People fight and become emperors in advance

Chapter 319 Arrival at the Ancient Holy City

For a whole year, Chen Xiao and Qing Lin wandered around Zhongzhou like carefree clouds and wild cranes. Although they spent a lot of energy along the way, fortunately, they also gained a lot.

"This is already the eightieth Soul-Devouring Life-Severing Array. Just how many of these have the Soul Clan laid out in the Central Continent?"

Deep beneath a city, Qinglin finished setting up the defensive formation. Looking at the array before him, he couldn't help but sigh.

Over the past year, she and Chen Xiao had traveled to almost every major city in Zhongzhou, but what they saw was shocking.

Aside from the Pill Domain, the larger the city in other places, the higher the probability of the Soul Devouring Life-Severing Array appearing!

It was by following this pattern that the two of them successfully found a total of eighty such formations in just one year.

"Only the Soul Clan knows the truth about this matter. Let's go. We've covered most of the major cities in the Central Plains. Even if we've missed some, the number is definitely not large. We can check again when we have time. Now it's time to head to the Eastern Region."

As Chen Xiao spoke, he handed the communication jade slip in his hand to Qing Lin.

Since leaving Donglong Island, the two have never lost contact with the island. Although they are in Zhongzhou, they are fully aware of everything that has happened on the island.

During this year, the Soul Clan focused on digesting the gains from the destruction of the Spirit Clan and did not cause any more trouble, bringing a rare period of peace to the Central Continent.

Meanwhile, good news kept coming from Dragon Island.

First, Cao Ying lived up to expectations and successfully refined the Three Thousand Burning Flames, resulting in a surge in her strength.

This is not surprising, after all, Cao Ying's configuration is much higher than when Xiao Yan refined the Three Thousand Burning Flames in the original timeline.

With the cultivation of a Dou Zun, a soul at the peak of the Spirit Realm, and the assistance of the Ancient Dragon Clan, it was only natural that he could successfully refine it; it would be strange if he failed.

In addition, the dragon lantern lit by Zi Yan is now showing initial results.

The first elder returned about six months ago.

In the following six months, more and more elders returned, and now Donglong Island has added twelve elders at the Dou Sheng level!
This is a force not to be underestimated. They have managed to wander in the void for so many years, so they must have some skills.

Indeed, among the twelve elders, the weakest was at the early stage of a three-star Dou Sheng, and the strongest had reached the early stage of a six-star Dou Sheng!
Her cultivation level is comparable to that of the Dragon Emperor Zi Yan!

With the return of these elders, Dragon Island's overall strength has surged, and it is now no weaker than the lower-ranking members of the eight ancient clans.

"The Dragon Lantern had just shown some effect when it recalled the twelve elders. If the old Dragon Emperor hadn't disappeared back then, the strength of the Ancient Dragon Clan would probably not be weaker than that of the Soul Clan or the Ancient Clan."

As Qinglin followed Chen Xiao toward the horizon, she had already read the message sent by Ziyan, and her tone was full of emotion.

The reason why the eight ancient clans were so powerful was largely due to the bloodline of the Dou Di within them, which had accumulated over countless generations to achieve their current strength.

However, the ancient dragons, at least those currently existing on East Dragon Island, do not possess the bloodline of a Dou Di (Battle Emperor). It seems that they have achieved their current status entirely through the accumulation of their long lifespans.

The quality of such strength is no less than that of the eight clans!
"So, there are always people more capable than us, and there's always something beyond our understanding. The more elders who return, the better. Only in this way can we have enough confidence to truly challenge the Soul Clan," Chen Xiao said with a smile.

Qinglin nodded slightly.

Without saying anything more, the two quickly determined their direction and sped off towards the Eastern Region.

...

Ten days later, an endless grassland came into view.

Lush greenery fills the view, and vibrant life is palpable. In a corner of the grassland, a magnificent and imposing stone plaza rises from the ground. It is about 100 feet above the ground and is supported by countless giant stone pillars. From a distance, it looks like a giant standing between heaven and earth, showing its magnificence.

