In the heart of the ancient imperial capital, the pitch-black clouds resembling ink were dense as they pressed down oppressively. Occasionally, the rumble of thunder could be heard, with lightning tearing through the sky, casting a burnt odor throughout the horizon. As the lightning struck, roars filled with immense fury resonated, causing the surrounding ancient buildings to subtly tremble.

"Whoosh—"

Within the dense ruins of structures, two figures moved swiftly like phantoms. Their eyes vigilantly swept across the surroundings, an overwhelming surge of Qi enveloping them.

These two figures were none other than Du Fei and Wan Ling, who had temporarily formed a partnership. Their destination was a ruin within the deep recesses of the imperial capital called the Ancient Sword Pavillion. As for more detailed matters, Wan Ling showed no intent to disclose them, and Du Fei had no plans to ask.

"We are now deep within the ancient imperial capital. The Demon Beasts here are incredibly formidable. Many of them were domesticated during the prosperous times of the ancient dynasty, and they are a significant nuisance. Moreover, in the heart of the ancient imperial capital, there exist various treasures and secret manuals. Just the collection of the royal family and the nobility from the ancient dynasty is already of immeasurable value. Additionally, the headquarters of various ancient families and sects are located within this ancient imperial capital. Due to these treasures, apart from Demon Beasts, we need to be more wary of other people here," Moving stealthily and settling in an old house, after a vigilant glance around, Wan Ling took a deep breath and whispered.

"You seem quite familiar with the depths of the ancient imperial capital..." Du Fei chuckled, "However, since we entered swiftly, I suppose no one could have reached the depths of this ancient imperial capital faster than us, right? After all, along the way, as you saw, there were many promising spots we didn't explore."

"It's hard to say..." Wan Ling murmured, slightly frowning, "In the Da'an Dynasty, apart from the renowned factions, there are also many reclusive powerhouses and low-profile sects. Many among them have connections to the ancient dynasty. For instance, our Wanjian Faction learned about the Ancient Sword Pavillion from our sect's records. Other factions might have information about other places. I believe there are other figures like us deep within the ancient imperial capital, so we should remain cautious. After all, this mission is crucial for the Wanjian Faction!"

"However, Brother Ye, rest assured. Regardless of the outcome, I won't forget our agreement," Wan Ling added.

Upon hearing this, Du Fei responded with a light chuckle and asked, "So, if we run into others, what's the plan? Do we kill them to silence them?"

"If they don't provoke us, then we won't fight them. However, we should remain cautious. In such places, situations where the hunter becomes the hunted are common," Wan Ling advised cautiously.

Du Fei nodded, understanding that those who could participate in the Palace Contest and reach the depths of the ancient imperial capital in such a short time were no ordinary people. Acting impulsively wouldn't be beneficial.

"Let's move. We'll reach the headquarters of the Ancient Sword Pavillion soon. I'd like to avoid any surprises and get there before others do," Wan Ling said as he took a deep breath, scanned the surroundings, and led Du Fei in a new direction.

However, before they could get far, both of their expressions shifted abruptly, their gazes locking onto a nearby location. An overwhelmingly fierce aura was emanating from that place.

"What is that...?"

Du Fei halted, quickly turning his gaze, only to see a grand hall constructed of white jade stones. At that moment, several ferocious Demon Beasts were rushing out of the hall. Simultaneously, a few eerie figures floated above the Demon Beasts. As these figures waved their hands, formidable attacks rained down, causing the Demon Beasts to scatter in disarray.

"What incredible power!"

Du Fei looked at the scene, surprise evident in his eyes. With his abilities, he naturally discerned that among those who made a move, apart from one who was at the peak-level of the Half-step Martial Master Realm, the rest were merely at the advanced stage of Half-step Martial Master.

However, these individuals were clearly from the same faction. Their coordinated attacks and defenses boosted their combat effectiveness significantly.

"That's... the people from Ghost Faction... The one leading them is Ghost Hand Luo Kai from the Ghost Faction. He has the strength of a peak-level of the Half-step Martial Master Realm. Moreover, the cultivation methods and martial techniques of the Ghost Faction are highly mysterious and extremely powerful... Let's go. We should ignore whatever they are doing. These guys are really tricky to deal with," Wan Ling remarked in a low voice after observing them for a moment.

Du Fei nodded slightly. He sensed a particularly dangerous aura from the man leading the group. This chilling sensation, even to him, felt cold to the bone. Clearly, this leader was not someone to be underestimated.

Without delay, the two quickly went around the white hall and continued their journey deeper into the ancient imperial capital.

As they moved, the leader of the group turned his gaze in their direction, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

The others, sensing something, turned their eerie gazes upon Du Fei and Wan Ling. It was apparent that should Du Fei and Wan Ling make any sudden moves, these individuals wouldn't hesitate to attack.

