Secrets Of The Ancient Sanctuary

Chapter 185: Secrets of the Ancient Sanctuary

The enormous doors slowly opened, revealing a vast hall illuminated by faint golden lights.

Aether stepped inside, followed by the Ancient Origin Earth Dragon.

The interior was considerably larger than it appeared from outside. Rows of sealed chambers extended along both sides of the hall, while enormous stone pillars supported a ceiling covered in ancient inscriptions. At the far end stood a circular platform surrounded by several crystal structures.

Aether's gaze moved across the inscriptions.

"Can you understand them?" he asked.

The dragon examined the walls.

"Some of them. These records describe preservation methods, bloodline compatibility, and the regulation of inherited characteristics. This was undoubtedly an important facility."

Before Aether could respond, a System notification appeared.

[Ancient Knowledge Detected.]

[Scanning surrounding inscriptions...]

[Language Analysis: In Progress.]

[Knowledge Categories Identified: Bloodline Research, Preservation Techniques, Origin Energy Regulation, Ancient Formation Principles.]

[Would you like to store the recovered information in the System Archive?]

Aether's attention shifted toward the notification.

Store everything that can be recovered. Prioritize the techniques and formation principles.

[Command Accepted.]

[System Archive Activated.]

[Recovered information will be organized and preserved for future reference.]

Aether looked at the walls again.

Unlike ordinary observation, the System was gradually extracting information from the inscriptions, interpreting their meaning, and organizing the results into separate categories.

More importantly, it wasn't merely translating ancient writing.

[Technique Analysis Function Activated.]

[Recovered Technique: Ancient Bloodline Nourishment Art.]

[Condition: Incomplete.]

[Analysis: Available principles have been extracted. Missing sections have been identified.]

[Comprehension Assistance Available.]

Aether selected the technique.

Immediately, a structured explanation appeared, detailing its energy circulation, fundamental principles, cultivation requirements, and intended applications.

The technique was designed to nourish inherited bloodline characteristics through controlled Origin Energy circulation. Its deeper principles involved stabilizing bloodline energy and reducing incompatibilities between different inherited characteristics.

Aether carefully examined the explanation.

The System wasn't directly placing the technique inside his mind or granting him mastery. Instead, it was making complicated information easier to understand, allowing him to study its principles without spending countless hours deciphering incomplete records.

This will be extremely useful.

He had already accumulated several powerful abilities and inherited characteristics. Understanding techniques that could improve their compatibility would be valuable for his future development.

"Young Master?"

The dragon's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Aether closed the displayed information.

"Nothing. I found something interesting in the inscriptions."

The dragon glanced at the surrounding walls.

"These records are worth examining. Their creators appear to have possessed considerable knowledge of bloodline development."

"Then let's investigate the entire facility."

Aether deployed several shadows to explore the different sections.

Their reports began arriving one after another.

One discovered a collection of ancient records, another located a secondary chamber containing preserved cultivation materials, while a third detected a formation connected to several sealed rooms.

The System continued processing the information.

[Ancient Formation Detected.]

[Classification: Preservation Formation.]

[Analysis: In Progress.]

[Recovered Principles: Energy Stabilization, Environmental Preservation, Bloodline Regulation.]

[Information Stored in System Archive.]

Aether examined the newly recovered principles.

The formation was designed to maintain stable conditions inside the preservation chambers, preventing stored bloodline materials from deteriorating over time.

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The System also identified several damaged sections and provided possible explanations for their original functions.

Aether didn't need to understand everything immediately. He could preserve the information and return to it whenever he wanted.

Meanwhile, the dragon examined the nearest sealed chamber.

"The internal preservation formation is still functioning. Forcing it open without understanding the mechanism could damage whatever remains inside."

"Can you open it?"

"Certainly. But I would prefer to understand the preservation mechanism first. There is no reason to destroy something valuable through impatience."

Aether nodded.

"Then examine it."

While the dragon studied the formation, Aether continued reviewing the System's analysis.

The facility contained far more than ordinary storage chambers. It appeared to have been divided into several sections, each designed for a different aspect of bloodline preservation.

Elsewhere in the sanctuary, other participants were making discoveries of their own.

A group from an ancient clan had entered a cultivation chamber built into one of the floating mountains. Inside, they discovered several cultivation platforms that still contained traces of ancient Origin Energy.

Their leader immediately ordered his companions to inspect the platforms.

Another group encountered a series of stone statues guarding an ancient library. After spending considerable effort deciphering the inscriptions, they managed to activate its entrance.

Meanwhile, several independent cultivators discovered a garden containing medicinal herbs that had survived for countless years.

Some groups had already begun negotiating temporary agreements, while others preferred to keep their discoveries secret.

The sanctuary was becoming increasingly competitive.

Jiang Rui was among those moving between different areas.

He hadn't forgotten Aether's earlier discovery or the strength displayed by his golden-eyed companion.

Direct confrontation was out of the question for now.

Instead, Jiang Rui focused on gathering information. He intended to learn which areas Aether had explored and what valuable discoveries he had made.

The powerful clans and sects outside were already investigating the sanctuary's awakening. Their representatives would eventually question participants about the discoveries made inside.

If Jiang Rui could provide valuable information, he might gain their attention and obtain benefits for himself.

For now, he needed more information.

Inside the Preservation Facility, Aether received another notification.

[Shadow Exploration Report Received.]

[New Location Discovered: Ancient Spirit Garden.]

[Origin Energy Concentration: High.]