In the plaza, the space was distorted, with silver light flashing from time to time, and figures flashed out from within, landing lightly on the plaza.

At this moment, the huge square was packed with people, and the noise gathered together, reaching straight into the sky.

In the void, Qinglin pointed to the huge plaza below and introduced it to Chen Xiao: "Young Master, this is the Ancient Stone Plaza. Most of the powerful people who come to the Ancient Holy City will use the space wormhole and eventually be teleported to this plaza. The flow of people in the Ancient Stone Plaza is not usually very large. The fact that there are so many people here today must mean that many powerful people have arrived in advance."

Chen Xiao nodded slightly, indicating that they should continue forward.

Although the grassland was vast, it was only a short distance for him and Qinglin, and they could cross it in just a few steps.

Soon, a massive city came into clear view of the two of them.

"Young Master, this is the entrance to the Ancient Realm, and also the center of the Eastern Region, the Ancient Holy City!"

Qing Lin said softly, "The Ancient Holy City strictly prohibits outsiders from entering without permission. There are many powerful ancient clans stationed in the city. Without an invitation, even a peak Dou Zun expert would not be able to break in."

Even Chen Xiao was somewhat stunned when he saw the city with his own eyes.

It is not as imposing as one might imagine, but rather built of pale blue boulders. Perhaps due to the erosion of time, the entire city exudes a sense of decay, and an unusually ancient aura permeates the air, allowing one to vaguely touch traces of antiquity.

The closer you get, the clearer you can see that the ancient city is enveloped in a semi-transparent light shield.

This light barrier, though seemingly thin, exuded a pressure that penetrated straight to the soul. Many people were forced to change their expressions due to this pressure, and some powerful individuals who knew the origins of this city couldn't help but show awe on their faces.

"Young Master, this Ancient Sacred City is a relic from ancient times. Legend has it that it was built by a powerful Dou Di from the ancient clan. The light barrier contains a trace of Dou Di power. With it protecting it, the Ancient Sacred City is as solid as a rock!"

Qinglin had spent several years in the Ancient Realm and knew everything about it intimately.

In contrast, Chen Xiao, though he had been to the Eastern Region, had never ventured deep into it.

His knowledge of the ancient world and even the ancient holy city comes solely from his past memories.

"The power of a Dou Di..." Chen Xiao remained silent.

Even with just a trace of the remaining power of a Dou Di, he felt a pressure emanating from the depths of his soul, despite his soul having reached the Great Perfection of the Heavenly Realm.

A Dou Di level expert is indeed terrifying!
"Young master, let's go down."

Qing Lin reached out and took Chen Xiao's hand, explaining softly, "To show respect for the Dou Di powerhouse, flying is strictly prohibited within a thousand feet of the Ancient Holy City. If you insist on disobeying, the pressure will only become stronger. Although we can withstand it, we have just arrived in the Ancient Realm, so we should not make things too tense with the Ancient Clan."

Qinglin's personality is actually quite changeable; in front of outsiders, she is always aloof.

Although he was close to Cai Lin, Zi Yan, and others, they didn't talk much.

Only in front of Chen Xiao was this girl always the same, obedient and sensible, never refusing anything.

However, such an approachable manner is still extremely rare.

Clearly, she was worried that if Chen Xiao's relationship with the ancient clan became too strained, Xun'er would be caught in the middle and conflicted.

Chen Xiao smiled helplessly and followed Qing Lin's force as they fell to the ground.

After landing, the two did not slow down at all, turning into two blurry afterimages and rushing towards the ancient city like lightning.

Thanks to arriving a few months early, there weren't many people queuing at the city gate at that moment.

Chen Xiao's gaze swept across the city gate, where nearly a hundred guards clad in black armor stood on either side. They held long spears, their postures ramrod straight, their cold, sharp eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. A powerful aura at the Dou Zong level emanated from them. Dou Zong experts guarding the gate—such a display truly made one marvel at the profound foundation of the ancient clans.

