Ling Tian Narrow Escape.

"Where are you coming from, Ling Tian?" Jiang Chen asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"I went to the town," Ling Tian replied, his voice neutral.

"What's that in your hand?" Jiang Chen's gaze fell upon the talisman, his expression turning stern.

"Oh, it's nothing," Ling Tian said, attempting to downplay the significance of the item.

"Let me see that," Jiang Chen commanded, his voice firm.

Ling Tian hesitated before revealing the talisman. Jiang Chen's eyes widened in shock.

"A talisman? These items are usually reserved for emperors in Tenebrous. Who dared to sell this to you? The person must be a thief!" Jiang Chen exclaimed.

Ling Tian looked sheepish. "I didn't know... I'll just go rest now."

Ling Tian retreated to his room, cultivating with the talisman for over a week. He finally reached the middle Qi refinement stage.

Feeling refreshed, Ling Tian searched for Jiang Chen. He found him crafting a wooden training statue, with three ancient scrolls lying behind the statues.

"Ah, Ling Tian, come here," Jiang Chen called out.

Jiang Chen handed Ling Tian the scrolls. "These are ancient scrolls, containing knowledge passed down through the ages. Study them well."

Ling Tian unrolled the scrolls, revealing their contents:

_Scroll 1: "The Celestial Atlas"_

Age: Over 3,000 years old

Origin: Ancient civilization of the Starlight Empire

Contents: A detailed map of celestial bodies, including constellations, planets, and hidden dimensions.

Powers: Grants the reader knowledge of celestial navigation.

_Scroll 2: "The Tome of Eternal Life"_

Age: Over 5,000 years old

Origin: Ancient civilization of the Eternal Kingdom

Contents: A comprehensive guide to achieving immortality through spiritual cultivation.

Powers: Grants the reader knowledge of eternal life cultivation.

_Scroll 3: "The Chronicle of the Ancients"_

Age: Over 10,000 years old

Origin: Ancient civilization of the Primeval Era

Contents: A historical record of the ancient world.

Powers: Grants the reader knowledge of the ancient world.

"These scrolls hold the secrets of the ancient world," Jiang Chen said. "Study them well, Ling Tian. Your journey is just beginning."

Ling Tian nodded, carefully storing the scrolls in his pack. "Let's begin our training, Jiang Chen. I'm eager to learn martial arts alongside my cultivation techniques."

"Excellent attitude, Ling Tian!" Jiang Chen exclaimed. "Our first training session will focus on hand techniques. Mastering these will enhance your overall combat prowess."

Jiang Chen proceeded to teach Ling Tian the Dragon's Claw, a grasping technique designed to immobilize opponents. Next, he instructed Ling Tian in the Phoenix Fist, a swift and powerful punching technique targeting vital points. Finally, Jiang Chen demonstrated the Snake's Strike, a swift and agile striking technique exploiting an opponent's weak points.

As the training session concluded, Jiang Chen observed Ling Tian's fatigue. "You're exhausted, Ling Tian. Rest well, for tomorrow's training will be even more demanding."

Ling Tian bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Jiang Chen. I'll strive to improve."

The next morning, Ling Tian ventured into the market to purchase snacks. Amidst the bustling crowd, he overheard whispers about the emperor's unexpected appearance.

"Isn't that Emperor Zuo Qing himself? What brings him to our humble market?" a trader murmured.

The traders bowed in unison as Emperor Zuo Qing, a middle Nascent Soul cultivator with striking red hair and an imposing presence, approached the old man who had sold Ling Tian the talisman.

Zuo Qing's voice was laced with menace. "Where is my talisman?"

The old man trembled, panic etched on his face. "A boy... a young boy with black hair and an fearless spirit stole it from me."

Zuo Qing's eyes blazed with fury. "Where can I find him?"

Ling Tian, oblivious to the danger, continued shopping. However, when he witnessed the old man being interrogated, their eyes met, and the old man's gaze flashed with recognition.

"Young one! He's the thief! The boy who stole the talisman!" the old man screamed.

Ling Tian's eyes widened in alarm as Zuo Qing bellowed, "Seize him!"

The guards gave chase, their footsteps echoing through the market. Ling Tian sprinted, his legs moving swiftly as he dodged through the crowd. Zuo Qing and his guards pursued, their movements swift and agile.

Ling Tian swiftly scaled a towering tree, seeking refuge among its branches. Zuo Qing commanded, "Halt! The boy can't escape. Continue searching the surrounding area."

As Ling Tian observed Zuo Qing's spiritual sense, he realized the emperor could detect his presence. Frantically, Ling Tian consulted the scrolls, searching for a technique to conceal his spiritual signature. His eyes landed on the Concealment Technique, and he hastily practiced it.

Zuo Qing's eyes narrowed, his spiritual sense faltering as he lost track of Ling Tian. "The boy's spiritual signature has vanished. Let us retreat."

Just as Ling Tian breathed a sigh of relief, a venomous green snake slithered toward him, its eyes fixed menacingly on its target. The snake lunged, ready to strike.

While Zuo Qing and his guards still stood under the tree, the snake opened its mouth, revealing sharp, long teeth, and seemed to be a spirit animal. Suddenly, the dragon mark on Ling Tian's wrist glowed, and it absorbed the soul of the snake, turning it into ashes. Ling Tian lost his balance and slipped, falling from the tree.

Zuo Qing's eyes widened in surprise as he rushed forward, his arms outstretched to catch Ling Tian. But before he could reach him, Ling Tian's body seemed to fade away, and he disappeared into thin air.

Zuo Qing's face twisted in confusion and anger. "What just happened?" he growled, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "Find him!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the market.