98: On the eve of the trial, a storm was brewing.

Only three days remain until the start of the Meteor Star Ancient Domain Trial.

The atmosphere throughout the Lin Clan grew increasingly heavy. Among the younger generation, all disciples participating in the Trial were making their final preparations: entering seclusion for arduous Cultivation, taking inventory of supplies, or bidding farewell to relatives.

This was not just a Trial; it was a brutal selection process. Although the Ancient Domain held countless Opportunities, it was also fraught with killing intent. In previous years, the casualty rate reached 30%. This time, due to the antagonism between the factions of Lin Fan and Lin Feng, the danger level surpassed previous years.

Lin Fan's courtyard had practically become a Forbidden Ground over the past ten days.

Aside from the fixed daily meals delivered by a dedicated person, he saw no one and ignored everything, immersing himself entirely in Cultivation.

The courtyard walls had largely collapsed during the previous testing of the Star Dragon Indestructible Sword. Lin Fan did not repair them, instead converting the entire courtyard into a training ground. The bluestone floor was crisscrossed with grooves, all left by Sword Qi.

At this moment, Lin Fan was sitting cross-legged on the only intact piece of bluestone in the courtyard.

His eyes were slightly closed, and the aura around him fluctuated unpredictably. At times, it was like roaring flames, with his vital Qi and blood boiling; at other times, it was like the deep water of a cold pool, silent and undisturbed; and sometimes it was like the vast, unfathomable starry sky.

The three Cultivation Techniques—the Eternal Indestructible Body, the True Dragon Body Refining Art, and the Circulating Heaven Star Formula—were operating simultaneously within his body, yet achieving perfect Fusion.

After ten days of arduous Cultivation, he finally found a balanced Dao for the coexistence of the three.

His vital Qi and blood transformed into a Red Dragon, surging and roaring through his Meridians; Dragon Power condensed into scales, covering his body surface; and Star Power, like the Milky Way inverted, nourished every inch of his flesh and Soul.

The three merged, forming a brand-new energy that he named the Star Dragon Indestructible Force. This energy combined the advantages of all three: the regeneration of the Indestructible Body, the strength of the Dragon Body, and the purity and nourishment of the Star Power.

Although it was currently only a rudimentary form and the amount was small, Lin Fan could feel that the quality of this trace of Star Dragon Indestructible Force far surpassed ordinary Spiritual Power. If he could condense it in large quantities, his combat strength would undergo a qualitative change.

"Unfortunately, there isn't enough time." Lin Fan slowly opened his eyes, a hint of regret flashing within them.

If he were given another month, he might truly master the Fusion of the three and even use it to charge into the Condensing Essence Realm. But for now, he could only achieve this much.

He stood up and walked to the old locust tree in the courtyard, which had been stripped of most of its branches and leaves by Sword Qi.

The unyielding sword was stuck beneath the tree.

Lin Fan gripped the hilt and slowly drew the sword.

*Buzz.* The sword body trembled slightly, as if responding to its master's call. The blood-colored pattern glowed faintly. Under Sword Heart Illumination, Lin Fan could feel the joy and Battle Intent emanating from the sword.

Over these ten days, he had nourished the sword daily with his own vital Qi and blood and the Star Dragon Indestructible Force, making the connection between man and sword increasingly close. Although he had yet to fully awaken the dormant power within the sword, he could already utilize seventy to eighty percent of its might.

More importantly, through the unyielding sword, his understanding of the Sword Dao was continuously deepening.

The first form of the Unyielding Sword Art, "Unyielding," and the second form, "Unyielding Endurance," have both reached Major Achievement. Although the third form, "Indestructible," remains in the comprehension stage, he has touched upon its threshold. As for his self-created Star Dragon Indestructible Sword, he has practiced it no less than a thousand times over these ten days. Though still rudimentary, it is stable enough to be used as a trump card.

"The way I am now, I should be able to fight head-on against someone at the Condensing Origin Second Layer." Lin Fan estimated his strength. "If I use the Star Dragon Indestructible Sword, I could even threaten a Condensing Origin Third Layer expert. But Lin Feng has a Spiritual Armor and Spiritual Artifacts, so the outcome is still hard to predict."

