Starting as the young master of a medicine shop, he practiced swordsmanship for twenty years.

Chapter 296 The Land of Spirit Ruins Appears!

Location of Tiandu East City!

The Forbidden Land of Guixu, which has been silent for several years, is now behaving in an unusual way.

The once-terrifying forbidden zone was now bustling with activity, filled with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and an endless aura of oppressive power swept across the entire Guixu Forbidden Zone.

Around the altar in the center of the forbidden area, there was a dense, countless crowd!
Upon closer inspection, they were all spirited young faces.

The princes and princesses of the Great Xia royal family, dressed in royal robes, exuded an indescribable air of nobility.

At the same time, there are some people who are in no way inferior to the members of the Great Xia royal family.

Those were groups of three or five direct descendants of the eight great families, their jade pendants gleaming in the sunlight.

Furthermore, the true disciples of the five transcendent forces stood with their hands behind their backs, their bodies radiating with the power of Qi.

Before these countless geniuses, a dozen or so figures stood like ancient mountains.

These peerless experts, whose mere stomp could shake the Great Xia Dynasty, have gathered here in the Forbidden Land of Return to Nothingness.

The eight patriarchs stand seemingly casually, but in reality they carry mysterious and profound truths about the universe!
They sat cross-legged in mid-air or stood with their hands behind their backs, each surrounded by a unique Taoist aura.

Some are as deep as a still pool and as imposing as a mountain, some are like a gentle breeze rustling through willows, and some even have their surrounding space slightly distorted.

The leaders of the five transcendent forces each possess a unique style.

The leader, an old Taoist priest in a green robe, had white hair and a youthful face, with a white jade whisk casually draped over his arm.

Three thousand silver threads swayed gently in the wind, and beneath his feet, it seemed as if a blue lotus flower was blooming. This was none other than Ying Lingfeng, the head of the Daoxu Temple, the leader of the five transcendent forces.

Not far from Ying Lingfeng, an old monk in gray robes had his eyes slightly closed, his face compassionate as if Maitreya had been reincarnated.

The old monk slowly turned the golden prayer beads in his hand, and with each bead he turned, he faintly emitted the sound of chanting. He was none other than Abbot Xinji of Jingxin Temple!

The most eye-catching figure was the sword cultivator suspended in the air, an old man in a white robe as white as snow.

Although the ancient sword at his waist was not drawn, its chilling sword aura soared straight into the sky.

Sword Spirit Sect Leader Zuo Hengjian!

Flames surged around the red-robed old man, distorting the air around him.

The reputation of Gu Yanzhi, the sect master of the Extreme Flame Holy Sect, was forged from the bones of countless powerful figures.
The last woman in purple was absolutely stunning.

The head of the Mysterious Sound Immortal Palace is Yue Wushuang.

Yue Wushuang's fair hands gently caressed the zither in front of her, and as her lips parted slightly, it seemed as if celestial music lingered around her.

But deep within those captivating eyes lies a chilling, purple, ethereal illusion.

These are supreme figures who are rarely seen in ordinary times, beings whose mere stomp of their feet can shake the Great Xia Dynasty.

And the reason why these important figures can gather in Guixu today is precisely because of this.

Today marks the day the Spirit Ruins will appear in the world!
However, everyone's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the scene above the sky.

Nine pure white horses galloped through the air, each with gleaming dragon horns and faint white light surging beneath their hooves.

The imperial carriages they pulled floated on the clouds, with patterns of the sun, moon, and stars flowing endlessly on the dark curtains.

The nine black birds with outstretched wings are so lifelike, as if they might take flight at any moment.

The space around the emperor's carriage was distorted and deformed under the oppressive power of the imperial way, even the light was bent.

Above the sky, three peerless beauties stood in mid-air, like immortals descending to earth, guarding the emperor's carriage.

Man Qingqiu, the head of the Plum Blossom Guard, wore a pink cloud-patterned dress with a light blue jade belt around her waist, which accentuated her graceful figure.

Man Qingqiu's eyes possessed a natural charm that flowed effortlessly, yet also carried a hint of aloofness and coldness.

The Black Feather Guard's Golden Envoy, Shangguan Yuqing, stood proudly, his gilded mask shimmering with a mysterious light under the sun.

On a dark black brocade robe, the black feather patterns embroidered with gold thread are lifelike.

With Shangguan Yuqing's breathing rising and falling slightly, it seemed as if she might take flight at any moment.

Those slender, jade-like fingers lightly pressed the sword at her waist; although it was still unsheathed, it already exuded a chilling aura.

The most mysterious Xuan Niao Guardian, Zi Yao, stood quietly above the clouds, draped in a light purple veil. Her purple robes fluttered without wind, and she was surrounded by a faint purple haze.

Occasionally, when her eyes glance around, it seems as if thousands of stars are twinkling within them, making it difficult to look directly at her.

These three stunning beauties each possessed their own unique charm, yet they all exuded a breathtakingly powerful aura.

Their seemingly casual positioning was actually a way of protecting the emperor's carriage in the center.

