CHAPTER 422: CHAPTER 0419: THE DEMON YOU SPOKE OF IS ALREADY DEAD

The trio, dubbed the "Lucky Destiny Squad," searched high and low inside the cave mansion, hoping to discover something.

"Ugh! There’s absolutely nothing here. Who came and cleaned this place out so thoroughly? At least leave us something to split!" Lin Fan kicked an empty jar in frustration, clearly exasperated.

Coming at the perfect time isn’t as good as having great luck. But great luck is still inferior to arriving early.

If only they had discovered this place sooner.

The treasures within would have surely been theirs.

Xiang Fei looked around the cave, hoping to find some clues, but to his disappointment, he found nothing. This cave mansion had been cleaned out so thoroughly it was as if not a speck of dust remained.

Qin Yang cursed, "There’s literally nothing here! Even the wall murals were scratched until they’re unrecognizable!"

"Let’s move on and find another spot. This cave mansion’s location is too peculiar. It’s so close and visible that anyone coming here would surely be discovered unless they’re blind," Lin Fan said.

Despite his disappointment, he still held a small glimmer of hope for this place.

The three left the cave mansion, carefully surveying their surroundings to ensure safety, before venturing into the distance.

The scenery here was undeniably breathtaking.

Ancient mountain ranges stretched endlessly, but after the Crimson Heavenly Eagle incident, they didn’t dare venture too close. Even if they did approach, they had to distinguish carefully, for a single mistake would lead to devastating consequences.

"Brother Xiang, Brother Qin, we need to remain cautious. If we can enter this place, surely others can too. It’s unlikely that there’s only one entrance to this cave mansion," Lin Fan remarked.

This was his reasoning—if the cavern entrance were solely within the Hunyuan Great Sect’s domain, how could such an important location not be heavily guarded? Allowing anyone to enter freely would certainly be implausible.

It was likely that even the sect itself hadn’t discovered this place.

Even assuming someone stumbled in through the lake by sheer chance, they would be enticed by the surrounding scenery, delving deeper in heedless arrogance, ultimately meeting a tragic end. Reporting this to others wouldn’t even be an option.

And considering that this cave mansion had already been looted...

It was definitely someone who entered from another passage.

Yes.

Absolutely. There was no disputing it.

In the distance—

An imposing, towering mountain captured Lin Fan and his companions’ attention.

This mountain was extraordinary. Its peak was so high that the naked eye couldn’t discern its summit. Enveloped by auspicious clouds that swirled like vortexes, the apex seemed to connect to some mysterious location.

Nearby were smaller mountains, but compared to this colossal peak, their disparity was akin to comparing grains of rice to the sun and moon.

Before long—

They arrived at the mountain’s base, where a winding, precarious mountain path curled upward like a serpent, ascending straight into the clouds.

"Has this mountain gained a consciousness? It exudes a terrifying aura," Lin Fan remarked.

Xiang Fei responded, "Brother Lin, the world is vast and full of wonders. In a place like this Immortal Land, even creatures as ordinary as rocks turning sentient wouldn’t be unusual. Perhaps this grand mountain has existed within the cave mansion for tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years, and truly gained spiritual wisdom."

Lin Fan mulled over this. Upon hearing Xiang Fei’s explanation, he half-jokingly contemplated dismantling the mountain and carrying it away, though he knew it was undoubtedly an unrealistic idea.

They treaded cautiously along the narrow mountain trail, remaining highly vigilant of their surroundings.

For some reason, Qin Yang couldn’t shake a feeling of unease.

It felt as if, should danger arise, he might be used as bait by his two companions. The thought unsettled him deeply.

As they continued walking—

Lin Fan noticed Xiang Fei suddenly stopped, standing motionless in place. "Brother Xiang, what’s wrong?"

"Brother Lin, as I walked past here just now, I had a sudden impulse. This section of the rock wall seems to conceal something, calling out to me. I’d like to examine it further," Xiang Fei explained.

