Chapter 16: The Hidden Treasure Remains Elusive, the Body Begins to Fail
A fierce bird swooped down, its claw aimed straight for his head—Li Chen was in grave danger in that instant.
Lin Ying fought desperately to save him.
In a flash, her figure transformed into a streak of light, instantly appearing before Li Chen. In her hand, she now held an ancient, unadorned long knife that gleamed with a chilling radiance. The blade shimmered like a dragon as she swung it fiercely, colliding with the bird’s sharp claw and sending visible ripples of energy through the air. The fierce beast clearly hadn’t anticipated Lin Ying’s strength; it let out a sharp screech, beating its wings in an attempt to retreat. But Lin Ying gave it no chance. Lightly tapping her toes on the ground, she seemed to merge with the wind, chasing after the bird with relentless speed. The tip of her blade aimed unerringly at the creature’s vital points, each strike carrying the terrifying power to split mountains and shatter stones, striking awe and fear into all who witnessed.
Just as Lin Ying and the beast were locked in a fierce, evenly matched battle, a strange glimmer suddenly appeared on the horizon, like a meteor streaking across the sky, plunging straight into the center of the battlefield. As the light faded, it revealed an ancient jade talisman hovering in midair, slowly rotating and radiating waves of peaceful energy that instantly calmed the surrounding violent spiritual energy. The bird, seemingly startled, relaxed its claws and soared high, attempting to flee from this sudden anomaly.
Lin Ying and Li Chen exchanged a glance, both reading shock and bewilderment in each other’s eyes. Without hesitation, they approached the jade talisman, silently wondering if this mysterious artifact’s appearance heralded the uncovering of a long-buried secret.
As they neared, the jade talisman suddenly erupted with seven-colored light, enveloping them both. In a flash, Li Chen and Lin Ying vanished from sight...
When they reappeared, they found themselves deep underground in an ancient tomb. The chamber was illuminated by the brilliance of jewels and treasures, as bright as day.
At this moment, Li Chen was in a pitiful state—six ribs broken, limbs fractured, blood flowing from all seven orifices. Lin Ying’s face was filled with anguish as she hurriedly administered healing pills to him. After taking five of the miraculous elixirs, Li Chen’s injuries began to stabilize.
They opened their eyes and looked around the empty tomb, seeing no sign of life. The mysterious jade talisman floated above an offering table, bathed in radiant light that enveloped an ancient jade tablet.
Li Chen and Lin Ying approached to examine it. The tablet bore an inscription in ancient script: “Second Generation Patriarch of the Celestial Realm’s Imperial Clan,” beneath which was clearly written, “Li Cangqiong.”
Li Chen’s heart shook profoundly. He had never imagined that the second-generation ancestor had perished here.
After a long moment of stunned silence, Li Chen knelt forward, repeatedly bowing his head and chanting aloud, “Li Chen, descendant of the Li family of the Celestial Realm, pays obeisance to the Second Generation Patriarch!”
Suddenly, the seven-colored light flared brilliantly. With a soft “swoosh,” the mysterious jade talisman flashed and merged into his spiritual sea.
A low hum vibrated through his mind as countless streams of information surged forth...
He learned that the supreme clan of the Celestial Realm, the Xuanyuan Immortal Clan, led by Patriarch Xuanyuan Tian, had conspired with the Demon Realm’s Demon Emperor to attack the imperial clan’s patriarch, Li Cangqiong. Li Cangqiong’s soul was severely wounded and on the brink of death. In his final moments, the supreme artifact known as the "Ling Tian Talisman" intervened, enveloping Li Cangqiong in a seven-colored light sphere before he vanished without a trace.
The Ling Tian Talisman was a protective relic left behind by the supreme ancestor upon ascending to the heavens. Though its spirit saved Li Cangqiong by bringing him into this secret realm, many vital parts of his body were damaged beyond repair. Unable to heal, he gradually weakened and ultimately passed away.
Li Cangqiong’s final words were few but profound: “To my descendants who see this, strive tirelessly to revive and protect the Li family. Be vigilant and never allow even the slightest negligence! Our ancestor’s ascension to the supreme realm remains unreported; when you reach that pinnacle, you may trace his path.”
Li Chen felt overwhelmed and powerless, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “I am as weak as a chick, uncertain if I will survive till dawn. When will I ever reach the supreme realm?”
He then turned to Lin Ying and said, “Xiao Ying, this is my second-generation ancestor, Patriarch Cangqiong of the Li family. You must pay your respects as well!”
Lin Ying knelt down and bowed deeply nine times, solemnly saying, “Lin Ying, your descendant, pays obeisance to Patriarch Cangqiong, Second Generation Ancestor!”