185: Tracing the origins of ancient texts reveals turbulent undercurrents.
The aura of the black-robed stall owner was obscure and indistinct, as if merging into the surrounding shadows. Ye Chen walked slowly to the stall, his gaze seemingly sweeping casually across the three items before finally resting on the black ancient book.
The cover of the ancient book was damaged, its corners curled, and its material was neither skin nor paper, feeling cold and tough to the touch. Although he did not recognize the two blurred ancient characters, the faint resonance coming from the chaos ancestral talisman could not be faked. This ancient book was definitely related to the chaos ancestral talisman, or rather, to the so-called "return to silence" and "reality."
"Boss, what is the price of this book?" Ye Chen pointed at the ancient book and asked in a flat tone, maintaining his own aura at the Eighth Layer Earth Fiend Realm.
Beneath the black robe, a gaze seemed to fall upon Ye Chen, carrying a sense of scrutiny. A dry voice, like the friction of sand and stone, slowly rang out: "This is a remnant of the 'Initial Explanation of the Source of Myriad Transformations', recording ancient Qi Refining methods. It is profound and obscure, and cannot be understood except by those with a predestined affinity. To view it, one needs a 'Law Source Crystal' or an equivalent item."
A Law Source Crystal? Ye Chen's heart stirred. He had just heard someone mention this item; it was a crystal containing pure Law power and was of extremely high value. This stall owner's demand for a Law Source Crystal meant either the book was truly extraordinary or he was intentionally inflating the price.
He did not agree immediately but instead asked, "May I see the contents?"
The black-robed stall owner remained silent for a moment before extending a withered finger and lightly tapping the cover of the ancient book. The book moved without wind, flipping open several pages to reveal contents written in the same ancient script, along with some extremely abstract patterns that seemed to explain energy flow and morphological changes.
Ye Chen focused his gaze. Although he did not recognize the characters, when those patterns fell into his eyes, coupled with the slight vibration of the chaos ancestral talisman, they actually gave him a new spark of insight into the 'evolution' and 'transformation' aspects of the Dao of Chaos! It was as if this ancient book was explaining the fundamental principles of Chaos transforming into all things from another perspective!
Although it was only a remnant and its perspective differed from the Chaos Myriad Transformation Art he cultivated, as the saying goes, 'stones from other hills may serve to polish jade.' This item would definitely be of great benefit in deepening his understanding of Chaos!
"I'll take it." Ye Chen no longer hesitated. Although he didn't have a Law Source Crystal right now, he had many treasures of equivalent value. He took out a jade bottle containing 'Spring of Order' water obtained from the Xuanwu Secret Realm, which held pure vitality and order energy. Although only half a bottle remained, its value was definitely not inferior to an ordinary Law Source Crystal.
"This is 'Life Source Liquid,' containing pure vitality and order power, enough to match a Law Source Crystal." Ye Chen handed the jade bottle over.
The black-robed stall owner took the jade bottle and opened a tiny crack. A pure and gentle aura diffused out. His black robe moved slightly, seemingly moved, and he quickly capped it, nodding: "Acceptable."
The transaction was complete. Ye Chen put away the black ancient book and didn't stay any longer, turning to leave the stall. He could feel that while he was trading, several hidden gazes had swept over him, carrying inquiry and greed. On Meteorite Slope, showing off wealth was not a wise move.
He found a relatively secluded spot—a natural depression formed by a massive beast bone—and set up a concealment Formation before impatiently taking out the remnant of the 'Initial Explanation of the Source of Myriad Transformations'.
He tried to read it directly, but as expected, it was like a book from heaven. However, when he sank his Divine Sense into it and used the power of the chaos ancestral talisman to make contact, a strange change occurred!
The ancient characters on the book seemed to come alive, turning into flowing light and shadows that merged into his Sea of Consciousness! Although he still couldn't directly understand their literal meaning, the various Profound Truths regarding the 'origin,' 'differentiation,' 'combination,' and 'morphological transformation' of energy were directly imprinted into his perceptions like a divine revelation!