Before his voice had fully faded—

Xiang Fei sat cross-legged, his gaze locked onto the rock wall as his eyes began to glow faintly, entering a state of enlightenment.

"What could possibly be hidden here? To me, it’s just an ordinary rock wall," Qin Yang muttered to himself. He stared at it for some time, intrigued yet unable to discern anything.

It truly appeared to be nothing but a plain rock wall, with uneven surfaces and an unremarkable appearance.

Lin Fan stepped forward to touch it.

[Wall of Insight for Fated Ones: Left behind by an ancient powerhouse who passed through here and whimsically inscribed enlightenment for the destined.]

"There’s actually something here!"

Lin Fan’s expression turned peculiar. Good heavens, were ancient powerhouses really so frivolous?

They would whimsically carve enlightenment into a random, ordinary rock wall while passing through.

He couldn’t understand their thought process.

It seemed that when he grew stronger in the future, he’d have to do things like this as well—otherwise, he wouldn’t be worthy of calling himself one of the powerhouses.

After some indeterminate time—

Golden light briefly radiated from Xiang Fei’s body before quickly receding, absorbed back within. Opening his eyes, he smiled and said, "Who would’ve thought I’d encounter such an Immortal Chance."

"Brother Lin, it appears an ancient powerhouse left traces of enlightenment here. My moment of insight has greatly benefited the cultivation of my divine skills."

Qin Yang scoffed, "Are you serious? Then why didn’t I sense anything? Let me study it too."

"You’re hopeless. This wall only responds to fated ones. We’re simply not among the destined. Even if you stare until you go blind, you’ll still gain nothing," Lin Fan remarked.

"I don’t believe that. I’m the direct descendant of an Immortal Venerable Family, with unparalleled talent. There’s nothing I can’t overcome," Qin Yang insisted, puffing up with arrogance.

Lin Fan and Xiang Fei continued climbing upward, ignoring Qin Yang’s protests. Left behind, Qin Yang quickly chased after them.

"Hey, wait for me!"

Lin Fan knew this place warranted careful exploration.

Perhaps they truly might uncover something remarkable.

"Hmm?"

He noticed something hidden in the unassuming corner of the winding mountain trail—a black metallic stone embedded quietly within the rock wall.

He reached out to touch it.

[Black Xuan Essence Stone: A rare material for refining Immortal Treasures.]

Xiang Fei exclaimed in surprise, "What luck! It’s the Black Xuan Essence Stone, a rare artifact-refining material that can be used to craft Immortal Treasures. Its price on the market is exceedingly steep."

"Ah, this marks the first step of our spoils. Let’s start collecting," Lin Fan said as he pried the Black Xuan Essence Stone free and stashed it away, continuing his ascent.

As Lin Fan uncovered his find, Qin Yang began scanning his surroundings for opportunities. Despite being a descendant of an Immortal Venerable Family, lacking none of these resources, knowing the thrill of discovering things himself was undeniably gratifying.

Just as they imagined their fortunes were reaching their peak—

Lin Fan raised a hand, signaling silence. As they reached the summit, they spotted a cluster of individuals floating in the air in the distance.

They also caught sight of the mountain’s true peak.

In the distance lay a pool of water, with a single emerald-like plant at its center, radiant with flowing light and exuding an extraordinary fragrance.

Taking just one breath of the aroma was invigorating.

This was undoubtedly a treasure.

Though Lin Fan didn’t recognize the plant, he knew he could identify it with a single touch later.

Concentrating deeply, Xiang Fei muttered, "Brother Lin, if my judgment is correct, this is a Divine Artifact of Heaven and Earth."

"But the appearance of such a heavenly treasure is often accompanied by Divine Beasts. Though the area seems peaceful now, hidden dangers surely lie beneath the surface."

Lin Fan whispered, "See those people over there? They’re standing still, clearly contemplating the risks posed by the pond. Let’s observe from here for now, and when they take action, we’ll seize the opportunity to snatch the treasure."

