The successive deaths of the three Scorpion Demons were enough to deter the thugs in the shadows.
Watching Chen Guan's relaxed demeanor, and sensing the faintly terrifying aura emanating from the void, several unseen Semi-Saints shook their heads and departed.
They weren't sure of Chen Guan's identity, but it wasn't worth provoking a terrifying being for a currently worthless fragment of a map. So, they fled.
However, there was one exception: Yao Chen.
During the exchange, Chen Guan's aura had also been revealed, allowing Yao Chen to immediately confirm his identity.
Honestly, this left Yao Chen feeling quite desperate.
If the fragment had fallen into the hands of the three Scorpion Demons, Yao Chen, with his understanding of them, would still have a chance at obtaining it, even if his strength was inferior.
But if it had fallen into Chen Guan's hands...
Yao Chen was completely at a loss.
Swap? Impossible.
Chen Guan, having also practiced the Burning Technique and mastered four types of strange fire, understood their benefits.
Robbing? Even more hopeless.
Their relationship aside, Yao Chen, due to his close relationship with Danta, knew that Chen Guan had a powerful figure protecting him.
Even if the Great Elder didn't take action, he had no confidence in dealing with Chen Guan.
The die was cast...
With a deep sigh, Yao Chen shook his head, giving up. Without approaching to greet him, he turned and headed towards the desert's edge. He didn't fly, but walked step by step against the sandstorm, his figure indescribably lonely, like a veteran left behind by time, instantly engulfed by the wind and sand.
Elsewhere,
Chen Guan had already collected the spoils of the Scorpion Demon Trio, channeling his spiritual power into them, and smiled with satisfaction.
Of the three storage rings, the Scorpion ring participating in the auction had the richest treasure. Not to mention the miscellaneous items, it also contained two eighth-grade Nine-Colored Pill Thunder elixirs, which more than covered the cost of Chen Guan's auction of the incomplete map.
Furthermore, Scorpio had also acquired a scroll of high-level Earth-grade secret techniques at the trade fair.
This secret technique is called "Sky-Splitting Sacrifice." Chen Guan and the others had also heard Elder Baoshan's introduction. This technique involves burning one's own essence and blood, channeling it through specific meridians, allowing for a brief burst of even greater power. The magnitude of this increase depends on one's cultivation level, comparable to Xiao Yan's Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations before activating his clan emblem.
More importantly, this technique leaves no aftereffects and is easily recoverable, a fact attributed to its high Earth rank.
"Not bad! With my current strength, practicing this technique should allow me to reach at least the level of a Second-Rank Dou Zun."
As for the Third Rank, Chen Guan felt it was a bit elusive. Each of the Nine Ranks presents a vast difference.
Of course, the exact extent of the improvement remains to be seen.
"Everyone can practice this after we return. It's a valuable trump card. Let's go back to Shengdan City and prepare for the Ancient Bodhi Tree's emergence."
Chen Guan glanced at the other two storage rings and lost interest. The contents within were valuable to an ordinary Dou Zun, but considering his status as a Ninth-Rank Alchemy Grandmaster, they were truly useless.
...
The cultivation of secret techniques doesn't require the same specialized conditions as high-level fighting techniques, and its difficulty is significantly simpler.
After returning to Danta, Chen Guan spent only half a night and achieved some success.
A brief experiment confirmed his suspicions, confirming his ability to reach the second-level Dou Zun realm.
To achieve this, Chen Guan even wasted a seventh-grade elixir to recover, demonstrating the considerable cost of this secret technique for ordinary individuals. However, Chen Guan's deep pockets allowed him to afford it without any difficulty.
The next day,
Xiao Yixian and the others remained at Qingce Manor to cultivate and make final preparations, while Chen Guan traveled to Danta alone.
Through Danta's spies, it was clear that news of the ancient Bodhi tree's impending emergence had been spreading, seemingly deliberately, sparking a frenzy of discussion throughout Shengdan City.
Thanks to the allure of this news, the chaos in Zhongzhou calmed somewhat over the next few days. Dou Zun masters, traveling alone or in groups, began to set out for the Wild Ancient Territory, hoping to seize the initiative.
Chen Guan didn't rush into action. He knew exactly who his competitors were.
To this end, he constantly sent messages to gather his strength.
On the third day after returning to Qingce Manor, Zi Yan arrived first upon hearing the news and handed Chen Guan a jade pendant engraved with the image of the Taixu Ancient Dragon.
