Volume Two: Travels in Qi Chapter 80: The Search Begins

Zhang Heng smiled faintly. So, this one too was here to cling to a powerful ally, just like himself.

Even so, Zhang Heng dared not underestimate this person. Qi Country’s ranking among the seven ancient nations was similar to that of Liu Country—both languished at the bottom. Qi Xuan, though appearing barely over twenty, had already reached the ninth stage of the Primordial Core Realm, just a step away from entering the Void Reversion Realm. His talent was indeed terrifying.

Born into the imperial family, Qi Xuan showed no interest in the struggle for the throne; his heart was set on the Dao and on diligent cultivation, his extraordinary talent far surpassing his peers. Coupled with his elegant demeanor and distinguished bearing, there were rumors among the people that, if he wished, he might well become the next Emperor of Qi.

How could such a man possibly be a simple character?

Behind Qi Xuan followed an elderly man, likely his protector. Zhang Heng had expected some formidable expert, yet his system informed him that the man’s strength was only at the sixth stage of the Void Reversion Realm.

Zhang Heng smiled again. Why did these people always like to put on the airs of experts?

In truth, it was not their fault—Zhang Heng’s standards were simply too high. In the vicinity of Shayan City, even those at the Qi Sea Realm were considered masters, and someone at the sixth stage of Void Reversion could be called a top-tier powerhouse. With him as protector, the Qi prince’s journey here would be safe enough.

“All right,” Wu Hong replied calmly. No matter what, Qi Xuan was the son of an emperor and deserved some respect. Besides, the old man behind the prince was also at the Void Reversion level—a valuable addition to their treasure-seeking team. In the end, it was mutual benefit.

“Thank you,” Qi Xuan replied, bowing deeply to Wu Hong, then nodding in greeting to Zhang Heng and his companions.

This man was very dangerous, Zhang Heng’s intuition warned him. Someone this outstanding was anything but ordinary.

With everyone’s intentions aligned, they prepared to begin their tomb exploration.

At the edge of the enormous pit, the Void Reversion expert at Wu Hong’s side leapt down first, carefully surveying the area below for any danger. After confirming all was clear, he nodded to Wu Hong above.

The group began to descend.

The pit was at least a dozen meters deep. Although Zhang Heng had yet to reach the Qi Sea Realm and could not fly, he possessed the Shadowglimmer Phantasm—his body flashed, and he sped down the pit’s edge with remarkable agility.

Fortunately, he congratulated himself, I was smart enough to cultivate a speed technique. Otherwise, today would have been a real embarrassment.

Qi Xuan, seeing no trace of spiritual power on Zhang Heng, assumed he was a mere apprentice alchemist accompanying Wu Hong for experience. Yet when he glimpsed Zhang Heng’s bizarre footwork, he couldn’t help but give him a second, thoughtful look.

Though Zhang Heng showed no sign of spiritual power, both Wu Hong and Yun Xiaotian knew of the secret treasure he carried. For this treasure hunt, much would rest on Zhang Heng.

At the bottom of the pit, three sides were blocked. Only a wide passage stretched ahead, its end lost in darkness. The ground was covered with a dense maze of footprints—many cultivators had come seeking fortune before them.

What was this? Shouldn’t there be more paths to confuse intruders? This was far too careless.

Zhang Heng was speechless, but still followed behind the others as they moved slowly into the passage.

The stone blocks lining the walls seemed to be of a special kind, untouched by the passage of years.

Everyone wore grave expressions, advancing with utmost caution.

Zhang Heng did the same. Though the “Super Backer System” was all-knowing and could have guided him easily through every step, this time he wished to rely on himself.

The passage grew ever broader, and their vigilance deepened. The object of their quest must be near.

Up ahead stood a great door, broken open by force. That, presumably, was the true entrance to the tomb.

At the threshold, Wu Hong stopped. Turning, he fixed Zhang Heng with a stern gaze.

“Zhang Heng, I’ll say it again. All you need to do is stay behind us and watch. Do not try to stand out.”

Young people liked to compete and show off. Although Zhang Heng had treasures to protect his life, Wu Hong still worried—what if something unexpected happened?

The Way of Alchemy had seen no progress for a thousand years; Zhang Heng was a ray of hope. Wu Hong certainly did not want anything to happen to him.

“Understood, Senior,” Zhang Heng replied quietly, hands clasped in salute.

Though Wu Hong’s nagging was a bit much, Zhang Heng knew he genuinely cared. Or perhaps, he cared deeply for the future of alchemy.

“All right. Let’s go in, and everyone must stay alert.” Wu Hong addressed them all.

Zhang Heng, Qi Xuan, and Yun Xiaotian each nodded. The two Void Reversion experts, however, gave no response.

This sight irked Zhang Heng. He resolved that, should danger truly arise, he would let them suffer a bit before lending a hand.

Wu Hong retrieved a map of the tomb from his spatial ring and led the group inside.

Within, they soon faced their first choice.

Ahead lay three identical passageways.

Where did they lead? No one could say. Perhaps only one was correct, or perhaps all were.

At the entrance, many cultivators lingered, most of them at the Qi Sea Realm or below. It made sense—those with any real ability had likely already gone in.

Though Yun Xiaotian had visited several times and was somewhat familiar with the place, he sensibly held his tongue. The map was now in Wu Hong’s hands, and he would surely find the correct route. Better to keep a low profile than to show off.

Interesting, thought Zhang Heng, for among these Qi Sea and Clear Spirit Realm cultivators, he had detected a master at the third stage of the Void Reversion Realm.

Since their arrival, that man’s gaze had swept over Zhang Heng and his group several times. Though he tried to hide it, Zhang Heng—or rather, his system—had noticed.

Hey, system, whose tomb is this, really? Is there anything good inside?

Everyone said this was the tomb of a Transformation Realm expert, but the person had been dead for millennia—who could know for sure what cultivation they’d reached?

Beep. This system cannot reveal that information for now. The host must discover it himself.

The system’s mechanical voice sounded, offering no answers.

Seriously, system? I already decided to find my own way, and you won’t even tell me what treasures are inside? Are you really going to just stand by and watch me die in here? (Something doesn’t feel right…)

If I die, where will you find such an excellent host?

Zhang Heng grumbled on, but the system seemed to have shut down, refusing to reply.

Fine, if you won’t say, I’ll check for myself.

After studying the map for a while, Wu Hong whispered to the group, “Once we go in, stick close together, and whatever you do, don’t get separated.”

The words were really meant for Zhang Heng, whose cultivation was the lowest among them.

Other cultivators nearby, seeing Wu Hong with a map, grew restless and began to edge closer with ill intent.

At that moment, the Void Reversion expert at Wu Hong’s side snorted coldly. A powerful surge of spiritual power swept through the space, and those cultivators, sensing the terrifying pressure, hurriedly retreated, watching helplessly as Wu Hong’s group entered the passage.

Though they had numbers, they were all low-level cultivators. Just one Void Reversion expert at the fifth stage could slaughter them all.