Desolate Stone Village is in imminent danger!

Three years have passed, and the first thing Ye Tianchen did after emerging from Flame Valley was to rescue Wuxue. The alarming news he discovered was that Desolate Stone Village faced a significant threat that could be obliterated in an instant. He could not remain calm; he immediately utilized the "Divine Movement Skill" and headed with Wuxue towards Desolate Stone Village.

"Do you know about Desolate Stone Village? It seems several formidable forces are planning to besiege it!"

"The Blood Killing Organization, Nine Netherworld, and the Jin family—just these three powerful factions—how many legacies in the Ancient Martial World can contend with them? Moreover, new forces have emerged too!"

"It's shocking; who would have thought that Earth, unsuitable for cultivation long ago, only left with the Three Ancient Martial Worlds, still holds so many powerful legacies? Now these legacies are surfacing one by one. What's happening? Is the Ancient Martial World going to be thrown into chaos with various legacies vying for territory?"

"No, I've heard some rumors. Not just Earth, perhaps the entire Martial Arts World is on the brink of chaos. A second cultivation golden age is about to arrive, and many major factions and legacies have sensed it, thus emerging early to compete for resources..."

"Competing for resources? Are there any resources left on Earth now?"

"That's just your shallow understanding. Earth once witnessed a golden age of cultivation, and ancient records suggest the presence of a star within the Martial Arts World harboring immense secrets. Here, countless powerful souls might be buried, many martial arts legacies left behind, just undiscovered or unexposed yet..."

"Regardless, we all have a chance to defy the odds and possibly leap into prominence. The arrival of a cultivation golden age signifies an exceptional spectacle, heralding unlimited possibilities."

"For now, let's not think too far ahead. We ought to visit the Buddhist Sacred Land Shaolin and check things out; Desolate Stone Village and Shaolin might already be doomed, right?"

"That's for sure! Members of the Blood Killing Organization, Nine Netherworld, and Jin family have shown up, and other forces have joined in wanting a share. Even though the Buddhist Sacred Land was once formidable, it cannot possibly withstand so many powerful forces simultaneously."

Throughout the journey, Ye Tianchen, accompanied by Wuxue, encountered numerous martial artists and overheard many discussions. He gained some insights; after more than three years away from the Ancient Martial World, Ye Tianchen's predictions were true. With the growth of the major trend, more secrets on Earth will be unveiled, and more hidden powerful legacies will appear. There's even a possibility of ancient alien races emerging, leading to the Martial Arts World flourishing with diverse factions and countless strong forces clashing for a common martial arts goal, resulting in rivers of blood and mountains of corpses.

Ye Tianchen's physical strength has now broken through to the Late Stage Martial Saint realm. His adeptness in the "Divine Movement Skill" has improved as his body's endurance capacity increased, enabling him to harness further Martial Arts True Qi. Within approximately one hour, Ye Tianchen and Wuxue arrived at the Buddhist Sacred Land Shaolin. Observing numerous people surrounding the mountain peaks of Shaolin, many of whom were skilled in legacy techniques, glaring covetously, yet none entered the premises. Ye Tianchen frowned, realizing the central area must be occupied by major forces, necessitating immediate assessment of the situation.

"Big brother, what should we do now?" Wuxue asked anxiously.

"You wait outside; if necessary, you can provide backup. I'll go through the back mountain first; don't alert them prematurely, and be careful!" Ye Tianchen thought for a moment and answered.

"Yes, big brother!" Wuxue nodded, stayed on the perimeter, and mingled with the martial artists.

Ye Tianchen didn't want to take Wuxue along and risk danger. The situation inside Shaolin might already be a matter of life and death; having one fewer person in a perilous position is beneficial. Ye Tianchen knew that confronting Nine Netherworld, the Blood Killing Organization, the Jin family, and other unknown legacies would not easily rescue the people of Desolate Stone Village and Buddhist Shaolin. Exiting smoothly seemed unlikely; double fists can't fight four hands.

The back mountain of Buddhist Shaolin was a very secluded place, and it once housed a Buddhist Great Formation. Although during Master Fang Zheng and the Sword Emperor's life-and-death battle, this formation mostly disappeared, remnants remained. Moreover, the Buddhist sect has always been a fearsome legacy; the more powerful and ancient, the more profound their mystery. Other forces dare not rashly invade lest this back mountain had long been encircled!