He sheathed his sword and looked toward the sky.

Tomorrow is the day the Trial teams assemble. The day after tomorrow, the Ancient Domain passage opens in the early morning.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.

"Lin Fan, the Clan Chief requests your presence." It was the voice of the black-clothed steward.

Lin Fan tidied his clothes and walked out of the courtyard. To his surprise, waiting outside the door was not only the black-clothed steward but also Fifth Elder Lin JIngtao.

"Fifth Elder?" Lin Fan cupped his fists.

Fifth Elder looked solemn and said in a low voice, "Follow me. There are some things you must know before the Trial."

The two walked one after the other to a secret chamber deep within the Hall of Punishment.

Inside the secret chamber, there was only a stone table and two stone chairs, the layout exceedingly simple. Fifth Elder closed the door and activated the Soundproof Formation before speaking: "Lin Fan, are you mentally prepared for the dangers of the Ancient Domain Trial?"

"Yes." Lin Fan nodded.

"It's more dangerous than you think," Fifth Elder said solemnly. "I just received a secret report that the Grand Elder's faction... may have colluded with an outside race."

Lin Fan's heart jolted. "Outside race? Which one?"

"We're not sure yet, but it's very likely the Shadow Clan." Fifth Elder's eyes flashed with cold light. "The Shadow Clan excels at assassination and stealth and has long-standing enmity with our Lin Clan. If they truly infiltrate the Ancient Domain, their target will definitely be you."

The Shadow Clan! Lin Fan had heard of this race. They were an alien race in the Human Realm, living in the shadows, naturally proficient in assassination techniques, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, making them impossible to guard against. A hundred years ago, the Shadow Clan clashed with the Lin Clan, was severely wounded by the Clan Chief of that time, retreated into the deep mountains, and had been silent for many years.

"The Grand Elder dares to collude with a sworn enemy?" Lin Fan's voice was icy.

"Some people will do anything for power," Fifth Elder sneered. "The Clan Chief has secretly reinforced the inspection of the Ancient Domain entrance, but the Shadow Clan's methods are strange and may not be completely preventable. You must be prepared—in the Ancient Domain, your enemies are not just Lin Feng's faction, but potentially Shadow Clan assassins lurking in the dark."

Lin Fan took a deep breath. "Thank you, Fifth Elder, for informing me."

"Also, take this." Fifth Elder took a blood-colored Jade Pendant from his robes. "This is a Blood Escape Talisman, a single-use consumable. Once crushed, it burns your vital blood to instantly flee a hundred miles. But the cost is immense; it will cost you at least three years of Cultivation, so do not use it unless it is a life-or-death situation."

Lin Fan took the Jade Pendant; it felt warm in his hand, as if life was flowing within it.

"Remember the saying: 'As long as the green hills remain, there will always be wood to burn,'" Fifth Elder said solemnly. "If the situation is impossible, preserving your life comes first. You are still young, and your future path is long."

"I understand." Lin Fan put away the Jade Pendant, a surge of warmth rising in his heart.

After leaving the Hall of Punishment, Lin Fan was led by the black-clothed steward to the study of Clan Chief Lin Zhantian.

Lin Zhantian was not wearing his Clan Chief robes today; instead, he wore simple gray cloth clothes, standing by the window and looking at the Ancestral Hall in the distance.

"Lin Fan, you're here." He did not turn around.

"Clan Chief." Lin Fan bowed.

"Sit." Lin Fan sat down in a chair. Clan Chief turned around, his eyes holding a complicated expression. "The day after tomorrow, you will enter the Ancient Domain. There are some things I want to say to you before the Trial."

"Please speak, Clan Chief."

"Your father, Lin Xiaotian, was my proudest son," Clan Chief said in a low voice. "His talent was outstanding, and his Heart-Nature was tenacious. He should have led the Lin Clan to new glory. It's a pity that Heaven envied his talent."

