Chapter 357: The Chosen Land

The Qinling Mountains, broadly speaking, are an east-west mountain range spanning ancient central China, revered as the Dragon Vein of Chinese civilization. Its status is incredibly high; calling it a "Heaven-Chosen Land" would not be an exaggeration. The Qinling Mountains embody a living human history, and the regions they traverse once gave rise to the most brilliant sparks of civilization.

In a narrower sense, the Qinling Mountains refer to the mountainous area in southern Shaanxi, located between the Wei River and the Han River, bounded by the Ba River and Dan River valleys to the east, and extending west to the Jialing River.

Chu Feng arrived in the Qinling Mountains, within Shaanxi Province. Whether defined broadly or narrowly, this section is considered the most essential part of the Qinling Mountains.

The extraterrestrials are formidable. In the twenty-two years since their arrival on Earth, they have mastered countless documents and ancient texts. They have insight into ancient topographies, and have studied and become proficient in history. To some extent, they understand this planet better than many Earthlings. Moreover, even before their arrival, they had learned about this life-bearing planet from the notes of their predecessors in their own worlds, understanding its past and ancient affairs. This part of the truth might no longer exist on Earth. This is because civilization once suffered a major discontinuity, the entire planet withered, and its former brilliance long since vanished, leaving Earth in decline for countless ages.

Chu Feng arrived and met with representatives from the Pre-Qin Research Institute in the Qinling Mountains, enjoying a pleasant conversation. Qi Honglin, the head of the Pre-Qin Research Institute, now has jet-black hair, indicating his excellent condition and significantly increased strength compared to before. He and Chu Feng had interacted several times. The Jade Demon Fist stone that Chu Feng acquired was originally presented by Qi Honglin as an apology for his grandson, Qi Sheng.

"We'll be relying heavily on you, Brother Chu Feng, once we enter the mountains," Qi Honglin said.

Chu Feng nodded and smiled, "Elder Qi, you're too kind. I came here precisely to experience the legendary ancient Qinling region. Some call it a divine mountain, others a dragon vein, and I believe both descriptions are fitting. Since becoming a domain researcher, I've always wanted to set foot here. However, I know a single person's power is limited; after all, I am no longer an evolver. So, rather than saying I'm helping you all, it's more accurate to say I'm fulfilling a personal wish."

Qi Honglin's expression was complex. This young man once dominated the scene, suppressing major financial groups and nearly annihilating the Tonggu Alliance and the Extraterrestrial Civilization Institute. Now, with a change in identity, having lost his combat power and become a domain researcher, his natural demeanor was quite moving and regrettable. Naturally, some people reacted with surprise, recalling the once flamboyant and overwhelmingly powerful Chu Feng, now observing his gentle demeanor. In the eyes of some, he had clearly recognized the situation, now positioning himself as an assistant serving powerful evolvers. Many remained silent, but a spark of excitement flickered in the depths of their eyes.

For a period, Chu Feng had severely suppressed the major financial groups; people practically blanched at the mention of his name, trembling in his presence. Now, many could finally feel proud, as if some former glory had returned. Of course, they didn't openly show it, as all parties currently needed the cooperation of domain researchers and Chu Feng's assistance to open up the mountains.

Not far away, the toad squinted, looking first at Chu Feng, then at the others. It grumbled inwardly, "What a swindler, an evil domain researcher. He's up to no good, putting on such a humble act. He's probably plotting something." When it looked at the others, it sneered repeatedly. "Who's the weak one? These people probably can't tell who's a ravenous wolf and who's a sheep. Once the truth is revealed, many will likely cry their eyes out."

Qi Honglin smiled and said, "Don't worry, Brother Chu Feng. Once we enter the mountains, all of us will prioritize you and ensure your safety. Domain researchers are most valuable now; if I had to define your role, you're the intellectual laborer, and we're the muscle."

Whether sincere or not, at least his words made people feel comfortable. Chu Feng smiled and greeted some of the relevant high-ranking officials. He had been looking for extraterrestrials but hadn't found any; currently, he had mainly met people from the Pre-Qin Research Institute.

"Actually, several organizations are collaborating this time, and that senior has already entered the mountains," Qi Honglin said, informing Chu Feng that personnel from other financial groups were also arriving.

"Let's go, no more delays, we should set off too." Xu Mei, impatient from waiting, swayed her graceful figure. Among the scions of the financial groups, some showed eager anticipation in their eyes. Their elders had told them that if they could marry the children of the Descenders, their status would be incomparably elevated.

