While the player is in Battle Through the Heavens, the system is in The Great Ruler.

Chapter 233 News from the Ruins, Departure to the Beast Realm

After a few days,

In a quiet courtyard of Lingbao Pavilion.

Lu Yu sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his hands dancing lightly in the air, countless spiritual seals pouring out from his fingertips like golden fireflies. As he moved his fingertips, a "Hundred Swords Slaying the Void Array" suddenly took shape, a hundred golden sword energies rang out and hovered in mid-air, each sword tip emitting a cold light that could tear through the void.

"Congeal!"

Immediately afterwards, his hand seals changed, and three spiritual arrays appeared in succession:
Crimson chains, like venomous snakes, emerged from the void and coiled into a blazing cage—the Fiery Binding Spirit Array!

Countless wisps of cold air emanated, and thousands of ice crystals condensed into shimmering prisms, refracting a mesmerizing brilliance—the Mystic Ice Mirror Array!
Verdant vines burst forth from the earth, twisting and turning like dragons to form a net that stretches across the sky and earth—the Wooden Dragon Entangling Silk Formation!

The last ray of earthy yellow light crashed to the ground, transforming into a majestic mountain phantom that suppressed all directions—the Rock-Suppressing Mountain Formation!

"combine!"

The five spirit arrays merged in response, with golden light, green vines, black ice, crimson flames, and mountain-like light flowing endlessly, ultimately transforming into a colossal array that enveloped the heavens and earth. Within the array, sword energy and vines danced together, and ice and fire reflected each other between the prisms, radiating a powerful pressure comparable to that of a peak Dou Zun.

"This Five Elements Annihilation Formation is finally complete."

A hint of relief flashed in Lu Yu's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination: "Now, it's time to try the final fusion."

His fingers flew, and the five-level combined spirit array, the Blazing Fire Sword Aura Array, activated instantly. Hundreds of sword auras burning with fierce flames roared and swirled, slowly approaching the Five Elements Annihilation Array.

The moment the two great formations made contact, a sudden change occurred!

The array patterns of the two level-five combined spirit arrays collided fiercely, with multicolored light and crimson flames intertwining wildly, and the array bases humming under the strain. Finally, with a deafening explosion, the two spirit arrays collapsed and turned into countless firefly-like specks of light.

"In the end, it was still just a hair's breadth short..."

Lu Yu sighed softly, gazing at the gradually dissipating spiritual seal as he fell into deep thought.

During this period, with his exquisite control of the Heavenly Realm Soul Power and his past experience in setting up arrays, he has fully digested the inheritance of the Heavenly Grade Spirit Array Master in his hands at the stage below the Supreme level. From the most basic condensation of spirit seals to the construction of complex array patterns, he has completely made up for his lack of foundation in the art of arrays.

Now his mastery of array formations is unparalleled; he can create arrays with a wave of his hand with a mere thought, and level-five spirit arrays are at his fingertips.

Furthermore, drawing on the strengths of many, he created his own unique five-level combination spirit array—the Five Elements Annihilation Array.

However, it always seems that one step is always missing when it comes to taking that crucial step and creating a supreme-level combination spirit array.

Although being able to set up a supreme-level spirit array already qualifies one as a true spirit array master, Lu Yu understands that no matter how exquisite the arrays in the inherited tradition are, they are ultimately the methods of the predecessors.

Only when one can create a combination of spirit arrays that best suits one's own cultivation method and combat style can one truly walk one's own path, achieve a synergistic effect greater than the sum of its parts, and go further on the path of arrays in the future.

Just as he was deep in thought, a familiar fragrance wafted by on the breeze.

Cai Lin had quietly arrived outside the courtyard at some point. After standing quietly for a moment, seeing him come back from his reverie, she slowly stepped forward.

"The batch of small spirit-gathering arrays you provided have been sold to the major powers in Zhongzhou as planned."

Her voice remained cool, but there was a hint of approval in her eyes. "Now, with the exception of the Soul Palace, every force has acquired a small spirit-gathering array."

