Chapter 1093: Long-Held Wish, Advancement, Concealing Without Reporting (Part 4)
“The Chieftain said that the Celestial Yang Supreme Elder is unreachable and the Celestial Elder is in seclusion, so he dispatched the three of us here, instructing us to begin our research without alerting the other tribes.”
The nearby Third Elder was raring to go, smiling as he said:
“Old Five, all four of us are Array Masters. Even without the Celestial Yang Supreme Elder, it might just take a little more time. However, if we are the ones to open this Secret Realm Gate, the merit would be entirely different, wouldn’t it?”
The Second Elder also urged them to lead the way.
The Fifth Elder thought it over and agreed.
They are all Purple Mansion, with five hundred years of lifespan. A little time wouldn’t make much difference.
At once, he said:
“Brothers, please follow me.”
They all possess Late-Stage Purple Mansion Cultivation, particularly the Grand Elder who is already at a Fake Core stage, just one step away from a Golden Core, lacking only the Core Formation Spiritual Object. Among the four, none was more excited than the Grand Elder, who had burned much of his lifespan using Secret Techniques earlier, now with less than twenty years remaining.
The last time the Eastern Wilderness Secret Realm opened, he missed the opportunity.
The heavens show mercy.
Now, with such an opportunity at hand, how could he let it slip away easily?
Burning passion flickered in the Grand Elder’s eyes.
The Fifth Elder led the way.
The group of four soon arrived at the den of the Crimson Flame Wolf.
Due to eagerness, in no time, they stood before a pitch-black stone wall.
At a glance, it looked nothing like a Barrier.
The Fifth Elder turned his hand over, revealing an ancient Compass. As he injected a Technique into it, faint runes lit up on the Compass. With a flick of his Sword Point, a ray of Spirit Light from the Compass fell upon the pitch-black stone wall.
Buzz!
The stone wall trembled.
Then, mysterious runes appeared one by one.
The Grand Elder focused his gaze, eyes brimming with ecstasy, as he flicked his finger, causing scrolls to rise into the air and unfurl, revealing ancient Barriers. After comparing them, the Grand Elder said with a smile:
“Not bad.”
“Old Five indeed discovered an Ancient Barrier here!”
At this moment, the Spirit-Seeking Vertical Pupil Rat in the Third Elder’s sleeve jumped down, gesturing at the pitch-black stone wall and its owner. The Third Elder, understanding his Spirit Pet’s message through their bond, exclaimed in both surprise and joy:
“Based on my little White’s detection,”
“there should be a Spirit Stone Vein inside!”
What?!
The eyes of the other three widened suddenly!
Even the Grand Elder could hardly remain calm, his lips trembling as he spoke:
“Old Three, are the Spirit Stones your little White mentioned, the legendary kind that can nurture Acquired Spiritual Treasures?!”
“Without a doubt!”
The Third Elder nodded confidently.
His Spirit-Seeking Vertical Pupil Rat is an Ancient Alien Species. After awakening its Bloodline Inheritance memory, it is well-versed in many ancient objects unknown to them.
The Fifth Elder beside him was shocked, his mouth wide enough to fit an egg:
“Acquired Spiritual Treasure!!!”
The Golden Core Master uses Artifacts, followed by Spirit Treasures, which are divided into Acquired and Innate. Who knows how many millennia this Barrier has existed!
If it’s true, it indicates that an Acquired Spiritual Treasure has been nurtured within!
The Fifth Elder never expected to chance upon such a massive opportunity, swallowing hard with excitement, he said:
“In that case,”
“this matter must be reported back to the Chieftain!”
The Acquired Spiritual Treasure is of monumental significance!
If the two Golden Core Supreme Elders learn of this, they would surely rush over, securing the future Core Formation Spiritual Object as well.
At once, the Fifth Elder summoned a Spirit Mirror.
However, just as he was about to cast a spell, the Spirit Mirror was seized by the Grand Elder.
“Big Brother, what are you doing?”
The Grand Elder, Second Elder, and Third Elder are triplets, and although the Fifth Elder is not related by blood, he was brought back by the Grand Elder. However, this secret is known to none. Despite their apparent discord, the Grand Elder and Fifth Elder have a close relationship in private, while presenting an appearance of disharmony.
