Tian Yuan

Chen Qingyuan is currently in seclusion, and it's unknown when he will wake up.

The emperors were not yet focused on comprehending the Dao Lotus, remaining deeply immersed in their shock. It would likely be difficult to truly calm their minds within three to five days.

Meanwhile, the outside world.

Imperial Continent, located near the star system above.

A group of people gathered here, observing the Forbidden Zone of Eternal Night from a distance.

Due to the special barrier outside the restricted area, the view inside cannot be seen.

Even Pan Ran, who had already reached the pinnacle of the Emperor's Path, was unable to fathom it.

"Weird!"

Pan Ran is a sword cultivator whose natal sword is a bronze sword. It is primarily for killing, and its murderous aura is well-controlled.

After observing for a long time, he still couldn't figure out this barrier.

"Try it."

After much deliberation, he decided to resort to force.

With this plan in mind, we immediately put it into action without any delay.

Clang!

Pan Ran immediately picked up his rusty bronze sword and swung it at the barrier from a distance.

Although this sword strike wasn't his trump card, it was still quite serious and enough to obliterate a Dao-proving Supreme being like Lu Hansheng.

There was no roar of Taoist magic, nor any spectacle of radiant light.

The sword light struck the barrier, like a drop of water falling into an endless ocean, merging into it without even causing a ripple, let alone stirring up any waves.

The silence was chilling.

"This...no way!"

This barrier is no ordinary barrier. Pan Ran knew he couldn't break it with a single sword strike; he only wanted to test it, but this was the unexpected result.

Pan Ran looked stunned and instinctively gripped the bronze sword tightly.

He originally thought that once he broke free from his shackles and reached the pinnacle, he could be carefree and directly compete with Mu Cangyan and others.

The reality was not like that, which dealt a significant blow to his confidence.

"It is impossible to shake the barrier by worldly means."

At this moment, Situ Lin arrived, stepping through the air.

After saying this, he bowed respectfully to Pan Ran.

Being in the vicinity of the Eternal Night Ruins, they could naturally sense each other's presence.

Huh! This person actually discovered my whereabouts!

Pan Ran was slightly surprised by Situ Lin's arrival. He hadn't expected that his tracks would be discovered by an 'ant', which was truly strange.

"Who are you?"

Pan Ran was somewhat wary when he first met Situ Lin.

After witnessing Chen Qingyuan's terrifying power, Pan Ran deeply realized what it meant to be a peerless genius. He put away his initial arrogance and dared not underestimate others.

In particular, Situ Lin's ability to lock onto Pan Ran's aura made Pan Ran take it very seriously and treat it with caution.

"Junior Situ Lin."

Out of respect, Situ Lin regarded himself as a junior.

In terms of age, Situ Lin is definitely older. In the cultivation world, seniority is not based on age, but on strength.

What are your thoughts on the situation here?

Pan Ran did inquire about the situation in Shenzhou, but he couldn't find any information about Situ Lin. Only a very few people knew of this person.

"The barrier here is formed from rules above the Emperor's Path, making it indestructible and creating an independent space where the flow of time differs greatly from the outside world..."

Situ Lin has already told me what he knows; there's no need to hide anything.

While listening, Pan Ran used his secret technique to investigate Situ Lin's background. At his level, knowing just the name was enough for him to trace the other party's footprints in China and find out his origins.

Strangely, Pan Ran secretly calculated for a long time but failed to find a single clue.

Weird!

A cultivator from the Divine Bridge was like a blank sheet of paper.

From Pan Ran's perspective, Situ Lin appeared out of nowhere, leaving no trace of him anywhere in China, which is very strange.

This person is quite capable!

Pan Ran stared intently at Situ Lin, his expression growing even more serious.

From the moment he reshaped the Heavenly Book, Situ Lin had already reached a state of transcendence. Even a peak-level emperor would find it difficult to detect his presence.

Only by talking to someone who knows Situ Lin's identity and background, or by searching his soul, can one obtain an accurate answer.

"The Path to Immortality..."

Upon hearing this, Pan Ran's eyes suddenly narrowed, his expression changed, and his heart trembled slightly.

Unexpectedly, such a major event occurred during his period of seclusion and breakthrough.

I missed it!

Pan Ran sighed inwardly, feeling deeply sorry.

It is especially regrettable that I was unable to witness the scenery of the Ascension Road.

After a long silence, Pan Ran finally composed himself.

At least we took a step forward, so it was worthwhile and the trip wasn't a complete waste.

"You didn't go inside, so how do you know these things?"

Since he couldn't find any trace of Situ Lin, Pan Ran had no choice but to ask directly.

"I have some knowledge of the art of calculation, and I was fortunate enough to learn of it."

Situ Lin was quite humble.

"If one only knew a little, how could one possibly deduce such a taboo matter?"

Pan Ran didn't regard Situ Lin as an ordinary person, he said solemnly.

Situ Lin, dressed in plain clothes, smiled but remained silent.

"Does Fellow Daoist Situ know Chen Qingyuan?"

Pan Ran changed the subject.

Situ Lin said, "Chen Qingyuan is an unparalleled genius, a talent that has never been seen before. How could I not know that?"

Pan Ran kept scrutinizing Situ Lin with sharp eyes, trying to see through him completely, but no matter how he looked at him, he couldn't figure out Situ Lin's true nature: "Are you acquainted with Chen Qingyuan?"

"We should be considered friends."

Situ Lin spoke these words calmly, stating the facts.

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Pan Ran became interested, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

Pan Ran believed Situ Lin's words to be true: "Could we discuss this in more detail?"

"How dare we disobey the Emperor's decree?"

In terms of fighting, Situ Lin could not possibly be compared to a peak Great Emperor. At such close range, if Pan Ran had any malicious intent, he could kill him with a single slap, and even using the Heavenly Book would not change the outcome.

The reason Situ Lin came here was to get to know this supreme being from beyond the realm, to inquire about things beyond the Divine Continent, and to see if he could go further in the Path of Calculation.

"Sit down, let's talk slowly."

Upon hearing that Situ Lin and Chen Qingyuan had a close relationship, Pan Ran's attitude improved noticeably. His expression was no longer so cold and distant, and he even set out a table and chairs, inviting them to sit together.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Situ Lin bowed respectfully and slowly took his seat.

The two sat facing each other, sipping tea and discussing Chen Qingyuan's past.

Although Pan Ran had gained some understanding of Chen Qingyuan, it was a mixture of truth and falsehood, making it difficult to discern the truth. Now, talking with Situ Lin would allow him to delve deeper into Chen Qingyuan's past.

"The first question: Is it true or false that Chen Qingyuan was jilted when he was young?"

Everyone has a gossipy side. When Pan Ran first heard this news, he thought it was a joke and didn't believe it at all.

How could someone as exceptionally talented as Chen Qingyuan be subjected to such contempt and humiliation?

Situ Lin replied decisively, "Really."

"Oh! Really!"

Pan Ran's expression changed instantly, his eyes gleaming as if he had discovered some earth-shattering secret, showing both disbelief and unspeakable excitement.