A Useless Person Awakens to the Eternal Spirit Emperor Technique

News of the battle at Wanbao City spread like wildfire throughout the cultivation world.

Within three days, the name Ling Chen became known to everyone within a radius of hundreds of thousands of miles.

A young man at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment single-handedly defeated three major forces, severely injured five experts at the Core Formation stage, and crippled most of the cultivation of the Xuanjian Sect's leader—such a feat is something even an old monster at the Golden Core stage might not be able to achieve.

Some were amazed, some questioned, and many more secretly inquired about the origins of this young man named Ling Chen.

But no matter how much noise there was outside, Ling Chen was closing his eyes and meditating in the secret chamber on the ninth floor of the Wanbao Pavilion, completely ignoring everything.

The Chaos Jade Pendant hung before him, emitting a faint halo. The remaining chaotic energy, like wisps of silk, slowly seeped into his dantian, repairing the vital energy depleted in the recent battle.

"call--"

After a long while, Ling Chen opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them.

He opened his palm, and a ball of golden spiritual energy condensed in his palm. Its density far exceeded that of other cultivators of the same level, and was even more abundant than that of many cultivators at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

"The chaotic energy is indeed profound," Ling Chen muttered to himself.

In that battle just now, he seemed to be in complete control, but in reality, he was in great danger. If the Chaos Jade Pendant hadn't unleashed its primal power at the crucial moment, he would have been injured even with his Foundation Establishment Level 4 cultivation, which allowed him to withstand the combined attack of five Core Formation Realm cultivators, despite having the inheritance of a Spirit Emperor.

However, this battle also made him more aware of his current combat strength.

With the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, combined with the Spirit Emperor Technique and Chaos Qi, one can fight against a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator. If all their trump cards are used, they can even contend with a late-stage Core Formation cultivator.

But above the condensed elixir, there is the golden elixir.

Above the Golden Core stage, there is the Nascent Soul stage.

In this life, he still has a long road ahead.

"Knock knock knock—"

A soft knock came from outside the secret room door.

"Young friend, I have something to tell you." Shen Wanshan's voice carried a hint of solemnity.

Ling Chen put away the Chaos Jade Pendant, got up and opened the door.

Shen Wanshan stood outside the door, his expression even more respectful than three days ago, but a hint of worry lingered between his brows. Behind him followed a young disciple, who carried an exquisite jade box.

"Come in and talk." Ling Chen stepped aside.

Shen Wanshan stepped into the secret chamber, waved for his disciples to leave, and personally closed the door before lowering his voice to speak: "Young friend, news of the battle at Wanbao City has spread, and now the entire cultivation world is paying attention to you. This is both a good thing and a bad thing."

Ling Chen raised an eyebrow: "Is someone getting restless?"

"Exactly." Shen Wanshan took out the jade box, opened the lid, and inside were three neatly stacked letters, each exuding a different aura—some as fiery as fire, some as cold as ice, and some as ethereal as smoke.

"These three letters were sent by the Heavenly Fire Sect, the Netherworld Valley, and the Azure Palace, respectively."

Shen Wanshan spoke each word slowly and deliberately, each name carrying a heavy weight.

Ling Chen's gaze narrowed slightly.

He had heard of these three names in his previous life.

The Heavenly Fire Sect is a Golden Core sect renowned for its fire-based cultivation techniques. It boasts a Golden Core expert and its influence extends over a million miles.

The Netherworld Valley is notorious in the cultivation world for its secretive ways and expertise in assassination and poison, yet no one dares to provoke it easily.

As for the Azure Palace—

A cold glint flashed in Ling Chen's eyes.

Biluo Palace was an old acquaintance of his from his previous life.

On the surface, they appear to be a prestigious and righteous sect, but in reality, they have secretly engaged in countless shady dealings. More importantly, he vaguely remembers that before the Spirit Emperor's fall in his previous life, the founder of the Azure Palace had appeared near that void.

"What did the letter say?" Ling Chen asked.

Shen Wanshan unfolded the three letters one by one.

The letter from the Heavenly Fire Sect was the most direct, containing only a few words: "Young friend Ling Chen possesses exceptional talent. Our sect wishes to invite you to the position of Guest Elder, and we have all the elixirs, cultivation techniques, and magical treasures we could ask for."

This is an attempt to win them over.

