Ye Qin and Huangfu Bing'er burst out of the ancient teleportation array, reappearing within the ruined great hall of the ancient treasure vault. The pair, having narrowly escaped, finally let out a sigh of relief.
“That Nascent Soul-level Ice Toad shouldn't know how to use the ancient teleportation array; no need to worry about it chasing us out. What a pity, though we managed to disable the restrictive formations within the vault, that Ice Toad was too difficult to deal with, and we never got the chance to seize more treasures.” Ye Qin offered a wry smile.
“Husband, we secured a Nascent Soul Pill, an Ice Lotus Seed of unknown grade, three Nascent Soul-level secret manuals from the Earth Vault, and the two Nascent Soul-level raw materials Kong Shi retrieved from the Water Vault. That is more than worth this life-risking venture.
As for the other spiritual treasures, if we are not fated to possess them, then so be it.” Huangfu Bing’er chuckled as well. Soon after, Cultivator Pang, along with Sun Xing, the two treasure-hunting cultivators, also emerged from the ancient teleportation array.
No other cultivators followed them out. Sun Xing was the last one teleported out.
Witnessing the Ice Toad reduce one cultivator in the vault to ice dust, the fear on his face was unmistakable, mixed with the lingering relief of a successful escape. The four exchanged glances, all feeling the lingering terror.
“Brother Sun, why did you teleport out too?! I thought you would take the other passages to retrieve a few treasures before dealing with the Ice Toad!” Cultivator Pang looked somewhat surprised.
He had assumed that since Sun Xing still held the Wooden Vault token when leaving, he might proceed to the Gold Vault and the Wooden Vault. “Hmph, you still hold the Fire Vault Master Token.
Without that Fire Vault Master Token, how would I dare stay behind to confront the Ice Toad?” Sun Xing retorted coldly, clearly displeased. The formations and restrictions of this ancient treasure vault had been jointly sealed by the five of them using five master tokens.
However, the monstrous spirits within the various passages were condensations of spiritual energy; they would not dissipate just because the restrictions were closed. The existence of that Ice Toad was the clearest proof.
Therefore, tokens were still necessary to pass through the passages leading to the different vaults. Ye Qin tossed the large and small tokens for the Earth Vault to Jiang Ling and Zheng Chenghui.
Cultivator Pang still held the Fire Vault Master Token. Sun Xing possessed the Gold Vault Master Token and had also taken the Wooden Vault Master Token from Cultivator Fan before leaving.
Sun Xing already held three minor Divine Ability ancient artifacts. Even if he entered the Gold Vault again and obtained more minor Divine Ability ancient artifacts, it would ultimately be pointless.
After all, using even one minor Divine Ability ancient artifact would cause his cultivation base to plummet by one level of the Golden Core stage. He had only a few decades of lifespan remaining.
Once his cultivation significantly dropped a level, he would never hope to break through to the Nascent Soul realm in this life. Thus, possessing one minor Divine Ability ancient artifact or several made little difference, as he dared not easily use any of them.
He had taken the most valuable Gold Vault and Wooden Vault access tokens, which allowed direct passage to retrieve the magical artifacts and spiritual pills stored within. Without the barrier of the formations, the Ice Toad spirit was equally unimpeded.
If the enraged and bloodthirsty Ice Toad chased into the passages, he would have no escape, and the consequences were unimaginable. He was chased by the Ice Toad in desperation and dared not take such a risk, forcing him to flee first without regard for anything else, to seek other opportunities later.
Surviving first was the proper path. All four understood this principle and would not act recklessly.
“Brother Pang, you hold the Fire Vault Master Token. Why didn’t you enter the Fire Vault to grab more minor Divine Ability talismans to deal with the Ice Toad?
Using minor Divine Ability talismans doesn't consume vital essence like minor Divine Ability magical artifacts!” Sun Xing asked, puzzled. “I wanted to grab more talismans before coming out too,” Cultivator Pang said with a look of unwillingness and chagrin, “But… who knew if Brother Ye would destroy the ancient teleportation array outside!
If the array was destroyed, I wouldn't be able to get out. ...Besides, even with our combined efforts using the ‘Savage Rhino Ancient Seal’ and ‘Earth Cage Raging Prison,’ we couldn't kill the Ice Toad.
Even if I took other minor Divine Ability talismans from the Fire Vault, they might not necessarily be useful.” Although Cultivator Pang harbored suspicion born of small-mindedness, no one could truly blame him. After all, this group of treasure-hunting cultivators were not on the same path originally.
