"Killing a few treasure-hunting cultivators barely nets any merit.

We might as well see if there are any ancient joint treasures to be found, striking it rich!" The lean man burst into maniacal laughter.

The rest of the Savage Isle evil cultivators suddenly awoke to the realization.

This squad leader, an Indigenous Cultivator from the Savage Isle, had absolutely no intention of following the Ancestor's command to quickly eliminate the treasure hunters. "These treasure-hunting cultivators fled into this Ghost Mist Array, navigated through twists and turns to reach this Ghost City, lost two or three along the way, yet they didn't give up.

If this place didn't hold treasures significant enough to attract them, why would they risk venturing so deep?" The group of Savage Isle cultivators exclaimed excitedly.

As renowned Indigenous Cultivators from the Sea of Blood, murder, robbery, and plundering were practically daily routines.

Given their avarice, they would never let slip any potential gain.

Moreover, with the Green Robe Ancestor not present, no one could restrain them, so naturally, they acted recklessly, prioritizing the acquisition of benefits above all else. "The Ancestor's direct disciple, You Tianpeng, once advised the Ancestor that he had found an unexplored ancient ruin.

The Ancestor believed him and led us to this island, intending to seize control of it and search for the ancient sovereign treasures here.

The Ancestor's goal was never to wipe out these treasure hunters! We must race ahead of the Ancestor taking over the island and snatch some benefits first.

Otherwise, if the Ancestor collects all the ancient sovereign treasures, we won't even get scraps!" The lean man sneered, gazing at the six or seven terrified treasure-hunting cultivators ahead, and spoke in a sinister voice. "That unlucky dog You Tianpeng died too early; he didn't know enough details about this island, not knowing what treasures this ancient site holds at all! These treasure hunters must have discovered some subtle clues that led them to this island! Having endured immense hardship to reach this Ghost City, they likely know some secrets!" As he spoke, a flicker of excitement crossed the lean man's face. "I'm not overly greedy; if I can obtain just ten or twenty decent ancient relics, I'll be perfectly content! Once a few of us secure a batch of treasures, we can then report the crucial intelligence about this island's ancient ruins to the Ancestor.

Perhaps in his delight, we might even have a chance to become direct disciples of the Ancestor.

Holding great treasures, our status will skyrocket, and our future on the Savage Isle will be limitless!" "Haha...

Captain, your methods are truly brilliant!" "This is the superior strategy! Far better than killing a few Golden Core realm treasure hunters!" All the Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators praised the lean man's strategy.

But the six or seven treasure-hunting cultivators were furious.

This group of Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators was openly discussing how to divide the ancient joint treasures that hadn't even been found yet, showing them absolutely no regard. "You Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators think you can seize this ancient ruin? Dream on! "Are there no treasure hunters from our Ancient Ship Stronghold? "There are over ten Nascent Soul Ancestors stationed at the Ancient Ship Stronghold! Once they discover this ancient ruin, they will surely launch a massive assault, and not a single one of you Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators will escape!" However, this group of treasure hunters formed a defensive array, manipulating over a dozen spirit artifacts—flying swords, magical sabers, and formation flags—to desperately resist.

While they possessed the means for self-preservation, they were helpless against the Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators and could only resort to loud curses to vent their anger.

Having clarified the risks and rewards to his comrades, the lean Savage Isle leader completely ignored the curses from the treasure hunters before them. "Fellow Daoists, my brothers and I are merely carrying out the Ancestor's orders; we have no irreconcilable blood feud with you.

It must have been difficult for you to travel so far to seek treasures.

It's not worth losing your lives over a moment of impulsiveness or hot-headedness! Tell us everything you know about the treasures, and I, Wei Chouhai, will let you leave safely.

We could even cooperate briefly to search for this island's ancient sovereign treasures together.

How about it?" To show sincerity, the lean man even recalled his immensely powerful Blazing Flame Saber and waved his hand, ordering the rest of his squad of Savage Isle evil cultivators to retreat over ten feet, adopting an attitude of truce and reconciliation.

Any discerning person could see the hypocrisy in his proposal for cooperation, but it was enough to make the treasure hunters cease their cursing.

They gradually retreated, each withdrawing their artifacts emitting various red and green lights, tightening their defensive formation, and began to discuss among themselves. "We cannot cooperate with them! We treasure-hunting cultivators make a living by seeking rare materials and heavenly treasures, spending countless efforts to gather wealth for our cultivation.

But these evil cultivators live by plundering and murdering us treasure hunters! In the Sea of Blood, we treasure hunters and Indigenous Cultivators have always been mortal enemies; we mostly engage in bloody battles upon meeting, rarely traveling together, let alone cooperating! Joining forces with them is essentially seeking skin from a tiger! How can we ally with them!" "But if we don't cooperate with them now, we might lose our lives immediately.

