Then, five black chains erupted from his fingertips. They bore a resemblance to Robin’s previously used "Ten Finger Dark Locks," yet were distinctly different.
These five black chains detached from Zhong Shenxiu's fingers, shooting out like five sharp arrows toward the skeleton.
The skeleton reacted quickly, instantly conjuring a barrier of darkness before itself. However, it had gravely underestimated the power of Zhong Shenxiu's technique. The five black chains passed through its protective line as if entering unpatrolled territory, plunging deep into its very core!
Subsequently, these five black chains seemed to take root and sprout within the bones, emerging from the inside to tightly entwine the creature.
Yet, this was not the most terrifying aspect. The true formidable nature of the five black chains lay in their ceaseless absorption of the skeleton's dark power. The more the skeleton struggled, the faster the chains absorbed energy, and the tighter their constrictions became.
It was no longer easy for the skeleton to unleash any dark magic now!
The sound of "Dagu" grew more pronounced; it was a protest, though clearly of no avail!
Zhong Shenxiu gave a light beckon, as if summoning a soul. The skeleton drifted over like a willow catkin, landing half a meter in front of Zhong Shenxiu!
At this, the skeleton's upper and lower jaws snapped with increased violence, looking as if it desperately wished to bite Zhong Shenxiu. But it was bound by the black chains; it had the desire, but not the strength!
Zhong Shenxiu scrutinized it from top to bottom, muttering, "Not bad, not bad. You've surprised me even more than I imagined!"
The skeleton was close to weeping internally. Had it known this would happen, it would have stayed honestly in its coffin instead of seeking such torment!
"Alright, Robin, pack it away!" Zhong Shenxiu finally finished observing. Solving the riddle of how it retained its power would require further study; that was not something to be figured out in a moment.
Robin, who had made all necessary preparations on the side, heard Zhong Shenxiu's command. With a flick of her small hand, she stored the skeleton into the storage bracelet.
Because Robin's storage bracelet was inscribed with powerful protective arrays, she wasn't worried about the creatures inside causing trouble. Unless Robin released them, they would remain trapped within forever! Fortunately, these entities were no ordinary beasts; they wouldn't starve immediately even without feeding.
Having dealt with that, Zhong Shenxiu summoned his "Longevity Tablet" with a gesture. This tablet had yielded a significant harvest; the energies it absorbed were quite worthy of dedicated research!
Since time was currently scarce, Zhong Shenxiu temporarily put the "Longevity Tablet" away. He looked at the stunned crowd standing outside and said coolly, "Alright, you can come in now!"
The members of the "Misty Mercenary Group" were the first to react. The other mercenaries, however, remained frozen like idiots, unlikely to recover for some time.
Looking around, the hall they entered was considerably smaller than the outer one, but its surroundings were lined with all manner of unknown artifacts. Fearing the activation of traps, Xia Zhi and the others relied only on their eyes, daring not to touch anything!
Finally, under Zhong Shenxiu's direction, this place was completely looted once more, adhering strictly to the "take everything" policy, not even sparing the tall stone sarcophagus!
Next, Zhong Shenxiu began examining the massive Jade Gate. This was an excellent item; it would be a true pity not to take it along!
After considerable effort, even the colossal Jade Gate was secured by Robin into the storage bracelet!
"I truly never imagined this was the 'Heart of the Ancient Tomb.' Though it's much smaller than I pictured, it's far more perilous than I anticipated!" Harriman exclaimed with deep feeling.
Zhong Shenxiu, hearing this beside him, couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Old man, have you got things mixed up? This is indeed the 'Heart of the Ancient Tomb,' but it is merely one corner of it! We haven't reached the central control room yet; it's a bit early to be getting sentimental!"
"What?" Harriman paused, about to press for more information, but Zhong Shenxiu had already moved away, heading to pillage the smaller stone chambers nearby!
Just as Zhong Shenxiu stated, their current location was only the periphery of the "Heart of the Ancient Tomb." To traverse the entire area would take more than a day or two! And the dangers ahead would only escalate, with stranger things likely to occur!
However, there was no need to worry about their safety. With Zhong Shenxiu present, any peril was nothing more than a heart-stopping game!
In the subsequent journey, every place they visited was filled with treasures, any one of which would be priceless and incite immediate conflict if revealed outside!
Zhong Shenxiu continued his unwavering "take it all" policy, making a great contribution to the future value of these treasures!
