Chapter 424 Exploring the Ruins 1

The secret realm is located in a mountain range.

This place looks ordinary, but it is strange that it is made entirely of oddly shaped stones, and there is some soil deep in the stones, but no grass or trees grow there.

The cultivators simply called this place "Strange Rock Ridge".

·

The airship landed outside the mountains.

Zhong Cai waved his hand to put away the flying boat and stood side by side with Wu Shaogan.

Gao Sheng looked up at the rocky mountain, pointed northeast, and said, "The secret realm is over there."

Zhong Cai smiled and said, "Please lead the way, Senior Gao."

Gao Sheng was indeed the first to act.

If there is any danger, he is the one who stops it first.

The Zhong and Wu couple followed behind, and three level-eight puppets appeared beside them with a "whoosh".

There was one statue on the left, right, and back, plus Gao Sheng in front, so the two of them were protected from all four sides.

Gao Sheng noticed this, glanced at it with his soul, and felt more at ease.

However, he was also somewhat taken aback—this young genius at the level of Pill King and Battle King in a ninth-level force actually had such a solid defensive mechanism.

It saved him a lot of trouble.

Gao Sheng couldn't help but recall the fifth-level Dou Wang from the Xuan Yin Sect. Indeed, he was surrounded by a large entourage, and the Xuan Yin Sect valued him highly. That Dou Wang was also extremely arrogant when dealing with outsiders.

In comparison, King Zhong Dan and King Wu Dou were much more amicable.

Gao Sheng paused.

Zhong Danwang is really very amiable.

King Wu Dou... King Wu Dou is so enigmatic that it's impossible to tell whether he's amiable or not.

·

Although some thoughts had crossed their minds, they still moved very quickly.

Because Gao Sheng deliberately didn't use his fastest speed during his Nirvana Transformation, and Wu Shaogan's own movement technique was extremely advanced among those who had reached the Spirit Transformation stage, with speed surpassing all others, it was very easy for him to keep up. Even though Zhong Cai was much slower, his waist was always supported by his Daoist partner, who was always there to lend him strength, so he was able to float forward lightly.

After a while, the group wandered around the mountains, making several turns and loops.

Zhong Cai observed for a moment, then communicated telepathically with Wu Shaogan.

[Old Wu, are these broken stones arranged in some kind of formation?]

Wu Shaogan naturally noticed it as well.

Although neither of them were skilled in array formations, they still needed a certain level of understanding to deal with various situations. Therefore, they could still see many clues. In addition, because they had used many array plates without much research, they also had a sense of familiarity with them and could occasionally match them with the array plates they had used before.

Wu Shaogan remained expressionless, but a smile played in his eyes as he looked at Zhong Cai.

[It's likely a complex formation created through a combination of natural and artificial elements.]

Zhong Cai nodded.

[Perhaps this was designed to make people lose their way and unable to find the location of the secret realm.]

This formation seems to have interconnected elements.

The smile in Wu Shaogan's eyes deepened.

We can also write down the route.

Zhong Cai nodded solemnly in agreement.

The two communicated telepathically very quickly, ending in just a moment, and both subsequently remembered the entire path they had taken.

·

After rushing for about an hour, navigating countless winding and labyrinthine routes, the group finally arrived at a special place woven from countless circular stones.

Gao Sheng stopped in his tracks.

Wu Shaogan also put his arm around Zhong Cai to steady himself.

Gao Sheng said, "This is the gate to the ruins."

Wu Shaogan calmly said, "Please, Senior Gao."

Gao Sheng nodded, sighed, and said, "When I came here last time, I forcibly grabbed a Xuan Yin Sect disciple who had led Nan'er here to guide me. After arriving here, there were no other troubles, but the moment I opened the gate, a poisonous miasma would attack. You two should be prepared."

Gao Sheng had actually said this before when explaining the ruins, but he still reminded him of it again and again.

Zhong Cai smiled and said, "We've got it."

Gao Sheng barely managed to suppress his worries, then leaped into the ring-shaped stones and began to manipulate them.

Those stone rings were very sturdy. Although Gao Sheng moved them with ease, in reality, only a cultivator who had reached the Fusion Realm would have the strength to drag those stones.

Zhong Cai watched intently, noting down the exact sequence of manipulating the stone ring.

Although there were many maze-like paths along the way, it wasn't difficult for a cultivator to remember them all, given their memory.

The same principle applies to opening the door here.

No wonder they say it's easy to enter this ruin.

·

After a dozen or so breaths, Gao Sheng had already withdrawn and returned, his speed as fast as lightning, arriving in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, the stone rings also made a "crackling" sound.

It was as if a door from ancient times was slowly being opened...

At that very moment, just as Gao Sheng had said, countless mists appeared all around!

