NOVEL NEXT Chapter 552: Chapter 552: The Ancient Realm Platform
Chapter 552: The Ancient Realm Platform
The Ancient Realm Platform, according to legend, was once an ancient battlefield. Many powerful warriors fell here, and over countless years, this place developed a unique pressure that strongly suppressed fierce beasts, preventing them from approaching. This made the Ancient Realm Platform one of the few safe areas within the Barbaric Ancient Realm. Moreover, it marked the boundary between the central and deeper regions of the Barbaric Ancient Realm. As a result, many cultivators who entered the Barbaric Ancient Realm chose the Ancient Realm Platform as a temporary rest point, preparing to venture deeper after some rest.
About ten miles from the Ancient Realm Platform, Xiao Ze had Qing Lin put away the ancient Heavenly Demon Python. The three then quickly arrived at the platform, where a massive plaza came into view, starkly contrasting with the surrounding wild plains and mountains. Despite the perils of the Barbaric Ancient Realm, many cultivators managed to reach the Ancient Realm Platform due to the sheer number of them pouring in. They were scattered across the plaza in small groups.
The appearance of Xiao Ze and his companions did not draw much attention. A faint soul force enveloped them, making them seem ordinary to others, who quickly dismissed their presence.
Xiao Yi glanced around at the people, surprised. "The smell of blood is so strong. Did they fight beasts all the way here?"
"No, the blood and scent are fresh," Qing Lin noted with a frown. "We didn't encounter any large gatherings of beasts or many beast corpses on our way."
Xiao Ze casually explained, "According to Xun'er, it's not easy to reach the deeper parts of the Barbaric Ancient Realm. There are beast hordes there. The blood smell on them likely comes from trying to break through these hordes in the past few days."
As they talked, they approached a camp on the outskirts of the platform, where no other cultivators gathered. Other cultivators eyed this camp with a mix of caution and fear, puzzled why such a strong group wasn't in the center of the platform where the most powerful gathered. Curious glances followed Xiao Ze and his companions, but people soon resumed their conversations, seemingly forgetting the trio.
At the camp's entrance, a young man in a green robe emerged from a tent. Seeing Xiao Ze, he smiled with a hint of respect and bowed slightly—a gesture of honor for a Dou Saint and a Grandmaster Alchemist.
"Master Xiao Ze."
"It's been a while, Brother Qingyang," Xiao Ze greeted with a smile and a slight bow. The soul force around him and his companions did not affect Gu Qingyang, who had likely recognized them immediately.
Hearing the voices outside, another tent flap opened, revealing a stunning woman. Xun'er's eyes lit up at the sight of Xiao Ze. She quickly approached, smiling brightly, and naturally embraced Xiao Ze.
"Brother Xiao Ze, it's been a long time," Xun'er said, hugging his arm and nodding at Xiao Yi and Qing Lin. Other young members of the Gu Clan emerged from their tents, showing respect for Xiao Ze. Despite being peers, Xiao Ze's talent and strength set him apart, earning their admiration. Moreover, as a rare Grandmaster Alchemist, befriending him offered many benefits, making it unwise to be at odds with him.
Xiao Ze greeted everyone warmly. After some polite exchanges, they all gathered inside a large tent, each finding a seat.
"Following your advice, Brother Xiao Ze, we didn't settle in the center of the Ancient Realm Platform or try to break through the beast hordes," Xun'er explained softly. "However, many cultivators here have attempted to break through the beast hordes without success. A man proposed forming an alliance to try together."
"That man is Hun Yu, a divine bloodline possessor of the Hun Clan. You might remember him as the leader of the Hun Clan team during the Rock Demon Hunt. Hun Yu tried to involve the Gu Clan, but we declined," Xun'er added.
Xiao Ze nodded slightly. With Xun'er's Dou Saint level strength, the Gu Clan did not need to rely on such an alliance to pass through the beast hordes. In fact, Xun'er alone could lead the Gu Clan team safely through, as a Dou Saint's power over a region's energy made them extremely effective against such hordes. Even if her Dou Qi ran out, the endless energy in the area would allow her to continue fighting indefinitely, neutralizing the threat of the beast hordes.
Thus, the Gu Clan had no need to join the alliance. Xiao Ze also preferred not to get involved. Competing for treasures should rely on one's own abilities, and he had no intention of helping others get through the beast hordes to the deeper parts of the Barbaric Ancient Realm.
"By the way, Brother Xiao Yan's team is in the center of the platform. They might get dragged into Hun Yu's alliance," Xun'er hesitated before suggesting, "Should I send someone to inform Brother Xiao Yan?"
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.
You can also buy the book if you are only interested in reading the novel.