The Opening Of The Ancient Opening Grounds

Chapter 192 — The Opening of the Ancient Evolution Grounds

The concealed passage descended deep beneath the Ancient Bloodline Research Repository. Its walls were covered with ancient inscriptions, and faint streams of energy flowed through channels carved into the stone. As Aether and Long Zhentian advanced, the damaged energy network became increasingly visible. Several channels had completely stopped functioning, while others struggled to maintain the faint light running through them.

At the end of the passage stood an enormous circular chamber. Three crystal structures occupied its center, each connected to a different section of the repository. A large formation covered the floor, with hundreds of intricate symbols arranged around a central control pillar.

Long Zhentian examined the chamber before approaching the pillar. "This should be the internal regulation chamber. The three sealed archives are connected to it, but the energy network is in worse condition than I expected."

"Can it be repaired?"

"Partially. Restoring the entire network would require considerably more time and resources. However, we may be able to redirect the remaining energy and restore the primary functions."

Aether walked toward the central pillar. "Then let's get started."

He placed his palm against its surface, and the System immediately began analyzing the formation. A complex diagram appeared in his vision, displaying the network's current condition and the flow of energy throughout the chamber.

[Ancient Repository Regulation System detected.]

[Network Integrity: 31%.]

[Primary Energy Channel: Damaged.]

[Secondary Energy Channels: Two partially operational.]

[Restoration Method: Energy redistribution and structural stabilization.]

[Estimated Result: Partial restoration.]

Aether studied the diagram. The formation wasn't completely unfamiliar anymore. The research he had recovered from the previous chambers gave him a basic understanding of how the ancient civilization organized its bloodline facilities. He could recognize the major channels and understand the purpose of several control structures, although the finer details remained beyond his current knowledge.

"Zhentian, stabilize the western channel. I'll handle the central pillar. We need to redirect the remaining energy without placing too much pressure on the damaged section."

Long Zhentian glanced at him. "You've already decided that I should do the difficult part?"

"You're the one with the experience."

"An excellent argument. I suppose I cannot complain."

Despite his dry response, Long Zhentian moved immediately. A dark-golden stream of Origin Energy emerged from his palm and spread through the western side of the formation. His control was precise, and the energy channels gradually stabilized under his influence.

Aether focused on the central pillar. He released his Origin Energy in a controlled stream, following the instructions provided by the System while adjusting the flow according to the formation's reactions. Several symbols lit up, and the chamber began vibrating. For a moment, one of the damaged channels threatened to collapse, but Aether quickly reduced the energy passing through it.

"Don't force it," Long Zhentian warned. "The structure is already weakened."

"I noticed."

"Good. I would hate to explain to the young master why he destroyed an entire research facility while trying to repair it."

Aether ignored the remark and continued working. After several minutes, the central pillar finally responded. The scattered energy streams connected, forming a stable circuit that spread throughout the chamber.

[Restoration Successful.]

[Ancient Repository Network Integrity: 31% → 58%.]

[Primary Energy Distribution: Restored.]

[Ancestral Bloodline Awakening Archive: Access Partially Restored.]

[Advanced Bloodline Compatibility Archive: Access Partially Restored.]

[Transcendent Bloodline Evolution Archive: Access Restricted.]

Aether withdrew his hand and examined the notification. "Fifty-eight percent. That's enough to access the first two archives?"

"Apparently," Long Zhentian replied. "The third one is still sealed. Its requirements may be different, or the damage may be too severe. We can investigate later."

Aether nodded. He had no intention of spending the entire day repairing one chamber. The information they had recovered was already valuable, and the third archive could wait.

However, before he could examine the newly restored records, the entire chamber suddenly trembled.

A deep sound echoed through the sanctuary.

BOOOOOOM!

The crystal pillars lit up simultaneously, and an enormous wave of energy spread through the underground facility. The light traveled through the walls, following the restored channels and reaching distant sections of the sanctuary.

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Aether looked toward the ceiling. "What's happening?"

Long Zhentian's expression changed as he sensed the energy fluctuations. "The regulation system is connected to the sanctuary's central structure. Restoring the network must have reactivated one of its primary functions."

Aether opened the System interface.

[Ancient Sanctuary System: Primary Network Reactivated.]

[Preservation Facilities: Operational.]

[Bloodline Evaluation Facilities: Operational.]

[Ancient Evolution Grounds: Access Authorization Restored.]

[Ancient Evolution Grounds will begin opening.]

Aether's eyes narrowed with interest. They had finally reached the important part.

At that moment, a voice echoed throughout the entire sanctuary. It wasn't the voice of a living person but an ancient announcement transmitted through the formation network.

"Attention, surviving participants. The Ancient Evolution Grounds are now accessible. All qualified participants may enter through the designated entrances. The grounds contain ancestral trials, evolution resources, and preserved bloodline inheritances. Your performance will determine the opportunities available to you."

The announcement repeated twice before fading.

Aether glanced at Long Zhentian. "Looks like the main event has finally begun."

"Indeed. The ancient civilization seems to have designed this place to test more than cultivation strength. Bloodline compatibility, physical foundation, adaptability, and the ability to withstand evolution should all matter."

"That makes things more interesting."

