Chapter 134: The Primordial Daoist Sanctuary

Jiang Min recalled her visit to the Ten-Thousand Sword Sect several years ago.

She had entered the ancient battlefield through a barrier within the Sword-Hidden Valley of the Ten-Thousand Sword Sect. Once inside, however, their group traveled from the Sword-Enlightenment Cliff to the Ancient Path of Sword Intent via an ancient teleportation array.

Jiang Min remembered it well.

The stone platform housing that ancient teleportation array was almost identical to the one before her, and the formation markings were largely the same, save for the fact that this platform featured nine additional stone pillars engraved with formation patterns.

"My master once said that the Ten-Thousand Sword Sect’s ancient battlefield was actually the ruins of the ancient Ziyin Sword Sect. He said that the ancient sword-refining techniques I seek could be found among the fragments of those ruins."

"My experience is limited, so I cannot be certain if all ancient teleportation arrays look like this, or if only those of the Ziyin Sword Sect were constructed in this manner. But, it is highly likely that the sword dao inheritance I am searching for lies within!"

A dark glint flickered in Jiang Min’s eyes as she recalled the specific instructions True Lord Guanqi had sent her via message just moments ago.

"I have always felt that Master knows something, or perhaps he has guessed something..."

"Enough. I will not dwell on it. Once I am inside, all will be revealed."

Jiang Min pulled her thoughts back to the present.

She heard Old Man Guishan conclude his pleasantries: "There are three days left before the teleportation array can be activated. We shall wait here."

He turned to Jiang Min and the other two, instructing, "While there is still time, familiarize yourselves with one another."

With that, he pinched his fingers to form a seal, casting a sound-dampening spiritual barrier around the three of them. It was clear he did not want the other two Nascent Soul cultivators or their respective Foundation Establishment disciples to overhear their conversation.

Standing within the sound-dampening barrier, the three of them bowed silently to Old Man Guishan. Then, the gentle and handsome-looking Yao Sheng took the initiative to communicate via spiritual voice transmission to Jiang Min and Dong Kaiyuan, addressing Jiang Min first:

"Fellow Daoist Ming, I presume you are not yet familiar with Brother Dong and me. To ensure better cooperation, I shall introduce myself first."

"I am a dual-element Water and Wood cultivator, skilled in talisman arts and formations. I can use talismans to fend off enemies and restrain others, and should we encounter complex formations, I can attempt to dismantle them."

Having said this, he looked at Dong Kaiyuan and added with a smile, "Brother Dong, why don't you share as well?"

Dong Kaiyuan nodded, his expression serious as he transmitted his introduction to Jiang Min: "I possess Wood, Fire, and Earth spiritual roots. I am proficient in various spells and skilled with hidden weapons. There is nothing else of note. What about you, Fellow Daoist Ming?"

Seeing that it was her turn, Jiang Min had already prepared her response. She transmitted to them: "I am a sword cultivator, as I believe you both already know. If the need arises, I will do my utmost."

She did not say much more; it was impossible for these two cultivators from the City of Villains not to know of her performance during the Villain’s Trials.

As expected, Yao Sheng did not press further. He smiled kindly and said, "Brother Dong and I have already heard of your prowess during the Villain’s Trials, Fellow Daoist Ming, and we are full of admiration. Once the three of us enter the ancient grotto-heaven, no matter what perils we encounter, Brother Dong and I will handle them. All you need to do, Fellow Daoist Ming, is to hold off... the other six."

Yao Sheng said the last few words with profound meaning.

Of course, it was not just about holding them off.

Since they were competing for opportunities, once they crossed paths, it would be a matter of life and death. Even if these three Nascent Soul cultivators appeared harmonious at this moment, no one knew what might happen once they were inside the secret realm.

However, Jiang Min seized upon a phrase in Yao Sheng's words and asked with genuine confusion, "Fellow Daoist Yao, what kind of perils might we encounter inside this ancient grotto-heaven?"

Seeing that Jiang Min’s confusion did not seem feigned—which suggested she had rarely visited ancient ruins—Yao Sheng patiently explained, "Fellow Daoist Ming, you may not be aware, but these ancient grotto-heaven secret realms are not all peaceful blessed lands. Many have evolved into dangerous places over ten thousand years of time. Anything can happen. However, Brother Dong and I have made ample preparations. As long as you stay with us, Fellow Daoist Ming, you will certainly be safe and sound."

Jiang Min asked pointedly, "Will we be separated when we teleport through this array?"

"Yes. Therefore, when stepping into the teleportation array, we must hold onto one another tightly so that we are not separated."