This was not a specific Cultivation Technique, but rather a 'principle' that explained the essential Laws of how heaven and earth energy operated! From the most microscopic level, it analyzed how energy was born from Chaos, how it differentiated into different attributes, and how it combined to form all things in the world! The uniqueness of its perspective and the height of its conception opened Ye Chen's eyes!
In his previous cultivation of the Chaos Myriad Transformation Art, he had focused more on the 'inclusiveness' and 'dominance' of Chaos, as well as 'return to silence' and 'extinction.' This 'Initial Explanation of the Source of Myriad Transformations,' however, focused more on the 'transformation' and 'construction' of Chaos! The two complemented each other, making his understanding of the Dao of Chaos instantly more three-dimensional and more Perfection!
He immersed himself in this mysterious insight for several hours without realizing it. When he slowly came to his senses, he felt his heart of chaos beating more powerfully, and his control over Chaos Gang Qi had become more refined and subtle. Although his cultivation level hadn't directly increased, his Dao foundation had become more stable and his potential deeper.
"Good stuff!" Ye Chen was delighted. That 'Law Source Crystal' was well spent!
He cautiously put away the ancient book, knowing he couldn't stay here long. He had to obtain information about the Gui Xu Sea Eye or Law Source Crystals as soon as possible.
Removing the Formation, he merged back into the crowd. This time, he headed directly toward several places in the gathering point that looked like information exchanges or mission posting areas.
Inside a crude tavern converted from the deck of a giant battleship, Ye Chen ordered a cup of the local specialty—a murky liquor brewed from a certain battlefield plant—and sat in a corner, his Divine Sense quietly gathering rumors.
"...I heard the 'Sky Patrol Guard' is searching for a Cultivator with a Chaos aura recently, and the bounty is terrifyingly high..."
"Among the good things brought by the 'Ten Thousand Realms Merchant Guild' this time, there seems to be a batch of source crystals collected from the 'Spring of Law'..."
"The 'Gui Xu Sea Eye' over there has been fluctuating abnormally recently. It seems something is about to come out. Several major forces have sent people..."
"The 'Shadow Hall' and the 'Holy Light Court' have clashed again in the 'Ancient God's Severed Hand' region. It's said to be over a fragment suspected to be a 'Chaos Ancestral Stone'..."
Pieces of information flowed into Ye Chen's ears, causing his heart to shake slightly.
The Sky Patrol Guard was searching for Cultivators with a Chaos aura? Was it targeted at him, or at everyone who practiced Chaos Cultivation Techniques? The origin of the chaos ancestral talisman seemed even less simple than imagined.
The Ten Thousand Realms Merchant Guild had Law Source Crystals, which were items he urgently needed.
Abnormal fluctuations at the Gui Xu Sea Eye! This matched the information he got from the chaos ancestral talisman; that was indeed where he had to go!
And the last piece of news about the 'Chaos Ancestral Stone' fragment made his heart leap! Chaos Ancestral Stone? Could it refer to a fragment of the chaos ancestral talisman? The Shadow Hall and the Holy Light Court were actually fighting over it?
He suppressed the turmoil in his heart, calmly finished the poor-quality wine in his cup, and prepared to leave the tavern to inquire for news at the Ten Thousand Realms Merchant Guild's stronghold.
However, just at the moment he stood up—
The tavern's door curtain was violently lifted, and a cold and powerful aura instantly enveloped the entire tavern! Three Cultivators dressed in uniform silver armor, with star and eye patterns branded on their chests, and whose auras were clearly at the early Tiangang Realm, stepped inside. Their gazes were as sharp as hawks, scanning everyone in the tavern with an unquestionable majesty.
It was the Sky Patrol Guard!
The noise in the tavern vanished instantly. All the Cultivators subconsciously lowered their heads or looked away, not daring to meet their gaze.