However, after observing for a brief moment and realizing that the two were merely passing by, the members of the Ghost Faction slowly redirected their focus, and their relentless onslaught continued to pour downwards.

...

In this manner, they journeyed onward, occasionally encountering groups of people or Demon Beasts. However, Du Fei and Wan Ling always chose to bypass them promptly, avoiding any dangers.

After about half an hour, Wan Ling abruptly stopped in front of an ancient structure resembling an altar. Amidst the dense, ancient ruins surrounding them, this structure wasn't particularly eye-catching. Yet, an astonishing aura faintly emanated from it, which was impossible to ignore.

"This is the place." After scanning the altar, Wan Ling let out a sigh of relief and whispered.

"Oh? This is the Ancient Sword Pavillion?" Du Fei whispered.

"Yes. The Ancient Sword Pavillion venerates the sword, and this altar is used for worshiping swords. Legend has it that when the powerhouses of the Ancient Sword Pavillion reach the Martial Master Realm, they can achieve unity between man and sword. With that kind of power, even if they face opponents a level stronger than them, their opponents would have no choice but to retreat three times over," Wan Ling murmured.

"Being unafraid even when faced with stronger opponents... this Ancient Sword Pavillion seems quite formidable!" Du Fei slightly nodded, "So, what should we do next?"

After a moment's hesitation, Wan Ling whispered, "Now that we're here, I won't hide anything from you. Our Wanjian Faction is somewhat related to the Ancient Sword Pavillion. It seems that our 'Wanjian Jue' technique was the signature martial technique of the Ancient Sword Pavillion. However, due to the passage of time and issues in its transmission, parts of it have been lost. But, if we can find some fragments within these ruins, there might be a chance to restore our Wanjian Jue technique. My main objective this time is those obtain those fragments. As for other treasures, don't hesitate to take them if you're interested."

Hearing this, Du Fei just smiled and noncommittally shook his head. To be honest, he wasn't particularly attracted to the martial techniques or legacies of the Ancient Sword Pavillion. His main goal in participating in the Palace Contest wasn't obtaining treasure, but it was related to Long Aotian. Thus, he didn't care whether he found any treasures or not.

Seeing Du Fei's reaction, Wan Ling chose not to elaborate further. Instead, he gestured for Du Fei to follow him. With a slight leap, he landed atop the altar.

On the dilapidated altar, traces of peculiar broken runes could still be seen, exuding an ancient aura. But apart from that, there was nothing, as if it were just an empty platform.

However, when Wan Ling saw this platform, his expression became even more serious. He stared intently at the runes under his feet, his face reflecting deep thought.

Seeing Wan Ling like this, Du Fei nonchalantly shrugged, then slowly scanned the surroundings, vigilantly observing the nearby areas.

"Creak—"

After an unknown amount of time, a soft sound of mechanisms echoed. Du Fei slightly turned his head to see, unsure of what Wan Ling had done, but a small opening, just big enough for a person to fit through, had appeared in the center of the altar.

"I got it! The records in our Wanjian Faction's scriptures weren't wrong. Below this should be the underground palace of the Ancient Sword Pavillion. Brother Ye, be careful when you go down. Even after countless years, the traps inside won't be lenient," Wan Ling smiled at Du Fei and, with a swift movement, entered the narrow passage.

After hesitating for a moment, Du Fei concentrated, his Qi instantly enveloping his body. He then quickly entered the small opening.

"What is this..."

After descending for a short while, Du Fei felt solid ground beneath his feet. He looked around, surprise evident in his eyes.

In front of them was a corridor made of jade stones. On both sides of the corridor, numerous iron swords were embedded into the walls. However, these swords were now heavily rusted, showing the wear and decay of time.

"What do we do next?" Seeing this, Du Fei furrowed his brow and whispered.

"We can only move forward," Wan Ling said with some hesitation. "Our faction's scriptures only mentioned how to activate the mechanism above and hinted that there might be fragments of the 'Wanjian Jue' in this underground palace. As for the rest, it didn't elaborate. But this place is extremely dangerous. If you don't want to continue ahead, you can wait for me here."

Hearing this, Du Fei chuckled and responded, "Since I'm already here, how could I miss out on exploring? Although there isn't anything I particularly want, I'm now somewhat curious about this underground palace. I'll just follow you and try my luck."

"In that case, I won't hold back," Wan Ling, not one to dilly-dally, nodded slightly. With a flick of his wrist, his broken sword appeared in his hand, and he took a step forward into the ruins.

After furrowing his brows, Du Fei gently clenched his right hand, and the Purple Demon Blade materialized in his palm. He then took a deep breath and cautiously followed Wan Ling, venturing forward...