"I don't know why, but I always get a peculiar sensation from you, as if there's something hidden within your body. Yet, even I can't discern what exactly that is."

This was what puzzled the Azure Dragon Venerable the most. He could clearly see that Wang Zhan's strength was like an ant's compared to his own. Wang Zhan couldn't even compare to the descendants of the Dragon Clan. Yet, the Venerable couldn't fathom how Wang Zhan had managed to reach his current stage, step by step, seemingly harboring some strange power within his body.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhan's expression changed slightly. He furrowed his brow as a thought surfaced in his mind: Could it be that the Azure Dragon Venerable has seen through the fact that I have the System's support?

It had to be said, the Azure Dragon Venerable was the most formidable individual Wang Zhan had ever encountered. Although he had met several remnant souls before, they were vastly inferior compared to the Azure Dragon Venerable standing before him. Perhaps it was because the Azure Dragon Venerable was not in a Spirit Void state but existed physically, thus giving off a different kind of pressure.

"Aren't you going to tell me what's hidden inside your body?"

"Rest assured, I'm not one to pry. I'm merely curious about your body. Even if you possess some treasure, I'm not interested. After all, for us in the Dragon Clan, it's best to acquire everything through our own efforts. Any cultivation gained through external means will ultimately result in a severe backlash, offering no real benefits."

"Of course, these words are also a reminder to you: haste makes waste. Young people should progress steadily, step by step. Only cultivation accumulated in this manner can truly be wielded and unleash its greatest power."

Wang Zhan nodded solemnly but remained silent. He was keenly aware of how important the System was to him. Without its assistance during this period, he wouldn't have reached his current level, nor would he have become so powerful step by step.

Moreover, this method of 'force-feeding' his cultivation hadn't caused him any adverse effects. In fact, it had led to continuous leaps in his cultivation, making his combat prowess far superior to others at the same level.

However, if he were to tell others about this, presumably no one would believe him.

"Alright, time is short. Stop trying to pry information from me. Just impart your cultivation technique to me. Whether I can handle it or not is my own affair. Even if I end up exploding and dying, it will have nothing to do with you. But if I can leave here with your technique, everyone on the Star War Battlefield will learn of the Dragon Clan's existence, which would be greatly beneficial for you."

The Azure Dragon Venerable beside him shot Wang Zhan an annoyed look before turning his head away. He then raised his hand, not even glancing at Wang Zhan, and immediately pressed his finger to Wang Zhan's glabella.

Before Wang Zhan could react, he felt a tremendous power flow from the Azure Dragon Venerable's fingertip, continuously surging into his mind. Soon, this power coalesced into a vast stream of information.

Time passed, second by second. Once all the information had been completely received, Wang Zhan began to examine what had just transpired within his mind. Golden characters suddenly materialized there.

"Indestructible Azure Dragon Spell?"

Wang Zhan's eyes widened instantly. He glanced at the Azure Dragon Venerable beside him and chuckled, "Such a cringey name. You must have come up with it yourself, right? This isn't the supreme secret art of your Dragon Clan, is it?"

The Azure Dragon Venerable shot him an irritated look and grumbled, "Where do you get off spouting so much nonsense? In terms of seniority, all current members of the Dragon Clan are my juniors. Even they couldn't easily obtain this cultivation technique of mine. And compared to those clan-defining techniques of the Dragon Clan, mine is in a different league entirely. For you to receive my technique, it's as if smoke is rising from your ancestral graves—a stroke of immense luck!"

Although Wang Zhan had indeed lucked out, he still felt a little dissatisfied.

He shrugged and didn't continue to banter with the Azure Dragon Venerable. "Alright, since our cooperation is established, figure out a way to send me out of this lousy place."

"You're quite the ungrateful brat, aren't you? You just received the cultivation technique, and now you're already planning to draw a clear line with me?"

The Azure Dragon Venerable glared at Wang Zhan.

"How could you think that? I merely want to get out sooner to help you promote the Dragon Clan. Why would I want to part ways with you so quickly? Besides, am I that kind of ungrateful person?"