Ye Tianchen arrived at Shaolin's back mountain, where he once obtained the "Yijin Jing" legacy and became a martial artist. Without Master Fang Zheng's aid, he wouldn't have achieved his current success. He held great respect for Master Fang Zheng and vowed that even if he wouldn't become part of the Buddhist sect in the future, he wouldn't ignore its disaster and would defend it fully.

Using the Bone Transformation Skill, Ye Tianchen turned into the likeness of a young monk, aiming to avoid early detection. Secretly, he planned to do numerous things, given several major forces acted conjointly this time; this was extraordinary. If he opted for a path of bloodshed to resolve Desolate Stone Village and Buddhist Shaolin's crisis, the costs would be immense, and achieving it wouldn't be easy. Although the Martial Arts World operates on survival of the fittest, finding better ways to reduce bloodshed and sacrifice while reaching objectives is optimal. Ye Tianchen dared not be rash regarding the many villagers in Desolate Stone Village and monks in Buddhist Shaolin; he had his own thoughts and plans.

Unexpectedly for Ye Tianchen, there were no monks guarding Shaolin's back mountain, implying a significant problem there. Such a place should have monks on guard. Upon venturing further in, he witnessed a group sitting cross-legged before Shaolin's central hall, including Master Fang Yi and other high-ranking Buddhists, as well as Dongfang Meng, Tianshuanger, Zhang Ruotong, Hu Gao, and Tian Boguang. Although none were seriously injured, a fierce battle had evidently transpired, which depleted their internal Martial Arts True Qi substantially and hampered their combat abilities. Sitting foremost was Master Fang Yi, fresh blood lingering at his lips, evidently quite wounded with Zhang Ruotong treating him.

Before Master Fang Yi and the others, their besiegers gathered, led by a person shrouded in a blood shadow. Ye Tianchen was familiar with this kind of blood shadow; it had to be a Nine Netherworld member. After all these years, Nine Netherworld finally emerged to face the world. Clearly, much transpired in these three years unbeknownst to him. The aura of this blood shadow person was exceptionally powerful, undeniably rivalling a Mid-stage Martial Saint, or perhaps even Late Stage, demanding caution. It's no wonder he led; others from the Blood Killing Organization and Jin family followed.

Ye Tianchen noticed besides Nine Netherworld, the Blood Killing Organization, and Jin family, there were other unknown legacy forces present, all seemingly wanting a share. Buddhist legacy, ancient and mysterious like Nine Netherworld, ranks as the very oldest and secretive forces. If Shaolin this sacred site were indeed breached, unexpected discoveries might ensue.

"Old monk of the Buddhist sect, the grudges between Nine Netherworld and the Buddhist sect aren't something that can be clarified in moments. I advise you against protecting this group for your own good. I can assure you, hand them over, and I won't break through this Buddhist Sacred Land!" The blood shadow coldly remarked to Master Fang Yi.

Master Fang Yi opened his eyes, somewhat pale, clearly recovering from a significant battle. From Ye Tianchen's speculation, the one who severely injured Master Fang Yi must be this blood shadow of Nine Netherworld alone wielding such power. Though the Blood Killing Organization and Jin family dispatched experts too, none compared to the blood shadow's potent prowess.

"You are mistaken, benefactor. An old acquaintance entrusted the villagers of Desolate Stone Village to me. Duty-bound, I must fulfill it. If I let you take these people, I cannot account to this acquaintance; our Buddhist Shaolin would face condemnation. I hope you won't resort to extreme measures!" Master Fang Yi earnestly responded.

"Humph, entrusted by someone? Ye Tianchen, is it? Knowing he's an old acquaintance, already deceased, why adhere to duty? I don't want Nine Netherworld to emerge only to ruin a Buddhist Sacred Land. You better be sensible." The blood shadow ominously warned.

"Benefactor, if the old monk's death could ensure these people's survival, I can die before you!" Master Fang Yi declared towards the blood shadow.

"Haha! Old monk, not accepting the good offer and opting for punishment instead? Who do you think you are to negotiate with me? If not for the convoluted relationship between our Nine Netherworld and the Buddhist sect, I would've already slain everyone here. Since you are obstinate, I shall kill all present here directly!" The blood shadow menacingly declared, intent to kill overflowing. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you're welcome at qidian.com to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)

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