chapter 8: the path of the forbidden lands
The journey had only just begun.
Shen Tian stood atop a mountain ridge, overlooking the vast expanse of the Forbidden Lands.
A place where even the strongest cultivators dared not tread.
Blackened storms raged in the distance, swirling with chaotic Qi. The land below was cracked and desolate, the very earth rejecting mortal existence.
And at the heart of it all…
The Temple of the Primordial Dragon.
It stood in eerie silence, half-buried in the remnants of an ancient war.
Shen Tian studied the map Elder Yan had given him.
"This is where the Heart of the Primordial Dragon is sealed."
He could feel it.
A pulse.
Faint, but undeniably powerful.
Even the heavens seemed to shudder at its presence.
If I obtain the Heart…
Shen Tian's thoughts trailed off as he sensed a presence approaching.
A moment later—
SWOOSH!
A figure emerged from the shadows.
A woman, dressed in flowing black robes, her long silver hair glistening under the moonlight.
Her eyes were sharp, carrying an aura of mystery.
"…So you're the one causing trouble for the Shadow Sect."
Shen Tian raised an eyebrow.
"And you are?"
The woman smirked.
"Li Xue. Saintess of the Netherworld Pavilion."
The Netherworld Pavilion.
An organization that operated from the shadows, known for controlling forbidden techniques and assassins.
Shen Tian chuckled.
"Let me guess. You're here to stop me?"
Li Xue tilted her head.
"No. I'm here to warn you."
Shen Tian frowned slightly.
"Warn me about what?"
Li Xue's expression turned serious.
"The Forbidden Lands are not what they seem. The Heart of the Primordial Dragon is no mere treasure."
She took a step closer, lowering her voice.
"It is… a fragment of Creation itself."
Shen Tian's eyes flickered.
A fragment of Creation?
That would explain the overwhelming presence he had felt.
Li Xue continued.
"Long ago, before the era of the Great Sects, the Primordial Dragon was the closest being to transcending existence itself."
She hesitated before adding—
"…But something stopped it."
Shen Tian's fingers tightened around the map.
Something stopped a being on the verge of ultimate transcendence?
What kind of force could do that?
Li Xue glanced at him.
"You still intend to go?"
Shen Tian smirked.
"If there's something strong enough to stop a Primordial Dragon from ascending—"
His eyes gleamed.
"—Then I have to see it for myself."
Li Xue sighed.
"I expected nothing less from a madman."
She turned away.
"I won't stop you. But if you survive… we may meet again."
With that, she vanished into the night.
Shen Tian watched her go, then turned back toward the temple.
The pulse of the Primordial Dragon's Heart grew stronger.
Smirking to himself, he stepped forward.
The Forbidden Lands awaited.
End of Chapter 8