CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 31: ANCIENT RUINS AND... THE EXTREME NORTH WILDERNESS

In less than an hour, the so-called competition came to a hasty end.

There’s no helping it; after the battle between Wang Junze and Lin Yong, the subsequent matches seemed rather lackluster. It’s not surprising; there aren’t so many prodigies in the world. If they could be found easily, being a ’talent’ wouldn’t be worth much.

"Thank you, City Lord, for your hospitality, and thanks to all for attending."

Raising her wine cup, Luo Qingxuan spoke again: "Everyone present today, I believe, is trustworthy, so I won’t beat around the bush and will speak straightforwardly. The reason for my visit to Jubei City is to seek your help. Today, I invite City Lord Yuan to be a witness, and I hope everyone will assist us wholeheartedly."

"You are too kind, Saintess. If there is anything where we can serve the Saintess, we certainly will not refuse."

Though her words were extremely courteous, regardless of status or strength, everyone felt very comfortable, and they quickly expressed their support.

"Then, I thank you all in advance." Lifting a corner of her veil and drinking the wine, Luo Qingxuan continued: "Our sect’s elder observed the stars last night and predicted that Ancient Ruins will appear outside Jubei City. I’ve come to explore the ruins and seek opportunities."

"Ancient Ruins?"

At these words, everyone was startled and then flooded with joy.

The so-called Ancient Ruins are essentially the training grounds left by powerful ancients, containing immense opportunities. There might be powerful cultivation techniques, divine weapons, and abundant cultivation resources. Every appearance of Ancient Ruins will inevitably lead to a bloody storm, and many exceptionally strong martial artists will emerge as a result.

Given the opportunity, anyone who enters can gain tremendous benefits.

Now, since Luo Qingxuan represents the Profound Moon Sword Sect and has voluntarily mentioned the ruins, it naturally means they also have a chance to benefit from it. It’s a colossal opportunity!

"Indeed!"

Nodding, Luo Qingxuan confirmed, "Due to Jubei City’s uniqueness, this journey will undoubtedly be dangerous. Moreover, to maintain secrecy, the sect cannot send too many strong individuals for exploration. It will depend on everyone’s concerted effort."

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked into sobriety.

It’s true; Jubei City is unlike other places. It is the crucial border town at the Northern Domain’s most northern point. Beyond Jubei City lies the Extreme North Wilderness!

Most importantly, the Extreme North Wilderness does not belong to human territory but is... the Deserters’ domain!

Jubei City, named for rejecting the north, essentially exists to ward off the Deserters from advancing south.

Although Deserters claim to be of the Human Race, they are closely linked with the Demon Race. Many Deserters and demons have intermingled, leading to mutated lineage, being merciless, bellicose, and deeply aggressive – they are the Human Race’s major threat.

Twenty years ago, the Deserters invaded, and a great battle outside Jubei City caused numerous casualties, but ultimately it severely wounded the Deserters. Consequently, there has been no southern advance from them for the past twenty years, resulting in temporary peace.

However, everyone knows that the Deserters’ dormancy is temporary. Once they regain vitality, they will certainly invade southward again.

If Ancient Ruins appear outside Jubei City, it means Deserters will undoubtedly appear, which means this exploration will likely result in conflict with Deserters. After all, the resources in Ancient Ruins are desired not only by the Human Race but also by the Deserters.

Under such circumstances, the level of danger will naturally increase significantly.

"Is the Judgment Department here for the Ancient Ruins too?"

Turning to Lu Qing, Wang Junze couldn’t help but ask softly.

"Sort of," Lu Qing replied leisurely.

"Why can’t we cooperate, being of the same Human Race? This time, we’re dealing with the Deserters!" Wang Junze pressed on, puzzled.

"Different positions, different motives," Lu Qing gave Wang Junze a brief glance and said, "The Profound Moon Sword Sect and others aim to seize cultivation resources, while the Judgment Department... aims to quell conflict and protect the people."

"What do you mean?" Wang Junze asked, still confused.

"I’ll explain later; just listen for now," shaking his head, Lu Qing replied indifferently.

Meanwhile, the various families in Jubei City had already reached an understanding.

"May I ask the Saintess, what do you need us to do? If we can enter the ruins, what will we gain?"

As the leading family in Jubei City, the Lin Family spoke up again, but this time it was not the patriarch, but Lin Kaiwei, ensuring even if mistakes were made, there would be room for maneuver.

"I need you to send people outside the city to find the ruins’ location. Once the ruins emerge, I also need everyone to work together to fend off the Deserters," Luo Qingxuan replied softly, "As for what you can gain... once the ruins open, each family can send people in to explore, and everything obtained will belong to the individual."

Pausing for a moment, Luo Qingxuan continued, "Furthermore, if you ultimately assist the Profound Moon Sword Sect in acquiring the ruins, the sect will reward based on contributions, whether it be cultivation techniques, resources, or even... opportunities to become disciple members of the sect!"