chsdbacks Chapter 28 The Stone Gate Opens, Each with Their Own Hidden agendas as they discuss their destiny.
Chapter 28 The Stone Gate Opens, Each with Their Own Hidden agendas as they discuss their destiny.
The colossal stone gate, sealed for millennia, trembled slowly, and the dull sound of millstones echoed through the mist, making one's heart tighten.
The ancient runes on the stone pillar shimmered with golden light, and circles of mysterious halos slowly spread out from the ruins. The extremely dense spiritual energy surged out through the cracks in the stone door and was inhaled into the body, making even the meridians feel slightly swollen and warm.
The black-robed cultivator and the burly man in animal skin instantly stopped fighting, their eyes fixed on the slowly opening stone door, filled with greed and fanaticism.
Compared to killing Qin Zhan on the spot, the ancient ruins they are currently exploring are the greatest opportunity they have ever dreamed of.
The burly man in animal hide suppressed his murderous intent, turned to look at the black-robed Yin cultivator, and said in a rough voice, "Old Monster Xuan Yin, the stone gate has opened, and the opportunity is right in front of us. There's no need to fight this boy to the death. Why don't we join forces for now and go into the ruins to search for treasure? As for this kid, let him fend for himself."
The black-robed cultivator known as the Mysterious Yin Old Monster narrowed his long, narrow eyes, gave a sinister smile, and glanced at Qin Zhan sideways: "Wang Meng, you've got a good plan. This young man was able to crush the Black Mist Demon Ape head-on, so he's not weak. If we let him go in, with his skills, he might even try to compete with us for the treasure."
The burly man in animal skin named Wang Meng snorted coldly and stood with his arms crossed: "So what if he has some skill? You and I are both veteran cultivators who have been at the King Realm for many years. It's a piece of cake for us to suppress a junior. If things really turn sour, we can control him at any time. Right now, the ruins are full of unknown dangers. The more people we send in, the more we can scout ahead and protect ourselves from disaster."
Upon hearing this, a calculating glint flashed in the eyes of the Xuan Yin Old Monster, clearly indicating that he had something in mind.
No one has ever entered the ancient ruins of the Misty Domain. Whether there are ancient restrictions, slumbering ferocious beasts, or deadly traps inside, no one knows.
Bringing Qin Zhan along would be a good idea. If they encountered danger, Qin Zhan could lead the way to explore. If they found treasures, the two of them could easily suppress their opponents. Why not?
The Old Monster Xuan Yin nodded slowly, his tone carrying a hint of yin: "Wang Meng's words make sense. Very well, let's put aside our personal grudges for now and enter the ruins together. But let me make this clear beforehand: once inside, we'll each rely on our own fate. If anyone dares to hoard the treasures for themselves, don't blame us for being impolite."
After speaking, the two turned their heads at the same time, their gazes falling on Qin Zhan with a condescending and coercive tone.
Wang Meng said in a deep voice, "Boy, did you hear that? We won't make things difficult for you and will allow you to enter the ruins together. But you must know your place, behave yourself along the way, and charge forward when trouble arises. The treasures will be shared by everyone who finds them, so don't be delusional and try to monopolize the good fortune."
In their eyes, it was already assumed that Qin Zhan could only rely on the two of them and had no right to refuse.
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhan's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. His gaze swept calmly over the two of them as he spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly: "The ruins have never had an owner, and I do not need your permission. I will walk my own path, and you can form your own groups. We can simply leave each other alone. As for opportunities, they have always belonged to the capable. Whoever has the ability can take them. There is no need for others to set the rules."
These words, neither too soft nor too hard, directly exposed the two's scheme.
He was neither willing to submit to or compromise with them, nor to feign compliance with them; he made it clear that he wanted to leave his legacy alone and not be controlled by the two of them.
Wang Meng's face immediately darkened, and anger flashed in his eyes: "Young man, don't push your luck! We kindly allowed you to accompany us, and you act so arrogantly? If we really provoke you into joining forces, even if you are strong, you won't be able to withstand it!"
The Old Monster Xuan Yin chimed in, "Young man, don't be too arrogant. The depths of the Misty Domain are fraught with danger, and the ruins are even more perilous. Traveling alone, one wrong step and you'll be dead. If you come with us, at least you'll have someone to look after you. Don't ruin your future."
The two worked in tandem, one pressuring and the other feigning persuasion, both actually trying to control Qin Zhan and use him as a pawn.
Qin Zhan remained calm, his tone steady: "Thank you for your kindness, but there's no need to trouble yourself. I'm used to being alone; I bear my own life, death, fortune, and misfortune, and I don't need others to worry about me."
He saw things clearly.
These two are up to no good. Their so-called mutual support is a lie. They just want to use me to shield them from danger and set traps.
Once they encounter a truly precious treasure, they will turn around and attack.
