This is true martial arts!

Chapter 358 The Truth About the Dimensional Realm [5k]

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears: "I have followed the Peak Master in battles for decades and have witnessed the deaths of too many of my people."

We fought with humans, vying for resources and territory—but in the end, what did we gain?

"Countless corpses of our people, and—humanity's ever-growing counterattack."

There was a hint of sadness in his voice: "Human beings have technology, civilization, and an endless stream of geniuses."

And what do we have besides fighting?

"In the Hundred Years' War, humanity went from being on the defensive to launching a counterattack against the sinkhole, and then to establishing a stronghold in the dimensional realm—they grew stronger and stronger."

And what about us? We're still fighting amongst ourselves, killing each other for a little bit of profit.

Lei Xiao took a deep breath, his voice suddenly turning stern: "I colluded with humans not for myself! But for my people! To fight for their survival!"

"I believe that the alien races will be defeated and the human race will be victorious! This is an inevitable trend!"

Rather than resisting to the bitter end and being wiped out, it's better to surrender sooner rather than later and give our people a chance to survive!

"My conscience is clear! I only ask for—a swift death!"

After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone was shocked by Lei Xiao's words.

The traitor—was actually Lei Xiao?

This is Lei Juefeng's elder, one of Lei Fei's most trusted deputies?

How is this possible?!

Are the alien races destined to lose, and humanity destined to win?

These words struck everyone like a heavy hammer blow.

"Damn it!!"

Inside the main hall, everyone was in a state of turmoil, their thoughts swirling.

Suddenly a loud shout startled everyone and brought Youquan back to his senses.

Xu Feng then roared in fury, "What utter nonsense is this?! Humanity will surely win?"

"Bullshit! That bastard! My lord! Let me kill him!!"

Youquan looked at Xu Feng, took a deep breath, and felt a little gratified.

Even he was momentarily dazed by what he had just said.

Unexpectedly, Kaneki was so determined.

So be it.

Perhaps Little Green Sky Mountain will ultimately need fresh blood like Jinmu to achieve something great.

He waved his hand: "Take it easy."

Then, Youquan rose and walked towards the back hall, looking intently at Lei Xiao: "Lei Xiao, are you speaking from the heart?"

"Every word is true," Lei Xiao said frankly.

"Alright," Youquan nodded, "In that case—the Enforcement Hall, listen to my command."

"Here!" Tie Yu stepped forward.

"Lei Xiao betrayed the sect and colluded with the human race; his crime is unforgivable."

"Immediately escort him to the execution platform and publicly execute him, as an example to others!"

"yes!"

With a wave of his hand, Tie Yu ordered two stewards to take Lei Xiao away.

Lei Xiao did not resist, nor did he even glance at anyone again.

His back was straight as a pine tree.

It was as if they were not going to their deaths, but rather to fulfill a sacred mission.

Inside the hall, everyone had different expressions.

Xu Feng lowered his head, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Half an hour later, at the execution platform.

Lei Xiao was escorted to the high platform, where hundreds of disciples and retainers of the mountain sect had gathered below.

Tie Yu publicly announced Lei Xiao's crimes, and then—he was executed.

A flash of light, and a head fell to the ground.

Blood stained the execution platform.

Lei Xiao, Lei Fei's long-time subordinate who had followed him for decades, ended his life as an "insider."

But his words behind the main hall—"The alien races will surely be defeated, and the human race will surely win"—spread like a plague quietly through Little Azure Sky Mountain.

It spread.

Many people, though they dare not say it, are beginning to waver in their hearts.

Perhaps... he's right?

Perhaps... we really have no hope?

Once this idea takes root, it will quietly spread.

And that's exactly what Xu Feng wanted.

The seeds of chaos have been sown.

Next, we just have to wait—for it to blossom and bear fruit.

Xingtai.

Yuquan looked at Xu Feng with a complicated expression: "Kaneki, this time—thanks to you, if you hadn't risked your life to cover the rear, Raikage and the others probably wouldn't have made it back."

Xu Feng shook his head weakly: "It's my duty."

"Your injuries are quite serious, you should go back and rest first," Ling Feng said.

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Excellency." Xu Feng bowed and withdrew.

Next—it's time to go to Xucheng. Once we have a complete map of the main city, we can explore the core of the Ling Shu civilization.

Alchemy inheritance, personal guard-level puppet—I've arrived.

He looked toward the Seventh Peak, a burning glint in his eyes.

A few days later.

The seventh peak, inside the secret chamber.

Xu Feng sat cross-legged, with a fist-sized, crystal-clear, silver-gray prism floating in front of him, its interior seemingly filled with swirling nebulae.

