The Secret Cave Saints were obsessed with wealth, especially treasures, which held immense allure for them.
Their vast collection of peculiar treasures spoke to the countless ruins they’d explored, secret realms they’d ventured into, and treasures they’d seized.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they roamed freely through various ruins and secret realms.
In their travels, they inevitably faced many opponents, but few could make them falter.
Yet, they once encountered a formidable adversary: Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign.
This Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign was a true master.
His prowess wasn’t limited to cultivation or barrier techniques.
He was also highly experienced in exploring ruins and wielding treasures.
In short, Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign was a master tomb raider.
A tomb raider surpassing even the Secret Cave Saints.
He could swiftly locate the core of a ruin’s formation, seizing control of its power.
Whenever Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign appeared in a ruin, others stood little chance.
Even the Secret Cave Saints were no match for him.
Years ago, they suffered a crushing defeat at his hands, a loss so severe it was utterly humiliating.
Thus, seeing him again filled them with fear.
That past defeat remained vivid, casting a deep shadow over them.
“Big Brother, I never expected the Zhutian Sect to bring Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign here.”
“What do we do?”
Little Eleven of the Secret Cave Saints asked.
“No need to panic. Last time we lost to him, even I was only at the Insect Pattern Saint Robe level.”
“Things are different now. Our spirit techniques have improved, and we’ve gained the upper hand, earning the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s approval and control over this place’s formation.”
“His arrival today is our chance for revenge,” the leader of the Secret Cave Saints declared.
“Right, we’ve been recognized by the Demon-Slaying Emperor. We control this formation’s power.”
“Haha, heaven’s on our side. Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign coming now is the perfect opportunity for our revenge.”
Hearing their leader, the others snapped out of their fear, growing excited instead.
“Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign is visiting our Zhutian Sect as a guest. He’s only here in passing and won’t interfere,” Tuoba Ch’eng’an said.
“Cracking the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s tomb will still rely on the two masters.”
“I’ve long heard of Blood Mist Heavenly Sovereign’s fame. It’s a pity to meet him today but not see his true face,” Master Ouyang said with a hint of regret.
“Hmph.”
Master Huang gave a light snort, laced with some other meaning.
He seemed about to say more but held back.
“Fine, we’re paid to solve problems.”
“I won’t fuss over the rest.”
“Brother Ouyang, let’s begin.” Master Huang gripped his compass, looking at Master Ouyang.
Master Ouyang nodded.
The two began using their compasses to find the barrier’s weakness.
Soon, they located it and used a formation to break it.
A barrier entrance appeared before everyone.
“It’s done, Supreme Elder! We’ve finally succeeded,” the Zhutian Sect elders exclaimed in excitement.
Over the years, they’d tried countless times to breach the Demon-Slaying Emperor’s tomb, always failing.
Now that it was finally open, their excitement was uncontainable.
The Zhutian Sect members were eager, ready to rush in at Tuoba Ch’eng’an’s command.
They couldn’t wait to see what treasures lay within the mysterious tomb.
“The compass needle’s unstable, unable to confirm safety.”
“I suggest probing it first.”
Master Huang opened his hand, revealing a hundred talisman papers.
“Place these talismans on your dantian. Whether you live or die, I’ll sense it.”
He handed the talismans to Tuoba Ch’eng’an.
The previously eager Zhutian Sect members froze.
Even a fool could see what Master Huang meant: he was asking Tuoba Ch’eng’an to send people inside.
Why?
To test the waters.
If it was safe, they’d return unharmed; if not, they’d die.
“Master Huang, we hired you to break the formation and assess risks.”
“How can you ask our people to scout?” a Zhutian Sect elder protested.
“The compass is unstable, risks unclear. Want us to go in?”
“More payment is secondary. If something happens to us, who’ll dare help you open this tomb?” Master Huang retorted.
“This…”
The elder didn’t know how to respond.
“Brother Ling.”
Tuoba Ch’eng’an turned to the group of black-robed, masked figures behind him.
At his call, one figure stepped through the crowd to his side.
“Lord.”
The figure clasped his fists in salute but didn’t bow or kneel.
“Brother Ling, you heard Master Huang, right?” Tuoba Ch’eng’an asked.
“I did, but…”
The figure hesitated.
This was a death mission, and no one wanted it.
Understanding Tuoba Ch’eng’an’s intent, he was reluctant.
“The help you need from us comes at a steep price.”
“Are you unwilling to pay even this small cost?” Tuoba Ch’eng’an asked.
“Lord, I understand.”
The figure made his decision.
He took the hundred talismans and selected a hundred people from the black-robed group, instructing them to place the talismans on their dantians.
They obeyed, knowing it might mean death, yet showed no complaints.
Then, they entered the barrier entrance opened by the two spirit masters.
But soon, the compass trembled violently.
The two spirit masters frowned, fear creeping into their faces.
“How can it be so dangerous?”
“We’re done with this job.”
“Here’s your payment back.”
Master Ouyang threw the payment back to Tuoba Ch’eng’an.
No matter how Tuoba Ch’eng’an tried to persuade him, it was useless.
Master Ouyang leapt into the sky and vanished in a blink.
He fled swiftly.
But that wasn’t the point. His panicked expression was clear to all.
From his reaction, everyone knew the hundred who entered had surely died.
And the tomb’s danger far exceeded their expectations, or why else would a spirit master flee in terror?
“Elder Tuoba, I’m not making things difficult.”
“The danger here far surpasses my expectations.”
“Even with the compass, opening a true entrance is tough.”
“We’ll need more payment,” Master Huang said.
“Master, how much more?” Tuoba Ch’eng’an asked.
“Ten times more,” Master Huang replied.