Deep within the mountains, the energy concentration was much higher than outside. The Qinling Mountains were lush and green, with exceptionally abundant vegetation. Peaks upon peaks stretched endlessly. The mountains teemed with life, and diverse birds and beasts. Along the way, they saw many unusual creatures, some of which had evolved into king-level beings. Looking back at ancient Chinese history, this place being called a "Dragon Vein" truly made sense.

As Chu Feng walked, observing the terrain, he showed surprise. There appeared to be numerous remnants of ancient domains deep within the Qinling Mountains, not entirely erased by the passage of time. And this was only the periphery. One could imagine how important this place must have been countless ages ago; the innermost depths were surely extraordinary!

The Qinling Mountains were vast now, filled with the cries of apes and roars of tigers, exhaling a primitive aura. Gigantic vines stretched across, astonishingly thick, like slumbering primeval dragons.

"Hmm, I feel as if some folded spaces are overlapping with reality. Look, some of those plants don't belong to Earth," Chu Feng remarked, pointing ahead. He saw a blue "sea" – hillsides covered in thorny bushes, entirely blue, as if carved from crystal. This was a species never seen before.

Qi Honglin nodded. "Yes, that's true. Fortunately, only plants can survive and appear on Earth. The giant beasts and strange species can't get out; they'd be incinerated the moment they take half a step across the boundary."

The Qinling Mountains had expanded. After more than half a day, they rendezvoused with another team. Chu Feng finally saw the extraterrestrial: an old man with white hair and beard, dressed in ancient attire, looking like someone who had stepped out of the distant past. His eyes were yellowish-brown with a faint golden luster, quite distinctive. Though he appeared very old, he was remarkably vigorous.

Qi Honglin had been right; there were indeed people from other financial groups. At that moment, the old man was conversing with the elderly woman from Heavenly God Biological who had been half-burnt. Both were smiling, appearing very familiar with each other. At the same time, Chu Feng saw Lin Luoyi; she had also come.

"It's been a while, and our little Mei is becoming more and more beautiful," the old man said, walking over with a smile, his light-golden eyes shimmering with radiant light.

"Hello, Grandpa Li!" Xu Mei laughed, approaching him and greeting him warmly.

Chu Feng's heart jolted, but he showed no outward reaction. He sensed that this old man was incredibly powerful, far surpassing Earth's indigenous inhabitants, and had likely broken the seventh shackle. This was an extremely dangerous individual! However, he also immediately concluded that the status of this so-called Elder Li was similar to that of the half-burnt old woman; he was not among the highest-ranking individuals. This was evident from both his equal conversation with the old woman and his polite greeting to Xu Mei. Clearly, Xu Mei's parents were the true Descenders, beings of higher strength and status.

"Let me guess, this must be Chu Feng, right? A formidable young man. To be able to comprehend domain symbols without a teacher, solely through self-study, is truly remarkable. And to achieve such significant mastery within just two or three months, calling him a genius is no exaggeration." Elder Li smiled, walked over to greet Chu Feng warmly, and introduced himself as Li Canghe. He patted Chu Feng's shoulder with great enthusiasm, saying, "Young man, we're relying entirely on you this time!"

Chu Feng felt a bit strange having such physical contact with an extraterrestrial, yet he maintained a natural, humble, and low-key expression, stating that he was still a newcomer in the field of domain research, still exploring everything, and felt unworthy of such praise.

"Grandpa Li, I'm so sad. Hanzhi, Xinghe, and Wucheng, all three of them died, burnt to ashes. It's horrible," Xu Mei said, her eyes red-rimmed.

Li Canghe sighed, "Don't cry, child. It's not the first time the descendants of the Descenders have died. Some have perished exploring famous mountains before. You must be careful in the future; the tomb of the Divine Khan cannot be explored yet!"

They set off again, heading deeper into the Qinling Mountains. Along the way, Li Canghe frankly told Chu Feng the detailed destination of their trip, explaining that they had discovered an ancient cave containing fragments of divine beast eggshells. However, those eggshells had already been consumed by ferocious beasts and vicious birds. Earlier, some people had reportedly heard the roars of primeval dragons in that area, while others claimed to have heard phoenix calls and seen young birds wreathed in flames scorching the sky.

"What?!" Chu Feng was greatly astonished. Are divine beasts and sacred beasts so common? He had caught a toad, and now similar young creatures were appearing in the Qinling Mountains?