Nevertheless, the Fifth Elder was able to cultivate to the Purple Mansion thanks to the Grand Elder’s covert support.
The Grand Elder has only a decade or two left.
Vaguely,
he guessed the other’s thoughts:
“Big Brother, are you thinking of keeping this a secret?”
The Grand Elder responded noncommittally:
“Old Five, how have I treated you over the years?”
“Big Brother, without you, I would have long since perished under the claws of ravenous wolves, devoid of any achievements today.”
The Fifth Elder clenched his teeth.
Though a struggle flickered across his face, he ultimately said:
“Big Brother, “
“my life was given by you; whatever you say, I’ll follow.”
The Second and Third Elders, sharing the same mother and bonded in spirit with the Grand Elder, had no objections. The Grand Elder, satisfied, nodded slightly, eyes narrowing as he spoke:
“Our Celestial Yin Tribe appears to be a Golden Core Tribe, but as you know, ever since the Celestial Yang Supreme Elder rose to power, we’ve been on a decline. These years, the Celestial Yang Supreme Elder, capitalizing on his Golden Core status, has groomed his own loyal faction. The Celestial Elder is singularly devoted to cultivation, neglectful of other matters, and though the Chieftain seems just, he harbors ambitions for his own Golden Core breakthrough!”
“Otherwise, “
“the last time there was a Core Formation Spiritual Object, it should have rightfully gone to me, by seniority, merit, and cultivation aptitude!”
“But the Chieftain selfishly appropriated it, failing in his forceful breakthrough, believing it went unnoticed.”
“This tribe, “
“no matter how much we sacrifice, the chance for Core Formation will never befall us. To advance further, we must rely on ourselves!”
“And herein lies an opportunity!!”
“If missed, we may remain at the Purple Mansion stage for life.”
The four were stirred.
Memories of unfair treatment over the years flashed in their minds.
Their breaths grew rapid, eyes fixated together on the Grand Elder:
“Big Brother, say no more, we follow you! With these treasures from the Secret Realm, there’s no need for us to stay under the tribe, dependent on others.”
“Good!!”
“Rest assured, should I truly achieve Golden Core, I swear by my Life Soul, I will expend every effort to help the three of you form your own Golden Cores in the future!”
“Thank you, Big Brother!!”
The four exchanged glances.
At this moment, there was a fervor akin to swearing an oath of blood.
Once calmed, the four began studying the Barrier.
The Grand Elder moved with intent, a Cyan Jade Staff whistling through the air. The staff tip lightly tapped the ground, causing rings of Spirit Patterns to ripple out. He utilized the Power of Earth, attempting to penetrate the Barrier’s defenses from below. The Cyan Jade Staff’s runes lit up, and a gentle yet resilient Spiritual Power seeped into the Barrier, resonating with its energy.
The other three observed this with admiration.
After a cup of tea’s time passed.
The Grand Elder concluded his Technique.
All anomalies ceased.
The three hurriedly asked:
“Big Brother, how is it?”
The Grand Elder once served the Celestial Yang Master; his talent in Arrays was notable, yet for some reason, he never found favor in the Celestial Yang Master’s eyes, who preferred cultivating his subordinates from childhood.
At this moment, thoughts of doubt seeded in the Grand Elder’s mind.
For the method of this Array Formation bore a resemblance to that of the Celestial Yang Master:
“Perhaps the one who set up this formation belongs to the same faction as Elder Tianyang.”
Or perhaps.
The Celestial Yang Elder acquired this formation’s legacy.
The Grand Elder did not dwell on it.
He took out an Array Plate and Array Flags, rehearsing it once, with the other three assisting. Over the years, Chief Celestial Yin frequently sent messages inquiring about their progress, even visiting once. However, seeing the four deeply engaged in breaking the Barrier, he refrained from further intervention.
Years passed.
The Grand Elder’s eyes brightened as he said:
“I’ve got it.”
“With this completed Ancient Four Symbols Breaking Realm Array, breaking the Array with an Array shouldn’t be a problem!”