At Luo Chuan's feet, brilliant starlight began to take shape, swirling into intricate patterns.
The glowing lines extended outward, forming a vast and mysterious array.
The moment it solidified, a strange aura filled the air.
Luo Chuan's eyes flickered with curiosity.
Is this… a teleportation formation?
He had only heard of them in stories—now, he was standing in one.
Truly remarkable.
Before he could fully admire the sight, a dazzling white radiance erupted from the formation.
The light engulfed him entirely.
The next moment—
A roaring gust of wind swept through Origin Mall.
A whirlwind of energy howled as Luo Chuan's figure vanished, leaving behind only swirling motes of light.
The Nine Stars Mountain Range stretched endlessly, a realm of towering peaks and uncharted wilderness.
Despite the vastness of the region, countless cultivators had flocked to its borders.
No one knew the exact location of the ancient ruins—
But speculation ran rampant.
Many powerful factions, from nobles to wandering cultivators, had stationed themselves in the surrounding cities, hoping to be at the right place at the right time.
---
Among them were Xia Yuan, Ying Wuji, and their companions.
A stroke of luck had led them to Origin Mall, where they obtained far greater opportunities than they had ever expected.
Even so, the ruins remained their primary goal.
And now—
The sky itself had answered.
The heavens trembled with a distant celestial phenomenon, signaling that the ruins had begun to open.
Determination flickered in their eyes.
Their paths had been chosen.
In the grand Imperial Palace, Emperor Ji Wuhui rose from his dragon throne, his expression filled with excitement.
"Ancient Ruins... They have finally appeared!"
Beside him, a white-haired elder chuckled softly.
"Your Majesty, the location of the ruins lies far from Nine Stars City. There is no need to worry about any direct impact."
---
Ji Wuhui nodded.
He had already reached the same conclusion.
Even so, he could not contain the thrill rising in his chest.
A feeling he had not experienced in years stirred within him—
A longing for adventure.
He exhaled deeply, eyes gleaming.
"Old Bai… would you care to accompany me on this journey?"
The elder smiled.
"I have been waiting for this day for a long time."
------
At Drunken Moon Pavilion, a wave of anticipation filled the air.
Ying Wuji and Murong Haitang stood among a crowd of eager students, all gathered in perfect formation.
No one had expected that by nightfall, the ancient ruins would open.
But now, there was no time to hesitate.
Their purpose in Nine Stars City had always been clear—
To lead their students into the ruins for a grand trial.
And that time had come.
"Is everyone prepared?" Ying Wuji's voice was steady but firm.
"Ready!" the students answered in unison.
Murong Haitang's gaze swept over them, then she asked something… peculiar.
"Did you all bring your Cola and Spicy Bars?"
A resounding response followed.
"Yes!"
---
Ever since they had learned of these miraculous snacks from Origin Mall, Murong Haitang had insisted—
Always keep them stocked.
Because in times of crisis, they were not just food—they were life-saving resources.
Her students had taken the lesson to heart.
Now, each of them carried several bottles of Cola and multiple packs of Spicy Bars as part of their standard gear.
It might seem ridiculous to outsiders—
But to them?
It was a matter of survival.
---
"Then let's move out!"
With that, the group departed, heading toward the heart of the Nine Stars Mountains.
Waiting for them at the city gates—
A Red-Gold Blackbird, its massive wings folded, awaiting its passengers.
At the same time, other factions had begun their own march toward destiny.
The Profound Moon Academy, led by Xia Yuan.
The Medicine Valley Sect, guided by the Third Elder.
The twin sisters, Liu Ruyu and Liu Rumei.
Each had their own reasons.
Each sought something different.
But all their paths led to the same destination—
The ancient ruins.
Yet, for all their ambition—
Most would never reach their goal.
---
For the journey itself was the first great trial.
Even setting foot inside the ruins required overcoming perilous obstacles, and only a select few would endure the path ahead.
Countless cultivators shared the same dream—
To claim the treasures left behind by ancient powers.
Even the smallest fragment of such wealth could change a person's fate.
And so, they came.
Hopeful. Desperate. Hungry.
But reality was cruel.
Of all those who set out toward the ruins—
Nine out of ten would never make it.
---
Yet despite the dangers, they still pressed forward.
For the allure of the unknown was far greater than the fear of death.
And in the heart of the mountains—
Fate awaited.