"I see," Yun Lintian said, a thoughtful expression on his face. He reached into his spatial ring and retrieved a Divine Stone, holding it out for Rui Xian to see. "So, this is of no value here?"
Rui Xian chuckled, shaking his head. "Not entirely. It still holds so energy, but it's like offering pebbles when everyone else deals in gems. You might find soone willing to take it off your hands, but don't expect much in return."
Yun Lintian nodded, storing the Divine Stone back in his ring. He looked at Rui Xian, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "You seem to know a lot about this place. Have you been here long?"
Rui Xian smiled enigmatically. "Long enough to understand its ways. This battlefield is a harsh mistress, but she rewards those who are patient and resourceful." He paused, his gaze turning towards the desolate horizon. "I sense you are searching for sothing, Yun Lintian. Perhaps... a purpose?"
Yun Lintian raised his brow slightly. "To tell you the truth, I'm looking for sothing here. Could you tell more about this place?"
Rui Xian's smile deepened, a glint of understanding in his eyes. "This Ancient Battlefield," he began, his voice taking on a storyteller's cadence, "is a reflection of the world outside, yet vastly different. Like the Great Expanse, it is divided into five regions - East, West, South, North, and Central. However, unlike the vibrant lands you are accustod to, these regions are scarred by endless battles, haunted by the remnants of fallen gods and demons."
He gestured towards the desolate landscape surrounding them. "The outer regions, while perilous, still hold pockets of life. You'll find settlents, hidden oases, and even remnants of ancient civilizations. But the Central Region..." Rui Xian's voice dropped to a whisper, "...that is where the true battlefield lies. A desolate wasteland, littered with the corpses and bones of fallen gods, a testant to the brutal wars that once raged here."
Yun Lintian nodded thoughtfully. From what he knew, this battlefield had existed since the Primordial Era, a place where the gods trained their people.
Rui Xian continued, "Every year, when the chaotic energy of this battlefield reaches its peak, cultivators from all five regions converge upon the Central Region. They brave the dangers, seeking the legacies of fallen gods, hoping to find treasures and insights that will elevate them to new heights of power."
He paused, his gaze piercing Yun Lintian's. "But be warned. The Central Region is a crucible of ambition and despair. Many enter, but few return. Those who survive are often scarred, both physically and ntally, by the horrors they witness."
"I see," Yun Lintian nodded. He understood the risks, yet he felt a strange pull towards the Central Region, a sense of destiny drawing him towards its desolate heart.
Rui Xian observed Yun Lintian's expression, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I sense a fire within you. A desire to not only survive but to thrive in this harsh realm." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "If you seek to venture into the Central Region, you may find yourself drawn to the armies of the five regions. They offer protection and camaraderie, but..."
He paused, his expression turning serious. "Be wary, Yun Lintian. These armies are not bastions of virtue. They are driven by power, ambition, and greed. Many will exploit you for their gain, discard you without a second thought. Choose your allies carefully, or better yet..."
Rui Xian's eyes t Yun Lintian's, his gaze unwavering. "Walk your own path. Forge your own destiny. Do not beco a pawn in soone else's ga."
"I understand," Yun Lintian replied, his voice firm.
Rui Xian nodded and said. "One more thing. In this battlefield, you will find that your divine energy recovers much slower than in the outside world. The chaotic energy here disrupts your cultivation, making it difficult to replenish your strength. Resources, especially Spirit Beads, beco even more crucial for survival and progress."
Surprised, Yun Lintian secretly checked himself. It was true; his energy recovery was much slower.
"No wonder you said the Spirit Bead is so important," he said.
Rui Xian smiled. "May your path be illuminated, Yun Lintian. I have a feeling our destinies are intertwined. We shall et again."
With a final nod, Rui Xian turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the swirling mists that shrouded the battlefield.
Yun Lintian watched with gratitude as Rui Xian disappeared from sight. The information he had gathered from the outside world was not as detailed as this.
Yun Lintian put the Spirit Bead away and closed his eyes, trying to sense Qingqing's location. A mont later, he opened his eyes and headed in the direction he felt her presence.
***
Sowhere in the Ancient Battlefield, Qingqing was surrounded by a group of cultivators. They leered at her, greedy grins plastered on their faces, surprised to find a True Wind Spirit Body here.
Qingqing, however, looked at them with an innocent smile. "Big brothers," she asked, "have you seen Big Brother Yun?"
The cultivators, montarily stunned by Qingqing's innocent deanor and her question, exchanged lecherous glances. They saw a young, naive girl, alone and vulnerable in this harsh environnt. An easy target.
"Big Brother Yun?" one of them sneered, stepping closer. "Why, little girl, did you lose your way? Maybe we can help you find him... if you're willing to pay the price."
Qingqing tilted her head, her innocent smile widening. "Pay the price? What price?"
The cultivator licked his lips, his eyes raking over Qingqing's figure. "Oh, you know... a little sothing to show your gratitude." He reached out, attempting to grab Qingqing's chin.
Qingqing's eyes flickered with a cold light, her innocent facade vanishing in an instant. With a swift movent, she slapped the cultivator's hand away, her voice turning icy. "Don't touch , you filthy scum."
The cultivator, his hand stinging from the slap, roared in anger. "You little bitch! You dare defy us?" He drew his weapon, a gleaming scimitar, and lunged towards Qingqing.
The other cultivators followed suit, their weapons drawn, their faces contorted with rage. They had expected an easy prey, not defiance from a seemingly harmless girl. Qingqing's eyes narrowed, her small form radiating a terrifying aura. The Law of Wind surged around her, transforming the gentle breeze into a raging tempest.
"You want to play?" she said, her voice barely a whisper, yet carrying an undeniable power
that sent shivers down their spines. "Then let's play."
With a flick of her wrist, a whirlwind erupted, engulfing the cultivators.
"Arghhh!"
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