It was unclear where it came from, but in this mist, the ground ahead was no longer a circular stone path, but a door made of thick mist, seemingly illusory.

Because Gao Sheng was already standing close to Zhong Wu and his wife, he could still see each other even as the fog continued to spread and thicken.

He then said, "That door is the real entrance."

Zhong Cai said, "Then let's go in."

Gao Sheng nodded and continued to walk at the front.

Wu Shaogan and Zhong Cai followed closely behind.

The three of them instantly entered the misty doorway.

·

After the group entered the door, Zhong Cai's legs suddenly went weak, as if a terrifying force was pulling him down.

He was startled and immediately tried to use his movement technique.

But before Zhong Cai could do anything, another force pulled him over, and he was slightly lifted into the air, lying on a familiar, firm back.

Zhong Cai unconsciously revealed a bright smile.

It's Old Wu!

--indeed.

Upon entering the secret realm, Wu Shaogan also sensed the trap beneath his feet. Without a second thought, his instincts propelled him into the air, and he quickly hoisted Zhong Cai onto his back.

When pulling Zhong Cai, Wu Shaogan clearly felt a strong pulling force, but this force was still no match for Wu Shaogan's own strength, and it was impossible for him to take Zhong Cai away from him.

At the same time, Gao Sheng exclaimed in a low voice, "King Wu Dou, King Zhong Dan?"

Wu Shaogan agreed and, in a flash, appeared beside Gao Sheng with Zhong Cai.

Gao Sheng stood on a solid rock.

Only then did the group have time to observe their surroundings.

The surrounding area was filled with various colored air currents, like mist, swirling around in wisps.

These are different kinds of miasma.

Upon entering, the group immediately held their breath, but even so, the miasma stubbornly clung to them, seemingly trying to corrode their skin and seep into their flesh.

Zhong Cai looked around and gently rubbed her fingers together.

Different miasmas flowed between his fingers, bringing different tactile sensations.

Zhong Cai could also feel the miasma with his keen senses, and he could distinguish it.

Wu Shaogan, who had always known Zhong Cai well, smiled slightly and asked, "Ah Cai, how is it?"

Zhong Cai said, "Most of the miasma's toxicity can be dealt with, but there are a few stubborn ones... about three types. Once you're afflicted by them, it's like a bone-deep infection. But many rare flowers and herbs grow around here, so there should be something to counteract it. Once you find it, you can refine it."

Wu Shao chuckled dryly, "Ah Cai, you're quite capable."

Zhong Cai didn't stand on ceremony and said with a beaming smile, "Of course!"

Then, Zhong took out several pills.

It's quite interesting, there's one for each level from level six to level eight.

That was the original level of the three of them.

Zhong Cai handed the level-eight pill to Gao Sheng and said, "Senior Gao, please take this pill first. It can counteract most poisons. Although with your strength, you were not affected last time, you were only rescuing people and returned quickly without much delay. This time we need to explore various places and stay for a long time, so it's safer to take a pill."

Gao Sheng was naturally more than happy to accept it and quickly gave him the Xuan Stones for the transaction.

After glancing at it, Zhong Cai returned some of the money and only accepted the market price.

Gao Sheng did not refuse, but decided that if he came across any high-grade medicinal herbs in the future, he would take the initiative to pick them and give them to him.

Zhong Cai then fed Wu Shaogan a level-seven antidote pill and took a level-six one herself.

The medicine flowed down his throat and spread throughout his body in the blink of an eye.

They all immediately felt a sense of clarity and understanding, as if everything around them had become clearer.

They all understood that this was because they had been affected by the miasma since entering this place. Although the effect was very small, it accumulated over time and the outcome was difficult to predict.

Now, since it can hinder most of the obstacles, things are much smoother.

·

The group is currently in a swamp.

The rock on which Gao Sheng was standing was somehow firmly embedded in the swamp, and it was incredibly sturdy.

When Zhong Cai came down, she stepped right into the swamp mud, and so did Wu Shaogan.

The two seem to be having bad luck.

However, Wu Shaogan reacted very quickly, and now all three of them are on the rocks, which is naturally safer than before.

However, this ruin is not entirely devoid of life. Deep within the swamp, there are also savage beasts—and if they react and leap into action, it will cause more trouble.

Zhong Cai's soul sense reached out, and the area it could cover was much smaller due to the influence of the miasma, but the general situation near the swamp could still be clearly "seen".

As she looked at him, Zhong Cai's face lit up with joy.

Wu Shaogan then asked, "A-Cai, what treasure have you found?"

Zhong Cai said with a smile, "Although it's a bit dangerous here, the stuff is really good. I saw an eighth-level Swamp Serpent Grass and two seventh-level Blazing Sun Cloud Grasses."

Wu Shaogan glanced at Zhong Cai, raised an eyebrow, and said, "But these three rare herbs must be protected by wild beasts, right?"

