources and manpower, its Foundation and framework had already been restored.

"With this barrier as a Foundation, I can advance to attack and retreat to defend; in the future, when confronting 'the end,' I will have more confidence."

Lin Wan was satisfied in his heart.

He opened a portion of the barrier's control permissions to Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and Lin Jingyun, allowing them to move freely within the safe areas of the barrier and utilize the excellent cultivation environment here to continue improving their cultivation.

After making the proper arrangements, Lin Wan finally decided to leave seclusion.

The "Five Domains Alliance Against the Calamity" had already been established, and he, as the "Head of the Inspection Envoys," could not just be a figurehead forever.

It was time to fulfill some duties with his new identity, and by the way... meet certain people.

"Father, are you leaving?" Lin Jingyun was a bit reluctant.

The cultivation environment inside the Five Elements Barrier was excellent, and having his parents with him made this the most peaceful and fastest-progressing time since he began cultivating.

"Yes, there are some things that need to be handled."

Lin Wan patted his son's head and said gently, "Cultivate well here and do not slack off. Your mother and aunt will accompany you. If you encounter any urgent matters, you can send a message via the 'Five Elements Sub-Token' I left for you, and I can arrive in an instant."

"I understand, I will certainly not fail Father's expectations!" Lin Jingyun nodded heavily.

Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao also stepped forward to tidy Lin Wan's robes. Although there was worry in their eyes, there was more support and trust.

"Be careful in everything." Liu Ruyan said softly.

"We will wait for you to return." Chu Qingyao also said softly.

"Rest assured." Lin Wan smiled at his wife and son, said no more, moved his mind, and his figure disappeared from the spot.

The next moment, he had appeared outside the Five Elements Barrier, deep in the Heavenly Ruins.

With another shift of his mind, the return to ruins star boat flew out from his sleeve, transforming into ten zhang in size.

Lin Wan stepped onto the star boat, identified the direction, and turned into a streak of chaotic light, speeding towards the direction of "Tiandu City" in the Central Plains.

With his current Soul Transformation cultivation, piloting the return to ruins star boat was even faster.

In just ten days, he had crossed the vast Heavenly Ruins and entered the territory of the Central Plains.

The Central Plains, the core of the Tiannan Continent, was vast and boundless with abundant Spiritual Qi. Sects and aristocratic families stood in great numbers, and there were countless Mortal kingdoms. Its level of prosperity was far beyond what the Southern Region could compare to.

Even though the threat of the "Sky Rift" was approaching daily, most areas of the Central Plains still maintained a superficial prosperity and stability, though the air held a bit more of an imperceptible heaviness and oppression.

Tiandu City, as the jurisdiction of the Central Plains' Human Emperor Palace and the headquarters of the "Five Domains Alliance Against the Calamity," was even more magnificent and grand.

The city walls were a hundred zhang high, built with "Heaven-Suppressing Stone" and inscribed with countless array runes, radiating the imperial majesty that suppressed mountains and rivers.

Inside the city, palaces stretched endlessly, pavilions were like clouds, traffic was heavy, and Cultivators were as thick as weavers. Nascent Soul and Golden Core Cultivators were seen everywhere, and even Soul Transformation auras could be sensed from time to time.

Lin Wan did not hide his tracks, directly piloting the return to ruins star boat to arrive outside Tiandu City.

The star boat's unique chaotic design, along with the unmasked, vast aura of a Soul Transformation Cultivator upon it, immediately attracted the attention of the city-guarding Cultivators.

"Who comes? This is an important place in Tiandu; please show your identity token or Alliance credentials!"

A team of city-guarding officers, with fierce auras and cultivation levels all above Golden Core, piloted standard flying boats forward to block the way, their tone neither humble nor arrogant.

Lin Wan took out the special token personally bestowed by Emperor Yan, which represented the status of "Head of the Inspection Envoys."

The token was neither gold nor wood and felt warm to the touch. The obverse side was inscribed with the two characters "Inspection," while the reverse side featured the "Five Domains Anti-Calamity" emblem, with faint Imperial Dragon Qi and the unique imprints of the Human Emperor Palace and the five major forces flowing through it, making it impossible to forge.

"So it is Inspection Envoy Lin! Disrespect! Please!"

Upon seeing the token, the city-guarding officers' expressions immediately became solemn. They bowed in salute, waved to clear the path, and their attitude was extremely respectful.

