Chapter 165: The Arrival of a New Era...

The gazes of Ye Jiuyao and Xing Yanyu were drawn over, coalescing into a terrifying storm-like momentum.

The surging qi waves between heaven and earth were swept away, instantly giving rise to piercing shrieks and thunderous explosions echoing through the firmament.

The terrifying might of the heavens shuddered awe-inspiringly.

This caused the complexions of the two to change slightly, yet the giant snake appeared as accustomed to it, its face filled with disdain.

"This object is called... the Starry Chess!"

"It is your beloved possession. The score is set upon the board, flanked by the black and white pieces on either side. Take good care of it."

The giant snake said in a solemn tone.

"Come."

Ye Jiuyao extended his hand, and in an instant, the Starry Chess transformed into a stream of light, flying directly into his palm, appearing square, exquisite, and remarkably striking.

The black and white pieces resting in the trays on either side resembled stars in the firmament, each piece radiating a terrifying power.

"A Primordial Weapon?!"

Ye Jiuyao felt a trace of doubt. Why had the previous generation's Lord of the Sealing left behind so many items? Could it be that the strength of the former Lord had long since transcended into something akin to a mortal emperor?

Along his journey, the secrets of many matters had been gradually unveiled, especially those concerning the Canglang Scroll of late.

He felt that he had already comprehended a fraction of the truth, yet upon grasping this small fraction, he discovered that even greater secrets were lying in wait for him.

Much like this very Starry Chess.

"Keep it safe. From this moment onward, I am no longer your treasure-guarding beast. Once you make your complete return, I shall march into battle alongside you once more!"

The giant snake revealed a look of anticipation, then plunged headfirst into the Mud Dragon Pool, stirring up monstrous waves.

"Grand Uncle-Master, that... that thing... does it... know... you?!"

At this moment, Xing Yanyu was brimming with curiosity. Why did his Grand Uncle-Master seem so extraordinary? Leaving aside his combat strength, even these bizarre and formidable entities could do nothing to harm him.

This filled Xing Yanyu's heart with endless doubt and curiosity.

"I am not entirely certain myself, but avoiding a fight is, after all, the best outcome..."

Ye Jiuyao did not conceal anything. Since he truly had no knowledge of this matter, he could hardly be accused of deceiving Xing Yanyu.

Hearing this, Xing Yanyu merely let out an "oh" of acknowledgment, then stood in silence behind him, his eyes darting restlessly about.

"Let us move on and delve deeper."

...

Meanwhile, the outside world was thrown into tumultuous upheaval.

A relentless cascade of rain began to fall from the sky.

The primordial energy between heaven and earth surged violently, enhancing the innate foundations of countless individuals. Those who had been trapped at bottlenecks for decades suddenly experienced a moment of sudden enlightenment.

In an instant, they broke through their previous boundaries and attained a brand-new realm.

This development filled them with boundless joy, and what delighted them most was that the rain falling from the skies was no ordinary precipitation.

Instead, it was infused with dense primordial energy. As long as it made contact with the body, it could be absorbed directly within, transforming into vital cultivation power.

In a split second, the entire realm was shaken.

"The new era has arrived..."

"An era of chaos is unfolding, and those supreme masters will likely soon emerge from seclusion..."

"Who knows what the future holds..."

"Alas... this world ultimately belongs to the youth. I wonder how much longer we old bones can hold on..."

"Perhaps... it is time to abdicate..."

"............"

In a flash, countless hidden patriarchs of various sects and imperial dynasties stepped forth into the world.

A storm of blood and slaughter swept across the Thousand Emperors Realm. Numerous sects and dynasties began fighting fiercely for territory, though these conflicts mostly erupted among minor sects and petty nations.

The four major powers—the Chanye Sect, the Fanshi State, the Xiongying State, and the Daliu State—remained entirely unresponsive, letting the grand tides of the world take their course.

