A moment later, Jiang Ming finished listening to the black-robed young man’s explanation and finally understood some of the reasons for the appearance of immortal cultivators here.

It seemed that something that had been found in the Black Rock Ruins back then had recorded some information related to a few secret areas outside the Black Rock Ruins.

One such area was in the depths of this mountain range.

“However, the difficulty of this secret area is relatively low. The major forces have agreed that only Qi Refinement Realm disciples are allowed to come here to gain experience. If anyone violates the rules, they will be severely punished by all parties.” Li Xu, the black-robed young man, continued to explain, “Moreover, this was very sudden news to us. There are still a few years left before the Black Rock Ruins opens. Many Qi Refinement Realm geniuses did not make it to the Litfire Region in time. There shouldn’t be too many people from the outer regions this time. We lack manpower this time as well.”

Jiang Ming nodded slightly. No wonder immortal cultivators would suddenly appear in this place with thin spiritual energy.

Then, he started to worry about Lu Xiaoyu. He did not know who had captured her or if something had happened to her.

“It’s not a good idea to run around in a panic. Let’s go with the flow. Maybe we can find Lu Xiaoyu when we get to that secret place!”

During his conversation with Li Xu, he also asked if he had seen any mortal women on the mountain. However, he had only heard that some small factions would get mortals to scout the way. The trial team from the Green Feather Cultivation Academy was not like that and would not do such a thing.

Jiang Ming could see that Li Xu had the intention to win him over. Thus, he nodded and said, “In that case, I’ll need your help. However, let’s make it clear that the treasures belong to whoever finds them first. I don’t wish for there to be any conflict between the two of us.”

In fact, Jiang Ming did not care at all. However, he still had to act like an immortal cultivator on an adventure.

Sure enough, when Li Xu heard Jiang Ming’s words, he was secretly relieved. He was a normal immortal cultivator.

The two of them rushed into the depths of the mountain forest. Jiang Ming also discussed some other topics with Li Xu. After all, he came from a big force, and his understanding of the world of immortal cultivation was not comparable to that of an individual cultivator like him.

“What exactly are the origins of the Black Rock Ruins?” Jiang Ming asked. “Why are forces like the three grotto-heavens and the Green Feather Cultivation Academy participating in its trial?”

Li Xu smiled. “This was indeed a secret that not many people knew about back then. However, it is no longer a secret. The Black Rock Ruins was originally a trial ground for disciples set up by a blessed land ten thousand years ago. However, that blessed land seemed to be pursuing some shocking goal, and in the end, the entire sect was destroyed, and the blessed land disappeared without a trace. It wasn’t until the last opening of the Black Rock Ruins when the almighty voice was heard, did people discover that it was connected to that blessed land. And according to rumors, the Black Rock Ruins might be a legacy that the blessed land left behind on purpose to pass on some information to future generations.”

Jiang Ming was shocked. How was a blessed land annihilated like that?

“What were they after?” Jiang Ming could not help but ask.

“I really don’t know.” Li Xu shook his head. “Perhaps Lord Li Qianya knows some secrets. However, he has never told us. From the little I know, in order to achieve that goal, the blessed land seemed to have explored many different paths. The Black Rock Ruins are related to one of the paths of exploration, and it’s all related to martial arts!”

“Martial arts?” Jiang Ming was stunned. He thought of Clearwater City, where martial arts were popular, and also the mortal world at the border of the Litfire Region.

“According to ancient records, ten thousand years ago, martial arts were extremely popular in the world of immortal cultivation. Top martial artists could compete with the mighty immortal cultivators. It was an era of brilliance, producing all kinds of monstrous geniuses. However, after that, it was as if it had reached its peak and then declined. Only the path of immortal cultivation remains here.” Li Xu sighed. “Even those ancient records don’t have much information about what happened. It’s as if it’s a taboo topic. The only thing we can be sure of is that the turning point of prosperity and decline seems to coincide with the destruction of the blessed land related to the Black Rock Ruins.”

Jiang Ming’s mood fluctuated as he listened. He did not expect that there would be such a secret in the immortal cultivation world.

He also felt a little emotional. Li Xu was only a follower of a genius. However, he knew so many secrets. He was much better than him, a poor individual cultivator of Xiaoqian Mountain.

However, it did not matter. He was immortal and had all the time in the world to gather wisdom.

* * *

The sky was getting dark, and the two of them entered a valley in the depths of the mountain forest.

“Where is he?” Li Xu looked at the extinguished bonfire, somewhat dumbfounded.

Jiang Ming was also speechless. ‘Are you f*cking playing with me?’

Suddenly, a faint light appeared before him and flew toward Li Xu.