111: Nine-star peak, the call of the Zhongzhou core

The roar of the Ground-Splitting Demonic Ape gradually faded into the depths of the dense forest, leaving behind a chaotic battlefield and Xiao Chen, who stood proudly.

The aura around him slowly receded like a tide, eventually returning to tranquility, but in his deep eyes, stars seemed to flow, containing an indescribable power.

Peak Nine-Star Dou Zong!

Feeling the pale golden Dou Qi, which surged like mercury and was as condensed as steel, within his body, and the increasingly solid battle-axe phantom in his Sea of Consciousness, whose blade shimmered with an interwoven dark gold and silver-white light, Xiao Chen's lips curved into a satisfied arc.

This leap was not just an explosion in the quantity of Dou Qi, but a qualitative change in his control over the essence of power.

He felt a closer connection to this world, as if he could vaguely touch the Veins of the invisible, intangible, yet omnipresent spatial laws.

"The fifth move of the Nine Axes of Heaven Opening, 'Void Breaking,' is finally no longer a castle in the air."

Xiao Chen's thoughts stirred slightly, and a wisp of pale golden light flickered at his fingertips; the air in front of him immediately rippled subtly, and an almost imperceptible spatial distortion quietly formed.

Although he still couldn't truly tear space, this initial influence over space had already given his movement techniques and attacks countless possibilities, doubling his combat power.

He checked his own condition.

The minor superficial wounds sustained in the battle with the Demonic Ape had long since healed under the nourishment of his abundant Dou Qi, and his soul power had become even more refined and transparent due to the cultivation of the Indestructible Soul Armor and his insights from the Sword Mark Wall.

The pill embryo of the life-generating fortune pill slowly rotated in his Qi Sea, emitting a life-generating vitality that subtly resonated with the Xiao Clan bloodline, seemingly nurturing something.

"Resources are running low again."

Xiao Chen's divine sense swept through his storage ring, and he helplessly discovered that his pills and medicinal ingredients were once again exhausted.

The higher one's cultivation, the more immense the resources required.

Especially to break through to the legendary Dou Zun realm, an unimaginable accumulation and fortuitous opportunities were needed.

"It's time to leave this mountain range."

Xiao Chen looked eastward, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of mountains.

According to the information in the jade slip given by his teacher, Xuan Kongzi, after crossing this barren mountain range and then traversing a dangerous area called the Meteor Desert, he would reach the true core region of the Central Plains—the Central Region.

There, sects stood in great numbers, and experts were as common as clouds; it was the most prosperous, most dangerous, and also the most opportunity-rich place on the entire continent.

"Tianxuan City, Pill City, the Soul Hall's main hall, the Pill Tower Holy Domain... and those mysterious ancient clans like the Gu Clan and the Yan Clan... the Central Region is the true stage!"

A surge of ambition rose in Xiao Chen's heart.

Staying in the relatively remote Northern Region was, after all, like looking at the sky from the bottom of a well.

Only by stepping onto that land where experts contended could he grow faster and uncover more mysteries.

He no longer hesitated; his figure moved, transforming into a blurry green shadow, and he sped eastward.

After breaking through to Peak Nine-Star Dou Zong, his speed skyrocketed.

Stepping with the Illusory Spirit Steps, combined with the initial power of spatial distortion, his figure was like a ghost, leaving trails of afterimages in the mountains and forests, making it difficult for ordinary magical beasts to track him.

Days later, Xiao Chen finally emerged from the endless barren mountain range.

Before him lay a vast, boundless desert with yellow sand filling the sky.

Gale-force winds whipped up sand, forming sandstorms that connected heaven and earth, and the air was filled with a dry and deathly aura.

This was the Meteor Desert recorded in the jade slip, said to have been formed by the impact of extraterrestrial meteorites in ancient times.

Its environment was harsh, space was unstable, and strange energy storms and powerful sand beasts frequently appeared, making it a natural barrier to the Central Region.

