I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 565: First Arrival at the Killing Lands

Chapter 565: First Arrival at the Killing Lands

Within the borders of Xuan Province lay a premier zone of extreme peril known as the Killing Lands. Though technically part of the province, it functioned as a distinct secret realm hidden within the territory.

This area was once an ancient battlefield, serving as a primary front where external worlds collided with the Xuantian Continent. While Xuantian now stands supreme among the three thousand worlds and rarely sees the fires of war on its own soil, the battlefield remains infested with countless rampant, lingering souls.

To ensure these spirits do not escape the secret realm, the ten Great Sacred Lands maintain a permanent garrison of cultivators here. Regular suppression campaigns are also conducted to keep the spectral population under control.

Of course, the Killing Lands also attract practitioners seeking to temper themselves through combat. Shi Xuan was merely the latest in a long line of seekers pursuing power in this desolate place.

He utilized a teleportation array to reach Fengdao Pass, the gateway to the Killing Lands. Upon his arrival, he was immediately met by several disciples representing the Fengdao Academy.

"You must be Junior Brother Shi?" inquired a middle-aged man wearing the robes of a deacon.

Shi Xuan performed a formal cupped-fist salute. "Shi Xuan greets Senior Brother; might I ask how I should address you?"

"My name is Shi Yuqi, and I am a disciple of Elder Bai from the Foreign Affairs Academy," the man explained.

Shi Yuqi introduced himself with a broad grin, subtly signaling to Shi Xuan that they shared a common factional bond.

Shi Xuan’s expression brightened as a thin smile touched his lips. "So Senior Brother is a disciple of Martial Uncle Da Bai; your reputation precedes you."

"You flatter me, you flatter me," Shi Yuqi replied. Even though he recognized the polite nature of the remark, receiving such words from a genius of the Miscellaneous Dao Academy was a significant honor.

Many individuals would give anything to build a rapport with such a talent, yet few ever found the chance. He continued, "Junior Brother Shi, your journey must have been exhausting. A banquet has been arranged in your honor, and I hope you will join us."

"I have troubled Senior Brother," Shi Xuan answered. As the Imperial Grandson of the Northern Desolate Dynasty, he was naturally adept at navigating social obligations.

The party soon reached a banquet hall. Despite his own status as a deacon, Shi Yuqi insisted that Shi Xuan take the seat of honor.

Shi Xuan politely declined the head position. After a brief back-and-forth of etiquette, Shi Yuqi finally took the primary seat, and the festivities commenced.

Laughter and conversation filled the room as wine was poured. After three rounds of drinks, the mood became considerably more informal.

Shi Yuqi eventually broached the topic, "Junior Brother Shi, how long do you plan to remain in the Killing Lands this time?"

With a smile, Shi Xuan answered, "My purpose here is solely for self-improvement. I will depart whenever I feel my progress is sufficient."

Shi Yuqi accepted this without question; it was obvious that a genius like Shi Xuan would not remain in such a desolate place forever.

He then retrieved a map from his storage ring and slid it across the table. "Junior Brother, this map details the Killing Lands and identifies the territories of various demonic creatures."

"You can use it to plan your training. Thank you, Senior Brother," Shi Xuan said, accepting the map and raising his cup in a toast.

Shi Yuqi laughed and said, "It is a minor gesture. In the future, we will certainly need to rely on Junior Brother Shi."

The banquet concluded several hours later. Once Shi Xuan was settled into his quarters, Shi Yuqi pulled him aside to ask specifically when he intended to enter the Killing Lands.

He had avoided asking this in the crowded hall to prevent any loose-lipped individuals from leaking the youth's movements. If Shi Xuan faced an ambush because of a security breach, Shi Yuqi could not answer for the consequences. He wanted to ensure his junior brother’s safety above all else.

"I plan to go tomorrow," Shi Xuan revealed without hesitation.

Shi Yuqi warned, "Junior Brother, the killing intent and baleful energy within the Killing Lands are incredibly dense. You must exercise extreme caution."

"I appreciate the warning, Senior Brother. I will stay alert," Shi Xuan replied.

"Good, then I shall leave you to your rest. Farewell." "Farewell."

Once he was alone, Shi Xuan spread out the map. It was meticulously detailed, providing not only the habitats of demonic creatures but also their specific power levels.

It was midnight by the time Shi Xuan finished his study. When the sun rose the next morning, he chose not to disturb Shi Yuqi for a formal goodbye.

After altering his appearance and putting on a bronze mask, he made his way to the entrance of the Killing Lands. The guards on duty noticed his peculiar look and blocked his path.

"Halt! This is the entrance to the Killing Lands; only disciples of the Fengdao Academy are permitted entry." Shi Xuan did not waste time arguing.

He simply produced a token from his storage ring that identified him as a True Inheritance Disciple. The guards immediately shifted their tone to one of deep respect upon seeing it.

"Greetings, True Inheritance Senior Brother. Please, enter." "Much obliged," Shi Xuan said as he passed through.

The onlookers whispered as his figure vanished into the distance. "That Senior Brother is quite mysterious. Is he one of the academy's hidden geniuses?"

"Regardless of his talent, his background must be immense. That bronze mask is a spirit treasure designed to block the prying of divine sense."

"A regular disciple could never afford enough spirit stones for such a luxury." The mention of a spirit treasure caused the surrounding disciples to gasp in shock.

For them, even ten years of saving might not be enough to purchase such an item. As Shi Xuan crossed the threshold into the Killing Lands, the pungent scent of blood hit him instantly.

Looking up, he saw the sky was the rumored shade of crimson, contrasting against the pitch-black soil below.

The spiritual energy in the air was thick with a terrifying baleful aura. Attempting to recover cultivation by absorbing the local Qi was several times more difficult than in the outside world.

One had to rely on medicinal pills or specific treasures for recovery while remaining constantly guarded against ambush. It was undoubtedly the most dangerous environment Shi Xuan had ever stepped into.

However, rather than fear, Shi Xuan felt a surge of uncontainable excitement. He mentally reviewed the map from the previous night and quickly identified his first objective.

His chosen training ground was White Bone Valley, situated one hundred miles to the southwest. The valley was infested with Bone Demons.

Demonic creatures at the Dao Base Realm were common there, while minor commanders reached the Life Core Realm and grand commanders were at the Heavenly Yuan Realm.

Shi Xuan decided against flying on his sword, knowing that wasting spiritual energy so early in the Killing Lands was a reckless move.

Instead, he released a spirit beast from his pouch to act as a mount. The creature was an Ice Wolf at the Life Core Realm level.

Its speed was exceptional, and the freezing winds it generated while running were enough to deter minor nuisances along the path.

An hour later, Shi Xuan arrived at the mouth of White Bone Valley without incident. He fed his mount a spirit beast pill before returning it to its bag.

Sword in hand, he stepped into the depths of the valley.