Chapter 368 Dream Within a Cage

“I don’t agree, Ancestor,” Mu Yunshu said, gazing solemnly at the old ancestor of Tianqing Sacred Land.

The old ancestor let out a soft sigh.

“Three hundred miles out—Gui Yunzi, the Drought Corpse, and others are already in position. If I were to act… I’m not confident I could win.”

Mu Yunshu’s pupils shrank in shock upon hearing this.

No wonder the evil sects were so arrogant — they had actually brought out their founding-level old monsters!

Gui Yunzi was said to have cultivated to the peak of the Heaven Dao Realm using a body of pure divine sense, capable of splitting into countless avatars. His methods were bizarre, and his divine sense was nearly indestructible.

The Drought Corpse was just as fearsome — refined from the corpse of a legendary drought demon, fused with a cultivator’s body. Wherever he passed, lands would turn barren and lifeless. To make things worse, the Heavenly Secrets Elder wielded the Heaven-Covering Banner, a terrifying relic. If these monsters joined forces…

Even with the Tianqing Sacred Land’s ancient weapons, the losses would be catastrophic.

And then there was Tian Zheng, the violent demon emperor.

Though reckless, his power was unquestionable. Combine that with Yan Wujiao and his forces, and an all-out war would be too costly right now.

That was why the old ancestor of Tianqing had chosen to endure.

“I’ll arrange for more manpower,” Mu Yunshu said reluctantly, accepting reality.

The old ancestor nodded, then added:

“Tell Chen Fei to come see me. I have something to say to him.”

Though Mu Yunshu had withdrawn with her people, Chen Fei and the others remained.

The enemy hadn’t just come to provoke—they’d set up an arena and placed bounties, using the excuse of “sparring” to test Tianqing’s disciples.

So far, only Origin Realm disciples had fought. Chen Fei was in no rush to step up.

Duo Zhenzi had already glanced at Chen Fei several times. When Wang Fang had publicly accused him earlier, Duo Zhenzi had been genuinely shocked—Chen Fei had a real Ghost King Token!

Naturally, Chen Fei had felt Duo Zhenzi’s gaze but ignored it for now.

“What a pity,”

said Miao Yue, with a touch of regret.

“You could’ve entered the Ghost King Hall directly.”

Chen Fei didn’t mind.

“This trip to the Ghost King Hall won’t be simple. Rushing into it may only cause more complications. Might as well fight it out with them here first.”

Miao Yue nodded.

“True… But with your current strength—”

Chen Fei glanced toward Wang Fang and the others, a confident smile on his lips.

“I’m ready.”

Just then, Mu Yunshu’s voice rang in his mind.

“Chen Fei, the old ancestor wishes to see you.”

After informing Miao Yue, Chen Fei stood and left.

As he walked away, Duo Zhenzi’s expression darkened. Disgust flashed in his eyes. But when he turned to look at the evil and demon cultivators ahead, his frown deepened.

As the eldest senior brother, he now felt it necessary to restore the sect’s honor — or Chen Fei would overshadow him completely.

Chen Fei arrived at the old ancestor’s secluded chamber, familiar with the path by now.

“You don’t look very angry,”

the old ancestor observed, slightly surprised by Chen Fei’s calm demeanor.

“It’s as I expected,”

Chen Fei replied simply.

“Oh? You already knew this would happen?”

the old man asked, intrigued.

Chen Fei nodded.

“Back in Dongting Nation, when Yan Wujiao retreated without resistance, I guessed the evil sect was scheming something major.

And right now, the Ghost King Hall’s opening is the most likely target.”

“The evil sect’s rise has been abnormally fast. The Ghost King Hall is a treasure trove they won’t miss.

Also, the fact that you, ancestor, didn’t strike — tells me their top experts are likely lurking nearby.”

The old ancestor nodded, impressed.

“It’s good you can stay calm.

Too bad the Ghost King Token you had now must be fought for.”

“Ancestor, may I ask where the other two tokens are?”

Chen Fei wasn’t bitter. He was far more curious about the location of the other two tokens.

There were three major factions standing atop the Xuanhuang Continent—and clearly, these tokens had fallen into powerful hands.

The old ancestor fell silent for a moment, then looked at Chen Fei.

“One of them is with Tian Si.”

“Tian Si…”

Chen Fei’s eyes glinted coldly.

Those people had targeted him multiple times, nearly killing him once. He was very familiar with that name by now.

But he wasn’t surprised.

“And the last token?”

“That one is held by the descendant of a Forbidden Being.”

Chen Fei’s pupils dilated.

A Forbidden Being?

Someone who had forced their way into the Ascension Realm through the Void Path after the Immortal Calamity?

He hadn’t expected such a person to leave behind a descendant…

Then again, with such power, how could he not?

“I understand.”

Chen Fei nodded.

The old ancestor watched him with growing satisfaction.

“Your cultivation has progressed rapidly, but you’ve stayed grounded.

To enter the Human Dao Realm, though, you’ll need more than just talent — you’ll need opportunity.”

“And I happen to have just the thing.”

With that, the old man retrieved a small, delicate box. As soon as he opened it, a thick wave of spiritual energy surged outward.

“This is called Dream Within a Cage — a spiritual artifact made for enlightenment.

I acquired it from an ancient ruin.

One year inside equals one day outside.

What you lack now isn’t talent or resources — it’s time to settle your foundation.”

He closed the box and tossed it to Chen Fei.

Chen Fei caught it and bowed deeply.

“Thank you, Ancestor, for the gift.”

“Go now.”

The old ancestor waved him away.

After Chen Fei left, the ancestor took out another wooden box.

This one had been entrusted to him by Miao Yue, back when she helped Chen Fei join the sect.

Inside was a wisp of Void Realm aura left by Su Ran.

To most cultivators below the Dao Realm, this meant nothing. They wouldn’t even comprehend it.

But in his hands, it was priceless.

“She truly puts her heart into helping him.

Let’s hope he can continue rising,”

the old ancestor murmured, then opened the box.

Spiritual energy billowed out, wrapping him in a glowing cocoon.

Chen Fei returned to Shaocui Mountain, gripping the Dream Within a Cage artifact.

Just as the old ancestor had said—the only thing slowing him down now was time.

He had already been pondering how to crystallize his Dao Intent, and now, with the Dream Within a Cage, he finally had the time to do so.

If he could break into the Human Dao Realm before the battle for the Ghost King Token began—then he would be truly qualified to compete against the other powers.

“I can’t wait any longer.”

With those words, Chen Fei activated the artifact.

He felt his body grow weightless — and then he was drawn into the dream.