"Meteor Desert... it's said that deep within the desert are ruins of ancient sects, and perhaps even 'Star Power' remains..."

Xiao Chen's soul perception spread out, cautiously probing the desert's conditions.

He could feel that this desert contained a violent and peculiar energy that strongly interfered with soul perception.

"Crossing this desert will likely not be easy."

Xiao Chen frowned slightly.

But he had no retreat; there might be pursuers from the Soul Hall behind him, so he could only advance.

He took a grain-abstinence pill and some water, adjusted his state, and stepped into the rolling yellow sand.

The journey through the desert was even more difficult than imagined.

Not only were there endless sandstorms and scorching temperatures, but also fierce magical beasts such as sand scorpions and quicksand vipers, hidden beneath the sand, would occasionally launch sneak attacks.

Most of these magical beasts were of high rank and extremely skilled at concealment and surprise attacks, making them difficult to guard against.

Xiao Chen treated this crossing as a form of training.

He no longer solely pursued speed, but instead used the harsh environment of the desert and the elusive magical beasts to hone his movement techniques, reactions, and control over his new powers.

At times, he used the Heaven Opening Axe Intent to obliterate groups of low-level sand beasts; at other times, he skillfully avoided powerful sand vipers with the Illusory Spirit Steps combined with spatial distortion; and at times, he used his Spirit Realm Soul to predict quicksand traps.

In this process, his application of Void Breaking became increasingly proficient; he could even initially use spatial distortion to deflect small-scale sandstorm attacks.

His soul power also became more resilient while resisting the interference of the chaotic energy in the desert.

On this day, as Xiao Chen was resting briefly in the leeward side of a large dune, his soul perception suddenly caught a violent energy fluctuation and faint sounds of battle from afar!

"Someone is fighting? And the energy fluctuations are not weak, at least at the Dou Zong (Fighting Sect) Rank level."

Xiao Chen's heart stirred; he reined in his aura and stealthily moved towards the direction from which the fluctuations came.

After crossing a few sand dunes, the scene before him made his eyes narrow.

On a relatively flat sandy area, three men and two women, five young people, were being besieged by dozens of giant, dark-gold armored, ant-like Gold-Devouring Sand Ants!

Each of these sand ants was the size of a calf, with sharp fangs and astonishing strength, and their carapaces were incredibly hard, comparable to tempered steel!

The three leading sand ants had auras that even reached the peak of the sixth-tier, equivalent to a human Six-Star Dou Zong!

Among the five young people, the highest cultivated was a young man in green robes, a Seven-Star Dou Zong; the other four were all Five-Star or Six-Star Dou Zong.

They stood back-to-back in a battle formation, sword light, fist shadows, and flames intertwined, desperately resisting the sand ants' tide-like attacks, but they were clearly overwhelmed and in constant peril.

Several sand ants and the body of a young man already lay on the ground, indicating a fierce battle.

"It's a Gold-Devouring Sand Ant swarm! These things are the most troublesome; they're fearless and their carapaces are incredibly hard, making them extremely difficult to kill!"

Xiao Chen recognized this terrifying magical beast of the desert.

Judging by the attire of the several individuals, they were not from hostile forces like the Soul Hall or the Heavenly Nether Sect, but rather seemed to be disciples of a medium-sized sect.

"Senior Brother! What should we do? The ant swarm is getting bigger and bigger!"

A young woman in green anxiously shouted; she had a deeply bone-visible wound on her arm, bleeding profusely.

"Hold on! I've already sent out a distress signal; the elders will arrive soon!"

The young man in green gritted his teeth, brandishing his long sword, sword qi crisscrossing, barely repelling a few sand ants, but his face was already pale.

Xiao Chen, concealed behind the sand dune, his eyes flickering.

To save, or not to save?

Making a move might expose his whereabouts and attract unnecessary trouble.

But to stand by and do nothing was not in his nature.

Just as he hesitated, a sudden change occurred!