This is precisely the core of the information he retrieved from the core area of ​​the "Xu" City ruins.

It is different from the information core of "Chen" City, the control core fragment of "Hui" City, and the information center of "Xi" City.

The core of "Xu" City does not contain a broad knowledge base or access commands.

Instead, it contains extremely specialized and vast Ling Shu weapon manufacturing blueprints, forging secrets, and accompanying energy circulation techniques.

Xu Feng was also puzzled by the many strange weapons he saw.

Technological flying swords, sniper magic weapons, and the like.

"As expected, this is a fortified city with weapon forging as its core business."

Xu Feng focused his divine sense into the core, and a massive amount of information flooded into his mind.

The design drawings, material proportions, quenching techniques, and rune engraving process are all extremely detailed.

The ingenuity of the design concepts and the power of many of these weapons far surpass the technological products of Earth today.

Some of them are even labeled as "city-defense level" weapons, which are theoretically enough to threaten high-level Star Gods.

pity.

Just as Xu Feng had predicted during his initial exploration, most physical weapons had long since lost their spirituality over the long years, turning into ordinary iron, or even weathering away.

Even those that are well-preserved are useless to Xu Feng because they lack the "spiritual source" energy unique to the Ling Shu civilization or require specific cultivation techniques to activate them.

Perhaps all he could use was the knowledge of rune arrays related to "puppet making" in the design drawings, which he could borrow to improve the "Warrior".

"For me, the most important thing is still the map."

With a thought, Xu Feng took out the other three cores.

Soon, four information cores, each with a different shape but emitting a soft glow, floated in front of him.

They come from "Chen", "Hui", "Xi" respectively, as well as the last one just retrieved from the depths of the ruins of "Xu" City.

Under the guidance of his mental power, the four cores slowly rotated, creating a subtle resonance among themselves and projecting fine light.

Intertwined and pieced together in the void.

With the final beam of light successfully docked—

hum!

A complete and complex 3D map suddenly unfolded before Xu Feng!

At the center of the map is the unimaginably magnificent phantom of a giant city, which is none other than "Qiming", the core main city of the Ling Shu civilization in the Kunlun Mountains!

Its main city appears to be of average size on the surface, but the underground portion shown on the map is truly awe-inspiring and magnificent.

"finally----"

Xu Feng's eyes flashed with golden light as he took a deep breath.

He extended his finger and lightly tapped the central area of ​​the "Enlightenment" main city.

The map zooms in quickly, revealing the detailed structural divisions within the main city:

Central Control Zone, Energy Core, Creation Workshop, Rune Library, Danbao Palace, Puppet Master Hall —

There are even unknown areas marked "restricted".

Each area is marked with ancient Ling Shu script, which Xu Feng has been able to decipher thanks to his research on Ling Shu civilization over this period of time.

"Danbao Palace — Imperial Puppet Hall —"

His gaze lingered on those two spots, his heart beating slightly faster.

The recipes for the Hundred-Refined Golden Body Pill, the Qi Condensation Pill, and the Guardian-level puppet—these three things were his biggest objectives for this trip. "If we enter from Xu City... no..."

""

"We must enter the ruins of Xi City, which corresponds to the seventh peak."

The third secondary energy channel allows one to bypass most of the defensive runes and directly reach the "Storage Corridor" in the Wu-character third district of the "Enlightenment" main city.

From there, it's relatively close to the "Danbao Palace" and the "Imperial Puppet Hall."

"However, the defense level of the main city is far superior to that of the fortified city."

The map is marked with the patrol routes of the "Spirit Pivot Guardians" and numerous "Rune Restrictions? Trigger Points"—

Even with a map, forcing your way in is suicide.

Xu Feng's gaze finally settled on a special golden dot on the map, marked with the words: Information Exchange Station.

"Perhaps we can obtain a new access key—" Xu Feng mused.

Just like last time, grant temporary permissions.

"The Ling Shu civilization has a strict hierarchy. Without the corresponding authority, it would be difficult to move an inch in the main city."

Perhaps this information exchange station was originally left for maintenance personnel or specific messengers? Is some kind of token or verification method required?

He turned his gaze to the four cores.

"The risk is great, but it's worth a try. I must get into the core of the main city!" A resolute glint flashed in Xu Feng's eyes.

After careful analysis, Xu Feng finally found a relatively safe route.

However, maps and actual conditions are naturally different, and on-site investigation is still necessary.

Moreover, Xu Feng always harbored great vigilance towards the "mysterious being that has awakened" deep within the main city.

"The map is complete, the route is clear—" Xu Feng suppressed his excitement and began to analyze the situation calmly.

