Chapter 2384: Ancient Battlefield (2)
"I see," Yun Lintian said, a thoughtful expression on his face. He reached into his spatial ring and retrieved a Divine Stone, holding it out for Rui Xian to see. "So, this is of no value here?"
Rui Xian chuckled, shaking his head. "Not entirely. It still holds some energy, but it's like offering pebbles when everyone else deals in gems. You might find someone willing to take it off your hands, but don't expect much in return."
Yun Lintian nodded, storing the Divine Stone back in his ring. He looked at Rui Xian, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "You seem to know a lot about this place. Have you been here long?"
Rui Xian smiled enigmatically. "Long enough to understand its ways. This battlefield is a harsh mistress, but she rewards those who are patient and resourceful." He paused, his gaze turning towards the desolate horizon. "I sense you are searching for something, Yun Lintian. Perhaps... a purpose?"
Yun Lintian raised his brow slightly. "To tell you the truth, I'm looking for something here. Could you tell me more about this place?"
Rui Xian's smile deepened, a glint of understanding in his eyes. "This Ancient Battlefield," he began, his voice taking on a storyteller's cadence, "is a reflection of the world outside, yet vastly different. Like the Great Expanse, it is divided into five regions - East, West, South, North, and Central. However, unlike the vibrant lands you are accustomed to, these regions are scarred by endless battles, haunted by the remnants of fallen gods and demons."
He gestured towards the desolate landscape surrounding them. "The outer regions, while perilous, still hold pockets of life. You'll find settlements, hidden oases, and even remnants of ancient civilizations. But the Central Region..." Rui Xian's voice dropped to a whisper, "...that is where the true battlefield lies. A desolate wasteland, littered with the corpses and bones of fallen gods, a testament to the brutal wars that once raged here."
Yun Lintian nodded thoughtfully. From what he knew, this battlefield had existed since the Primordial Era, a place where the gods trained their people.
Rui Xian continued, "Every year, when the chaotic energy of this battlefield reaches its peak, cultivators from all five regions converge upon the Central Region. They brave the dangers, seeking the legacies of fallen gods, hoping to find treasures and insights that will elevate them to new heights of power."
He paused, his gaze piercing Yun Lintian's. "But be warned. The Central Region is a crucible of ambition and despair. Many enter, but few return. Those who survive are often scarred, both physically and mentally, by the horrors they witness."
"I see," Yun Lintian nodded. He understood the risks, yet he felt a strange pull towards the Central Region, a sense of destiny drawing him towards its desolate heart.
Qingqing, however, looked at them with an innocent smile. "Big brothers," she asked, "have you seen Big Brother Yun?"
The cultivators, momentarily stunned by Qingqing's innocent demeanor and her question, exchanged lecherous glances. They saw a young, naive girl, alone and vulnerable in this harsh environment. An easy target.
"Big Brother Yun?" one of them sneered, stepping closer. "Why, little girl, did you lose your way? Maybe we can help you find him... if you're willing to pay the price."
Qingqing tilted her head, her innocent smile widening. "Pay the price? What price?"
The cultivator licked his lips, his eyes raking over Qingqing's figure. "Oh, you know... a little something to show your gratitude." He reached out, attempting to grab Qingqing's chin.
Qingqing's eyes flickered with a cold light, her innocent facade vanishing in an instant. With a swift movement, she slapped the cultivator's hand away, her voice turning icy. "Don't touch me, you filthy scum."
The cultivator, his hand stinging from the slap, roared in anger. "You little bitch! You dare defy us?" He drew his weapon, a gleaming scimitar, and lunged towards Qingqing.
The other cultivators followed suit, their weapons drawn, their faces contorted with rage. They had expected an easy prey, not defiance from a seemingly harmless girl. Qingqing's eyes narrowed, her small form radiating a terrifying aura. The Law of Wind surged around her, transforming the gentle breeze into a raging tempest.
"You want to play?" she said, her voice barely a whisper, yet carrying an undeniable power
that sent shivers down their spines. "Then let's play."
With a flick of her wrist, a whirlwind erupted, engulfing the cultivators.
"Arghhh!"