She paused briefly and added, "As you instructed, all those sold are simplified versions. The core array patterns have been specially treated so that no one can deduce the complete array from them."

"Don't speak so absolutely. There are always some geniuses in this world who can glean the truth from the slightest clues. The world is vast and full of wonders, so never underestimate anyone."

Lu Yu smiled, then shook his head.

Cai Lin frowned slightly: "Then why do you still..."

"The art of formations is refined through exchange. Among the major powers in Central Continent today, who, besides my Lingbao Pavilion, can be considered a master of formations?"

A meaningful smile appeared on his lips: "The most difficult part of the path of cultivation is sometimes not the lack of resources, but the lack of a way forward. If someone can actually decipher the spirit-gathering array, that would be a good thing."

"The gap between a Level 5 spirit array and a Supreme spirit array is like an insurmountable chasm. When those geniuses obsessed with arrays hit a bottleneck, they will naturally come to us seeking guidance and exchange..."

Just then, a powerful surge of spiritual energy suddenly erupted from the secluded cultivation spot on the back mountain. Amidst the churning clouds, a vast spiritual pressure instantly enveloped the entire Tianmu Mountain.

"This is...?" Cai Lin turned to look at the back mountain, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Lu Yu nodded with a smile and said, "It seems that our Lingbao Pavilion's array master has broken through..."

Before the words were finished, the overwhelming spiritual pressure from the back mountain receded like a tide, eventually transforming into a streak of crimson light that broke through the sky, leaving a dazzling trail before coalescing into a figure.

The Heavenly Fire Venerable arrived through the air, his soul power still not fully contained, each step creating ripples in the void. His once aged face now radiated vibrant life, his brows revealing undisguised joy.

"Congratulations to Elder Yao on his soul advancing to the Heavenly Realm."

Lu Yu smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

Venerable Heavenly Fire landed in front of the courtyard and bowed solemnly to Lu Yu, saying gratefully, "If it weren't for the Nine-Turn Ice Purification Pill bestowed by the Pavilion Master, I'm afraid I would have been trapped at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Realm for the rest of my life. This kindness..."

"Elder Yao, you flatter me."

Lu Yu reached out to support him, and a gentle force lifted him up. "Pills are ultimately just external things. If it weren't for your profound foundation built up over hundreds of years of hard work, how could you have broken through to the next realm in one fell swoop?"

He then smiled and said, "It just so happens that I have recently gained some insights into combined spirit arrays, and I was just about to discuss it with Elder Yao."

Before he finished speaking, he flipped his hand and took out a jade slip that shimmered with a faint blue light, and handed it to Venerable Heavenly Fire.

Venerable Tianhuo eagerly took the jade slip, his soul power instantly probing into it. His eyes widened suddenly, first flashing with surprise, then transforming into an uncontrollable excitement, even his hand holding the jade slip trembled slightly.

"This……"

His voice trembled as he examined the contents of the jade slip repeatedly, his tone filled with disbelief, "Wonderful! There is such an exquisite formation in this world..."

Just then, a purple streak of light shot through the air, accompanied by a silvery laugh: "Lu Yu! I've found what you were looking for!"

Zi Yan landed lightly in the courtyard, holding a jade slip that shimmered with starlight in her hand, her pretty face full of pride. She shook the jade slip, made a face at Venerable Tianhuo who was still comprehending the formation, and then turned to look at Lu Yu.

Seeing this, Lu Yu smiled slightly and said to Venerable Tianhuo, "Elder Yao, please stay here and study this intelligence that Zi Yan sent over."

He reached out and took the jade slip, probing it with his soul power to examine the information within.

Zi Yan explained from the side, "This was discovered by an elder of the clan who was traveling abroad. It's deep in the Beast Domain's Skeleton Mountains. However, he said that it's actually a Battle Saint's ruins, and the seal hasn't been completely lifted yet, so it's very dangerous."

She lowered her voice: "That elder relied on the spatial talent of the Ancient Void Dragon to forcibly send some tamed magical beasts in to investigate, and discovered traces of the Soul Infant Fruit. However, there were powerful guardian beasts there, and the magical beasts he commanded were not strong enough to get close." "And the ruins were not completely broken in the end, and the situation was unclear, so he dared not enter rashly and could only send the information back to the clan."

