68: A hidden dragon lies in the abyss; a storm is brewing.

Inside the secret chamber, time flowed quietly.

Lin Fan sat cross-legged, his entire body enveloped in a layer of faint golden glow and starlight mist. The powerful self-healing ability of the Eternal Indestructible Body, combined with high-grade healing Medicinal Pills, produced astonishing results. The through-and-through piercing wound in his left chest saw its granulation tissue wriggled and grew at a speed visible to the naked eye; in just two hours, the wound had closed and scabbed over, leaving only a faint red scar, while the internal organ injuries were also being rapidly repaired. The saber wound on his left shoulder had long since stopped bleeding and healed.

To his surprise, the lingering charm of the space-time dao rhyme fragment continued to play a role during the healing process. Cool and profound power seeped into his Divine Soul and Physical Body thread by thread, making his perception of space-time exceptionally keen.

His consciousness sank into his Dantian, where the star pagoda floated quietly. On the surface of the pagoda, the natural dao patterns seemed slightly clearer than before, especially a few lines involving spatial stability, which were undergoing imperceptible optimization and completion under the saturation of space-time dao rhyme. The starry sky illusion on the first floor of the pagoda became more realistic, and the movement of the star trajectories gained a bit of indescribable agility.

At the same time, his understanding of the silver patterns on the thin sheet of the Initial Deciphering of Boundary Runes had deepened significantly. Previously, he had only been blindly imitating the patterns, but now he could vaguely perceive the meanings represented by certain pattern combinations—such as "shift," "fold," and "solidify." Although it was still the barest surface of knowledge, it was no longer a complete case of the blind men and the elephant.

"Blessings and misfortunes are intertwined." Lin Fan opened his eyes, the golden light within them restrained, yet in their depths, it seemed as if a galaxy were flowing, adding a layer of depth and mystery. "Although the ambush this time was dangerous, it allowed me to truly step over the threshold of the Dao of space-time. The Star-Breaking Void Finger... perhaps it can be further refined."

He felt his current state; his injuries had recovered by seventy to eighty percent, his Qi was abundant, and his Divine Sense had mostly recovered, even making some progress as a blessing in disguise.

He withdrew the Restriction and walked out of the secret chamber. It was already the next morning outside.

Lin Feng and Lin Xue had been waiting outside. Seeing Lin Fan emerge with stable breathing and a healthy complexion, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Divine Son, are you alright?" Lin Feng asked with concern.

"I am fine now." Lin Fan nodded. "Was there anything unusual last night?"

"No." Lin Xue shook her head, her voice clear. "According to your instructions, we activated all the early warning and defensive Formations in the courtyard, and no one approached all night. However, in the morning, a patrol from the Imperial City Division came by once, asking if the abnormal energy fluctuations in certain areas of the city last night had affected this courtyard. Following your instructions, we only said you were in quiet meditation and had not noticed anything."

The Imperial City Division was a powerful organization of the Great Xia Dynasty in charge of the capital's security and intelligence. They had indeed been alerted.

"You did well." Lin Fan praised. It was not suitable to get too involved with the authorities for the time being, especially since his identity was sensitive and he had just encountered an unknown assassination attempt.

He walked into the courtyard and stretched his limbs against the morning light. The scars on his body were gradually fading under the effect of the Eternal Indestructible Body; he believed they would disappear before long.

"Divine Son, next we..." Lin Feng hesitated. After yesterday's scare, he had clearly become much more cautious.

"According to the original plan, we wait for the assembly to begin," Lin Fan said. "However, we need more information. Lin Xue, go to the teahouses and wine shops near Ten Thousand Treasures Street and listen for rumors, especially regarding the fluctuations from last night. Be careful and do not reveal your identity."

"Yes." Lin Xue took her orders and left. She was steady and meticulous, making her suitable for intelligence gathering.

"Lin Feng, go to the public notice boards and information markets in the city to see if there are any new announcements regarding the process and rules of the Prodigy Assembly, as well as the reputations of the various groups. Similarly, watch and listen more, but speak and ask less."

"Understood!" Lin Feng's spirits lifted as he took his orders and headed out.

Having sent the two away, Lin Fan returned to the house. He needed to organize the current situation.

The identity of the assassins was unknown, but they were well-trained with strange Cultivation Techniques, definitely not from an ordinary power. Great Elder was a suspect, but the techniques of those men in black were completely different from the bloody and violent style of the Blood Fiend Sect; they were more insidious and crafty, like professional assassins from the shadows.

