Previously on High Martial Arts: I Awaken a Low-Tier Martial System...
Jiang Ye achieved a breakthrough in his Ashen Law, realizing its essence is reconstruction, not destruction. He demonstrated this newfound power by effortlessly disintegrating and reconstructing a mountain. Afterward, he and his companions ventured into the Black Water Star Domain, only to discover they had arrived in the dangerous Nether River Domain. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Zilu and Prince Zijun also appeared in the vicinity shortly after their departure.
"Nothing," Wang Zilu replied, withdrawing her gaze. "I mistook someone for an old acquaintance." She then turned to Prince Zijun, a smile gracing her lips. "Brother, have you located that place?"
"The entrance is close by," Prince Zijun responded with a slight smile. "Allow me to activate a secret technique for a more precise search. I will find it."
"Hmm, quickly then," Wang Zilu urged. "Sister Qingmei must be inside. Those despicable individuals from the Cangxu Civilization separated us deliberately, intending to deal with us one by one."
"I understand," Prince Zijun affirmed, closing his eyes slightly as he began to employ the secret technique.
...
During this time, Jiang Ye guided his group, leading them through the Nether River Domain and indeed discovering a multitude of opportunities and treasures. Among their findings were even enlightenment treasures at the peak of the eighth level.
Following some diligent exploration,
the entire Blue Sky Squad amassed considerable rewards, with each member becoming exceptionally wealthy.
Not long after,
Jiang Ye escorted the team to a mountaintop, a prime vantage point within the Nether River Domain that provided a panoramic view of the entire region.
Behind him, Zi Yaozhi and Mo Xin were filled with palpable joy.
"Captain, you were absolutely right," Zi Yaozhi declared with a smile. "This Nether River Domain is truly a treasure trove for us. The rewards we've obtained today surpass what we gathered in over a month previously."
"Indeed," Mo Xin and Zhao Zishuang echoed sincerely. "Following the captain is unquestionably the best decision."
Every time treasures were acquired, Jiang Ye generously shared half of them with the team. This was a stark contrast to other powerful squads, who might have been reluctant to part with such a significant portion.
However, amidst his comrades' jubilation, Jiang Ye's brow furrowed deeply.
"Captain, is something the matter?" Zi Yaozhi inquired, a hint of confusion in her voice.
"Something feels amiss," Jiang Ye stated. "Why haven't we encountered any alien powerhouses in this Nether River Domain? Normally, such lucrative areas would be fiercely contested by numerous formidable individuals."
Upon hearing this, Zi Yaozhi and the others suddenly grasped the peculiarity.
It was true!
This Nether River Domain served as a crucial nexus within the Black Water Star Domain, and it should have been teeming with cultivators. Yet, the reality was that no one was vying for these vast treasure-filled lands. In the entirety of the expansive Nether River Domain, not a single figure had appeared.
"Could it be that others simply haven't reached this area yet?" Zhao Zishuang hypothesized.
"The Star Domain Battlefield has been open for over a month; it's unlikely that no one has arrived," Jiang Ye countered, shaking his head.
"Then perhaps something even more significant has drawn everyone's attention elsewhere?" Zi Yaozhi mused.
Jiang Ye rubbed his chin, sharing this suspicion. But for everyone to abandon such abundant treasures, what extraordinary, high-level opportunity could possibly be at play?
"Arriving too late, perhaps," Jiang Ye expressed a pang of regret.
"There's no need for regret, Captain," Zhao Zishuang offered comfort. "At the very least, we've secured numerous opportunities."
Jiang Ye nodded, though inwardly he sighed. To him, these material opportunities paled in comparison to the chance to eliminate alien powerhouses. Furthermore, whatever could compel everyone to forsake such riches must surpass imagination.
"Given the circumstances,"
"let's thoroughly explore the remaining opportunities here," Jiang Ye resolved internally.
But just as he reached this decision,
Boom!
Suddenly, a brilliant golden light ascended into the sky, bathing the heavens in radiant hues. An astonishing wave of energy swept outwards.
"What's happening?" "What occurred?" Zi Yaozhi and the others' expressions shifted dramatically.
Jiang Ye gazed towards the distant sky. With his current sharp eyesight, discerning objects thousands of miles away was effortless. Amidst the heavens, miles away, stood two minuscule figures.
"I bear the mandate of heaven, blessed by fate; the gateway to the Initial Realm opens!" A majestic voice boomed, seemingly imbued with celestial power. Instantly, an invisible force surged like a tempestuous sea, coalescing into a golden dragon silhouette that struck the void. A thunderous impact resounded as the heavens violently trembled.
