On the shore.
Watching Ye Cangtian and Dugu Ling sink into the mud and sand, Cang Lang's expression was calm, with no intention of rescuing them.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, his footsteps soon paused, and his gaze turned towards the lake.
Not far from where the two were trapped, a black opening had appeared.
"This... could this be a hidden world?"
The sudden turn of events surprised Cang Lang.
He observed for a while longer.
The quicksand continued to collapse, and the sand kept reducing.
"This is not right!"
Cang Lang suddenly remembered that before Ye Cangtian and Dugu Ling fell into the lake, over thirty people had been dragged to the lakebed by the red mud and sand.
How long had it been? Logically, even if these people were dead, their remains should be left behind. But now, the mud and sand had reduced by half, and there was no discovery.
Could it be that these people were all pulled into this black opening?
Perhaps these people were still alive...
Thinking of this, Cang Lang hesitated.
If he jumped down and his guess was wrong, he might lose his life.
But if he didn't jump down, and his guess was correct, then he might miss out on real treasures. If that were the case, he would never be reconciled.
After all, anything that could be found within such a hidden entrance would undoubtedly be a secret realm, and within a secret realm, there was a chance to obtain treasures.
Damn it, let's take a gamble!
With this thought, Cang Lang gritted his teeth, finally leaped up, and jumped directly into the black opening.
...
A dark world, with chirping sounds constantly reaching his ears.
Ye Cangtian, who had been asleep for an unknown amount of time, frowned slightly. The next moment, his eyes opened a slit, revealing a faint gleam of light.
Everything around was dim. Unknowingly, he had already been lying on flat ground, and the sounds around him were Dugu Ling chatting with some teammates.
Everyone thought they were doomed.
Especially the first thirty-odd people who were dragged in by the mud and sand. Upon learning that there were people from the Black Wind Sect in the team and what happened later, they felt fortunate.
No one expected that they had escaped death due to their greed.
"Cough cough..."
A cough alerted Dugu Ling that Ye Cangtian had woken up. She quickly went over.
"Scaredy-cat, are you alright?"
Facing the exquisite and beautiful pretty face, Ye Cangtian slowly shook his head, stretching his limbs, and said, "I'm fine. How about you? How are your injuries?"
"I'm much better," Dugu Ling replied with a nod. Then, turning her back to the crowd, she took out a few Great Restoration Pills, subtly flashing them at Ye Cangtian.
The others, in her eyes, were extremely greedy people.
If she were to show the Great Restoration Pills, it might incite thoughts of murder and robbery. Only Ye Cangtian was trustworthy.
Looking at the few Great Restoration Pills, Ye Cangtian was stunned. His eyes couldn't help but show a trace of envy.
After all, until now, his best pills were still Minor Restoration Pills!
The difference between the two was immense.
Perhaps realizing his momentary lapse, Ye Cangtian quickly changed the subject, "Where is this?"
"A secret realm, but this is the entrance. It's relatively safe for now," Dugu Ling said.
She and the other team members had woken up first and conducted a brief survey of the surroundings. This place was likely within a secret realm, containing only a large castle.
As for what was inside the castle, no one dared to investigate.
After all, Dugu Ling's injuries had not yet healed, and Ye Cangtian and the later-arriving Cang Lang had not yet woken up.
Therefore, everyone chose to return to the entrance first and discuss matters after the two woke up.
A castle?
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian frowned.
Many of the secret realms he had visited before had manors, and those manors were quite perilous. Now, with a castle, wouldn't it be even more dangerous?
Thinking of this, Ye Cangtian looked at Dugu Ling and said, "Miss Dugu, I suggest we stop investigating this castle. We should report this place to the Hidden Group, and have the experts from the Hidden Sect come!"
If it were just himself, he might have ventured in.
But now, with Dugu Ling by his side, and Dugu Ling absolutely must not be harmed, the best choice now was to stop investigating and withdraw from the secret realm.
"Scaredy-cat! Why are you so cowardly?"
"Since we've come this far, shouldn't we go in and see what's there? Isn't it a wasted trip?"
Upon hearing this, Dugu Ling's eyes widened instantly, and she said unwillingly.
She definitely wouldn't be reconciled if she didn't see it for herself.
"My dear lady, do you know the dangers of secret realms!"
"Even if you and I manage to survive, what about these teammates around us?"
"They only have Yellow-grade strength. Against stronger existences, they have no resistance at all. Can you bear to watch them die here?"
Ye Cangtian gave Dugu Ling a look and said irritably.
He was truly speechless.
Although he had some strength, in the ruins of China, it was far from enough. He knew this clearly, so how could he dare to take Dugu Ling on an adventure!
"I..."
Dugu Ling hesitated.
If Ye Cangtian had said this before, she would have definitely replied, "With me, your lady, here, I can absolutely protect my teammates' safety."
But now, she hesitated.
The bloody facts were laid before her. The mission was far more dangerous than she had imagined, and her strength was insufficient to protect everyone.
"Mr. Ye, our strength is low. Without you, we naturally wouldn't dare to proceed."
"But if Mr. Ye and Miss Dugu decide to continue, we are willing to accompany you to our deaths, with no regrets in life or death."
As Dugu Ling remained silent, a team member stepped forward.
As his words fell, everyone nodded in agreement.
Along the way, they had also seen the situation clearly. Cang Lang might be very strong, but he was unreliable.
Only Ye Cangtian and Dugu Ling cared about their lives. Therefore, if the two decided to continue, they would follow.
Speaking of which, wealth is sought in danger. Perhaps continuing on might lead to some fortuitous encounters, and they could turn their fortunes around!
Damn it!
These people had just escaped from the gates of hell, yet they had no awe of death and were so greedy!
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian's brows immediately furrowed.
These words seemed sensible, but in his opinion, they were a veiled suggestion to continue.
"Since everyone has put their lives on the line, I shall accompany you to my death!"
"Let's brave it together."
Just then, Cang Lang's voice came.
He had also just woken up. He was stunned for a moment before realizing he was not dead. He happened to catch the discussion and chimed in.
Damn! When couldn't this Cang Lang wake up, but he had to do it now!
And he's instigating everyone, how detestable!
Upon hearing Cang Lang's words, Ye Cangtian's expression turned grim.
He turned his gaze to Dugu Ling and said sternly, "Miss Dugu, this matter concerns everyone's lives. You should consider it carefully. My opinion is to withdraw from the secret realm!"
He didn't want anyone to die due to greed, but if the other teammates insisted, he couldn't do anything about it.
But Dugu Ling couldn't. He had to ensure Dugu Ling's safety.