Zhenxie Sect.
The life plaques of the Tenth and Eleventh Elders had shattered.
Wu Poxie and the others were greatly surprised.
"Grand Elder," the Fifth Elder hesitated before speaking, "The exploration of the ruins is the top priority right now. Regarding the matter of Xiao Qian, perhaps we should put it aside for now?"
"Don't worry, I know what's important," Wu Poxie rubbed his temples. "Our array formation decryption and deduction are at a critical juncture, I won't be distracted. Eighth Elder, Ninth Elder, how are things progressing on your end?"
"Grand Elder, it's almost done," the Eighth Elder quickly reported. "As previously stated, this ruin was once the site of a very powerful sect."
"Grand Elder, look," the Ninth Elder pointed to the paper in his hand. "These symbols represent honor, power, wealth, and strength, among other things. Based on clues from murals and residual decorations, we discovered that this sect may have produced a cultivator at the Void Refining realm!"
"Void Refining realm?" Wu Poxie's eyes lit up.
Although they had only explored the entrance area so far, it was clear that the ruins were exceptionally well-preserved, and they were likely the first discoverers.
This was also the reason they hadn't cooperated with other sects.
To keep all the spoils for oneself versus sharing with another, even a child would know which to choose.
A sect of a Void Refining realm expert, the treasures and cultivation techniques left behind would be an immense opportunity for the Zhenxie Sect!
At that point, the Zhenxie Sect would definitely be able to ascend to become a first-rate sect in the Imperial City!
If they were fortunate enough to obtain the inheritance of that Void Refining realm predecessor...
Let alone a first-rate sect in the Imperial City, they could traverse the entire Daliang Kingdom with impunity!
However, Wu Poxie remained reasonably composed.
Opportunity usually came with risk. She would not venture in without adequate preparation.
Setting aside the arrays, traps, and mechanisms within the ruins, the guardian beasts alone would be a formidable challenge!
Spirit beasts inherently had long lifespans, and guardian spirit beasts left in such ruins, empowered by special arrays, lived even longer.
They were usually dormant but would awaken immediately if anyone trespassed.
It was possible that even a second-level Void Comprehension realm beast could be found within these ruins!
Beasts of the same level were far more powerful in combat than cultivators. With the Sect Master in secluded cultivation, he was now the only peak combatant at the second-level Void Comprehension realm.
It was best to proceed with caution.
Of course, Wu Poxie was not one to back down because of these challenges.
The path of cultivation was inherently against the heavens. If one were to be overly cautious at every turn, they might as well go home and farm.
Moreover, even if they couldn't win, there was still a high probability of escape.
The decryption of the arrays was nearing completion, and it would likely be finished in a few more days.
He would use these days to prepare magical artifacts, elixirs, and other necessities.
In a mountain range outside the Imperial City.
Er Ha led his army, flying haphazardly.
The group of five began to whisper amongst themselves.
They felt as though they had been flying in circles for the past few days.
Could it be that Brother Ha was lost...?
Despite their numerous questions, they absolutely dared not ask.
Any subordinate who dared to question their leader was not a good subordinate, and their future would be at an end!
Regardless, they would just follow Brother Ha blindly!
Er Ha stood on the coffin lid, intently watching with his titanium alloy dog eyes.
"Brother Ha, what are you looking at?" the little fox asked curiously.
Although they had been flying around aimlessly recently, and the food wasn't as good as in the human palace, the little fox still felt incredibly content.
At least it didn't have to face its terrifying master every day.
At least it didn't have to worry about being cooked at any moment...
Furthermore, staying by Brother Ha's side filled it with a sense of security.
"I have a strong feeling there's some treasure nearby, but I can't pinpoint its exact location for now," Er Ha said with a solemn expression.
"Delicious food?"
The little fox's ears perked up at the mention of treasure!
In its understanding, treasure equaled things containing spiritual energy, which equaled delicious food.
It was that simple and straightforward!
Although they had scavenged for some so-called heavenly treasures in the wild, the taste and texture were somewhat lacking in the little fox's opinion.
Most importantly, they couldn't eat their fill...
Thinking of this, the little fox felt like crying.
What about other cultivators? Forget about finding pets of its level, even those far inferior, weren't they pampered with good food and drink?
Although their purpose was for their pets to help them fight in the future, at least basic food and drink were never lacking.
They would even go to great lengths to find delicious food for their pets, sometimes even at the risk of danger!
But what about itself?
It had fallen into the hands of such a terrible master...
Let alone good food and drink, it had to worry about being eaten by its master at any moment...
It was in its prime growing period, yet it lived on irregular meals, and might not even be able to grow properly in the future...
Why is my life so bitter...
Wuwuwu... I want to go home...
"My feeling has been getting stronger these past two days," Er Ha raised a dog leg and ordered, "It should be in that direction, let's go!"
The group of five dared not delay, and carried the coffin at full speed.
Speaking of which, they could now fly.
That's right!
At the Qi Refining stage, they could actually fly!
Although their speed was very slow, they were truly flying!
Even they didn't know how they managed it, it just happened naturally!
It was as natural as feeling full after eating.
Don't ask.
If you ask, it's because it's supposed to be that way!
"Aow aow aow, let's go find treasures!" The three spirit beasts followed behind, flying and emitting various strange cries.
Although they didn't know why they were looking for treasures, or what they would do with them if they found them.
None of that mattered!
As long as they could frolic around, they were incredibly excited!
The only certainty was that their mental states were becoming increasingly erratic...
As dusk fell, in a mountain hollow.
Several disciples of the Zhenxie Sect sat lazily on the ground preparing dinner.
Their elders were busy exploring the ruins, and they could only guard this desolate place.
In short, it was incredibly boring.
In their opinion, such a desolate place had no resources, and no one would possibly pass by.
The Thirteenth Elder had been chased by a berserk beast and accidentally stumbled upon this place.
Otherwise, the Zhenxie Sect would not have discovered the entrance to the hidden ruins.
They had many grievances about their guard duty.
Boredom alone was bearable.
The problem was that they had been injured during the exploration of the ruins, and the elders hadn't even given them any healing elixirs.
Too stingy!
Although their injuries weren't severe, they still felt uncomfortable.
"What are you spacing out for?" one disciple complained to the disciple next to him. "You're always slacking off and not doing your work. No one's going to roast meat for you today."
"No... you guys, look," the disciple exclaimed in shock. "Someone's coming!"