Three days later, it was also the fourth day since Lin Xun had arrived in the city. Before he could fully familiarize himself with the place or learn more about it, he had to set out on a journey alongside cultivators who had been here for decades and enter the Dao Ruins located in the depths of the universe, where a trial awaited. This was a perilous test, but also an immense opportunity and challenge. Everyone knew that the Dao Ruins had withstood the end of the last epoch and remained astonishingly well preserved. Shrouded in mystery, it was said to contain countless rare treasures, divine scriptures, world-shaking inheritances, and miraculous relics left behind from the last epoch. Over the years, every cultivator who returned alive from the Dao Ruins had reaped astonishing rewards. Some had achieved breakthroughs in cultivation. Some had found clarity on the path of the great dao. Others had acquired secret arts, ancient treasures, and divine materials of the last epoch. There were countless such stories. Before the trial began, City Lord Bai Jianchen appeared, hovering high in the sky. His gaze swept across all the trial participants as he spoke in a deep, resonant voice, “I’m sure you’re all aware of the anomalies occurring within the Dao Ruins. This journey will be fraught with unpredictable dangers. If anyone has second thoughts, now is the time to withdraw.” Those who dared to take part in this trial were hardened figures tempered by years of battle, their wills as unshakable as iron. Backing down was simply not in their nature. Some of the more formidable individuals appeared even more eager. Many of them had remained in the Taiyi City for decades and never left once, all in anticipation of this rare opportunity. For most people, the signs of anomalies meant impending catastrophe. However, for these fierce figures, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to seize opportunities and fortunes that had never been uncovered. The presence of so many experts created a solemn atmosphere. Tension filled the air, thick with fighting spirit. It was as if celestial beings were gathering, their might sweeping through the nine heavens. Lin Xun stood alone in the crowd. He had already made arrangements to meet Xiang Xiaoyuan and Yue Duqiu in the Dao Ruins. At that moment, his gaze happened to fall on Dugu Youran who stood beside Bai Jianchen. She was clad in a flowing green robe, and her beauty was as flawless as a painting. Even just standing there, she radiated an ethereal grace. Many brilliant figures of the Immortal Imperial Clans looked at her with fiery admiration, and some old antiques could be seen whispering to each other. Dugu Youran stood out strikingly, and the level of attention she received was no less than that of Bai Jianchen. Just as Lin Xun was about to look away, he noticed Dugu Youran glance over at him. A faint mischievous glint flickered in her crystal-clear eyes. Almost simultaneously, a voice rang in his mind, “Brother Lin, be careful~~” Lin Xun’s expression froze ever so slightly, and he said nothing in return. Dugu Youran didn’t speak again, but her gaze would drift toward him every now and then. It was seemingly casual yet intentional enough to leave him feeling uncomfortable. “This troublemaker better not stir up more trouble...” Lin Xun muttered to himself. “Be careful, all of you. I won’t say anything more!” Bai Jianchen spoke, wasting no words. With that, he gave the order to unseal the gateway into the Dao Ruins. In an instant, the participants soared into the air, breaking through the firmament as they rushed toward the Dao Ruins in the distance. They moved like a torrent of steel, shaking the heavens. Groups of Emperors surged through the skies, exuding divine might. Thunderous rumbles echoed as the void trembled, inspiring awe in all who beheld them. Heroes rose one after another, like an army of hundred thousand celestial soldiers and generals descending upon the mortal world. Clouds and mist surged, interwoven with dao sounds and surging qi. Waves of majestic, overwhelming power spread in all directions. Not a single one among them was ordinary. Even Ancestors of a Path was among them. “Evil creature, the Dao Ruins will be your burial ground!” Suddenly, a cold voice rang out, followed by a deep rumble. It came from Wen Taoluo, who appeared not far away, surrounded by a group of tyrannical figures, each emitting undisguised murderous intent toward Lin Xun. “You’d better watch your back.” On the other side, Heng Xingzhou had also arrived with a group of powerhouses, each radiating a fierce aura and wearing cold, menacing expressions. “This time, even City Lord Bai Jianchen won’t be able to protect you, Lin Xun. When you’re on the brink of death, I’ll fight to win you a sliver of hope to survive.” Luo Ling, Luo Shentu, and other members of the Luo Clan also appeared, their gazes filled with bone-chilling coldness. Lin Xun couldn’t help but laugh. Sweeping his eyes over the enemies, he said calmly, “I hope you remember what I told you that day. Wash your necks and be ready!” With that, he teleported into the void. Watching Lin Xun disappear, Wen Taolue, Heng Xingzhou, Luo Shentu and the others exchanged cold glances. Their murderous intent thickened and they too flew toward the Dao Ruins. “If I were Lin Xun, I wouldn’t dare participate in this trial at all.” Many cultivators along the way witness the scene, their hearts trembling. They could already tell that Lin Xun’s journey into the Dao Ruins would be fraught with peril. In the distance, the Dao Ruins loomed like a stretch of eternal night, hanging at the edge of the universe. As they drew closer, they could vaguely make out towering mountains and vast rivers through the dense, oppressive fog. Waves of baleful qi rolled through the darkness. In an area, ancient ruins could be seen, including collapsed temples, crumbling mountain gates, and ruined halls... “Stay away from that area. Rumor has it an Ancestor-level evil spirit lurks