Liang Hui smartly didn’t mention that topic, instead continuing to humor Shen Yuan, “Haha, you jest, Brother Shen, how can I dare to join in the battle between such giants? I would only die with my meager abilities.”
The two disciples behind Liang Hui looked at him in confusion; they didn’t know their senior brother knew how to act humble as well.
Shen Yuan shook his head, “You are one of the top disciples of your sect, and if my estimate is correct then you should be in the top 3. How can you not be qualified to participate in those battles?”
Liang Hui’s lips twitched. He had clearly expressed that he didn’t want to join in the battle and that’s why he didn’t go, but he can’t say that directly in front of another sect, lest he risk the reputation of his own.
His fingers fidgeted as he quickly thought of an answer to salvage the situation, “Ahaha, Brother Shen, I was about to go, but my Senior Brother Wu Han told me that they had the situation under control and to look at this area and see if I can manage to learn something.”
“But why didn’t you go join them? With your abilities, going and leaving from there should be as easy as breathing.”
Shen Yuan released a dramatic sigh, “I wanted to join the fight when I heard about it, but it was already too late. I was receiving an inheritance when the battle took place. And I had no means of communication with my sect. You know how this Mystique Realm is.”
Liang Hui’s eyes flashed; he didn’t expect Shen Yuan to get an entire inheritance from this place. As for the thought that Shen Yuan might be lying? That didn’t even cross his mind, as he had gotten to familiarize himself with Shen Yuan.
“Brother Shen is really lucky, you managed to gain an inheritance here, while I’m stuck here…trying to decipher these formations.” He sighed, remembering how he had wasted the past few days here.
Shen Yuan moved his gaze away from the group and looked carefully at the massive, ancient formation ahead of him. Its countless runes shimmered subtly with mysterious power, exuding a majestic and overwhelming aura that kept the gathered cultivators at bay.
‘Looks like it’s pointless,’ Shen Yuan muttered, shaking his head. ‘Trying to decipher this formation using brute force or traditional methods won’t lead anywhere.’
[Indeed, Yuan’er.]
Yue Lan agreed gently.
[Even array masters from ancient eras couldn’t solve this. You’ll only exhaust yourself like them if you try it.]
Shen Yuan nodded inwardly, his mind quickly sorting through his recent experiences within the Mystique Realm.
‘Let’s think carefully,’ Shen Yuan softly murmured. ‘I’ve acquired two extraordinary opportunities within this realm. The first is the Undying Heart—merged directly into my body, granting me regeneration and powerful vitality. The second is the supreme music legacy of Senior Melodious Sovereign Gu Ran.’
A faint glint flashed within his eyes as he thoughtfully continued. ‘Perhaps this formation isn’t meant to be overcome by conventional methods. Perhaps it will resonate with the legacies I’ve already obtained here…’
[Eh, that’s a good guess.]
Yue Lan commented approvingly.
[These treasures came directly from within the Mystique Realm itself; resonance might indeed be the key.]
“Brother Liang, has anyone managed to pass by these formations?” He softly asked to confirm it.
Liang Hui looked at him and nodded, “Yes, a few disciples have managed to pass, but they didn’t share how or what special thing they did.”
Shen Yuan nodded his head and retrieved the Harmonic Resonance Guqin from his spatial ring. The King Grade instrument shimmered faintly in his hands, as if eager to be played once again after eras.
Ignoring the astonished gazes of the surrounding cultivators, Shen Yuan calmly sat cross-legged, placing the guqin gently upon his lap.
“What is he trying to do now?”
“Playing music here? Has he lost his mind?”
Ignoring the murmurs, Shen Yuan slowly closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. He gathered his thoughts, smoothly circulating his Qi in line with the ‘Echoing Heartstrings’ martial melody.
With his supreme comprehension, the complex music resonated effortlessly within his mind, clear as crystal.
Soon, his fingers gracefully plucked the strings, releasing gentle notes filled with profound harmony and tranquil rhythm.
The first layer—Gentle Resonance—unfolded smoothly, calming the entire area. The restless Qi of the cultivators around slowed down, their minds becoming clear and serene.
Even the surrounding cultivators, initially skeptical, felt entranced, their previously chaotic thoughts settling gently.
Slowly standing up without ceasing his melody, Shen Yuan took a confident step forward, directly approaching the enormous formation.
Strangely, instead of pushing him back, the formation seemed to subtly resonate in tune with the melody he produced.
“What is happening?” Liang Hui gasped, eyes wide in disbelief. “He…he is walking through the formation?!”
The other disciples stared incredulously, their eyes glued onto Shen Yuan’s calm and graceful figure as he effortlessly advanced, step after step, melody resonating softly yet powerfully around him.
“This…this…this is the legacy of Senior Gu Ran, The Music Immortal! He actually managed to get that legacy?” Liang Hui looked at Shen Yuan’s back in surprise; he didn’t expect him to be talented in Music Path as well.
As Shen Yuan stepped deeper, his melody gradually shifted to the second layer—Emotional Tempest. The vibrations from the guqin intensified, rippling visibly through the formation’s barrier.
Each note penetrated deeply, causing runes within the formation to unravel around Shen Yuan.
Finally, as he neared the core area, Shen Yuan’s melody ascended into the third and final layer—Heartstring Dominance.
A powerful aura radiated outward, enveloping him completely. The formation trembled violently, then stabilized, harmonizing entirely with his resonating melody.
Passing smoothly through the previously impassable formation, Shen Yuan arrived at the innermost core of the zone.
A grand, ancient palace loomed before him, its mighty gates sealed tightly shut by countless mysterious runes and archaic formations.
Pausing briefly before the towering gates, Shen Yuan felt a sudden reaction from deep within him. His Undying Heart pulsed intensely, releasing a mysterious and oppressive aura that resonated with the ancient runes sealing the palace gates.
Ba-dum!
His heartbeat echoed powerfully through the silent area. Instantly, the gates shook violently, ancient mechanisms groaning to life.
Ba-dum! Ba-dum!
His heartbeat quickened, resonating profoundly. A potent pressure emanated from Shen Yuan’s body, enveloping the gates entirely.
Rumble!
A deep, sonorous rumbling filled the air as the massive gates slowly creaked open, their archaic formations shutting down due to Shen Yuan’s Undying Heart.
As the gates finally swung open, Shen Yuan stopped his melody, opening his eyes decisively. His eyes flashed with excitement and realization.
“So this was the correct way, for a person to receive a legacy from World Raiser Sect and possess the Undying Heart—both were keys prepared to unlock the core of this palace.”
Yue Lan’s proud voice echoed softly in his mind.
[You did great, Yuan’er. Not only you managed to gain the Inheritance of that Gu Ran but also got the Undying Heart already. Looks like this palace was written in your fate.]
Shen Yuan turned around to look at the disciples staring at him with mad envy. He waved his hand toward them before stepping into the Palace.
