The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1783 - 1780: The Strategy

"Did you spot that hill?"

After traversing nearly a million miles close to the ground, Ye Xuan indicated a nondescript hill in the distance and inquired.

"We saw it."

Both Tong Wuji and Tushan Chen affirmed with nods.

"Tong Wuji, your destination is that hill later on," Ye Xuan instructed. "Upon setting foot on it, you'll enter a realm teeming with staircases. One path comprises only ninety-nine steps; the hundredth step plunges into endless darkness. Proceed into this darkness, and you will discover an ancient Array Map. At that juncture, infuse your Mana to awaken the formation."

"Are you capable of this task?"

Ye Xuan's gaze settled on Tong Wuji.

Tong Wuji’s countenance grew serious as he responded with conviction, "I shall exert my utmost to honor Emperor Ye!"

Ye Xuan nodded approvingly. "Once these duties are fulfilled, you may opt to emerge from that darkness and ascend the highest steps. The greater your ascent, the more significant the boons you shall receive."

"Should you reach the summit, the opportunity to enter the Quasi-Emperor Realm awaits you in the future."

A faint smile graced Ye Xuan’s lips.

Tong Wuji’s eyes instantly brightened. He cupped his hands in a respectful bow, declaring, "I shall faithfully adhere to the Emperor’s decree."

Within his heart, Tong Wuji was overcome with elation.

Emperor Ye intended to mentor him!

Despite his current standing as a core disciple of the Black Blade Sect, a considerable gulf remained between him and the higher echelons of the organization.

If he could acquit himself admirably in this undertaking, securing a leadership position within the Black Blade Sect in future times was not an improbable prospect!

"Proceed then."

Ye Xuan gestured.

Tong Wuji took flight, heading towards the designated hill.

"And what of me?" Tushan Chen inquired, blinking his mesmerizing fox eyes at Ye Xuan.

He harbored the certainty that Ye Xuan had assignments for him as well.

"Accompany me."

"Very well."

The pair, detouring, took to the skies in a different direction.

An incense stick’s duration later, they crossed a vast river and halted at its fringes.

Before them lay an immense desert.

Yet, this desert possessed a distinctly peculiar quality.

Within its expanse, endless quicksand ebbed and flowed, resembling a boundless sea. At times, the quicksand would contort into towering Divine Towers; at other moments, it would coalesce into three-legged Ancient Cauldrons; and occasionally, it would shapeshift into ancient warships...

It was difficult to fathom that a river flowed in such proximity to a desert. This was the Great Ruins, a domain of constant transformation.

Every sight encountered might prove illusory, or perhaps, entirely veracious.

The precise location where Ye Xuan and Tushan Chen stood marked the confluence of the river and the desert.

"Deep within this desert resides a Sky-reaching Tower, possessing ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine levels. You must ascend each level sequentially. Upon reaching the topmost floor, you will encounter a single drop of water. At that point, utilize the Power of World to encompass this droplet for the duration of an incense stick."

Ye Xuan indicated the desert's furthest reaches, articulating these instructions slowly.

Tushan Chen peered in the direction Ye Xuan indicated, catching a faint glimpse of a tower piercing the vast desert, seemingly extending towards the Nine Heavens.

Alas, the heavens above were obscured by an impenetrable darkness.

When the World Tree had manifested earlier, the sensation was as if the entirety of the Great Ruins had been unveiled. Now, it appeared that this was merely an illusion.

In actuality, Tushan Chen was unaware that it was not an illusion but rather the suppressive force of the Great Ruins constraining the World Tree.

"Once your task is complete, you may employ the Guiding Divine Light emanating from the Sky-reaching Tower's apex to depart from the Great Ruins."

Ye Xuan continued his instructions.

Tushan Chen regarded Ye Xuan, a trace of anticipation in his expression, and inquired, "Will I achieve a breakthrough to the Quasi-Emperor Realm?"

Ye Xuan cast a sidelong glance at Tushan Chen. "Is the Quasi-Emperor Realm of consequence?"

Tushan Chen emitted a series of intense coughs, responding with a measure of helplessness, "Emperor Ye..."