Li Canghe sighed, "It is indeed incredible. Even in outer realms, on some extremely powerful ancient life planets, it's hard to find dragon eggs or phoenix eggs. After long ages, they've become mere legends, unless perhaps on the highest-ranked stars." This was undoubtedly of immense significance. Any divine beast or sacred beast possesses the strongest bloodline; once they mature, they become incredibly powerful. Just one could annihilate an extremely mighty planet.

As Li Canghe emphasized the terrifying nature of such bloodlines, the toad nearby cast a sidelong glance, wearing an arrogant expression. Many people nearby were speechless. "What's a toad doing acting so pompous here?" they wondered. When Chu Feng noticed its demeanor, he kicked it, sending it tumbling. He then stepped on it twice, leaving it bruised and swollen. The toad, with teary eyes, cursed loudly, "You uncultured fools, I am a sacred beast! Are you blind?" Of course, its cries were just croaks; it didn't dare speak human language, fearing Chu Feng would give it another beating.

Li Canghe continued, "Furthermore, it has been tentatively confirmed that the energy within that ancient cave is very dense, with auspicious qi rising. Someone managed to escape from there alive and reportedly heard chanting from the stone walls, like a grand, ancient, and profound scripture." His purpose in coming here was to ascertain if there were any sacred beast younglings and if there truly existed a supreme breathing technique. In such areas, personal strength alone is sometimes useless; one cannot enter because it requires specialized expertise. They needed someone like Chu Feng to accompany them. Therefore, upon learning that Chu Feng was with Xu Mei, he was delighted and immediately asked Xu Mei to bring Chu Feng over.

Li Canghe concealed nothing, telling Chu Feng that in Earth's extremely brilliant past, the Qinling Mountains were considered a divine pure land, a Heaven-Chosen Land! A Heaven-Chosen Land is a treasured place favored by the heavens themselves! In this region, there was more than one sacred site, and powerful dao lineages stood in abundance. It was incredibly prosperous, exceptionally glorious, with numerous inherited sects.

"Beneath the Qinling Mountains, there were ancient imperial dynasties, sacred sites, and immortal Daoist temples. Those lineages were once immensely powerful, but after their decline, they were engulfed by time, covered by mountains, and their ruins buried underground," Li Canghe lamented.

Chu Feng was surprised; this old man was very candid and direct, concealing nothing from him. Now that he knew of such a glorious place, he naturally wanted to investigate thoroughly. In the future, he would definitely explore the entire Qinling range! At this moment, some people looked at Chu Feng strangely. The Descenders valued him so highly that they spoke openly and concealed nothing. Only Lin Luoyi remained calm, showing little emotion on the journey. Chu Feng had greeted her, but there was a feeling of calm indifference between them, as if they had become somewhat estranged.

As they delved deeper, they met up with another group, and finally, all the personnel had assembled. Four financial groups were present: Tonggu Alliance, Pre-Qin Research Institute, Heavenly God Biological, and Extraterrestrial Civilization Institute. All had dispatched strong individuals, along with their respective younger generations to gain experience. Among them, the Tonggu Alliance and the Extraterrestrial Civilization Institute had nearly been destroyed by Chu Feng. Now meeting again, their gazes were complex, holding coldness, fear, and even schadenfreude.

Chu Feng realized that the extraterrestrials had an understanding with each other. At the very least, the Descenders from twenty-two years ago were currently cooperating, not acting as enemies. This was evident from Elder Li's harmonious interaction with the old woman, and the fact that several financial groups had joined forces to come to the Qinling Mountains, indicating connections among their respective backgrounds.

Among the group deep in the Qinling Mountains were some unique young people, some dressed in ancient attire, others in modern clothes. They all greeted Xu Mei warmly upon seeing her. Xu Mei was quite familiar with them, walking over to chat, as they shared good relations. Chu Feng knew that these young people, like Li Xinghe and Yu Hanzhi, were undoubtedly descendants of the Descenders.

At this point, some scions also stepped forward, smiling gently and politely engaging in conversation, hoping to foster closer ties. Even some of the haughty young women from the financial groups, normally arrogant and reserved, were now enthusiastic, conversing cheerfully with those unique young people.

Soon after, one exceptionally beautiful and stunning woman noticed Chu Feng. She smiled slightly and greeted him. Shortly after, a young woman approached Chu Feng and whispered in his ear, "Our Princess Lin wants to meet you and be your friend." With that, she pointed to the most striking woman among that special group. She was indeed excessively beautiful, possessing the grace of a fairy and the captivating allure of a succubus. Her enchanting smile towards Chu Feng instantly brightened the entire mountainous area.