Chapter 854: The Desolate God Physique
Led by Huang Qiu, Xiao Ze arrived at the depths of the Wild Ancient Realm, where he finally met the elders of the Wild Ancient Clan.
"We greet Lord Xiao Ze."
The elders, all members of the Wild Ancient Clan and Heaven Supremes, bowed respectfully. Though they hailed from one of the Five Ancient Clans, even they showed deference to a Saint level Heaven Supreme.
Xiao Ze returned the gesture with a polite smile.
"I apologize for this sudden intrusion and ask for your understanding."
After some formalities, the group continued deeper into the Wild Ancient Realm.
The further they ventured, the more Xiao Ze could sense a primal, untamed aura in the atmosphere.
Faintly, he began to hear the sound of ancient drums echoing in the distance. The deeper they went, the clearer and more imposing the drumbeats became, prompting the surrounding Heaven Supremes to adopt solemn expressions.
Though curious, Xiao Ze refrained from asking questions and followed the group in silence. The scenery gradually turned barren gone were the vibrant plants and life, replaced by endless yellow sands.
This desolation was puzzling, especially considering they were within the heart of the Wild Ancient Realm, the core of the Wild Ancient Clan. In such a place, even Heaven Supremes could effortlessly alter the environment with a mere thought. That they hadn't must mean there was more at play.
As they moved, Xiao Ze began to notice something unique about the drumbeats there was a mystical quality to them, as though they carried a deeper meaning beyond sound.
Noticing the elders were not inclined to elaborate, Xiao Ze kept his observations to himself.
The Wild Drums
Soon, they reached the source of the drumbeats: a massive drum made of ancient beast hide.
The Wild Drum stood silent yet emanated rhythmic pulses, as though it were alive, its beats reverberating through the surroundings without anyone striking it.
Xiao Ze's eyes narrowed as he sensed the profound energy radiating from the drum.
"A Sacred Artifact?" he murmured.
Huang Qiu noticed Xiao Ze's gaze and chuckled.
"That is the Desolate Wild Drum, one of nine in total. They serve as the first line of defense for this sacred ground. These drums have the power to shake the body, soul, and even the very fabric of space itself."
"They repel any intruder whose physical body or soul isn't strong enough. Even spatial techniques are rendered ineffective here."
Xiao Ze nodded thoughtfully.
"A grand setup for defense. Nine Sacred Artifacts just for protection it's no wonder this place guards something extraordinary."
The significance wasn't lost on him. The Desolate God Physique, as one of the five original physiques, was among the Great Thousand World's most revered treasures. To protect such an artifact, no measure could be deemed excessive.
The group passed another set of drums and entered the core of the desolate region.
Entering the Core
Here, an overwhelming aura of primal power greeted them. The sky was bathed in a yellowish glow, a radiance so intense it exerted immense pressure on everything it touched.
In the heart of this strange realm, Xiao Ze's eyes fell upon an enormous, ancient figure radiating a majestic and boundless light.
This was the Desolate God Physique.
The artifact emitted a yellow glow that illuminated the entire realm. Xiao Ze felt as though he stood before an infinite source of raw power, a force that could shatter mountains and sunder the heavens.
Even the elders of the Wild Ancient Clan, seasoned Heaven Supremes, gazed at the physique with reverence and longing.
As one of the five Original Physiques, the Desolate God Physique represented the pinnacle of raw strength in the Great Thousand World.
Each Original Physique was unique in its attributes while the Tai Ling Sacred Physique possessed unparalleled spiritual energy, the Desolate God Physique was renowned for its unrivaled physical might.
Legends spoke of a peerless expert in ancient times who wielded the Desolate God Physique to deliver a single punch, annihilating an entire Heaven Demon Emperor.
The stories only deepened Xiao Ze's respect as he stared at the artifact. Even from a distance, he could feel its dormant power, pulsating like the heartbeat of the world itself.
Observing the Artifact
"Brother Xiao Ze, follow me." Huang Qiu's voice pulled Xiao Ze from his thoughts.
The two moved closer to the artifact, leaving the other elders behind.
Among the Wild Ancient Clan, only the clan leader and grand elder were permitted to approach the Original Physique.
At the edge of the glowing field, Xiao Ze did not step forward. Instead, he sat cross legged, fixing his gaze intently on the physique.
Huang Qiu, seeing Xiao Ze's restraint, exhaled in relief. He appreciated Xiao Ze's respect for their sacred treasure.
[Successfully bound to the Desolate God Physique. Received feedback: Desolate God Origin. Collecting all five Origins will trigger a transformation in the Origin Space.]
The system's notification flashed briefly in Xiao Ze's mind. Though elated, he didn't let it show. He remained seated for some time, eyes closed, feigning deep contemplation.
Finally, he stood and turned to Huang Qiu.
"Thank you, Brother Huang Qiu. I've gained invaluable insight today."
A Warm Farewell
After spending a few more days in the Wild Ancient Realm, Xiao Ze used the time to refine a batch of Primordial Body Refinement Pills for the clan.
When the clan's warriors experienced the effects of the pills, their enthusiasm for Xiao Ze soared. Many elders even half jokingly suggested he should remain in the Wild Ancient Realm permanently.
Of course, none dared to act on such whims; Xiao Ze was a Saint level Heaven Supreme, far beyond their ability to constrain.
As his visit came to an end, Huang Qiu personally escorted Xiao Ze out of the Wild Ancient Realm, accompanied by a formal farewell from the clan's Heaven Supremes.
Once Xiao Ze's figure disappeared into the distance, the elders exchanged wistful sighs.
"It's a pity we couldn't keep Lord Xiao Ze here longer."
"A lone master of alchemy can elevate an entire clan's strength and foundation."
"Indeed. Just the recipe for the Primordial Body Refinement Pill has already improved the physical prowess of our entire clan."
A Slow Journey Home
Bidding farewell to Huang Qiu, Xiao Ze spent several months wandering the Great Thousand World on his way back to the Tian Luo Continent.
During this journey, he set up thousands of absorption nodes, allowing his golden flask to continuously refine spiritual energy into pure liquid essence.
By the time he returned to the bustling Tian Luo Continent, the flask was brimming with unparalleled spiritual liquid, bringing Xiao Ze closer than ever to breaking into the mid Saint stage.
As he gazed at the vibrant lands before him, Xiao Ze smiled.
Perhaps the feedback from the Desolate God Physique would be the key to his breakthrough.
Reuniting with Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and the others, Xiao Ze found their growth in power gratifying. Xiao Yi Xian, in particular, had reached the pinnacle of the Earth Supreme stage.
Content with his companions' progress, Xiao Ze entered seclusion once again, preparing to step into the mid Saint level.
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