C18 Universal Soil

The Ant Queen issued a command, and her black-armored minions sprang into action.

Yet, no one but the Ant Queen could detect Jiang Fann's presence.

Jiang Fann had no time to dwell on such matters; he had urgent business to attend to.

Picking up the pace, he dashed toward the Ant Queen's lair. A twitch of his nose pinpointed the Universal Soil's location, and he made a beeline for it.

But before he reached his goal, a piercing shriek echoed from behind.

"Despicable human, trying to steal my Universal Soil? You're digging your own grave!"

A chill ran through Jiang Fann; he hadn't anticipated the Ant Queen's swift return.

Whirling around, he was met with the Ant Queen's intense gaze as she charged toward him, her formidable presence undeniable.

"Vile human, you've tricked my offspring with Melting Ant Grass, destroyed my progeny—I will feast on your flesh, drink your blood, and inflict upon you a fate worse than death."

Jiang Fann could confirm that the Ant Queen's power neared the pinnacle of the Spirit Refining Stage. His skin crawled with uncontrollable instinct, and for the first time, he doubted his own strength.

A counterattack? Against such overwhelming dominance, Jiang Fann stood no chance, not even a sliver of hope for escape.

The Universal Soil was tantalizingly close, its rich Spiritual Qi radiating from the precious handful.

As despair gripped Jiang Fann, an unexpected ally plummeted from the heavens.

No, rather, it crashed down from above.

It intercepted the Ant Queen mid-charge, and the figure lunged at her, engaging in a ferocious battle.

Jiang Fann's spirits soared.

"Fortune smiles upon me! An Ant-Devouring Dragon, and just in the nick of time!"

He had thought the Black Armored Ants virtually invincible, but here was their predator—an Ant-Devouring Dragon, about five meters in length, armored as if for battle, a natural hunter of ant-type demonic beasts.

The recent tremors must have been this creature's doing. Yet, the dragon was outmatched by the Ant Queen and would likely need to retreat before long.

Jiang Fann spun around, stowing the Universal Soil into the jade artifact before making a swift exit.

The Ant Queen had witnessed his every move. With a piercing shriek, it charged at Jiang Fann.

He managed to dodge just in time, the spaciousness of the cave sparing him from being snatched up.

The Ant-Devouring Dragon was relentless, quickly wrapping itself around the queen and biting ferociously, inadvertently saving Jiang Fann's life in the process.

Seizing the moment, Jiang Fann sped up and darted into the narrow cave, racing toward the ground as if his life depended on it.

His heart pounded as if it would burst from his chest, while the sounds of the Ant-Devouring Dragon's roars echoed from behind.

He wondered how many times it had raided the Ant Nest. If it could devour the Ant Queen, its power would surely surge.

Black Armored Ant Soldiers swarmed to bolster the Ant Queen, their formidable presence palpable as they scurried past Jiang Fann.

Halfway through his escape, Jiang Fann had a sudden realization and smacked his forehead.

"I can't believe I forgot about Shi Chengtian!"

He retraced his steps, relieved the cave wasn't too far off.

Shi Chengtian, imprisoned behind bars, lit up with excitement at the sight of the approaching light.

"Jiang Fann, is that really you?"

Approaching the fence, Jiang Fann was met with a tear-streaked, weathered face—a testament to the untold hardships endured over the years.

"Can you... can you get me out of here?"

Jiang Fann tossed a Ant Avoiding Pill to Shi Chengtian. "Take this!"

Without hesitation, Shi Chengtian swallowed the pill, but felt nothing. He gave Jiang Fann a puzzled look.

"Now what?"

With a swift kick, Jiang Fann toppled the makeshift barrier.

"Quit dawdling, let's go! The Ant Queen will be on our tails soon," he snapped.

Shi Chengtian, momentarily taken aback, saw Jiang Fann take off and hurried to keep pace.

He anxiously eyed the Black Armored Ants on either side, but to his relief, they seemed to be avoiding him.

As they reached the cave leading to the surface, the frenzied roars of the beasts and the Ant Queen's screeches filled the air, causing Shi Chengtian's mane to bristle with nerves.

"What's going on down there?"

Jiang Fann chuckled, "An Ant-Eating Dragon fancied the Ant Queen. As soon as they met, it was all kisses and bites. The Ant Queen wasn't having it and put up a fight!"

Shi Chengtian gave Jiang Fann a look that said 'you can't be serious'. Only a fool would buy that story.

"What exactly did you give me? That pill worked wonders."

"It's an Ant-Avoidance Pill," Jiang Fann explained. "Once ingested, those black ants will mistake you for a plant and lose all interest."

"I've met my fair share of alchemists in my time, but I've never come across such a pill. Must be a secret formula, right? Your background isn't simple, I see. But as I, Shi Chengtian, have said, my word is my bond. From now on, I'm with you, Jiang Fann. Where you point, I'll follow without question!"

Jiang Fann gave him a sidelong glance, irritation in his voice, "Let's not. I'd rather not have the Demon Royal Clan on my tail, looking for a fight."

Shi Chengtian held his tongue. He was a man of action, not words.

The roars of beasts had ceased behind them. The Ant-Eating Dragon must have taken off, but the Ant Queen's piercing shrieks persisted, drawing closer by the second.

Jiang Fann looked up; they were still dozens of meters from the cave's entrance. Even if the Ant Queen sprouted extra legs, she wouldn't catch them.

"Do I need to cover my eyes? It's been centuries since I've seen the sun," Shi Chengtian inquired.

"Take a good look; it's pitch-black outside."

