Nine Astra Skies

"This is a natural cavern that belongs to a part of the Lianyun Mountains systems. Rumor has it that the Sunken Jade Tower is hidden a few million feet in the ground, formed from the consolidated Essence of the mountains. Over hundreds and millions of years, the Essence gradually took after a human-like form, bearing a resemblance to a fetus. It's said that cultivators who come into contact with the Essence will experience a breakthrough in their cultivation. Initially, it was thought that humans were the first ones to discover it. However, a large group of beasts came along as well, thus beginning the longstanding battle between mankind and Beasts for the rights of the Essence, which led to its perpetual depletion.

"About ten million years ago, infuriated by the incidents that had transpired, a powerful figure sealed off the areas teeming with the mountain's Essence and used a large amount of magic to construct the Sunken Jade Tower. Now, the tower only opens its doors once every fifty years for two months. Only then is the battle finally quelled." Yin Mengtian continued. "The incidents were recorded by the ancestors from past generations and then included in the archives of the Xiwu Empire."

Was there such a god-like presence in the world? Someone who could seal off an area and construct the Sunken Jade Tower out of the mountain's Essence?

Ye Chen began to realize just how uninformed he was. There were far too many unknowns in the world that he had yet to learn.

The boy was now curious about the Essence. Ye Chen wondered how the Essence could create a breakthrough in an individual's cultivation with mere contact.

"Apart from the Essence, the tower possesses many valuable treasures. During ancient times, many had perished for the sake of the Essence and in doing so, leaving behind countless treasures in their remains. Even if one doesn't encounter the Essence underground, they would find some valuable ancient loot that could boost their power tremendously. Thus far, people who have ventured into the tower have obtained manuals containing secrets to ancient martial art techniques, relics, and ancient weapons."

After hearing what Yin Mengtian shared, Ye Chen finally understood the reason many would risk their lives to venture into the tower. It was a place of temptation. According to Yin Mengtian, the more ancient an individual was, the more powerful he was. Of course, as time passed, these powerful figures have disappeared without a trace. Perhaps they had all been reduced to ashes and the only thing that remained were their possessions.

Traversing through the dark passageways for the entire day, the group stopped to savor their rations whenever they were hungry before continuing their journey again. After all, they were peak Ninth Level combatants, they did not need to worry about their stamina.

"Three hours more and we'll arrive at the entrance of the Sunken Jade Tower." Ye Chen skimmed through the map with his Astral Body.

Yin Mengtian and the rest were a little baffled. All this while, they had never seen a map in Ye Chen's hands. How was it possible that he knew the place inside out? The last time the tower's entrance opened fifty years ago, Ye Chen was not even born yet!

"There's an open space up ahead. Let's take a little rest over there." Ye Chen suggested.

The group forged on another ten minutes before they were greeted by the sight of an open area. The place looked to be a thousand meters wide, flourishing with black colored plantations and overflowing creeks. The top of the cave was pitch black, creating a midnight scenery of sorts. It was as if they had set foot into a new, underground world.

Ye Chen's Astral Body showed this was a must-pass area for most to get to the Sunken Jade Tower. The beasts who had passed through the area were all Ninth and Tenth Level and above. Likewise, humans too.

"This is a dangerous place. Watch yourselves." Ye Chen urged. His Astral Body showed hundreds of Ninth Level beasts up ahead and a few Tenth Level beasts. There were also a couple of Tenth Level combatants. It looked like there were many contenders at the tower.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh. A few Psyches appeared in response to the presence of Ye Chen's Astral Body. They appeared to be two or three times stronger than Mingyuan's Psyche.

Ye Chen frowned. It looked like there were some Celestial Beasts among the crowd too. He sent out his Astral Body. A tall, mighty knight appeared above him. The Psyches who showed up in front of Ye Chen all disappeared like a flash of lightning. Swoosh, back to where they came.

The boy smiled at the sight of Psyches disappearing. It looked like Ye Chen's Astral Body was still considered very menacing after all.

Just as Ye Chen was about to recall his Astral Body, a howl came from afar. A group of Psyches, stronger than the ones that showed up previously, appeared.

Little Tanuki crawled into Ye Chen's embrace and quivered with fear as if realizing something.

Ye Chen was startled. Using his Astral Body, he peered far ahead of the Astral Body's detection radius. He could see a Psyche taking the form of a large, menacing wolf with a reddish shimmer in its eyes.

"Where do you come from? Why do you threaten to harm the disciples of the Wolven Kingdom?" the wolf Psyche asked angrily.

Astral Externalization! Whoever it was on the opposite end must be a Daemon King! Now, the imposter had come face to face with the real thing. Ye Chen was trembling in his feet. Daemon Kings were four levels ahead of a Tenth Level combatant. Even the Great Emperor Mingwu was probably no match for a Daemon King. Ye Chen knew if they were to engage in combat, his lies would be exposed. Ye Chen was well aware that his Astral Body had yet to attain the ability to materialize itself fully where it could only capture beasts. Besides that, it lacked any combat capabilities.

Little Tanuki fired up its Psyche and transmitted a message to Ye Chen. Little Tanuki's Psyche was telepathically linked to Ye Chen's Astral Body, so none could detect their message as they communicated.

"I was putting my skills to good use. Regardless of wherever the wolves come from, I'll kill them as long as they get in my way," Ye Chen's Astral Body spoke with a certain conviction though deep down he was extremely anxious. Little Tanuki was the one who had suggested that he speak with a heavy tone. What if words would not cut it and a fight broke out instead?

The wolf Psyche cast its eyes on Ye Chen's Astral Body. The boy could feel a powerful impact directed at him like his body was going to be squashed.

Even though Ye Chen felt immense pressure, he knew he could not move his Astral Body simply or his weakness would be exposed, which meant the Psyche would know he was a fake. Ye Chen continued to maintain his Astral Body. He could feel his focus waning, his head getting heavier and blurrier.

Just then, the wolf Psyche disappeared without a trace.

The pressure on Ye Chen dissipated slowly. He recalled his Astral Body, his heart beating fast. Ye Chen broke into a cold sweat, his face as pale and the Celestial Chi in him was de-synchronized. Had the wolf Psyche left any second later, Ye Chen's entire body would have given way. He shook his head to snap himself out of it.

Was that the power of a Daemon King? Ye Chen was appalled. It was clear that with his current powers, he was no match for an adversary of that level. Ye Chen's Astral Body was considered unique enough. He could maintain a façade right before a Daemon King for a good half an hour. Any longer and his Astral Body would have waned.

Best not to tackle any Daemon King for now!