Apparently, Lin Wan, this newly appointed "Head of the Inspection Envoys" who had "ascended to the Soul Transformation stage with a Nascent Soul body" and was praised by Emperor Yan as the "Great Dao," had already become famous throughout the upper echelons of Tiandu.

Lin Wan nodded slightly, put away the token, piloted the star boat, and slowly flew into Tiandu City, heading towards the "Anti-Calamity Alliance" headquarters located in the central area of the city, following the guidance in the token.

The Anti-Calamity Alliance headquarters was set up next to the original "Human Emperor Palace" in Tiandu City, within a newly built, large-scale palace complex.

The palaces were primarily black and gold, solemn and dignified, yet exuding an aura of iron-blooded slaughter, complementing the imperial majesty of the adjacent Human Emperor Palace.

There were elite armored soldiers guarding the entrance, and the place was layered with Restrictions.

Lin Wan landed in the plaza in front of the main headquarters hall, and a deacon who had received the news came out to welcome him.

"Welcome, Inspection Envoy Lin!"

The leading deacon was a middle-aged scholar at the Nascent Soul Late Stage, whose attitude was respectful. "I am Chen Xuan, acting as a headquarters deacon, ordered to wait here for Inspection Envoy Lin. The Elders of the Five Directions Council have given instructions that if Inspection Envoy Lin arrives, you may first go to the 'Inspection Hall' to rest and familiarize yourself with affairs. If you have urgent matters, you may go to the 'Deliberation Hall' at any time to seek an audience with the Elders."

"Thank you for your trouble, Deacon Chen." Lin Wan nodded, and under Chen Xuan's guidance, arrived at the exclusive office area belonging to the "Inspection Envoy"—the "Inspection Hall."

The Inspection Hall covered a large area and was equipped with a meeting hall, an archive room, a task distribution office, and several quiet rooms inside.

At this moment, several Cultivators were already waiting inside the hall, and upon seeing Lin Wan enter, they all stood up and saluted.

"Greetings, Inspection Envoy Lin!"

Lin Wan's gaze swept over them. These Cultivators were all at the Nascent Soul Stage, some Middle Stage, some Late Stage, wearing different clothing, obviously coming from different forces, selected to assist the "Inspection Envoy" in handling daily affairs as subordinates.

"Everyone, no need for formalities." Lin Wan sat down in the main seat and motioned for everyone to sit as well. "I am new here and am not yet familiar with the Alliance's affairs, especially the duties of the Inspection Envoy. I ask you all to briefly explain."

"Yes!" A thin-faced, calm-tempered Elder at the Nascent Soul Late Stage spoke first. He was an outer Sect Elder from the Central Plains' "Tianyan Sect," surnamed Zhou, who had been sent to assist Lin Wan.

"Reporting to the Inspection Envoy, our 'Inspection Envoy' position has six main duties: First, monitor the Five Regions, investigate 'Sky Rift' anomalies, and signs of 'the end' erosion; Second, patrol the branch Alliances of each region, supervise whether they are implementing Alliance resolutions, integrating resources, and their war preparation status; Third, purge internal traitors, those colluding with otherworldly demons, and forces that endanger the Alliance's stability; Fourth, execute special tasks assigned by the Alliance, such as exploring Secret Realms, collecting resources, escorting important personnel, etc.; Fifth, mediate major disputes between regions and forces arising from anti-calamity matters; Sixth, report the situation to the 'Five Directions Council Elders' regularly and provide recommendations."

"Currently, the Alliance is in its infancy, and all matters are complex. The branch Alliances of each region are being established, resource allocation is still being tallied, and internal hidden dangers have not been cleared. Especially in the Eastern Wasteland and Northern Plains, the situation is complex with surging undercurrents. In addition, the 'Sky Rift' is spreading at an accelerated pace, and abnormal events are occurring frequently in various places, which also requires the Inspection Envoy's close attention." Another Nascent Soul Middle Stage monk from the Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom added.

Lin Wan listened quietly, and had already gained a general understanding. The power of this "Inspection Envoy" was indeed very great, almost equivalent to the Alliance's "Imperial Envoy," with the power to monitor, enforce the law, and even execute first and report later. But precisely because the power was great, the responsibility was also heavy, and the resistance and danger faced would inevitably be more.

"Currently, are there any urgent matters that need to be handled?" Lin Wan asked.

"Yes." Elder Zhou took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Lin Wan. "This is a summary of major events reported recently from various places that are suspected to be related to 'the end' erosion or may endanger the Alliance's stability. Please take a look, Inspection Envoy. Among them, there are three matters that are quite urgent."

