Tian Fan was overwhelmed with excitement as he gazed at the Orb floating in the distance, suspended within the silver divine light. It was crystal clear and emitted waves of sacred aura. He couldnât help but take a step forward, reaching out with his right hand toward the void. Even his lips trembled slightly.
“You brat, stop dawdling! The sooner you get the Wind Spirit Orb, the sooner we can leave!”
The Litch licked his cracked lips. A sinister glint flickered in his triangular eye sockets as he spoke. Yet, he didnât dare step forward. He squinted at the golden Ancient Divine Script hovering above Tian Fanâs head, emanating an overwhelming pressure. Even a glance could reduce him to ash.
“Alright, letâs go!”
Tian Fan responded without hesitation. He was the most eager among them, stepping out first. To him, what lay ahead was his hope. He was more anxious than anyone elseâhe had to obtain it.
The two of them rushed forward.
Fragrance of flowers and birdsong surrounded themâit was truly divine land. Compared to the Forbidden Immortal Island, this place was a sacred mountain in the truest sense. Here, there was not a trace of evil.
At least, thatâs how Tian Fan felt: peaceful, lighthearted, almost free of burdens.
The sacred mountain towered like it could pierce the heavens, grand and majestic. Tian Fan couldnât help but marvel. In this dim and dark world, to see such a magnificent peak was astonishing. And the longer they stayed, the more he felt the mountain’s extraordinary presence. Even the Litch appeared unsettled, like they were stepping on the back of a noble demon king.
It was a contradictory feeling. The place felt like a divine garden, and yet they couldnât shake off a creeping uneaseâas if the mountain itself was suppressing a demon lord in disguise.
Though the surroundings were serene and sacred, hidden dangers lurked everywhere. But for Tian Fan, these threats were meaningless now. The Ancient Divine Script floating above his head bathed the area in a gentle golden light, radiating an aura of ancient power.
As they walked toward the silver beam of light, they encountered three wolf-headed giantsâtall as ogres, each with three large heads and wielding two massive axes. They looked strong enough to shatter mountains.
Then came the Jinling Bird, as massive as a hill and wreathed in mysterious flames. The very space around it felt like it was being scorched and meltedâa terrifying thought, considering how much tougher this space was compared to the outside world.
They also saw a Soul-less Lanternâjust twice the size of a regular oil lamp, yet it emitted a chilling aura that sent shivers down their spines. There were even legendary ancient beings like the Roc. But none of them appeared aliveâthey stood motionless and expressionless, like eternal guards.
“What the…”
“This is… an incredible masterpiece!”
Even the Litch, who had lived here for who knew how many lifetimes, was stunned. Every being and creature here was once a top-tier ancient powerhouseâformidable beyond compare. And now, they were reduced to gatekeepers. It almost made his jaw drop.
As Tian Fan moved forward, the Ancient Divine Script atop his head would gently tremble now and then. Every guardian they passed stepped aside for him, disappearing into the horizon. Only the ones beside the Litch glared coldly, making him tremble with fear. If not for Tian Fanâs presence, he would’ve died a thousand times already.
They even came across a vast army of skeletal warriors. Their aura and pressure were overwhelming, easily matching top experts of the Primordial Unity Realm. And here, there was a whole army of them. If word of this reached the Divine Martial Continent, it would cause a frenzyâafter all, even one cultivator from the Primordial Unity Realm was rare and unmatched there.
The sacred mountain stood like a silver volcano, pulsing with life. Both Tian Fan and the Litch could feel its heartbeat. The mountain radiated peaceful energy, as if it embodied the harmony of heaven and earth.
“Why do I feel more and more like this is a living demon beast?” the Litch muttered, shivering.
Tian Fan ignored him. His focus was entirely on the Wind Spirit Orb. He couldnât be distracted. Were it not for the hidden dangers, he would’ve already activated his Divine Cloud Steps. Still, his speed was blinding, leaving streaks in his wake as he dashed toward the silver light ahead.
âSlow downâŚâ
Now it was the Litchâs turn to panic. Tian Fan was his protectorâif they got too far apart, he might be torn to pieces by the guardians.
Tian Fan led, the Litch followed closely. Both moved at high speed, passing through layers of mysterious terrain, eventually reaching the silver-lit summit of the mountain, where the path ahead vanished from view.
Buzz…
The Ancient Divine Script began to tremble violently. The thick silver radiance dispersed, revealing the scene in front of them bit by bit.
What lay ahead was barrenâjust a single statue.
A woman, sacred and beautiful, serene and ethereal.
Though only a stone sculpture, Tian Fan felt she was the most beautiful woman in the world. This wasnât just admirationâit was an instinctive reaction.
Her expression was peaceful, touched with sorrow and compassion. Just one glance made him feel she bore the worldâs burdens and cared for all living beings. Upon her shoulder rested a red snake, flicking its tongue. It shouldâve looked eerie and menacing, but on her, it exuded divine graceânot a hint of evil.
âNuwaâŚâ
Those two heavy words surfaced in his heart. He couldnât help but fall to his knees and offer a deep, respectful bow to the statue.
BuzzâŚ
The moment he stood up, the Ancient Divine Script quivered again. A mysterious force descended from the heavens, gently guiding Tian Fan forward.
From above, a crystal-clear Orb radiating brilliant silver light slowly floated down. It hovered before Tian Fan, within armâs reach.
Behind him, the Litch’s face turned pale with fear. He quickly suppressed his own aura and retreated far awayâhe couldn’t risk getting caught in that divine light. One wrong move and he was doomed.
Tian Fan stretched out a trembling hand. His eyes were misty, lips quivering.
The Wind Spirit Orb didnât resist him at all. It settled gently into his palm. Tian Fan cupped it carefully with both hands, as if it were a treasure more precious than life itself, so overwhelmed he was almost in tears.
âZi Ying, wait for me. Iâll soon gather all five Spirit Orbs. Iâll definitely bring you back,â he whispered softly and carefully stored the Wind Spirit Orb into his body.
âItâs done. We can leave now. Finally!â The silver light vanished, and the Litch immediately spoke, even more excited than Tian Fan.
âLetâs go!â
Tian Fan took a step forward, preparing to leave this place.
“Cough⌠cough⌔
Suddenly, an old manâs cough rang outâabrupt and jarring.
Behind them, a ball of silver divine light appeared, out of nowhere and without warning.