At this moment, even the howling winds in the sky quietly dissipated within three feet of them.

In this extremely solemn atmosphere, the carriage curtains moved without any wind.

A slender, jade-like hand reached out, its fingertips shimmering with a faint black light.

At this moment, the entire world fell silent—the Empress of Great Xia was about to appear.

The next moment, Empress Xia Mingyue of the Great Xia Dynasty slowly walked out.

She wore a dark black imperial robe, and her face beneath the twelve-tassel crown was breathtakingly beautiful, her phoenix eyes seeming to hold the illusion of a galaxy.

Empress Xia Mingyue's mere presence caused all the martial arts prodigies present to unconsciously hold their breath.

"Let us see your Majesty!"

Amidst the thunderous roar of worship, Empress Xia Mingyue parted her lips slightly: "The Land of Spirit Ruins is about to appear in the world. You should all act accordingly and within your capabilities!"

Empress Xia Mingyue's simple words caused a sudden, violent tremor to emanate from the earth in a certain direction.

The earth trembled as if a giant dragon were awakening, and deep, bottomless ravines cracked into the ground.

"boom--!"

A dazzling, pure white beam of light shot into the sky, piercing through the thick, bottomless clouds and reaching the highest heavens.

Countless patterns of heaven and earth flowed within the white pillar of light, emanating a spatial fluctuation that sent shivers down one's spine.

"It's the Gate of the Spirit Ruins!"

"The teleportation channel is open!"

A gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd.

The beam of light gradually coalesced into a majestic white gate, its frame adorned with intricate ancient patterns.

Through the portal, one can vaguely see the vast and ancient landscape within.

That place is the legendary Land of Spirit Ruins!
Just as everyone was in shock, nine illusory white chains suddenly appeared around the portal, binding it firmly.

The chains were engraved with obscure and difficult-to-understand patterns of heaven and earth, clearly restricting the cultivation level of those who entered.

The Empress narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly and said softly, "The restrictions on the Spirit Ruins are still in place; those over thirty years of age are not allowed to enter."

"Gentlemen, an unparalleled opportunity is before you; each of you must rely on your own abilities."

At this critical moment, all the prodigies turned their gazes to the emperor's chariot above the clouds.

The room fell completely silent; even breathing could be heard clearly.

Empress Xia Mingyue lowered her phoenix eyes slightly and put her hands behind her back, instantly freezing the previously restless atmosphere.

As for why Empress Xia Mingyue has not yet given her permission, it is naturally because there are still people who have not arrived.

The patriarchs of the eight major families below, as well as the leaders of the five transcendent forces, remained silent and motionless, tacitly understanding each other's intentions.

Lu Xuan!

This guy.

What an arrogant attitude!
Under heaven, only this peerless genius, a rare talent unseen throughout the ages, could make the Emperor of Great Xia and all the major powers wait for him alone.

If it were anyone else, not to mention anything else, Gu Yanzhi, the sect leader of the Extreme Flame Sacred Sect among the five transcendent forces, would definitely not let this go.

This hot-tempered old man has his hands stained with the blood of countless people.

He would probably unleash a powerful palm strike on the spot without hesitation, giving his opponent a painful lesson.

However, those familiar with Lu Xuan were already used to this and were not surprised at all.

Lu Xuan, this guy, never seems to have the habit of arriving early.

As time slowly passed, the martial arts prodigies from various forces, along with members of the Great Xia royal family, gradually noticed that the atmosphere on the scene was becoming increasingly tense.

An indescribable eeriness permeated the air.

"Your Majesty, I am late!" A clear voice suddenly pierced the sky, and a streak of purple light appeared from beyond the clouds.

The void rippled like water as Lu Xuan stepped out, his body surrounded by a faint purple glow.

He landed steadily in the center of the altar and bowed gently in the direction of Empress Xia Mingyue.

Everyone's here, so it seems I'm not late.

Lu Xuan felt no guilt whatsoever, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the white light gate.

The power emanating from that white light portal shook him to his core.

This power, like that Earthly Venerable Realm demon beast, is the power of the rules of a small world.

The supreme power that surpasses even the power of the laws of heaven and earth of the True Lord of the Void!

"Is this the Spirit Ruins?"

Lu Xuan thought to himself, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

He could clearly sense that the opportunities contained in the world behind the door were enough to give his cultivation a qualitative leap.

After bowing to Empress Xia Mingyue, Lu Xuan subtly surveyed the entire audience.

He finally turned his attention to the patriarchs of the eight major families and the leaders of the five transcendent forces.

The reason Lu Xuan arrived last was not because he wanted others to wait for him.

It was because of those dozen or so terrifying old guys below.

Seven days ago, after being injured by that terrifying bird-shaped monster, Lu Xuan hurriedly found a secluded place to heal his injuries.

Lu Xuan will not easily appear before the world until he has restored his strength to its peak.

Especially when he appeared in front of those dozen or so old guys who were hostile to him.

