In the Kingdom of Rakshasa, the Free Sky Palace was considered an undisputed powerhouse. To a certain extent, it could even rival the royal family—a statement that was far from exaggerated.
With a long and storied history, the Free Sky Palace had dominated the cultivation world of Rakshasa for generations. Even the emerging powerhouses like Wolf Fang Tower and Sword Palace, though impressive, still lagged far behind.
Although these three sects were often mentioned together, seasoned cultivators knew well that Wolf Fang Tower and Sword Palace couldn't hold a candle to the Free Sky Palace.
The Palace Lord of the Free Sky Palace was especially formidable, hailed as the most powerful cultivator in all of the Rakshasa Realm.
Years ago, when a foreign sect tried to overthrow the Free Sky Palace, the reclusive Palace Lord emerged after a long seclusion. In a shocking show of power, he annihilated all enemies with earth-shattering skill, cementing the Palace's supremacy.
Since that day, no one had dared to challenge the Free Sky Palace. Within the Rakshasa Kingdom, its status was unshakable.
Now, as the disciples of the Free Sky Palace arrived, a heavy silence fell over the crowd. Everyone watched them coldly but dared not speak.
There was no doubt that in this competition for the treasures of Mount Jufeng, the Free Sky Palace represented a terrifying force.
Everyone recognized the young man leading the group. His background was immense, and his strength unmatched.
He was the personal disciple of the Palace Lord of the Free Sky Palace—in fact, his only disciple.
Knowing how powerful the Palace Lord was, the fact that he had only ever taken on one student spoke volumes about this young man's talent.
This youth was named Senju Yukika. That wasn't his birth name, but he had changed it to reflect his identity as heir to the Free Sky Palace.
Senju Yukika was legendary among the younger generation in Rakshasa. His name was well-known throughout the kingdom.
His presence instilled fear not just in young cultivators, but also in seasoned veterans like the Lord of Sunrise City and elders of the Beast King Hall.
His strength had grown so rapidly that he had already surpassed his peers and was capable of going head-to-head with the older generation.
Senju Yukika smiled and said calmly, "The treasure hasn't appeared yet. Why did you strike first?"
He looked gentle, almost kind—but everyone knew he was a smiling tiger.
Outwardly warm and friendly, but inwardly ruthless and deadly.
Once, a famous rogue cultivator had tried to recruit Senju Yukika as a disciple. Despite others fearing this rogue's strength, Yukika unexpectedly accepted.
Not long after, the rogue died a mysterious and horrific death, his body oozing purple blood from all seven orifices, until he turned to dust.
His remains were dismembered and displayed in eight pieces, hung atop the gates of the Free Sky Palace.
It was later discovered that Yukika had staged the entire thing—pretending to accept the man as his master, then poisoning him at a shared meal.
That poor rogue, after a lifetime of cultivation, had only wanted to pass on his legacy. But his chosen successor sent him straight to the afterlife.
Since then, everyone knew Senju Yukika was a cunning and merciless killer.
When he questioned the others now, the Lord of Sunrise City and the elders of the Beast King Hall merely snorted coldly and backed away in silent agreement.
They understood well that going up against the Free Sky Palace now would only lead to mutual destruction.
Senju Yukika watched the scene unfold, a glint flashing in his eyes. His plan was simple—let the others fight amongst themselves, then swoop in and claim the treasure effortlessly.
"Hmm... Something's not right."
His brow furrowed as his gaze landed on the young man beside the Lord of Stone City—Maple.
He noticed something strange. There was no chakra aura coming from Maple at all, which only deepened his suspicion.
Considering how significant the treasure was, even powers outside of the Rakshasa Realm had sent representatives. Every person here was a top-tier cultivator.
Yet this Maple had no chakra whatsoever. Why would someone so weak even be here?
Unable to shake the feeling, Yukika stepped forward and asked, "And who might you be, sir?"
He was naturally cautious and chose to be polite until he knew more about Maple's identity.
Maple, however, completely ignored him. In his eyes, Yukika was just a child—talented perhaps, but still no different from an ant.
The Lord of Stone City quickly stepped in. "Young Master Yukika, this is my friend. He came along with me on this trip."
"Ah, I see!"
Senju Yukika nodded in understanding.
He glanced again at Maple's stoic expression, thinking this must be someone with little worldly experience, just tagging along for the adventure.
In that moment, Yukika dismissed Maple as a non-threat.
Soon, more people from other sects began to arrive—including disciples of the Sword Palace.
Upon seeing his fellow disciples, Shangguan was elated.
He had been wandering alone for a long time, always fighting solo. Finally seeing allies made him stand tall with pride.
Still, he knew the real powerhouse was Maple. He had to cling tightly to him.
In fact, Shangguan had already made up his mind. Once this ordeal was over, he would introduce Maple to the Sword Palace. Maybe they could even make him an honored guest.
With Maple on their side, the Sword Palace could rise in strength and reputation!
As more and more people arrived, the first wave of cultivators began to move. They scattered across Mount Jufeng in search of the treasure.
Typically, the appearance of a treasure would be accompanied by strange lights or signs. Yet today, the entire mountain was calm, confusing everyone.
Then suddenly—the ground began to tremble violently.
A strange and powerful energy surged from beneath the earth.
Panic spread like wildfire—the treasure's awakening had begun.