As expected, Su Xun opened the introduction of the Martial Training Ground.
[Name: Martial Training Ground
Rank: Unknown
Introduction: The Martial Training Ground is a place for family members to train. You can construct replicas here to practice against, just like reality. However, death within the replica will not result in actual death; it will only cause a period of weakness.]
Su Xun didn't show much emotional fluctuation after reading it. However, this was indeed an excellent place for self-improvement. Although family members could practice against each other, it couldn't replicate as accurately as these mirrors. These replicas would replicate one's own strength, or even that of others. Moreover, death within them wouldn't lead to real death. This was undoubtedly the most perverse aspect.
It was known that family members were cautious during sparring, unable to go all out. This solved that problem. At least the combat capabilities of family members would increase significantly.
Su Zeduan was the first to enter the Martial Training Ground. After a few sessions, he improved himself, breaking through to the early stage of the True Martial Realm after a two-day retreat.
However, the moment he emerged from seclusion, he received a report from Fifth Elder.
Qingxue Palace had been annihilated in a bloody and gruesome manner. The culprit was currently unknown. However, due to the incident with the Heavenly Sword Sect, some speculated that the Kyushu Chamber might be behind this.
Currently, Su Xing'er had issued a statement to clarify the situation. Some believed it, and some didn't. After all, before the appearance of the Kyushu Chamber, while there were frictions among the major forces, they generally coexisted peacefully. But now, after the appearance of the Kyushu Chamber, the Heavenly Sword Sect was wiped out first, and now it was Qingxue Palace. Who's to say the next target wouldn't be the Night Owl Sect or the Three Great Families?
But some remained rational. After all, given the Kyushu Chamber's strength, there was no need for such actions. Moreover, the Kyushu Chamber had issued a statement after annihilating the Heavenly Sword Sect, stating that they focused on business and wouldn't interfere in the disputes among the major forces, maintaining a neutral stance.
"Have you found out the truth?" Su Zeduan asked, as he had agents within these major forces. If the truth was covered up, these agents would be able to reveal it.
Su Zeji shook his head. None of the agents placed within Qingxue Palace managed to escape. More accurately, it seemed as though no one had managed to escape.
According to news from the Kyushu Chamber, the methods used were somewhat similar to those of the Demonic Sect. However, there was no Demonic Sect near the vicinity of the Azure Cloud Kingdom. Unless it was a hidden sect like the Qianqiu Sect.
Considering this possibility, Su Zeduan sent a message to the Qianqiu Sect. After all, if there were hidden demonic sects, perhaps the Qianqiu Sect might have some understanding of the situation.
Indeed, the Qianqiu Sect was a hidden force. They knew about some internal information. According to what they knew, there were three hidden sects near the Falling Cloud Mountain Range. Apart from the Qianqiu Sect, there were two others: the Blood Refining Hall and the Crane Cloud Pavilion.
Among them, the Qianqiu Sect's strength was a step weaker than the Blood Refining Hall, which enhanced their abilities through sinister arts. As for the Crane Cloud Pavilion, even the Qianqiu Ancestor wasn't very clear. They dispatched representatives to travel the world at regular intervals.
Earlier, the Blood Refining Hall had an altercation with the Crane Cloud Pavilion, but a high-ranking member of the Crane Cloud Pavilion made a move, killing a Blood Refining Hall Elder from afar. This made the Blood Refining Hall retreat, causing them to be more cautious. Otherwise, even if the Qianqiu Sect wasn't weak, they might not be able to withstand the crazed members of the Blood Refining Hall.
Never did Su Zeduan expect that from this, he'd receive an extraordinary piece of news. The master of the ruins, Yuan Yangzi, was an ancestor of the Blood Refining Hall.
Wasn't that senior a wandering cultivator?
But this could only be considered good news. Since Yuan Yangzi was an ancestor of the Blood Refining Hall, their recent annihilation of Qingxue Palace seemed to be focused and purposeful. It was likely done to obtain that ruin.
However, things were getting more complicated. The Blood Refining Hall would surely have mid-stage Profound Origin Realm experts in charge, otherwise the Qianqiu Sect wouldn't be so cautious. But Su Zeduan didn't worry too much. He could just go ask for a Taoist talisman from the treasure pavilion Besides, the Ancestor was still in the rear mountain!
Su Xun had no idea that this unfilial child had outwitted him.
Jinshan Prefecture.
The news about the ruin directly elevated Jinshan Prefecture to the ranks of "first-tier cities." Peddlers and traders filled the streets, and even Heavenly Martial Realm experts who were usually hard to spot were becoming more common.
Jinshan Prefecture didn't have a Prefect, but was a domain granted to the Prince of Jin. Jinshan Prefecture belonged to the current Prince Jin of the Azure Cloud Kingdom, the uncle of the present Emperor, who had reached the Heavenly Martial Realm many years ago.
However, it wasn't known whether he had broken through to the True Martial Realm. After all, he had gradually handed over power to his son many years ago, and he hadn't personally taken action in a long time.
This son was quite capable, and his abilities even exceeded those of his father. Compared to his father, he was a force to be reckoned with. Among the four major vassal kings, he ranked second in strength. He certainly couldn't be underestimated.
Jinshan was located at the junction of Jinshan Prefeture and Changning Prefeture. It was a mountain that stretches for hundreds of miles. However, it was worth mentioning that the distance between Jinshan Mountain and Qingxue Palace was very close, and there were even mountains where traffic converged.
The king of Jin sent an army to block the location of the ruins, but it was not to stop these forces, but to avoid some small troubles. The other forces didn't say much either. After all, the time was up and they couldn't get in because of restrictions and obstructions.
Jinshan City's Kyushu Chamber of Commerce had nearly completed its preparations. In fact, for this auction, the scale had been expanded to be even larger than Nanfeng City's.
After consulting with Shen Wansan, Su Xing'er decided to hold the auction two days before the opening of the ruins. The main focus would be on items that provided means of self-preservation. Techniques and martial skills could be postponed for later auctions.
Once news of the upcoming Kyushu Chamber of Commerce auction spread, it quickly gained attention and interest. Many were eager to participate, given the chamber of commerce's reputation and influence. Although the specifics of the auction items weren't disclosed, people had confidence that they would be of high quality.
Anticipation for this auction was higher than ever before. Representatives from the Four Great Princedoms, Qiuning Kingdom, and Kun'an Kingdom sent their delegates. After all, the inheritance of True Martial Realm cultivators wasn't a common opportunity. This time, it was certain that things wouldn't remain calm.
The Kyushu Chamber of Commerce arranged the fourth floor for the Qianqiu Sect, granting them the leading position. This move naturally piqued curiosity. The third floor was reserved for True Martial Realm cultivators, the second floor for Heavenly Martial Realm, and the first floor for Earth Martial Realm and below. This arrangement was devised by Su Xing'er to accommodate the demand, especially since there were many Earth Martial Realm cultivators.
Among the curious attendees was a veiled woman representing the royal family—not the Third Prince this time, but the sister of the current ruler of Azure Cloud Kingdom, Princess Changning. She was the first woman to possess a fiefdom like a man since the founding of the kingdom. Her territory was Changning Prefecture, and she was the most powerful among the Four Great Princedoms, despite being a woman.