Chapter 167: 4-Turn Miraculous Orb

The tremor that had shaken the entire secret realm had now become the focal point for nearly every cultivator inside.

Whether afraid, determined, or simply reckless, everyone was converging toward the center of the disturbance, driven by the shared belief that something monumental—perhaps a treasure—had revealed itself. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

Ruchir's thoughts raced as he followed the True Sun Sect group.

"What in the world could cause a tremor like that?" he muttered under his breath, glancing sideways at his temporary allies.

Even the enmity between the True Sun Sect and Blazing Sun Sect had momentarily been cast aside.

The promise of an opportunity too grand to ignore had overshadowed their feud. As they hurried along, Ruchir couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety creep up. He glanced at the group's leader, who wore an expression of fierce determination.

"Are we really putting our differences aside just for this?" Ruchir asked skeptically, his voice low.

The True Sun Sect leader, a tall man with fiery eyes and a cloak radiating warmth like the sun itself, nodded. "For now. Whatever lies ahead may change the fate of many, including us. We need to seize this moment."

Ruchir sighed internally. Garret's luck sure would've helped now. He had no choice but to follow the momentum of the situation.

They all knew that this matter had escalated beyond anything they had initially planned for in the realm. Within a mere half-hour, they arrived at the place of the disturbance, and Ruchir's eyes widened at the sight before him.

What looked like a mountain stood in the center, but it was no ordinary one. The mountain had strange, unnatural characteristics that immediately caught everyone's attention.

Its surface was jagged and irregular, as if it had been twisted by immense forces beyond comprehension. Giant cracks ran up and down its side, filled with pulsating light, like veins carrying energy through the body of a living entity. The rock itself shimmered in different shades of black, purple, and green, creating an iridescent effect that seemed to shift and change with every glance.

At its summit, an odd, crystal-like formation jutted out from the top, glowing faintly with a golden hue. It was as if the mountain was alive, throbbing with energy, and radiating an oppressive aura that sent a chill through the crowd.

Ruchir exchanged glances with his companions. "This thing... it's not just a mountain, is it?" he asked.

The leader of the True Sun Sect shook his head, his eyes fixed on the pulsating light. "No. It feels more like... an entity of some kind. Something ancient."

The Blazing Sun Sect group, who had arrived alongside them, stood a few paces away, also staring at the sight. Their leader, a brash and imposing figure with bright red robes, snorted in disbelief. "So, this is what caused all that commotion? A glorified rock?"

One of his subordinates frowned. "Doesn't feel like a rock to me, boss. It feels like... something's watching us."

Ruchir chuckled inwardly. These groups were so quick to mock each other, but deep down, they were just as rattled as everyone else. He glanced around at the other cultivators who had gathered at the base of the mountain. There were hundreds of people, all from different sects, all eyeing the mountain with varying degrees of suspicion and greed.

Some were more reckless, edging closer to the cracks that emitted the pulsating light, eager to be the first to discover whatever treasure might be hidden inside. Others hung back, waiting for the more foolish or brave souls to make the first move.

"Look over there," one of the True Sun Sect disciples pointed. "More people are arriving."

Ruchir turned and saw an ever-growing mass of cultivators flooding into the area. Some were from powerful sects, others were rogue cultivators who had come to test their luck. Every group carried its own unique aura.

There was one group with a dense earthy smell, their brown and green robes marked with intricate leaf designs, clearly experts in earth and plant techniques. Another group glowed faintly with a blue aura, their robes flowing like water.

There was even a group that appeared almost ghost-like, their pale skin and dark robes making them look as if they belonged to the underworld. Their eyes were hollow, and a cold mist seemed to swirl around them as they moved.

"Looks like every type of cultivator has shown up," one of the Blazing Sun Sect members said with a sneer. "This place is turning into a real circus."

Ruchir nodded, taking in the diversity of those present. "And yet," he muttered, "everyone is drawn here for the same reason."

The True Sun Sect leader squinted at the glowing formation at the top of the mountain. "That crystal... it must be the source of all this energy. Whatever it is, it's powerful. No wonder everyone is here."

"Should we make a move?" another disciple asked eagerly.

"Not yet," the leader replied, his tone measured. "Let's observe first. There's too much we don't know."

But even as they spoke, several groups had already begun to move toward the base of the mountain.

They climbed over the jagged rocks, edging closer to the glowing cracks, weapons ready, eyes wide with greed. It was clear that despite the strange nature of the mountain, the allure of whatever treasure lay within was too strong to resist.

Ruchir could feel the tension in the air, the anticipation of what was to come. "I'm getting the feeling this place isn't just going to let us walk away with whatever we find," he said.

One of the True Sun Sect disciples chuckled nervously. "If there's something inside, it'll probably be guarded by more than just some glowing rocks."

"Whatever it is," the leader said, "we'll be ready."