The leading Sky Patrol Guard captain's gaze was like a cold searchlight, slowly sweeping across the room. Finally, it actually fixed on Ye Chen, who had just stood up!
He frowned slightly, seemingly sensing something, and walked toward Ye Chen step by step. His silver boots stepped on the metal deck, making crisp and oppressive "tap, tap" sounds.
"You." The Sky Patrol Guard captain stopped in front of Ye Chen, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "What do you have on you? Why is there a trace of abnormal Chaos fluctuation?"
Ye Chen's heart tightened! The Sky Patrol Guard was indeed extremely sensitive to the aura of Chaos! Although he had tried his best to restrain it, having just meditated on the 'Initial Explanation of the Source of Myriad Transformations,' a trace of his aura had inevitably leaked out and was actually caught by the other party!
The gazes of everyone in the tavern focused on him, filled with sympathy, curiosity, or schadenfreude.
Ye Chen's expression remained calm as he cupped his hands and said, "Not long ago, I happened upon an ancient book in a set of ruins. I was just meditating on it just now, and perhaps I was stained with a trace of an ancient aura because of it. I did not intend to hide it." He explained with a mix of truth and lies, while simultaneously restraining his Chaos aura to the limit, simulating the slightly chaotic energy fluctuations left over after just meditating on a technique.
The Sky Patrol Guard captain stared sharply at Ye Chen, seemingly judging the truth of his words. He reached out his hand and said unquestionably, "Bring the ancient book for inspection."
Ye Chen's heart sank. If the 'Initial Explanation of the Source of Myriad Transformations' was taken by the other party, not only would the loss be immense, but it might also expose more secrets. But if he didn't give it, a conflict would erupt immediately. Facing three Tiangang Realm Sky Patrol Guards in this gathering point, his chances of winning were extremely low, and he would immediately become a target for everyone.
Just as his mind was racing, considering his options—
Outside the tavern, a deafening roar suddenly sounded, along with violent energy collision fluctuations!
"Enemy attack! It's a Baleful Spirit Tide!!" Panicked shouts came from outside!
The expressions of the three Sky Patrol Guards changed instantly! A Baleful Spirit Tide was a common disaster on the Myriad Realms Battlefield, formed by the gathering of countless battlefield Fiend Souls. Wherever it passed, it devoured all life, and was extremely difficult to deal with!
The Sky Patrol Guard captain took a deep look at Ye Chen, seemingly weighing his options, before finally cold-snorting: "This will be noted for now! All Cultivators, immediately head to the defensive lines to resist the Baleful Spirit Tide! Those who disobey will be treated as rebels!"
After speaking, he ignored Ye Chen, and with a flash of his body, he and his two subordinates rushed out of the tavern.
The Cultivators in the tavern also erupted into a frenzy, pouring out one after another and rushing toward the defensive fortifications on the outskirts of the gathering point.
Ye Chen blended into the crowd, feeling a slight sense of relief in his heart. This sudden Baleful Spirit Tide had temporarily resolved his predicament. But he knew the Sky Patrol Guard had already noticed him; he couldn't stay here for long.
He followed the flow of people to the outskirts of Meteorite Slope. On the distant gray horizon, a boundless black "tide" composed of countless twisted vengeful souls and chaotic energy was surging toward the gathering point, covering the sky and the earth! That majestic dead silence and resentment made everyone's faces turn pale.
A Baleful Spirit Tide! A true natural disaster!
Ye Chen's gaze swept across the surging black tide and then looked at the Sky Patrol Guards waiting in Formation in the distance, a flash of decisiveness appearing in his eyes.
Leave in the Chaos! Head to the Ten Thousand Realms Merchant Guild, or... go directly to find the Gui Xu Sea Eye!
His figure quietly vanished into the nearby shadows, and like a ghost, he sped away in the opposite direction of the defensive lines.