Shi Yan was abruptly plunged into a bizarre expanse. The sky was a dull grey, an endless ocean of ashen clouds filling the void.

No horizon was visible, no end in sight. It was a marvelous realm of unfathomable breadth.

Within this space stood a colossal giant, hideous in appearance, soaring ten thousand zhang high, his head touching the heavens and his feet planted on the earth, seemingly motionless for eons beyond reckoning. A wave of primeval, ancient aura erupted violently from the giant who stood ten thousand zhang tall!

Brilliant flares of light suddenly burst forth from every acupoint across his body! His acupoints resembled the constellations of the heavens, slowly revolving in accordance with the trajectories of the universe.

Each point contained the power to shatter worlds, and every single one seemed to be a universe unto itself, within which the faint sounds of countless living beings weeping and moaning could be faintly perceived. In this boundless space, the ground was paved with mountains of corpses and seas of bones, the earth stained a gruesome crimson by blood, scattered everywhere with the strange and bizarre skeletal remains of unknown creatures.

Some of these bones towered like small mountains, belonging to beings whose forms were impossible to guess. At the heart of this ocean of bones and mountain of flesh, strangely featured beings were interspersed—some possessed three heads and six arms, others bore the body of a divine dragon, some sprouted three eyes, and still others were entirely covered in scales...

All of them were prostrate on the ground, their heads deeply buried in the blood-red earth, paying homage to the towering giant as if he were the singular true god of their faith! The grim features of the ancient god suddenly flared with brilliant light in his pupils!

The light radiating from his right eye was dazzling, like the most spectacular sun, bringing light and vibrant life to the multitude, a beacon of hope to the world. But his left pupil was as utterly black as a black hole, hoarding infinite darkness, brimming with the negative energies of destruction, slaughter, death, madness, and resentment.

Within that solitary left eye, only the darkest aspects of humanity could be discerned. One eye teemed with vitality; the other was heavy with death.

The ancient god stood majestically between heaven and earth, seemingly awaiting something eternal. Suddenly, the giant’s twin pupils fixed themselves upon Shi Yan.

A mysterious power, reaching directly into his soul, immediately linked him with Shi Yan. Within the strange dimension, the ancient god’s cataclysmic howl suddenly ripped through the silence.

Countless strange luminous symbols flew out from his two eyes, surging entirely into Shi Yan’s incorporeal form, causing every one of Shi Yan’s own acupoints to blaze like the stars. A heart-rending agony erupted from every pore and conduit in his body; Shi Yan’s brain felt as if it would split, and he jolted awake.

He was still on the third floor of the Stone Tower. The blood-patterned ring on the ring finger of his left hand had its peculiar, rainbow-like luminescence gradually fading.

He remained cross-legged, his expression vacant. Should an outsider have approached, they would have noticed pinpricks of strange light flickering deep within the pupils of both his eyes—these ephemeral glints resembled tiny symbols, constantly dancing in the depths of his gaze.

... Xia Xinyan, Chi Xiao, and Zuo Xu walked together into the rear courtyard of the Shi family residence.

All three froze simultaneously, staring astonished at a stone tower five hundred meters away, surprise flickering across their faces at the same moment. “There,” Xia Xinyan breathed softly, her eyes beyond the veil filled with shock, “a peculiar energy is radiating.

This energy feels… profoundly ancient, as if originating from the primordial past.” “An ancient power like that, it really shouldn't be present here.” Chi Xiao’s expression was equally strange; he stared fixedly at the stone tower, muttering, “I don’t know why, but that power made the Martial Soul within my body tremble slightly. Strange, truly strange.

What power could possibly resonate with a Martial Soul?” Xia Xinyan shook her head, pondered for a moment, then inquired, “Patriarch Zuo, is that stone tower Shi Jian’s residence? It seems I truly underestimated him; this person is somewhat beyond my expectations…” “No, it is not!” Zuo Xu repeatedly shook his head, his tone odd.