However, certain factions within these four major powers grew restless, beginning to harbor ambitions and eventually integrating themselves into the bloody struggle for supremacy.

As people from numerous sects and dynasties plunged into battle, the world descended into a state of chaos, yet the four major forces steadfastly maintained their non-intervention stance.

Even so, the subordinate forces under their direct control gradually bared their fangs, continuously devouring weaker surrounding factions and steadily expanding their own power.

Especially those factions that had previously reigned supreme in their own domains—before the advent of the Chanye Sect, they were mere local overlords, yet upon the sect's arrival, they had chosen submission.

Now, amidst the dawn of the new era, they emerged once more, baring the sharp fangs they had long kept concealed.

...

The Sect Masters of the Chanye Sect's four regional branches had currently gathered within the Southern Region's Chanye Sect.

"The grand tournament is only ten days away. We must notify Ye Jiuyao first. After all, following the Master's teachings, he may well be the key to our ascension as Domain Lords..."

"If we succeed, amidst this grand era, we shall enter the Dao itself, becoming pillars of existence within the Chanye Sect!!"

Qianliu spoke earnestly to the other three.

"Agreed. If that truly comes to pass, we might genuinely become Lords of a Domain. By then, we shall proceed according to our previous pact: one domain governed by four lords, divided into four cities, jointly administered!"

The Sect Master of the Eastern Region's Chanye Sect added.

"Very well. Brother Qianliu, please send word to Ye Jiuyao."

"Understood."

Qianliu produced the unique communication talisman of the Chanye Sect, channeling a strand of spiritual intent into it, and transmitted a message across the void.

...

The Starry Clan, ancestral territory.

Ye Jiuyao produced the token of the Chanye Sect, which was now glowing and flickering.

"The grand tournament is in ten days?"

"Time flies indeed."

After reading the message, Ye Jiuyao murmured softly to himself.

"Let's go, deeper still."

Accompanied by Xing Yanyu, Ye Jiuyao ventured further into the ancestral grounds of the Starry Clan.

At this juncture, the perils within the ancestral lands had multiplied exponentially. Not only were there primordial beasts, but there were also various unusual and specialized entities.

The two proceeded with utmost caution, forced to confront dangers at every turn. Terrifying forces erupted from the void, leaving them with barely a moment to breathe.

Yet, amidst such perilous conditions, their cultivation progress was astonishingly rapid. Ye Jiuyao's strength, in particular, broke through to the realm of the Sages.

...

The Fanshi State, secret realm.

"Qingyu, run quickly! I will block this danger for you, Senior Sister will hold her ground. You are the hope of our Fanshi State's branch."

Before Luo Qingyu and a young maiden stood a clawing, ferocious giant beast resembling a lion, yet its gaping maw was like a bottomless abyss.

Pitch-black within, it let out a deafening roar toward the two, as if it would devour them the very next second.

"Jiuyao, where are you?"

Luo Qingyu murmured under her breath, the desire to survive burning even brighter in her eyes. A hairpin resting atop her head suddenly erupted with a blinding, dazzling radiance.

The light slashed outward in all directions like a laser blade. One of the light-blades narrowly missed slicing into the maiden, prompting Luo Qingyu to cry out in alarm.

"No!"

The light-blade abruptly halted.

"Splat!"

A slicing sound echoed through the air, and the giant beast collapsed heavily to the ground.

The maiden stared at the giant beast in sheer terror, a mixture of agitation and lingering fear flashing across her eyes.

She was agitated because the beast was dead, and terrified because she had brushed shoulders with death.

As for Luo Qingyu, she remained in a momentary daze, unable to comprehend what had just transpired, until the hairpin descended and settled back atop her head.

Postscript: The second volume is concluded. The third volume focuses on the dawn of the new era, where the protagonist enters the Dao and Realms of the Thousand Emperors Realm to make a brilliant splash.

However, it is not about leveling up by slaying monsters, but rather... once you read it, you will see...