After an unknown period, Zhou Yan stopped in a vast stone chamber. The chamber contained stone beds, stools, tables, and chairs, all covered in dust.
Zhou Yan sat down beside a stone table and took out the Orb of Darkness. This orb had been given to him by the sect master of the Black Demon Cult, and Zhou Yan now possessed some of its inheritances.
He held the Orb of Darkness, examining it closely. It was an eerie green, emitting a chilling aura. However, it showed no signs of life, appearing to be just an ordinary treasure.
Despite being a treasured artifact of the Black Demon Cult, Zhou Yan found nothing particularly special about the Orb of Darkness. He put it back into his embrace, intending to continue his search for treasures.
As he moved through the canyon, Zhou Yan discovered what seemed to be array formations and restrictions. If he stepped into one, he would be drawn in and transported to an unknown location.
Zhou Yan walked forward step by step, noticing more and more of these formations. Some arrays consisted of hundreds of components. Yet, after passing through so many, he found no clues; the formations seemed useless, merely intended to obstruct outsiders from entering the canyon.
However, the canyon held an air of mystery that made Zhou Yan restless.
After walking a bit further, the canyon widened. He found himself standing by the bank of a river. The water flowed ceaselessly, clear and teeming with fish, though mostly small and unremarkable.
This was the Nether River, said to have originated from the Primordial Era. It was the only river in this region.
Zhou Yan stared at the river in astonishment. Across the water stood a palace, magnificent and vast, stretching for thousands of kilometers. It was far grander than any structure he had seen in China, yet it appeared dilapidated, with numerous cracks, as if on the verge of collapse.
"That palace must be the ruins of some sect or family," Zhou Yan murmured to himself.
On the opposite bank of the Nether River lay a massive plaza, at the far end of which stood an ancient gateway.
At another end of the plaza, various monstrous beasts roamed, seemingly guarding the ancient gate.
Zhou Yan decided to investigate the gate first. If there was any danger, he would retreat.
He took a step towards the ancient gate.
As Zhou Yan approached, the beasts watched him warily. They seemed to warn him that they would not let him pass if he dared to enter the palace.
Zhou Yan paid them no mind, walking towards the palace while observing his surroundings.
Though fierce, these beasts appeared to know fear. However, they did not fear Zhou Yan and continued to attack him.
Zhou Yan slew them all, but the monsters did not die. They reformed and charged at him again.
These creatures were persistent, seemingly unwilling to give up. While formidable, Zhou Yan's cultivation was far superior, and they could not harm him.
Thus, pursued by the beasts, Zhou Yan gradually entered the ancient gate.
The moment he stepped through, the monsters vanished, their forms seemingly swallowed by the gate.
Zhou Yan felt as though he had entered a wondrous space. He couldn't see his surroundings, unsure of which realm he was in.
He also found no other living beings present. The place was eerily silent, with only the sound of his own breathing.
Zhou Yan didn't know what lay within this palace, but he sensed it was no ordinary place. Not only was it devoid of life, but it also exuded a terrifying aura of killing intent.
Above the palace, a mass of dark clouds churned, accompanied by rumbling thunder.
Zhou Yan looked at the clouds, then closed his eyes and extended his divine sense to scan them, hoping to discover what lay hidden within.
A piece of information flashed in his mind, indicating that there was a person within the dark clouds.
Zhou Yan looked at the person's appearance and frowned, as that person bore a striking resemblance to someone he knew.
The figure was clad in golden armor, tall and exuding a sharp, domineering presence. Their features were somewhat similar to his, but this person was significantly more robust, their massive physique and bulging muscles suggesting explosive strength.
This was none other than the Demon Emperor, Li Jing!
Beside Li Jing stood a group of powerful demons, all cultivators at the Demon King level. They were Li Jing's personal guards. Li Jing was currently kneeling before them, bowing respectfully.
After numerous kowtows, Li Jing raised his head. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face contorted in a savage expression. He roared at the Demon Kings, "Generals, this Zhou Yan not only killed so many of my personal guards but also trapped me here, preventing me from leaving. Tell me, how shall I exact my revenge?"
As Li Jing spoke, tears welled in his eyes, and his body trembled with visible rage.
The Demon Kings fell silent upon hearing Li Jing's words, none willing to offend this human cultivator, Zhou Yan.
However, one Demon King spoke, "Your Majesty, why don't you pretend to surrender to Zhou Yan? That way, we'll have an excuse. Otherwise, if that human cultivator finds us, our lives will be in peril."
Li Jing's eyes blazed upon hearing the Demon King's words. He stared intently at the speaker and rebuked, "Are you suggesting I submit to humiliation?"
The Demon King, startled, quickly lowered his head, daring not to speak further.
"Hmph, I have my own plans for this matter. I will find a way to resolve it," Li Jing snorted and turned to leave.
As Li Jing's figure disappeared, the Demon Kings looked at his retreating back, their faces etched with a desire to speak but hesitation. They dared not utter another word.
Li Jing's silhouette soon vanished, but he muttered, "This Zhou Yan is truly difficult to deal with."