Chapter 93: Safety is Paramount

Ye Xiaoshu’s sudden return brought a wave of joy and excitement to the Ye family. With the family’s backbone absent, everyone had felt a bit uneasy.

However, before they could fully enjoy their happiness, they noticed that Ye Xiaoshu was wearing an angry expression. What sent chills down their spines even more was that he began investigating everyone’s behavior within the household, taking steps to rectify the family’s conduct.

This made many people tremble with fear and anxiety.

Lin Fanyun did not stay in the Ye residence. He went to the county government office to review historical records.

“Countless nations, martial arts reign supreme.”

“A small blessed land, only comparable in size to Earth, yet it has witnessed many heroic and poignant stories.”

“Moreover, the martial techniques of this world, though not highly ranked, are notable for their emphasis on stability and grounding of the mind.”

“No wonder they have grown up in a blessed land influenced by a Demi-God being who practiced earth-based techniques.”

“Indeed, they have been shaped by that Demi-God’s influence.”

Lin Fanyun’s collection already included a vast array of techniques from mundane to Law Manifestation stage, covering all aspects. However, he didn’t mind adding more to his repository.

Foundation, after all, is built through accumulation.

Two days later, Lin Fanyun left the county government office and overheard the residents of Wanxi County engaged in hushed discussions about the happenings at the Ye residence.

All their conversations reached Lin Fanyun’s ears.

“Hmm? He dragged them all to the market and beheaded them.”

“He also sent some people back.”

“Ruthless, I like it.”

Lin Fanyun admired Ye Xiaoshu’s decisiveness. In the Ye family, those who bore the surname Ye were either direct relatives of Ye Xiaoshu or blood relatives within ten generations.

To be able to deal such a severe blow even to his kin, Ye Xiaoshu was indeed a formidable character.

Thinking about Ye Xiaoshu’s humble beginnings, although he was incredibly fortunate, it was evident that his rise to power was not achieved through kindness or leniency.

Additionally, when it came to relatives, those who understand the situation would understand that true closeness only extended to within three generations. Beyond that, it depended on past relationships.

“Xiaoshu, are you planning to take them to the True Martial Continent, or leave them here in this small blessed land?” Lin Fanyun asked.

In two days, Ye Xiaoshu had already settled everything. Many of his close friends had received his messages and were on their way.

This question put Ye Xiaoshu in a difficult position.

Lin Fanyun had already told him that the spatial passage wouldn’t remain open indefinitely and would drift away. If he didn’t plan to stay in the small blessed land, it would be hard to see everyone here again in the future.

After witnessing the vast expanse of the True Martial Continent, would the ambitious Ye Xiaoshu choose to stay behind? Even he didn’t believe it.

“Senior, I’ve discussed this with my parents. They’re already old and not suited for traveling far from home.”

As he spoke, his expression grew somber.

“With my younger siblings accompanying them, I don’t have to worry too much about their loneliness in their old age.”

Ye Xiaoshu felt fortunate about this. His younger siblings were all very filial. With his support, they all had some level of cultivation. Although they hadn’t reached the Innate stage, they would be able to protect themselves after surviving the initial invasion from the True Martial Continent.

“I must ask Senior to protect my family and friends in the upcoming days.” Ye Xiaoshu bowed deeply.

Just then, Wang Luo arrived as well.

Knowing the urgency of the situation, he hadn’t wasted a moment. He feared he might encounter the forces of the ten major sects if he delayed.

“I will now inscribe an array and set up a barrier. You two should arrange for your people to be protected.”

Lin Fanyun set up a protective barrier at the base of a high mountain outside Wanxi County, incorporating concealment and defense functions. This barrier was one of the spoils from his ventures in the explored regions of the Abyssal Sea.

Within a day or two, warriors from the ten major sects arrived at Wanxi County, seizing resources from numerous families and factions, including the government offices. Naturally, the local martial artists of Wanxi County resisted. However, in the ensuing struggle, just three Innate warriors from the ten major sects managed to suppress all the local martial artists. 

Faced with the complete and robust heritage of True Martial Continent warriors, the small blessed land’s martial artists were swiftly defeated. The three innate warriors showed no mercy. They caused numerous casualties among the locals. The conflict also affected many ordinary citizens, leaving Wanxi County in ruins after their departure.

Ye Xiaoshu and Wang Luo watched this disaster unfold, feeling both anger and relief. If they hadn’t relocated their families and friends, their loved ones would have likely been among the dead.

Lin Fanyun and his companions observed the entire calamity without intervening. As he remained hidden and unknown, Lin Fanyun was unwilling to forfeit this advantage.

“Let’s wait a few more days to see if there’s a plot in this small blessed land. If nothing happens, we’ll go explore that mysterious site.”

Ten days passed swiftly. The entire small blessed land was thrown into chaos, with everyone dragged into the bloody plunder and slaughter by the invaders. Even the black and white skies were visibly tinged with blood, and the air was thick with a sickly, sweet scent of blood. Resentment and anger soared.

Lin Fanyun’s patience paid off. The invaders from the ten major sects discovered an ancient, fragmented stone tablet.

The ancient tablet recorded the origins of the blessed land and the location where the inheritance was stored. Intriguingly, this information became known to all the warriors of the ten major sects simultaneously. Even the strong individuals within the small blessed land learned of it around the same time.