"What is that?" "Is that the power of fate?" Jiang Ye, with his extraordinary perception, vaguely sensed that the very destiny of this realm was undergoing a profound alteration. In essence, that individual was channeling immense power of fate, attempting to breach a specific entrance.
"Could it be the Talent of the Huanglong Main Star?" "The Talent of Heaven can harness the power of fate." Jiang Ye recognized Prince Zijun and inwardly sighed. Possessing a unique gift and wielding its true power were entirely different matters. Someone like Jiang Ye, despite having strong destiny, couldn't command this specific power of fate. However, a Talent was different. Talents could manipulate their own fate and the fate of the heavens, utilizing it for their own benefit—an innate ability. Naturally, such actions carried their own repercussions.
Engaging one's own destiny or the destiny of the heavens inevitably invites repercussions.
When a Talent embarks on such a path, it signifies the immense importance of the matter at hand.
"Could it be?"
"Is he also in pursuit of that [thing]?" Jiang Ye's thoughts raced.
And at that precise moment.
"Boom!"
A resounding explosion echoed as a golden barrier of light materialized in the sky. This curtain tore through the very fabric of the void, unveiling a scene of utter chaos within.
Following this spectacle, two figures shot directly into the otherworldly rift.
In the blink of an eye, they vanished entirely into the luminous veil.
"Let's go."
"We're going in too." Jiang Ye declared, transforming into a streak of light as he surged towards the celestial barrier.
Witnessing this, Zi Yaozhi, Zhao Zishuang, and the others quickly followed suit.
Their movement was incredibly swift, covering thousands of miles in mere moments as they exerted their full strength.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Before long, Jiang Ye and his contingent successfully plunged into the golden expanse.
...
Within the shimmering passage.
"Hmm?"
Prince Zijun, adorned in regal dragon robes and wielding a formidable spear, suddenly detected a presence. "Someone has followed us in."
"What?" Wang Zilu's expression shifted dramatically. "Who is it?"
Prince Zijun sensed their presence and calmly responded, "No need for concern, it's one of our own."
Upon hearing this, Wang Zilu couldn't resist glancing back.
"Brother, the opening of this passage incurred a great cost for you." Her beautiful features bore a hint of displeasure. "Someone has infiltrated by following us, they ought to express their gratitude properly later."
"They are all from our Huanglong Civilization; let's not make too much of it." Prince Zijun offered a gentle smile, appearing unperturbed.
Just then, a significant surge of light appeared further ahead.
"We have arrived at the Initial Realm." Prince Zijun's demeanor turned grave. "Zilu, exercise caution."
"Understood." Wang Zilu replied with a nod, her lovely face now etched with a trace of seriousness.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The duo descended to the ground simultaneously.
The surrounding area was enveloped in a thick mist, with the sky and earth appearing uniformly gray. Within the depths of the fog, faint silhouettes of colossal structures could be discerned, emanating a subdued, gray luminescence.
Scattered across the ground lay numerous corpses, their blood still tragically fresh. It was evident that a brutal conflict had recently transpired in this very location.
"Many of these fallen are talented individuals from our very own Huanglong Civilization." Prince Zijun observed the deceased strewn about, his brows knitting together in concern.
Wang Zilu, too, surveyed the grim scene, her exquisite face reflecting solemnity.
At that moment, a stir of activity emanated from the passage behind the pair.
"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh..."
A group emerged into this desolate realm, spearheaded by Jiang Ye's Blue Sky Squad.
"They have arrived." Prince Zijun stated. "Zilu, proceed to engage them."
"Certainly."
Wang Zilu acknowledged with a nod and turned. However, her movement abruptly ceased.
"Eh?"
"Is that you?" Wang Zilu's striking eyes widened as she fixed her gaze upon Jiang Ye.
Jiang Ye, equally taken aback, recognized her instantly.
Given her striking resemblance to Chen Zilu, Jiang Ye retained a vivid impression of her. Yet, it was precisely this familiarity that instilled a sense of disquiet within him.
The underlying reason was simple.
Wang Zilu undoubtedly knew he was not originally from the Huanglong Civilization!
Concurrently.
Observing Wang Zilu's reaction, Prince Zijun also frowned. "You know him?"
He directed his gaze towards Jiang Ye, noting the young man's handsome countenance and a subtle glint of wariness appeared in his eyes.
"We have met a few times." Wang Zilu replied with a smile, proceeding towards Jiang Ye.
Meanwhile.
As Wang Zilu approached, Jiang Ye maintained an outward appearance of composure despite his internal caution.
He offered a calm greeting, "We express our deepest gratitude for opening the passage. The Blue Sky Squad is truly thankful."
"There is no need for thanks."
"Jiang Ye, it's been a while." Wang Zilu gave him a playful wink. "Do you still recall me?"