It could be said that the "Misty Mercenary Group's" expedition had struck a massive fortune; even retiring now would be enough for several lifetimes of comfortable living!
Yet, the exploration continued, and the treasures kept accumulating!
Night had fallen deeply. A cool breeze swept through, carrying waves of chill!
At one exit of this ancient tomb, a group of no fewer than fifty mercenaries was gathered, currently tending a fire to cook, their demeanor remarkably relaxed.
"Boss, do you really think anyone will come out of there?" a very skinny man with a face full of pockmarks inquired.
"I don't know about that, but I know plenty of people went in. As long as we guard this spot, we can conserve our strength and simply snatch the treasures they find! If we succeed once, our 'Shark Hunter Mercenary Group' will be set for life—money, women, everything!" a big-bearded man with a scar across his face boomed loudly.
"Boss, I heard this ancient tomb is incredibly dangerous. Won't the people coming out be very powerful? What if we..."
"Don't worry. Precisely because it’s so dangerous inside, we only guard the exit. Even if the ones coming out are strong, they’ll be utterly exhausted mentally and physically after enduring the tomb. They won't be a match for us who have been resting and recuperating! We've been waiting here for almost a month now; anyone who went in will be half-dead even if they haven't died yet!" the big-bearded man declared while taking another swig of wine!
"Boss, what if absolutely no one comes out?" another subordinate asked curiously.
"Shut up! Can't you say something positive?" The big-bearded man glared, then continued, "So many people went in; someone has to survive!"
"Then... what if they exit from another passage?" the subordinate followed up.
"Are you looking for a beating?" The big-bearded man grew agitated, nearly choking on his wine.
Just then, a subordinate rushed over with a look of panic.
"Boss, there's... there's movement inside!" the subordinate said excitedly. They had waited over a month; finally, there was activity! How could they not be thrilled? This concerned the great future prospects they had staked everything on!
"What movement?" The big-bearded man was momentarily stunned, then asked, suppressing the excitement churning within him.
Though he usually appeared composed, he was secretly more anxious than anyone. Guarding this spot day after day, while conserving energy, was draining when earning zero profit. If they didn't catch prey soon, they'd be left with nothing but the harsh wind soon enough!
"It... it seems like someone is inside!" The subordinate's voice still trembled slightly.
The big-bearded man shot up with a start, tossing his wine gourd aside carelessly. He hissed, "Brothers, get ready. When they come out, remember to seal the entrance; don't let them retreat back inside!"
"Yes, Commander, just watch us!"
"This time, we'll make sure they never return!"
They were all eager, clearly having been pent up for far too long. Today, they finally had a chance to shine, and the current time was perfect for robbery and murder!
It seemed fate favored them!
But was it truly so? They failed to see who exactly was emerging—were they wretches capable of dealing with them?!
This "Shark Hunter Mercenary Group" had clearly engaged in this sort of dirty work many times before. They extinguished their cooking fires and meticulously cleaned the area, leaving no trace.
They were now expertly concealed among the surrounding weeds, peering intently at the exit through tiny gaps.
Gusts of cool wind blew by, but these men felt their blood boiling, as if their very bodies were alight with fever!
The people moving down the passage toward this exit were none other than Zhong Shenxiu and his group!
After nearly two months of exploration, they were finally emerging, each bearing a different emotion.
The mercenaries could see the light outside the exit and couldn't help but feel excited. Finally, they could leave; finally, they wouldn't have to endure that constant strain. Finally, they could get a proper night's sleep... These mercenaries even felt an urge to cheer and rush out!
Xia Luo and the others had undergone a transformation during this expedition. Each person radiated an aura of determined progress. Though their clothing was ragged, their faces shone with vigor!
"There seems to be some activity outside!" Rhys frowned.
Having lived in the ancient tomb for so long, constantly monitoring dangers from all sides, the acuity of every person’s sight and hearing had improved significantly. Thus, just as the people outside spotted them, they had also noticed the people outside, even overhearing their conversation!
"It looks like they're setting an ambush for us!" Gandalf added, though his face showed no trace of worry. Compared to the perils within the tomb, this was insignificant!
The group continued toward the exit without slowing down, and a cunning smile appeared on Zhong Shenxiu's lips!
Robbery? This seemed to be their first encounter with such an attempt!
Well, it remained uncertain who would end up robbing whom in the end! Amen!