Ancient Gods - V1C2
Prologue: Farewell, Fourth Elder
1: A remaining mark
2: The Star Emperor Legacy
3: Lingxu's Hostage
4: A Bunch of Hypocrites
5: Su Fei
6: The Duel
7: Dao of Divine Pills
8: Beauty Pill
9: Mastering Alchemy
10: Xu Xin and Su Fei Are Denied
11: No Meat, No Soup, No Cooking
12: The Extraordinary Tianxuan Realm
13: A Salted Fish Turns over
14: Those Elders Have No Shame
15: The Yangchun Pill
Chapter 2
The Star Emperor legacy
The Fourth Elder had once regaled Mo Yang with numerous tales from the cultivation world, sharing whispers of the most formidable figures that traversed its vast landscapes. Yet, throughout all those stories, the name "Star Emperor" had never graced his ears.
Before him loomed the Pagoda Tower, a formidable structure with a rough, timeworn exterior that carried the burden of many decades. Its presence created a captivating contrast between the tangible and the mystical, inviting the inquisitive to explore further.
Mo Yang inhaled deeply, feeling the palpable tension in the air, and cautiously approached the tower door. The entrance yawned before him, shrouded in darkness that resembled a devil's cave, ominously inviting yet foreboding, as if it could consume him whole.
After a moment's hesitation, a surge of determination propelled him forward. With a tentative step, he crossed the threshold, feeling as if he were breaching a veil between worlds. As he surveyed his surroundings, Mo Yang's astonishment grew; this unassuming Pagoda Tower was a gateway to an expanse that seemed to contain the very fabric of the universe.
From the outside, the building appeared modest, standing at 100 feet. However, once inside, it revealed an infinite and awe-inspiring space. This vast area was strikingly desolate, and the silence was profound. As he carefully navigated past scattered rocks, he stumbled upon fragments of rusty weapons that hinted at past battles and tragedies. Left and right, he could see pieces of clothing on many skeletons; some body parts were everywhere, a testament to a deadly battle and its aftermath. The first floor of the tower conveyed a tale of violence and death.
Before him loomed the Pagoda Tower, a formidable structure with a rough, timeworn exterior that carried the burden of many decades. Its presence created a captivating contrast between the tangible and the mystical, inviting the inquisitive to explore further.
Mo Yang inhaled deeply, feeling the palpable tension in the air, and cautiously approached the tower door. The entrance yawned before him, shrouded in darkness that resembled a devil's cave, ominously inviting yet foreboding, as if it could consume him whole.
After a moment's hesitation, a surge of determination propelled him forward. With a tentative step, he crossed the threshold, feeling as if he were breaching a veil between worlds. As he surveyed his surroundings, Mo Yang's astonishment grew; this unassuming Pagoda Tower was a gateway to an expanse that seemed to contain the very fabric of the universe.
From the outside, the building appeared modest, standing at 100 feet. However, once inside, it revealed an infinite and awe-inspiring space. This vast area was strikingly desolate, and the silence was profound. As he carefully navigated past scattered rocks, he stumbled upon fragments of rusty weapons that hinted at past battles and tragedies. Left and right, he could see pieces of clothing on many skeletons; some body parts were everywhere, a testament to a deadly battle and its aftermath. The first floor of the tower conveyed a tale of violence and death.
After wandering some distance, he came upon a massive wall standing alone in the midst of nowhere, resembling a colossal ancestral tablet set in place. This white marble structure was embellished with a variety of detailed golden designs, featuring complex, swirling lines that appeared to throb with vitality.
As Mo Yang studied the designs with rapt attention, his heart raced, and his breath quickened, sensing that these carvings were more than mere decorations—they held secrets waiting to be unveiled. Some of the patterns resembled runes, but they were extraordinary. The lines were complex and seemed to move as if alive.
Could this be an ancient incantation that has disappeared for countless centuries? Mo Yang wondered.
He didn’t dare to look further. Everything around him seemed dangerous, and not knowing whether it was friend or foe, he preferred to remain very cautious.
In addition to the mysterious runes, the tablet was adorned with engravings of ancient, ferocious beasts and birds. At first glance, these figures appeared so lifelike that it seemed they could break through the tablet at any moment. Mo Yang was in a state of confusion. Was it a test of some sort? Even if he understood those runes, seeing those beasts in flesh and bone would probably make him run in the opposite direction.
Although he didn't understand why the previous powerful middle-aged man had sent him here, he believed it was for the right reasons. He knew he had to trust his instincts. He would observe his surroundings and move forward because becoming stronger was more important to him than anything else.
This place felt like another dimension, perhaps a different continent in his world or another planet. Was the main door of the tower a magical passageway? It was hard to tell. However, it felt incredibly real, and he knew he was not just a spirit floating in a strange dream. His body was fully present from head to toes, and after ten long, frustrating years, he had finally achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation.
He didn’t dare to look further. Everything around him seemed dangerous, and not knowing whether it was friend or foe, he preferred to remain very cautious.
In addition to the mysterious runes, the tablet was adorned with engravings of ancient, ferocious beasts and birds. At first glance, these figures appeared so lifelike that it seemed they could break through the tablet at any moment. Mo Yang was in a state of confusion. Was it a test of some sort? Even if he understood those runes, seeing those beasts in flesh and bone would probably make him run in the opposite direction.
