“We’re here.”

Suddenly, Sage Kang pointed at a small hill in front of him.

Around the small hill was a lush forest. This was already the depths of the Outland. There should be many dire beasts, but this place was very quiet. There wasn’t even a single dire beast.

Seemingly sensing everyone’s confusion, Sage Yuanyi said with a smile, “We discovered this place by accident back then. Originally, our frontline base was still very far at the back, but after discovering this place, we moved the base forward. In order to ensure the absolute safety of the surroundings, Sage Kang and I personally took action and wiped out the surrounding dire beasts. Therefore, this place is very safe for the time being.”

Everyone nodded. What danger could there be if Sages personally swept through the area? Not even a single dire beast would be left behind. However, Sages presided over the depths of the Outland and rarely appeared in front of people. How could they suddenly have the time to sweep through these dire beasts?

“Sage Kang, are the places where you and Sage Yuanyi are stationed not far from here?” Lin Feng suddenly asked.

Sage Kang’s eyes narrowed slightly. He nodded in appreciation and said, “That’s right. Sage Yuanyi and I oversee the depths of the Outland. The places are not far from each other, and not far from here.”

“In that case, are there demon emperors not far from the ruins?”

Hearing the mention of demon emperors, everyone was shocked.

A demon emperor was a terrifying dire beast on par with a Sage. There were only brief glimpses of them in the past, and many martial artists had never seen it in their entire lives. In history, there had only been three occasions when demon emperors attacked a human city.

However, all of those three occasions were calamities for humanity. Human society suffered heavy losses, and it was only by relying on Sages that they could resist demon emperors.

As the number of Sages increased, the situation was no longer like before, when Sage Kang was holding the line alone as the only Sage. Hence, the Nine Sages presided over various places, deterring those demon emperors, and also protecting all humans.

“The two Sages are in such a hurry for us to explore the ruins of the ancient civilization. Could it be because something is up with the demon emperors?”

Lin Feng’s expression turned solemn. He had vaguely guessed that it was definitely not that simple for the two Sages to personally escort them to the ancient ruins.

Could it only be because this ancient ruin was of great importance to them?

Only after arriving at the location of the ancient ruins, and linking them to the demon emperors deterred by the two Sages, that Lin Feng had this thought.

Sage Kang looked deeply at Lin Feng, and his expression turned solemn. He said in a low voice, “Since Lin Feng has asked this question, I won’t conceal it anymore. However, you must promise not to leak any news in the future.

Everyone held their breaths and paid attention. Only then did Sage Kang say, “Human society has been at peace for too long. Whether it’s the new policy for martial artists, or asking you to explore the ancient civilization, it’s actually because we don’t have much time left. There’s indeed a problem with the demon emperors, and there’s more than one or two of them. Currently, all Nine Sages are in fact occupied and paying close attention to those demon emperors. Even the two of us only left temporarily because escorting you is a matter of great importance. After escorting you to the ancient civilization ruins, we will return immediately to deter those demon emperors.

“Once the demon emperors cannot be deterred, I believe you know the consequences as well. And there are some things in this ancient civilization ruin that are very useful for us to deal with demon emperors. That’s why we are held the Global Martial Arts Competition with such urgency, and selected the most outstanding Metamorphic Realm martial artists. Almost all the hope is placed on you. The heavy responsibility you bear is no less than that of us Sages.”

Sage Kang’s honesty made Lin Feng and the other ten martial artists feel even more stifled and nervous. However, it also eased the reluctance in their hearts.

Previously, they were intimidated by the authority of the Sages. It seemed like they were not forced, but in reality, they were “forced” to explore the dangerous ruins of ancient civilization. They did not say it out loud, but they were more or less put off by it.

But now, Sage Kang had admitted that humanity was about to face a crisis. Ironically, everyone no longer felt reluctant.

They were martial artists who were already fighting with dire beasts at the frontline in the first place. They naturally knew the significance of demon emperors. Even if something went wrong with only a single demon emperor, the entire human society would suffer a calamity.

In exploring the ancient civilization ruins, they were indeed shouldering a heavy responsibility.

“Sage Kang, we all understand the responsibility on our shoulders. What do you need us to find in the ancient ruins?” Lin Feng asked again.

“It’s very simple. Shut down the defense mechanism of the ancient civilization ruins. When the time comes, contact Sage Yuanyi and I. We will naturally send people into the ancient civilization ruins to study those weapons, especially weapons that can pose a threat to Sages like us.”

“I see.”

Lin Feng completely understood now. Sage Kang’s true goal was actually the defensive weapons in the ancient ruins. If they could make even Sage Kang feel threatened, they must be able to threaten Sages, and would naturally also pose a threat to demon emperors.

If they could master these weapons, wouldn’t it be equivalent to having many more Sage-level experts?

“All right, this is as far as we can escort you. The small hill in front is actually a part of the ancient ruins, but the main body of the ruins is under the small hill. We’ve already explored it many times before. As long as martial artists above the second life transition do not approach, Metamorphic Realm martial artists like you or ordinary people can enter the ruins. However, there are definitely all kinds of dangers in the ruins that you need to work hard to overcome.”

Sage Kang gave a few more words of instruction, and the airship slowly landed. Lin Feng, Griman, and the others alighted.

The airship rose into the air again and retreated far away to avoid being attacked by the defensive weapons of the ancient ruins.

Everyone looked around and did not find any danger. When they approached, they realized that there was indeed a cave entrance at the foot of the hill that seemed to extend all the way down.

Everyone was about to enter when Griman stopped.

“Wait a moment.”

Everyone looked at Griman, wondering why he had stopped.

“The ten of us shoulder the hopes of the two Sages. Although we are all the cream of the crop among Metamorphic Realm martial artists, the ruins are also filled with danger. Therefore, I think we should determine the leader of the team first. Only then can we gather everyone’s strength and work together to explore the secrets of the ancient civilization ruins.”

Everyone fell silent as well. Griman’s words made sense. If the ten of them were disunited and unorganized, entering the ruins would be very dangerous.

However, they were all prideful genius martial artists. How would any of them accept being led by another?

“Why don’t we determine the leader based on the rankings in this Global Martial Arts Competition? I nominate Lin Feng to be the leader.” The first to speak was actually Fu Lin.

“That’s right. Although Lin Feng is young, he’s the strongest. We’re all martial artists. Naturally, strength is what we respect the most. I also concur that Lin Feng should be the leader.”

“If Lin Feng is the leader, I’ll obey the orders!”

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, and even Griman nodded, Lin Feng knew that now was not the time to decline. He nodded and said, “All right, our mission this time is difficult. We do need to work together. I hope that everyone can be prudent when entering the ruins.”

Hence, Lin Feng became the leader without hesitation. He also set an example and was the first to enter the pitch-black cave.