"But I haven't found the mechanism after researching for so many years. I'm afraid a more secretive method is needed to open it."

Asher sighed as he spoke, but his gaze remained fixed on the carved patterns, eyes gleaming with the light of accumulated wisdom.

Ethan's gaze followed along the stone door, each line becoming clearer under his spiritual perception.

Nine stars.

Suspended in a formation that mirrored the heavens.

Below them stood a lone figure on a mountain peak—arms wide open, facing the starry sky and turning his back on all living beings.

The pattern was ancient, mysterious, and carried a faint oppressive aura.

"...Nine stars," Ethan murmured, brows lightly knitting.

In the Nine Emperors Dao Body scripture, the star positions were meticulously recorded.

Comparing them now—it was unmistakable.

"These nine stars… are the same nine from the Nine Emperors Dao Body. Then this place truly is the one recorded on the stone tablet."

Excitement coursed through Ethan's chest, though his expression remained calm.

Asher noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor and couldn't help smiling.

"Boy, looks like you've thought of something. Care to share?"

Ethan cupped his hands lightly.

"If Senior Asher wishes to hear it, then this junior will speak."

He looked at the door and spoke calmly:

"A place that boosts cultivation for Mahayana, Nirvana and Supreme realm experts… a giant stone gate sealed beneath Heavenly Lake… such a place must hide a secret unseen for countless years."

"The nine stars carved on the stone gate—"

"They match ancient star charts. And those charts align with the legendary supreme holy body: the Nine Emperors Dao Body."

"So, the stone door might require something related to the Nine Emperors Dao Body to open."

Asher's brows rose.

"The Supreme Holy Body… Nine Emperors Dao Body. Where could we possibly find something so mystical?"

He sighed.

"Perhaps once I reach the Imperial Path and step into the Great Emperor realm, I might break through this stone gate."

Ethan hesitated a moment, then spoke softly:

"To be honest… I obtained some things related to the Nine Emperors Dao Body from the female supreme body before. I may be able to try."

"What?!"

Asher nearly jumped in shock.

"You kid—every time I think I've figured you out, you deliver another surprise!" He patted Ethan's back and stepped aside.

"Go on then, perform!"

Ethan smiled helplessly.

"Senior, please don't expect too much. It's only a guess—I may not succeed."

"Even if you fail, it's fine." Asher waved his hand.

"Worst case, I'll call the boss over to smash it open."

Ethan's eyes flickered slightly.

The 'boss' Asher referred to was the owner of the Blood Tavern—a legendary Ultimate supreme. If even he couldn't open it, then the mystery behind this stone door was truly extraordinary.

"Very well, this junior will try."

Ethan steadied his breathing, then placed his palm against the cold, ancient surface.

The moment his skin touched it, he felt a slight resonance—like a heartbeat buried within the stone itself.

He mobilized the Emperor Star within his body.

A faint glow emerged from his core, circulating through his meridians and gathering in his palm.

A golden radiance formed, pulsing with the rhythm of the Nine Emperors Dao Body.

Chi—

The golden light seeped silently into the stone gate.

For three long minutes, nothing happened.

Then—

Buzz…

Lines of golden light trickled across the carvings.

A circular formation slowly awakened, its lines lighting up one by one.

"It's working!"

Asher's voice trembled with excitement—far more than Ethan's calm one.

Decades of frustration, finally unraveling.

It didn't matter that a junior opened it.

What mattered was that it opened.

In Asher's heart:

"This kid… with his talent, given time, he'll be a powerhouse who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the boss… or even surpasses him."

"The Blood Tavern's future may become brighter than ever."

He began imagining an early retirement, drinking wine every day while Ethan handled all responsibilities.

Rumble—!

The moment Ethan's light touched the restriction, the entire underground cavern vibrated.

Magma surged violently.

Lava rivers bubbled like boiling water.

But the commotion was brief.

After a dozen breaths, everything calmed.

"Just as expected," Ethan murmured.

He poured more Emperor Star power into the formation.

The golden circle spun like a celestial mechanism unlocking itself.

Click—

A clear snapping sound echoed—and the golden formation vanished.

Rumble…!

The giant stone door shuddered.

Dust cascaded down like a gray waterfall.

A deep smell of age, dampness, and faint salt drifted outward from the slowly unveiling entrance.

This place had been sealed for countless years, untouched by the outside world.

Despite the extreme heat of the cavern, the inside remained cool and humid—evidence of a powerful formation at work.

Zeon and Magnus snapped out of their meditation.

"What's happening?!"

Zeon blinked at the sight of Ethan and Asher across the magma river.

The next moment he vanished from his spot and reappeared beside them.

"Brother Asher, what's going on?"

"Shh." Asher raised a hand.

"Let Ethan focus."

"Ethan is doing something? What did he find?"

Asher whispered, "There are ruins here. Even I couldn't open the stone door. But Ethan opened it with ease."

"What? Even Brother Asher couldn't open it?!" Zeon's eyes widened.

"Then this must be an Emperor's ruins! There has to be treasure!"

"That's natural," Asher said with a grin.

"If you want to thank someone, thank Ethan."

Zeon instantly ran up to Ethan just as Magnus arrived.

"Brother Ethan, what is this place?"

"Senior Asher discovered ruins. There may be something hidden inside." Ethan replied simply.

"Brother Asher can't open it, but Brother Ethan did it like snapping a twig. From today on, you're my idol!" Zeon raised a thumb proudly.

"That's unnecessary." Ethan chuckled.

"Everyone has their strengths. I just happened to be suited to this."

"Senior Asher can't open it… Brother Ethan, you're too humble." Magnus smiled, stunned by the feat.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

...

Thanks for the Magic Castle: @DaoistKryQyc

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.