Deep within the forest, there was a clearing about a kilometer in diameter, upon which lay a broken formation.

At the top of the formation, a mass of white mist lingered, impervious to the howling winds.

In the center of the formation, a cracked Eight Trigrams diagram was etched into the ground.

Outside the formation, more than ten people were meticulously studying it, trying to find a breach to obtain the treasures within.

“The Seven-Colored Glazed Lamp.”

A treasure capable of nurturing the soul, an invaluable aid for secluded cultivation.

This formation had existed for many years, its patterns damaged, its foundation decayed.

The group was attempting to break the formation to acquire the glazed lamp and some high-grade medicinal herbs inside.

From a distance, Chen Qingyuan glanced over and murmured, “No need to get involved, it’s not worth the trouble.”

The dozen or so people by the formation wore identical attire, indicating they were from the same faction.

Fighting over a mere spiritual treasure wasn’t worth it.

Moreover, they had found the formation first, so Chen Qingyuan had no reason to compete for it.

Just as Chen Qingyuan was about to leave, he suddenly sensed a powerful aura. Instinctively, he assumed a defensive posture, his brows furrowing.

A few breaths later, a formidable sword intent enveloped the area.

Boom—

A flash of sword light struck the damaged formation.

The ground shook, and a gust of wind stirred the dense foliage, causing a rustling sound.

The sword light left a ten-foot-long crack in the formation.

“Who?”

The dozen or so people outside the formation were on high alert, combining their strength to form a protective barrier to withstand the residual sword force, their wary eyes scanning the surroundings.

“Nice item, I’ll take it.”

A young man in plain blue clothes appeared, his bronze face unshaven, deep eyes filled with unspoken thoughts, and his slightly disheveled hair fluttering in the wind.

The young man swiftly passed through the crack in the formation and took the Seven-Colored Glazed Lamp.

Perhaps he didn’t care, or perhaps he didn’t want to shed blood today, but he only took the glazed lamp, leaving the other medicinal herbs untouched.

“Who are you?”

The group stared at the young man, extremely wary.

“Su Xingyun.”

The young man smiled faintly and replied.

Whoosh—

Upon hearing the name, the dozen or so people took a half-step back in unison, their faces showing fear.

They were from the Southern Region and, although they had never seen the evildoers of the Imperial Province before, they had read many books and knew about the younger generation there.

“Are you Su Xingyun from Penglai Manor?”

One of the cultivators from the Southern Region swallowed nervously and asked, his expression fearful.

The young man smiled but didn’t answer, perhaps tacitly admitting it.

The cultivators glanced at the sword marks on the formation and then at Su Xingyun standing in the void, not daring to show any dissatisfaction, hoping he would leave quickly.

Among the thirty-six top sects of the Imperial Province, Penglai Manor was one of them.

It was well known that the strongest among the younger generation of Penglai Manor was not the Holy Son but Su Xingyun.

This man was a complete madman, with an unpredictable temperament.

One day he might drink and chat with you, and the next day he might inexplicably attack you, fighting to the death.

Sometimes, he would go to mortal kingdoms to save suffering beings, enjoying being praised as a good person.

Other times, when he encountered something that displeased him, he would go on a killing spree, sparing no one, regardless of age or gender.

For this reason, Penglai Manor had tried multiple times to expel him from the sect or abolish his cultivation. Fortunately, his master protected him, allowing Su Xingyun to escape punishment repeatedly.

Having taken the Seven-Colored Glazed Lamp, Su Xingyun showed no interest in the Southern Region cultivators. Instead, he turned his gaze towards where Chen Qingyuan was.

Although the distance was great and Chen Qingyuan had used concealment techniques, the Southern Region cultivators hadn’t noticed him.

However, Su Xingyun sensed someone nearby, someone extraordinary.

“He found us,” Chen Qingyuan said to Daochen Monk.

“This person is very strong,” Daochen Monk said seriously.

“Imperial Province evildoers are not to be underestimated.”

In Chen Qingyuan’s memory, Daochen had never smiled, always as stern as a plank.

“If he dares to harm Donor Chen, this monk will send him to the afterlife,” Daochen said softly, hands clasped together.

Hearing this, Chen Qingyuan felt a chill.

Daochen was the top Buddha’s child of the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land, unmatched among his peers. Though he appeared solemn and serious, his true power was terrifying.

After all, the Old Monk of the Eastern Land dared to let Daochen traverse countless Star Domains alone to reach the Imperial Province, showing immense confidence in Daochen’s strength.

The Old Monk had sent Daochen into the world for two reasons: to protect Chen Qingyuan and to let Daochen experience the mortal world.

As the leader of the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land, the Old Monk knew the terror of the Imperial Province’s evildoers. Yet, he still sent Daochen, which spoke volumes.

“Let’s go,” Chen Qingyuan suggested.

“Okay,” Daochen nodded lightly.

The two headed south, walking for about a quarter of an hour.

At the same time, they stopped, a serious look flashing in their eyes.

“Come out!” Chen Qingyuan said coldly, looking at a giant tree in the distance.

Rustle…

A pile of leaves was pushed aside by Su Xingyun, who then moved and stood on a thick branch, staring at Chen Qingyuan and Daochen Monk.

Su Xingyun was temporarily uninterested in Chen Qingyuan, whom he didn’t recognize. His gaze remained fixed on Daochen Monk, scrutinizing him from head to toe, unabashedly.

The Northern Wilderness had many Heaven’s Pride, and although Chen Qingyuan was one of the top ten, his fame hadn’t reached the various forces of the Imperial Province.

Daochen Monk was different; he represented the will of the Eastern Land, making it hard not to attract attention.

“Monk, what’s your name?” Su Xingyun asked.

“Daochen,” Daochen Monk replied after a moment of silence, out of courtesy.

“The Eastern Land hasn’t participated in the Hundred Veins Banquet for many times. Why are you here this time?” Su Xingyun asked directly, voicing his inner question.

“No comment,” Daochen replied calmly.

“It’s said you’re the Buddha’s child of the Eastern Land’s Buddhist Sect, so you must be very strong. Want to spar with me?”

All the forces of the Imperial Province wanted to understand the intentions of the Buddhist Sect of the Eastern Land. Before the Hundred Veins Banquet began, they had transmitted messages to their juniors, instructing them to pay close attention to the Buddha’s child and probe for information.

Su Xingyun had always been displeased with the higher-ups of Penglai Manor and hadn’t planned to follow orders. However, after his master spoke, Su Xingyun kept it in mind.

In the vast sect, Su Xingyun only trusted and respected his master.

Unexpectedly, just after entering the ancient secret realm, he encountered the Buddha’s child of the Eastern Land, which excited Su Xingyun.