Junior sister, keep forbear for a while, I almost become invincible as soon!

A mere movement had unknowingly touched the hearts of many, as countless gazes were fixated upon Holy Light City.

Wish to cultivate?

Wish to find the Spiritual Milk Jade?

Those lurking in the shadows couldn't help but reveal smiles. This was even more so for Prince Qi.

Many Martial God Academy disciples who had journeyed afar had come here to observe, along with numerous individuals from the Saint Land. After all, Princess Zi Ji had rejected them, and both factions were intensely curious about what fate awaited this Princess.

"Difficult!" a Saint Land Disciple with thick eyebrows and large eyes spat out.

That Dao Ground was terrifying; those who entered had a nine-in-ten chance of dying, with no exceptions. Those who managed to emerge alive were almost all insane, and the probability of finding Spiritual Milk Jade inside was slim. Even if one fortuitously found the Spiritual Milk Jade, it was doubtful they could use it for Zhou Tian circulation, as this jade had already birthed Spiritual Intelligence. It would not allow its life to be cut apart at will.

Chen Pingping's decision to embark on this journey was undoubtedly a failure, one that might even cost him his life in the end.

Someone scoffed coldly, "A small Sect, daring to take in Princess Zi Ji? Heh heh…"

Princess Zi Ji was too special. If she were an ordinary genius, it might have been acceptable, but even a slightly lesser Sect could not bear the burden of Princess Zi Ji's cultivation.

Before the mountain range, Chen Pingping watched for a long time before speaking. "This journey has been fraught with unease, a nine-in-ten chance of death. We have encountered all manner of powerful enemies. Now, we are about to step into this terrifying Dao Ground to find the Spiritual Milk Jade to help you perform Zhou Tian circulation. Countless people might mock you, ridicule you, and wait to see your downfall. How will you face this?"

"I will pay them no mind," Princess Zi Ji said, lifting her head, her gaze clear.

Chen Pingping laughed. He was a carefree man and naturally liked having a carefree younger apprentice-sister. One could harbor hatred, but not be consumed by it; one could feel humiliated, but not let it affect one's cultivation. A sound mentality is the foundation of cultivation.

Without further delay, he led Princess Zi Ji step by step towards the mountain range, and soon their figures disappeared from view.

Prince Qi revealed a radiant smile. I knew I could kill you without losing a single soldier! Why did I spend so much to ask Chong Tower to make a move?

Before long, many powerful individuals from related factions arrived, concealing themselves in the shadows.

「Meanwhile, deep within the mountain range.」

A long canyon, choked by dense ancient trees, prevented sunlight from penetrating. From afar, it appeared gloomy, and a thick, pervasive smell of decay filled the air. The fallen leaves underfoot formed a thick layer, and one would sink half a foot deep when stepping into them.

Earth Chicken led the way, breaking any restrictive seals they encountered. Lao Huang followed closely, his powerful aura enveloping Chen Pingping and Princess Zi Ji. Only Mao Qiu seemed unoccupied, its bean-sized eyes constantly darting about, scrutinizing this Dao Ground.

Suddenly, an unnatural wind swept through the canyon. Princess Zi Ji's body trembled slightly; she was acutely aware of the strange disturbance and hid behind Chen Pingping, somewhat afraid. Within the gloom, a pair of crimson eyes appeared, like those of a demon from the depths of hell, steadily approaching.

Chen Pingping's expression remained calm as he said, "Don't be afraid."

No sooner had his voice faded than more and more crimson eyes emerged from the gloom, all drawing nearer.

CACKLE! The eerie laughter, coupled with this peculiar environment, would have made an ordinary person shudder and turn to flee. But Chen Pingping remained as calm as ever, continuing to lead Princess Zi Ji forward.

Malevolent beings charged at them, their faces ferocious, sharp claws wildly swinging. But they could not penetrate Lao Huang's aura.

Princess Zi Ji, who had been anxious just moments before, gradually calmed. She looked at her senior apprentice-brother, then at the creatures surrounding them, and unconsciously drew closer to him.

They ventured deeper. They lost track of how long they had walked as an increasing number of creatures swarmed them. Horrifying faces appeared before Princess Zi Ji, along with headless corpses still dripping blood. The entire scene was like stepping into a hell on earth. Terror filled her eyes.

A long time passed. The creatures retreated, and an empty mountain clearing came into her view. In it stood an altar, about six or seven meters in diameter and half a meter high. Entirely gray-brown, it was surrounded by dead leaves, exuding an air of silent serenity. Sitting cross-legged on the altar was a figure shrouded in black mist, its face indistinct. It was presumably the ancient Sage mentioned earlier.

Princess Zi Ji's mouth fell slightly agape. She hadn't expected them to enter so easily. Is this senior apprentice-brother of mine truly so powerful?

If Guang Xiaoyu were here and saw her expression, he would certainly say, 'Little junior apprentice-sister, this is just the beginning. There's far more to be shocked about!'

The Dao Ground, regarded by countless people as a fearsome forbidden area, now lay before her very eyes. Princess Zi Ji felt as though she were in a dream.

"Stay here and don't move rashly," Chen Pingping instructed. Then, with a single step, he moved out from the protection of Lao Huang's aura.

WHOOSH! A violent gust of wind surged instantly, sending innumerable dead leaves dancing. A palpable killing intention suddenly shot towards them, emanating from the altar.

At some point, the mist-shrouded figure had opened its eyes. "KILL! KILL! YOU DESERVE TO DIE!" it shrieked. The Sage's resentment erupted, the seed of hatred consuming this lingering obsession. The moment it sensed Chen Pingping's presence, it attacked.

"Senior!" Chen Pingping shouted, his scalp tingling. He knew he was strong, but the opponent was a Saint. Even a mere obsession of a Saint could easily obliterate him. Ultimately, Chen Pingping had no choice but to retreat into the protection of Lao Huang's aura.

Princess Zi Ji looked at him. I thought my senior apprentice-brother was invincible... but it seems not yet. This realization somewhat reassured her. If he were truly invincible, that would be too frightening, wouldn't it?

HUFF! HUFF! Chen Pingping panted heavily, his face pale. He stared at the distant altar and the figure upon it, contemplating how to approach.

Where is the Spiritual Milk Jade? He still hadn't seen it. It must be hidden in some corner of this Dao Ground.

A long while passed. Chen Pingping suddenly had an idea and tossed out a Spirit Stone. All remained calm.

He frowned. Shouldn't all worldly spirits that have gained sentience enjoy things like Spirit Stones and Spiritual Medicines? How could it not like them?

He then tossed out a stalk of Spiritual Medicine. Still, everything remained calm.

Princess Zi Ji at his side, however, could not remain calm. "Senior apprentice-brother, that's a Spiritual Medicine!" she blurted out.

Even a third-tier Spiritual Medicine is incredibly valuable! How can you just throw it away like that?

Chen Pingping just said, "Oh, I know," and threw out another stalk.

Princess Zi Ji was speechless.

Is the grade not high enough? Is that why it's being ignored? Chen Pingping pondered. Their mission here was to find the Spiritual Milk Jade, not the Sage or any Great Opportunity related to this Dao Ground. Therefore, luring out the Spiritual Milk Jade was the critical step.

Chen Pingping threw out another Spiritual Medicine. This time, it was a fifth-tier one! Princess Zi Ji, beside him, stared in shock. "Senior apprentice-brother, that's fifth-tier!"