These seven or eight treasure hunters have all taken at least a hundred years, some several centuries, to reach this level of cultivation.

Who is willing to perish in a fight against these Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators!? If we can avoid the danger of death, temporarily compromising with these Savage Isle evil cultivators is acceptable!" These treasure hunters came from various backgrounds, and their opinions were naturally divided.

The Savage Isle leader was quite pleased to see the treasure hunters begin to deliberate, but they were only debating and arguing without reaching any conclusion.

He grew impatient, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and his expression turned sinister. "What, you still need so much time to consider? Either tell us all the intelligence you possess and we cooperate.

Or there is only the path to death.

Choose one of the two options! If you don't give an answer soon, don't blame me for being merciless!" Ultimately, these treasure hunters could not maintain their strong stance.

After all, the situation dictated terms; based purely on strength, they could not match these five Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators, all of whom possessed cultivation at the late stage of the eighth or ninth layer of the Golden Core realm.

The leading middle-aged cultivator in yellow finally was forced to step forward and state their position, bowing somewhat dejectedly. "Fine, we will cooperate.

As for the intelligence regarding this ancient ruin, we only have rough guesses; it's not exactly top secret.

We haven't even seen a shadow of the ancient sovereign treasures, and we don't know what dangers lie within.

We suspect there might be an unopened ancient treasury inside this Ghost City..." "Hmph! Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators have suddenly abandoned their nature of plundering and slaughter to intend to join forces with us treasure hunters?!" In the southwestern corner of Desolate Spirit City, amidst the thick ghost mist, a cold, disdainful snort suddenly rang out, interrupting the yellow-robed cultivator's words. "If this gets out, aren't you afraid of punishment from the Green Robe Ancestor? We feel we are losing face as treasure hunters!" As the voice faded, nine figures shot out from the ghost mist—a group of cultivators in the middle to late stages of the Golden Core realm.

The leader was none other than Sun Xing, who possessed the highest prestige and strength among the treasure hunters.

Sun Xing, his face grim, swept his gaze over the five Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators and the six or seven treasure hunters.

Following him were eight other Golden Core cultivators, including his two associates, Jiang Ling and Zheng Chenghui, as well as the three cultivators Cao, Li, and Hu, who were also present.

Controlling their flying sword artifacts, they formed a semi-encirclement and moved to surround the Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators.

The sudden appearance of Sun Xing's group of treasure hunters immediately reversed the situation on the field.

The number of treasure hunters instantly surged to sixteen, far exceeding the Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators by a factor of three.

Three treasure hunters attacking one Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivator—even if the latter were all at the late stage of the eighth or ninth layer of the Golden Core realm—they could only die in bitterness.

Of course, the difference in numbers was only a simple comparison.

On the battlefield of cultivator combat, strength was never tallied purely by headcount.

Factors like the cultivators' unity of mind, the quality of their artifacts, and various other elements all needed to be considered. "Damn it!" Wei Chouhai, the Savage Isle squad leader, was startled when nine treasure hunters burst out from the southwest corner, his face rapidly turning ugly. "After all the effort to force this group of treasure hunters to give up resistance and voluntarily disclose information about the treasure seeking here, and just as we're about to learn the true nature of the treasures in this ancient ruin, another group of detestable treasure hunters shows up!" There were already sixteen treasure hunters on the field.

Wei Chouhai did not believe these treasure hunters, who hated them to the bone, would choose to cooperate with him now that they held the absolute advantage.

Especially Sun Xing, at the peak of the ninth layer of the Golden Core realm, possessing formidable strength and exceptional skill, certainly no less than Wei Chouhai himself.

He knew he was no match. "Those whose paths differ should not scheme together.

Let's go!" Seeing that the situation was lost and even his life was in danger, Wei Chouhai dared not delay.

He immediately shouted to the other evil cultivators and dashed fiercely towards the east.

This group of Savage Isle evil cultivators, extremely experienced in combat, immediately activated their respective flying sword artifacts to protect themselves upon sensing danger and hastily fled for their lives. "Don't let them escape, kill!" The treasure hunters were eager to skin these Savage Isle evil cultivators and scatter their ashes.

How could they possibly let them go? The Savage Isle evil cultivators had already fought several fierce battles with them, resulting in the deaths of many of their comrades.

Now that they had the upper hand, they certainly wouldn't allow them to flee.

Sun Xing's group of treasure hunters closed in for the kill.

The first group of six or seven treasure hunters also reacted immediately, controlling their flying sword artifacts to join the assault against the Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators. "Five Savage Isle Daoist friends, why such haste to leave? Since you've arrived here, you should stay!" Sun Xing laughed heartily, controlling the four Earthen Element Formation Flags emitting brilliant yellow light, suddenly shooting them out.

