Wen Zhixing and Tan Yuanshan appeared at the entrance to a valley. Several disciples of the Hundred Tribulations Holy Land were guarding it.
Above the valley, devil clouds rolled in, the dense black Devil Qi obscuring the sky and sun. This place was clearly within the Hundred Tribulations Holy Land, yet it seemed like a completely different world.
In the valley stood several particularly striking, giant black stone pillars. In their center was a huge sacrificial altar, black as ink, its perimeter engraved with intricate and bizarre patterns drawn in blood. A single glance was enough to feel the sinister Devil Qi, as if evil thoughts were sprouting deep within one’s heart. Those with weaker divine souls couldn’t even afford a second look.
Wen Zhixing, on his first entry to this place, was instantly affected. A strange power invaded his Sea of Sense.
Inside Wen Zhixing’s Sea of Sense, Nine Heavens Mysterious Thunder struck down fiercely. The invading unknown force was obliterated before it could even take effect.
"So this is the Demonic Ruins? Interesting," Wen Zhixing said, lifting his gaze, a hint of interest in his eyes.
"Eh..." Tan Yuanshan, who was beside him, was startled momentarily. He hadn’t warned Wen Zhixing aloud just now because he wanted to see the strength of Wen Zhixing’s divine soul. After all, not just anyone could enter the Demonic Ruins. Basically, only cultivators who had reached the Sixth Realm were qualified to set foot in it. The attack just now also served as a test. If one couldn’t even withstand that, then there was no need to enter at all. Now, it seemed he had been overly concerned. Wen Zhixing’s strength was much greater than he had imagined.
"Senior Brother, do you know what that sacrificial altar is for?" Wen Zhixing turned his head and asked earnestly.
Tan Yuanshan returned to his senses. "Junior Brother, you may not know this, but one can only enter the Demonic Ruins; one cannot leave. After we go in, if we want to come out, we need to bring one of the devil beasts from within to perform a blood sacrifice. Only then can we exit."
"I see." Wen Zhixing nodded, then frowned and added, "But if the devil beasts inside were to sacrifice other devil beasts, couldn’t they also exit?"
"Hahaha, rest assured, Wen Zhixing," Tan Yuanshan said with a laugh. "There are other Arrays within the Demonic Ruins, and the devil beasts cannot approach this sacrificial altar." He then teased, "Of course, if they dare to come out, they would truly be seeking death."
"Understood," Wen Zhixing realized. Indeed, staying in the Demonic Ruins still offered a chance to survive, facing only those disciples undergoing trials. If they ran out, they would face the entire Hundred Tribulations Holy Land.
"Let’s go." Tan Yuanshan didn’t say much more and led the way, with Wen Zhixing following.
The guards at this place clearly recognized Tan Yuanshan. Without much inspection, they let both of them enter. The Demonic Ruins were, in fact, open to everyone; anyone could enter.
As they crossed the enchantment at the entrance, Wen Zhixing didn’t feel much, as if crossing through an ordinary doorway.
"We really can’t leave." Upon entering, Wen Zhixing immediately reached out, trying to touch the outside world. However, he was blocked by an invisible enchantment. Now, they could only exit by performing a blood sacrifice. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel⟡fire.net
"Junior Brother Wen, the Demonic Ruins are perilous. With our cultivation levels, we can only train on the periphery of the Demonic Ruins. If we go deeper, there might be accidents," Tan Yuanshan reminded him in a timely manner.
"I understand," Wen Zhixing nodded. He knew Tan Yuanshan was looking out for him. Tan Yuanshan had also been considerate with his words; there was no way the man’s cultivation was actually that low. But just how strong Tan Yuanshan really was, Wen Zhixing wasn’t very clear.
"Junior Brother Wen, be careful," Tan Yuanshan said with a smile, then took the initiative to scout ahead.
Wen Zhixing did not refuse and silently followed. His purpose here was to collect remnant souls. He greatly welcomed Tan Yuanshan’s help.
Wen Zhixing glanced around. After entering the Demonic Ruins, dense devil clouds directly covered the sky above their heads. The surroundings were dark, as if a torrential rain was about to pour. The oppressive feeling made breathing extremely difficult. The valley was more desolate than imagined. Apart from various jagged rocks, there were no trees or plants. Only the gray sky prevailed; not even the sound of a bird could be heard.
"On the periphery of the Demonic Ruins, there are relatively fewer devil beasts because disciples from the Hundred Tribulations Holy Land often come here for trials. However, accidents can occasionally happen," Tan Yuanshan explained as they walked. "As for the powerful devil beasts, they reign supreme in the depths. It wouldn’t be too late for you to enter there once your cultivation is stronger, Junior Brother."
"Hmm," Wen Zhixing nodded, listening seriously.
A blast of black Devil Wind suddenly swept through the air, carrying numerous pebbles, hurtling toward them.
"Junior Brother Wen, watch out!" Tan Yuanshan’s expression immediately tensed, and he pulled Wen Zhixing to the side.
The storm howled past, leaving the area even more ravaged.
"This is the Devil Wind unique to the Demonic Ruins. Be careful," Tan Yuanshan said, exhaling slightly in relief.
However, at that moment, Wen Zhixing’s eyes narrowed slightly.
[Fortune Fragment detected. Would you like to spend one month of life-span to randomly collect it?]
A panel prompt suddenly popped up.
Not far ahead, Fortune Fragments of various colors emerged. However, there was no one to be seen beneath them.
Before setting off, Wen Zhixing had deliberately not collected his daily share of Fortune Fragments, precisely for this reason. This panel prompt often had amazing effects.
"Is this..." A thought struck Wen Zhixing. Clearly, a devil beast was lurking nearby.