Several old men in black robes exchanged glances. Although their hearts were filled with dissatisfaction, they did not dare to hesitate. The strength Lu Fan displayed was undoubtedly terrifying, far beyond their ability to contend with.
Now, all they could do was this; they dared not be too presumptuous.
"What is within the Kunlun Immortal Mountain?" Lu Fan asked. "Why does everyone in the world wish to enter this Heavenly Dragon Gate? Is it truly another world within this Heavenly Dragon Gate?"
"Why speak so much? Why not enter directly and find out for ourselves!"
The corner of one black-robed man's mouth curled upwards as he spoke, his tone quite meaningful.
Lu Fan did not say more and stepped directly inside, his expression indifferent. The situation had developed beyond his expectations.
In that very instant, Lu Fan transformed into a golden light and stepped towards the Heavenly Dragon Gate. He wanted to see what lay within, what could warrant the presence of three Heavenly Lord-level powerhouses guarding it.
According to normal circumstances, or as the Heavenly Emperor had said, entering the Kunlun Immortal Mountain would allow for better comprehension of the Heavenly Dao's power. Furthermore, it was said that one person ascended to the Divine Realm from within the Kunlun Immortal Mountain every hundred years. He was not unfamiliar with this matter.
As soon as he entered the Heavenly Dragon Gate, Lu Fan felt an extremely powerful spiritual energy surge towards him, catching him somewhat off guard.
What greeted his eyes were colossal beings, ancient monstrous beasts, and a valley.
"What is this?"
Lu Fan was somewhat bewildered and shaken. By all accounts, this should have been the Kunlun Immortal Mountain, but why did it feel like he had arrived in a new world? It left him utterly confused.
After walking for quite some time within this valley, Lu Fan saw a figure sitting cross-legged on a stone bridge ahead. The figure appeared ancient, dressed in a white gown, and holding a long sword.
"May I ask, young lady, where is this place?" Lu Fan cupped his fists slightly, sensing the aura of the woman before him.
Zhao Xiaotian opened her eyes and looked towards Lu Fan, a hint of suspicion in her gaze. "You are so young, how did you manage to enter the Heavenly Dragon Gate?"
"I don't know much about the Heavenly Dragon Gate!" Lu Fan shrugged. "But you seem to be around my age, why are you here as well?"
"The Heavenly Dragon Gate is a passage to the Ancient Desolate World, meaning this is within the Ancient Desolate World!"
Zhao Xiaotian stated, "Among the myriad realms, those who can enter the Ancient Desolate World are all top-tier powerhouses. I am from the Ziwei Realm, where are you from?"
"The Heavenly Realm!" Lu Fan said with an awkward laugh. In truth, he did have some understanding of these realms, but he hadn't expected that behind the Kunlun Immortal Mountain lay the Ancient Desolate World.
No wonder everyone in the Heavenly Realm considered the Kunlun Immortal Mountain a stepping stone to the Divine Realm.
"Two different realms, no wonder I've never seen you in the Ziwei Realm!" Zhao Xiaotian remarked. "You seem quite remarkable; the aura you emanate is truly extraordinary!"
"Thank you for the compliment!" Lu Fan cupped his fists slightly, a smile appearing on his face.
"However, let me tell you, this is the Ancient Desolate World, filled with numerous powerful beings. These individuals are far from ordinary, and provoking them can be extremely dangerous!" Zhao Xiaotian warned.
"Thank you for informing me!"
Lu Fan bowed again, his expression becoming more serious.
"Seeing as you are around my age, you must be a person of exceptional talent. Why don't we travel together? Perhaps this way, we can comprehend the Dao heart, break through sooner, and achieve that supreme divine realm!" Zhao Xiaotian spoke directly.
"If the young lady does not mind, then as you say!" Lu Fan cupped his fists slightly, his expression growing solemn.
Since this was the Ancient Desolate World, it was likely no ordinary place. Finding a friend here might not be a bad thing.
After all, more friends meant more paths, and what's more, Zhao Xiaotian before him seemed extraordinary, giving off an aura that clearly indicated she was no common person.
"Since we are traveling together, you shall be my Dao companion from now on. We will cultivate together and both reach the supreme divine realm!" Zhao Xiaotian said again.
"Dao companion?"
Lu Fan stood there stunned, his face twitching slightly. He had only intended to make a friend, but he hadn't expected Zhao Xiaotian to have such thoughts, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"What? Is there a problem?" Zhao Xiaotian looked at Lu Fan, her gaze filled with confusion.
"Of course, there's no problem, but I think it would be best if we remained friends!" Lu Fan said with an awkward smile.
"While I may not be devastatingly beautiful, I do have my looks. But judging by your reaction, it seems you're not interested in me?" Zhao Xiaotian gave him a sidelong glance. "Or am I just flattering myself?"
"Absolutely not!" Lu Fan quickly explained. "I am already beyond worldly desires; how could I dare to crave anything more!"
"That would be for the best!" Zhao Xiaotian nodded. "Since you are unwilling, I will not force you. But speaking of which, it must have been difficult for you to reach this point!"
"Ahem..."
Lu Fan coughed a couple of times. He always felt that Zhao Xiaotian's words were a bit awkward, making him unsure of what to say.
As they were conversing, a colossal figure suddenly appeared in the sky, seemingly blotting out the sun and exuding an unparalleled aura.
"Not good, it's the Blood Demon Eagle!"
Zhao Xiaotian exclaimed, "We need to leave here quickly. If it discovers us, it will be troublesome!"
"What? Do you have a grudge against this eagle?" Lu Fan asked in surprise.
"To enhance my cultivation, I ate this eagle's eggs. It won't let me off easily!" Zhao Xiaotian stated frankly. "You should hurry and leave with me to avoid causing trouble!"
Following her words, Lu Fan nodded slightly, not saying much more, and prepared to leave with Zhao Xiaotian, his expression grave. If what Zhao Xiaotian said was true, it would indeed be difficult to handle.
After all, the aura emanating from the Blood Demon Eagle was extremely terrifying; its strength was likely far from ordinary.
At the same time, the Blood Demon Eagle seemed to have locked onto Zhao Xiaotian, its deep eyes filled with a chilling glint that made one's heart tremble.
"It's over, the Blood Demon Eagle has definitely locked onto me!" Zhao Xiaotian frowned. "It seems we can only go there!"
"Go where?" Lu Fan quickly asked. The Blood Demon Eagle was extremely powerful, even more so than Heavenly Lord-level experts. If it caught them, they would likely perish.
"To the Fire Domain of the Ancient Desolate World. Then perhaps you can control this Blood Demon Eagle!" Zhao Xiaotian said in a low voice, then hurried ahead to lead the way. Any slight mistake, and they might all perish here.