On The Path Of Cultivation To Become God

Chapter 186: Old Ming Offer

Chen Tian's unease began to dissipate slightly, but he couldn't shake off the lingering feeling that there was more to this encounter than met the eye.

And he was right; the old man didn't give Chen Tian such a promise lightly.

There were two reasons why Old Ming decided to make such a promise.

Firstly, he had recognized Chen Tian's potential as an 18-year-old boy who was already a Divine Martial Artist, which was unheard of.

Such youth had a great future ahead of him, and Old Ming wanted to ensure that Chen Tian would reach his full potential.

As it could help the Ming family in the future as well. Old Ming knew that having a talented and powerful individual like Chen Tian as an ally would greatly benefit the Ming family's reputation and influence in the martial arts community.

Secondly, Old Ming wanted to ask the youth for help with something very important.

But with Chen Tian's strength, Old Ming was sure that Chen Tian was the only option left to accomplish this task.

"Sigh..." The old man sighed as he tried to catch his breath.

He knew that time was running out and that the fate of the Ming family relied heavily on Chen Tian's involvement.

With a heavy heart, Old Ming opened his mouth and spoke, "Young man, I have a favor to ask of you.

No! More than a favor, it's also a great benefit to you and your future."

Chen Tian listened intently, his eyes fixed on the weary face of Old Ming.

'Benefits? What could this old man possibly offer me?' Chen Tian wondered to himself.

He already had an idea that something wasn't right with the old man offer, and there was something hidden beneath his words.

However, Chen Tian still listened to the old man, as he mentioned benefits for his future.

He couldn't help but be intrigued.

"Have you ever heard of the Grand Exploration before?" Old Ming asked, his voice filled with curiosity. Chen Tian shook his head, his curiosity piqued.

Old Ming leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"The Grand Exploration," he whispered.

"In the Martial Art Society, there are places that hold the ancient secrets of power and knowledge.

These places are rumored to be sacred and only accessible to those who are deemed worthy.

Those places are hard to find, and even if they are found, only a small number of people are able to enter.

"We call these places Ancients Ruins," Old Ming explained, his voice filled with reverence.

"Legends say that within these ruins lie ancient artifacts, mystical treasures, and profound teachings that can unleash unimaginable power. Many martial artists spend their entire lives searching for these ruins, hoping to gain insight and elevate their skills.

It is said that those who successfully enter and explore these sacred places are forever changed, becoming true masters.

Chen Tian's curiosity now burned brighter than ever as he listened to Old Ming's words.

'Is he talking about the place that I stumbled upon last time I visited Mount Kunlun?' Chen Tian wondered to himself.

The memory of that fateful day flooded his mind—the hidden cave entrance, the intricate tunnels, and the awe-inspiring city.

The encounter had left Chen Tian speechless.

Chen Tian wasn't sure if the old man was talking about the same thing he had experienced, but if it was true, Chen Tian could accomplish a lot if he could know all the secrets on Earth.

"Do you know how I was able to grow my family?" The old man asked with his eyes filled with nostalgia.

"I was a normal man with no talent or extraordinary abilities.

But one day, I stumbled upon a hidden portal that led me to a different place," the old man continued, his voice filled with nostalgia.

"In that unfamiliar place, I discovered an ancient technique that allowed me to achieve great things. Without that technique, I wouldn't have even dreamed of becoming a Divine Martial Artist."

Chen Tian's curiosity grew; from what Old Ming talked about, Chen Tian was sure it was an ancient heritage before the Chaos War.

'Just like Mount Kunlun, the Earth is full of these hidden places,' he thought to himself.

"Does this place even exist?" Chen Tian asked aloud, and he tried to make himself aware of such places.

Seeing his surprised reaction, Old Ming wasn't surprised, as he had already anticipated this reaction.

Who wouldn't be shocked to know that there are places that can help someone become a Divine Martial Artist?

Old Ming chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a knowing glint his face etched with a sense of longing.

"Yes, young man," he replied, his voice filled with conviction.

"Although it may be difficult to find, this place truly exists. It is said to be shrouded in mystery and protected by powerful enchantments, making it invisible to the ordinary eye."

