116: Tianji Ancient City, the Road to Inner Truth

Three days later, in the central region of the Central Plains, lay the Tianji Mountain Range.

The depths of the mountain range, once shrouded in clouds and rarely visited, were now bustling with activity and shimmering with light. Young geniuses from various forces across the Central Plains, some on flying swords, some in spirit boats, and others riding demonic beasts, converged from all directions, hovering above a massive valley. In the center of the valley, an ancient city, enshrouded in chaotic mist and appearing indistinctly, emanated a vast and mysterious aura. This was the Heavenly Secret Ancient City, which opened once every century!

In front of the ancient city, a massive white jade plaza floated in the air. On the plaza, clearly demarcated areas had already been established. Top forces such as the Soul Hall, Pill Tower, Heavenly Nether Sect, Flower Sect, Starfall Pavilion, and Sound Valley occupied the central, best positions, while other forces were scattered around. The air was filled with a tense and excited atmosphere, with countless gazes fixed ardently on the chaotic mist, awaiting the moment the ancient city would open.

In the Pill Tower area, Xiao Chen, Han Xue, Qiu Ji, Ye Chong, and ten others stood solemnly. Xiao Chen, in his green robes, had a restrained aura, seemingly no different from the surrounding disciples. However, upon closer inspection, one would notice the space around him subtly distorting, as if he had merged with the heavens and earth. This state of returning to simplicity caused many probing spiritual powers to return without success, some even suffering backlash.

"Is that the new young master of the Soul Hall, Soul Jade?" Xiao Chen's gaze calmly swept towards the forefront of the opposing Soul Hall camp. There, a young man in dark golden robes, with a handsome but somewhat sinisterly pale face, stood with his hands behind his back. The death qi around him was restrained, yet it gave off a profound and unfathomable feeling. His aura had actually reached the Peak One-Star Dou Zun! Behind him, several Soul Hall Elders stood respectfully, one of whom had an aura reaching Two-star Dou Zun! The lineup was truly luxurious.

Seemingly sensing Xiao Chen's gaze, Soul Jade slowly turned his head, his eyes like abysses, and looked over. A cold arc formed on his lips as he silently uttered a few words: "Xiao Chen... your soul, this young master will claim it."

Xiao Chen's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were as sharp as knives. He retorted with a spiritual message: "I'm afraid you don't have the ability."

Their gazes collided in the air, as if invisible sparks were flying, and the atmosphere instantly became tense. Many surrounding forces sensed this undercurrent and cast their attention.

"Is that Xiao Chen? He's indeed incredibly young!"

"I heard he's already a Dou Zun (Battle Venerable)? This cultivation speed is simply unbelievable!"

"Young Master Soul Jade is also a Dou Zun (Battle Venerable), this is going to be interesting!"

"Inside the Heavenly Secret Ancient City, there's likely to be a bloodbath..."

Discussions erupted, and Xiao Chen undoubtedly became one of the focal points of the entire scene.

Besides the Soul Hall, top geniuses such as Heavenly Nether Sect Saint Son from the Heavenly Nether Sect (Peak Nine-Star Dou Zong, with a sinister aura), Hua Jin from the Flower Sect (Eight-star Dou Zong, with an ethereal immortal grace), and Feng Xian from the Starfall Pavilion (Eight-star Dou Zong, with sharp sword qi) all possessed extraordinary auras. Their gazes, when sweeping over Xiao Chen, showed either apprehension, curiosity, or rising battle intent.

"The time has come!" An ancient and majestic voice echoed through the heavens and earth, silencing all the noise. On the high platform at the very front of the plaza, several figures emerged, their auras as deep as the sea. These were the elder figures of the Central Plains overseeing this ancient city's opening, and one of them was none other than Xuan Kongzi from the Pill Tower (a projection)!

"The Heavenly Secret Ancient City, which opens once every century, contains profound mysteries and countless opportunities, yet it is fraught with danger, and life and death are left to fate!" Xuan Kongzi's gaze swept over the many young faces below, lingering slightly on Xiao Chen. "Those holding a heavenly secret token may enter the ancient city. The ancient city is divided into three trials: the Path of Inquiry, the Soul Refining Sea of Fire, and the Heavenly Secret Platform! Only by passing all three trials will one be qualified to ascend the Heavenly Secret Platform, glimpse the heavenly secrets, and obtain a supreme inheritance! Now, open the city!"

As Xuan Kongzi's words fell, he and the other elders simultaneously formed hand seals, injecting immense power into the chaotic mist in the center of the valley!