The most powerful Gold-Devouring Sand Ant Queen suddenly burst out from the sand, its body comparable to a giant elephant, and from its mouth, it spewed a stream of dark-golden corrosive acid, like a waterfall, covering the five young people!

Wherever the acid passed, even sand and stone were instantly melted!

"Oh no!"

The young man in green's face changed drastically; he fully activated his Dou Qi to form a protective shield, but it was clearly not enough to fully resist!

Seeing that the five were about to be engulfed by the acid, a sharp glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes, and he no longer hesitated!

"Whoosh!"

His figure shot out like lightning, simultaneously pointing his fingers like a blade, and he unleashed a palm wind imbued with the 'Water-Splitting, Current-Cutting' intent of the Heaven Opening Axe Intent!

The palm wind did not attack the sand ant, but precisely struck the weak point in the center of the acid torrent!

"Chhh—!"

Like a sharp knife cutting through grease, the acid torrent was split in two, brushing past the bodies of the five individuals and corroding two giant deep pits in the sand behind them!

"Who's there?!"

"We're saved!"

The five, who had narrowly escaped death, were both surprised and delighted as they looked at the suddenly appearing Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen, having succeeded in one strike, did not stop; his figure flickered, like a ghost, cutting into the ant swarm!

He did not use the immensely powerful axe techniques, but instead integrated the Heaven Opening Axe Intent into his fists and feet, whether it was a finger, a palm, or a fist, each strike precisely landed on the connecting seams of the sand ants' carapaces or their energy cores!

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Dull explosions rang out one after another!

One by one, the ferocious Gold-Devouring Sand Ants, under Xiao Chen's seemingly effortless attacks, had their carapaces shattered, their energy cores crushed, and instantly met their demise!

His attacks were efficient, precise, and ruthless, like a master butcher carving an ox, his control over power reaching a meticulous level!

The leading Gold-Devouring Sand Ant Queen let out a sharp shriek, frantically pouncing on Xiao Chen!

Xiao Chen's eyes turned cold; his figure did not retreat but advanced, unleashing a direct punch!

Pale golden light flowed on his fist, and spatial ripples vaguely undulated!

"Void Breaking... Shocking Void!"

His fist did not touch the Ant Queen's carapace, but suddenly stopped about an inch in front of it!

However, an invisible shockwave passed through space, directly acting within the Ant Queen's body!

"Puff!"

The massive body of the Gold-Devouring Sand Ant Queen suddenly stiffened, a dense cracking sound came from inside its carapace, dark-golden blood flowed from its seven orifices, and it crashed to the ground, its aura instantly extinguished!

With the leader dead, the remaining sand ants immediately fell into chaos and were quickly cleared by Xiao Chen and the five young people working together.

The battle ended, leaving the sandy ground in a mess.

The five young people looked at Xiao Chen, who stood proudly in the field with a profound aura, their eyes filled with shock and gratitude.

"Thank you, Senior, for saving our lives!"

The young man in green was the first to react, quickly stepping forward, bowing to Xiao Chen with a respectful tone.

He couldn't discern Xiao Chen's specific cultivation, but the strength the other party displayed was definitely far beyond his own.

"It was nothing."

Xiao Chen returned a faint greeting, his gaze sweeping over the five, "Which sect's disciples are you? Why are you venturing so deep into this Meteor Desert?"

"Replying to Senior, this junior is Lin Xiao, and these are my junior brothers and sisters.

We are from the Flowing Cloud Pavilion."

The young man in green, Lin Xiao, answered respectfully, "This time, we were ordered by our sect to come to the edge of the desert to collect a medicinal ingredient called 'Golden Sand Lotus', but we unexpectedly encountered a sand ant swarm attack... If not for Senior's intervention, we would surely have died today!"

"Flowing Cloud Pavilion?"

Xiao Chen's heart stirred; the jade slip seemed to have a record of it being a medium-sized sect in the Central Region known for its speed and agile cultivation techniques, with a decent reputation.