“That stone tower houses Shi Jian’s grandson, Shi Yan. That boy Shi Yan enjoys studying ancient texts and relics; he is a… rather peculiar young fellow.” “Shi Yan…” Xia Xinyan silently repeated the name in her mind, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She nodded. “Perhaps we should proceed to meet Patriarch Shi instead.” “Indeed.” ...

In the secret chamber, Shi Jian and Shi Tie, the two brothers who were debating how to counter the Mo family, both suddenly sensed the disturbance emanating from within the compound. Shi Jian’s expression shifted slightly, and he exclaimed in alarm, “That strange disturbance seems to be coming from that boy Shi Yan’s stone tower!” The activity within Shi Yan’s tower was faintly perceptible even to masters who had reached a certain level of cultivation.

Following the startled cry, Shi Jian hastily pushed open the stone door of the chamber and strode out. Shi Tie quickly followed suit.

The two emerged from the secret room and charged directly toward Shi Yan’s tower. However, before they reached it, they encountered Zuo Xu, Chi Xiao, and Xia Xinyan.

Shi Jian stopped abruptly, his expression tinged with strangeness. He called out from a distance, “Brother Zuo, why the early visit?” He recognized Xia Xinyan instantly and felt a prickle of unease.

Like Zuo Xu, he harbored a touch of guilt, thinking she had come to demand an explanation. “Elder Brother, let’s find a secluded spot to discuss matters properly.” Zuo Xu first offered a wry smile, then pointed toward Xia Xinyan and introduced her: “This is Miss Xia Xinyan, the true power behind the Misty Pavilion.

She has business to discuss with you.” Shi Jian paused, hesitated for a moment, abandoned his intention to check on Shi Yan’s tower, and nodded. “Follow me.” Before long, Shi Jian and Shi Tie led Xia Xinyan and her companions to the Rock Citadel Hall.

Once seated in the hall, Zuo Xu cleared his throat and explained Xia Xinyan’s purpose. “Cooperation?” Shi Jian inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

After considering it, he smiled and nodded. “That would be ideal.

The treasure map can only reveal the location of the Heavenly Gate when it is complete. My Shi family never intended to monopolize it.

Miss Xia, putting past grievances aside, you are truly a person capable of great deeds.” “Mm.” Xia Xinyan was direct. She took out her half of the tattered map and placed it on the stone floor before them.

“Patriarch Shi, you may present your portion.” Shi Jian glanced at Zuo Xu. Seeing Zuo Xu nod gently, he took out the other half of the fragmented map and laid it down as well, attempting to fit the two pieces together.

A strange yellow light suddenly erupted from where the two fragments met. This light seemed to possess a peculiar adhesiveness, perfectly fusing the two pieces into a single map, leaving no seam visible.

A brilliant yellow radiance then shone forth from the completed treasure map. On the dark yellow chart, the drawn lines seemed to writhe and shift as if alive, twisting like earthworms.

The original markings on the map gradually underwent a profound transformation. The map shifted from blurriness to clarity, and in a short while, a vivid, lifelike valley materialized upon it.

Strange Yin energy swirled within the valley, and outside it lay vast expanses of shimmering green swamp, where even the bubbles rising from the mire were clearly discernible. Shi Jian, Shi Tie, Zuo Xu, and Chi Xiao all looked on with expressions of astonishment and wonder.

Only Xia Xinyan remained composed. She said calmly, “Gentlemen, I am unfamiliar with this locale.

Although this map is incredibly clear, I cannot recognize where this is. Do any of you?” “The Dead Still Swamp, the Valley of Absolute Yin!” Chi Xiao’s expression fluctuated, but after a moment, he stated firmly, “It cannot be wrong!

It is absolutely the Valley of Absolute Yin! It was always the most mysterious place within the Dead Still Swamp, saturated with profound Yin energy and giving birth to many rare Yin-attribute treasures.” “It is good that you recognize it,” Xia Xinyan nodded.