His initial plan was to use Ye Qin as cannon fodder, but after a series of events, he realized Ye Qin’s strength was too great, so he abandoned the thought. It was natural for them to be wary of others playing foul.
Ye Qin and Huangfu Bing’er exchanged a look, remaining silent. Cultivator Pang worried about this, which is why he followed them out closely, just in case the teleportation array was destroyed, sealing him inside the ancient vault.
It was absolutely impossible for the two of them to destroy the array; after all, Jiang Ling, Zheng Chenghui, and others were still inside the ancient vault. “Forget it, let’s not dwell on this.
We at least obtained a Nascent Soul Pill and other benefits; it wasn't a wasted trip!” Sun Xing declared. However, Sun Xing still felt quite frustrated that the Ice Lotus Seed was in Ye Qin's hands.
The true great fortune in this vault had gone to the Ye couple; the value of that Ice Lotus Seed was immeasurable. Of course, Sun Xing also gained three decent minor Divine Ability magical artifacts, so he didn't feel too unbalanced.
Only Cultivator Pang, who only harvested one minor Divine Ability talisman and one Nascent Soul Pill, naturally felt a pang of unwillingness. “Now, the four of us, shall we continue to devise a way to kill that Ice Toad and claim the treasures within the vault?” Cultivator Pang asked Ye Qin, Sun Xing, and the others.
“It’s too difficult. With that Ice Toad inside the vault, anyone without Nascent Soul realm or higher cultivation will meet a dead end.
If a Nascent Soul Ancestor entered the vault, how could we Golden Core cultivators stand a chance? Moreover, my wife and I have essentially gifted the treasures in the vault to you two Dao friends.
You are free to take or leave as you wish! This island is the territory of Ghost Cultivators; my wife and I do not wish to linger.” Ye Qin spoke, having calculated clearly that their current haul had already exceeded his expectations, leaving no need for further greed.
This Desolate Spirit Island was the domain of Ghost Cultivators, and the various strange signs made him uneasy. Especially the lingering shadow soul that had controlled Cultivator Fan at some unknown point was clearly the work of a Ghost Cultivator.
To control a late-stage Golden Core cultivator so easily could only be done by a Nascent Soul Ghost Cultivator. “Something seems to be happening on this island; there appears to be a great battle ongoing among many cultivators.
We should leave as soon as possible, lest the consequences be unpredictable!” Ye Qin glanced worriedly toward the distant horizon. Far from the Ghost Island, a thick cloud of black fiery smoke permeated the distance, lit by flashing lights—it seemed someone was fighting within the island, and rumbling sounds and cries of battle drifted over faintly.
“Very well, let’s leave this Desolate Spirit Island first. If we figure out a way to deal with the Ice Toad later, we can return for the treasures!” Sun Xing was also deeply concerned.
The four dared not linger there any longer. After a brief discussion, they immediately transformed into four streaks of rainbow light and shot toward the outskirts of Desolate Spirit City.
However, more than ten figures clad in green robes were already standing near the city walls of Desolate Spirit City. “Savage Island Evil Cultivators!” “Treasure-Hunting Cultivators!” The two groups of cultivators met directly at the entrance of Desolate Spirit City and exclaimed in surprise.
Ye Qin and Sun Xing’s astonishment was obvious. These more than ten green-robed cultivators were also shocked.
These green-robed cultivators were all evil cultivators under the command of Ancestor Green Robe. After Ancestor Green Robe was killed by the Ghost Lord, they feared the Ghost Lord’s authority and were driven by the Ghost Cultivators to the foot of Desolate Spirit City.
However, the Ghost Lord had not specified why they were sent to Desolate Spirit City. They did not understand the Ghost Lord’s intention in driving them here; they dared not move recklessly within the city nor dare they leave without permission, so they remained by the entrance of Desolate Spirit City, filled with apprehension.
“There are only four of these treasure-hunting cultivators! Why are they in the city?” “Never mind that—kill them!” After their initial surprise, these ten-plus Savage Island Evil Cultivators were overjoyed to see only four cultivators in Ye Qin and Sun Xing’s group, revealing sinister grins.
They immediately unleashed their Primordial Spirit Artifacts and moved to surround and attack the four treasure-hunting cultivators. Encountering treasure-hunting cultivators here, with an absolute numerical advantage of more than three to one, meant they would not be Savage Island Evil Cultivators if they didn't attack and kill them.