Zhong Cai grinned, indicating that was indeed the case.

Gao Sheng, who was standing nearby, also heard it.

Zhong Cai also explained to Gao Sheng, "We don't know yet what exactly is going on with the two abnormal energies in Brother Gao Nan's body, but since we are both in the ruins, many anomalies can give rise to things that counteract them. So on the way to where Brother Gao was injured, we should try to collect any valuable resources we encounter, in case we really need them for treatment."

Gao Sheng understood this principle and solemnly said, "If King Zhong Dan needs my help, please just give the order."

Zhong Cai smiled and said, "Then thank you very much, Senior Gao."

·

Following the direction guided by the soul's thoughts, the group first arrived at the location of the level seven Blazing Sun Cloud Grass.

This is the time for Wu Shaogan to make his move.

The three puppets that had followed him now stood in unison around Zhong Cai, protecting him.

Wu Shaogan then slipped away, wanting to personally gather herbs for Zhong.

In that instant, two strange and extremely fast figures pounced out!

Each figure was as thin as a hair, and when it pounced out, the angle was unpredictable. Because of its small size, it was extremely difficult to detect.

However, Wu Shaogan kept releasing his spiritual senses, and "saw" his movements clearly.

So Wu Shaogan only swayed twice, and he dodged both attacks.

At the same moment, a hazy gray light spread around Wu Shaogan, sometimes bright and sometimes dim, like a mist, enveloping the two "hair strands".

Wu Shaogan acted with lightning speed!

Those two little gadgets were instantly sliced ​​into pieces by his sharp finger strikes!

The precision of the operation was astonishing.

Zhong Cai, the Daoist partner who was absolutely supportive, was amazed, and Gao Sheng, who had already undergone Nirvana, was also astonished—this was Wu Douwang, who had won the top spot on two consecutive levels of the Sky Ranking! Truly extraordinary!

Next, the group arrived near the two Blazing Sun Grasses.

Three puppets were in charge of keeping watch.

Gao Sheng was also protecting him at close range.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan squatted down to pick the fruit.

Soon, Zhong Cai obtained the Blazing Sun Grass and brought it into the ancient city.

·

The two shadowy figures that just launched the sneak attack were two silk snakes, naturally small in size but highly venomous.

Its speed is also terrifying; if you are not careful, you may be hit by it and then bitten.

Even more terrifying is that, because it is only as thin as a thread, if a creature's defenses are not strong enough, it may directly burrow into the creature's body and become its host.

The Silk Serpent would be kept inside that creature's body, constantly devouring its essence, including... the vast majority of the essence from any rare and precious herbs the host later consumed.

Once the Silk Serpent reaches a certain level of strength, it will break free from its host.

Then the host will die.

However, this silk snake is also a medicinal material and a valuable research resource.

Zhong Cai became even more interested after discovering that the two silk snakes had lifespans of over ten thousand years.

Once I get back, I must start researching this immediately! Let's see if we can make something good out of it!

Therefore, Zhong Cai carefully picked up the snake carcass covered in venom from a distance and put it into the ancient city as well.

·

The group quickly arrived at the location of the level 8 swamp snake vine.

This time, the creature was guarded by a giant python.

...That's not surprising.

There are many reptiles near swamps.

Pythons and snakes are very common.

So Gao Sheng took charge of protecting Zhong Wu and his wife, and pulled out two puppets to fight the giant python.

The python's constricting power was terrifying, but the puppets it faced were made of hard material and could not be strangled. The puppets themselves were also very good at seizing opportunities and seemed tireless... So, even though the python was actually very fierce, it was worn down as quickly as possible by the combined attack of the two puppets.

Naturally, this giant python was also a good material, and it belonged to Zhong Cai.

The precious medicine was also obtained.

Zhong Cai was in a good mood.

If the seeds on these swamp snake vines survive, you can plant some yourself.

However, if you want to plant it, the environmental requirements are relatively high.

Zhong Cai didn't hesitate and directly took a large amount of soil from near the roots of the swamp snake grass, preparing to place the swamp snake grass near the swamp in the mountains inside his ancient city.

In addition, these roots and soil can alleviate homesickness, so I believe that a large area of ​​swamp snake grass can definitely be planted.

·

After picking the medicinal herbs, Zhong also collected a lot of soil, rocks, tree bark, and tree roots from the vicinity of the swamp.

It looks messy, but it actually has research value for Zhong Cai.

In addition, Zhong Cai also took out a multi-treasure bottle.

However, this bottle doesn't contain any treasure; rather, it's a treasure specifically designed for collecting gaseous resources.

It has a strong separation capability.

Therefore, Zhong Cai pointed the bottle's nozzle at the surrounding airflow—enveloping miasma, poisonous gas, and fog.