Rather than feigning compliance and falling into a trap, it's better to draw clear lines from the start and go your separate ways.
The old monster Xuan Yin's eyes instantly turned cold, and a chilling aura surged around him: "So you're determined to refuse a polite offer and suffer the consequences?"
Wang Meng clenched his fists so tightly they cracked, his physical energy poised to erupt: "Since you don't know what's good for you, don't blame us for crippling you first before you enter the ruins in peace!"
The atmosphere became tense again, and it seemed that the two were about to disregard the opening of the stone gate and attack Qin Zhan on the spot.
Just as tensions were about to rise, the mysterious figure, who had remained hidden deep within the mist and refused to reveal itself, finally spoke a clear, low female voice. The voice drifted through the layers of fog, devoid of any emotion, yet exuding an inexplicable pressure:
"Now that the stone gate to the ruins has just opened and the restrictions are loosening, it is the best time to enter. Why waste this opportunity by fighting amongst ourselves on the outside? If we really want to fight, there will be plenty of time to settle things once we are inside the ruins."
His voice was clear and ethereal; though he sounded young, every word he uttered carried a calm and insightful understanding of the situation.
Both Xuan Yin Old Monster and Wang Meng were startled and subconsciously turned their heads to look into the depths of the mist.
They had always known that a third person was lurking, but they could never figure out where the person came from or how powerful they were. Now, hearing the female voice, they were filled with even more doubt and uncertainty.
So it was a woman? And judging from her tone, she had a very strong presence, definitely not an ordinary rogue cultivator.
Wang Meng frowned and said in a deep voice, "Now that you have shown yourself, why hide in the fog? Why not come out and meet me so we can discuss the matter of entering the ruins?"
From within the mist, the woman calmly replied, "There's no need to show yourself. I only seek opportunities, with no intention of forming factions or fighting with anyone. You can fight if you want, or leave if you want; it's none of my business. I'll just offer a word of caution—the strange activity beneath this ruin is far from ordinary ancient remains. Rushing into internal strife will only benefit the dangers lurking in the shadows."
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhan's heart stirred slightly.
He had just sensed the terrifying aura awakening beneath the ruins, but he didn't have time to investigate further.
Unexpectedly, this mysterious woman also noticed something amiss and even pointed it out, clearly demonstrating that her knowledge and perception far surpassed those of Xuan Yin Old Monster and Wang Meng.
The old monster Xuan Yin's expression was uncertain. After weighing his options for a moment, he finally suppressed the urge to attack.
The stone gate is now wide open, and the opportunity is right in front of us. There's no need to waste this chance for a mere boy.
Moreover, there is a mysterious woman of unknown origin lurking in the shadows. If a fight breaks out, no one knows whether they will be attacked from both sides.
"Hmph, I'll spare you this time." The Xuan Yin Old Monster gave Qin Zhan a cold glance. "I hope you won't recklessly compete with us for treasures after you enter the ruins, otherwise no one will show you any mercy then."
Wang Meng also suppressed his hostility and said coldly, "Consider yourself lucky. We'll go into the ruins first. You'd better watch yourself."
After saying that, the two ignored Qin Zhan and turned to walk towards the slowly opening giant stone gate.
Their steps were hurried, their eyes filled with impatience, eager to be the first to enter the ruins and seize the opportunity.
In the blink of an eye, the two stepped into the dark stone doorway, their figures swallowed up by the pitch-black opening.
Only Qin Zhan remained, standing alone in the mist.
He looked up at the dark, deep entrance to the ruins. A cold wind blew in, and an ancient, desolate atmosphere wafted over him. Faint, eerie whispers drifted out, disturbing his mind.
Looking back at the still hazy mist behind them, the mysterious woman remained hidden, her aura ethereal, whether she was observing the situation or waiting for an opportunity.
Qin Zhan took a deep breath and suppressed the distracting thoughts in his mind.
Whether it's the scheming Xuan Yin Old Monster and Wang Meng, the mysterious woman of unknown origin, or the terrifying being awakening beneath the ruins, all of them are destined to make this journey to the ancient ruins anything but peaceful.
Without further hesitation, he lifted his foot lightly and walked slowly toward the stone gate.
Just as he was about to step into the entrance, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a mottled ancient stone carving in the corner of the ruins wall. The carving depicted a young man whose features, figure, and demeanor were exactly the same as his own!
Even more terrifying was the line of fragmented ancient characters below the mural, from which a few words of prophecy about destiny could be faintly discerned. At this moment, the terrifying aura that had been dormant underground suddenly surged, as if it had sensed his arrival and was locking onto his presence!
A mysteries surround the entrance to the ruins; one step inside could mean the difference between life and death!
What destiny is hidden in the identical stone carvings?
Why does the mysterious woman know so much about the secrets of the ruins?