Liang proceeded into the Exploration Hall, his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the bustling and vast hall. The hall itself was a breathtaking sight, with gleaming ice sculptures and shimmering crystals adorning the walls. The air was filled with a vibrant energy, crackling with anticipation, curiosity, and ambition.
His gaze was immediately drawn to the four colossal icy pillars dominating the center of the hall.
Four towering pillars of ice, each inscribed with an intricate tapestry of runes and glyphs, the hall emanates a mysterious chill.
Suspended in the empty space at its heart, an icy dais hovers—its existence seemingly defies gravity.
Invisible yet potent, tendrils of runic energy stretch from each monolithic pillar to this central platform, chaining it with a brilliance that escapes the ordinary eye. However, to him, this spectacle is as vivid as the midday sun.
Atop the floating stage, a colossal void formation lays hidden, woven from the countless strands of multifaceted void qi.
First was the Pillar of Commerce, a focal point for experts and enthusiasts alike. It was a hub of activity, with clans, sects, and races gathered around, showcasing their rare and valuable treasures. A wide array of items were on display, from ancient cultivation techniques and secret arts, to powerful weapons and mystical artifacts. It was a place where fortunes could be made, and life-changing acquisitions were often up for grabs.
Beside the Pillar of Commerce stood the Pillar of Realms, a cosmic map of the secret realms discovered within Frostfell. This pillar was a beacon of adventure, guiding explorers to new horizons. As each secret realm was discovered and opened, its location manifested on this very pillar. The experts would gather around, studying the inscription that appeared, discussing their findings, and forming parties to delve into the unknown.
Next to the Pillar of Realms was the Pillar of Fields, which pinpointed the locations of ancient battlefields. These battlefields were filled with remnants of epic clashes between legendary warriors. Experts from all corners of the domain sought the challenge and rewards hidden within these battlegrounds.
The Pillar of Fields served as a guide, allowing experts to explore these battlegrounds and claim their rightful place among the legends.
Finally, the Pillar of Missions stood tall, distinct from the others. It was a place where explorers, experts, and seekers of quests gathered. Anyone, regardless of status or cultivation, could issue a mission with an accompanying reward.
The missions ranged from retrieving powerful artifacts, escorting important figures, eliminating formidable foes, or uncovering hidden truths. Others could accept these missions, forming temporary alliances or going solo to complete the tasks.
As Liang observed the pillars, he couldn’t help but be intrigued by the hidden colossal void formation situated on the icy stage.
Multiple types of void qi interwove, forming a complex pattern that sparked his curiosity.
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Such is the complexity of this formation that it hints at a connection to a counterpart—an even larger matrix, sprawling beyond sight. Its full scope eludes even his perception, suggesting that its creation is the work of several experts pooling their formidable powers over extensive timeframes.
While it may lack the sheer prestige of the famed Void Integration Matrix, which was set by a singular, unparalleled expert, the gap between the two is narrower than one might presume.
The atmosphere inside the grand hall, already thick with the buzz of many conversations, grew electric as a singular event drew all eyes and whispers to the aged announcement pillar. Its weathered surface, embedded with shimmering runes, cast a subtle glow, illuminating the crowds and the characters etched upon it that caused such a stir.
"Is that really him?" a young voice exclaimed with disbelief, causing heads to turn and brows to furrow.
An old expert with a long white beard chuckled heartily, cutting through the rising tide of astonishment. "Who would dare to openly issue a prize on his head? It takes great courage."
The murmurs rippled through the crowd, weaving a tapestry of theories and opinions. "Well, it’s not surprising," a woman in armor declared dismissively. "That bastard from the Dong Clan has made many enemies."
"An arrogant scion from the Dong Clan? Hardly anyone would sympathize with him," voices cascaded in a blend of disdain and excitement.
"It is indeed unusual for the Exploration Hall to accept such a mission," a wiry man clutching a tome observed, peering throughis glasses. "I don’t recall anyone ever issuing a prize on a Dong Clan member before."
Responses floated through the congregation, each voice adding a different perspective. "What’s so strange about it? With the backing of the Transcendent Alliance, the Exploration Hall shouldn’t fear the Dong Clan."
"Exactly," nodded several heads in agreement, expressions filled with understanding.
However, it was the staggering price on the figure’s head that caused gasps and widened eyes. "But the bounty on him!" an expert exclaimed, as if the weight of the words themselves pressed upon him.
"Oh my, it’s beyond extravagant!" cried out an old man, his usual composed demeanor utterly shattered by the sheer magnitude of the reward.
The words "Celestial Orchid" hung in the air, igniting a spark of greed in every onlooker and filling minds with voracious desire.
"To think someone would offer such a treasure!" a woman’s voice conveyed a mix of incredulity and admiration.
"Hehehe, that Dong Clan scarcely escapes the scrutiny of the masses," a mischievous voice interrupted, drawing attention to a man with a sly grin plastered across his face.
The room fell into a hush as all eyes turned towards him. He was known as Ying Fei, a notorious information broker with connections that spanned the entire realm.
"You have information about the Celestial Orchid?" a noblewoman inquired eagerly, her eyes glimmering with anticipation.
Ying Fei chuckled, relishing in the attention. "Oh, my dear, I always have information. But such valuable tidbits come at a price."
With a gleeful grin, Ying Fei finally spoke. "Legend has it that the Celestial Orchid possesses unimaginable powers. It is said to bring eternal youth and unparalleled cultivation breakthroughs to whoever possesses it."
Gasps and murmurs filled the hall as the significance of the prize became more apparent.
Those who had initially dismissed the bounty now scoured their minds, considering their own desire for immortality and limitless power.
The grand hall erupted with buzzing speculation and frenzied planning. The bounty on the Dong Clan scion’s head had become secondary to the allure of the Celestial Orchid itself.
Each word, glance, and gesticulation added layers to the buzzing atmosphere, as the hall filled with adventurers and schemers alike contemplated the impossible mission and the incomparable prize.
"Dong Shi Wang" Liang’s gaze fixed upon the name etched at the pinnacle of the mission pillar, a spark of recognition igniting in his thoughts.