Chapter Fifty-Nine: Parting Ways

Within the ancient ruins of the Titan race, two of the eight sky-reaching towers had already been ignited, leaving six still untouched. All the disciples from various sects who had entered the ruins were racing toward the towers in a fervent rush, each hoping to become the sole chosen one to inherit the legacy hidden within.

Yet, some disciples were in no hurry to meditate beneath the towers. The ruins were rife with opportunities; though the Valley of the Nether Sect had possessed them for over a thousand years, they understood that certain things were destined for those who came after. They had left behind numerous clues within the ruins, not merely to claim every treasure, but to unravel a secret buried deep within the Titans’ past—a secret locked behind a mysterious door.

Thus, minor fortunes were sometimes left for their own disciples or, as on this day, shared in a spirit of celebration. This was far preferable to stripping the place bare and leaving it an empty husk.

Tracking the traces of the black ringed serpent, Wu Xi and his companions had discovered a hidden passage within the black crystal mines. The passage was clearly man-made, its width and height of several meters suggesting it was not a recent construction. But where the Titans had intended it to lead, Wu Xi could not say.

Lin Bufan glanced at the distant sky-reaching tower. He too was tempted to try his luck and see if fate would favor him. Wu Xi, catching his younger brother’s thoughts, clapped him on the shoulder and said, “Take a few disciples and seek your fortune at one of the towers. There’s no need for all of us to waste time here.”

Lin Bufan nodded, taking stock of the group, including Zhu Qianqing and Han Yuechan. “Senior brother, we’ll head for the third tower on the left. If you find any secret treasures, come join us at once.”

“I understand. Remember, avoid conflict with others before I arrive. There are many sects here, the waters are muddy, and fate is uncertain. Be cautious above all.” Lin Bufan’s expression was grave.

“Understood, senior brother. You take care as well.”

So the disciples of Qianxuan Sect split into two groups. Lin Bufan led a handful directly toward the third tower on the left, while Wu Xi, after watching his junior’s retreating figure, turned his attention to the hidden passage. He beckoned the remaining few and led them inside.

Elsewhere, two Foundation Establishment guards under Gu Zhiping panted heavily. They had fought desperately to buy time for their young master. After all, the two of them had held off more than thirty opponents. Though veteran fighters, they gained no advantage against so many of similar strength.

Zhang Haoyun’s chest was charred from a recent blow as he glared at the pair. Of their group of thirty-plus, only seven or eight were Foundation Establishment; the rest, still at the Spirit Focusing stage, were little help and had even drawn fire, causing several of their own to be injured while trying to protect them. The wounds were superficial, but after such a stalemate, they’d achieved nothing.

When the second tower was ignited, Zhang Haoyun’s patience snapped. After a moment’s thought, he ground out a threat: “Tell your young master and that upstart—this debt will be settled one day!” With a wave, he ordered, “We’re leaving!”

Truth be told, his fellow disciples had long wanted to retreat; they had entered the ruins to seek fortune, and with so many people and so little time, every moment was precious.

They couldn’t understand why their senior persisted in this pointless standoff. Now, hearing they could withdraw, their eagerness was palpable.

As the thirty-odd adversaries departed, Gu Zhiping’s two guards finally breathed a sigh of relief. They had exhausted every trick in their arsenal, relying on experience to hold out, but another incense stick’s time and they would have been overwhelmed. They swallowed a few restorative pills, their breathing steadying.

“Damn it, with a master like this, there’s never a peaceful day,” one muttered, only to have his companion clamp a hand over his mouth. “Careful, brother. Others may talk, but we cannot. The young master may not be favored at home, but he’s still the sect leader’s legitimate son. At our status, a careless word could cost us our lives.”

The first guard nodded hastily. “You’re right, brother. Thank you.”

The elder guard nodded and released him. “We’re of average talent; getting this far is fortune enough. As the saying goes, when one rises, all around rise with them. I suppose this is as far as we’ll go.”

They both sighed. In the cruel world of cultivation, even scraping by was an achievement; what more could they ask? After a final look in the direction their young master had vanished, they exchanged glances and departed.

Meanwhile, Shen Wan was frozen in place, staring at a pair of glowing red eyes in the darkness. Sweat beaded on his forehead; his legs felt rooted to the spot. His heart pounded. What if he moved and the thing pounced?

Minutes passed. The eyes and Shen Wan stared at each other—neither moved. “Something’s not right. Why doesn’t it blink?” Shen Wan finally noticed something amiss. He exhaled, throat dry, and glanced around. Darkness pressed in on all sides—aside from those eyes, there was no light at all.

He knew he couldn’t just stand there. Silently, he began to reach for the strap on his back, moving with agonizing slowness so as not to make a sound. After four or five tense minutes, he finally gripped the Black Demon Blade.

Fortunately, the thing before him didn’t react. With the blade in hand, Shen Wan felt a surge of confidence. “Fine, if you won’t move, then I won’t be polite.” Bracing himself, he bent his knees, seized his opportunity, and lunged, swinging his great blade at the eyes.

“Strike first to gain the upper hand! Scoundrel, give me your life!” The blade fell with a tremendous clang, sending a shower of sparks. It felt as though he’d struck stone; the force rebounded, numbing Shen Wan’s arms and nearly making him drop the weapon.

He hissed through clenched teeth, his arms tingling all the way up to his shoulders, ears ringing from the impact. Something wasn’t right. Looking closer, the eyes were mere inches away, still motionless and unblinking, like lifeless objects.

“Uh…” Only now, up close, did Shen Wan realize: these weren’t eyes at all.

“Well, this is awkward…” He’d been terrified by a pair of false eyes for half the night, nearly scaring himself to death. On closer inspection, they turned out to be two vivid red gemstones.

With a self-deprecating twist of his lips, Shen Wan reached out and touched them. They were indeed stones, smooth and cool to the touch.

“Hmm, I wonder how much these are worth—no, how many spirit stones they’d fetch.” He tried to pry one loose with his fingernail, but they were set tightly into the wall. Tilting his head, he examined the rim of the ruby by the faint glow it emitted. Clearly, they were embedded in stone, and not easily removed.

Looking around for another approach, he considered the Black Demon Blade in his hand. Perhaps he could wedge the tip under the gem and pry it out. The blade was a bit long, but after several attempts, he managed to work the tip into a crack beside the stone.

He smirked and prepared to apply force—when suddenly, the red gemstone blinked.

“Holy—! They really are eyes!”