"What do you think?" the Third Elder asked, turning to Wei Yi.
Wei Yi paused for a moment in thought before replying, "I think the boss came here because there's something unusual hidden in the ancient ruins this time."
"But at his level," the Third Elder raised a brow, "is there really anything in the Azure Continent that could still catch his interest?"
"Huh… you're right." Wei Yi scratched his head. "Then why is he here?"
"How would I know…" Wei Yi muttered, unable to give a proper answer.
The surrounding disciples of the Medicine Valley began murmuring, their differing speculations quickly devolving into pointless rebuttals.
It wasn't until the Third Elder raised his hand that the arguments died down.
"The boss's strength, his thoughts—they're beyond what we can comprehend," the Third Elder said calmly.
"Master is right," Wei Yi nodded in agreement.
The rest of the Medicine Valley disciples echoed the sentiment, falling quiet.
"Jade Nectar Dew and mineral water restock daily," Wei Yi added with a sigh, "but I wonder if we'll get the chance to meet him again."
"The boss is here for the ancient ruins," the Third Elder said after a moment's thought. "Once they're fully open, you'll likely see him inside."
While the Medicine Valley continued their quiet discussion, nearby cultivators—drawn by curiosity—began whispering among themselves.
Something about the situation felt... off.
The Medicine Valley disciples' attitude was completely unexpected.
Weren't they supposed to be enemies of Origin Mall?
Why did it feel like the two sides were already well acquainted?
Had their previous assumptions been wrong all along?
Doubt began to spread, and murmurs filled the air.
But Medicine Valley wasn't the only power present.
From all corners of the continent, the factions connected to Origin Mall had gathered near the illusionary boundary of the ancient ruins world.
There was Soaring Cloud Academy, led by Murong Haitang and Ying Wuji.
Profound Moon Academy had arrived, guided by Xia Yuan.
From the Wu Family came Wu Ying and the Fifth Patriarch.
Even the Holy Land of Jade Pool sent their representatives: Liu Ruyu and Liu Rumei.
All of them—key figures among Origin Mall's loyal customers—now stood before the ancient ruins.
While Origin Mall itself could be visited at any time, the ruins were another story.
Their openings were rare, unpredictable, and fleeting.
Once their time ended, they would vanish—gone as if they had never existed.
And within them lay opportunity.
Some who entered emerged as Pathseekers overnight.
Others vanished forever, consumed by hidden dangers.
But regardless of risk, every cultivator stepped inside with the same belief—
This time, the fortune will be mine.
It was the same irrational hope people had before buying a lottery ticket—everyone believed they'd be the next emperor of luck.
At that moment, the students and instructors of Soaring Cloud Academy arrived aboard their Crimson-Gold Profound Bird.
Their descent stirred a wave of excitement in the bustling crowd of cultivators below.
But like ripples fading on water, the excitement quickly moved on to other things.
"There's quite the crowd here. What's going on?" Gu Yunxi narrowed her eyes, trying to make sense of the gathering.
But with so many voices, and so much noise, it was impossible to make anything out clearly.
"Teacher, I'll go check it out!" Xiao Cheng said eagerly.
It was his first time seeing a gathering like this, and curiosity burned in his eyes.
"Teacher, let's go too!"
"I'm coming with them…"
A few more students chimed in, excited by the lively atmosphere.
Murong Haitang gave them a gentle smile and nodded. "Alright, but stay close and be careful."
"Don't worry, Teacher!" Xiao Cheng grinned and waved before heading off, a few students trailing behind him.