Limitless Evolution: I Have Infinite Potential.

"Great Zhou Emperor, what is this…" Ye Junlin's gaze sharpened.

From his memory, dynasties differed greatly from sects and clans. They possessed a mysterious force known as national fortune—an intangible but formidable power.

Its influence was far-reaching: it could assist in cultivation, hasten healing, and even amplify one's strength.

And its source? The people.

To earn the blessings of national fortune, a ruler had to win the recognition and support of the masses.

It was a symbiotic relationship. As the saying goes, water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.

At this moment, the Great Zhou Emperor looked worn and strained. He was channeling the power of the Great Zhou's national fortune to mend his injuries, like a wounded beast regathering strength before a future clash.

"Forgive me, Ye Venerable, for appearing in such a pitiful state," the Great Zhou Emperor said with a bitter smile.

This was his first meeting with Ye Junlin, and he was clearly taken aback by Ye's youthful appearance. He had expected an aged, solemn figure with white hair—like the rumors described.

What surprised him even more was that, despite his own cultivation at the peak of the Great Ascension Realm, he couldn't see through Ye Junlin's realm at all.

Could he be concealing his strength? the emperor wondered, puzzled.

Still, after the events in the Arid Province, the Great Zhou Emperor held deep respect for Ye Junlin.

After all, aside from the Emperor himself—empowered by national fortune—no one else in Great Zhou could truly threaten him.

"Great Zhou Emperor, what exactly happened?" Ye Junlin asked.

The emperor coughed lightly, and the Crown Prince understood, motioning for the civil and military officials to leave the Great Hall. Only a few trusted individuals remained.

"The Ghost Clan from the Underworld Abyss launched a sudden assault on Great Zhou," the emperor explained. "It caught us completely off guard. Some ministers speculate that the Ghost Clan is after a treasure hidden within our imperial palace."

He let out a helpless sigh. "The truth is, even I don't know what that treasure is."

Ye Junlin's brow twitched. You don't know either?

"Then how did you end up injured?" he asked.

A martial cultivator of the Great Ascension Realm Completion stage—especially one bearing the strength of national fortune—shouldn't be so easily wounded.

"That," the emperor said gravely, "is the heart of the matter. Before the full-scale invasion began, a mysterious individual infiltrated our ancestral tomb. I rushed there immediately and invoked the power of national fortune to drive them away."

As he spoke, the emperor's expression darkened.

"That person was incredibly powerful, stronger than me. But strangely, they hesitated… then retreated. It was only after that the Ghost Clan began their assault."

The Crown Prince's expression paled.

He had always believed his father had decisively repelled the intruder. He never imagined such a terrifying encounter lay beneath that calm report.

He knew how overwhelming the power of national fortune was. At his father's level, it should be enough to confront even top-tier cultivators of the Tribulation Stage. Yet, even his father admitted the opponent's superiority.

And even more baffling—the mysterious figure had simply left.

It couldn't be a coincidence that the Ghost Clan invaded right after that.

"The root of the matter must lie in the ancestral tomb," Ye Junlin said quietly.

From what he had gathered, it was clear that the Ghost Clan had acted under this mysterious person's directive, likely targeting something deep within that tomb.

There must be unimaginable interests at play.

But one thing didn't make sense: if that individual had the power to crush the Great Zhou Emperor, why withdraw?

Why hesitate?

So many unanswered questions.

And Ye Junlin was intrigued.

He had been living leisurely ever since arriving in this cultivation world, blessed with a cheat-like system that required no effort to cultivate. Life had been simple, even mundane.

But now, a thread of mystery had been pulled—one that piqued his curiosity.

"Such bizarre events," Li Wujie murmured, frowning.

Next to him, Hong Qianye narrowed his eyes, a flicker of sharp light flashing within them, as if recalling a rumor from the Central Region.

"Great Zhou Emperor, if you don't mind, may I take a look at the ancestral tomb?" Ye Junlin asked, straightforward as ever.

The emperor, seated on his dragon throne, fell silent.

It was a bold request.

For a sovereign, the ancestral tomb was sacred. No outsider had the right to set foot there.

Sensing his father's unease, the Crown Prince stepped forward and said respectfully, "Ye Venerable, the ancestral tomb is our family's sacred resting ground. Letting someone enter may bring unintended consequences."

Then, softening his tone, he added, "Your presence has brought salvation to Great Zhou. The Imperial Kitchen has prepared a grand banquet. Why not move to the Tianhe Hall and enjoy it?"

The Great Zhou Emperor followed, saying, "Please forgive my refusal, Ye Venerable. The tomb cannot be opened lightly. However, as our most honored guest, you're free to select any treasure from the national treasury."

It was a genuine gesture.

Ye Junlin raised an eyebrow.

I have a system. Just signing in daily makes me wealthier than nations. Do you think I need your treasures?

While Great Zhou, as one of the Eastern Domain's undying dynasties, had accumulated immense wealth, it held little appeal for him.

What he wanted… was the truth behind the ancestor's tomb.

Still, since they weren't willing, he wouldn't push. He wasn't that kind of person.

"Alright."

He waved his hand casually.

The Crown Prince let out a quiet sigh of relief and smiled, "I knew Ye Venerable would understand. Everyone, this way please!"

And so, the group departed for the banquet.

---

Outside the Great Zhou Territory

Beyond the borders of the dynasty stood a mountain peak shrouded in gloom. Though the sun hung high in the sky, not a single ray pierced the dense shadows.

At intervals along the trail stood ghostly warriors clad in battle armor, gripping long spears. Their faces were expressionless, and their bodies radiated an aura of chilling death.

Deeper within the mountains lay a gruesome palace constructed from bones.

Inside, banquet tables were laid with grotesque dishes—flesh, organs, and eyes arranged like delicacies.

The air was saturated with the scent of blood.

Seated on a throne fashioned from human skin was a gray-skinned being with a horn protruding from its forehead. Its enormous hand scooped up a handful of eyeballs, tossing them into its mouth and chewing noisily. A grotesque smile twisted its lips.

"Great King, your wine."

A disheveled female cultivator—naked, scarred, and trembling—knelt before it, holding up a bronze goblet filled with thick, red blood.

The blood of an infant.

The Horned Demon King took the cup, drained it in one swig, then threw it aside and pulled the woman into his arms, laughing maniacally.

"Delicious!"

It was thrilled to finally lead its kin out of the Underworld Abyss into the world above. After centuries in the shadows, it was eager to embrace conquest.

"How long has it been? Finally, the time has come. Once we take the Great Zhou, my prestige within the Ghost Clan will skyrocket!"

"And if I gain the favor of those few individuals… I might even earn a seat among the decision-makers in the Eastern Domain!"

It chuckled darkly, rubbing its chin.

The female cultivator, once a Golden Core rogue from Cangzhou, shivered in its arms. Her soul was in pieces. After days of torment and unspeakable horrors, she had longed for death—but she had no way to end it. Her will had been completely broken.

"Why hasn't there been any news?" the Horned Demon King muttered. "With Kunta and the others, they should have forced the emperor into a corner by now."

"What I fear most… is the one bearing national fortune."

Its eyes gleamed coldly.

Just then, a black mist seeped into the hall, and a cloaked figure emerged, shrouded in shadows.

A hoarse, furious voice echoed from beneath the hood.

"Useless. Why are you still here?"

The Horned Demon King's eyes widened in shock. It leapt from its throne and dropped to its knees.

"I—I see the Envoy… please forgive me…"

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