Suddenly, Chen Xiao noticed a gaze fixed on him. He immediately looked up and quickly found the source at the city gate.

It was a figure standing straight, wearing armor with a faint blue glow, which added to its coldness. The cloak behind it swayed in the wind, quite flamboyant!

Seeing Chen Xiao looking over, the young man snorted and turned his head away.

“Young master, this fellow is called Ling Quan, and he is one of the commanders of the Black Annihilation Army.”

Qing Lin did not deliberately lower her voice, and explained, "This person has mediocre talent, but is quite arrogant. I had dealings with him before when I was in the Ancient Realm, and I embarrassed him a few times. I think he has been holding a grudge ever since."

Qinglin paused, then added, "In addition, when the young master appeared in Huangfeng Valley a few years ago, he didn't try to hide his close relationship with Sister Xun'er. Given these people's personalities, the young master's portrait would probably have spread throughout the ancient clans long ago, which is why he was able to recognize him immediately."

Lingquan…

Chen Xiao shook his head slightly. Given Qing Lin's personality, she definitely wouldn't cause trouble on her own initiative.

This Lingquan is so disliked that even Qinglin feels disgusted by it and shows no respect for it, which shows that it is indeed quite unpleasant.

As Chen Xiao and Qing Lin were talking, all the people queuing at the city gate had already entered the city.

Seeing this, the two moved swiftly and reached the city gate in one step.

Lingquan had indeed recognized Chen Xiao and Qinglin long ago, and had heard every word of their conversation.

Although he was full of dissatisfaction with the two, he was also aware of his own limitations. At most, he could only use the name of the ancient clan to give them a hard time.

Seeing that Chen Xiao and Qing Lin seemed to be about to enter the city directly, Ling Quan, despite his reluctance, had no choice but to speak up and stop them due to his duty.

"Chen Xiao, no one is allowed to enter the city without an invitation! Even if you are a Dou Sheng powerhouse, no exceptions can be made!"

"Oh? It seems you recognize me." Chen Xiao chuckled upon hearing this.

Before he finished speaking, a powerful aura at the Dou Sheng level suddenly swept out from his body, enveloping the entire ancient holy city like an invisible giant wave.

"Then, now that you have seen me, why do you not bow? Is this the way the ancient clans treat their guests?"

The moment the oppressive aura descended, the expressions of the nearly one hundred black-armored guards at the city gate changed drastically. Their Dou Zong-level auras were like candles flickering in the wind under this oppressive aura, and even their breathing became labored.

Many of those who arrived later were forced to bend over by the weight, staring at Chen Xiao and Qing Lin in horror.

Everyone knows about the Dou Sheng realm, but only a few people are truly fortunate enough to experience the power of a Dou Sheng.

Most people never imagined that a Dou Sheng powerhouse could have such terrifying power simply by releasing his aura.

Ling Quan froze, his face beneath the blue armor turning bright red, a mixture of being forced by the oppressive aura and feeling ashamed and angry.

He relied on his status as the commander of the Ancient Clan's Black Annihilation Army, and even ordinary peak Dou Zun experts treated him with great respect. However, in the face of Chen Xiao's Dou Sheng pressure, he couldn't even stand up straight, let alone his previous attempt to 'give him a hard time,' which had long been crushed.

"You...you dare to exert your power outside the Ancient Holy City?!"

Lingquan gritted his teeth and tried to exert pressure by invoking the name of the ancient clan, but his voice trembled uncontrollably, "This is the territory of the ancient clan, how dare you be so presumptuous!"

Chen Xiao raised an eyebrow, his oppressive aura not only not diminished, but actually intensified: "You dare to disrespect a Dou Sheng in the territory of an ancient clan? Or do you think that the rules of the ancient clan can supersede the principle of strength above all else?"

