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327. Treasure Trove

Within the Ancient Origin Sect, it seemed as if the entire world erupted in exultant cheers. Pride and excitement radiated from every face, erasing the shadows that once lingered. And for a very simple reason. Lin Fei had obliterated the Profound Light Cave Heaven. With his power alone, he had completely erased the existence of Profound Light Cave Heaven. For the disciples of the Ancient Origin Sect, the feat was both shocking and exhilarating.

The relationship between the Ancient Origin Sect and Profound Light Cave Heaven could scarcely be termed 'friendly'. Among the three major powers, the two were always in covert and overt contention. Moreover, Profound Light Cave Heaven later "betrayed" the three major powers, siding with Taiyi Dao Palace. This betrayal only deepened the resentment the disciples of the Ancient Origin Sect held against Profound Light Cave Heaven.

Now, with Lin Fei's intervention, the entire Profound Light Cave Heaven was eradicated. Every disciple of the Ancient Origin Sect was jubilant. And with Lin Fei guarding the Ancient Origin Sect, who would fear Taiyi Dao Palace?

At that moment, Lin Fei was in his cavern abode. With him was an acquaintance, Shen Lianxin.

"Brother Lin," Shen began mysteriously, "there's something I've never told you. But now, seeing you have the power to obliterate Profound Light Cave Heaven, it's time you knew."

Curiosity lit Lin Fei's eyes. What secrets could Shen Lianxin harbor? And what had he not yet disclosed?

Without further ado, Shen Lianxin drew a piece of beastskin from his robes and handed it to Lin Fei. When Lin unfolded it, it appeared to be a map—or more specifically, a sea chart. It depicted an immense island, so large that it could almost be called a landmass. Though this land was dwarfed by the vastness of the Ancient Continent, it was, in its own right, significant. Emblazoned upon this piece of land were two words: "Treasure Trove".

Lin Fei was perplexed. How could a treasure map be of any use to him? Surely, Shen Lianxin wouldn't ask him to hunt for treasures. After all, in the realm of martial artists, treasures were not paramount. No treasure could perfect a Martial Saint's saber momentum or elevate one to become a Martial Sovereign.

But then, a thought struck him, "Wait, why does the contour of this land seem so familiar?" It felt as if he'd seen the outline of this "Treasure Trove" somewhere before.

A sudden realization flashed in Lin Fei's mind. The map hanging in the Great Chang royal palace—the depiction of Great Chang and its surroundings—it was identical to the contours on this map. The islands or continents in the vast sea, wasn't Great Chang itself an enormous island or continent amidst the boundless ocean?

In the days of old, Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin left the realm of Great Chang. They voyaged across vast oceans, finally arriving at the Ancient Continent. Indeed, amidst the boundless seas, they were unable to chart their course or mark their journey. For them to find their way back to Great Chang, they'd have to rely heavily on luck.

However, now a nautical chart lay before them, clearly marking the location of Great Chang. If it were accurate, Lin Fei would have a direction to return to Great Chang in the future.

"Brother Shen, does this map depict the Great Chang continent?" Lin Fei inquired, even though he already harbored such suspicions.

Shen Lianxin nodded affirmatively, "Indeed, it represents Great Chang."

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"But how did this map come to be?"

Shen Lianxin paused for a moment, then began, "The tale of this map dates back a long, long time. Its inception might have even been ten thousand years ago. According to ancient legends, this map points to a 'Treasure Land', within which lies an artifact of earth-shattering significance. This relic could possibly aid a Golden Core transform into Nascent Soul and a Martial Sovereign to evolve into a Martial King. Perhaps, it could even enable a Nascent Soul Great Being to ascend to an even higher realm. As time passed, these tales grew increasingly embellished. Consequently, many ventured to the sea, heading towards Great Chang. Yet, almost none returned. Those who set sail vanished without a trace."

"This is the lore from the Ancient Continent. But as for the tales of Great Chang, I believe you're familiar with them, Brother Lin," Shen Lianxin continued. "Great Chang once witnessed a cataclysmic battle. Subsequently, many masters, such as the Golden Core True Persons and Martial Sovereigns, departed in succession, claiming they were in pursuit of a greater Dao. But how did they know that sailing the seas would lead to such enlightenment? Perhaps it's because some masters from the Ancient Continent came to Great Chang, clashing with the native martial artists and cultivators of Great Chang. As a result, Great Chang's glory began to wane, and almost everyone capable of leaving did so."

Lin Fei nodded in agreement. Shen Lianxin's analysis was logical and probably aligned with the truth.

"What of this artifact?" Lin Fei pressed further. "Does it truly exist?"

"I'm uncertain," Shen Lianxin admitted. "Despite my inquiries, there seems to be no word of anyone obtaining such an artifact. Brother Lin, do you recall our time in Great Chang, where we were ensnared by glaciers and deserts, unable to find our way out? There's something amiss about Great Chang. Perhaps, the artifact truly exists. I refrained from mentioning this earlier, fearing it might distract you from your cultivation. However, you've now become a peak Martial Sovereign, capable of demolishing even the Profound Light Cave Heaven. Attaining the Martial King status is within your reach. Perhaps, you can discover the treasure hidden within Great Chang, and it might assist you in becoming a Martial King."

Shen Lianxin spoke with a calm tone. Lin Fei glanced at the map in his hand. Clearly, Shen Lianxin might have possessed this map for quite some time. It was, in essence, his own "secret" or perhaps, a stroke of destiny. Yet, Shen Lianxin chose to share it, for he realized that while the treasure would be of no use to him, it was perfectly suited for Lin Fei.

"Brother Shen, my gratitude knows no bounds," Lin Fei expressed with heartfelt sincerity. Words failed him, but this one sentence captured it all.

"When the time comes to return to Great Chang, be sure to bring me along," Shen Lianxin remarked. "I once believed I was unburdened by attachments and could roam anywhere freely. But after spending significant time at Ancient Origin Sect, there are moments when I find myself yearning for Great Chang, longing for its wine and the scenic mountains and waters." With those words, Shen Lianxin turned on his heel and exited the cave dwelling.

The mere utterance of the word "yearning" from Shen Lianxin's lips signified his deep desire to revisit Great Chang, for it was his homeland.

As for Lin Fei, he rose to prominence through his journey in Great Chang. He had many people and matters in Great Chang that tethered his heart.

"Great Chang..." Lin Fei murmured softly to himself. Of course, he too wished to return. His earlier hesitations were merely due to the lack of a map, an absence of a path back. But now, with the nautical chart in hand, revealing the specific route, everything had changed. Lin Fei could return whenever he desired.

However, the looming threat from the Ancient Origin Sect and the Taiyi Dao Palace still persisted. Lin Fei couldn't simply abandon the current situation. He had to deal with the threat of the Taiyi Dao Palace first.

"If I wish to completely neutralize the Taiyi Dao Palace, I must further enhance my prowess," he mused. "Four Divine Abilities are insufficient. I need five or even six top-tier Great Divine Abilities. Ideally, my Saber Domain should achieve perfection."

A glint flashed in Lin Fei's eyes, and a cultivation plan began to crystallize in his mind. Although the advancement of his Saber Domain to perfection seemed momentarily unreachable, the possibility of his Annihilation Divine Ability reaching its zenith was still very much alive. There was a place, he reckoned, that might assist in elevating his Annihilation Divine Ability to its pinnacle.

With a soft "whoosh", Lin Fei took a step, and in a blink, transformed into a streak of light, departing from the Ancient Origin Sect.