Chapter 205: Going Out
Chapter 205: Going Out
It was unclear how long this process lasted. When Cheng Lingyu awoke, he found himself lying in the underground palace, suspended three feet off the ground without a speck of dust on him, feeling utterly at ease.
He sat up, glancing around while struggling to recall what had happened. Only one phrase lingered: *”Diagram of Heavenly Heart and Myriad Domains, the path of reincarnation and eternal life.”*
“Was that the Immortal Soul? A Weapon Soul? A magical artifact? Or something else entirely?”
Cheng Lingyu’s memories were hazy. A shifting, elusive mark now occupied his mind—the Diagram of Heavenly Heart and Myriad Domains—yet he couldn’t grasp its true nature.
After a long silence, he left the underground palace and reached the entrance of Soul Gathering Valley, where Fang Ruohua and Lan Xiaozhu waited.
“How long was I gone?”
“Three days.”
The two answered in unison, their worry melting into relief.
Cheng Lingyu’s expression turned strange. He hadn’t realized three days had slipped by.
“Let’s head back.”
The journey passed in quiet, Cheng Lingyu lost in thought.
“Elder brother, what’s troubling you?”
“Nothing. Just some things I need to sort out. Let’s redeem more souls and ask around about recent events in Lou Ri City.”
At Lou Ri Square, they traded souls for contribution points.
“You’ve been here months—have you learned any of Lou Ri City’s ultimate skills yet?”
Fang Ruohua nodded. “The palace master recently taught me *Meteor Fall*—a powerful technique!”
Lan Xiaozhu added, “I learned *Ethereal Shadow*. The elder brothers say new disciples enter a probation period. They only grant cultivation resources first. Ultimate skills come later, once you’ve proven your worth. What about you?”
Cheng Lingyu chuckled. “I’ve enough to practice already. Learning Fallen God Ridge’s ultimate skills can wait. Right now, time and cultivation resources matter most—and that’s exactly what this place offers.”
As they wandered the square’s western exchange area, startling news reached them.
Two days prior, an expert from the Shanhua Alliance had visited. The city lord himself had greeted and escorted the guest at dusk.
Speculation buzzed. Though none knew the Alliance’s purpose, many guessed it involved the Tianyang Empire.
Lou Ri City preferred solitude, rarely dispatching disciples or interacting with other factions. Last time, the Divine Martial Sect had come hunting the Martial Arts Spirit Master. Now the Shanhua Alliance’s arrival hinted at fresh turmoil.
Cheng Lingyu asked around but found only rumors.
“No answers here. Let’s ask the elder brothers.”
Lan Xiaozhu bid farewell, returning to Youxing Seventh Palace.
Back at Fallen God Ridge, Cheng Lingyu and Fang Ruohua parted ways. He headed straight for the Supreme Spirit Palace.
Wan Fang sat outside the Hall’s entrance. Spotting Cheng Lingyu, he grinned.
“Where’ve you been?”
Cheng Lingyu smiled. “Took a walk near Soul Gathering Valley by the Seventh Palace.”
Wan Fang’s smile faded as he stood up and examined Cheng Lingyu. “Did you enter the underground palace deep within Soul Gathering Valley? Find anything worthwhile?”
Cheng Lingyu hesitated. “I went. Found something.”
Wan Fang’s eyes lit up. “Incredible! Countless unmatched geniuses from Lou Ri City’s history tried and failed to obtain that mysterious Immortal Soul. Yet you succeeded!”
Cheng Lingyu scratched his head. “Just got lucky. Heard the Shanhua Alliance visited recently…”
Wan Fang chuckled. “They came. Been meaning to tell you – sit.”
The two settled on stone steps.
“The Shanhua Alliance brought crucial news. When tracking Lanling Holy Palace, major empire forces discovered an ancient ruin – a crumbling, unstable pocket dimension.”
Cheng Lingyu frowned. “Why inform Lou Ri City? Seems unnecessary.”
“Had they found it alone, they’d never tell us. But since multiple forces discovered it together, they notified Three Saints and Four Peerless. Each faction gets to send disciples seeking fortune there. The dimension’s instability restricts entry – Spirit Masters can’t enter, Blood Martial Realm disciples face harsh limitations. Soul Martial Realm disciples are ideal.”
“What’s the city lord’s decision?”
“He agreed to send disciples. Each branch gets quotas. Specific candidates still being discussed.”
“Telling me this… you want me to gain experience?”
Wan Fang nodded. “Master and I discussed. Lou Ri City’s good for training, but real growth requires battle baptism. This ruin holds great opportunities for your future.”
Cheng Lingyu pondered. “I’d like to go. Just worried about Divine Martial Sect conflicts.”
“Conflicts are inevitable. But our experts will accompany you – Divine Martial Sect won’t dare act recklessly.”
“Departure date?”
“Tomorrow’s announcement. Rest well tonight.”
Wan Fang entered Supreme Spirit Palace after patting his shoulder. Instead of sleeping, Cheng Lingyu cultivated – time being his most precious resource for merging his accumulated treasures.
Next morning, Nine Ridges Council convened. After half-day debate, they decided to send 100 disciples in two days – mostly Soul Martial Realm, with some Blood Martial Realm as precaution.
Fallen God Ridge received only three spots due to limited disciples and Han Cang’s caution.
“Why include Blood Martial Realm?” Cheng Lingyu asked.
Wan Fang shrugged. “Distrusting Shanhua Alliance’s claims. Better safe.”
“How’s our three allocated?”
“You’re confirmed. Originally Fang Ruohua and Mu Hua, but we replaced Fang to keep you focused. Mu Hua will shepherd another lower four palaces disciple, freeing you.”
“Why?”
“Distraction concerns. This way you operate independently.”
Cheng Lingyu nodded. “Practical.”
“I’ll escort you but stay outside the ruin.”
“Master’s orders to protect me?”
“He expects greatness. Prepare these two days.”
Cheng Lingyu later converted items to contribution points at Lou Ri Square before visiting Qu Wei at Anmoon Sixth Palace.
“Joining the expedition?”
She shook her head. “Palace master wants me breaking through to Blood Martial Realm.”
“Wise. The ruin’s dangerous with seven factions competing. Minor mistakes prove fatal.”
“You going?”
“Seeking opportunities.”
At Youxing Seventh Palace, Lan Xiaozhu greeted him. “Youxing Ridge has nine spots, but palace master won’t let me go. Found legacy-related secrets here crucial for my cultivation.”
Cheng Lingyu touched her hand. “Better this way. Fang Ruohua’s spot got canceled too – they thought I’d worry. Many new disciples going… casualties likely.”
“Beware Divine Martial Sect.”
“They’ll struggle killing me. You focus on that legacy – Divine Trees’ Portal didn’t place you here without reason.”
Two days later, Fang Ruohua pouted at the news. “Wanted to go with you!”
Cheng Lingyu smoothed her hair. “Train hard here. I’ll bring gifts. Don’t let other branches mock Fallen God Ridge.”
“I’ll make you proud! Return safely!”
At Lou Ri Square, 100 disciples assembled with a dozen experts. Leading them was Luo Feng – Fourth Stage Spirit Martial expert from Lou Ri Ridge’s upper four palaces Third Palace.