Shi Yan’s face flooded with pleasant surprise. With a mere thought, he tried to channel his entire essence into the Blood-Patterned Ring again, only to discover immediately that a new barrier had formed within it.

He paused, realization dawning that the Blood-Patterned Ring was undeniably a rare treasure, fortified with layers upon layers of defenses, behind each of which seemed to lie a new realm.

The first time he had forced his way in, he obtained the cultivation method for "Berserk"; this time, he had gained the "Seal of Life and Death." The Blood-Patterned Ring felt like a patient, guiding mentor, setting up a formidable obstacle at each crucial stage, revealing its secrets only upon conquest.

The cryptic ancient verses of the Seal of Life and Death were now etched clearly in the deepest recesses of his memory. Just like the "Berserk" martial skill, the moment his mind stirred, he could recall and meticulously study those ancient characters.

Shi Yan could not fully grasp the entirety of the Seal of Life and Death scripture right away. Yet, from his momentary insights, he sensed this technique was a miraculous martial art capable of harnessing a mysterious Martial Soul!

By utilizing the circulation methods of the Seal of Life and Death, he could mobilize the negative energy residing in all his acupuncture points, channeling this dark force through specific pathways into his left arm to forge the "Death Seal," an embodiment of potent negative attributes.

Conversely, the Seal of Life and Death also provided a secret art to activate his vital essence, surging it into his right hand to generate the counterpart—the wondrous "Life Seal."

The "Death Seal" in the left hand and the "Life Seal" in the right. When these two imprints were fused during combat, they could truly manifest the complete Seal of Life and Death.

The power of the Seal of Life and Death was contingent upon the internal reserves of negative energy and vital essence; at its maximum, it could manifest forty-nine distinct seals—seven times seven.

Seven seals constituted the first Heavenly Layer. As his cultivation realm and Martial Soul advanced, the number of seals manifested by the Seal of Life and Death would progressively increase.

With every breakthrough to a new Heavenly Layer, the number of seals would double, and their physical size would correspondingly double as well.

According to the ancient scripture accompanying the Seal of Life and Death, reaching the Seventh Heavenly Layer would allow him to instantly conjure forty-nine seals, each imbued with destructive power capable of splitting mountains.

To unleash all forty-nine seals simultaneously would be enough to instantly shatter a ten-thousand-foot peak; nothing could withstand such might!

However, the ancient lore detailing the cultivation of the Seal of Life and Death was remarkably obscure and difficult to penetrate; it was not something one could master instantly.

Until he had thoroughly comprehended the profound mysteries of the Seal of Life and Death, Shi Yan dared not proceed with its training rashly. Having experienced the cultivation of "Berserk," he treated any mysterious skill emanating from the Blood-Patterned Ring with the utmost caution.

After a moment of deep thought, he resolved to dedicate any spare time in the coming period to deciphering the ancient verses of the Seal of Life and Death residing in his mind.

Slowly rising, Shi Yan frowned and walked to the window, gazing out toward the population lake of the Shi Family in the distance.

A gracefully captivating figure suddenly appeared within his line of sight.

A sharp light flashed in Shi Yan’s eyes, and a hint of surprise crossed his face as he murmured quietly, "Why would she come to the Shi Family?"

By the distant lake, Xia Xinyan, her face veiled but her figure perfectly contoured, was personally escorted by Han Feng as they headed toward the Shi Family’s discreet rear entrance.

Shi Yan was deeply impressed by this mysterious woman, Xia Xinyan. Even from a distance, he recognized her instantly, a wave of quiet astonishment washing over him.

Under Han Feng’s guidance, Xia Xinyan quickly slipped into the courtyard behind the lake and vanished through the hidden back gate.

Not long after, Chi Xiao and Zuo Xu also quietly emerged and departed, using the Shi Family’s concealed rear entrance.

After another stretch of time, Shi Jian finally emerged from the Majestic Rock Hall. He merely glanced toward this tower complex before pacing over.

Shi Yan’s senses sharpened. He quietly closed the window and settled down on the third floor of the stone tower, adopting the posture of diligent, focused cultivation.

"Boy, what was that incident just now?" Shi Jian appeared on the third floor of Shi Yan’s tower shortly after, glaring directly at him as he entered.

"What incident?" Shi Yan opened his eyes, his expression feigning complete confusion.

"Half an hour ago, a strange ripple emanated from your location. Did you cause that fluctuation? You better be clear with me, kid."

"I’m not sure. I’ve been cultivating continuously. You know I just reached the Human Rank, and I’m familiarizing myself with the rules governing the circulation of Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi. Perhaps I inadvertently aligned with the rules of the world, causing a resonance in the Yuan Qi," Shi Yan replied with a smile, spinning a plausible tale.

Shi Jian frowned, staring at him for a long moment before letting out a cold snort. "You carry plenty of secrets, boy. Hmph, I won't bother prying into your affairs! Just don't mess around and harm yourself."

As the family head, Shi Jian could tell his words were disingenuous, but he chose not to investigate every detail. Seeing that Shi Yan was unharmed was enough, so he let the nonsense slide.