The letter from the Netherworld Valley featured a drawing of a skull, with a line of small print beside it: "We are very interested in the ancient artifact of chaos in your possession. In three months, an envoy from the Netherworld will come to visit. We hope you will be so kind as to offer your guidance."

This is a test, and also a threat.

The letters from Biluo Palace were the most exquisite, with elegant handwriting and humble wording: "Young Master Ling is a hero of great talent, whom Biluo Palace has long admired. The Palace Master wishes to invite you to be our guest to discuss important matters. If you would be so kind as to grace us with your presence, Biluo Palace is willing to do everything in its power to help you reach the pinnacle as soon as possible."

The words are full of goodwill.

But Ling Chen knew that the more beautiful someone was, the more careful he had to be.

"Young friend, none of these three forces are easy to deal with," Shen Wanshan said worriedly. "The Heavenly Fire Sect is the strongest; if they were truly willing to protect you, they would be a great help. But their position as a guest elder is, frankly, just a way to tie you to their cause. The Netherworld Valley's intentions are not good; they're probably prepared for the three-month deadline. As for the Azure Palace..."

Shen Wanshan paused, then lowered his voice: "On the surface, Biluo Palace appears to be indifferent to worldly affairs, but I have heard that in recent years they have been secretly collecting various ancient inheritances, and their methods are quite... dishonorable."

Ling Chen nodded slightly.

Shen Wanshan's ability to see that there was something wrong with Biluo Palace shows that he has a truly sharp eye.

"I don't intend to pay any attention to any of these three parties," Ling Chen said calmly.

Shen Wanshan was taken aback: "But..."

"The Heavenly Fire Sect wants my value, not genuine friendship. If the Netherworld Valley wants to come, let them come. What do I, Ling Chen, have to fear? As for the Azure Palace—" A cold glint flashed in Ling Chen's eyes, "I will settle this score with them sooner or later."

Shen Wanshan felt the chilling killing intent and his heart tightened; he dared not say another word.

"Sect Master, I need you to do something for me," Ling Chen suddenly said.

Shen Wanshan quickly bowed and said, "Please speak, young friend."

"Help me find out about a place." Ling Chen took out a piece of animal skin from his pocket, on which was drawn a rough map and marked with some ancient runes. "This place is called 'Chaos Relics'. It is said to be a secret realm left behind when chaos first opened up in ancient times, and it contains other fragments of ancient chaotic artifacts."

Shen Wanshan took the animal hide, examined it carefully for a moment, and frowned: "The Chaos Relics... I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before."

He pondered for a long time, then his eyes suddenly lit up: "I remember now! Three hundred years ago, a senior cultivator at the Golden Core stage ventured deep into the forbidden land of the Northern Wilderness. In the deepest part of the forbidden land, he discovered an ancient ruin. It was said that it was filled with chaotic energy, and any cultivator who approached it would have their spiritual energy disrupted. That senior cultivator only walked around the outer perimeter before fleeing back in a sorry state, and then passed away less than three years later."

"The forbidden land of the Northern Wilderness?" Ling Chen's eyes lit up.

He had heard of the Northern Wilderness Forbidden Land in his previous life, but at that time he was already at the top of the cultivation world and didn't care much about these low-level secret realms. Now, looking back, that forbidden land was indeed related to the strange phenomena of heaven and earth at the beginning of chaos.

"Exactly." Shen Wanshan nodded. "The Northern Wilderness Forbidden Land is located in the far north, about a million miles from here. Along the way, one must pass through the territories of dozens of forces, as well as vast uninhabited wastelands, fraught with danger. With your current cultivation level, young friend..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

The journey to the fourth level of foundation building, spanning a million miles, is far too perilous.

Ling Chen, however, did not take it to heart: "Cultivation can be improved slowly, but the opportunities in the Chaos Ruins cannot wait."

He knew all too well. This rebirth, seemingly giving him ample time, actually meant that hidden enemies were already stirring. He had to gather the Chaos Artifacts as soon as possible and awaken the complete Spirit Emperor's inheritance in order to have the power to protect himself before those truly powerful figures made their move.

"Sect Master, please prepare a detailed map for me, marking the distribution of forces and dangerous areas along the way. Also, I need a batch of pills and spirit stones, just in case."