They transformed into four streaks of yellow light, carrying meteorites roaring with immense power, enveloping the five Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators. "Earthen Element Grand Array, be careful not to get trapped inside the formation flags!" Wei Chouhai, the Savage Isle leader, cried out in alarm.

He had witnessed Sun Xing's Earthen Element Grand Array before.

When fully deployed, with over a dozen treasure hunters pouring their spiritual power into the flags, the power was astonishingly immense.

The five late-stage Golden Core Savage Isle evil cultivators would likely all be encircled and killed within the array.

Wei Chouhai controlled his Blazing Flame Saber without a second thought, slashing ferociously towards the four formation flags of the Earthen Element Array chasing behind him. "Ssssh!" The Blazing Flame Saber instantly carved out a sharp blade hundreds of feet long in mid-air, cleaving horizontally towards Sun Xing's Earthen Element Formation Flags.

The hundreds of feet of surging sea of flames trailing the saber enveloped and swept over several pursuing cultivators.

Wei Chouhai himself did not pause.

Spiritual power surged beneath his feet, and a green streak shot rapidly towards the east.

To the north was Desolate Spirit City; to the west and south were Sun Xing's group of over ten cultivators in hot pursuit.

Only the eastern direction left a massive gap, making it the most suitable direction for their escape.

In truth, it wasn't that Sun Xing didn't want to seal the eastern gap, but his group was composed of loose-knit treasure hunters.

Although their numbers were three times that of the Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators, their unity was lacking.

If they split their forces to seal the eastern gap, forcing the small squad of five Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators into a desperate last stand, these treasure hunters might suffer heavy losses, perhaps even losing a few members.

Chasing them down offered a higher chance of success. "Hmph, chase them! Even if we can't kill them, we must heavily wound them so they cannot escape the Ghost Mist Array; that amounts to the same result!" Sun Xing coldly commanded.

The four Earthen Element Formation Flags burst forth with dazzling yellow light, smashing down a torrent of meteors, shattering the domineering blade hundreds of feet long.

Then, the Earthen Element Formation Flags swept inward, suppressing a large expanse of the blazing sea of flames.

However, Sun Xing was too late to trap Wei Chouhai's group within the Earthen Element Grand Array.

Sun Xing led the treasure hunters in pursuit of Wei Chouhai's group.

The treasure hunters, now numbering fifteen or sixteen, were invigorated by the kill and feared only five Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators. "Sigh, what rotten luck!" Wei Chouhai deflected Sun Xing's Earthen Element Formation Flags with his saber while fleeing desperately, filled with immense frustration. "If I had known, I shouldn't have wasted words and should have killed that group of treasure hunters earlier.

At least we could have snatched a few magical artifacts and some goods from their storage bags." At this moment, one evil cultivator even had the leisure to look back and complain resentfully. "Shut up! Stop talking and focus on shaking off the pursuers.

We need to rendezvous with the other Savage Isle teams and then fight back.

Best of all, we need to find the Ancestor and make them pay dearly!" Wei Chouhai snarled fiercely, his heart filled with extreme unwillingness.

Just as he finished speaking, he suddenly saw six or seven figures in azure and blue robes faintly appearing in the misty ghost fog three or four hundred feet ahead.

They were manipulating artifacts and watching them with cold, mocking expressions.

Wei Chouhai recognized at a glance that this group was not uniformly dressed in green like the Savage Isle cultivators.

Their escape speed was incredibly fast; covering a hundred feet was like the blink of an eye.

Wei Chouhai clearly saw that a young cultivator among them wore a cold smile—it was the Golden Core cultivator whom the Green Robe Ancestor had failed to kill even after two attempts.

As fate would have it, Ye Qin's group of seven had blocked the eastern gap, combining with Sun Xing's group to form a massive encirclement, trapping their squad of Savage Isle Indigenous Cultivators inside. "Not good! Why is this fellow here too! This kid is even more terrifying than Sun Xing." Wei Chouhai cried out in shock, a sliver of fear arising in his heart.

But in the next instant, his slight dread of Ye Qin transformed into overwhelming violent rage.

He slapped his hands repeatedly, creating countless illusions, pouring out his spiritual power, and fiercely striking his Blazing Flame Saber.

This high-grade Primordial Spirit artifact, nurtured and refined for over a hundred years, had reached the peak power of a Primordial Spirit artifact.

The Blazing Flame Saber instantly received the influx of spiritual power, swelling to a colossal size of eighty or ninety feet.

It emitted intensely scorching flames, its body like lightning, surrounded by heavy fire shadows, accompanied by faint roaring sounds—its imposing momentum was so fierce it tightened people's hearts. "Brothers, we fight to the death! We must break through no matter what! Otherwise, we will all perish here today!" Wei Chouhai roared madly.

With his cultivation at the peak of the ninth layer of the Golden Core realm, and deploying his immense, high-grade Primordial Spirit artifact at full power, he could not believe Ye Qin would not dodge and clear a path.