These treasures are already astonishing enough, but if you look closely, you’ll notice that these grand first-grade spirit talismans are actually revolving around something. Judging by their posture, they maintain a certain distance from that object in a submissive manner, not daring to cross the line even half a step.

　　At the center of the six first-grade talismans, there is actually another spirit talisman. However, this talisman is different from the six nine-faced first-grade talismans outside. It is as thick as a palm, three fingers wide, two inches long, resembling a piece of purple jade. Its material is mysterious, and only a single profound spirit character is engraved on its surface, faintly exuding a trace of blood-red light.

　　For some unknown reason, this talisman is dim and lacks luster, making it seem utterly unremarkable compared to the six surrounding first-grade talismans.

　　Yet those six talismans still circle around this one like loyal ministers.

　　A hand reached out from the darkness, gently caressing the purple jade spirit talisman in the center. After a long, long time, a sigh was heard: “Alas... Drought Demon Bloodburn, the number one fierce talisman under heaven—even among all the destiny talismans in the cultivation world, it stands at the very peak. You have accompanied me, Adam Cooper, for one hundred and eighty years, through countless battles. Without you, I would never have achieved my current status. Success and failure both come from the same source, but why must it be you who...”

　　The owner of the hand slowly stepped out from the darkness. Black hair flowed freely, his face was pale and cold, his figure tall and thin, both hands clasped behind his back. His black robe was trimmed with brilliant gold, and his entire being radiated a sinister charm. Even when facing the whole world, he exuded a confidence that everything was within his grasp.

　　The “Drought Demon Bloodburn” destiny talisman lay quietly in his palm. In the eyes of the Southern Wasteland Emperor Adam Cooper, a trace of pain flickered.

　　Two hundred years ago, Adam Cooper was merely a disciple of an obscure minor sect. With his status, he was originally a target for bullying in the cultivation world, but by chance, he obtained the number one fierce talisman under heaven—Drought Demon Bloodburn. A cultivator can only refine one destiny talisman in their lifetime, so the strength of the destiny talisman directly determines the cultivator’s future achievements.

　　And “Drought Demon Bloodburn,” even among the extremely rare “Number One Under Heaven” series of destiny talismans, ranks among the top in combat power.

　　With this destiny talisman, it took only twenty years for Adam Cooper to become famous throughout the Southern Wasteland. In the following ninety years, his brilliance rose like the morning sun, unstoppable and dazzling.

　　Legend has it that “Drought Demon Bloodburn” was once sealed on the forehead of the ancient number one fierce demon, the Drought Demon. After ten thousand years, it absorbed all the Drought Demon’s essence blood. Once unleashed, it has the power to boil seas and burn the heavens!

　　It was precisely by relying on this destiny talisman that Adam Cooper fought for ninety years, finally stabilizing the Southern Wasteland. Ninety years ago, all the cultivation sects of the Southern Wasteland jointly presented the “Eternal Guardian of the Southern Wasteland” jade stele, officially recognizing Adam Cooper’s status as the Southern Wasteland Emperor.

　　In the ninety years since, Adam Cooper has presided over the Southern Wasteland, and Drought Demon Bloodburn has incinerated countless righteous cultivators. The Nine Great Heavenly Gates launched four crusades against the Southern Wasteland, but all met with crushing defeat before Adam Cooper. Seven elders of the Nine Great Heavenly Gates perished, and even Lin Juefeng, the head of Jiuyi Mountain—one of the Nine Great Heavenly Gates—was blinded in one eye by him!

　　Scene after scene of glorious days flashed before his eyes. Adam Cooper was filled with emotion. Drought Demon Bloodburn was incomparably powerful—even now, Adam Cooper could only unleash sixty percent of its might. Adam Cooper vaguely sensed that within the remaining forty percent of its power, a tremendous secret was hidden. If he could unravel it, he could truly reach the pinnacle—who in the world could stand against him?

　　But before he could fully unleash the power of Drought Demon Bloodburn, this number one fierce talisman under heaven actually... Alas! He sighed inwardly, stroking the dim Drought Demon Bloodburn, and softly called out, “Ethan Clark.”

　　Over the past one hundred and eighty years, many women have admired Adam Cooper, but to this day, only Ethan Scott remains by his side. The reason is simple: Ethan Scott is obedient.

　　Back then, Ethan Scott was the number one beauty of the Immortal Dao, exceptionally gifted, and her strength easily ranked among the top ten of the younger generation of the righteous path, with countless admirers. She and Adam Cooper—one righteous, one demonic—were originally irreconcilable, but ever since meeting Adam Cooper, she immediately set aside the conflict between good and evil, shed her sharp edge, and obediently followed Adam Cooper, docile and compliant, obeying his every word. This greatly surprised the many young talents who had pursued Ethan Scott for years.

　　No matter what Adam Cooper ordered, Ethan Scott would carry it out without hesitation. But today, after Adam Cooper called out, there was no response for a long time.

　　Adam Cooper keenly sensed that something was amiss. At that moment, the entire ancient city suddenly trembled, followed by five thunderous booms. Adam Cooper’s expression changed as he flew out, and sure enough, atop the five golden auspicious clouds, the five chains had already been unlocked!

　　In an instant, Adam Cooper understood, and his face turned deathly pale.

　　Before she could react, the moment the five chains were unlocked, dozens of powerful auras suddenly burst in from outside.

　　“Hahaha!” A wild laugh rang out. A demonic figure, seemingly illusory, drifted to the ancient city gate, standing tall in the wind. With a look of disdain at the “Eternal Guardian of the Southern Wasteland” jade stele, he sneered, “Eternal Guardian of the Southern Wasteland? Eternal Guardian of the Southern Wasteland? What a joke!” With a flick of his sleeve, a bolt of black lightning shattered the jade stele to dust.