Grandmaster’s Secret Treasure

Liu Ningxue’s expression, in particular, grew even more troubled. The reason for her distress was clear: such a significant disturbance would undoubtedly draw the attention of cultivators from the Song Kingdom.

Should the righteous sects discover an evil faction like the Five Poisons Sect hidden within Phoenix Cry Mountain, their doom would be all but sealed.

However, her worries were futile. There was little she could do but await the decisions of Yuemei and Ziling.

In the blink of an eye, Ziling and Yuemei arrived at the source of the golden light. It emanated from a tranquil lake, its brilliance piercing the surface.

With their profound cultivation, they could effortlessly discern the presence of an ancient cave dwelling nestled at the bottom of the lake.

An ancient cave dwelling, in the cultivation world, was known as a secret treasury.

“Indeed,” Ziling mused with a soft chuckle. “To think Phoenix Cry Mountain concealed such a dwelling! Judging by the energy fluctuations, it must be the legacy left behind by a fallen Grandmaster.”

“While these trinkets hold no interest for us, the younger disciples in our sect are about to receive a great blessing.”

Given their formidable cultivation, they naturally disdained the possessions of lower-ranked cultivators. Yet, for nascent cultivators like Ye Qingyun and her peers, the contents of this treasury would be invaluable.

“Sister Ziling, what shall we do?” Yuemei inquired.

“What shall we do?” Ziling repeated, a smile gracing her lips. “Naturally, we shall let those young ones enjoy the spoils. Come, let’s return and have them prepare.”

With that, she turned and departed, Yuemei understanding her intent without needing further explanation.

Meanwhile, in the Song Kingdom, the eight major sects held sway. The Shaolin Sect, the undisputed leader of the righteous path, resided on Mount Song, making it the most formidable righteous faction in the entire kingdom.

It was these eight major sects that had once collectively besieged and nearly annihilated the Five Poisons Sect, driving their surviving remnants to this secluded region.

Given the immense commotion currently stirring within the kingdom, the Shaolin Sect would undoubtedly be alerted very soon.

Mount Song soared over a thousand meters high, with the Shaolin Sect nestled amidst its peaks. Glimmering, magnificent buildings stretched as far as the eye could see.

With the emergence of a secret treasury, the Shaolin leadership immediately convened an emergency meeting.

Monks in this world were far from those who merely ate vegetarian meals and chanted sutras; they, too, required a steady supply of cultivation resources.

Within the grand hall of the Shaolin Sect, all core members were now assembled.

At the head of the assembly sat a white-bearded monk, the contemporary Abbot of Shaolin, Kongwen.

“My junior brothers,” Kongwen began, his voice deep and resonant, “disciples stationed in the imperial capital report the emergence of a secret treasury in Phoenix Cry Mountain.”

“Which of you is willing to lead a team to investigate?”

The monks exchanged glances, a silent question passing between them. A moment later, a middle-aged monk rose to his feet.

“Abbot, I am willing to go,” said Kongxiang, the head of Shaolin’s Bodhidharma Hall. “However, the appearance of this secret treasury has caused a significant stir. Other major sects and countless smaller factions will surely converge there.”

“What course of action should our Shaolin Sect take?”

Abbot Kongwen pondered Kongxiang’s suggestion for a brief moment.

Then, he slowly shook his head.

“No, there is no need,” Kongwen declared. “In recent years, our Shaolin Sect has indeed become overly involved in worldly affairs. Should we clash with other sects again, we risk being pushed into the eye of the storm.”

“Junior Brother Kongxiang, this time, simply select ten elite disciples to go. Keep a low profile and avoid any conflict with other factions.”

Kongxiang nodded, then promptly exited the main hall to gather the disciples.

It was not just the Shaolin Sect; several other major factions had also dispatched their own personnel.

Back at the Five Poisons Sect, the disciples were being assembled. Of course, this did not include the older members, but rather Ye Qingyun’s group and the disciples from the Phoenix Immortal Sect.

“Disciples,” Liu Ningxue announced, “you have all witnessed the commotion. A secret treasury has appeared in Phoenix Cry Mountain.”

“After much discussion, we have decided to allow you to enter and search for treasures.”