As Yao Sheng spoke, his expression grew more serious. He added, "If, by some accident, we are separated, you must reunite with us as soon as possible to avoid falling into danger. Brother Dong and I can handle the hazards within, and we can lead you to the teleportation array inside the grotto-heaven so we can leave together."

Jiang Min listened.

Internally, she sneered.

"Yao Sheng speaks with such grand, righteous words, yet they hold the means of survival, and they alone know the exit point of the secret realm. I am kept in the dark about everything. I must keep them alive to ensure I can leave this secret realm safely."

Jiang Min knew this was Old Man Guishan’s way of keeping her in check, ensuring she wouldn't pull any tricks that might ruin his plans.

It was infuriating, nonetheless.

She nodded to the two of them and transmitted, "Thank you for informing me, Fellow Daoist Yao. I understand."

With that said, there was nothing more to discuss. Jiang Min and the others spent their time resting, waiting for the moment the secret realm would open.

Three days later.

At the Gengchen hour.

The three Nascent Soul cultivators, who had been meditating with their eyes closed, opened them in unison and looked toward the stone platform. At that moment, the platform in the center of the cave began to stir. The nine stone pillars engraved with formation patterns gradually lit up, with wisps of spiritual energy flowing between them, looking incredibly strange.

Whoosh—

Whoosh—

The ancient teleportation array on the stone platform surged with flowing light, rippling with profound fluctuations that caused the air above the platform to distort.

"Enter!"

The three Nascent Soul cultivators spoke in unison.

Jiang Min and the other eight Foundation Establishment cultivators immediately rose and walked onto the stone platform. The other six Foundation Establishment cultivators split into two groups, holding hands. After Yao Sheng grabbed Dong Kaiyuan, he reached out a hand toward Jiang Min and said apologetically, "Pardon the intrusion."

Jiang Min was straightforward and generous; she took his hand. Once they were all ready, the three Nascent Soul cultivators simultaneously performed a spell, injecting three streams of immense spiritual power into the ancient teleportation array, triggering a howling gale that swept through the cave.

Hum!

A deep, low hum resonated. Under the injection of such vast spiritual power, the stone platform shook violently. The light of the ancient teleportation array flickered erratically. Around Jiang Min, the airflow became chaotic and wild, creating highly unstable spatial fluctuations. She frowned—this was different from what she had experienced in the Ten-Thousand Sword Sect’s ancient battlefield; this ancient teleportation array seemed unstable.

"Is it because the array is damaged that only Foundation Establishment cultivators can enter, and only in limited numbers?" Jiang Min speculated.

As the stone platform shook, the figures of Jiang Min and the others vanished into it.

Old Man Guishan watched them leave with a solemn expression. Afterward, his gaze fell upon the new cracks on the stone platform, a hint of darkness and worry flickering in his eyes.

...

Jiang Min had experienced teleportation several times before.

But this time, it was truly turbulent.

The surroundings were filled with chaotic, howling winds, making it impossible to see anything. Only the grip of Yao Sheng’s hand gave Jiang Min a slight sense of comfort; at least they had not been separated.

However, just then.

Her palm suddenly grew faintly warm. It was the place where the immortal statue was hidden; it seemed to be echoing with a distant aura, awakening the statue once more.

Whoosh!

A terrifying, immense, and heart-palpitating power descended from above Jiang Min's head, completely enveloping her and carrying her away. Yao Sheng, amidst the turbulent airflow, suddenly felt his hand go empty. His expression changed drastically, and he thought to himself, "Oh no!"

At the same time.

Jiang Min lost contact with Yao Sheng and Dong Kaiyuan, but as she focused on the movement in her palm, she had a vague guess and did not panic.

The scene around her shifted in a blur.

Her feet touched the ground.

A chilling, eerie aura immediately surged toward her from all directions.

Jiang Min looked closely. She had arrived in a strange world, standing upon a high platform covered in dust. Below the platform was an altar table thick with dust and scattered, disheveled prayer mats. It looked like an ancient Daoist arena.

Looking into the distance, she could only see gray, murky mist, tall ancient forests, and a dim, gloomy sky. The surroundings were filled with a bone-chilling, eerie atmosphere and the scent of decay; it was dead silent.

"Is this the ancient land?"

Although she could not see any danger, Jiang Min narrowed her eyes, her guard rising. She coiled the peach branch around her wrist, ready to activate the heart-protecting mirror at any moment.

She felt a sudden sense of awareness.

When she turned around, her heart skipped a beat.

Behind her, a massive statue nearly a hundred feet tall stood upon the high platform, covered in thick dust, making it impossible to discern its original appearance.

But the posture—holding the Seven Luminaries in its hand and carrying a sword case on its back—was so familiar.

It was exactly the same as the immortal statue hidden in her palm!