Chapter 322: You? You're Not Worthy!
The sea chart of the Chaos Demon Sea was unimaginably complex. Even with Lin Fan's spiritual power, it took him a full quarter of an hour to completely imprint it into his mind.
With this map in hand, they would at least have some direction while moving through the Chaos Demon Sea.
After pondering for a moment, Lin Fan stood and made his way toward Lin Dong's room.
"Brother Lin Fan," Lin Dong quickly stepped out to greet him.
Lin Fan nodded slightly. "The Gu Clan delivered the sea chart. Check it against the map of the Thunder Ancestral Symbol and see if there's any match."
"The sea chart?" Lin Dong's eyes lit up with excitement. Having already experienced the power of an Ancestral Symbol, he was eager to find the one lost within the Chaos Demon Sea.
He took the chart without another word, spread it open, and released his spiritual power to record every detail.
Then, he began comparing it with the map of the Thunder Ancestral Symbol.
Unfortunately, after two full hours of comparison, there was still no result. Lin Dong's face darkened with disappointment.
"Nothing," he said, setting the chart down and shaking his head with a bitter smile.
Lin Fan patted his shoulder. "Don't lose hope. According to the Gu Clan, some large auctions sometimes feature maps of unexplored regions. Perhaps the Thunder Ancestral Symbol lies in one of those unmapped zones."
At that moment, the familiar voice of the system echoed in Lin Fan's mind.
[Ding! You patted Lin Dong. Gained 1x Thunderheart!]
Thunderheart? Not bad.
Lin Fan's eyes gleamed slightly. Thunderheart was a rare treasure, formed only under extreme lightning pressure and purity. It was said that absorbing such power could cause certain parts of the body to undergo unique transformations.
In the original story, Thunderheart had once appeared in the ruins housing the Thunder Ancestral Symbol.
Lin Dong's eyes sparkled. "Looks like our only option now is to find a chance to attend one of those big auctions."
"Mm. It's getting late. Get some rest," Lin Fan said calmly. "Tomorrow, after I defeat Shentu Jue, we'll head into the Desolate Tower."
…
The next day.
As the sun cast its golden light across the land, the skies over Martial Meet Island were already filled with the sound of countless figures soaring through the air.
Like a swarm of locusts, they surged toward the island's heart—toward the peak of the grandest mountain.
The defensive barriers at the summit had been removed.
Thus, waves of people landed unhindered atop the mountain.
Looking around, it was a sea of black-clad figures stretching beyond the eye's reach.
At the very center of the summit was a vast, ancient stone plaza. At its far end stood a greenstone tower, about a hundred zhang tall.
The body of the tower emanated a faint, ancient wilderness aura, giving the impression of stepping back into primeval times.
"That must be the Desolate Tower…"
"I've heard cultivating inside brings massive benefits. If only we had a chance to go in!"
"Who's going to win this year's slots—the Gu Clan or the Shentu Clan?"
…
One by one, fervent gazes locked onto the ancient tower.
Everyone knew this was the sacred site guarded by the Five Great Clans.
It was said that the Desolate Aura within was exceptionally beneficial for tempering the body.
Anyone who cultivated inside would see their strength rise dramatically.
Amidst the excited chatter, many turned their eyes to the base of the tower.
There, a gray-robed, clean-faced young man sat cross-legged in silence.
Despite the mass of eyes upon him, he remained completely still, as if unaware, his eyes closed like a meditating monk.
This man was none other than the most feared genius of the Shentu Clan's younger generation—Shentu Jue!
Around the square, representatives of the Five Great Clans had already gathered. Clearly, they were all treating today's battle with the utmost importance.
The Shentu Clan especially. Although they had great faith in Shentu Jue, Lin Fan's astonishing display yesterday had left even them feeling deeply uneasy.
"He's here…"
A sudden wind-breaking sound caught everyone's attention.
All eyes turned to see four figures streaking across the sky and landing on the stone plaza.
At the lead was, of course, Lin Fan, with Gu Mengqi, Gu Yan, and Lin Dong trailing behind.
The moment he arrived, all eyes locked onto him.
After all, the scene of Lin Fan defeating Wei Zhen, Chen Luo, and Wei Li in a single move was still fresh in everyone's minds.
Even Shentu Jue slowly opened his eyes and looked over at Lin Fan.
As his gaze met Lin Fan's, the surrounding Yuan Power trembled. Battle intent surged on his otherwise calm face.
Although he hadn't witnessed Lin Fan's battle firsthand, he had sensed the terrifying energy—and Elder Shentu Tao had warned him afterward.
Shentu Jue was truly looking forward to this opponent.
"You've finally arrived…" he said with a faint smile.
"Lin Fan, that's Shentu Jue," Gu Mengqi whispered beside him, her tone filled with seriousness.
Her expression grew heavy. Among the younger generation of the Five Great Clans, no one underestimated this Asura.
"Go take your seats with the Gu Clan," Lin Fan said calmly.
"We're counting on you…" Gu Yan cupped her fists with a solemn bow.
This was the final match—and the one that would determine who claimed the Desolate Tower's slots.
"Be careful, Brother Lin Fan," Lin Dong added, casting a wary glance toward the Shentu Clan before retreating with the others to their seats.
"…Where did the Gu Clan find such a troublesome external ally?"
At the front of the Shentu Clan's area sat two white-haired elders.
One of them was Shentu Tao, the other Shentu Mo, another highly respected elder of the clan.
Both stared at Lin Fan with deeply serious expressions.
Especially Shentu Tao—he knew just how dangerous Lin Fan truly was.
At the center of the plaza, Lin Fan narrowed his eyes and focused on Shentu Jue seated before the Desolate Tower.
"Heh… Finally, a worthy opponent. But let me tell you something—this path is closed to you."
As he stood, a monstrous killing intent erupted from Shentu Jue's body like a storm.
He now looked nothing like a serene monk. He was an Asura risen from the abyss, his elegant face now exuding a bone-chilling coldness.
"You want to block my path?" Lin Fan shook his head slightly and said flatly, "You? You're not worthy."
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