Everyone in the Border Wasteland witnessed the changes in the heavenly phenomena.

The Dao Bell manifested. Divine phenomena transformed, winds rose, and clouds churned. From the absolute peak experts to minor cultivators just beginning their path, and even ordinary mortals without a trace of cultivation, everyone clearly sensed that resplendent heavenly might. Yet in the end, only a small minority understood the truth behind it.

Shen Xuan’s face paled. “W-what is happening?”

Zuo Yang scratched his head. “I think it’s another divine artifact manifesting? Still, this commotion seems especially intense.”

He was the calmest among the group. After all, as a former Holy Son, his origins were extraordinary. Even though he was now passionate about culinary arts, he had studied many ancient texts. He naturally possessed greater knowledge of the secrets and unimaginable opportunities than the others.

Thus, he explained to others, “Divine artifacts are born from the Dao’s nurturing, containing endless profound mysteries.”

Aside from Gu Tian and Ah Sha, the others listened with great astonishment. The rise and fall of family and sect powers in the Northern Domain happened in the blink of an eye. Although the Yuqing Sect was considered quite resilient, it had only been around for over a thousand years, and the other families hadn’t even lasted half that long. Compared to top-tier Holy Lands, great sects, or even the Myriad Transformations Holy Land, they fell far short.

Shen Xuan exclaimed, “To think that the world still holds such creation and fortune!”

Murong Yan gave a thumbs-up at Zuo Yang’s calmness. “Truly worthy of a Holy Son! You can remain composed even when a divine artifact manifests!”

Zuo Yang shook his head. “Divine artifact manifestation is both an opportunity and a deadly tribulation. It never fails to stir up a storm of blood. If I recall correctly, the most recent manifestation occurred several hundred years ago. It was a forbidden technique, coveted to death by countless experts. Forget ordinary cultivators; even several Saint Realm experts perished. With our strength, rashly getting involved would mean death. Besides, I'm just a chef. Why should I concern myself with these things? Will the Dao bestow me a set of divine kitchen utensils?”

The others were speechless. Divine kitchen utensils? Would the Dao, in its infinite wisdom, have nothing better to do than specially bestow upon you a giant black wok? Wake up already!

Suddenly, the changes in the heavenly phenomena intensified even more. The sky rumbled incessantly. Countless mysterious Dao runes flickered in and out of visibility, faintly weaving together to form a great net.

At that moment, the vast and mighty toll of a bell echoed throughout heaven and earth. Containing boundless Dao authority, the sound struck into the depths of consciousness, stunning the group. Even Gu Tian lost his focus for a moment.

Within the consciousness space, the black shadow stood up with a grave expression. “Who?! Where did this Dao resonance come from!”

Outside, Gu Han opened his eyes. The world darkened for an instant. An ancient bell, covered in rust and mottled with age, appeared in front of him. Over ten zhang tall, it was grand and unadorned, ancient and boundless. Dao charm flowed over it as wispy profound qi cascaded down.

Gu Han was taken aback. “W-what is this?”

***

In the Myriad Transformations Holy Land, looking at the ancient bell that had appeared before him, Chu Kuang took a deep breath. “It’s finally here! After today, my name will resound throughout the Divine Continent!”

***

In the Great Flame Empire, the breathtaking beauty in a red dress stared at the Dao Bell that had appeared before her. She slowly took the wine gourd from her waist. Fiery liquor entered her throat, spicy and burning.

Beside her, a golden-armored young man was excited. “Elder Sister, how many rings do you think I can elicit from the Dao Bell?”

The woman remained impassive. “Seven.”

Not only was she captivating and cold, but she also sounded subtly domineering, mirroring her aura.

Thousands of li away, a dignified young man with an air of nobility stood silently before the Dao Bell. His gaze seared like torches, as if trying to pierce the bell’s layer of profound qi. He wanted to see the Dao runes on its surface.

Finally, he murmured, “Younger Sister, let us compete again!”

***

At the Fu estate in Central Continent, a plump, round-faced, middle-aged man pointed angrily at Fatty. “If it’s less than seven rings, I’ll disown you!”

Fatty was overjoyed. “Father, do you mean that?!”

The man was so angry that the fat on his face trembled. “You unfilial son!”

***

Deep within the Wild Forest, Luo Wushuang smiled while looking at the ancient bell that manifested before him. “Dao Bell. Nothing more than this. Think carefully. Guess correctly, then you can live.”

Nearby, a hulking demonic beastman trembled as his eyes were filled with terror and despair.

***

In the Western Desert, the old monk brought his palms together, silently reciting the Buddha’s name in his heart. “Go.”

***

At the Southern Border, wisps of red mist swirled around the purple-robed youth. The spot between his eyebrows pulsed incessantly, gradually solidifying into the shape of a vertical eye.

“My god is about to return!”

***

Within a valley seldom visited by humans in the Northern Domain of the Eastern Wasteland, the demoness stared at the Dao Bell. A flicker of dark light passed through her eyes.

“This thing seems quite nice.”

***

Across the land, countless Holy Lands and great sects were closely watching their own prodigies. Even some long-dormant, nearly forgotten hidden powers showed signs of resurfacing. Though they remained calm on the surface, undercurrents surged, and crises lurked beneath, far more perilous than the outside world.

***

Within the small courtyard, the old man's expression turned solemn. “Something about this is unusual! Within lay countless opportunities that defied heaven itself. Even one is enough to stir a storm of blood outside!”

Chongming sneered. “No wonder! Even the things inside are getting restless. I feel like something’s off, though. Great Dao opportunities are extremely rare. Except for the rare few blessed with great fortune from birth, how could ordinary people obtain them so easily? How often has this happened throughout the long duration we've spent here? It's way more direct this time, too! The opportunity is practically falling on our heads. So many are being delivered at once!”

Could the people here truly be the Dao’s favored sons? Are the ones outside its stepchildren?

The old man remained silent, seemingly also somewhat puzzled.

Chongming rolled its eyes. “Forget it! Who cares how many opportunities there are. What does it have to do with me? This damned place seems weird no matter how you look at it! Once I replenish my strength, I’ll first go in and give those bastards who bullied me a good beating!”

***

Beyond the heavens lay a boundless, silent void. Whirlpools swirled everywhere, and astral winds as sharp as swords blew ceaselessly. The realm teemed with countless dangers, both great and small. Moreover, it was home to bizarre, inexplicable creatures. Unless one’s cultivation had reached a certain level, surviving here for even half a day would be difficult.

Within the void, a figure clad in black robes flew swiftly forward. His silver hair was meticulously styled, and an air of grace and dignity surrounded him. He was actually traversing the void physically.

Suddenly, he stopped. “That’s strange. Back then, the young miss and young mister were ambushed right here. Why is there no trace left?"

Pondering for a moment, he took out a piece of simple, archaic black jade. There was still no reaction whatsoever.

“Has the last trace of bloodline that the young miss left behind also...?”

He dared not continue the thought. Putting the jade black away, he continued flying forward.