Aether turned toward the exit. His companions followed him, with Nyx moving ahead curiously while Kiyomi stayed close. The young Earth Dragon lifted her head, clearly interested in the announcement.

"Are we going to participate?" she asked.

"Of course," Aether replied. "We didn't come this far to watch from the entrance."

Long Zhentian gave him an approving look. "At least your priorities are becoming clearer."

Aether smiled. "I learned from someone experienced."

"That is a rather generous interpretation of my influence."

They left the regulation chamber and returned to the main repository. The moment they emerged, the sanctuary's changes became apparent. Ancient symbols across the walls had awakened, and several previously sealed passageways were now open. Far in the distance, a massive column of light rose above the sanctuary's central region, visible even through the layers of ancient structures.

The Ancient Evolution Grounds had opened.

Across the sanctuary, the announcement caused an immediate reaction.

In a wide medicinal chamber, several young cultivators stopped what they were doing. Among them was a young man wearing dark-blue robes, his sleeves stained with the remnants of medicinal powder. He had spent most of the previous period searching for preserved resources and had managed to secure several valuable herbs.

"The Evolution Grounds?" he muttered. "So the sanctuary's real inheritance is finally opening."

A nearby cultivator nodded. "We should leave immediately. If the other participants reach it before us, the best opportunities may already be taken."

The two quickly gathered their belongings and headed toward the nearest exit.

Elsewhere, a group of three cultivators stood before an ancient library. They had managed to overcome a damaged guardian formation and recover several cultivation records. Although none of them had obtained a major bloodline inheritance, their discoveries had strengthened their foundations.

The announcement changed their plans immediately. They exchanged a few words, divided the resources they had collected, and began moving toward the central region.

Not everyone welcomed the news.

Inside a secluded chamber, a young man from one of the powerful families stared at the distant column of light. His expression darkened as he remembered the earlier reports about Aether and the ancient facilities he had explored.

"He's probably already there," he muttered.

Another participant standing beside him frowned. "You mean the young man who entered the preservation facilities?"

"Yes. If he has already obtained something valuable, we cannot allow him to leave this sanctuary with everything."

His companion hesitated. "We don't even know what he has."

"Then we'll find out."

The young man began walking, unaware that his growing interest in Aether's discoveries might eventually become a much more serious problem than he anticipated.

Meanwhile, Aether and his companions reached an elevated platform overlooking the central region.

The view before them was impressive. Beyond the platform stretched an enormous valley surrounded by towering mountains. Ancient structures stood along its slopes, while several bridges connected floating stone platforms suspended above the valley. At its center was a vast circular gate, surrounded by twelve enormous pillars. Each pillar carried a different bloodline symbol, and a steady stream of energy flowed from the mountains toward the gate.

Numerous participants had already begun gathering around the entrance.

Some arrived alone, while others traveled in groups. A few were clearly powerful cultivators, their Origin Energy making the surrounding air tremble. Others appeared less impressive but carried unusual bloodline auras that drew the attention of nearby participants.

Aether observed them quietly.

He recognized several familiar faces from the earlier exploration period, though he had not interacted with most of them. Some had changed their equipment, while others carried treasures they had likely discovered in the sanctuary. Everyone had come with their own gains, and everyone wanted a share of what awaited beyond the gate.

Long Zhentian stood beside him. "There are more people here than I expected. The announcement must have reached every accessible section."

Aether's gaze moved across the gathering. "Good. It would have been disappointing if nobody else showed up."

The ancient dragon gave him a brief glance. "You seem rather pleased about having more competition."

"Opportunities are more interesting when others are trying to obtain them too."

Aether looked toward the enormous gate. The System had already begun analyzing its structure, but the information was incomplete.

[Ancient Evolution Grounds detected.]

[Primary Function: Bloodline and Physique Evolution Trials.]

[Secondary Functions: Ancestral Awakening, Compatibility Assessment, Evolution Resource Distribution.]

[Internal Structure: Multiple trial regions detected.]

[Detailed Information: Incomplete.]

Aether's attention sharpened. Multiple trial regions meant the grounds were not a single challenge. There would be different opportunities, and the participants might not all follow the same path.

He looked toward the twelve pillars. "What do you think, Zhentian? Which one should we enter?"

Long Zhentian examined the symbols. "I recognize several of them. The third appears related to physical tempering, while the seventh may concern ancestral bloodline awakening. The remaining symbols are less familiar. However, I would not recommend choosing based only on the symbols. The actual trials may contain conditions that are not visible from outside."

Aether nodded. "Then we'll inspect them before deciding."

At that moment, the twelve pillars began glowing.

The enormous gate slowly opened, releasing a wave of ancient energy that swept across the platform. Several participants immediately stepped forward, while others remained cautious and waited to observe the entrance.

Aether didn't rush. He watched the energy carefully, allowing the System to analyze its fluctuations. The first stage of the sanctuary's main event was finally within reach, and he intended to understand the opportunities before making his move.

Behind him, Nyx stared at the gate with clear anticipation, Kiyomi watched the unfamiliar energy with curiosity, and the young dragon raised her head proudly.

Aether's expression remained calm, but his eyes carried unmistakable interest.

The exploration was over.

The real competition had begun.