Wang Zhan grinned.

The Azure Dragon Venerable turned his head away, snorted coldly, and then said, "I can tell you're no simple character, kid. But that might be a good thing. Perhaps you really can make my cultivation technique flourish. However, I must remind you: if your body cannot withstand it, do not continue to cultivate upwards. This technique is not something humans can easily master. Even members of the Dragon Clan need a period of bodily tempering to cultivate it."

"Don't think I'm joking. Since I've already given you the cultivation technique, I naturally have no other reservations. I'm just worried you'll get yourself killed."

Wang Zhan, of course, understood the Azure Dragon Venerable's intentions. He could tell that although this old man before him was short-tempered, his character was decent, and he didn't mean to make things difficult. Moreover, obtaining this cultivation technique here was a massive gain for him.

"Alright, I've committed your words to memory. I still have some companions outside, so I need to rejoin them as soon as possible. Do you have a way to help me leave this place quickly?"

Although Wang Zhan's words were half-truths, one statement was entirely genuine: he truly had no way to leave this place. He could sense that this area was a massive barrier; even if he possessed the absolute power to break through the earth above, escaping wouldn't be a simple matter.

Now, he naturally had to pin all his hopes on the Azure Dragon Venerable.

The Azure Dragon Venerable nodded with a smile. He then flicked his sleeve, and a huge light screen materialized before Wang Zhan. Upon closer inspection, a doorway was visible on the light screen.

"Alright, step inside, and you'll return to the Summit of Thousand Peaks. But I must remind you to act prudently. Haste makes waste. Don't commit unconscionable acts for the sake of advancing your cultivation; that will bring you no good. When I eventually leave this place, I hope we can meet again. If you're still as fragile as you are now, I'll have no face to show the world. After all, my successor cannot be so weak."

Wang Zhan nodded with a smile, waved to the Azure Dragon Venerable, and then stepped into the light screen.

「In the blink of an eye」

Wang Zhan had left the underground. The next moment, he found himself standing where he had first entered the barrier.

However, all the strange runes on the massive stone stele before him had vanished.

Seeing this, Wang Zhan immediately understood. It seemed these runes were single-use. Once gone, meeting the Azure Dragon Venerable again would not be an easy task.

Wang Zhan stood in place, staring intently at the stele for a good while before scratching his head and muttering to himself, It seems that old fellow deliberately set up a Maze here, intending for someone to enter. But such a complex Maze... surely it wasn't designed merely to deal with a single person.

In that instant, Wang Zhan had a realization. The Azure Dragon Venerable was most likely just looking for a successor! When I entered, I seemed to have caught his eye. And although the Azure Dragon Venerable attacked me directly, it was undoubtedly a form of Trial, wasn't it?

Wang Zhan sighed helplessly. Indeed, wisdom comes with age. I thought I had outmaneuvered the Azure Dragon Venerable, but I never expected to be just a pawn in his game. Still, these considerations weren't important. As long as he could master a more formidable cultivation technique, it was a good thing for him.

「In a flash」

Wang Zhan had already distanced himself, not lingering any longer.

He now understood the situation on the Summit of Thousand Peaks. It was because this place was home to the incredibly formidable Azure Dragon Venerable that it had remained standing, untouched by demonic beast invasions. Since that was the case, he didn't need to worry about anything else. He could just continue gathering demon cores here with everyone.

When Wang Zhan rejoined the others, the sky had gradually darkened, and none of them looked particularly happy.

Wang Zhan walked over to Han Junxiong, glanced at the group, and then asked, "You were all full of ambition when you set out this morning. Why the long faces now that it's gotten dark?"

Han Junxiong frowned and said, "It's because we're unfamiliar with the surroundings and don't know what might be here. That's why everyone's a bit apprehensive."

"Besides," Han Junxiong continued, "when you were missing earlier, everyone was quite disheartened, even considering leaving. Thankfully, you finally reappeared, so spirits have lifted a bit."