These words ignited joy among Ye Qingyun and the others. Who wouldn’t relish the chance to hunt for treasure? Yet, Liu Ningxue had not finished speaking.

“However, I must warn you,” Liu Ningxue added, her tone grave, “all opportunities come with risks. While the secret treasury is enticing, one must survive to claim its rewards. Therefore, the decision is yours: go if you wish, but no one will be forced.”

The initial excitement of the disciples was instantly doused, as if a bucket of icy snow water had been poured over them.

Indeed, treasures existed, but one needed to live to acquire them. Some of the more timid disciples immediately began to reconsider.

Liu Ningxue observed their changing expressions but said nothing further, instead issuing another command.

“Those who wish to go, change into commoner’s clothing and proceed on your own. Remember, if you encounter cultivators from other sects, conceal your identities. You are forbidden from revealing yourselves as disciples of our Five Poisons Sect. Is that clear?” she instructed.

The disciples nodded repeatedly, and soon the assembly dispersed. Ye Qingyun immediately returned to his quarters, retrieved his old common clothes, and quickly changed.

Once dressed, the two of them exchanged a smile before stepping out of the room.

Not only them, but approximately two hundred individuals from the five sub-altars, all eager for the treasure hunt, quickly gathered at the Five Poisons Sect’s entrance. Yuemei stood guard there.

Seeing that most had arrived, she spoke.

“Remember this,” Yuemei warned, her voice chilling, “do not even think of escaping. There will be people monitoring your movements. Should any of you attempt to flee, you will be killed without question. Do not bring ruin upon yourselves.”

Her words sent a shiver down Ye Qingyun’s spine and those around him. Yuemei’s threat was clearly not a jest, causing some disciples with ulterior motives, such as Mo Qinyin, to abandon their original plans.

Mo Qinyin had initially seen this as a perfect opportunity to escape the Five Poisons Sect, but Yuemei’s stark warning left her feeling utterly helpless.

Soon, the main gates opened, and the Five Poisons Sect disciples, clad in ordinary attire, filed out. They emerged from the valley and entered Phoenix Cry Mountain.

Once outside, they immediately noticed numerous older Five Poisons Sect disciples, all cloaked in black, standing motionless and intently watching Ye Qingyun and the others. These were their assigned tailers.

The disciples exchanged wary glances, then dispersed into the forest to avoid drawing undue attention. Behind each disciple, a black-robed figure followed. Ye Qingyun and Mo Qinyin, however, had two such figures trailing them.

The two tailers maintained a distance of about a hundred meters, diligently keeping pace behind Ye Qingyun and Mo Qinyin.

“Qinyin, do you truly wish to leave?” Ye Qingyun whispered, questioning his companion as they ran.

Mo Qinyin nodded.

“Alas!” Mo Qinyin sighed in response. “If I could, I truly wouldn’t want to stay here. But from the looks of it, they definitely won’t let us go. We’ll have to seek another opportunity.”

Ye Qingyun glanced back at their pursuers, then spoke.

“Not necessarily,” he said gravely. “Before we enter the secret treasury, they can keep watch over us. But once inside, they’ll surely lose track. If you genuinely want to leave, I’ll help you.”

Upon hearing this, Mo Qinyin’s eyes immediately lit up with delight. The two began to converse in hushed tones, naturally devising a plan to shake off their two watchful shadows.

They soon settled on a strategy, though it could only be implemented once they had entered the secret treasury.

The Five Poisons Sect was the closest to the lake, making Ye Qingyun and his companions the first to arrive. Upon reaching the location, the disciples wasted no time, leaping directly into the lake and diving into the secret treasury’s inner dimension.

Ye Qingyun and Mo Qinyin arrived at the lake about ten minutes later. They merely exchanged a quick glance before plunging into the water. As they drew closer to the entrance, both were swiftly engulfed by a swirling vortex, vanishing into the golden light.

The world spun wildly around them. Eventually, they landed in an empty, enclosed palace. Ye Qingyun stood dazed for a long moment before realizing Mo Qinyin was nowhere to be seen.

He was utterly alone, with no other disciples present in the vast hall.