"This is a little gadget I refined. The ancient Bodhi tree is of no use to me. I won't be traveling with you this time. The resettlement of the clan is nearing its end, and I must remain in charge. In case of danger, crush the jade pendant. Given the recent drifting position of Dragon Island, the distance to the Manghuang Ancient Domain is within a hundred breaths."
"By the way, I'll also give you this. With this token, you will represent the Emperor of the Taixu Ancient Dragon when I'm not around. Of course, for now, only the Ancient Dragon Clan and magical beasts with Ancient Dragon bloodline can sense its aura; outsiders remain unaware."
Zi Yan spoke, sitting on Chen Guan with her legs apart, and took out another token.
The front of the token depicted a lifelike ancient dragon, and the back was inscribed with the words 'As if the Emperor is personally present.' It was unmistakable Zi Yan's style.
Chen Guan examined it briefly before storing it in his ring. He felt like he was back in his childhood, surrounded by Yao Ye's protection.
It was a little awkward, but also comforting.
"I'm flattered. Thank you, Lord Dragon Emperor."
"Hehe, gratitude should be expressed through actions, not words."
Zi Yan sat up slightly, looking down at him. Chen Guan leaned back in his chair, looking up, unable to see her full face. He could only see an indescribable meaning in her eyes.
Glancing at the closed door, Chen Guan was about to give her a beating when a knock was heard from outside.
"Daddy, Daddy, are you in there? I thought I saw Sister Zi Yan just now? Daddy?"
Hearing Xiao Qingyan's call from outside, the two people in the study froze in place, especially Zi Yan, whose eyes flickered, a rare expression of embarrassment.
"I'll see you tonight!"
With that, Zi Yan vanished, leaving behind only a faint fragrance.
For some reason, she really didn't want to face Medusa. Even facing Xiao Qingyan, she felt a little awkward, so she avoided her if possible.
Chen Guan chuckled and waved to open the door. Xiao Qingyan immediately ran over with her arms fluttering, her big eyes constantly peeking at hidden places in the room. When she didn't see Zi Yan, her mouth pouted slightly.
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On the tenth day after returning to Qingce Manor, Yun Yun, having received the message, also arrived from Huazong, traveling alone, without even Nalan Yanran. After such a long time, Yun Yun had largely absorbed all of
Grandma Hua's lifetime Dou Qi, and her current strength surpassed both Skyfire Venerable and Little Medical Immortal, reaching the eight-star Dou Zun level.
Such rapidity amazed both Little Medical Immortal and Qinglin, both of whom possessed special physiques.
Yun Yun still remembered how Yun Yun had initially been the weakest of the group, yet now she had soared to become the strongest. Perhaps only Medusa, still in seclusion, could surpass her.
"My improvement was just a fluke, and I haven't had many proper combat experiences in recent years. In a real fight, I'm afraid I wouldn't even be as good as Qinglin."
Yun Yun understood her situation. She was now like a strongman with brute strength, but her control of Dou Qi was far from complete.
Little Medical Immortal smiled and shook her head. "This time, we're in the Wild Ancient Domain. There will be ample opportunities for combat, and you'll definitely master your power."
Little Medical Immortal's temperament was just like that. Though surprised by Yun Yun's tremendous improvement, she harbored no jealousy.
The inheritance of Dou Qi is a once-in-a-century phenomenon, impossible to replicate.
Meanwhile, her Evil Poison Body is constantly improving rapidly. Although Yun Yun is currently ahead, it's only a matter of time before she catches up.
Yun Yun's talent has been enhanced several times by Chen Guan, but compared to Little Medical Immortal Qinglin's special physique, it's still a step behind. It's not something to be envied.
"Alright, stop flattering each other. Seize the opportunity. Everyone can rise. We have such a great opportunity before us now, and we're all here. I'll send a message to Teacher. Let's leave immediately. Yun'er, as for the Flower Sect..."
"As you requested, the Flower Sect isn't sending many people this time, but they're all elders above the Dou Zun level. I've had them wait in Manghuang Town, outside the Wild Ancient Domain. We'll reunite there," Yun Yun replied with a nod.
She had originally wanted to bring Nalan Yanran with her, but the Wild Ancient Domain was too dangerous. Nalan Yanran would be of little help if she went, and not being a drag would be the limit. To avoid causing trouble for Chen Guan, Yun Yun simply chose not to bring her along; it was the most sensible approach.
Chen Guan nodded slightly, scanning the lineup.
Aside from himself, Yun Yun had the highest realm, reaching eight-star Dou Zun.