Lu Yu pondered for a moment, then turned to Cai Lin and said, "Immediately send a message to Xiao Yan, informing him of the discovery of the Soul Infant Fruit in the Bone Mountain Range. Remember to remind him that it is an unexplored Dou Sheng ruin."

Cai Lin nodded slightly, said nothing more, and immediately turned into a streak of light, rushing towards the direction of the Communication Hall.

————————————————————

After a few days,

Inside the council hall of Lingbao Pavilion.

"Brother Lu, you were looking for me?"

Xiao Yan strode into the hall, his black robes billowing in the wind, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Is there news of the Soul Infant Fruit? In the Beast Domain?"

Lu Yu gestured for him to sit down beside him and handed him a warm, smooth jade slip: "This is intelligence sent by the ancient dragon clan."

Xiao Yan took the jade slip and probed it with his soul power. After a moment, he frowned slightly: "Whose Dou Sheng's relics are these? Has Brother Lu found out their origin?"

Lu Yu shook his head and tapped the table lightly with his fingertip: "There are countless ancient Dou Sheng powerhouses, and the relics they left behind are too numerous to determine their specific identities. However, after so many years, the seals on these relics have loosened, and with my current strength, I should be able to force them open."

He paused, his gaze towards Xiao Yan filled with concern, "If you feel it's dangerous, you can wait at the Spirit Treasure Pavilion. I'll be right back."

"How can this be!" Xiao Yan immediately stood up, his expression as firm as iron. "My teacher has been kind to me beyond measure. Let alone just the Dou Sheng Ruins, I will venture into any danger, even a dragon's den or a tiger's lair."

Just then, a purple figure skipped over. Zi Yan blinked her big eyes, her face full of excitement: "Such an exciting event can't be missed! Our clan discovered the ruins, so taking me there is definitely the right thing to do!"

“You really have to go,” Lu Yu nodded with a smile, his eyes filled with affection. “We need your treasure-hunting talent. With you there, we might save a lot of time searching for the Soul Infant Fruit in the ruins.”

Venerable Tianhuo stroked his beard and laughed, "In that case, I will stay and guard the Lingbao Pavilion. With me here, I guarantee that everything will be fine when the Pavilion Master returns."

Lu Yu turned to look at Cai Lin, who was standing quietly to the side. Today, she was wearing a seven-colored brocade robe, which made her skin look even whiter than snow. "Cai Lin, you will come with us this time. The Bone Mountain Range is the territory of the Nine Netherworld Python Clan, and their sacred land—the Nine Netherworld Yellow Springs—is an excellent cultivation holy land for snake-type magical beasts."

He explained in detail, "Any Nine Netherworld Python seeking advancement will soak in the Nine Netherworld Yellow Springs, which makes the breakthrough twice as effective. The spring water there is extremely yin and cold, making it one of the best body-refining wonders in the world for snake-like magical beasts that are already inclined towards yin and cold."

“This is an even more rare opportunity for you,” Lu Yu continued, his voice gentle yet carrying a convincing power.

"The Seven-Colored Sky-Swallowing Python is an ancient and exotic species. If it can evolve into a nine-colored one, it will be able to rival the ancient Heavenly Serpent King. A baptism in the Nine Netherworlds will greatly benefit your newly broken eight-colored bloodline."

Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement flashed in Cai Lin's beautiful eyes, but she also felt a little worried.

She said softly, "But I've heard that the Nine Netherworld Python clan considers the Nine Netherworld Yellow Springs their forbidden land and is extremely hostile to outsiders. If we go there rashly, they probably won't agree..."

"It doesn't matter."

Lu Yu smiled calmly and said with an air of composure, "If we treat them with courtesy, I believe they will be accommodating."

At this moment, Qinglin asked softly, "Young Master, may I take Xiaocai with me?"

"Naturally."

Lu Yuwen nodded gently and said, "The Nine Netherworlds are also a rare opportunity for the Seven-Colored Sky-Swallowing Python."