Seeing that Ling Chen was determined, Shen Wanshan stopped trying to dissuade him and immediately agreed: "Don't worry, young friend, everything will be ready within three days."

He paused, then added, "If you insist on going to the Northern Wilderness, I suggest you break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage first before setting off. The spiritual energy on the ninth floor of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion is abundant; you can cultivate here in peace."

Ling Chen thought for a moment and nodded.

He had just broken through to the fourth level of Foundation Establishment. Although his foundation was stable, his cultivation level was still somewhat low. If he could advance a few more minor realms, his journey would be much safer.

"Alright, I'll bother you for a few more days."

Shen Wanshan was overjoyed and quickly left the secret room to arrange various matters.

The door to the secret room closed, and Ling Chen sat cross-legged again.

He didn't start cultivating immediately, but instead took out the black token from his pocket and examined it carefully.

The patterns on the token were much clearer than before, and some ancient characters could be faintly seen. These were the sequels to the core technique of the Spirit Emperor's inheritance—the Eternal Spirit Emperor Technique.

"In my previous life, I was stuck at the Spirit Emperor Realm and failed to break through to a higher level. In this life, with the help of the Chaos Ancient Artifact, I am determined to step into that legendary realm."

Ling Chen murmured softly, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

He closed his eyes, activated his cultivation technique, and began a new round of training.

Inside the secret chamber, spiritual energy surged, and golden light flickered in and out.

Outside Wanbao City, in the desolate wilderness shrouded in night, a dark shadow silently swept past.

The dark figure moved with incredible speed, disappearing into the vast night in the blink of an eye, speeding southward.

If anyone could follow this dark figure, they would discover that it clutched a jade slip in its hand, on which were engraved four characters—

Azure Sky Secret Order.

---

Five days later.

The door to the ninth-floor secret chamber of Wanbaoge was finally opened.

Ling Chen walked out slowly, his aura becoming even stronger than it had been five days ago.

The foundation has six layers.

In just five days, he broke through two realms.

If word got out about this speed, it would probably drive the entire cultivation world crazy.

But Ling Chen knew this was his limit. The auxiliary effect of the chaotic energy was waning, and further cultivation would require more opportunities and accumulation.

"Master, are the maps and supplies ready?"

Shen Wanshan was already waiting outside the door. Upon hearing this, he immediately presented a storage bag: "Everything is prepared. The map marks the distribution of all forces and dangerous areas along the way. There are 300 Rejuvenation Pills, 50 Healing Pills, 50,000 spirit stones, and some emergency magic artifacts and talismans. Please keep this safe, young friend."

Ling Chen took the storage bag, scanned it with his divine sense, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Where is Qinghe?"

"Miss Su is waiting downstairs. She said she was going with her young friend."

Ling Chen frowned slightly.

His journey to the Northern Wilderness was fraught with danger, and taking Su Qinghe with him might not be a good thing. But then he thought, the girl was all alone, and it might not be safe for her to stay at Wanbao Pavilion.

"Tell her to get ready and we're leaving immediately."

Shen Wanshan hurriedly went to deliver the message.

Before long, Su Qinghe strode over, wearing a neat blue dress, with a short sword hanging at her waist, and her long hair tied up high, making her look heroic and spirited.

"Ling Chen, let's go."

Her voice carried an undisguised excitement.

Ling Chen glanced at her, said nothing more, and turned to walk out of Wanbaoge.

The morning sunlight bathed the entire Wanbao City in a golden glow.

Ling Chen stood at the city gate, took one last look at the city that had given him his first pot of gold, then turned around, strode forward, and headed north.

Su Qinghe followed closely behind.

Ahead lies an endless wasteland, an unknown crisis, and the call of the ruins of chaos.

It was also the starting point for him to reach the pinnacle in this lifetime.

On a distant mountain peak, a figure stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at Ling Chen's departing figure.

The figure was dressed in white, with a blurred face, as if it had merged with the heavens and earth.

"The successor of the Eternal Spirit Emperor... has finally set off."

He muttered to himself, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"Go, go. Deep within the forbidden lands of the Northern Wilderness, there are things you can't even imagine waiting for you."

"I just don't know if you'll make it there alive."

As soon as he finished speaking, the white-clad figure vanished with the wind, as if he had never existed.

At the mountaintop, only the howling wind and a deathly silence remained.