Lin Fan listened quietly.

"I have been investigating the events of that year for years, but the clues are scarce, and progress is slow." Clan Chief walked up to Lin Fan and placed an ancient-looking ring on the table. "This is the sumeru ring left by your father. It contains some items that might be useful to you."

The sumeru ring! Lin Fan's heart shook. The sumeru ring is a spatial treasure, containing internal space for storing items, making it incredibly precious. In the entire Lin Clan, only the Clan Chief and a few Elders possessed one.

"This is too valuable—"

"It rightfully belongs to you." Clan Chief waved his hand. "I have temporarily placed a Seal on most of the space, leaving only one cubic Zhang, which is enough for you to store supplies. When you Break through to Condensing Essence, part of the Seal will automatically unlock."

Lin Fan picked up the ring and placed it on his left index finger. The ring automatically adjusted its size to fit his finger.

"Furthermore," Clan Chief's eyes flashed with severity, "if you encounter an insurmountable crisis in the Ancient Domain, you can go to the ancient cave deep within Dragon Fall Cliff. I have left a glimmer of hope for you there."

Dragon Fall Cliff again!

Lin Fan recalled the words of the black-clothed secret messenger. Both the Clan Chief and the messenger mentioned this place; clearly, something important was arranged there.

"Thank you, Clan Chief." Lin Fan thanked him solemnly.

"Don't thank me." Clan Chief shook his head, a trace of guilt flashing in his eyes. "Over the years, I failed to protect you and allowed you to suffer many grievances. You shouldn't have to risk this Ancient Domain Trial, but this is a path you must walk."

He patted Lin Fan's shoulder. "Remember, no matter what happens, come back alive. The Lin Clan needs you."

When he left the Clan Chief's study, the sky was already nearing dusk.

Lin Fan returned to his courtyard and began taking inventory of his supplies.

Inside the sumeru ring, Clan Chief had prepared many items for him: ten bottles of Healing Medicinal Pills, five bottles of Detoxification Medicinal Pills, ten bottles of Qi Recovery Medicinal Pills, and three Talismans—two Golden Armor Talismans and one Thunderstorm Talisman.

In addition, there were some dry rations, clear water, Night-Illuminating Pearls, and other miscellaneous items.

Including what he prepared himself, the Medicinal Pills given by the Third Elder, and the Blood Escape Talisman given by the Fifth Elder, his supplies were quite sufficient.

"Now, there is only one last step."

Lin Fan sat down cross-legged and began to adjust his state. He did not continue to Cultivate but emptied his mind, allowing his body and Soul to relax completely. This was the final rest before the Trial, ensuring his condition was optimized.

Night deepened gradually.

Lights were brightly lit throughout the Lin Clan. The disciples participating in the Trial showed all facets of life—some excited, some nervous, some fearful. Yet, Lin Fan's courtyard was completely silent.

He seemed to have turned into a stone sculpture, with only the steady sound of his breathing indicating his vigorous vitality.

When the moon reached the zenith, Lin Fan suddenly opened his eyes.

He felt a disturbance coming from the sumeru ring.

Extending his Divine Sense, he saw an originally dim Jade Slip in the corner of the ring, now emitting a faint white light.

Lin Fan took out the Jade Slip and placed it against his forehead.

Inside the Jade Slip was only one sentence: "In the southeast of the Ancient Domain, at the bottom of Starfall Lake, there is something left by your father. Do not return, do not ask, and do not trust anyone." The Jade Slip immediately turned into powder.

Lin Fan's gaze was profound.

This Jade Slip was clearly hidden inside the sumeru ring long ago, only activating at a specific time. Whether it was left by his father or someone else was unknown.

However, the Second Elder had also mentioned Starfall Lake, saying it was where his father achieved enlightenment in the Dao back then.

It seems this trip to the Ancient Domain has one more essential destination.

"Father, what exactly did you leave behind?"

Lin Fan looked toward the southeast, anticipation flashing in his eyes.

The night was deep.

Only one day remains until the start of the Ancient Domain Trial.

A storm is brewing.