“In that case, we can begin preparations to venture to the Valley of Absolute Yin. There is no time to waste.

I will make arrangements with the Misty Pavilion, and we will depart soon.” “The Valley of Absolute Yin is the lair of the Nine-Headed Celestial Serpent, is it not?” Zuo Xu took a deep breath and asked Chi Xiao beside him. Shi Jian’s expression changed.

Chi Xiao nodded slowly. “Yes, the Nine-Headed Celestial Serpent resides in the Valley of Absolute Yin.

This venture looks like it will not be smooth.” “The Nine-Headed Celestial Serpent?” Xia Xinyan remained unperturbed. “By the name, it sounds like a powerful demonic beast?” “A Level Seven Demonic Beast!” Chi Xiao replied.

Xia Xinyan’s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly. She nodded.

“It seems indeed a bit troublesome, but that is fine. A Level Seven Demonic Beast is equivalent only to a martial artist in the Heaven Rank.

With you and I joining forces, we should not fear it.” “The Nine-Headed Celestial Serpent is indeed a Level Seven Demonic Beast. However, it is one of the most formidable among them.

It has nine heads, each possessing intelligence and formidable offensive capabilities. I would rather face three ordinary Level Seven demonic beasts than contend with it.

Alas, I must return to the Cloud Mist Mountain Range first to retrieve several crucial Grand Artifacts, just in case of unforeseen disaster.” Chi Xiao sighed. “You keep the treasure map,” Xia Xinyan stated decisively, rising to her feet.

“We will meet at the entrance to the Dead Still Swamp in one month.” “I hope you will not be late. I do not have much time to spare.” With that, Xia Xinyan departed lightly.

“Elder Brother, what should we do?” Zuo Xu said with a wry smile. “Heavenfall City is in chaos right now, and your Shi family is at a critical juncture with the Mo family.

Can you spare the time?” “Difficult.” Shi Jian shook his head, pondered for a moment, then continued, “With Mr. Chi Xiao present, my presence might not be crucial.

I will arrange for other personnel. Hmm, that boy Shi Yan enjoys roaming; perhaps this is an opportunity to send him along with Mr.

Chi Xiao?” Shi Jian looked toward Chi Xiao. “Mm,” Chi Xiao nodded faintly.

“I also cannot leave Heavenfall City for the moment, otherwise Bei Ming Shang will certainly become suspicious. How about this: I will send Little Shi over, accompanied by two family retainers for support.

This matter requires discretion more than numbers,” Zuo Xu mused, agreeing with Shi Jian’s decision. “Patriarch Shi, I need to return to the Cloud Mist Mountain Range first.

I will arrive at the Dead Still Swamp punctually in one month. Your people do not need to follow me; let them accompany Zuo Shi to the swamp.

I travel faster alone.” Chi Xiao stated. “Very well.

I will have Han Feng shadow that scoundrel Shi Yan, and they will depart the city quietly with Zuo Shi. A month’s time—yes, that should be manageable.” Shi Jian nodded, taking the treasure map back and handing it to Chi Xiao.

He pleaded earnestly, “Mr. Chi Xiao, I trouble you to keep a close eye on Shi Yan; I do not wish for him to come to harm.” “Rest assured,” Chi Xiao replied without hesitation, naturally taking the map.

... Third floor of the Stone Tower.

The blood-patterned ring on Shi Yan’s left ring finger had long since returned to normal, yet he remained seated, his expression vacant, strange pinpricks of light still flickering in his eyes. An unknown amount of time passed.

Shi Yan’s features gradually regained clarity, his eyes slowly brightening. He lowered his head, furrowed his brow, and muttered under his breath, “The Life-Death Seal of the War Demon Inheritance!

A martial skill that utilizes the Martial Soul—miraculous!” ... : You all have been fantastic!

We surged back onto the weekly recommendation list! No need to say more—another three chapters incoming!

Not counting the one at midnight, this is the first update!! Can you all possibly be even more enthusiastic?

M