Myriad Daos of the Heaven

The mountain wind brushed across her forehead, lifting her bangs. In that moment, Hua Xiaoling possessed a sorrowful, quiet beauty. Her voice was slow as she spoke. "Our ancestors were merely exiles, suppressed by this land for generations. The strongest among us can never surpass the Foundation Establishment Realm. For us, seeking the Dao for eternal life is nothing but an ethereal, unrealistic dream. It’s impossible to even extend our lifespans. We cultivate only to survive."

"Here, not even the greatest geniuses can escape fate’s curse. Those who foolishly attempt to leave the Fenggu Forbidden Land all end up having their Cultivation dissipate before they die."

"We have seals and curses within our bodies. Since we can’t break them, we are trapped here forever—no different from prisoners!"

"But even so, we must still struggle to survive, cultivating diligently. Otherwise, we won’t even have the right to live here."

Listening to Hua Xiaoling’s words, Jiang Jichen felt a pang of sympathy. The people of the Fenggu Forbidden Land were truly in a pitiful state, trapped here for generations, unable to step into the outside world.

"Is there no way to lift the curse?"

Jiang Jichen asked softly.

"Legend says that if you can enter the Cultivation Tower in the Ancient Ruined City and be baptized by its Mysterious Power, you have a chance to break the curse!"

A glint of hope flashed in Hua Xiaoling’s eyes as she spoke.

"Has anyone ever succeeded?"

Jiang Jichen was surprised the Cultivation Tower could have such a miraculous effect.

"Every ten years, some of our people enter the Cultivation Tower. But over the long ages, legend says only one person has ever successfully lifted the curse. The rest all failed. However, after they came out of the Cultivation Tower, their Cultivation had greatly increased, and they all gained the potential to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm."

Hua Xiaoling told him everything she knew.

Now that he had a basic understanding of the Fenggu Forbidden Land and the Ancient Ruined City, Jiang Jichen asked, "What are your plans now?"

Hua Xiaoling said, "My grandfather, the Clan Leader, has been afflicted with Thousand Poisons and his life is in grave danger. I must bring the Thousand-Petaled Flower back to him as quickly as possible!"

She glanced at Jiang Jichen again. "Little Chen, what about you? What are your plans?"

Jiang Jichen hadn’t really thought about his next step. His original plan had been to leave this place as quickly as possible, but after hearing Hua Xiaoling’s description of the Ancient Ruined City within the Refining Illusion Realm, his interest was piqued. He wanted to see the Cultivation Tower for himself.

The whole reason he’d come out was to find cultivation resources and become stronger. The Ancient Ruined City was clearly an excellent Training Ground, but it wouldn’t open for another month.

"I want to go see the Ancient Ruined City!"

Jiang Jichen replied honestly.

"But that’s still a month away. How about this? Come with me to Fenggu Town to get settled first. My Hua Family has some influence there. Besides... I was also hoping Little Chen could escort me. There are too many Fierce Beasts and Hunters from the various clans along the way. I know it’s a lot to ask, but..."

Hearing Hua Xiaoling’s shy request, Jiang Jichen couldn’t help but smile. "Alright, I’ll go with you to Fenggu Town. After all, I’ll eventually have to go there to use the Teleportation Array to get to the Ancient Ruined City anyway!"

Jiang Jichen readily agreed without even letting Hua Xiaoling finish. It was on his way, after all.

When Hua Xiaoling heard Jiang Jichen agree, she cheered and exclaimed, "Little Chen, I, Hua Xiaoling, will definitely repay you for this!"

Jiang Jichen just smiled, saying nothing.

After that, the two of them set off on the road to Fenggu Town.

The Sealed Ancient Land was, as expected, overrun with Fierce Beasts. They would frequently run into a Spirit Beast no weaker than the Innate Third Layer, and sometimes even ones in the Innate Fifth and Sixth Realms. They avoided them when they could, but when a confrontation was unavoidable, Jiang Jichen would obliterate the beast with a single punch. It was an extreme display of raw, violent power.

Along the way, Hua Xiaoling finally got to witness Jiang Jichen’s terrifying power. He could kill even an Innate Fifth Realm Spirit Beast with a single punch, and he still maintained a relaxed and effortless expression.

It made Hua Xiaoling wonder just how frighteningly powerful Jiang Jichen would be if he ever unleashed his full strength.

Of course, this also made Hua Xiaoling feel incredibly lucky to have met Jiang Jichen. Otherwise, even if she had managed to get the Thousand-Petaled Flower, she would have had a hard time getting it back to Fenggu Town. Against an Innate Fifth Realm Spirit Beast, she wouldn’t have stood a chance.

In truth, it wasn’t that Hua Xiaoling’s own abilities were weak, but that she was suppressed by this land. Otherwise, with her talent, her cultivation speed would have likely been astonishing.

They crossed mountains and rivers, traversed grasslands and lakes. After a day and a night, Jiang Jichen finally spotted an ancient city gate in the distance.

The gate was carved directly out of the mountainside, looking as if a cave had been bored through the rock.

And through this tunnel, one could see an Ancient City nestled amidst the mountains—a magnificent sight.

Jiang Jichen had already heard Hua Xiaoling describe Fenggu Town, so he knew it was nestled within a massive mountain range, which was truly a marvelous setup.

High above the mountain gate, four ancient characters were visible from afar.

Fenggu Town! 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

The calligraphy was powerful, etched by the annals of time, and exuded an ancient aura.

Moreover, with his discerning eye, Jiang Jichen could sense that these four characters contained an extraordinary Dao rhythm. They were clearly the work of a Great Power!

As Jiang Jichen and Hua Xiaoling approached the gate, they saw a few people coming and going. The entrance was flanked by eight City Guards.

"Hey, isn’t that Hua Xiaoling? How is she back? What about Young Master Lin Qiu and the others?"

A few people who had just walked out of the city spoke in surprise upon seeing Hua Xiaoling.

The expression of a young man in armor among them soured, his gaze turning grim.

He strode forward to block Hua Xiaoling’s path. "Miss Hua, you’ve returned. I wonder, have you seen my worthless little brother?"

Seeing who it was, Hua Xiaoling’s expression changed slightly, but her voice was cold. "Lin Qing, who do you think you are? Why should I answer you? And since when did Fenggu Town become the Lin Family’s exclusive domain, that you dare to block my way?"

A murderous glint flashed in Lin Qing’s eyes. "It isn’t now, but I’m afraid it will be very soon. Once that old fossil from your Hua Family dies, who will be left to keep my Lin Family in check?"

Hua Xiaoling was so angry she almost struck him, but she knew now was not the time. Saving her grandfather, the Clan Leader, was more important. Suppressing her fury, she said, "Since it isn’t yet, then get out of my way!"

Lin Qing took a step back, letting Hua Xiaoling pass, but his two subordinates blocked Jiang Jichen.

"Of course I wouldn’t dare block you, the great Miss Hua. But this man is a stranger, and he bears a strong resemblance to a thief I’ve been hunting recently!"

Lin Qing sneered, the corners of his mouth twisting into a mocking grin.

"He is a friend of my Hua Family! How could he possibly be a thief? Lin Qing, don’t think you can just abuse your authority as a City Patrol Officer and twist the truth!"

Hua Xiaoling’s expression turned cold.

"Who’s to say? We’ll only know for sure after a proper search. That treasure the Wang Family lost recently might just be on his person!"

"Men, search him!"

Lin Qing commanded coldly.