The miasma was the most concentrated, but the other air currents were also very complex.

When Zhong Cai infused the bottle with his profound energy and activated it, the bottle quickly released an extremely strong attraction, rapidly absorbing most of the surrounding air currents!

Although the surrounding environment seemed fresher as a large amount of air was absorbed, the ruins were actually very large, and the air from other places filled the empty spaces.

The bottle is transparent.

Gao Sheng clearly saw that when a large amount of airflow entered, it was not mixed together, but was separated the moment it entered the bottle, with each type occupying a small space that could not be contaminated by the others.

He subconsciously counted, and couldn't help but gasp.

There are thirteen kinds of miasma inside! Six kinds of poisonous gas and two kinds of fog.

This was only after they had just entered, and their search area was limited to a small area around the swamp...

So, is the airflow here really that complex?

It's absolutely jaw-dropping.

Gao Sheng exhaled slowly, calming his heartbeat.

Next, Zhong Cai continued to collect airflow data.

Inside the bottle, the colors of the color blocks representing different air currents were constantly deepening, as if they were being continuously compressed after being put into the bottle, making them increasingly concentrated.

Zhong Cai continued working until each color of the airflow had formed a clear, almost solid patch before stopping.

Zhong Cai carefully put the bottle away.

Then, Zhong Cai asked, "Senior Gao, do you have any plans for what direction to take next?"

Gao Sheng had already released his spiritual sense to explore the surrounding area, and was still pointing in the northeast direction. He said, "After I came here last time, I should have found Nan'er somewhere over there."

Therefore, the abnormal energy within Gao Nan's body should also be sought there.

The group quickly set off.

Wu Shaogan picked Zhong Cai up again and followed behind Gao Sheng, heading straight in that direction.

Along the way, Zhong Cai kept his eyes and ears open and listened carefully. Whenever he encountered a rare medicinal herb that he thought was good, he would try his best to pick it. As for the rare beasts he encountered, Wu Shaogan or the puppet would pick them for him.

Of course, although Gao Sheng's main purpose in coming here was to accompany the Zhong couple, he was also short of money. He would also collect resources he recognized.

In addition, Zhong Cai also collected all sorts of research materials along the way.

In this way, all of them reaped a great harvest.

After about half a day, Gao Sheng arrived at a mountain hollow.

The area is surrounded by mountains, and the mountains are covered in strange, mottled colors, which is very eerie.

Various air currents collide nearby, and each collision produces a cracking sound.

Below the mountain, there is a cave.

·

When Gao Sheng saw the hole, a look of anger appeared in his eyes.

He pointed to that spot and said, "Nan'er came here with several Xuan Yin Sect disciples because she heard that there were ancient relics and inheritances inside the cave. I don't know what those disciples did in advance, but they arranged the entrance to the cave in a very peculiar way, as if there were many ancient array patterns flowing around it. That's how Nan'er was fooled into thinking it was a real fortuitous encounter."

"However, when Nan'er went over there, the array patterns on the surface of the cave entrance disappeared instantly as soon as they were touched. At the same time, a large amount of air surged out of the cave, so strong that Nan'er couldn't react at all and collapsed to the ground."

"Several Xuan Yin Sect disciples originally intended for Nan'er to be devoured by the savage beasts there, but they did not know that Nan'er had obtained a pill by chance that could conceal her aura and hide her form, and swallowed it with her last bit of strength. So, although there were many savage beasts, they did not find any trace of Nan'er, and that's why she only fainted there."

"During the fainting spell, Nan'er was also subjected to more abnormal energy, and the poison he unconsciously inhaled further weakened his life force..."

"I sensed something was wrong later and came here, just in time to find that the pill Nan'er had taken had failed. At that time, several savage beasts had been attracted and were surrounding Nan'er, seemingly about to bite her."

"It was because Nan'er's flesh and blood were poisoned at the time that the beasts seemed to have sensed it and could not bring themselves to eat him. That's how Nan'er was able to barely save his life and allow me to save him in time."

Zhong Cai observed the situation near the cave, nodded, and said, "The energy here is indeed chaotic, more complicated than the situations we've encountered before. I'll collect the airflow here first and take a look."

Gao Sheng naturally had no objections. He suppressed his emotions, which were rising again, and went to stand guard to the side.

Zhong took out another empty bottle that could collect airflow and used his Xuan power to activate it within the mountain valley.

After only a few breaths, a continuous stream of air rushed into the bottle, visibly transforming into small patches of color that spread throughout the bottle.

Densely packed.

It's absolutely terrifying...

Zhong Cai's lips twitched.

Just by glancing at it, you can see hundreds of different color blocks.

Gao Nan doesn't have that many kinds of things in his body yet... So, it seems he's quite lucky?