His gaze swept over Lingquan, with a hint of nonchalance. "You stopped me from entering the city earlier, which was merely a lack of courtesy. But now, are you provoking me?"

Qing Lin stood beside Chen Xiao, a cold smile flashing across her clear eyes.

She and Chen Xiao had been in the Ancient Holy City for some time, and they even waited outside the city for a while. Since Lingquan recognized them, he must have immediately notified someone of higher status in the city.

However, to this day, no one has come out to greet them, and their attitude is self-evident.

Therefore, while it may seem that Lingquan brought this upon himself, he was actually just a stepping stone for those people in the city.

If Chen Xiao swallows his anger, similar incidents to Lingquan's will likely occur frequently after he enters the city.

On the contrary, at least those old guys from the ancient clans won't send these juniors out to humiliate themselves anymore.

Just as Lingquan was about to kneel down under the pressure, an old voice suddenly came from inside the city gate, carrying a hint of gentleness.

"Please calm down, Pavilion Master Zixiao. Lingquan is young and impetuous and doesn't know the rules. Please don't hold it against him."

As soon as he finished speaking, an elderly man in a gray robe slowly walked out.

The old man had white hair and beard, yet he was vigorous and energetic. Although he did not exude any aura, he gave people a feeling of unfathomable depth.

Of course, this is only relative.

Chen Xiao and Qing Lin could tell that the old man was only at the half-saint level.

Upon approaching, the old man first bowed slightly to Chen Xiao and Qing Lin, then turned to Ling Quan and said in a deep voice, "Hurry up and step back! The Pavilion Master of Zixiao Pavilion is Miss Xun'er's honored guest. How can you be so rude?"

Ling Quan felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly used this opportunity to retreat to the side. However, there was still a hint of resentment in his eyes when he looked at Chen Xiao, but he dared not provoke him in the slightest.

The gray-robed elder then turned to Chen Xiao with a gentle smile: "I am Gu Xun. For the past two years, I have been in charge of guarding the Ancient Holy City and leading guests who have come of age to enter the Ancient Realm. Miss Xun'er has already instructed that if you, young friend, arrive, you may enter the city without an invitation. I was cultivating just now and was unable to come to greet you immediately. I apologize for any neglect. I hope you will forgive me."

A Dou Sheng powerhouse is a distinguished guest wherever he goes, and even the eight ancient clans treat him with courtesy.

This is the most basic etiquette.

Chen Xiao did not delve into whether Gu Xun's words were true or false, but simply nodded slightly: "In that case, I will trouble Elder Gu Xun to lead the way."

Qinglin followed closely beside Chen Xiao, her gaze sweeping over Gu Xun with a hint of scrutiny.

“Young Master, the elders in the ancient clans can be roughly divided into three categories regarding their attitude towards us. One type is the stubborn old men who keep talking about the bloodline of the Dou Di. After entering the Ancient Realm, these people will definitely cause trouble. Another type is those who are biased towards Sister Xun'er. Before the bloodline of Sister Xun'er is definitively determined, there probably won't be too many elders like this.”

"The last one is neutral. I met Gu Xun once when I was in the Ancient Realm. At that time, he was very respectful to Sister Xun'er. But after so many years, I don't know his current stance," Qing Lin transmitted.

Chen Xiao nodded slightly, his eyes showing no emotion.

He knew what the internal stance of the ancient clans would be, and all he had to do now was deal with them as they came.

As Qinglin was transmitting his voice, Gu Xun had already stepped aside to lead the way. Suddenly, he stopped, as if he had received some news.

When he looked up again, his expression was full of complex emotions.

"A message from the clan has instructed me to take the Pavilion Master directly into the Ancient Realm. I am but a humble man, and I hope the Pavilion Master will forgive me if there is any inadequacy in our hospitality. In addition, because of the young lady, the Pavilion Master will inevitably encounter many troubles in the future. Please make plans for this in advance."

(End of this chapter)