Chapter 2716: Gathering at Xuanguang City

Ten years passed quickly, as spring turned to autumn.

Qinglian Island, Qinglian Peak.

Wang Moshan stood in mid-air, looking anxious. The Xuanling Cave Abode was about to open, and he needed to inform Wang Changsheng.

A short while later, a gentle male voice rang out: "The Xuanling Cave Abode! It's remarkable that our Wang family can send people in. You've done well; come inside to talk."

Wang Changsheng emerged from the pavilion, smiling. He had spent these years refining artifacts, and he hadn't expected his clansmen to acquire five keys and secure entry slots.

Wang Moshan flew down, landing in front of Wang Changsheng, and reported the situation.

"Call them over; I have something to tell them," Wang Changsheng instructed.

Wang Moshan acknowledged, took out a communication disk, cast a spell, and said, "Yuanjiang, come to Qinglian Peak immediately. The Ancestor wants to see you."

"Yes, Patriarch."

A short while later, Wang Chuanming and the other four appeared before Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng recounted his experiences in the Xuanling Cave Abode, omitting any mention of the Profound Heaven artifacts.

"I remember there's a map I drew in the family treasury; you should take it for treasure hunting. It might be useful," Wang Changsheng advised.

"Ancestor, we have already consulted the map you drew," Wang Yuanjiang replied honestly.

"Go back and rest well. You'll depart tomorrow. Chuanming, stay behind," Wang Changsheng commanded.

Everyone except Wang Chuanming withdrew.

Wang Chuanming looked nervous, keeping his head down.

"Nine-Light Divine Mud is indeed rare, but this kind of incident must not happen again. I don't want a second time. You know the saying, 'He who often walks by the river cannot keep his shoes dry.' Do you understand?" Wang Changsheng said with a stern face. "If you kick an iron plate, you'll be in big trouble."

The Fu family, driven by greed for treasures, killed Wang Yongyue and four others. When the truth came out, their clan was annihilated. Although it was called annihilation, many Fu clan members survived, scattered in various places.

"Your grandson understands and will respectfully follow Ancestor's teachings," Wang Chuanming nodded obediently.

Wang Changsheng took out a shimmering horn from his sleeve, which was the Soul-Suppressing Horn.

"I'm lending you this treasure for now. It can temporarily strip enemies of their spiritual power. Combined with the Divine Roar, it's definitely a powerful weapon. I hope you return safely." Wang Changsheng handed the Soul-Suppressing Horn to Wang Chuanming, erasing his own mark from it in front of him.

If Wang Chuanming and the other four weren't entering the Xuanling Cave Abode, Wang Changsheng wouldn't have lent him this treasure. With this treasure, the survival rate of Wang Chuanming and the others would be higher. The reason for giving it to Wang Chuanming was primarily his good performance in eliminating the Fu family. He took responsibility for problems, and everyone shared in the merits. Wang Chuanming acted ruthlessly, possessing both courage and strategy, though he could be a bit extreme at times.

Wang Changsheng had already advanced to the Integration Stage. As long as Wang Chuanming didn't provoke overly powerful enemies, there would be no issue.

"Thank you, Ancestor, for bestowing this treasure!" Wang Chuanming's expression was excited as he received the Soul-Suppressing Horn with both hands.

"This treasure has been with me for many years. I am lending it to you to increase your survival rate. Do not rely on it to go on a killing spree in the Xuanling Cave Abode. Remember, there's always a higher mountain beyond the mountain, and someone stronger beyond any person," Wang Changsheng advised earnestly.

Wang Chuanming repeatedly affirmed and agreed.

"Alright, you may go back! The family will always be your backing, but don't cause major trouble for the family." Wang Changsheng lightly patted Wang Chuanming's shoulder and dismissed him.

Wang Chuanming returned to his residence and saw Xin Yuyuan standing at the door, looking around.

"Why are you back alone? Where's Chuanyun?" Wang Chuanming asked curiously.