No one doubted the authenticity of this information. Who would question something found in their own treasury?

Indeed, the stone tablet was discovered by the members of the ten major sects while they were looting resources from powerful factions in the small blessed land. The inscriptions on the tablet were profoundly intricate, imbued with an inexplicable Dao essence. Only those at the later stages of the True Core level and above could discern the mysteries of the tablet.

This revelation clarified the confusion of the ten major sects as to why the inhabitants of the small blessed land were unaware of this matter. A world without warriors beyond the later stages of the True Core level couldn’t possibly unravel the secrets of the tablet.

Other factions discovered similar items. These fragments all hinted at one thing. This place was the remnant of the Demi-God Zhong Chun, and his inheritance was hidden in Dragon Cave Valley.

Instantly, everyone from the ten major sects was exhilarated.

Although no beings above the Demi-God level had ever emerged on the True Martial Continent, they were aware of the existence of this stage. 

Over the long ages, numerous small blessed lands and heavenly grottos like this one had been discovered by the True Martial Continent.

From these places, the True Martial Continent had not only obtained abundant cultivation resources but also some inheritances. These included descriptions of the half-god realm.

It could be said that the people of the True Martial Continent had long aspired to reach this stage. Unfortunately, they lacked not only the necessary resources but also the corresponding cultivation techniques.

Throughout the ages, they had never acquired cultivation techniques to reach the Demi-God stage. They hadn’t even obtained complete techniques for the Law Manifestation stage.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t be stuck in the early stages of the Law Manifestation stage, unable to progress further.

In an instant, the Law Manifestation stage experts and True Core experts of the ten major forces, along with the two Law Manifestation rogue cultivators, all converged on Dragon Cave Valley. Even the True Core experts from Zhong Chun’s small blessed land had stealthily made their way there.

Lin Fanyun and Ye Xiaoshu also arrived, though they stayed hidden. Wang Luo did not come, as Lin Fanyun left him behind for backup. In a battle between Law Manifestation experts, Wang Luo wouldn’t be much help.

“Xiaoshu, what do you think of the current situation?” Lin Fanyun asked, his gaze deep and thoughtful. From various signs, it was clear that Dragon Cave Valley was not a safe place.

Ye Xiaoshu understood this as well, and he was quite terrified. 

If it weren’t for Lin Fanyun’s complete inheritance, cautious nature, and constant concealment, they might not have gained such insight. Few would suspect that Dragon Cave Valley was a trap, and even fewer Law Manifestation experts would think it posed a threat to them. Apart from Lin Fanyun, no one seemed to have this insight.

“That’s Donglai!” Ye Xiaoshu exclaimed, pointing at someone, his expression extremely complicated.

He had been friends with Li Donglai for many years, but it was very likely that the situation at Dragon Cave Valley was orchestrated by Li Donglai. It was even possible that Li Donglai was the one who had lured the ten major forces here. The current catastrophe in Zhong Chun’s small blessed land might be entirely manipulated by Li Donglai.

Given all this, Ye Xiaoshu hoped Li Donglai was not present. That would mean that Lin Fanyun and his guesses were wrong.

Lin Fanyun looked over.

A handsome young man was being held by a True Core expert from one of the ten major forces, the Ten Extremes Sect. Apart from Li Donglai, the ten major forces had captured several others.

“The way they’re doing this shows a deep understanding of exploring hidden grounds.” 

Lin Fanyun nodded silently. Even without realizing the trap behind Dragon Cave Valley, these people still knew the principle of using cannon fodder to pave the way.

“Are you sure you won’t end up ensnaring yourselves with this method?”

Using cannon fodder was extremely effective under normal circumstances. But if you mix in something undesirable, like a child of destiny or a hidden mastermind, it could lead to devastating consequences. 

Think about it. How many people throughout history have used children of destiny as cannon fodder, only to end up gifting their opportunities to them? Afterward, they meet their demise, and the children of destiny take their spoils with tears in their eyes.

“So using cannon fodder is fine for lower-level martial artists, but for someone at the Law Manifestation stage, employing such a risky strategy?”

If it were Lin Fanyun, he would start with puppets and small spying tools. If that didn’t work, he’d flip the board—destroy the surrounding terrain and pulverize the entire Dragon Cave Valley. After all, he wanted only the inheritance. Blasting the area clean wouldn’t affect that. This way, no matter the schemes, they would be forced to confront him head-on, without any chance to catch him off guard.

With this in mind, Lin Fanyun discreetly took out a notebook and jotted down his thoughts. He wanted to avoid making the same mistake someday, using such a brainless approach to explore a demigod’s hidden ground.

Half a day later, the cannon fodder had safely ventured into the depths of Dragon Cave Valley. There, Law Manifestation-level spiritual herbs grew everywhere, rare spiritual fruits were scattered about, and a white jade palace stood majestically at the center. The words “Palace of All Things” were inscribed above the entrance. An ancient aura permeated the air, with traces of Daoist essence swirling around, so potent that even ordinary people would be entranced, lost in a dreamlike state.

Seeing this through the magical mirror, the many powerful individuals could no longer remain calm. In streaks of rainbow light, they urgently flew into Dragon Cave Valley.