Chapter 531 - Heading Towards Hidden Dragon Island

The Grand Sect Conference, held once every ten years, ignited a frenzy across the Hong Domain.

Countless young geniuses obtained the qualifications to enter the Hidden Dragon Island and were about to embark on a journey that many of their seniors had experienced.

This was an expedition to the battlefield where the geniuses of the thirty-six nations of the Hong Domain would converge.

The brave feared nothing, so success belonged only to a few. The rest might only become stepping stones, forging the path to glory for those who prevail.

Despite the great opportunities within the ruins of Hidden Dragon Island, equal dangers lurked—be it demon beasts, remnants of ancient experts' powers, or more likely, the competing geniuses vying for those opportunities.

𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Nevertheless, none were deterred. The path of martial arts had always been like rowing a boat against the current. One would be pushed back if they didn’t advance.

To gain strength and seize one's destiny, one must pay the corresponding price for the rewards they seek.

As the battles to select the nominees in the Grand Sect Conference came to an end, the geniuses who received a token also embarked on their journey to the Hidden Dragon Island.

The Great Li Imperial Court’s emissary didn't escort them directly but allowed them to find their own way—a small test in itself.

If they could not even reach the Hidden Dragon Island alone, such “geniuses” weren’t worthy of obtaining the opportunities within.

The Great Chu Empire’s selection test ended with thirty final nominees. Almost every top-tier sect only had one person earning a spot.

Thirty slots were far too few considering the number of top-tier sects in the Great Chu Empire.

As expected, only Chen Fan from Group Ten secured a spot, achieving complete victory and rightfully earning his nomination.

The Great Li Imperial Court’s emissary, Reverend Myriad Virtue, had only given them a month to travel to the Hidden Dragon Island. Exceeding this time limit would mean forfeiting their entry qualification.

The location of the Hidden Dragon Island was on the token itself. It wasn’t near the Great Chu Empire at all. A one-month time limit was tight even for a Core Formation realm expert.

If they were delayed on their way, they really might not be able to get to the Hidden Dragon Island’s location in a month. Even minor delays on their journey could jeopardize their chances of arriving on time.

Many quickly formed small groups of two or three to enhance safety in case of any trouble along the way.

Chen Fan planned on being part of no such group. He felt it would be a better training process if he traveled alone.

“Sect Leader, Master, I won’t be returning to the sect. In a couple of days, I will head to the Hidden Dragon Island from the imperial city,” Chen Fan said to Feng Baiyu and the others.

He would spend two days in the imperial city with his parents before making his way to the Hidden Dragon Island.

“Alright, then. I’m not worried that you’ll encounter any trouble on the way, but you must be careful after entering the Hidden Dragon Island ruins.

“You are hailed as the top genius here; on a broader scale within the Hong Domain, you're merely first-rate. Many in the Great Li Imperial Court and the six great nations are even more powerful than you,” Feng Baiyu warned.

Chen Fan nodded and said, “Of course, I know that. But I've always been one to keep to myself unless provoked. If they provoke me, I'll make sure they regret it."

Chen Fan did not fear the top experts of the Great Li Imperial Court and the six great nations.

“Alright, then.” Feng Baiyu did not say anything else and directly left with the others, making their way back to the sect.

Three days later:

“I’m leaving, Father, and Mother,” Chen Fan said to Chen Zhengqing and the others.

With only a month allotted, Chen Fan couldn't delay any longer in the imperial city. Missing the window to enter Hidden Dragon Island was not an option.

“Always be careful, Xiaofan,” Chen Zhengqing and the others only reminded him.

Swish!

Chen Fan executed the Wings of Rain Dragon without further ado, soaring into the sky like a roc. He shot through the clouds like lightning, heading straight toward the Hidden Dragon Island.

The Hong Domain was one of the hundred and eight domains in the eastern continent, located near the eastern sea. The Hidden Dragon Island’s location was in the eastern sea.

Shortly after leaving the imperial city, Chen Fan felt like someone was spying on him. He was quite familiar with this feeling.

Chen Fan increased his speed, speeding across the sea of clouds, tearing layers of them apart like an arrow. The air boomed loudly as he crushed the space like a great sun, producing deafening noises.

However, the peeping sensation grew increasingly stronger as Chen Fan flitted. It could not even be called spying anymore. The other party did not continue concealing themselves. Instead, they were chasing him.

Such speed!

Chen Fan was slightly shocked.

When using the Wings of Rain Dragon, his speed was comparable to an invincible expert at the three or four-revolution Golden Core realm. This was also why he could afford to delay heading toward the Hidden Dragon Island for a few days.

Chen Fan was already moving at great speed, but the auras tracking him were equally swift and intensifying. The distance between them wasn’t increasing, it was decreasing.

The strength of his pursuers was extraordinary.

Chen Fan suddenly sensed a terrifying aura that made his heart race. Instantly, he veered sharply to the left.

Rumble!

Space trembled as several figures appeared where Chen Fan had been moments ago, blocking his path.

Where did so many experts come from? Chen Fan’s heart trembled. In the Great Chu Empire, he had few enemies capable of such revenge.

Yet, here they were, powerful and numerous, intercepting him. Chen Fan didn't recognize their affiliations, but their strength was undeniable—all formidable.

While Chen Fan sped toward the left, his pursuers split into two groups, relentlessly chasing him with astonishing speed.

Clattering noises echoed as Chen Fan halted above a river, abruptly surrounded.

The group of interceptors, clad in long robes that concealed their features, stared back with indifference. They were unfamiliar faces to Chen Fan.

Meanwhile, the other group were all dressed in blood robes, emanating disgusting auras. Chen Fan was familiar with this kind of aura. It was the aura of blood demons.