[Detected Resources: Ancient Spirit Vegetation, Bloodline Nourishment Herbs, Preserved Spirit Fruits.]

[Additional Information: The garden is connected to the sanctuary's preservation network.]

Aether reviewed the report.

"A garden?"

The dragon looked toward him.

"Spirit gardens were commonly maintained alongside ancient preservation facilities. Certain plants could nourish bloodlines, while others were used to stabilize the energy of creatures undergoing transformation."

"Let's take a look."

They left the hall through a side passage.

The passage gradually widened until it opened into a secluded garden surrounded by ancient stone walls.

Unlike the other sections of the sanctuary, this place was remarkably peaceful.

Ancient trees stood beneath a faintly glowing sky. Small streams of clear water flowed between patches of spiritual vegetation, and several trees carried translucent fruits filled with concentrated Origin Energy.

Mu Qingxue was already there.

She stood near a cluster of ancient plants, carefully examining their leaves and roots.

Aether recognized her and approached.

"Miss Mu."

Mu Qingxue turned.

"Young Master Aether."

They exchanged polite greetings.

"I didn't expect to find you here," she remarked.

"I could say the same. Did you discover this place yourself?"

She nodded.

"I noticed that the vegetation in the surrounding area was growing toward a particular direction. After following the changes in their energy circulation, I found this garden."

Aether glanced at the surrounding plants.

"An interesting discovery."

"Some of these plants are unusually old. Their energy circulation is also different from ordinary spiritual vegetation."

The dragon walked toward one of the trees and examined its branches.

"These are preserved bloodline nourishment plants. Their fruits contain refined natural energy that can support the stabilization of certain bloodline characteristics."

A new notification appeared.

[Ancient Spirit Vegetation Detected.]

[Scanning...]

[Species Identified: Verdant Bloodline Nourishment Tree.]

[Properties: Bloodline Nourishment, Energy Stabilization, Ancestral Characteristic Support.]

[Additional Information: Mature fruits can improve the condition of compatible bloodlines.]

Aether reviewed the information before looking at Mu Qingxue.

"I assume you were planning to collect some of these?"

"I was, but I haven't finished identifying everything yet."

Aether examined the trees.

"There is no need to rush. We can divide the harmless resources after identifying them. You discovered this place independently, after all."

Mu Qingxue looked at him for a moment.

"You're willing to share the resources?"

"Why wouldn't I be? There are plenty of them, and I don't particularly need to claim everything I come across."

His response was casual.

There was no attempt to impress her or gain something in return.

Mu Qingxue gave a small nod.

"Then I'll accept."

The dragon continued examining the plants while the two began identifying different varieties.

After a while, their conversation naturally moved away from the garden.

"May I ask you something?" Mu Qingxue said.

"Go ahead."

"You seem unusually calm throughout this competition. Even after entering such a dangerous place, you don't appear particularly concerned."

Aether considered her question.

"Being worried doesn't make a situation easier to handle. I'd rather understand what I'm facing and decide what to do about it."

"Is that how you approach cultivation as well?"

"More or less. I have things I want to accomplish, and I don't intend to waste my time moving without direction."

Mu Qingxue listened quietly.

"What about you?" Aether asked. "What do you hope to accomplish through cultivation?"

She looked toward the ancient trees.

"I want to reach a height where I can decide my own future. My physique gives me certain advantages, but I don't want my entire path to be determined by it."

Aether looked at her with a little more interest.

"That's a reasonable ambition."

"Do you think so?"

"Of course. A physique can provide an advantage, but what someone chooses to do with that advantage is ultimately their own decision."

Mu Qingxue considered his words.

She had encountered plenty of talented young cultivators during the competition. Many were preoccupied with their backgrounds, inheritances, or the superiority of their physiques.

Aether, however, spoke about cultivation as though it were simply a path he had chosen for himself.

Their conversation continued for a while.

They discussed their ambitions, cultivation experiences, and impressions of the sanctuary. Neither revealed their deepest secrets, but the conversation gradually became less formal.

When they finished identifying the plants, Aether divided several of the available spirit fruits and herbs into two portions.

He kept a reasonable share and offered the other to Mu Qingxue.

She accepted them.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Aether stored his share.

Mu Qingxue looked around the garden once more before turning toward him.

"I'll probably continue exploring this area. If we encounter another interesting place, perhaps we'll meet again."

"Perhaps. Good luck with your exploration, Miss Mu."

"You too, Young Master Aether."

They parted without making unnecessary promises.

As Mu Qingxue walked toward another section of the garden, she found herself thinking that Aether was rather different from the impression she had initially formed.

He was powerful, certainly, but he didn't seem particularly interested in displaying that power.

Aether watched her leave briefly before turning toward the dragon.

"Young Master," the dragon remarked, "shall we continue?"

Aether glanced at him.

"What?"

"Nothing."

The dragon returned his attention to the surrounding vegetation.

Aether gave him a brief look before opening his System Archive again.

[New Information Stored.]

[Ancient Bloodline Nourishment Art.]

[Preservation Formation Principles.]

[Ancient Spirit Vegetation Records.]

[Additional Research Materials: 17 Entries.]

[Comprehension Assistance: Available.]

Aether examined the list.

The sanctuary had already provided him with valuable knowledge, and they had barely explored its first major facility.

He selected the Ancient Bloodline Nourishment Art and began studying its fundamental principles.

There was still much to discover.

And Aether intended to make full use of every opportunity this ancient sanctuary offered.