Shi Chengtian's face flushed with embarrassment, yet his eyes sparkled with excitement. This was, for him, a narrow escape from disaster.

As they emerged from the cave, Shi Chengtian threw back his head and let out a thunderous roar, releasing years of pent-up emotions.

Jiang Fann, in a sour mood, yanked at him, "Quit your howling! The Ant Queen's on our heels. We need to make a break for it!"

Shi Chengtian nodded, stepping back before Jiang Fann sensed a surge of power flooding through his companion's body.

With a mighty roar, a golden lion materialized before Jiang Fann. Over five meters in length and impressively muscular, it was clear this was his true form.

Shi Chengtian lay prostrate on the ground, gesturing for Jiang Fann to mount his back.

Without hesitation, Jiang Fann accepted the offer, knowing full well the beast's speed surpassed his own.

He sprang onto Shi Chengtian's back, and the lion surged forward, rapidly gaining speed as they dashed through the forest.

They hadn't gone far when a swarm of black ants burst forth from a nest behind them, frantically pursuing them. Eventually, the colossal ant queen emerged, commanding the black ants as they surged toward the pair.

But no matter the might of the black ants, their efforts were futile; they stood no chance of catching up.

After half an hour's sprint, Shi Chengtian decelerated.

Jiang Fann dismounted and watched as Shi Chengtian took a few transformative steps, reverting to his original human form.

Wearily, he glanced back. "We've shaken them off, haven't we?"

Jiang Fann replied with a smile, "Even if we haven't, they'll have a tough time trying to catch up."

He surveyed the surroundings. "The last time the secret realm opened, I recall many youths entered for training. Why don't I see anyone else this time?"

Jiang Fann clarified, "As I mentioned earlier, the poison in Loongze Lake hasn't cleared, preventing others from entering. I managed to come here by using a secret pill as an antidote. This secret realm is open for six months. What's your plan?"

Without a moment's pause, he responded, "My plan? To restore my cultivation level, of course. Regrettably, much of my blood essence has been drained over the years, and it won't be replenished anytime soon. I'm uncertain when I'll return to the Spirit Refining Stage."

Jiang Fann reassured, "Focus on strengthening your foundation and nurturing your core. I'll lend a hand when the opportunity arises. You mentioned an inheritance you received here; can you share its location?"

Shi Chengtian pondered the question.

His eyes brightened, "I've got it now, that place is called the Dragon Transformation Abyss."

Jiang Fann mused, "Han Qianxue was right on the money; the Dragon Transformation Abyss does hold an inheritance. The question is whether Shi Chengtian has already taken everything or if there's still something left for us to find."

Shi Chengtian turned to peer into the dark forest behind them.

"Jiang Fann, we shouldn't rest here any longer. With the Ant Queen on our trail, I'm feeling uneasy."

Jiang Fann nodded, "I've arranged a meeting spot with someone. Do you want to come along?"

"Absolutely, I'm sticking with you from here on out!"

Without further discussion, Jiang Fann pulled out the rudimentary map.

Shi Chengtian leaned in for a glance, scratching his head as he asked Jiang Fann, "You call this a map? What's this place it's pointing to?"

"The Dragon Bathing Pool!"

Shi Chengtian shook his head, "I've never been there. Let's get moving, I think I can feel those cursed black beetles closing in."

They hurried off, and Jiang Fann administered another secret pill to him to mask his aura.

After being held captive by the Ant Queen for so many years, his presence was all too detectable. Using pills to conceal it was the most straightforward solution. Once they were out of the black-armored ants' sensory range, they'd be much safer.

The day flew by in an instant.

On the banks of Loongze Lake.

The crowd that had assembled was now several times larger than it had been two days prior. Three individuals from Lingloong Pavilion had arrived and were now convening.

The Jiang Family had sent disciples as well, though not from the Jiang Family of Loongze County.

The lake water was becoming crystal clear. In under four hours, everyone would be able to dive into the secret realm.

All the young people were geared up and eager. Each opening of the secret realm was a chance for someone to rise to greatness, to gain an inheritance or find a treasure. Surely, someone would emerge distinguished, etching their name into the annals of history. They were all vying for that one shot at fortune.

Among the crowd, not only were there young talents, but also some influential figures, all powerful representatives of their respective factions. Such a rare gathering naturally buzzed with conversation.

"I'm curious to see who will emerge victorious from the Loongze Lake Secret Realm this time! The young generation's talents far surpass those of previous ones. Could this be the herald of a golden age?" mused an elder clad in a gold-threaded silk robe.

"You're spot on. Old Man Shen Ji has foretold the dawn of a significant era. It's tough to predict whether it will bring fortune or calamity, and what exactly lies ahead!"

"Has Old Man Shen Ji made an appearance?"

"The news comes straight from the Heavenly Imperial Pavilion; it's reliable."

Another voice cut in, "Let's set aside such distant concerns for now and focus on the present crop of youngsters. Who are you all placing your bets on? This time, over thirty prodigies have ascended to the Innate Stage, with three reaching the mid-phase, and there's Chu Zhan from Leehuo Academy, who at just seventeen, has already hit the Later Period of the Innate Stage. Could he be the foremost among his peers?"

The elder in the gold silk robe weighed in, "Chu Zhan is indeed impressive, but let's not overlook Han Qianxue from Myriad Treasures Tavern. Who can confidently claim she doesn't outclass him?"

"Not just Han Qianxue," another chimed in, "Qin Feng from the imperial Qin Family is also formidable. But why haven't we seen either of them here?"