"Ritual Artifact?" Zhang Xuan looked over in surprise.
He hadn't studied the Heavenly Destiny of Ceremony and wasn't very clear about the rules of such destiny.
"Yes, according to what I know, there are several types of Ritual Artifacts, each corresponding to different occasions, mainly forged from jade and bronze."
As she spoke, a hint of excitement flashed in Fu Qingyao's eyes, "This jade Huang was something I obtained at an altar, and it seems like an item used for religious ceremonies. Try and see if you can refine it. If you can succeed, you might just obtain the inheritance of Zhilan Valley..."
Zhang Xuan didn't answer, instead, he took the jade Huang and gently felt it.
The patterns on its surface seemed like characters and also like a special type of decorative pattern. Even upon careful observation, it was impossible to discern what was written.
He bit his fingertip, and a drop of blood fell onto it. The pattern trembled slightly, but the blood slid to the ground without any effect.
"I've tried, the normal methods of refinement are useless..." said Fu Qingyao.
Zhang Xuan nodded, and the Eye of Insight began to operate as he inspected it closely.
This jade Huang didn't seem to have Spirit Creation. It's not considered a real artifact in the true sense of the word, but it was incredibly sturdy. Even the sharp Mo Dao couldn't leave a mark on it.
"Let's not worry about that for now. Everyone, hurry up and heal. If my guess is right, something big is about to happen..."
After studying it for a while and failing to refine it, Zhang Xuan looked around and instructed.
Everyone nodded simultaneously, their expressions relaxing as they each practiced their cultivation.
They had been pursued as soon as they had arrived, their stamina stretched taut. At this moment, they could finally relax.
Returning the jade Huang to Fu Qingyao, Zhang Xuan glanced at Fu Yingying, who was cultivating.
"She had an epiphany soon after arriving and seems to have touched upon the ancestral legacy! It's been several hours now..." explained Fu Qingyao.
Zhang Xuan nodded, satisfied.
Although the girl's talent was pretty average, her luck appeared to be good. Once she had fully comprehended the inheritance from that old lady of the Hu Clan and broke through to Galaxy 6-dan, it wouldn't be much of a problem. She might even have a chance to Charge for Transcendent Mortal 7-dan!
If she succeeded, the Fu Family would leap to become the top clan in Zouyi City, with even the royalty having to be wary of them.
It seemed that Fu Yingying had gained quite a lot this time.
Just as Zhang Xuan was deep in thought, a massive bell sound suddenly rang out, echoing all around.
Zhang Xuan's brow furrowed, and he quickly got up.
According to what Empyrean Kong shi had said before, if he proceeded towards where the Origin qi was richest, phenomena would occur to guide him. Without a doubt, this bell sound should be it.
In a few steps, he reached the entrance of the cave. By now, the fog in the forest had silently disappeared under the bell's toll, revealing a massive mountain range in the distance that gradually came into view.
This mountain range pierced The Firmament, its height unknown. Previously, the fog had obscured it, but now, with the fog dispersed, Zhang Xuan realized that it was only about a few dozen li away from them.
"That should be the core of Zhilan Valley. Those who seek opportunities can head there..." said Fu Qingyao.
At this moment, the wounded had not fully recovered, but their complexions had improved significantly.
"I'm not going. Even if I went, I doubt I'd gain anything worthwhile. It's better to cultivate here in peace and possibly advance my cultivation!" spoke up one of the group.
"I feel the same. The bell has rung, and the mist has cleared. It's clearly a call for everyone to head there, but with my strength, I'd only hold the rest back," said another, shaking their head.
"First Elder, let us stay behind," Fu Qingqing said, "firstly to cultivate in peace, and secondly, to take care of the young successor..."
Seeing them say this, Fu Qingyao hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.
These disciples, already possessing limited cultivation, coupled with injuries, would indeed face significant danger if they forced their way through. It would be better to stay here instead.
Currently, everyone was drawn to the sound of the bells and the sudden appearance of the massive mountain range. It was unlikely that anyone would notice this place. As long as they did not actively seek out trouble, they should be very safe.
"This is how to use the formation. I am passing it on to you now. Should true danger arise, it can ensure your safety for a short time!" Fu Qingyao took out a book and passed it over.
Fu Qingqing and the others accepted it.
"Will the two of you come with me, or stay here?"
Zhang Xuan looked towards Hong Yi and Yu Xiaoyu.
"Of course we want to follow teacher..."
Both disciples nodded simultaneously.
It had been a few hours since they last saw each other, and while their strength had not improved as rapidly as Liu Mingyue, they had made some progress.
"First Elder, Zhang Xuan, I also want to join you to see for myself what this so-called 'Heavenly Destiny of Ceremony' is all about," said Yan Sansan as he came over.
Zhang Xuan did not refuse and soon, everyone made their decisions.
Fu Qinghong, Fu Qingyao, and two other Galaxy 6-dan elders followed behind Zhang Xuan, with Hong Yi, Yu Xiaoyu and Yan Sansan remaining.
Leaving the cave, Zhang Xuan released Liu Mingyue.
Seeing that the teacher had indeed rescued her, Yu Xiaoyu and the others simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. However, upon realizing that she had already broken through to the Galaxy Realm, they once again felt heavy pressure.
Originally, there was not a significant difference in the strength among all of them, but now there was a clear gap.
Rushing towards the mountain range, they arrived at the foot of the mountain after two hours.
At this point, countless people had already gathered there, each looking towards the mountain peak with excitement.
"This is the core of Zhilan Valley, Li Mountain. To obtain the heritage, one must walk to the peak on foot!"
"Hurry up, quite a few people have already gone up. We will be late if we don't move quickly!"
"It is said that there is a ritual altar for soul rituals at the top of the mountain, and only by entering the center of the altar can one obtain the heritage..."
"I must succeed and become world-renowned!"
At this time, even those who bore grudges did not act against each other, all rushing up the mountain path hastily.
So-called grudges and enmities meant nothing in the face of an absolute treasure.
Zhang Xuan said no more and started ascending the mountain along the trail. Thıs text ıs hosted at novel⸺fire.net
The mountain path was rugged and narrow, allowing only one person to pass at a time, and the use of zhenqi was not permitted. It was a great challenge for any cultivator.
Zhang Xuan and Fu Qingyao protected Yan Sansan, Yu Xiaoyu, and the others in the middle as they proceeded step by step.
After a while, a small plaza appeared in sight. Everyone had congregated here, and no further path upward existed, only a large smooth rock wall stood in front.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, you guessed it right. This must be the first test of the Refining Core! There are six small altars here, each corresponding to six different types of tributes. Currently, they are empty. If you are willing to present artifacts, you might be able to open the subsequent path and reach the summit in one go."
Just then, someone shouted from the front. Zhang Xuan focused his attention and looked over.
In front of the wall, stood six small stones carved into the shapes of altars, all of them bare.