He nodded: "This place is dangerous; once you've collected your medicinal ingredients, leave as soon as possible."

Lin Xiao hesitated for a moment, then carefully asked, "Senior's strength is profound; are you perhaps crossing this Meteor Desert to go to the Central Region?"

Xiao Chen glanced at him, not denying it.

Lin Xiao's face showed joy: "Senior, if you don't mind, would you like to travel with us?

Our Flowing Cloud Pavilion is quite familiar with the paths on the outskirts of the desert and can help avoid some dangerous areas.

Moreover... I observe that Senior seems interested in the ruins in the desert?

An ancestor of our Flowing Cloud Pavilion once discovered an ancient ruin in the desert and left behind a incomplete diagram, which might be useful to Senior."

As he spoke, he took out a yellowed, ancient leather scroll.

Xiao Chen's gaze fell on the leather scroll; his soul perception swept over it slightly, finding that the scroll's material was special, and the lines drawn on it indeed pointed to a certain place deep within the desert, with faint spatial fluctuations lingering.

He pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Alright."

Having more guides could also save a lot of trouble.

As for that ruin, if it was on the way, there was no harm in taking a look.

Seeing Xiao Chen agree, Lin Xiao and the five were overjoyed; they quickly cleaned up the battlefield, collected the Golden Sand Lotus, and then respectfully led the way.

With the Flowing Cloud Pavilion disciples leading the way, Xiao Chen's journey indeed became much smoother.

They avoided some known quicksand traps and territories of powerful magical beasts, significantly increasing their speed.

Along the way, Xiao Chen also learned many of the latest news about the Central Region from Lin Xiao and the others.

"Senior, the Central Region is not peaceful these days."

Lin Xiao said while leading the way, "There are constant frictions between major forces like the Soul Hall, the Pill Tower, and the Heavenly Nether Sect.

It's said to be because an extraordinary genius emerged from the Northern Region, named 'Xiao Chen,' who killed the Young Hall Master of the Soul Hall, enraging the Soul Hall and causing them to search everywhere..."

Xiao Chen's expression remained calm, but his heart stirred.

His reputation had indeed reached the Central Region.

"Additionally, I heard that the Heavenly Secret Ancient City is about to open soon.

That's a once-in-a-century grand event in the Central Region; geniuses from all major forces will go there to contend for opportunities..."

Lin Xiao continued, a hint of yearning in his eyes.

"Heavenly Secret Ancient City?"

Xiao Chen remembered this name.

It seemed that the Central Region was indeed a place of great events.

Days later, the group finally crossed the outer region of the Meteor Desert without incident.

In the distance, on the horizon, green vegetation and the outlines of continuous mountain ranges could already be vaguely seen.

"Senior, after passing through that 'Oasis Corridor' ahead, we will officially enter the Central Region."

Lin Xiao pointed forward and said, simultaneously handing the incomplete diagram of the ruins to Xiao Chen, "Senior, this incomplete diagram is a gift to you, a small token of our gratitude.

That ruin is said to be somewhat dangerous; if Senior wishes to go, please be careful."

Xiao Chen took the incomplete diagram and nodded: "Thank you.

We part ways here."

"Senior, take care!"

Lin Xiao and the five bowed respectfully.

Xiao Chen said no more; his figure moved, transforming into a stream of light, and disappeared in the direction of the Oasis Corridor.

Looking at Xiao Chen's disappearing back, Lin Xiao let out a long breath and sighed, "This Senior's strength is truly unfathomable... I'm afraid he's at least a Nine-star Dou Zong, and possibly even... a Dou Zun?"

"Central Region, here I come."

Xiao Chen walked on the yellow sand, his gaze fixed on the increasingly close green land, his heart filled with soaring ambition.

New challenges, new opportunities awaited him ahead!

And his arrival would surely bring new variables to this land teeming with experts!