Below her, Skyfire Venerable and Little Medical Immortal were both seven-star Dou Zun.
Skyfire Venerable's advancement was relatively slow, and even with Chen Guan's support, she couldn't compare to the monsters around her.
Little Medical Immortal, as always, was advancing rapidly. Although she was currently one star behind Yun Yun, a couple of months would be enough to turn the tide.
As for Qinglin, although she was currently at the lowest realm, after taming the ancient Sky Serpent's soul and cultivating for over six months, she had now reached the peak of six-star Dou Zun.
And don't forget, she possessed the Green Snake Triple Flower Pupil, controlling a number of tool snakes, a considerable combat capability.
On this journey to the Wild Ancient Territory, Qinglin's uncanny ability to control snake-like monsters made her second only to Chen Guan in importance!
Though small, each member of this team was capable of leading their own forces. Together, they could potentially sweep all opponents save for the Eight Ancient Clans.
Growing more and more satisfied, Chen Guan immediately telegraphed Xuan Kongzi to prepare for departure.
At that moment, a unique, pure aura suddenly emerged from the northeastern sky of Zhongzhou, like a wave, sweeping across the distant horizon and spreading at an insurmountable speed.
At that moment, everyone who inhaled this aura, without exception, conjured up a single image in the depths of their minds.
It was a towering ancient tree, emanating an aura of wisdom!
An ancient Bodhi tree!
Even those who had never heard of it could not help but conjure up such thoughts.
Zhongzhou, at that moment, was finally in utter turmoil!
Chen Guan looked out over Shengdan City as powerful figures suddenly soared into the sky. Anyone with even a modicum of confidence took off at that moment.
"Let's go too!"
Without hesitation, Chen Guan soared into the sky, followed closely by Yun Yun and the others.
...
The Wild Ancient Territory, located northeast of Zhongzhou, wasn't extremely far from Shengdan City in the heart of Zhongzhou, but it wasn't close either. Therefore, even if Chen Guan and his companions pushed their speed to the limit, using several spatial wormholes along the way, it would still take four days to reach Zhongzhou's northeastern border.
During this time, Chen Guan and his companions encountered an overwhelming stream of people heading in the same direction as them. Clearly, their destination was the Wild Ancient Territory.
Almost all of these teams were led by Dou Zun masters, with only a few consisting solely of Dou Zong masters.
"Who could have imagined that Zhongzhou harbored so many Dou Zun masters? They keep to themselves. If it weren't for this visit to the Manghuang Ancient Domain, I'd probably never have seen such a sight."
Yun Yun sighed softly, following Chen Guan.
The Little Medical Immortal, standing on Chen Guan's other side, took up the conversation with a smile, "But they're not all Zhongzhou masters. Over the past few days, someone has been deliberately spreading rumors, and masters from other regions have arrived. But these aren't to be feared. The Eight Ancient Clans are what we truly need to guard against!"
This was undoubtedly a feast, but also a devastating storm.
Only a select few would gain the opportunity to obtain the Ancient Bodhi Tree, and over 90% were destined to return empty-handed, or even perish.
The Manghuang Ancient Domain, a place known as a forbidden zone for humans, was dangerous enough in itself, not to mention the human schemes against each other...
Manghuang Town, the closest human city to the Manghuang Ancient Domain, was usually sparsely populated.
Because of the Manghuang Ancient Domain's ominous reputation, no one ventured there without cause. Consequently, the town remained mostly deserted year-round. However, things were different now. The emergence of the ancient Bodhi tree had attracted countless people, causing the once-deserted town to suddenly become bustling with activity. The clamor could be faintly heard from miles away.
Chen Guan and his companions' first stop was the small town called Manghuang Town, where Yun Yun and the Hua Sect elders had agreed to meet.
Yun Yun had carefully considered this arrangement. To put it bluntly, she wanted her elders to gather information about the Manghuang Ancient Domain ahead of time.
Otherwise, entering the Manghuang Ancient Domain would be like groping in the dark, a far more dangerous prospect.
With the power now at hand, Yun Yun wanted to help Chen Guan in even more ways. While it might not be a major undertaking, it was a thoughtful gesture.
Just as the group entered Manghuang Town, a Hua Sect elder who had arrived earlier noticed them and quickly came to greet them. Yun Yun instantly put away her demeanor and entered Sect Leader mode.
Not to mention, she looked quite impressive, a kind of radiance emanating from her entire body.
"Hua Wu greets the Sect Master!"