“Brother Pang, you still have a talisman in your hand, use it quickly!” Sun Xing’s face changed drastically upon seeing these Savage Island Evil Cultivators, and he immediately retreated. Encountering more than ten Savage Island Evil Cultivators in Desolate Spirit City forced him to use a minor Divine Ability ancient artifact!
If he used one, killing these evil cultivators would be no problem, but his hope of reaching the Nascent Soul realm would be completely dashed. Sun Xing could only place his hope on Cultivator Pang making a move.
“This… Brother Sun should make the move!” Cultivator Pang’s expression shifted slightly; he was extremely reluctant to act. Once he used his last minor Divine Ability talisman, he would have no trump card left to deter others.
Sun Xing and Ye Qin could threaten him at any moment to hand over his Nascent Soul Pill. If that happened, everything would be ruined for him.
“Brother Sun, you have three minor Divine Ability ancient artifacts. Immediately give one to Brother Pang in exchange.
Brother Pang, quickly use your last talisman and act fast! Otherwise, we will all die here!” Ye Qin urged immediately.
“Indeed, use the talisman quickly! I offer this ‘Primal Harmony Ruyi Battle Armor’ that I haven’t used yet to Brother Pang!” Sun Xing reacted instantly.
In the urgent situation, he couldn't afford to mourn his minor Divine Ability magical artifact. He tossed a defensive minor Divine Ability ancient artifact he had obtained from the Gold Vault toward Cultivator Pang.
“Good, Brother Sun, then I won't hold back my sincerity either!” Cultivator Pang accepted the minor Divine Ability ancient artifact with a grin. Seeing the ten-plus Savage Island Evil Cultivators rapidly closing in, he knew he had to act.
He shouted in a deep voice, “Raging Dance of the Thunder Snake!” He flipped his hand, revealing his last lightning-attribute offensive minor Divine Ability talisman, and shot it toward the densest part of the Savage Island Evil Cultivators. As this talisman was unleashed, it instantly transformed into a thunder snake hundreds of feet long.
This thunder snake thrashed madly in mid-air, shooting out hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dazzling, ten-foot-long bolts of lightning. With immense power, it enveloped more than half of the Savage Island Evil Cultivators in front of them.
“Boom!” “Crack—!” “Ah~!” The violent thunder snake instantly struck down, slamming into the bodies of the majority of the Savage Island Evil Cultivators. They didn't even have time to dodge, instantly vaporized into ashes by the raging lightning.
Even their Primordial Spirit Artifacts, flying around in the air, were riddled with holes and completely destroyed. This thunder snake was a lightning attack method only a Nascent Soul cultivator could unleash; how could Golden Core cultivators possibly withstand it?
Only fewer than three or four Savage Island Evil Cultivators remained, those who had not been caught in the snake’s sweep. They never expected the means of these few treasure-hunting cultivators to be so terrifying, instantly obliterating more than half of their group of late-stage Golden Core cultivators.
Filled with horror, they screamed and fled madly toward the outskirts of Desolate Spirit City. Sun Xing had paid a heavy price to get Cultivator Pang to take action against the Savage Island Evil Cultivators, his gaze rather complex.
Cultivator Pang received a defensive minor Divine Ability ancient artifact—an unexpected surprise—and had no mind to pursue the few fleeing Savage Island Evil Cultivators. “Brother Sun, Brother Pang, let’s go!” Ye Qin shook his head secretly, finding the situation somewhat amusing.
Exchanging one of Brother Sun’s minor Divine Ability ancient artifacts to make Cultivator Pang deal with the Savage Island Evil Cultivators. For him, this trade was undoubtedly an absolute bargain.
It was fortunate that Sun Xing possessed several minor Divine Ability ancient artifacts, otherwise, he might not have been willing to part with one. As they were about to leave Desolate Spirit City, Suddenly, an intense ghostly aura was rapidly approaching from the sky hundreds of miles away.
“Not good, a Ghost Cultivator! A Nascent Soul-level Ghost Cultivator!” Sun Xing’s face changed drastically, and his body trembled.
This vast aura was absolutely not that of a Golden Core Ghost Cultivator; it was definitely the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator. They had just escaped the pursuit of the Ice Toad in the ancient vault, and after killing more than ten Savage Island Evil Cultivators, they now ran into an even more terrifying and powerful Nascent Soul Ghost Cultivator.
This luck was exceptionally bad. That terrifying ghostly aura arrived too quickly.