"Shadow Hall?" Lin Fan recalled fragments he had seen in the family's ancient records—a legendary mysterious assassin organization whose tracks were hard to find and whose price was extremely high. It was said they had even successfully assassinated Saint-Grade experts. If it was truly them, then the power and cost paid by the person behind the scenes were quite terrifying.

"No matter who it is, since they failed once, there will likely be a next time. In Tianyang City, they might restrain themselves, but they will never give up." A cold light flashed in Lin Fan's eyes. "I must increase my strength as quickly as possible. The Prodigy Assembly will be the best stage, and also... a pond for fishing."

He took out the broken stele from Ancient Stele Alley that recorded ancient spatial runes, as well as several pieces of star ore he had purchased. The runes on the broken stele were ancient and incomplete, but they vaguely shared commonalities with the Initial Deciphering of Boundary Runes, which could assist in his comprehension. The star ore could slowly nourish the star pagoda.

Just as he was about to begin his comprehension, the courtyard gate's Restriction was triggered.

Sweeping with his Divine Sense, he saw two people standing outside the door—it was Ye Lingyun of the Heavenly Sword Sect and his Junior Sister.

Lin Fan pondered for a moment, straightened his robes, and walked to the gate to open it.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, please come in." Lin Fan's expression was as usual, as if the life-and-death struggle of last night had never happened.

Seeing Lin Fan, a trace of surprise flashed in Ye Lingyun's eyes again. With his eyesight, he could naturally see that Lin Fan's aura was steady and his spirit was full, not looking at all like someone with injuries, let alone the protagonist of the intense yet obscure energy fluctuations that had come from somewhere in the city last night. Either his injuries had miraculously healed, or... last night's events had nothing to do with him.

"Fellow Daoist Lin's complexion is excellent; it seems your quiet meditation has been quite fruitful." Ye Lingyun entered with a smile, his Junior Sister following quietly behind.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, is there something that brings you here today?" Lin Fan led the two to sit at the stone table in the courtyard and brewed some clear tea.

"Two things." Ye Lingyun did not beat around the bush. "First, our gathering at the Wave Listening Pavilion yesterday was very pleasant. Today I have specifically come to offer some 'Sword Heart Tea' unique to my Heavenly Sword Sect as a token of my appreciation, and also to wish you victory in the assembly." As he spoke, he took out an exquisite jade jar.

"Fellow Daoist Ye is too kind." Lin Fan took it. Sword Heart Tea was a specialty of the Heavenly Sword Sect, useful for calming the mind and tempering Sword Intent, and was of great value.

"Second," Ye Lingyun's expression turned slightly serious as he lowered his voice, "does Fellow Daoist Lin know that the city was not peaceful last night?"

Lin Fan's heart stirred, but his face remained calm. "Oh? I would like to hear the details."

"The Imperial City Division has blocked news of the specific situation," Ye Lingyun said. "But as far as I know, the incident occurred in Ancient Stele Alley near Ten Thousand Treasures Street. At least three highly skilled assassins ambushed a young Cultivator. A fierce battle broke out; one assassin died, and two escaped with injuries, while the victim was also heavily wounded but managed to escape. The traces of power left at the scene were very strange, involving shadows and... suspected space-time power."

His gaze was clear as he looked at Lin Fan. "Now there are undercurrents surging in the city, with all factions speculating on the identity of the victim and the origin of the assassins. Some suspect it was the work of infiltrators from outside the realm, while others guess it's certain factions clearing out potential rivals. My purpose in coming here is also to remind Fellow Daoist Lin to be more careful as the assembly approaches. Especially since you possess a divine body and your fame is beginning to show, it is inevitable that you will attract attention."

These words were both a gesture of goodwill and a warning, but also perhaps a test.

Meeting Ye Lingyun's gaze, Lin Fan said frankly, "Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist Ye. I was indeed near Ten Thousand Treasures Street yesterday and sensed some fluctuations, but I did not investigate further. It is truly shocking that such a rampant incident could occur in Tianyang City, the heart of the Imperial Dynasty. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Ye has any guesses about the origin of those assassins?"

Seeing that Lin Fan was tight-lipped, Ye Lingyun did not press further and said thoughtfully, "The shadow escape technique is tricky and hard to defend against, and the strikes were ruthless and precise, resembling the methods of the legendary 'Shadow Hall.' It's just that Shadow Hall's tracks are ethereal, and they haven't publicly operated in the Human Realm for decades. If it's truly them... then the matter behind this is likely no small thing."