After a moment of contemplation, Shi Jian recounted to him what Xia Xinyan, Zuo Xu, and Chi Xiao had come to discuss. He concluded, "For this trip, I intend for you to go with Han Feng and Ku Long. This time, it's only to scout the location of the 'Heaven's Gate' and clarify the situation there. You are only to accompany them to gain experience. Remember, absolutely no risks! Leave everything to Chi Xiao and that girl named Xia. Both of them possess the strength of the Heavenly Rank; even if they can't subdue the Nine Heavens Serpent, ensuring your safety shouldn't be an issue."

Shi Yan was taken aback. He hadn't expected Xia Xinyan to be so magnanimous. Not only did she fail to blame Chi Xiao for the sneak attack, but she also executed a diversionary tactic against the Mo Family, and now, putting past grievances aside, she extended an olive branch to them.

This woman is formidable!

Shi Yan’s eyes darted, astonishment churning beneath the surface. He frowned in thought, then replied, "Rest assured, I value my own small life greatly and have no desire to toss it away carelessly. This exploration of 'Heaven's Gate' is just to make up the numbers; I won't throw myself into danger."

"Good. Prepare yourself. Tonight, at the third watch, you, Han Feng, and Ku Long will depart quietly. Meet Zuo Shi at the north gate of Tianyun City. Remember, extreme caution! While 'Heaven's Gate' is important, you are far more crucial to the Shi Family. You must return to me safely!"

"Understood."

...

The Bei Ming Family.

Bei Ming Shang sat cross-legged on the seventh floor of the Cold Ice Pavilion, emanating waves of chilling energy. Frost even coated his body; at a glance, Bei Ming Shang resembled a human-shaped ice sculpture, an utterly eerie sight.

Bei Ming Ce, Yin Kui, and Jiu Shan stood on the same level, their expressions solemn.

Furthermore, Bei Ming Ce’s father, Bei Ming Qie, was also present.

Bei Ming Qie possessed the cultivation of the Third Heavenly Layer of Status and had always been responsible for the Bei Ming Family's affairs outside Tianyun City. Upon learning of the recent chaos in the city, he had rushed back overnight from Beiluo City.

After his battle with Xia Xinyan, Bei Ming Shang had immediately entered the Cold Ice Pavilion and had not emerged since.

The Bei Ming experts, worried about Bei Ming Shang’s condition, maintained a vigilant watch over the pavilion day and night, fearing any accident at this critical juncture.

After an unknown amount of time, the frost covering Bei Ming Shang’s body gradually receded back into him.

"Father!"

"Grandfather!"

Bei Ming Qie and Bei Ming Ce called out softly.

Bei Ming Shang slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a faint plume of white frost. "That girl’s Martial Soul is bizarre. Despite possessing only the cultivation of the Third Layer of the Hundred Tribulations, she could borrow the power of a past life to instantly reach the Heavenly Rank. The Endless Sea truly lives up to its name as the sacred ground for countless warriors; only a place like that could produce such a terrifying Martial Soul."

"Father, are you alright?" Bei Ming Qie asked with concern.

Bei Ming Shang shook his head. "Did you find that girl?"

"She vanished mysteriously last night. We searched all night but found no trace of her."

Bei Ming Qie sounded slightly nervous, hesitating before adding, "However, early this morning, she returned to the Ethereal Cloud Pavilion. Our informant there said she stayed for a while and then left alone, but we don’t know where she went."

"Her injuries last night were slightly worse than mine. Missing her last night means we missed the optimal window," Bei Ming Shang sighed. "Her daring to show up early today suggests her recovery is nearly complete. We no longer have a chance to act. Issue an order: cease any actions against the Ethereal Cloud Pavilion."

"Understood." Bei Ming Qie nodded, a hint of regret in his voice. "Tianyun City is crawling with our informants. I wonder where she hid last night. If we had found her then, we could have killed her directly."

"If we missed it, we missed it. Not everything can go smoothly." Bei Ming Shang was philosophical. After a moment of thought, he commanded, "Keep a tight watch on the four city gates! Release all the Cloud Eagles raised by the family. If there is any news regarding key figures from the Four Great Families entering or leaving the city, send it to me immediately!"

"Father, you mean—"

"Ding Yan is definitely dead! Someone must have obtained that half of the fragmented map, otherwise, no one would be so impatient to attack the Ethereal Cloud Pavilion for the other half."

Bei Ming Shang snorted coldly. "The Mo Family suffered such a crushing defeat this time. If they had a Heavenly Rank expert backing them, given Mo Tuo’s personality, he would never let this go! We just wait two days. If the Mo Family makes no significant move after two days, we can rule them out."

"Then who could it be?"

"Whichever family breaks first and leaves the city first, that’s the one."

Bei Ming Shang’s face darkened. "That girl from the Ethereal Cloud Pavilion left early this morning, meaning she must have learned something—perhaps the two treasure maps have already been assembled. Keep an eye on the Ethereal Cloud Pavilion as well. For now, disregard the feud between the Mo and Shi families. Deploy all informants. Within three days, if any direct descendant of the Four Great Families leaves the city, I must receive the news instantly!"

"Understood!"

...

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