The current situation, however, is just right for him to explore the ruins.

With Lei Xiaogang's "execution" just over, news of Lei Fei's downfall is expected to reach them soon. The Little Green Sky Mountain is currently undergoing a power reshuffle and is experiencing a period of unrest.

Although the two envoys, Youquan and Lingfeng, had softened their attitude towards him, once the seeds of suspicion were sown, it was hard to guarantee that they wouldn't secretly increase their surveillance.

Any action he takes at this point will only deepen suspicion about him.

Rather than that, it's better to go into seclusion.

I'll take this opportunity to gain some insights from this "injury".

Xu Feng pondered for a moment and then made up his mind.

He put away the complete core of the main city map, got up and walked out of the secret room.

"Howling Wind".

"Brother!" Xiaofeng, who had been waiting outside, immediately stepped forward.

"Pass on my orders," Xu Feng said in a steady voice, "First, the Seventh Peak will enter a state of silent martial law effective immediately."

All retainers are not allowed to leave unless absolutely necessary, and their cultivation resources will be doubled.

I want them to improve their strength by at least one minor realm within a month!

"Secondly, you should personally go to Qingxuan Peak and report to the Peak Master."

I was seriously injured in my fight with Qin Shanhe, and I had some insights that I needed to go into seclusion to study.

Please take good care of the affairs of the Demon Extermination Hall during this time. Also, there have been many conflicts lately, and I am tired and would like to take a good rest.

I don't want to get involved in the power struggles within the mountains.

Xiaofeng carefully noted it down, then asked with slight worry, "Brother, are you really going into seclusion? Your injuries—"

"It's alright, I just need some time to process what I've learned."

Xu Feng waved his hand.

"Do as I say. Also, have Akashi come over. I'll take this opportunity to explore the ruins while I'm in seclusion."

"Yes!" Xiaofeng accepted the order and left.

Soon, the Seventh Peak was operating efficiently.

The news that Xu Feng was going into seclusion to "comprehend enlightenment" was also relayed to Youquan and Lingfeng through Qingxuan.

"Seclusion?"

When Youquan received the news, he was discussing with Lingfeng how to fill the power vacuum in the First Peak after Lei Fei's death.

"He certainly knows how to pick his timing."

"Having just recovered from serious injuries and gone through a great battle, it's only natural that he would gain some insights," Ling Feng said calmly.

"As long as he doesn't leave the sect, let him be. There aren't many top-tier fighters left within the sect. Jinmu—"

It's fairly reliable.

Qingxuan chimed in, "Jinmu has made a great contribution this time, and is also stimulated by Lei Xiao's incident, so he is eager to improve his strength."

His secluded retreat is in a secret chamber on the seventh peak; I will keep an eye on it.

Seeing that neither of the two envoys objected, Qingxuan felt somewhat relieved.

She truly admired Kaneki's potential and "loyalty," and was happy to see him grow stronger and become a more capable assistant to her.

Everything is arranged properly.

The stone door to the seventh peak's secret chamber slammed shut, isolating the inside from the outside.

He immediately led Redbeard and Little White to the entrance of the ruins deep within the secret chamber and stepped inside without hesitation.

A moment later, he appeared in the familiar dark silver metal passage of "Xi" City.

Without stopping, Xu Feng placed Xiaobai on his shoulder, and the two quickly traversed the intricate passageways of the ruins, guided by the complete map.

Detour, explore the route, then detour again.

one day.

Two days.

Three days...

Finally, on the fourth day.

A slightly worn but much smaller metal door appeared in front of Xu Feng.

There were no complicated rune locks on the door, only a manually operated rotary valve disc.

Following the map instructions, Xu Feng rotated three times to the left, pressed down, then rotated one and a half times to the right, lifted up, and then rotated two times to the left again.

With a soft "click," the door lock opened.

Xu Feng gently pushed open the door.

Behind the door was an extremely wide, ten-zhang-high, and seemingly endless giant corridor.

On both sides of the corridor are rows of uniform, tightly closed metal doors.

The sign above reads "Warehouse Corridor in Zone 3 (E)".

The air was filled with a faint smell of metal and dust.

The air was eerily silent.

Only from some distant, unknown corner, came the extremely faint "buzzing" sound of energy pipes.

"arrive----"

Xu Feng's gaze swept over the countless closed warehouse doors on both sides, finally locking onto the depths of the corridor.

The fork in the road marked on the map leads to "Danbao Palace" and "Yukui Hall".

The real exploration has only just begun.

"Are you ready?" Xu Feng asked, looking at the disheveled red-bearded man beside him.

Redbeard laughed and said, "I am willing to go through fire and water for my lord!"