Xiao Yan hurriedly spoke up: "Brother Lu, then I..."

Lu Yu raised his hand to signal him to calm down: "I understand your intentions. But this journey is dangerous, and your current cultivation level is not as high as Qing Lin's. It would be better for you to stay in the pavilion and cultivate diligently."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan involuntarily looked at Qing Lin. He was then surprised to realize that the girl who had seemed somewhat naive when he first met her at Canaan Academy was now a Dou Zun with a profound aura.

His gaze slowly swept over Zi Yan and Cai Lin. Although Zi Yan still looked charming, the pressure emanating from her was terrifying; Cai Lin stood still, with an unfathomable aura between her brows.

The two women exuded auras as vast and deep as the ocean, clearly indicating that they had both entered the Dou Zun realm.

Thinking of his years of hard work and the fact that he had only just broken through to the Dou Zong level, Xiao Yan clenched his fists. Although he had never slacked off over the years, he was still a step behind these exceptionally talented individuals.

Lu Yu took in his expression and softened his tone: "The key to cultivation is perseverance. You possess multiple different flames and have received the true teachings of Elder Yao, so it's only a matter of time before your cultivation catches up. Stay in the pavilion and cultivate diligently. Becoming a Dou Zong at twenty is already a remarkable achievement, so there's no need to be too discouraged."

He surveyed the crowd, his voice steady and decisive: "I will lead Qinglin, Cailin, and Ziyan on this trip. Elder Yao and Brother Yan will remain at Lingbao Pavilion and await good news."

Venerable Tianhuo stroked his beard and nodded: "Don't worry, Pavilion Master, with me here, I will ensure the Lingbao Pavilion is safe and sound."

Xiao Yan took a deep breath and finally nodded emphatically: "Brother Lu, you must be careful. I... I'll wait for your good news."

Lu Yu nodded, then with a flick of his sleeve, a gentle energy lifted Qing Lin, Cai Lin, and Zi Yan up.

The four transformed into streaks of light and soared into the sky, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

……

Several days later, four figures quietly appeared in the sky above a vast and ancient mountain range.

Lu Yu stood with his hands behind his back on the cloud, his green robe fluttering slightly in the whistling wind.

Qinglin, Cailin, and Ziyan stood quietly behind them, their eyes drawn to the scene before them.

This land, known as the Beast Realm, though not as vast as the Central Plains, possesses its own magnificent grandeur. Unending, verdant mountain ranges undulate and wind like the spine of a giant dragon, stretching to the horizon. The air is filled with a primal and wild atmosphere, mingled with the roars of beasts rising and falling, sending a shiver down one's spine.

"The energy here is indeed extraordinary." Cai Lin's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. As an ancient alien species, she was particularly sensitive to this kind of wild energy.

Lu Yu's gaze swept across the vast mountain range below, and he said softly, "We have already entered the Beast Domain. The Beast Domain is known as the Hundred Thousand Mountains, but in reality, there are far more than that. These mountains not only inhabit countless powerful magical beasts, but also hide many ancient ruins."

He pointed southwest: "The Bone Mountains are in that direction. At our current speed, we can arrive in half a day. Let's go to the ruins first. As for the Nine Netherworld Python Clan... we can visit them after we get what we need from the ruins."

Upon hearing this, Zi Yan was eager to try, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "It would be great if we could encounter some rare and precious herbs along the way."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu smiled faintly: "For you, those ordinary medicinal herbs are no longer useful. However, this ancient ruin is quite special, even containing spiritual objects like the Soul Infant Fruit, which are comparable to a strange fire."

"There might be an opportunity among them that can help your bloodline evolve. If you can find it, it will be of great benefit to you."

Upon hearing this, a glint of anticipation flashed in Zi Yan's beautiful eyes. As an ancient dragon of the Void, ordinary rare and precious materials were indeed beneath her notice, but if an opportunity could promote the evolution of her bloodline, its value would be entirely different.

"Then let's hurry on our way!" she urged impatiently, her longing for the ancient ruins growing stronger.

(End of this chapter)