With the power of a Nascent Soul Ghost Cultivator, it was impossible for them to flee far. A Nascent Soul Ghost Cultivator’s divine sense could sweep over a hundred miles; even if they escaped dozens of miles away, the Nascent Soul Ghost Cultivator could catch up.
“Quick, Brother Sun, use your Azure Silk Gauze Curtain to hide us!” Cultivator Pang shouted in terror. Sun Xing dared not delay.
He waved his hand, casting out the Azure Silk Gauze Curtain, enveloping all four treasure-hunting cultivators within it. Then, the four completely suppressed their respective auras, daring not to leak even a trace outside.
Whether they could survive this tribulation at the hands of the Nascent Soul Ghost Cultivator depended entirely on the effect of the Azure Silk Gauze Curtain and their own luck. ......
After a very short while, a large mass of black fiery liquid—a torrent of black flames—descended from the sky above Desolate Spirit City. It crashed down into the city with a great boom.
The towering Thunder Spire within Desolate Spirit City shattered completely under the heavy impact of the black flame torrent. As the black flame light dissipated, the sinister and terrifying figure of the Desolate Spirit Ghost Lord was revealed.
Clad in a black robe, its body was shrouded in a misty, ghostly fog. Its divine sense swept coldly across the area; within a hundred-mile radius, the target it sought was not present.
“Those four must still be in the vault!” It was just about to teleport in when it suddenly thought of something. Its ghost claw reached out, pulling over ten wisps of Nether Flames from its body, which floated around the ancient teleportation array.
With these ten-plus Nether Flames, no one could approach the teleportation array within several hundred feet. Using the Nether Flames to prevent anyone from tampering with the ancient teleportation array, the Ghost Lord confidently stepped onto the array, flashed, and teleported into the ancient treasure vault.
The four within the Azure Silk Gauze Curtain felt this terrifying aura, gasping in cold air, their bodies chilled as if they were in an ice cave. After a short while, that terrifying ghostly aura disappeared.
Seeing no movement outside, Sun Xing finally breathed a sigh of relief, lifted the Azure Silk Gauze Curtain, and retrieved this concealment minor Divine Ability ancient artifact. “That Nascent Soul Ghost Cultivator is too terrifying; even the Thunder Spirit Tower couldn't withstand its single strike!
Fortunately, we have this minor Divine Ability artifact. Let’s go quickly, we can’t stay long!” “Brother Sun, Brother Pang, farewell!” Ye Qin finished speaking, and he and Huangfu Bing’er soared toward the outside of Desolate Spirit City.
Sun Xing and Cultivator Pang exchanged glances; neither had the heart to stay. They bid farewell and scattered, fleeing in different directions away from Desolate Spirit City.
Of course, their intentions differed, and the directions they took were entirely separate. .......
The Desolate Spirit Ghost Lord appeared inside the ancient treasure vault, its gaze sweeping across the main hall. In the hall, besides a few corpses of Golden Core cultivators frozen in various states of death, there was also a Nascent Soul Ice Toad spirit hopping around the vault’s main hall.
Since the Ghost Lord possessed the soul of Cultivator Fan, it could recognize the auras of Ye Qin, Sun Xing, and the others. However, none of these ice corpses belonged to Ye Qin, Huangfu Bing’er, Sun Xing, or Cultivator Pang.
The Ghost Lord immediately swept its vast divine sense across the entire ancient treasure vault and all the passages. Without the restrictive formations, the ancient treasure vault offered no resistance to the Ghost Lord’s absolute divine sense investigation.
After sweeping its sense across, the Ghost Lord became enraged. “Where did those four escape to?” Sun Xing, Cultivator Pang, and especially Ye Qin and Huangfu Bing’er, who had obtained the North Sea Ice Lotus Seed, were nowhere to be found in the vault.
There were still a few living Golden Core cultivators in the various passages of the ancient vault, but the Ghost Lord had absolutely no interest in dealing with these insignificant lackeys. “This Ghost Lord schemed for so long, only to have it ruined by a few Golden Core cultivators!?” The Ghost Lord was furious to the point of madness.
Cultivator Fan was dead; it had only lost contact with the ‘Cultivator Fan’ for a brief moment, and in that short time, several Golden Core cultivators, along with those self-destructive Nascent Soul cultivators, had spoiled its great plan. The North Sea Ice Lotus Seed had been snatched—an item that could be refined into a vastly powerful Nether Artifact—and now its whereabouts were unknown, along with these few treasure-hunting cultivators.