"Buzz—!"

The chaotic mist surged violently, slowly parting to both sides, revealing a white jade staircase leading to the ancient city! The staircase was shrouded in clouds, with no end in sight, emanating a pressure that directly targeted the soul's origin!

"The Path of Inquiry has opened! Those entering the city, ascend the staircase! Those who fail to reach the top within the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn will be eliminated!"

"Go!"

"Charge!"

The geniuses from all sides, who had long been impatient, immediately transformed into streaks of light, rushing towards the white jade staircase in a competitive frenzy!

Soul Jade sneered, his figure moving like a phantom as he was the first to step onto the staircase, moving at an astonishing speed and instantly disappearing into the clouds. Heavenly Nether Sect Saint Son, Hua Jin, Feng Xian, and others also employed their respective methods, following closely behind.

"Let's go too!" Xiao Chen nodded to Han Xue and the others, his figure rising gracefully. He did not rush, but rather stepped onto the staircase at a steady, unhurried pace. Han Xue and the others followed closely.

The moment he stepped onto the staircase, Xiao Chen felt an invisible pressure envelop his entire body! This pressure did not act on the physical body, but directly on the soul! It was as if countless voices were echoing in his heart, questioning his true self, desires, fears, and obsessions!

"The Path of Inquiry... it truly lives up to its name." Xiao Chen's Spirit Realm Great Perfection soul power subtly fluctuated, easily resolving this spiritual interference. His steps were steady as he walked upwards, one step at a time. Along the way, he saw many geniuses with pained expressions, some laughing maniacally, some screaming in fear, others lost in illusions, their speed greatly reduced. Some even lost control of their minds, directly tumbling down the staircase and being teleported out.

Han Xue, Qiu Ji, and the others also resisted the trials of the Path of Inquiry with their firm Dao hearts. Although their speed was not fast, their steps were resolute.

Xiao Chen's spiritual perception quietly spread out, observing the front. Soul Jade led the way, with a barrier of death qi around him, isolating him from the interference of the Path of Inquiry, moving at an astonishing speed. Heavenly Nether Sect Saint Son, Hua Jin, and others also used their own methods, advancing steadily.

"This Path of Inquiry is indeed a good place to temper one's Dao heart." Xiao Chen was not in a hurry to surpass them, but rather took this opportunity to reflect on himself. The mystery of transmigration, the mission of the Xiao Clan, the vengeance against the Soul Hall, the heart of protection... various thoughts flashed through his mind. His Dao heart was as if cleansed, becoming even more crystal clear, gaining a deeper understanding of the "ordering" and "protection" intent within the Heaven Opening Axe Intent.

Unconsciously, he had already surpassed most of the geniuses, with only Soul Jade, Heavenly Nether Sect Saint Son, and a handful of others remaining ahead.

Just as he was about to reach the summit, a sudden cry of surprise came from behind him! It was Hua Jin, the fairy from the Flower Sect, who seemed to be trapped by an extremely realistic illusion. Her pretty face was pale, her steps faltered, and she was on the verge of falling off the staircase! The several Flower Sect disciples beside her wanted to help, but they could barely protect themselves!

Xiao Chen's eyes flashed, but he did not intervene. Instead, he sent a spiritual message, his voice like a grand bell, striking deep into her heart: "Illusions are born from the mind. If the mind remains unmoved, what can the wind do to me?"

Hua Jin's delicate body trembled, her confused eyes instantly regaining clarity. She cast a grateful glance at Xiao Chen, stabilized herself, and continued forward.

Xiao Chen nodded slightly, no longer lingering, and stepped out, reaching the top of the staircase.

The view suddenly opened up, revealing a massive platform. On the platform, more than a dozen people had already arrived, with Soul Jade prominently among them, staring at him coldly. Heavenly Nether Sect Saint Son, Feng Xian, and others also reached the summit one after another. Han Xue, Qiu Ji, and the others, a little slower, also successfully arrived.

The first trial, the "Path of Inquiry," eliminated nearly half of the participants! Those who could reach the summit were all individuals with unwavering resolve.

In front of the platform was a long passage burning with colorful flames. The flames burned silently, yet they emitted a terrifying temperature that scorched the soul! This was the second trial—the Soul Refining Sea of Fire!

"The Soul Refining Sea of Fire burns away impurities and refines the soul essence! Those who cross the sea of fire and reach the other shore pass the trial!" The grand voice sounded again.

A more severe test lay ahead! And the real competition was about to begin!