C1337 The Cause of Destruction
C1337 The Cause of Destruction
"Is it really... Middle Grade of the Supreme Level?!"
The Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar had eight segments illuminated, with just one remaining.
This indicated that the aptitude being tested was not merely at the Supreme Level, but had achieved the Middle Grade of the Supreme Level.
It was just one step shy of reaching the ultimate High-grade of the Supreme Level, the pinnacle of the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar.
In Wu Tumie's view, the Tianyuan Continent had long been in decline.
Not a single true Emperor Level martial artist existed.
Emperor Level aptitude was exceedingly rare.
For Lin Xuan to possess a Supreme Level talent, surpassing even the Emperor Level, was nothing short of remarkable.
He was likely the first in a millennium.
And perhaps the individual with the highest aptitude across the entire continent.
Yet, against all odds, he had progressed even further, attaining the Middle Grade of the Supreme Level.
Such a feat was a rarity, even during the Ancient Times.
Wu Tumie was profoundly shaken, struggling to regain his composure, yet filled with immense joy.
For him, Lin Xuan was now the only lifeline.
The higher the aptitude, the better.
Not only had Lin Xuan's aptitude reached the desired Supreme Level, but it had also advanced to the Middle Grade of the Supreme Level, a most delightful surprise.
At this moment.
The radiance emitted by the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar had reached its zenith.
Though it bathed the entire hall in light, akin to a miniature sun, it could ascend no further.
"Middle Grade of the Supreme Level! Is this truly the measure of my martial arts aptitude?"
Lin Xuan's gaze sparkled as he whispered to himself, a smile gracing his features.
Of course, this display was for Wu Tumie's benefit.
He had anticipated such an outcome.
With the attribute panel at his disposal, he could monitor his status with crystal clarity.
Still, achieving the Middle Grade of the Supreme Level had slightly exceeded his own predictions.
He also felt a sense of relief.
Thankfully, he had kept his most powerful assets, the True Dragon Bloodline and his Spatial Talent, hidden.
Otherwise, the results would have been far from simple.
In a worst-case scenario, I could have shattered the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar entirely. If that had happened, Wu Tumie might have harbored malicious intentions. Our peaceful coexistence is based on equal status and mutual benefit. Should the stakes become too high, a fallout could occur at any moment. Caution is always the best approach.
Subsequently, Lin Xuan carefully removed his hand from the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar. The brilliant white light that had emanated from it receded as quickly as a retreating tide, and the hall was restored to its former state.
"Nephew Lin, you've truly surprised me beyond measure. A Middle Grade at the Supreme Level was exceedingly rare even during the heyday of the Sky Origin Temple. You've earned your place as a core disciple," Wu Tumie said, putting away the Celestial Essence Spirit Testing Pillar and looking at Lin Xuan with a beaming smile.
"I never imagined my talents would be so exceptional," Lin Xuan replied, his face a mix of shock and elation.
"Your talent is extraordinary, Martial Nephew. The Sky Origin Temple has long since fallen, but with your exceptional abilities, you stand as the foremost warrior among our survivors. The title of Holy Son is rightfully yours," Wu Tumie congratulated Lin Xuan, then took a moment to compose himself before continuing.
"However, before we proceed, there's something I must disclose to you, Martial Nephew. Once you've heard it, you can then make your decision," Wu Tumie added, shifting the conversation.
"Please speak, Martial Uncle. I'm all ears," Lin Xuan responded, his expression turning serious.
This information might well be one of the main reasons he had ventured into the Tianyuan Secret Realm.
"Do you know, Martial Nephew, that in the Ancient Times, the Sky Origin Temple was at its zenith, unrivaled across the entire Tianyuan Continent? Have you ever wondered why it collapsed so abruptly?" Wu Tumie inquired solemnly.
"I'm not sure," Lin Xuan admitted, shaking his head. There were numerous theories scattered throughout the Tianyuan Continent, but the true cause remained shrouded in the mists of a distant past, especially since the Sky Origin Temple had met its end so swiftly and completely.
The Sky Origin Temple had been obliterated so swiftly and thoroughly that it was as if a colossal hand had wiped it from the annals of history. To this day, there remains no definitive conclusion or evidence regarding its downfall. Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan had an epiphany, recalling a previous conversation.
"Didn't Martial Uncle once mention that the Sky Origin Temple was vanquished by the Demon Essence Race?" Lin Xuan asked.
"That's correct," Wu Tumie confirmed, his demeanor settling back into calmness before he elaborated, "Back then, the Sky Origin Temple reigned supreme over the Tianyuan Continent without a rival in sight. But, out of the blue, the heavens split open, and a fleet of colossal warships descended amidst a sea of endless black fog. Forces alien to our continent arrived, bringing with them Martial Dao practitioners in numbers so vast that even the Sky Origin Temple paled in comparison. They surged forth as if they were of no value. Even the Supreme Level warriors among them weren't the strongest presence. This enigmatic power made a bold and direct descent upon the headquarters of the Sky Origin Temple. Despite our temple's fury and full mobilization, we were no match and were beaten back decisively. Within a matter of days, all of our Supreme Level and Emperor Level warriors were either slain or captured. The once dominant Sky Origin Temple was thus utterly destroyed."
After Wu Tumie finished his account, he sighed deeply, his expression one of profound lamentation. Lin Xuan, upon hearing this, stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning, his face etched with astonishment. He could hardly fathom the reality of the situation. The might of the Sky Origin Temple was legendary; its strength was evident in the ancient texts and ruins that still spoke of its dominance over the continent. Supreme Level experts were more than a handful, and Emperor Level beings were even more numerous, certainly in the hundreds. An Outer Sect Elder leading a mere squad could have effortlessly vanquished all the current powers of the continent. The disparity was as vast as a chasm separating heaven and earth. Yet, despite such might, the temple had fallen so easily and hastily, in just a few days, the entire leadership had been eradicated. How formidable, then, must that mysterious force shrouded in black fog be?
Lin Xuan was at a loss for words. The revelation from Wu Tumie had sent shockwaves through his heart. He could never have anticipated such a turn of events. "Is it possible that this enigmatic power is the Demon Essence Race?" he pondered.
Time passed before Lin Xuan managed to steady his emotions and quell the astonishment that had taken hold of him. Recalling Wu Tumie's previous words during his visit to the Tianyuan Secret Realm, he quickly posed the question that had been nagging at him.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan's mind raced with numerous thoughts. He had encountered individuals with the Demon Essence Race bloodline on the Tianyuan Continent, identified through the attribute panel. Each one of them, without exception, hailed from the Demon Aura Palace and were indeed its core members. The mere mention of the Demon Aura Hall was enough to stir the imagination and raise questions about its true nature.