Elder Kang glanced at the numerous martial artists, took a deep breath, and said slowly, “Do you know about ancient civilizations?”

“I’ve heard that there were actually some civilizations before our civilization.” Griman spoke calmly.

“That’s right. Our world is very strange. We originally thought that we were the only intelligent civilization, but we discovered more and more ruins in the depths of the Outland. They’re actually the ruins of ancient civilizations. Before us, there were at least five civilizations, and they all left behind a large amount of ruins. Some of them are very beneficial to our technology or martial arts.

“This time, we discovered the ruins of an ancient civilization. It’s a shipwreck buried underground. This shipwreck is especially large, and there’s a defense mechanism inside. Our preliminary judgment is that it was once a technological civilization, and it might even be the sixth ancient civilization we discovered.

“Originally, the Nine Sages wanted to enter directly, but the defense mechanism inside was very strong, and could even threaten Sages. We went through a few more tests and discovered that all martial artists above the second life transition would be attacked. On the other hand, some ordinary people and Metamorphic Realm martial artists would not be attacked. However, the dozen or so batches of people we sent in never returned. We determined that there must be more defense mechanisms inside the ancient ruins, so the people who entered likely encountered danger and could not come out again.

“Therefore, we held the Global Martial Arts Competition and decided on the ten strongest Metamorphic Realm martial artists in the hopes that you can explore the ancient ruins. If you can finally remove the defense mechanisms of the ancient ruins, that would be for the best.”

Hearing Sage Kang’s words, the ten martial artists who were in high spirits just now all looked at each other. The atmosphere became a little oppressive.

Lin Feng also came to a realization. As expected, the Sages knew about the ancient civilizations.

However, according to Longbetham, there were currently eight ancient civilizations that had disappeared, but the Sages had only discovered five. Even with the shipwreck ruins this time added, there were only six ancient civilizations.

There were two other ancient civilizations that the Nine Sages had not discovered at all.

“Technological civilization? Longbetham, do you know which civilization this is?” Lin Feng asked in his mind.

“There are eight other civilizations in your world apart from yours. A few of the eight civilizations are technological civilizations, so without seeing the ruins, I cannot determine which civilization it is.”

Lin Feng nodded to himself and did not pursue the matter. Instead, he looked at Sage Kang.

For such a dangerous mission without any assurance, even with the prestige of the Nine Sages, they could not force it.

“Nine Sages, if we enter rashly despite knowing we will die, death is secondary, but I fear we may still be unable to complete the mission, and disappoint Lord Sages.”

Griman could still maintain a clear mind. He did not refuse directly. Instead, he looked at it from the perspective of completing the mission. The Sages had already sent so many martial artists in, but no one could return. What was the use of them going?

The atmosphere instantly became solemn. Even Lin Feng did not speak. Instead, he stared intently at the Nine Sages.

Elder Kang heaved a long sigh and said, “We’ve already thought of all kinds of methods. There are very important things in this ruin, such as weapons that can threaten us Sages. We really need these things to deal with the crises that humanity may face. As much as the human society is flourishing, it has always been in crisis, and crisis is likely to erupt in the future. We don’t have much time left. Therefore, it’s not an exaggeration to say that you carry our hope and the hope of all humanity.

“Before you go, we can give you each a reward of 10,000 merit value. After you return successfully, we will give you another 10,000 merit value. You can buy whatever you want. In short, do your best to increase your strength.”

Sage Kang’s words moved the ten martial artists.

Ten thousand merit value. Even Divine Realm martial artists might not be able to accumulate so much merit value. This 10,000 merit value was enough to save many martial artists countless years of accumulation.

All the Astral martial arts, equipment, and so on they wanted would not a problem. Moreover, once they successfully returned, they would obtain another 10,000 merit value.

Even Lin Feng was tempted by such a huge sum of wealth. He had already obtained 10,000 merit value in the first place. With another 10,000 merit value, he would be far wealthier than most Divine Realm martial artists.

However, venturing into the ruins was dangerous, and extremely dangerous at that. Still, the fact that the Nine Sages had personally summoned them was actually an invisible form of pressurization.

How could they, mere Metamorphic Realm martial artists, refuse?

It seemed like the Nine Sages were asking for their opinion, but in reality, Lin Feng and the others had no choice at all.

“We are willing to head to the ancient ruins!”

Lin Feng, Griman, and the others all stood up, expressing their stance.

“Very good. Prepare yourselves well. There’s no rush. In three months, Sage Yuanyi and I will personally come to the Polar City to escort you to the ruins. In the next three months, make every effort to increase your strength. By the way, you absolutely must not undergo a life transition. Once you undergo life transition and become a Divine Realm martial artist, you will be unable to enter the ruins again.”

The projections of the Nine Sages disappeared. The ten martial artists looked at each other but did not say anything. Although three months seemed like a long time, how much could it really increase their strength?

“Lin Feng, it’ll probably be very difficult for both of us to increase our strength. We should buy more defensive equipment this time. If that ruin is a technological civilization, some defensive equipment will definitely be of some importance.” Griman reminded Lin Feng.

“I’ll take note of that. See you in three months.”

Lin Feng and Griman separated as well. If it was technological equipment, Longbetham would definitely know more. He had to make good use of his 20,000 merit value.

After leaving the conference room, Lin Feng looked around. This was the Polar Academy, and it was very difficult for ordinary people to enter. If not for the fact that Lin Feng was a participating martial artist in this Global Martial Arts Competition, he would not be able to enter either.

At the thought of the Polar Academy, a figure appeared in Lin Feng’s mind.

“It’s been a long time. Perhaps we can meet?”

Lin Feng took out his communicator and looked at the familiar contact on it. He was a little hesitant again, as if he was still in the cafe in Central Sea, watching her leave, while his heart was filled with regret.

In the end, Lin Feng still dialed her communicator. He had regrets back then. This time, he was about to head to the dangerous ancient civilization ruins. Lin Feng did not know if he could return alive.

Hence, no matter what, he did not want to leave any regrets this time.