Ye Xuan waved his hand dismissively. "Be on your way. Cease fixating solely on the Quasi-Emperor Realm. The day will come when you will traverse the Emperor Road alongside me, striving for the Great Emperor Realm."

Tushan Chen, who had previously appeared crestfallen, immediately rebounded with renewed vigor, as if infused with adrenaline upon hearing Ye Xuan's words. He affirmed earnestly, "I understand perfectly!"

With that declaration, Tushan Chen resolutely plunged into the desert.

Ye Xuan tucked his hands into his pockets, his eyes narrowing as he observed Tushan Chen's retreating form, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

Moments later, a startled cry escaped Tushan Chen as a sudden gust of sand engulfed him, subsequently slamming him into the desert floor. He was then violently propelled upwards, only to descend once more, tossed about in a rather tumultuous fashion.

Witnessing this spectacle, the corners of Ye Xuan's mouth lifted further, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Tushan Chen's bone age was not particularly advanced, yet his raw strength was impressively formidable, matching that of Tong Wuji.

However, it was essential to recall that Tong Wuji had joined the Black Blade Sect tens of thousands of years prior, following the Xuantian Ancient Country incident. Therefore, his possessing such potent strength was entirely justifiable.

Although Tushan Chen's bone age is under ten thousand years, he has already achieved a level of strength comparable to Tong Wuji, securing the position of Qingqiu Fox Clan's leader.

However, this rapid ascent means Tushan Chen has certain areas where his experience is lacking.

The desolate desert presents numerous perils.

Ye Xuan deliberately withheld his warning to Tushan Chen, intending for him to learn a valuable lesson.

Moments later, Tushan Chen recognized his predicament, swiftly regaining control and setting a course towards the Sky-reaching Tower.

Witnessing this, Ye Xuan finally turned and departed.

The sound of rushing water!

Suddenly, the river churned, and a powerful, formidable dragon head emerged from the water's surface, bowing towards Ye Xuan before letting out a resonant roar.

This display was a profound sign of respect directed at Ye Xuan.

Ye Xuan stepped onto the dragon's head.

Once he was balanced, the crimson Divine Dragon moved with incredible speed along the riverbank.

Ye Xuan stood atop the Red Dragon's back, a smile gracing his lips.

This dragon is not a true dragon; it doesn't even possess dragon blood.

It was merely an ordinary carp.

Thirty million years ago, as Ye Xuan prepared to enter the Great Ruins, he happened upon a Mortal Dynasty and, on a whim, purchased a red carp from a local fisherman.

Upon entering the Great Ruins, Ye Xuan released the red carp into the river, curious to observe the transformations a common creature might undergo within this mystical realm.

When he reached this particular river, Ye Xuan had attempted to summon it using his Emperor Soul, but received no response.

Only now had he finally received a reply.

Then, the red Divine Dragon appeared.

The carp from that long-ago encounter had indeed transformed into a dragon.

While it lacks dragon blood and is not a True Dragon,

its formidable power is undeniable.

Ye Xuan could sense the potent Great Ruins Forbidden Power residing within the Red Dragon.

The sole aspect that left Ye Xuan with a sense of disappointment was that, despite the Red Dragon's recognition of him, it remained incapable of speech or shapeshifting.

This appeared to be a governing law of the Great Ruins.

Whether it was the Blood Sea Snake, the Mountain Transforming Dragon, or even the Great Ruins Demon Vine,

their abilities were transcendent, yet they retained an unvibrating, lifeless appearance.

The Red Dragon bore Ye Xuan onward, gliding downstream.

Upon reaching a colossal waterfall, the Red Dragon ascended amidst the swirling clouds and mist, carrying Ye Xuan skyward.

An hour later, the Red Dragon transported Ye Xuan to the summit of a towering mountain cliff.

With remarkable gentleness, the Red Dragon lowered its head beside the cliff's peak, facilitating Ye Xuan's smooth disembarkation.

After Ye Xuan stepped off the dragon's noble head, the Red Dragon nudged him affectionately.

Ye Xuan stroked the Red Dragon’s mane and spoke with a warm smile, "Go now, live your life well."

The Red Dragon's eyes, devoid of their former ferocity, held only an innocent gaze.

It was precisely the same as when Ye Xuan first brought it into the Great Ruins.

Unchanged.