The process of subduing the Earth Demonic Puppet went far more smoothly than Xiao Yan had anticipated. Not a trace of soul imprint was found within these puppets, which left Xiao Yan rather bewildered. Perhaps, after countless years, the imprints were worn away, or perhaps, the ancient Stronger of the Dou Sheng level had little interest in such casually crafted puppets and neglected to even leave a faint soul imprint. Nonetheless, regardless of the reason, when Xiao Yan’s soul force invaded the bodies of these Earth Demonic Puppets, he discovered that a connection had been formed with them almost instantly. This connection came with no difficulty whatsoever; any other person would have managed the same easily. Thus, after storing these puppets into Nalan, his face displayed an odd mixture of thoughts. Glancing briefly at the elder in gray who was earlier forced to retreat spewing blood, he wondered internally if the old man would spew blood in fury once he knew that the method to pass through here was so simple it bordered on ridiculous.
As peculiar notions floated through Xiao Yan’s mind, those in the plaza stared at him in silent speechlessness. Just a few minutes before, the ten Peak Battle Sect puppets, capable of rivaling a two-star Dou Zun if united, fell directly under Xiao Yan’s control. At that moment, many faces exhibited a fascinating palette of envy and jealousy. A puppet equivalent to the power of a two-star Dou Zun—such was something that, placed anywhere, would evoke red-hot desire in others. Among these, especially those who held grievances against Xiao Yan, like Lei Zun and Ice River Zun, felt envious and discontented. The stronger those by Xiao Yan’s side, the greater the threat they posed.
With just a fleeting gaze, Xiao Yan withdrew his attention from these unfriendly individuals. They would not dare to initiate a conflict here, given their goal was still the Heaven Level Battle Skill within the ruins. Until they achieved it, they dared not risk a full-on battle with Xiao Yan and his party.
Shortly after the ten puppets were tucked away into Nalan, the tightly shut stone door suddenly creaked open slowly, revealing its heavy slab through a crack… As the door opened, an ancient and desolate aura drifted out, causing many to assume a solemn expression. Relics from ancient times, for many, were sacred items.
As the stone door began opening, Xiao Yan sprang back to where he stood originally. Seeing this, many grimaced inwardly, calling him a sly one. Clearly, he had no intention of being the first into the mysterious ruins. As the door fully opened, the silence lingered; no one seemed eager to be the first through the gateway.
Unmindful of the quiet on the plaza, Xiao Yan, with a gleaming smile, fondled his Nalan. He hadn’t thought that upon just entering, such treasures would be gained—a great opportunity indeed. On the square, strong fighters kept arriving from outside, having evidently deciphered the mystery. Witnessing the growing influx, some of the early arrivals could hardly contain themselves, stepping forward eventually. Thankfully, this entry did not result in any screams.
Seeing that leading through the door bore no apparent danger, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.
“Let’s go,” muttered Xiao Yan as he sped through, closely tailed by Little Healer Immortal and the others. Upon seeing Xiao Yan dash off immediately, many muttered silently about his sly tactics but swiftly followed suit. Within moments, waves of individuals surged into the hall like a deluge.
Rapidly moving inside, Xiao Yan and his party soon reached what seemed to be a mammoth hall, in which humans appeared exceptionally diminutive. Around the vast chamber, extended corridors seemed endless, with numerous groups already venturing off in search of treasure.
“Zi Yan, can you sense anything?” Eyeing the maze-like pathways, Xiao Yan addressed Zi Yan nearby. In such a labyrinthine environment, randomly exploring would prove futile, if not counterproductive.
“Can barely catch a whiff of herbs…very indistinct…” replied Zi Yan, her nose twitching slightly.
“Follow then.” Satisfied, Xiao Yan directed.
Nodding, Zi Yan led the path towards one of the chambers’ adjacent channels, Xiao Yan’s group eagerly trailing after.
The corridor they moved through was exceptionally broad, allowing them to glide effortlessly like small birds, noticing several other adventurers along the route yet undisturbed. Along either side, occasional pavilions and clusters of people scoured and plundered, although not all without reward, as rare skills were occasionally excavated—albeit never higher tiered ones.
Guided by the herbal scent, Xiao Yan’s company sometimes intruded such chambers but found nothing significant. True valuables, seemingly, resided elsewhere.
Realizing their futility, Xiao Yan focused strictly on pursuing Zi Yan, finally coming to a halt after nearly fifteen minutes in flight. Ahead loomed another heavily mossed, timeworn stone gateway.
Zi Yan, pointing ahead, “This is where the herb’s aroma peaks…should be where they are stored. Don’t know how many years on and whether they’ve rotted…”
“It should remain intact,” Xiao Yan countered, inspecting cautiously and discerning no threats before exerting the doors apart with force.
The sound was profound as the door groaned and cracked open, a cloud of long-stored herbal essences wafted out invigorating each in turn.
Senses rekindling Xiao Yan expressed glee, further easing the entrance wide, a blinding light bursting forth momentarily stunning the crowd. Stepping prudently, they receded while maintaining a combat-ready stance.
As the brilliance dimmed, their gazes fixed once more. There, behind the doorway, a forest awaited, composed entirely of rare botanicals!
“Bloody hell…the herbs here far exceed my Medicine Mountain…” muttered Xiong Zhang flabbergasted at the array of rare medicines.
Similarly stunned, Xiao Yan overcame the awe and hastened in, securing the gateway after. While not foolproof, it offered a semblance of concealment. With a bountiful resource attracting many a covetous eye, it remained irresistible.
“Woah, now this, this…this is the real deal!” enthused Zi Yan spotting her elixirs glowing invitingly in energy richness, leaping into a patch, stuffing hungrily. Here, centuries ripened potent energies perfect nourishment despite Xiao Yan’s lack of taste touch-up.
Watching her feasting comically, unable to resist, Xiao Yan scanned once more. Suppressed urges for pillaging aside, they ventured deeper in. No time for gathering all herbs. “Onwards. First to find our spirit baby fruit!”
Little Healer Immortal, among others, yanked Zi Yan away, plunging together towards these ancient, verdant woods.
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