“Loosening? Why would it loosen?” Chu Feng asked curiously.
“Some say the protective formation of the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb has weakened over time.”
“Others say the Demon-Slaying Emperor set a timer, and when the time comes, the formation will gradually dissipate.”
“After all, his tomb is openly placed there, likely to leave his treasures for future generations, just waiting for the right moment.”
“And now, that moment seems to have arrived.”
“So, now is the best time to open the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb,” the leader of the Secret Cave Saints said.
“So, you plan to snatch it from the tiger’s jaws?” Chu Feng asked.
“Heh, you got it, kid. We’re planning to snatch it from the tiger’s jaws,” the leader replied.
“You’ve got some guts, daring to touch the Zhutian Sect’s stuff. Don’t you want to survive in the Zhutian Starfield?” Chu Feng asked.
“Brother Shura, are you underestimating us? Do we look like cowards?”
“The Zhutian Sect is nothing to us.”
“But I wonder, Brother Shura, do you have the guts to join us in this heist?” the leader asked.
“It’s not about guts. Why should I work with you?”
“Do you think you’re trustworthy?” Chu Feng countered.
“Of course we’re trustworthy.”
“Brother Shura, I call you brother because I truly see you as one.”
“No matter how despicable we Secret Cave Saints are, we’d never betray a brother,” the leader said.
“Unfortunately, your actions make it hard for me to trust you.”
“Besides, I’m not interested in the treasures in the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb,” Chu Feng said.
“Brother Shura, you may not care about treasures, but are you also uninterested in becoming a Dragon-Mark Saint-Cloak Spiritist?”
“As a Saint-Cloak Spiritist, you should know that after reaching this level, the power of your barrier techniques becomes formidable.”
“Insect-Mark Saint-Cloak strength is comparable to a rank-one Venerable.”
“Snake-Mark Saint-Cloak strength is comparable to a rank-five Venerable.”
“If you can reach Dragon-Mark Saint-Cloak, your strength would rival a rank-one Supreme.”
“I know your martial cultivation talent is exceptional, but I guess your current cultivation is still in the Venerable realm, likely far from its peak.”
“As for the Supreme realm, it’s even further off, perhaps unreachable within your junior years.”
“But you’re only one step away from Dragon-Mark Saint-Cloak Spiritist.”
“If you become a Dragon-Mark Saint-Cloak Spiritist, you’d have strength comparable to a rank-one Supreme.”
“And back then, the Demon-Slaying Emperor obtained a supreme treasure said to contain immense barrier power, incredibly tempting for Snake-Mark Saint-Cloak Spiritists, as it can, in a short time, help them break through to Dragon-Mark level,” the leader said, visibly excited.
Whether it was the treasure’s allure or his genuine hope for Chu Feng to join them was unclear.
“So, your real goal in this heist is that treasure?” Chu Feng asked.
“Exactly. Our main target is that treasure, though if there are other goodies, we won’t pass them up,” the leader said with a sleazy laugh.
“What’s this treasure called, and what does it look like?” Chu Feng asked.
“Brother Shura, that’s not fair. Are you trying to fish for details to go after the treasure yourself?” the leader asked.
“Of course not. Do I seem like that kind of person?” Chu Feng said, though in truth, that was exactly his plan.
He hadn’t expected the Secret Cave Saints to be so shrewd; this old fox was quite cunning.
“Brother Shura, I’ll let you in on a secret: we have an internal map of the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb.”
“If you join us, we guarantee to split the treasures equally, including that supreme barrier treasure, which we’ll share with you,” the leader said.
“The Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb has never been opened, yet you claim to have an internal map. Do you think I’m stupid?” Chu Feng asked.
“Brother Shura, don’t be so rigid.”
“This map dates back ages, not drawn by later generations but created when the tomb was built.”
“I’m not lying. We’re sincerely inviting you.”
“We value your character and admire your ways, but we also need your spirit techniques to help us.”
“Of course, we’re not rushing you for an answer. Take your time to think.”
“But even if you refuse, I won’t blame you. It’s your choice.”
“However, if you snitch to the Zhutian Sect about our plan to rob the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb, I’d truly look down on you,” the leader said.
“Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of person,” Chu Feng replied.
“I trust your character, Brother Shura. I’ll take my leave now. Think it over and give me an answer tomorrow, as we’re leaving then,” the leader said.
“Leaving so soon?”
“Why not stay a few more days? Have you cracked all the Red Robe Holy Land’s treasures?” Chu Feng asked.
“Cracked, my foot. Those weren’t valuable treasures. That old hag Hanxiu didn’t trust us, suspecting the Yin-Yang Soul-Locking Rope we gave her was fake.”
“So she kept us here to verify its authenticity.”
“Now that she’s confirmed it’s real, we’re of no use.”
“In fact, she’s the one kicking us out.”
“Damn that shameless old hag,” the leader fumed.
Now Chu Feng understood why the head of the Red Robe Holy Land kept these tigers around: she didn’t trust them.
“By the way, what’s the Yin-Yang Soul-Locking Rope for?” Chu Feng asked.
“That rope’s no simple thing, but honestly, few know its purpose.”
“Brother Shura, do you really want to know?” the leader asked mysteriously.
“Tell me,” Chu Feng said.
“Heh, if you agree to join us in robbing the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb and stealing from the Zhutian Sect, I’ll tell you what the Yin-Yang Soul-Locking Rope does.”
“See you, Brother Shura. I await your answer.”
With that, the leader waved and left.
“Stingy old fox, even this he makes conditional,” Chu Feng muttered, cursing as he watched him go.
But soon, Chu Feng fell into deep thought.
From the start, he’d planned to stir trouble at the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s Tomb.
Even if not for treasures, he’d mess with the Zhutian Sect.
So, that decision was set; he was definitely going to the tomb.
What he was pondering now was whether to team up with the Secret Cave Saints.
