Not far away, a bonfire was blazing.

A few cultivators were chatting with excited expressions. "Have you heard? The God and Demon Murals have appeared!"

"That's an ancient treasure ground with a total of one hundred and eight ancient murals. Each one contains hidden mysteries and embodies a profound Dao. It's said that if one can fully comprehend the profundities within the murals, they can attain the Immortal Path!"

"It's certain that great fortunes lie within the God and Demon Murals. In the recent past, a peerless prodigy gleaned a Supreme Law from the murals and established a great ancient sect!"

"What you're all talking about is ancient history. I just know that our sect's Grand Ancestor, who lived for two thousand years, comprehended a peerless technique from the God and Demon Murals and dominated an entire era!"

"Our fortune is quite extraordinary. The God and Demon Murals don't appear every time the Holy Realm opens. Sometimes, they remain unseen for thousands of years!"

"I heard that this time it was Ye Guhong, the Young Progenitor of Taixu Cave Heaven, who found the God and Demon Murals and caused them to manifest. Afterward, he spent seven days studying the seventy-two murals in the front corridor, then another ten days comprehending nine murals in the rear corridor, before departing atop the phantom of a great roc!"

"Heavens! Is that true?"

"The God and Demon Murals contain one hundred and eight murals, divided between front and rear ancient corridors. However, deciphering their mysteries is incredibly difficult and requires extraordinary insight. Each one is a challenge, yet Ye Guhong managed to comprehend eighty-one of them in less than twenty days. Such talent... who can possibly match him?"

"His goal is clear. He didn't linger on the outskirts of the Taixu Ancient Path. The moment he entered this world, he headed straight for its depths, intent on seizing the most heaven-defying opportunity in this ancient realm to become the supreme expert of his generation!"

"As expected of the Young Progenitor in whom Taixu Cave Heaven places such high hopes. With his Saint bloodline and natural Sacred Body, his talent is truly monstrous!"

"Sigh, to exist in the same era as such a dazzling sun is our honor, yet also our sorrow!"

The group grew more animated as they spoke, gesticulating wildly at times and sighing in dismay at others.

"Ye Guhong..."

Wang Xiu propped his chin on his hand, his eyes darting about. This was the second time he had heard the name. The first was from Guan Shanyue. From those few words, he gathered that this person was monstrously talented, practically the top figure of the younger generation in the Holy Realm, whom few could challenge.

"He's very strong..."

Li Xuanqi had stopped cultivating at some point. Her large eyes blinked softly, her jade-like face radiant as she spoke softly, "In Xinhuo City, our gazes met from across the distance. Though it was just a glance, I could already tell that he will be one of our strongest opponents!"

She used the word "our," clearly viewing Wang Xiu as a prodigy on her level. Her tone was grave.

Wang Xiu chuckled, "Does Senior Sister Li also have moments where she lacks confidence?"

Li Xuanqi shot him a look, seemingly displeased with his teasing. "His talent is no weaker than mine. Furthermore, he has cultivated in a treasure land like the Holy Realm since he was young, with the full support of Saint-level experts. He is now an entire major realm above me. I can't contend with him for now... unless I break through..."

Speaking to this point, a hint of sorrow suddenly clouded her beautiful eyes, and she fell silent.

Wang Xiu keenly sensed that Li Xuanqi had something on her mind. It was probably related to her being stuck at the pinnacle of the Golden Core Realm without breaking through. Other prodigies lingered at this realm to climb a bit higher, trying to move up a few places on the Golden Core Ranking for both fame and a stronger foundation. But Li Xuanqi was already at the top of the Golden Core Ranking, the recognized number one young prodigy of Nanzhou. Her realm was complete and her combat power was extraordinary. She was capable of breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm at any moment—the kind of breakthrough that comes naturally—yet she still hadn't. Wang Xiu originally thought she had higher aspirations, but now it seemed there might be other unspoken troubles.

Wang Xiu tactfully chose not to press the issue and changed the subject. "The God and Demon Murals have appeared, so nearly every prodigy on the Taixu Ancient Path will be heading there. Senior Sister Li... let's rest a moment longer, then we should get going too!"

Li Xuanqi nodded. "Alright!"

Smiling, Wang Xiu took out a stick of Netherworld Incense, lit it, and placed it between them. Faint smoke diffused through the air, carrying a pleasant, calming fragrance.

"What is this?" Li Xuanqi asked in surprise.

"Netherworld Incense, a specialty of my Divination Sect. It has a calming effect and can help one temporarily forget their worries," Wang Xiu explained with a gentle smile.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Junior Brother. Thank you..." Li Xuanqi gave Wang Xiu a deep look, a soft smile gracing her lips.

With that, she closed her eyes. Her long lashes trembled slightly as she resumed her cultivation.

「Before long.」

The two continued on their way. The number of prodigies along the path grew, with most heading in the same direction. With the appearance of the God and Demon Murals, no prodigy was willing to miss out.

When there are more people, information flows freely. From a few passing prodigies, Wang Xiu learned that they had encountered people from Sanqing, who were coming from another direction but also hurrying to the same location. This news set Wang Xiu's mind further at ease.

The closer they got to the God and Demon Murals, the more rumors they heard.

"Chu Liangfeng from Nanli Dongtian has arrived! They say he comprehended over a dozen murals in just three days—his progress is astounding!"

"Sima Yulong from the Arctic Cave Heaven is the truly dazzling one! He's already comprehended up to the thirty-sixth mural and is said to have grasped an immortal Divine Skill. A phantom dragon coils around his body; he looks incredibly sacred..."

"And the Saint Heir from Dayan Cave Heaven is vying with Sima Yulong! Their progress is neck and neck, and the competition is fierce!"

"Prodigies are flocking from all over... What a gathering!"

"It's not just the prodigies from outside the Holy Realm; many from within are also impressive. Zhang Xian, one of the Taixu Triumvirate, arrived a few days early and has already comprehended up to the forty-ninth mural. He's an absolute monster!"

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