"What?!"

The expressions of the Emperor of Creation and the Demon Emperor changed. These two top-tier powerhouses, having barely approached the ruins, hadn't even touched the entrance before being blasted by thunder from the sky. There was no need to guess that the thunder above was certainly some kind of terrifying prohibition.

"How could this be?"

The Demon Emperor was extremely unwilling. Watching the tomb of the strongest under the Heavenly Dao just within reach but being unable to enter made him feel very uncomfortable.

The Demon Emperor fell into contemplation. The human race powerhouse, however, remained calm. After all, they only knew about these ruins and weren't clear about whose ruins they were or their value.

After a long while, the Demon Emperor snapped back to reality. His gaze swiftly fell on a seemingly ordinary Demon General. He coldly ordered, "You, go in!"

Upon hearing the Demon Emperor's order, the Demon General's face instantly turned extremely ugly. He had just witnessed an invincible Demon King being turned to ashes under the thunder. If a Demon King ended up like that, what chance did he have as a mere Demon General?

Yet, he did not dare disobey the Demon Emperor's order. Defying the Demon Emperor would result in immediate death. Moving forward meant death, and retreating also meant death. He had no choice.

"Yes!"

The Demon General respectfully responded. Filled with the resolve to die, he flew towards the pillar of light without turning back.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

A terrifying pillar of light erupted from the ground. The Demon General narrowly dodged it. In an instant, he arrived at the Thunderous Barrier, exactly where a Life and Death Realm King and an invincible Demon King had been blasted to ashes by thunder.

The human race powerhouses, although unsure of the Demon Emperor's thoughts, watched with equal tension.

Whoosh!

In the blink of an eye, the Demon General passed through the Thunderous Barrier unharmed and disappeared into a white film of light.

"He went in!"

The Evil Wind Emperor's eyes flashed. After a moment of thought, he understood.

"I get it. Only martial artists below the Life and Death Realm can safely pass through the Thunderous Barrier and enter these ruins!"

The Evil Wind Emperor spoke coldly, slightly disappointed. Initially, he had hoped to find an opportunity within these ruins to break through further. Now it seemed impossible.

The Evil Wind Emperor could guess the Demon Emperor's intent. The demons were not foolish and quickly understood the crucial aspect.

"As expected of the strongest under the Heavenly Dao, leaving no place for error!"

The Demon Emperor muttered to himself, his chest filled with raging killing intent. Initially thinking he could take advantage of his battle power within the ruins and gain every advantage, even obtaining the inheritance of the strongest under the Heavenly Dao, now it seemed all his plans were shattered.

"Go, summon all the Demon Generals from the restricted area here!"

The Demon Emperor commanded forcefully. These Demon Generals were of no value to him, merely cannon fodder.

"Yes!"

The White Stone Demoness responded and immediately disappeared into space to gather the Demon Generals.

At the same time, the top human race powerhouses issued the same order. However, for those in the Realm of Transcendence, whether to enter or not was up to them, given the extreme dangers involved.

Before long, the assembled Demon Generals above the Black Profound Mountain Range filled the sky, like countless black clouds drifting across the sky, stretching as far as the eye could see, numbering in the millions. Among them were several terrifying auras, some even stronger than the Blood Rain Demon General. This was the foundation of the restricted area.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Likewise, many human race Realm of Transcendence powerhouses arrived, carrying their own terrifying auras. Among them, Chu Ming saw Soroch and the Snow Demon Immortal. They had also reached the Ninth Layer of the Realm of Transcendence, their combat power on par with late-stage half-step Life and Death Realm powerhouses. Although not matching Chu Ming, they were undoubtedly strong.

But what surprised Chu Ming the most was Feng Yuyan. After two years, her cultivation had reached the peak of the Ninth Layer of the Realm of Transcendence, her aura as powerful as Chu Ming's.

"Since you are here, it means you understand the deadly dangers within these ruins. Remember, the first and most important thing is to stay alive!"

The Emperor of Creation instructed all the Realm of Transcendence powerhouses, his gaze briefly resting on Chu Ming and nodding slightly. Among the Realm of Transcendence powerhouses present, Chu Ming had the highest chance of obtaining the treasures.

"Yes!"

All the Realm of Transcendence powerhouses eagerly awaited their chance. If such valuable treasures could make even the Demon Emperor yearn for them, obtaining any would be a heaven-sent opportunity.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The human race Realm of Transcendence powerhouses and the Demon Generals of the restricted area surged like two torrents towards the membrane of light in the ruins.

Plop, plop, plop...

One figure after another passed through the membrane of light, disappearing in an instant.

As Chu Ming neared the membrane, he was pulled in by a terrifying suction from within.

Whoosh!

...

Complete silence surrounded him. Chu Ming slowly opened his eyes. An ancient aura assaulted his senses. Before him stood a towering yellow pagoda with nine layers, exuding an indestructible feel.

"After thirty million epochs, someone finally entered again. Hmm, no, even a demon is here!"

A childish voice echoed from the sky, causing Chu Ming to shiver. Quickly, his soul power transformed into a Soul Storm, sweeping around wildly.

"No need to search. With your little soul power, you think you can find me? Ridiculous!"

The child's voice came again, filled with mockery. Then, ripples formed in the space before Chu Ming, and a bluish light figure emerged. Chu Ming's eyes couldn't discern its features, only a blurry silhouette.

"Who are you?"

Chu Ming felt a surge of vigilance, asking coldly.

"I am an artifact spirit, or rather, one of the countless fragments of an artifact spirit. Every intruder here is monitored by a fragment of me!"

The artifact spirit fragment explained calmly.

"Why do you monitor us?"

Chu Ming questioned.

"I know you outsiders all too well. You've entered this tomb seeking treasures. I can tell you clearly, as long as you follow my steps and meet my requirements, I can reward you with the treasures here!"

The blue artifact spirit spoke indifferently.

"What is your purpose in doing this?"

Chu Ming lowered his guard but remained curious.

"To find a successor for my master!"