Chapter 242 - 165: Divine Essence
Chapter 242: Chapter 165: Divine Essence
Lu Yuan and his group traveled toward the Divine Eagle Plain, finally reaching the ruins within five days.
For a place in Great Qin, this was definitely one of the more scenic spots.
It was the height of summer, and a lush, emerald-green grassland stretched as far as the eye could see, with all sorts of wild beasts darting past from time to time.
The ruins were located in the middle of this grassland, appearing as a massive, sunken pit.
A faint barrier of light enveloped the outside—a restrictive seal, most likely.
One could clearly see a mansion inside. It wasn’t very large, but it was rather luxurious. It had been buried underground until a recent downpour caused the ground to collapse, revealing the ruins.
Just then, Xiao Xiong approached. Seeing Lu Yuan, he cupped his fist and said, "Prince Qin."
"General, do you have any idea how much longer until the ruins open?" Lu Yuan asked, eyeing the crowd gathered in the distance. They were all experts who had rushed here from various factions, and he even spotted the Crown Prince of Dayong among them.
The Crown Prince was now in the Divine Power Realm and clearly eager for a chance at the ruins. After all, they contained not only Cultivation Techniques but also Elixirs.
According to the rules, each dynasty was allowed to send ten people inside.
On his way here, Lu Yuan had received an invitation from the Crown Prince of Dayong, but he had declined, using his secluded cultivation as an excuse.
"It should open completely today. But many have come, including a great number of experts at the Divine Power Realm. Some are even reclusive, ruthless figures we’ve never seen before," Xiao Xiong reminded him in a low voice.
He was obviously worried.
After all, from the looks of it, Lu Yuan’s strength seemed a bit weak.
"Rest assured, I know what I’m doing," Lu Yuan said calmly.
Hearing this, Xiao Xiong didn’t press the issue.
After all, given how far Lu Yuan had come, Xiao Xiong didn’t believe he was a reckless man.
However, after a moment of contemplation, he asked, "Is the Crown Princess entering the ruins as well?"
Although Xiao Hua wanted to go, she waved her hand. "I won’t be going in. I’ll be fine watching from out here."
’After all, each dynasty only has ten spots.’
’If I go, not only will I take up a spot, I’ll also drag down the team’s overall strength.’
’Normally, it wouldn’t be an issue; the others would be more than capable of protecting the Crown Princess. But now that Lu Yuan was going...’
She was worried he might get into trouble trying to look after her, so she had decisively chosen to stay behind.
Xiao Xiong nodded at Xiao Hua’s words.
He accompanied Lu Yuan toward the edge of the ruins, and his arrival drew many gazes.
This time, every dynasty had sent powerful experts. They weren’t here to enter the ruins themselves, but rather to watch over those who were.
After all, the participants were all high-ranking members of their respective dynasties, like the Crown Prince of Dayong.
If something were to happen to him inside the ruins, that would be one thing, but if he were assassinated outside...
That would cause a major incident.
Therefore, the one sent to accompany him was Dayong’s Old Grand Commandant, Chang Dao.
At that moment, he was staring at Lu Yuan, as if trying to see right through the young man.
’Once a child of Dayong, and now a Prince of Great Qin.’
He was well aware of the petty schemes and sordid affairs among the court’s nobility.
Now, seeing Lu Yuan’s imposing presence and the powerful aura surrounding him, a flicker of regret appeared in his eyes.
Then, his gaze swept over to the Crown Prince beside him.
He found that the Crown Prince was also staring at Lu Yuan, but his eyes held a glint of killing intent.
Chang Dao couldn’t help but shake his head.
’It seems this trip into the ruins won’t be a peaceful one.’
Aside from Dayong, the crown prince of the Eastern Barbarians was also present. He was the eldest son of the Cyan Emperor, and his cultivation was also at the Divine Power Realm.
He had a powerful build and a resolute face.
However, Lu Yuan could clearly sense a bestial aura about him.
Among the experts from Xirong, Lu Yuan was surprised to see Ling Ku. Although Ling Ku himself hadn’t reached the Divine Power Realm, the people around him all had, and they subtly seemed to treat him as their leader.
’Clearly, his status in Xirong is very high.’
Upon seeing Lu Yuan, Ling Ku winked and grinned.
He wanted to greet him, but held back due to their official capacities.
Great Yu had sent a prince. He had an arrogant demeanor, but his cultivation was undeniably strong, enough to be ranked among the top tier of the Divine Power Realm.
Aside from the experts from these dynasties, Lu Yuan also sized up the Loose Cultivators. Their strength was nothing to scoff at, and they were a bizarre and motley crew.
There was one expert completely shrouded in black mist.
Another was wrapped in an animal hide, his hair a mess; he was probably from the Eastern Barbarians.
But the very fact that they dared to come here meant they all had real power.
Standing to the side, Xiao Hua could also seem to sense how powerful these people were. She whispered to Lu Yuan, "Yuan, you must be careful inside the ruins.
Don’t take unnecessary risks."
"Mm, I know," Lu Yuan said with a smile.
He patted Xiao Hua’s shoulder reassuringly.
"Cough, cough... Princess, rest assured. As long as we are here, we will not allow anything to happen to Prince Qin," said a pale-faced disciple from the imperial clan. His breathing was labored, as if he were suffering from consumption.
He sounded extremely weak whenever he spoke, his words punctuated by incessant coughing.
But from what he’d learned on their journey, Lu Yuan knew this man was actually very powerful.
In addition to his Divine Techniques, he had also mastered a Secret Technique: an enraged roar that could shake a person’s very soul. An opponent of the same realm could even have their Three Souls and Seven Spirits stunned for a brief period.
A battle between experts is often decided in an instant.
If one’s Three Souls and Seven Spirits were frozen, the outcome was easy to imagine.
However, the price for this Secret Technique was his perpetually sickly, ghost-like appearance.
It was just like that expert from the Beiyou Royal Mansion who could use the Earth Escape technique; despite his considerable power, his body would never grow any taller.