Outside the Liu Clan's ancestral gate, a grand scene unfolded.
A sleek, black-gold flying ship hovered in the sky, shaped like a serpent with wings of jade. Runes glowed across its hull, creating ripples in the air as its propulsion formations hummed with celestial power. The Liu Clan's crest—an ancient dragon coiled around a sun—shone brilliantly on its side. This was no ordinary vessel, but a strong immortal artifact reserved for missions of extreme importance.
Liu Chen stood tall at the bow, hands folded behind his back, his golden-black robes fluttering slightly with the wind. His expression was calm, yet an arrogant glint flickered in his eyes. He exuded confidence and unshakable presence, like a young master born to command the world.
Below the ship, elders and soldiers lined up to see him off. Among them stood two figures cloaked in contrasting energies.
The first, Elder Yin, was a tall man in a robe as white as frost, his long silver hair tied behind. Cold Yin Qi swirled silently around him, freezing moisture in the air. Beside him stood Elder Yang, his twin brother, whose golden robes radiated warmth like the sun. His hair glowed with reddish-golden luster, and his steps caused faint embers to flicker in the air.
They were the dual commanders of the Liu Clan army, titled 'Yin Flame' and 'Solar Flame' respectively—powerhouses in the Immortal Emperor realm. Though they could not enter the secret space due to the age restriction, their presence alone was enough to deter even Immortal Kings.
But most striking of all was the beautiful woman walking toward the flying ship.
Liu Chen's expression softened slightly as his mother arrived. She wore a flowing emerald robe embroidered with golden lotuses, her black hair cascading like silk. Her eyes carried gentleness and hidden power, befitting the Lady of the Liu Clan.
"Chen'er," she said warmly. "You've just awakened your physique. Are you truly ready for this journey?"
Liu Chen turned to her with a faint smile. "Mother, this world is mine to explore. If I fear a secret space now, how will I stand above the heavens later?"
She stepped closer, brushing his shoulder gently. "Don't be reckless. Even insignificant ancient aura can draw bloodthirsty monsters from hiding. Your father and I worry."
He nodded casually. "That's why you're sending the two flames, no? No one will dare touch me."
She sighed softly. "Arrogant, just like your father."
From the gate, Liu Wuzong, the clan leader and Liu Chen's father, stepped forward.
He smiled inwardly. His destiny was truly different.
"I will go," he said aloud. "This secret space… I want to see it myself. I might find some interesting playthings."
Liu Wuzong narrowed his eyes, then waved his hand. "Go then. The elders will wait at the perimeter. Remember, only those below 25 may enter. But if anyone touches you outside that limit... they die."
---
The journey began.
The flying ship roared across the skies, leaving golden trails in its wake. Runes pulsed across its body as it flew over forests, mountains, and rivers.
Elder Yin stood like a still sculpture at the bow, his breath freezing the mist that tried to approach. Elder Yang stood at the rear, his aura like the blazing sun, warding away demonic beasts in the clouds.
Inside, Liu Chen sat cross-legged in a meditative pose, though his gaze was fixed outside.
"This world truly is vast," he murmured. "But not for long. It will bow before me."
The desert region appeared by noon. A broken landscape of cracked earth, storm-filled skies, and swirling yellow winds stretched to the horizon. Dozens of flying vessels and beasts circled the area, as more than a thousand cultivators had already gathered.
Among them were powerful warriors from smaller clans, hidden sects, and rogue cultivators. But none stood out like the two Immortal Kings seated in the distance atop hovering thrones of flame and crystal.
As the Liu Clan's ship descended, silence swept over the desert.
"Isn't that... the twin commanders of the Liu Clan army?"
"Yin Flame and Solar Flame? Why are they here?"
"They never move unless it concerns the clan's important matter!"
"Who has the ability to make visit Immortal Emperors personally!"
"Could that be... Young master Liu?"
Gasps spread like wildfire.
A few arrogant young geniuses sneered, but quickly stopped under the oppressive presence of the twin elders. No one dared speak openly.
Liu Chen stepped off the ship with leisurely grace. He glanced at the gathering like an emperor inspecting a market.
Those two Immortal Kings also shocked to two Emperors as this secret space has treasures like ancient aura. It was still don't enough for someone like Emperor realm warrior to come here. After all which one Emperor realm cultivators has not ancient aura in their body.
Foe become a Immortal Emperor realm warrior, one has to not only bear Thunder tribulation of heaven but also cultivate their own Dao. And with enough Ancient aura and heavenly essence, you can't cultivate their own Dao path.
So its hard to come a Emperor, let alone two. And they are also Yin Flame and Solar Flame Elders, from Liu clan. So they have to check the boy who is going in, after all this secret space has not fully explored. If there are some incidents, it would be hard to explain.
"Elder Yin Flame, Elder Solar Flame" they solute in respect manner. "What happened to make your trip here personally?"
"Its just our young master is planning to taking a look in Secret space." Elder Yin said without much interest. But both Immortal Kings were shocked to hear this. Young master. A title that mean the person infront of them is Liu Chen, son of clan leader of Immortal Liu clan. But they didn't say much.
"I'll head in alone," he said.
Elder Gin raised a brow. "Be careful. The space is unstable."
Elder Yang added, "Call through your soul seal if you're truly endangered. We'll burn the sky if needed."
Liu Chen smirked. "Relax. I won't die before becoming immortal."
With a step, he vanished into the gate—an ancient black arch inscribed with celestial runes and pulsing with flickering violet light.
The moment he entered, the air shifted.
The sky dimmed.
He appeared in a dark, desolate plain.
The ground was cracked obsidian, soaked in ancient blood. Jagged bones and shattered weapons lay half-buried in ash. The air smelled of ruin.
"What a cheerful place," Liu Chen muttered.
He looked around. Faint structures lay in the distance, towers that looked like they had collapsed from a war long lost.
"This secret space… holds echoes of an ancient battlefield," he whispered.
His soul trembled again. Somewhere, hidden deep within
, something was calling him.
A treasure waiting to be claimed.
And Liu Chen intended to be its master.