Ruchir, however, couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. He stared up at the mountain, his eyes narrowing.

Something about this place felt off, like it was waiting for them to make a move.

And when they did, whatever was inside would reveal itself. He just hoped they were prepared for whatever came next.

As the cultivators swarmed around the base of the mysterious mountain, speculating about the pulsating crystal formation at its peak, a sudden shift in the crowd's focus occurred.

A young man stepped forward from the back, his appearance commanding instant attention.

He was dressed in an immaculate white robe with intricate red feather patterns running along the sleeves and hem, each feather looking as though it was about to flutter off into the wind.

His gait was confident, and his expression calm, as if he already knew more than the rest of them.

He cupped his fists and bowed slightly, a formal greeting that echoed through the hushed crowd. "Greetings, fellow cultivators," he began, his voice clear and strong, easily cutting through the low murmurs around him. "My name is Li Xiang of the Crimson Feather Clan."

The moment he said his name, a murmur rippled through the crowd. The Crimson Feather Clan was renowned throughout the region, known for their mastery of wind techniques and their prestigious standing in the world of cultivation.

Even the older and more experienced cultivators couldn't help but give him a second look. It was rare to see a member of such a prestigious family out in a place like this.

Ruchir, standing with the True Sun Sect group, raised an eyebrow. "So, a bigshot has appeared," he thought, feeling the weight of the moment.

Li Xiang's eyes swept across the sea of faces before him, his expression unfaltering. "I believe all of you have already noticed the... peculiar object at the top of this mountain."

At this, several people in the crowd glanced up toward the peak where the glowing orb rested. Some had indeed noticed it before, but many hadn't.

The intensity of the orb's glow, coupled with the jagged, otherworldly nature of the mountain, had distracted them from realizing just how unusual the object was.

A cultivator from the crowd squinted at the orb and muttered, "I didn't even see it until he pointed it out. What is that thing?"

"Yeah, I noticed it, but it seemed like just another formation or trap," someone else added, now focusing on the glowing object with renewed interest.

Li Xiang's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Ah, but it's no ordinary object, I assure you. What lies atop that mountain could very well be the reason for these tremors... and perhaps the key to this secret realm itself."

The crowd was now fully invested, the air thick with curiosity and anticipation. Cultivators began to edge closer, some trying to get a better view of the mountain's summit while others waited impatiently for Li Xiang to explain further.

Ruchir could see how the entire atmosphere had shifted — gone was the cautious tension, replaced by growing excitement and greed. Whatever this young man was about to reveal had everyone on edge.

"I believe," Li Xiang continued, letting the words hang for a moment to build suspense, "that I may know what that orb truly is."

A wave of whispers passed through the crowd. "What? He knows? Is he serious?" "What is it?!" "Tell us already!"

Several cultivators in the front row couldn't contain themselves. "Tell us, young master Li! What is it exactly?"

Li Xiang looked pleased with their curiosity, the sly smile still dancing on his face. "That orb, if my suspicions are correct, is a 4-Turn Miraculous Orb."

The name dropped like a bombshell.

A stunned silence fell over the crowd, followed almost immediately by a surge of gasps and exclamations. Ruchir's heart skipped a beat.

He had never heard of such a thing, but judging by the reaction of the crowd, it was something of immense value.

"4-Turn Miraculous Orb?" one man repeated, his voice incredulous. "You can't be serious, can you?"

"Impossible!" shouted another from a distant sect. "That's just a legend! How could such a treasure appear in a place like this?"

Despite the disbelief, the excitement in the air was palpable.

The skepticism didn't stop people from edging even closer, their eyes now fixated on the orb as though it held the very essence of life itself.

The mountain, once merely mysterious and dangerous, now appeared to be the gatekeeper of an unimaginable treasure.

One cultivator, unable to contain his enthusiasm, shouted, "If that really is the 4-Turn Miraculous Orb, then whoever claims it would ascend to a whole new level of power! They'd be unstoppable!"

More murmurs of agreement followed, with others looking hungrily at the orb. The tension between rival sects seemed to melt away as the crowd collectively anticipated the opportunity to acquire the treasure.

Even the Blazing Sun Sect and True Sun Sect members, who had been at each other's throats moments before, shared glances of cautious respect.

Ruchir, observing the scene unfold, couldn't help but feel that something wasn't quite right. The young man had been far too eager to reveal this information, almost as though he were baiting the crowd.

Yet, as Ruchir glanced at Li Xiang's expression, he noticed the calculated gleam in his eyes. "He's up to something," Ruchir thought, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

The crowd pressed closer, almost desperate now. "Tell us more!" someone from the back yelled. "What can the 4-Turn Miraculous Orb do?"

Li Xiang merely smiled, taking a step back. "Ah, that, my friends, will be revealed... in time."

The sly smile on his face lingered as the crowd buzzed with anticipation, curiosity, and greed.