"Then how do they find it?" Chen Tian asked, his curiosity piqued.

Last time, he used his spiritual sense to sense the abnormal behavior of the spiritual Qi on Mount Kunlun.

It was a faint sensation at that time, but Chen Tian was still able to pick up such anomalies because of his experience in cultivating his spiritual abilities.

"Every two years, the Grandmaster level Martial artists use a special method to locate the hidden place of ancient ruins; unfortunately, only every two years can it be done, as for why only the Grandmaster level Martial Artists know, so don't ask," the old man explained.

"Hm, from what you explained, you want me to go there?" Chen Tian had already figured out that the old man purpose.

"Yes, but for another reason." Old Ming didn't hide his intentions.

"Oh?" Chen Tian's eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"You see, in a month's time, the location of the ancient ruins will be revealed.

At that time, our family will send four people from the family to explore and search for the hidden treasures within the ruins.

However, we are not alone, as other families will also be there.

Our family has had a long-standing rivalry with another family, and maybe this family was the one that was behind what happened to me." Old Ming revealed, his eyes gleaming with resentment.

"What I want from you is to be to go there and protect someone for me," Old Ming continued, his voice filled with determination.

"I want you to ensure the safety of my granddaughter, Little Ming."

"Eh, are you sending your granddaughter there?" exclaimed Chen Tian, his brow furrowing with surprise.

Old Ming shook his head and sighed, his gaze softening. "I understand your worry; I also didn't want to send her, but I had no choice." Old Ming explained to Chen Tian what happened to the disciplines he wanted to send.

Chen Tian's expression turned grave as he listened to Old Ming's explanation.

'If, like the old man said, people are targeting his family, then it's extremely dangerous for his granddaughter to attend that Exploration,' Chen Tian thought to himself.

'Should I accept his offer? I don't have anything to lose. On the contrary, I need to enter such places, as they are filled with great opportunities for me to enhance my cultivation and strength.'

Seeing Chen Tian in deep thought, Old Ming waited patiently for his response.

He knew the weight of the decision resting on Chen Tian's shoulders and the possible consequences it could have.

"Can I ask you a question?" Chen Tian asked, breaking the silence that had enveloped them.

Old Ming nodded encouragingly, urging him to continue.

"Why not go yourself? In a month, you would be fully recovered, and with a Divine Martial Artist like you, it would be easy for you to enter the Ancient ruin."

Hearing Chen Tian's words, the old man shook his head with a wistful smile. "Ah, if only it were that simple," he replied.

"Inside the ancient ruins, there is always a restriction that keeps out anyone over the age of 30," Old Ming explained.

"It is a safeguard put in place inside the ancient ruins to protect the treasures within.

Only those younger than 30 are allowed to enter and explore.

If that restriction wasn't there many Grandmaster levels would have entered not to mention Divine Martial Artists.

And in the Ming family, the youngest Divine Martial Artist is my son, who is already 42 years old.

Unfortunately, he is unable to enter the ancient ruins, so my only option is to find someone else who could guarantee that our family doesn't have any setbacks in there."

Chen Tian looked surprised, realizing that there were such restrictions in place.

"So, what is your decision?

If you accept my offer, you could not only use the Ming family name as you wish, but also take whatever you find in the ancient ruins.

The treasures within are said to be unimaginable, capable of enhancing one's martial arts skills to unimaginable heights.

The Ming family would not demand any share of the treasures you find, as long as you ensure the safety of my granddaughter and that nothing happens to the people we sent.

This was an opportunity that Chen Tian couldn't ignore.

After pondering for a moment, he realized that accepting this offer would not only benefit him greatly in terms of finding a new ancient site of the Chaos War, but he could also use the family name in his plans for the future.

With that in mind, Chen Tian agreed to the terms and shook hands with the old man.

"I accept your offer," he said firmly.

"I will do everything in my power to protect your granddaughter," Chen Tian promised Old Ming.

The old man nodded, a hint of relief spreading across his weathered face.

"Thank you, young man," he said softly.

"My granddaughter's safety means everything to me. I believe you are the right person for this task."