Finally, Lu Xuan's gaze returned to the Emperor's carriage in the clouds, only to find Empress Xia Mingyue watching him thoughtfully.

"Minister Lu, there's no need for such formalities!"

This Lu Xuan, as expected, also possesses an extremely mysterious external martial arts technique to protect himself.

He actually managed to escape unscathed from that demon king, without even a scratch.

Clearly, Empress Xia Mingyue knew about what happened to Lu Xuan that day.

It was Zi Yao who saw Lu Xuan being attacked by that demon king from afar on her way to support him.

"Isn't that the chief examiner?!"

Suddenly, several exclamations of surprise and disbelief rang out from the crowd.

That was a young martial artist who had won a top-three finish in a martial arts competition.

At this moment, the three of them stared wide-eyed at Lu Xuan, who had suddenly appeared.

Their weapons fell limply to the ground, their faces filled with shock and confusion.

"Why is the examiner here?"

The burly young man, dressed in a smart black martial arts uniform, muttered to himself as his heavy sword clattered to the ground.

The white-clad swordsman standing beside the burly young man narrowed his eyes slightly: "Could it be..."

His long, slender fingers unconsciously caressed the sword hilt, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down.

The youngest of the three, a woman in green, suddenly covered her mouth: "Could it be that the examiner also wants to?"

She didn't finish her sentence, but the other two understood what she meant.

This unfathomable examiner is actually a young person under thirty!
This idea struck the three of them like a thunderbolt.

They clearly remembered that in the martial arts competition a few days ago, this chief examiner was a super big shot who was above the Left and Right Prime Ministers of the Great Xia Dynasty!
impossible!
The woman in green gazed at Lu Xuan's tall and straight back, a strange light flashing in her eyes.

Just then, as if sensing something, Lu Xuan turned around and smiled slightly in the direction of the three of them.

Lu Xuan's kind smile, seemingly casual, sent a chill down the spines of the three prodigies.

They seemed to see a lurking, ancient beast, lazily surveying its prey.

In fact, it wasn't just these three who felt uneasy; there were also some younger members of various powerful groups who had already received the news.

They knew the true strength of the person above them.

True Lord Dongxu!

That was a supreme being on the same level as their ancestor.
A single glance from them could wipe out these ants!
Thinking of Lu Xuan, this incongruous great god, entering the Spirit Ruins with them.

Everyone present had mixed and strange feelings.

Something feels off.

It's like a group of harmless, weak rabbits suddenly having a tiger, the king of beasts, sneak in.

A few breaths later, Empress Xia Mingyue's eyes flickered slightly, and she parted her red lips: "Now that everyone is here..."

"allow."

A single, simple word, yet it resonated like a thunderclap.

Almost at the same moment——

"Whoosh!"

"call out!"

"Uh-huh!"

A sharp, piercing sound tore through the air, incessant and intertwined.

Those martial arts prodigies who are usually calm and composed.

At this moment, his eyes burned with a burning desire, and he could no longer suppress the urgency in his heart.

Like an arrow released from a bow, it swiftly sped toward the white light gate that emitted a soft glow.

Seeing this, Lu Xuan stood firmly in the vast void.

He let the howling wind sweep by, making his clothes flutter loudly.

Lu Xuan did not rush to act, calmly looking down at the scene below.

Watching the young martial artists surge into the portal like a tidal wave.

Lu Xuan suddenly felt several scorching gazes fall on him, one of which was particularly intense.

He followed his senses and looked down through the crowded throng, spotting that familiar figure below.

Li Yanran.

She was still wearing that azure-blue Xuan Bird Guard uniform, making her stand out from the group of elegantly dressed prodigies.

Time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to this woman, not only not diminishing her beauty, but also adding a touch of mature charm to her already stunning face.

The jade belt with a black bird pattern cinched her waist, outlining her graceful curves, while a delicate blue flower hairpin adorned her hair, making her appear as pure and refined as an orchid in a secluded valley.

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Xuan's eyes. He remembered that a year ago at Baidao Prefecture, this Miss Li Yanran still had a somewhat naive air about her.

Now, when they meet again, her aura is as restrained as an abyss, clearly indicating that her martial arts cultivation has greatly improved.

A beginner in the Outer Gang Grandmaster realm!

Her progress in martial arts is so rapid; it seems she has put in a tremendous amount of effort over the past year.

Their eyes met in mid-air. Lu Xuan did not step forward, but simply nodded slightly and secretly transmitted his voice.

"Miss Yanran, it's been a long time! How have you been?"

This simple action struck Li Yanran like a thunderbolt; her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and a surprised smile bloomed on her lips.

That smile was like a spring breeze sweeping across an icy lake, instantly captivating all who saw it, drawing the attention of several young cultivators around.

"Senior Lu, you actually still remember me..."

Li Yanran lowered her head and gently stroked the Xuan Bird Token at her waist, her fingertips trembling slightly.

She never expected that after a year, this unfathomable and supreme being would still recognize her, a mere Yellow-rank Xuan Bird Guard.

(End of this chapter)