Lin Wan's Divine Sense probed into the Jade Slip.

The first matter: Under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Wasteland's "Skyfire Sect," a large fire-attribute mineral vein named "Burning Flame Valley" recently experienced a large-scale event where miners died suddenly. Their deaths were bizarre, suspected to be caused by erosion from unknown evil power.

The Skyfire Sect sent people to investigate but suffered significant losses, failed to find the cause, and instead blocked the news.

Rumors say it may be related to "Sky Rift" anomalies or some kind of ancient demon.

The second matter: After the Northern Plains' "Nine Nether Sect" was wiped out, the Yin Qi and Death Qi in the area of its former main altar, the "Ten Thousand Ghost Cave," suddenly surged. Weird ghosts frequently appear, attacking passing Cultivators and Mortal cities, having already caused significant casualties.

The newly established "Xuanyin Alliance" in the Northern Plains (formed by a coalition of several Ghost Path and Demonic Path forces) has been ineffective in exterminating them, and instead shows signs of expanding its influence and seizing the opportunity to annex surrounding areas, suspected of having secret collusions with certain Central Plains forces.

The third matter: At the boundary between the Central Plains and the Southern Region, a dangerous place named "Liangjie Mountain" recently emitted powerful and obscure spatial fluctuations, suspected to be the Formation of a small, unstable "Sky Rift" branch or a spatial rift connecting to an unknown dangerous place.

Several investigation teams have already gone missing, including two Nascent Soul Cultivators sent by the Alliance.

This matter needs to be investigated as soon as possible to prevent the hidden danger from expanding.

Lin Wan's gaze lingered on these three matters for a moment, and a trace of thought flashed in his eyes.

Eastern Wasteland's Burning Flame Valley, Skyfire Sect territory, and such a bizarre event occurred... Emperor Yan is likely having a headache, or rather, plotting something in the dark.

This matter might be a good opportunity to intervene in the Eastern Wasteland and probe the reality of the Skyfire Sect.

Northern Plains' Ten Thousand Ghost Cave, ghosts running rampant, Xuanyin Alliance's attitude is ambiguous... The Northern Plains has always been a hidden danger; it's just right to take this opportunity of inspection to clean it up, and by the way, see who those "Central Plains forces" secretly colluding with the Northern Plains really are.

Liangjie Mountain spatial anomalies... This matter is the most bizarre and dangerous. But "Sky Rift" and spatial anomalies are the typical precursors to "the end" erosion and must be handled as soon as possible.

"I understand." Lin Wan put down the Jade Slip and his gaze swept over everyone in the hall. "I will handle these three matters personally. Elder Zhou, you are responsible for coordinating with the headquarters to retrieve detailed files, maps, and relevant force information for these three locations, and deliver them as soon as possible."

"In addition, send messages to the Eastern Wasteland, Northern Plains, and Southern Region branch Alliances, saying that this Inspection Envoy will arrive in a few days, and order them to cooperate with the investigation; there must be no mistakes."

"Yes!" Elder Zhou and the others accepted the order.

"Also," Lin Wan paused and added, "I need a capable team to accompany me. You recommend the candidates. The requirements are at least Nascent Soul Middle Stage or above, skilled in tracking, investigation, and combat, and with a clean background, having no entanglement with the Eastern Wasteland, Northern Plains, or Xuanyin Alliance. By this time tomorrow, I want to see the list and the people."

"Your subordinates obey!"

Everyone agreed again, a trace of excitement and solemnity flashing in their eyes.

This newly appointed Inspection Envoy was indeed swift and decisive; just after taking office, he was going to personally handle the most troublesome matters.

It seems that the winds and clouds of the Five Regions are about to move because of him.

Lin Wan waved his hand, letting everyone withdraw, leaving only himself in the hall.

He walked to the window, looking at the prosperous and solemn scene of Tiandu City outside, his gaze deep.

"The journey of the Inspection Envoy shall begin with these three matters."

"Emperor Yan, Ten Thousand Ghost Cave, Liangjie Mountain..."

"I would like to see just how deep the waters of these Five Regions are. And how long those demons and monsters hiding in the dark can hide."

"By the way, it is also a good time to verify this power after Soul Transformation..."

He slowly clenched his fist, and in his palm, chaotic airflow faintly swirled, emitting a heart-palpitating pressure.

Inspect the world, sweep away the demonic atmosphere.

This is just the beginning.