Shadow Hall! It was consistent with Lin Fan's guess.

"Shadow Hall..." Lin Fan frowned. "Why would they appear in Tianyang City, and why would they attack the Prodigies participating in the assembly?"

"This is also what all parties are puzzled about." Ye Lingyun shook his head. "Perhaps it's related to the soon-to-be-opened 'Tongtian Ancient Road'? Every time the Six Realms Prodigy Road opens, there are always constant disturbances."

Tongtian Ancient Road! The core event of the second volume! Ye Lingyun mentioning it now clearly indicated that this Prodigy Assembly was closely related to the opening of the Ancient Road, which was already an open secret among the top powers.

"Thank you for informing me of this, Fellow Daoist Ye." Lin Fan cupped his hands and thanked him sincerely. For Ye Lingyun to reveal this was already a great act of kindness.

"Fellow Daoist Lin is too polite. As fellow Prodigies of the Human Realm, we should naturally look out for one another." Ye Lingyun smiled. "Three days from now, the opening ceremony of the Prodigy Assembly will be held at the 'Tianjiao Platform.' At that time, all participants must be present to draw lots for the preliminary group stages and opponents. If you have time, Fellow Daoist Lin, we might gather again before the opening."

"Certainly." After seeing off Ye Lingyun, Lin Fan fell into deep thought for a long time.

Shadow Hall, Tongtian Ancient Road, the winds and clouds of the Six Realms... as well as Great Elder hiding in the dark and possible external powers. An invisible large net seemed to be closing in on Tianyang City.

"No matter, the muddier the water, the bigger the fish." A sharp curve formed at the corner of Lin Fan's mouth.

He turned back into the house and began to fully comprehend the broken stele runes and the Initial Deciphering of Boundary Runes, while also nourishing the star pagoda with the star ore. He wanted to use these last three days to increase his strength as much as possible, especially his newly understood space-time methods.

The next two days were calm. The news brought back by Lin Xue and Lin Feng was mostly trivial, as core intelligence was difficult to discover. The Imperial City Division increased patrols but did not announce any progress on the assassination case.

Lin Fan did not leave the house, immersing himself in cultivation. The remaining grace of the space-time dao rhyme fragment was completely absorbed by him, and his understanding of boundary runes progressed further. He could now barely sketch and maintain two basic runes for a few breaths of time, and could cause the space within a foot of his body to produce a more obvious "shift" effect. The space on the first floor of the star pagoda also became more stable, with a faint trend of expanding toward the second floor.

On the evening of the third day, Lin Fan ended his last meditation and opened his eyes.

His aura was perfectly harmonious, his cultivation at the Great Perfection of the Condensing Spirit Realm was completely stabilized, and he had even touched the thin membrane of the Divine Power Realm, only waiting for an opportunity to break through. The golden light of the Eternal Indestructible Body was contained within, his blood and Qi like a Dragon. The star pagoda slowly rotated in his Dantian, starlight flowing over its body.

More importantly, as his eyes opened and closed, silver patterns vaguely flashed and vanished, and his perception of space far exceeded what it had been before.

"It's time." Lin Fan stood up and changed into a brand new white star-embroidered ceremonial robe, which was the formal attire for Lin family disciples attending major ceremonies.

Lin Feng and Lin Xue were also prepared, their eyes filled with both nervousness and excitement.

"Let's go." Lin Fan pushed open the courtyard gate. "Let's go meet the heroes of the world."

Night had just fallen, and the lights were brilliant.

In the central area of Tianyang City, a towering building shaped like an inverted giant bowl—the Tianjiao Platform—was brightly lit and bustling with people.

Countless streaks of light rose from various parts of the city, converging toward the Tianjiao Platform. Thousands upon thousands of young Prodigies from various regions of the Human Realm would officially step onto this grand stage, held once a century, tonight.

Lin Fan and the other two followed the flow of people toward the place where the light converged.

He looked up toward the highest point of the Tianjiao Platform, where several luxurious viewing platforms floated. On one of them, a figure as cold and clear as the moon was vaguely visible.

Xia Qingyue was already seated. In another direction, in the shadows, several cold gazes also quietly landed on Lin Fan.

Clouds and winds shall rise, and the hidden dragon emerges from the abyss. This long night is destined not to be peaceful.