"My husband had something he couldn't leave, so he asked me to bring back this Soul Annihilation Needle. He hopes Brother Chuanming won't need to use it." Xin Yuyuan took out a cyan jade box and handed it to Wang Chuanming.

Upon learning that Wang Chuanming had been selected to enter the Xuanling Cave Abode to seek treasures, Wang Chuanyun had searched everywhere for valuable items. The Soul Annihilation Needle was similar in principle to the Soul Annihilation Arrow, specializing in damaging divine souls. Both were single-use items, but the needle's power was significantly less, though it was still considered a potent weapon.

"A Soul Annihilation Needle!" Wang Chuanming opened the jade box, revealing a jet-black flying needle that emitted a strong wave of soul power.

"Chuanyun is thoughtful." Wang Chuanming nodded.

"Our strength isn't great, so we can't be of major help, but collecting materials is no problem," Xin Yuyuan said with a smile.

"I understand. Go back and get busy then! I still have things to attend to." Wang Chuanming needed to refine the Soul-Suppressing Horn and had no time for small talk.

Xin Yuyuan nodded and departed as a streak of light.

Early the next morning, just as dawn broke, Wang Chuanming and the other four arrived at Qinglian Peak. Wang Moshan, Wang Yimiao, and over ten other clansmen had already arrived.

Without further ado, Wang Changsheng summoned the Azure Luan Boat and stepped onto it. Wang Chuanming and the others quickly followed.

"Let's go!" With a soft command from Wang Changsheng, the Azure Luan Boat instantly glowed with dazzling cyan light and soared into the sky, quickly disappearing into the horizon.

Xuangang City, one of the human race's border cities against foreign tribes.

In the Xuanguang Hall, True Monarch Jinding was speaking with Li Yuqing.

"Immortal Li, you've arrived quite early. I thought you would be a bit later," True Monarch Jinding said with a smile.

"The journey is long, so we set off early. By the way, Fellow Daoist Jin, have the Fiery Race and the Yaksha Race shown any unusual movements recently?" Li Yuqing asked. Whenever the Xuanling Cave Abode opened, the Fiery Race and the Yaksha Race would also send people in, having acquired some keys themselves.

"There have been no unusual movements. Perhaps the Xuanling Cave Abode hasn't opened yet. When it does, they will appear near Xuanguang City," True Monarch Jinding explained.

"It would be best if they didn't show up. The Xuanling Cave Abode was left to our human race by Celestial Venerable Xuanling. If the Fiery Race and Yaksha Race dare to send people in, we'll kill every single one we encounter," a somewhat hoarse male voice rang out.

As soon as the voice faded, a tall, red-robed elder strode in. The elder had a long beard, and his eyes commanded respect without showing anger.

Nangong Hong, at the Mid-Integration Stage, hailed from the Nine Flames Sect.

"Fellow Daoist Nangong, why are you leading the team this time? Long time no see," True Monarch Jinding greeted with a smile.

"Long time no see. I just returned from my travels not long ago when the sect master assigned me this task," Nangong Hong explained. His gaze swept around, and he asked, "Haven't the others arrived yet?" He turned his head to look outside and said, "They're here."

Less than half a quarter of an hour later, three streaks of light flew in: Lin Youxin, Song Yunlong, and Wang Changsheng.

This time, Zhenhai Palace dispatched sixty cultivators at the Nascent Soul Stage. The Wang family had five slots, and the Song family also had five. However, the Song family only possessed three keys, so they could only send three Nascent Soul cultivators. Zhenhai Palace itself sent fifty-two Nascent Soul cultivators.

"Immortal Lin, you're leading the team this time." True Monarch Jinding nodded with a faint smile, his gaze falling upon Wang Changsheng.

Over six thousand years ago, Wang Changsheng was merely at the Nascent Soul Stage. Now, more than six millennia later, he had already advanced to the Integration Stage. This cultivation speed was faster than even those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots, though still slightly behind spiritual physiques.