The moment the words "Legendary Realm — Dragon Ruins" appeared on the massive screen inside the Cloud Mist Internet Café, the entire building fell into stunned silence.
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Even the disciples who had been enthusiastically discussing the Tyrant Trial moments earlier now stared at the glowing announcement with wide eyes.
Then the whispers began.
"Dragon Ruins?"
"Does that mean… an ancient dragon?"
"That sounds far more dangerous than the Tyrant!"
The excitement quickly spread across every floor of the building.
Disciples rushed toward the large announcement board near the entrance, trying to read every detail displayed by the system.
The glowing description slowly appeared beneath the title.
Legendary Realm: Dragon Ruins
Realm Type: Ancient Battlefield
Primary Enemy: Dragonkin Guardians
Final Boss: Ancient Dragon Remnant
Recommended Cultivation: Core Disciple and Above
Special Reward: Major Comprehension Boost + Legendary Insight
The crowd erupted into excited discussion.
"Dragonkin Guardians?"
"So the enemies aren't just monsters!"
"And there's an Ancient Dragon at the end!"
Even the experienced cultivators who had previously challenged the Tyrant Trial looked both excited and cautious.
The Tyrant had already proven to be an extremely difficult opponent.
If the Legendary Realm was even more dangerous…
Then it would truly become a challenge worthy of the strongest cultivators.
Standing behind the counter, Lin Tian quietly observed the reactions of the crowd.
Inside his mind, the system panel displayed the new realm's status.
Legendary Realm — Dragon Ruins
Status: Available
Entry Limit: 5 Players per Attempt
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow slightly.
"So it's a group challenge."
Unlike the Tyrant Trial, which was designed for individual combat, the Dragon Ruins required teamwork.
This would change the dynamics of the training hall significantly.
Instead of lone challengers testing their strength, cultivators would now need to cooperate with others to survive the realm.
Just then, a calm voice spoke from the third floor.
"A group challenge…"
The crowd turned toward the speaker.
It was Long Wei, the envoy from the Sky Dragon Pavilion.
His sharp eyes were focused on the glowing announcement board.
"That means the enemies will be stronger."
Nearby, Chen Yu nodded.
"Five players entering together suggests coordinated combat."
Yan Feng from the Crimson Star Sect stepped forward as well.
"Which means the final boss will be extremely dangerous."
Several disciples nearby exchanged nervous looks.
"Ancient Dragon Remnant…"
"That sounds terrifying."
However, for many cultivators, the danger only made the challenge more attractive.
The Legendary Realm promised not only intense battles but also powerful rewards.
The words Legendary Insight alone were enough to ignite the ambition of countless cultivators.
Meanwhile, the system board displayed another message.
Dragon Ruins Leaderboard — Empty
Several disciples immediately gasped.
"So no one has cleared it yet!"
"Of course not—it just opened!"
The empty leaderboard felt like an invitation.
Whoever cleared the Legendary Realm first would have their name recorded forever in the system rankings.
Standing behind the counter, Lin Tian leaned casually against the table while watching the reactions.
He already knew what would happen next.
Competition.
Ambition.
And powerful cultivators eager to prove themselves.
Sure enough, Chen Yu stepped forward first.
"I want to try it."
Yan Feng crossed his arms.
"You'll need a team."
Chen Yu nodded.
"That's why I'm asking."
Yan Feng smiled slightly.
"Then I'm interested."
The two cultivators looked toward Long Wei.
The envoy from the Sky Dragon Pavilion studied the announcement board silently for several seconds.
Then he nodded.
"I'll join."
The surrounding disciples gasped.
"A team of three elite cultivators…"
"This might actually work!"
However, Chen Yu shook his head.
"We still need two more."
Several disciples immediately stepped forward.
But before anyone could volunteer, a deep voice spoke from the stairs.
"I will join."
The crowd parted as a familiar figure appeared.
It was Liu Kang from Thunder Flame Peak.
The powerful inner disciple stepped forward confidently.
"My strength will be useful against dragonkin."
Chen Yu nodded.
"That's four."
Everyone's eyes turned toward the remaining spot.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then another calm voice echoed through the hall.
"I suppose I can participate."
The speaker slowly stepped forward from the crowd.
It was Elder Song of the Azure Wind Sect.
The disciples stared in surprise.
"You're joining too?"
Elder Song smiled faintly.
"It's been many years since I fought something as interesting as a dragon."
The team was complete.
Five powerful cultivators from different sects.
Chen Yu.
Yan Feng.
Long Wei.
Liu Kang.
And Elder Song.
The crowd inside the shop exploded with excitement.
"This team is incredible!"
"They might actually clear the Dragon Ruins!"
Standing quietly behind the counter, Lin Tian watched the scene calmly.
Inside his mind, the system panel flashed once more.
DING
First Dragon Ruins Attempt Detected
Lin Tian's eyes narrowed slightly.
The real test of the Legendary Realm was about to begin.
Meanwhile, the five cultivators took their seats at the advanced machines on the third floor.
The screens glowed brightly as the system prepared the new simulation.
Moments later, their consciousness entered the realm.
Inside the virtual world, the environment slowly appeared around them.
A vast ancient battlefield filled with broken stone ruins and towering dragon statues stretched across the horizon.
The sky above was dark red, as if stained by ancient battles.
The wind carried the faint echoes of distant roars.
Chen Yu slowly drew his sword.
"So this is the Dragon Ruins."
Yan Feng looked around carefully.
"I can already feel the pressure of the enemies."
Suddenly—
The ground trembled.
Massive armored figures slowly emerged from the shadows of the ruins.
Their bodies were covered in dragon-like scales, and their glowing eyes burned with ancient fury.
Dragonkin Guardians.
Back inside the computer shop, hundreds of cultivators watched the screen in complete silence.
The first challenge of the Legendary Realm had begun.
And no one knew whether even this powerful team could survive the ruins of an ancient dragon battlefield.