"Squeak!" (Me too!)

About half a day later.

Information exchange station No. 1 in the main city.

Xu Feng stood in front of a semi-circular crystal control panel, looking at the dozens of light screens floating in front of him, and was deeply shocked.

In the year 7124 of the Ling Shu calendar, the third deep space exploration fleet set sail, its target the seventh star sector beyond the Kunlun star region.

""

"In the year 7150 of the Ling Shu calendar, the exploration fleet was attacked by unknown cosmic life, suffering heavy losses—"

"In the year 7151 of the Ling Shu calendar, the exploration fleet reported that an abandoned monitoring station had been discovered in the Seventh Star Sector, with the monitoring target being 'Dimensional Boundaries 23-33'."

"In the year 7152 of the Ling Shu calendar, the exploration fleet sent back a report. After collecting and sorting the information, it was found from the information left behind by the upper civilization that the civilization had monitored a total of 33 dimensional realms."

There are eight categories, including "Ancient Human Civilization", "Cultivation Civilization", "Monster Civilization", "Spiritual Pivot Civilization", "Magic Energy Civilization", "Ghost Cultivation Civilization", "Gene Civilization", and "Technological Civilization".

Each species is cultivated and observed in four dimensional realms, for a total of 32 dimensional realms.

Dimension 1 is the primary world, a melting pot of civilizations; we do not interfere, like raising a venomous insect.

"Ling Shu Calendar 7153 Year ￥#@￥@#%@%#￥%——·——"

"Ling Shu Calendar @#￥#——&"

Xu Feng swallowed hard and continued reading.

The records for the following years were all in gibberish and could not be understood.

Until more than ten records were found.

"In the year 7166 of the Ling Shu calendar, the main city activated its highest defense protocol, sealing off all external passages and entering a state of eternal vigilance."

"In the year 7170 of the Ling Shu calendar, they came—may the flame of civilization never be extinguished—"

The recording ends here.

Looking at this information, Xu Feng fell into a long silence.

He suddenly felt as if he had discovered something extraordinary.

But upon closer reflection, it doesn't seem like anything special.

It's like reading the Records of the Grand Historian; it's history, but it feels like a story, and it always feels irrelevant to me.

After a while.

Xu Feng took a deep breath, shook his head, and temporarily suppressed some chaotic thoughts.

"These are all historical records, and it's useless to dwell on them now. No matter what happened back then... let's focus on the present first."

Xu Feng tapped his finger on the console, bringing up a detailed map of the main city's structure, and began searching for keywords.

"Alchemy", "Puppet", "Personal Guard", "Alchemy Recipes" —

Soon, the search results appeared.

Danbao Palace is located on the seventh floor of the eastern district of the main city, and can be reached by passing through the "Purification Corridor" and the "Elemental Trial Bridge".

The Imperial Puppet Hall is located on the third floor of the western district of the main city. It requires passing through the "Force Field Maze" and the "Battle Assessment Field".

Xu Feng rubbed his temples and looked at Chi Xu: "You memorize the route to the Imperial Puppet Hall, and I'll memorize the route to the Pill Treasure Palace."

"Yes!" Redbeard withdrew his shocked gaze, swallowed hard, and began to carefully record the information.

Xu Feng continued to carefully browse the information he needed: "The inventory of Royal Guard-level puppets: 30 in existence, of which 28 are severely damaged, 1 is moderately damaged, and 1 is slightly damaged."

Repair requires 1 "Spirit Core", 300 units of "Star Gold", and 50 units of "Void Crystal" — what are all these?

"The recipe for the Hundred-Refined Golden Body Pill cannot be retrieved directly due to insufficient access level."

One must go to Danbao Palace and pass the alchemy examination to obtain the complete inheritance.

Xu Feng frowned slightly.

Insufficient access level?

He glanced at the core of the four cities that he had placed on the platform to the side.

The AI ​​on the communication platform just stated that it has "Level B access".

Still can't see the prescription?

He tried searching for many recipes for precious elixirs, but for some reason, a certain defense mechanism was suddenly triggered.

"Beep beep beep beep!"

The console suddenly emitted a low, alarming sound.

The eyes of the several previously silent warrior puppets suddenly lit up with red light!

"Warning! Unauthorized access attempt! Activate defense protocol!"

Click!Click!

The four warriors turned around simultaneously, their arms deforming to reveal energy cannons that gleamed with a cold light!

"This is troublesome."

Without hesitation, Xu Feng grabbed Chi Xu and retreated rapidly!

At the same time, the Chaos Pearl was activated at full power, and the domain of "momentum" instantly unfolded!

Xiaobai followed closely behind, not falling behind at all.