Although he didn't understand why the previous powerful middle-aged man had sent him here, he believed it was for the right reasons. He knew he had to trust his instincts. He would observe his surroundings and move forward because becoming stronger was more important to him than anything else.
This place felt like another dimension, perhaps a different continent in his world or another planet. Was the main door of the tower a magical passageway? It was hard to tell. However, it felt incredibly real, and he knew he was not just a spirit floating in a strange dream. His body was fully present from head to toes, and after ten long, frustrating years, he had finally achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation.
After a decade of humiliation from his peers in his sect, he understood one thing clearly: the strong possess dignity, and those who continue to grow stronger can survive longer! The law of survival in this world was the law of the jungle. But with his current level of cultivation, it was simply impossible to comprehend those ancient runes. After silently observing them for a moment, he decided to enter the tower.
Before long, Mo Yang's eyes were drawn to an impressive spiral staircase ascending, its stone steps polished to a shine by the many who had traveled this path. It was clear that this staircase led to the second floor, enveloped in intrigue and shadows.
I can't help but wonder what's concealed on the other floors! Mo Yang thought, his heart racing with curiosity and anticipation. However, a shimmering layer of energy formed a barrier that flickered like heat waves, sending shivers of trepidation through him as he approached.
At that moment, the floor of the ancient Pagoda Tower began to shake gently, resonating with a deep rumble that filled the air. A few hundred meters away from Mo Yang, a mystical blue light shimmered and flowed along the tower's walls, which towered several dozen meters high. This radiant wave display brought the intricate rune murals surrounding Mo Yang to life, filling him with awe. The runes intertwined and danced, showcasing a vibrant exhibition of ancient artistry. Within moments, the radiant light took form, unveiling thousands upon thousands of symbols etched into the wall.
Before long, Mo Yang's eyes were drawn to an impressive spiral staircase ascending, its stone steps polished to a shine by the many who had traveled this path. It was clear that this staircase led to the second floor, enveloped in intrigue and shadows.
I can't help but wonder what's concealed on the other floors! Mo Yang thought, his heart racing with curiosity and anticipation. However, a shimmering layer of energy formed a barrier that flickered like heat waves, sending shivers of trepidation through him as he approached.
At that moment, the floor of the ancient Pagoda Tower began to shake gently, resonating with a deep rumble that filled the air. A few hundred meters away from Mo Yang, a mystical blue light shimmered and flowed along the tower's walls, which towered several dozen meters high. This radiant wave display brought the intricate rune murals surrounding Mo Yang to life, filling him with awe. The runes intertwined and danced, showcasing a vibrant exhibition of ancient artistry. Within moments, the radiant light took form, unveiling thousands upon thousands of symbols etched into the wall.
"This is… extraordinary," Mo Yang murmured as he leaned closer, his eyes wide with wonder.
In an instant, a surge of energy washed over him, and the ancient text surged into his mind like a torrent. Each mysterious symbol imprinted itself deep within his consciousness, resonating with a powerful aura that felt as if the very essence of the universe was intertwining with his being.
"Star Emperor Sutra[i]… this… is astounding!" Mo Yang gasped, realization dawning upon him. He hadn't expected to uncover a cultivation Sutra of this magnitude, one intricately divided into nine levels of profound wisdom. The Sutra before him represented the first tier, a gateway to unimaginable power.
What level of Sutra is this? He pondered anxiously, his mind racing. Could it be that each level corresponds to a unique challenge for each floor of this Pagoda Tower?
If that’s the case, then this tower is indeed missing the ninth floor! he concluded, suppressing the tumult of excitement and anxiety that threatened to overwhelm him. There was a glimmer of determination and wonder in his eyes, fueled by the realization that his journey had only just begun.
This Star Emperor Sutra was a truly remarkable mystical skill. Although the first-level Sutra consisted of only a few hundred words, its indescribable mysteries were, in Mo Yang's estimation, likely beyond the Nascent Realm.
After being shocked, Mo Yang felt endless joy in his heart. What he longed for most now was to become stronger. With this kind of mysterious Sutra, he would be able to practice much faster than ordinary cultivators.
"As long as I train diligently, I won’t be afraid of anyone in the Dao Sect. I am determined to take revenge on my master one day!" Mo Yang declared through gritted teeth.
Mo Yang briefly shut his eyes, causing the stone tower to vanish. He found himself once again standing before the Fourth Elder's tomb under the night sky, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. If the events of today had occurred half a month ago, the Fourth Elder would not have taken the sacred grass.
He sighed deeply. Events in the world are unpredictable. He never dreamed that he, who was considered a ‘good-for-nothing’ a few hours ago, would have a shocking turn of fate in the blink of an eye.
After silently kowtowing three times in front of the tomb, he got up and left the mountain behind. Mo Yang practiced all night, wishing he could make up for the ten years of wasted time right away.
[i] In cultivation novels, a sutra is a sacred text or manual containing profound techniques, philosophies, or secrets for spiritual and martial advancement, often presented as concise verses or aphorisms derived from Buddhist scriptures but adapted for fictional power systems to guide cultivators on paths to divinity, immortality, or supreme power. They act as foundational blueprints, detailing rituals, energy manipulation (such as Qi, essence, or divine power), and mental cultivation to achieve higher realms, much like ancient spiritual guides.
In essence, a sutra provides the "how-to" and "what-to-know" for cultivators to grow stronger and understand the fundamental laws of their world.
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