Chapter Seventeen: Gaining the Treasure

“Junior Brother Yang, we meet again. What’s this? Did Junior Brother Wuli fall victim to the restrictions in this cave residence? What a pity! To die so young—Master will surely grieve. But there’s nothing to be done. I nearly lost my life to a trap myself when I came in just now.” Yao Yuan was shrewd indeed; though he knew perfectly well that Wuli had been killed by Yang Xiao, he made no move to expose him. It was clear that to do so would mean a direct confrontation, which he evidently wished to avoid. It seemed he truly intended to befriend Yang Xiao.

Hearing Yao Yuan’s words, Yang Xiao’s expression softened a little. He had been considering how to deal with Yao Yuan, but now that Yao Yuan had shown his stance, Yang Xiao abandoned his plan to act. After all, he wasn’t completely confident he could defeat Yao Yuan.

“Senior Brother Yao speaks truly. When Senior Brother He Ming and I arrived, we found Senior Brother Wuli’s corpse. He must have been slain by the cave’s restrictions.” Yang Xiao now wove a lie of his own. Whether or not Yao Yuan believed him did not matter—Yao Yuan hadn’t seen him kill anyone. As for whether Yao Yuan might betray him after they left the cave, it was of little consequence for now. Judging from the current situation, Yao Yuan likely would not betray him, and when Yang Xiao’s strength advanced further, even if Yao Yuan tried to sell him out, Elder Lingfeng would not dare lay a hand on him. By then, he would be strong enough not to be so easily manipulated.

“Life and death are in the hands of fate. Since Junior Brother Wuli is gone, let’s not concern ourselves with him. We’d best press on and explore the depths of this cave residence. It was once the abode of an ancient cultivator; who knows what treasures might still lie within.” Yao Yuan gazed greedily toward the depths of the cave.

“Very well, let’s do as Senior Brother Yao suggests. Let’s go,” Yang Xiao readily agreed.

The three of them formed a group and prepared to venture deeper.

But they had scarcely gone far when several people burst in from the entrance and blocked their way. These newcomers were disciples of the Hundred Scroll Sect, though they looked rather battered themselves—it was clear they had suffered at the hands of the cave’s restrictions as well.

“You three move quickly, I see. Most of the best spiritual herbs have already been picked by you. Well, that saves us the trouble. If we kill you now, not only will we get the herbs, but every treasure in this cave will belong to the Hundred Scroll Sect!” The young sect master of the Hundred Scroll Sect glared murderously at the three.

“Huang Li, don’t talk so big. This is not your sect’s territory. Throwing your weight around here will cost you dearly,” Yao Yuan retorted coolly, showing not the slightest sign of fear. He recalled how the Hundred Scroll Sect’s disciples had been trapped by the restrictions when he entered, but now they had freed themselves. Clearly, this young sect master was no ordinary opponent.

“So you’re Yao Yuan. Quite a figure among the Giant Spirit Sect, but today is the day you die. Let me tell you—the loose cultivators outside are already dead by my hand. Once I kill the three of you, who else will be left to contest the treasures here with me?”

“What? You’ve killed them all? The Hundred Scroll Sect certainly acts with ruthless efficiency,” Yao Yuan replied with some surprise. “But those loose cultivators were worthless—no great loss. Though you have strength in numbers, I doubt you have what it takes to kill disciples of the Giant Spirit Sect.” He shifted into a battle-ready stance, prepared to fight at a moment’s notice.

“Nothing more than a sixth-level spiritual perception cultivator. Let me show you what I can do.” Huang Li, upon sensing Yao Yuan’s cultivation, sneered contemptuously. He released his own cultivation pressure in a surging wave; spiritual energy gathered around him in thick, pulsing clouds, and his aura was truly intimidating.

“He’s reached the seventh level of spiritual perception?” Yao Yuan was startled by Huang Li’s strength, recognizing that his opponent was far stronger. He immediately abandoned thoughts of engaging in combat.

“We don’t have time to play with you today. Perhaps another time,” Yao Yuan said lightly. With a flick of his wrist, he released a cloud of smoke that enveloped Huang Li and his men. “Let’s go,” he called to Yang Xiao and He Ming.

The smoke Yao Yuan unleashed was his specially concocted Sevenfold Venom Mist, a deadly blend that not only obscured vision but was highly toxic. Once inhaled, even rare medicinal herbs would struggle to cure its effects. It was one of Yao Yuan’s secret weapons.

Huang Li and his followers knew well the danger of this mist. Chaos erupted as they scrambled to dispel it, giving Yao Yuan and his two companions ample opportunity to slip deeper into the cave.

Before long, the three reached the end of the tunnel—or more accurately, what seemed to be the end, for before them several branching passageways opened up.

Which path was the true one? They paused to observe.

“Follow me,” Yang Xiao said, knowing exactly which tunnel was genuine. In a flash, he entered one of the passageways.

Seeing Yang Xiao take the lead, Yao Yuan and He Ming followed close behind.

When Huang Li and his men arrived, they hesitated, uncertain which of the tunnels was correct. Apart from the true path, the others were surely rigged with deadly traps. After some discussion, they decided to split up and enter different tunnels—a tactic that meant one of them might guess right, but most would almost certainly meet their end in the cave.

Yang Xiao and his two companions, meanwhile, proceeded smoothly into a hidden chamber. On the wall, in a prominent position, hung three gleaming swords. Each sword shone with spiritual light—they were clearly fine magical weapons.

“Three spiritual swords! And from the look of them, all of intermediate grade. This trip has not been in vain!” Yao Yuan exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement at the sight of the radiant blades.

“They are indeed excellent swords. Senior Brother Yao, there happen to be three here—why don’t we each take one?” Yang Xiao proposed gleefully.

“Agreed. One for each of us. But since you led us here, Junior Brother Yang, you should have the first pick,” Yao Yuan said generously.

“Then I’ll choose the Dragon-Serpent Sword,” Yang Xiao replied. He examined the three swords, selecting the one in the center. Its hilt was carved with a soaring dragon, and the blade itself twisted sinuously like a snake. The name ‘Dragon-Serpent Sword’ was inscribed on the hilt.

Yang Xiao took up the sword and examined it closely. It was indeed a masterpiece. Though only an intermediate-grade artifact, it was exquisitely crafted, and the sword’s body thrummed with abundant spiritual energy.