there. Over the years, it has devoured countless trial participants. Its strength is unfathomable. No one dares to provoke it.” Ancestor-level evil spirit! Many cultivators felt a chill run down their spines. They had come here seeking fortune and to hunt Emperor-level evil spirits. Only by doing so could they exchange for a permit. Despite that, no one would be foolish enough to provoke an Ancestor-level being. That was courting death! As they neared the Dao Ruins, strange cries echoed faintly across the land. Monkeys howling, tigers roaring, ringing in the ear and shaking the soul. Amid the surging baleful qi, the mountains were lush and verdant. Ancient trees pierced the sky and ancient vines that had been growing for countless years twisted around cliffs and stretched across peaks like coiled dragons. From the depths of the mountains, a deafening sound rang out like the roar of gods and demons from ancient times, shaking heaven and earth. “This place is nothing like before. There are far too many dark and sinister auras.” Someone murmured, their face pale. “But that also means there are more fortunes waiting to be discovered...” Someone also pointed out a burst of radiant light flashing deep within the Dao Ruins, piercing through the churning baleful mist. At that moment, Lin Xun couldn’t help but feel a chill. This was indeed a savage and terrifying ancient land. Even before stepping into the Dao Ruins, he could already sense the presence of numerous powerful, ominous beings lurking within. Some places here were forbidden zones that should never be entered lightly. At the same time, the closer one drew, the more intense was the aura of the great dao. It surged toward them like a tide, dense and almost tangible, brimming with a wild and primordial energy. Although many Emperors had entered the trial, they immediately scattered, each heading toward different areas of the Dao Ruins. This ancient ruin that had survived from the last epoch was vast and boundless, almost like a world of its own. It was more than large enough to accommodate the trial participants as they dispersed to explore. What they saw upon entering the Dao Ruins was only the tip of the iceberg. Far beyond the horizon lay even more mysterious and unknown regions. Lin Xun also sprang into action. With a flicker of movement, he teleported into the sky and vanished in an instant. Before long, Wen Taolue, Heng Xingzhou, Luo Shentu, and other fearsome figures from the three Immortal Imperial Clans also appeared, chasing in the direction Lin Xun had gone. Clearly, they had long since lost their patience and intended to eliminate him before seeking out fortunes! However, when they arrived at the Dao Ruins, their expressions turned dark. Lin Xun was nowhere to be found! Even with their powerful spirit senses and strength, they couldn’t detect a single trace of him. “Damn it! That brat was clearly prepared. He bolted the moment he entered.” Heng Xingzhou said grimly. “That’s to be expected. Without Bai Jianchen’s protection, there’s no way he’d dare face us head-on.” Wen Taolue’s expression was terrifyingly cold. “If it were me, I wouldn’t foolishly wait around to be hunted either. If I had to guess, he’s likely aiming to hunt the Emperor-level evil spirit first and leave the Dao Ruins as soon as possible.” “In that case, we need to find him before he takes down ten Emperor-level evil spirits?” Luo Shentu asked, frowning. “Exactly.” Wen Tao nodded. At that moment, Luo Ling spoke up, “I can track his aura, but only within a ten thousand mile range.” She revealed a pierce of unusual jade in her hand. It was a rare treasure passed down by the Omega Lord, capable of sensing the aura of the Grand Abyss Heaven Devourer! Everyone’s spirit lifted. Wen Tao said, “With the exception of the most dangerous forbidden areas, the Dao Ruins is just like a world of its own. With our strength, we can sweep through it in just three days.” Luo Ling added, “And as long as we catch even a trace of his aura during the search, we’ll be able to locate him instantly!” “But what if that brat hides in one of those forbidden zones?” Heng Xingzhou asked, frowning. A silence fell over the group Wen Tao then sneered, “Then we won’t even need to lift a finger. He’ll die in there on his own.” Without further delay, they sprang into action. “Thanks for the treasure.” Elsewhere, in a baleful mist-shrouded mountain range, Lin Xun handed a glowing jade bangle to Xiang Xiaoyuan. It was thanks to this item that Lin Xun was able to teleport thirty thousand miles away and land safely in this mountain range upon entering the Dao Ruins. Xiang Xiaoyuan and Yue Duqiu were already waiting for him “Since we’re working together, how can I just stand by and watch Brother Lin get hunted down?” Xiang Xiaoyuan replied warmly. She raised her hand and, with a crisp ding, slipped the glowing jade bangle onto her snow-white wrist. This was her hidden trump card, a powerful treasure gifted by her mother, known as the Nine Profound Realms Bangle. It allowed the wearer to instantly break free from all restraints and teleport thirty thousand miles. Even if one was trapped within a powerful restriction array, it still couldn’t block the power of the Nine Profound Realms Bangle. “Let’s move.” Xiang Xiaoyuan didn’t waste a moment. She took the lead, darting off into the distance. Lin Xun and Yue Duqiu followed closely behind. Unfortunately, before they could travel far, the air was suddenly torn by screams and furious roars. A fierce battle was erupting ahead, sending waves of murderous energy surging skyward and precious light streaking through the void. Several Emperor-level experts were fleeing in panic! “An Ancestor-level evil spirit just burst out and devoured more than a dozen people!” Countless figures tore through the void in a frantic escape. Behind them, chaos reigned, mountains crumbled, the earth split apart, and vast mountain ranges were razed to the ground. Lin Xun and the others couldn’t help but frown deeply.