CHAPTER 902: THEY COME FOR ANCIENT RELICS

Shen Xian’s eyes flickered as he glanced at Tai Hua Lei with visible hesitation. In truth, there was nothing in the heavens or on earth that truly frightened him, except the thought of bringing danger to A’Lei.

"How about this: teach them a lesson if you must. But afterward, let them go." Shenlian Yingyue saw that his heart was beginning to waver and took the opportunity to strike while the iron was hot.

Later on, she never did find out exactly what Shen Xian had done to the Peng Clan. While the situation remained chaotic, she discreetly directed Xiao Yun, Xiao Li, Xiao Lan, Hong Zuan, Lu Long, and Xiao Qiu to sneak into the Peng Clan’s grounds. Their mission was simple, take some Immortal Grasses and other valuable spiritual plants. Only a small amount was taken, just enough that the Peng Clan wouldn’t even notice the loss.

Meanwhile, Shenlian Yingyue quietly left the scene with Zhiyi and the others.

Di Xiuyu had already disappeared, likely off on her own hunt for Immortal Grass.

Jingling Xiuli and Qilin Yu returned to their respective clans, needing to deliver urgent warnings. They had to stress, do not provoke Shen Xian under any circumstance.

Tai Hua Lei tried to follow Shenlian Yingyue, but Shen Xian wouldn’t allow him to leave his side. Yao and Yasha were also assigned to follow Tai Hua Lei closely, ensuring his constant safety.

[Immortal Realm, Ember Dune Desert, Core Zone]

The core zone of the Ember Dune Desert was a blistering wasteland where the sands shimmered like molten gold beneath an eternal crimson sky. Towering obsidian spires jutted from the dunes, their jagged surfaces carved with ancient runes that pulsed with remnants of divine energy.

At its heart lay the Ashen Oasis, a boiling lake of molten flame, where the crystallized remains of fallen immortals and celestial beasts transformed into rare and coveted treasures.

The battles between the many factions arriving here grew increasingly intense. The treasures were scattered in various hidden places, near, yet distant and elusive. Even the most perceptive cultivators found them difficult to obtain.

Everyone had come for two legendary relics. The first: the Scorched Divinity Bones, remnants of a fallen god, radiating unstable yet powerful divine energy. The second: the Emberheart Crystal, condensed flames of a fallen Phoenix that granted immunity to fire and amplified fire-based spiritual power.

With either relic, one could traverse the Immortal Realm with unmatched ease. After all, what power could compare to that of a fallen god? The Scorched Divinity Bones could elevate one’s comprehension of divine power, something far beyond mere spiritual cultivation.

Spiritual energy and divine energy were entirely different realms. Divine energy belonged to higher-dimensional beings, entities that even the Immortal Realm struggled to understand, let alone challenge.

In addition to those two priceless relics, rumors spoke of a mysterious ancient artifact. Its identity and exact location were unknown. All anyone knew was that it would appear somewhere here, within the Ember Dune Desert’s core zone.

The desert stretched endlessly, a sea of dunes broken only by jagged mountains. Some forces tailed others, hoping to scavenge leftovers or swoop in amid the chaos. Others chose to work alone, while some groups formed alliances to divide their spoils. But no matter the surface cordiality, no true harmony existed.

Beneath the calm facade, everyone was waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

When Shenlian Yingyue and her group arrived, they were greeted by a scene of chaos. The desert had turned into a battlefield. Countless magical spells and spiritual techniques clashed in the air, detonating with dazzling brilliance.

The sky above darkened, shrouded by spiritual energy and elemental destruction. Each time immortal beings fought, the world responded. The winds roared, the sands quaked, and the sky trembled.

The Immortal Realm had been created to endure such forces. Without its resilience, this plane would have collapsed under the weight of so many powerful beings long ago.

Amid the chaos, the disciples of Cold Maple Palace were locked in a fierce battle with the disciples of the Hundred-Faced Mirage Sect. Neither side showed any sign of retreat. They were determined to fight to the end.

Shenlian Yingyue’s gaze sharpened as she observed the techniques of the Mirage Sect’s disciples. Their fighting style was unique, they were true masters of illusion, identity, and deception.

She recognized one particularly disturbing ability: Shifting Reality Technique. It distorted local perceptions of time and space, tricking enemies into misjudging distance, attacks, or even their surroundings. It was a deadly psychological weapon that made each encounter feel like fighting in a dream.

Elsewhere, the Elven Race and the Dragon Race had joined the fray. The Elves appeared reluctant to fight, but the other factions left them no choice.

The Dragons, proud and inherently aggressive, could not bear to let their rivals take the lead in claiming glory. Their very nature forbade retreat.

Other unfamiliar forces, strong and secretive, also engaged in chaotic battles and hidden maneuvers. It was clear that everyone had come for a reason. No one intended to leave empty-handed.

"Yue, do you want to fight?" Jun Mu Yang asked gently. He and the rest of her companions stood quietly by her side, waiting for her decision. If she wanted something, they would get it for her. If she wanted to fight, they would battle beside her. If she only wished to watch, they would stand guard.

"Don’t you all want something from here?" Shenlian Yingyue asked, puzzled. They had followed her faithfully, without asking for anything. Surely they had goals of their own?

The group exchanged glances.

To them, being with her was enough. But Shenlian Yingyue clearly thought differently.

"How about we separate for a bit and explore individually?" she suggested. "Everyone has their own fate, their own luck. If you stick to me all the time, you might miss it. I don’t want to be the reason you lose your chance."

"No!" the group shouted in perfect unison, their voices firm and immediate.

Shenlian Yingyue, "..."

A spark of mischief flickered in her eyes.

"Well, how about joining the chaos then? I have a strong feeling that something valuable is out there waiting for us."

Though their faces remained calm, she could see their ears twitching with interest. Her lips curled into a knowing smile before she quickly composed herself.

"Well? What do you say? If you don’t hurry, someone else will grab the treasure. I want the loot too, but I can’t be everywhere at once. If we work together, it’ll be faster and much easier."

"We’ll go, Master!" they said eagerly.

Who didn’t love treasures? They adored shiny things. Besides, if they gathered enough resources, their master would benefit too.

"Xiao Li and Xie Xie, you three head to the southern part of the core zone." She immediately began giving orders.

"Xiao Huang, Zhizhi, you two head east. Xiao Mei, Xiao Nian, and Huan Huan, go west."

"Xiao Lan and Hong Zuan, lead half of the Red Snake Army north," she said, giving Hong Zuan a nod.

"Tian Tian, take half of the Thunder White Wolves with you. Xiao Long, go along with them to the south as well," she added. Her instincts were rarely wrong, and they told her the northern region would offer rich rewards.

Lu Long’s eyes lit up, he could finally join the action.

"Yes, Master!" they all echoed in unison.

Excitement surged through the group. Every time their master guided them, they returned with bountiful harvests. Her foresight had never failed them.

And this time, they were ready to claim greatness.