Bao Zhentian saw the black sands beneath his feet begin to shift, flowing rapidly toward a certain direction. Suddenly, the world rumbled. The ground shook, and the sky cracked as if it were the end of the world.
The black sands gathered into a massive maelstrom that stretched as far as the eye could see. Inside it, dark thunder roared, each bolt had the length of a hundred mountain ranges, capable of obliterating a True God in the blink of an eye.
Within the storm, a titanic figure slowly emerged. Its form was vague and shrouded in obscurity. But the moment its shadow appeared, an overwhelming aura surged endlessly across the world.
Even with Li Shenrong's protection, Bao Zhentian could still feel its immense pressure. His legs trembled subconsciously.
"You are very interesting. I've never seen someone like you…"
A deep, ancient voice reverberated across space. Its gender was impossible to discern.
Li Shenrong smiled.
"Of course. That's a given. But…" He paused and continued, "I have some questions for you."
"Ha ha, what age are we in now? Characters like you could even speak to me like this." The ancient voice spoke, there wasn't any disdain nor criticism, only a curious tone,
Li Shenrong calmly replied,
"I know you're unwilling, but I'll give you a choice. Answer my questions truthfully, and I'll grant you a way to survive. If not… I'll send you on your way."
That final sentence made Bao Zhentian's hair stand on end. He couldn't imagine where Li Shenrong found the courage to speak like that to such an existence.
"Hm… That depends on your ability," the voice responded, neither angry nor amused.
Li Shenrong's face turned indifferent as he slowly stood from his throne. With a casual wave of his sleeve, a black ring formed around his finger.
"Wait…." The ancient voice suddenly spoke. "Your majesty! Is that you…!"
Li Shenrong raised an eyebrow.
"You know me?"
He had only come here for answers about the curse. He hadn't expected the imprisoned being to recognize him.
"Sigh… It's been so long, Your Majesty. I… I would be honored to speak with you again," the blurry figure said respectfully.
The Chaos Throne beneath Li Shenrong dissolved into dust, and everything returned to normal. Without hesitation, he walked into the heart of the maelstrom, his steps were unhurried, like a man strolling through his own courtyard.
Bao Zhentian stood in a daze. Everything that had occurred felt surreal. The mighty maelstrom disappeared like a dream, as if it had never existed.
Inside an unknown place.
Li Shenrong stood before the blurry figure, still cloaked in chaotic energy.
"It seems your true body is in terrible shape," he observed.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. As you've guessed, my Dao Body and soul are trapped here. I can neither leave nor recover. But… everything is worth it, now that I have the fortune to see you again," the figure said with deep reverence.
"It's been too long and my memories are vague." Li Shenrong said.
"That's only natural. Back then, I was insignificant not worthy of Your Majesty's attention."
The figure sounded nostalgic, but then suddenly paused. "But… Your Majesty, now you…"
"It's a long story," Li Shenrong smiled faintly, "but it's not a bad one."
"It seems your majesty has taken that step. I had already suspected as much… but couldn't be sure." The black figure spoke.
"That step isn't complete yet," Li Shenrong replied, shaking his head.
After a brief silence, the figure's tone turned serious.
"Your Majesty… back then, while I was guarding that place someone came."
Li Shenrong's gaze sharpened. He already understood what the figure meant by that place.
"Did something happen to the seal?" His voice turned cold.
"I was no match for that being. It created a crack in the seal you left behind. The consequences were almost catastrophic. My companions and I barely managed to mend it."
"It returned later, didn't it?" Li Shenrong said.
"Indeed, it was too powerful and overbearing. All of us combined couldn't stop it. In the end, my brothers died and i am stuck here like a caged beast." The blurry figure spoke, his usually cold voice became emotional.
"You have done a great meritorious deed and i will remember it. In the future when i ascend, there will be a chance for your revenge." Li Shenrong smiled and spoke, this time he was genuinely appreciative of the figure in-front of him.
Hearing Li Shenrong's words, the blurry figure trembled for a moment. It was ecstatic and happy. How could it not understand the meaning behind Li Shenrong's words.
"I understand your majesty and will forever remember your grace." It spoke humbly.
If Bao Zhentian were here, he would've been stunned. Such a powerful existence… acting so humbly toward someone in the Physique Foundation Realm? It was simply unimaginable.
Li Shenrong waved his hand casually, as if brushing away the moment.
Luo Shenghua had woken up and was now sitting beside Bao Zhentian. The duo was waiting for Li Shenrong. Bao Zhentian didn't reveal the earlier events, it wouldn't be too good for her heart to know of such things. Even he was struggling to digest everything, it all felt so bizarre and unreal. His emotions were in turmoil.
After a while, space was torn open and Li Shenrong walked out.
"Brother li…"Bao Zhentian smiled happily, seeing li Shenrong safe and sound, a heavy burden was lifted from his heart. No matter how heaven defying Li Shenrong was, facing such colossal entity how could he survive? Bao Zhentian realised he was worried for nothing.
"Let's go…" Li Shenrong didn't say much.
A space gate was torn open, leading outside. The trio stepped inside and vanished.
As they left, the ancient voice echoed in Li Shenrong's ears.
"Your Majesty… be careful."
…
One day suddenly eighty eight dao portal emerged all over the ancient ruin which caused a commotion. With the arrival of the dao portals the gate leading outside the ancient ruin was closed. No one could find the exit.
No one knows who spread the news but it was said that "Each Dao Portal is a gateway to a trial ground. Those who succeed shall obtain great treasures."
At first, no one believed it. But some cultivators returned with divine weapons and mysterious inheritances. The rumors proved true. The authenticity of the news made those who entered the ancient ruin boil with excitement.
Who doesn't want a strong treasure and change their destiny. Some toils their entire life but couldn't find a single treasure. This was a huge opportunity. Even the ancient giants, gods and demigods couldn't stil still understand the allure of treasure.
The eighty eight dao portals became crowded not long after the news spread. Some strong sects and clans took control of the entry nodes of the portals.