He was utterly excited.

Discovering such a treasure bound by fate—how could he not be thrilled? Though the risks were apparent, this moment dictated that they be set aside.

Danger didn’t matter. Treasure did.

Only by daring could one achieve wealth.

At the same time—

Those distant figures were indeed extraordinary. Their bodies shimmered with golden light, radiating a sense of superiority. Among them were elderly figures and arrogantly defiant youths reminiscent of Qin Yang.

Each one of them was a force to be reckoned with.

Qin Yang squinted at one person and muttered, "Isn’t that him, a prodigy from the Ancient Sacred Land? A Supreme Immortal. Who would’ve thought he’d come here too."

"You recognize him?" Lin Fan asked.

Qin Yang nodded earnestly. "I do. He’s quite famous. Thirty years of cultivation, and he’s already reached the Supreme Immortal Realm. His innate abilities are unparalleled, surpassing even the Fighting Immortal Body of the War King."

"A true freak of nature. My elders have warned me: mess with anyone, but never mess with him."

Lin Fan quirked an eyebrow at Qin Yang’s comment, his tone laced with sarcasm. "You’re actually intimidated by someone?"

"It’s not fear; it’s prudence," Qin Yang replied.

In terms of age, both Qin Yang and Xiang Fei were significantly older than the prodigy. Yet in terms of cultivation level, the disparity was massively evident.

Rumors suggested this individual was the reincarnation of an Immortal Venerable.

But who could truly verify the truth?

What was clear was his unrivaled strength.

Even as a Supreme Immortal, he could slay Golden Immortals—a feat that demonstrated overwhelming power.

At that moment—

The other figures seemed to be engrossed in a discussion.

"Everyone, the Divine Artifact of Heaven and Earth has appeared. Who will claim it?"

"Legend has it that this artifact grants miraculous effects. Whoever possesses it will assuredly walk the path to the Immortal Emperor. If no one else steps forward, then I’ll go!"

This came from a nameless young man, his demeanor arrogant and full of self-confidence as he began channeling an Immortal Technique, his body radiating immortal light.

"That’s the Splendid Rivers and Mountains Robe, a top-tier protective Immortal Treasure. Who would’ve thought he possessed this piece?"

The nameless young man stepped forward, illuminating his path with golden lotuses beneath his feet. A Buddha’s chant echoed, sacred verses descended from the heavens, forming a golden bridge that repelled all unworthy entities.

"This Divine Artifact of Heaven and Earth shall be mine!"

The nameless young man extended his hand toward the Divine Artifact at the center of the pond.

But at that very moment—

The pond erupted with clusters of bubbles. A dragon’s roar shattered the silence as a Black Serpent covered in razor-sharp spines surged forth, its massive maw obliterating the nameless young man’s spells. Even the protective Splendid Rivers and Mountains Robe failed to shield him.

Crack!

The sound of shattering echoed.

Followed by an anguished scream.

"Help me..."

The nameless young man was utterly shredded by the Black Serpent’s jaws, his blood dripping into the pond. In the end, he perished without a trace.

"Ancestor Serpent..." Xiang Fei’s eyes widened in disbelief. This Alien Species, said to no longer exist in the Immortal Realm, had somehow appeared. Its existence was only ever recorded in ancient texts.

Qin Yang stood speechless, jaw agape. "What kind of place is this?!"

The Ancestor Serpent’s scales gleamed jet black, casting an eerie light. Its grotesque visage inspired sheer terror. The pond appeared bottomless, and though its entire body wasn’t exposed, what was visible extended a thousand zhang in length.

It truly blotted out the heavens and earth.

Even the Crimson Heavenly Eagle they encountered earlier paled in comparison to the daunting scale of the Ancestor Serpent.

At that moment—

The "prodigy," previously lauded as a monster by Qin Yang, rushed toward the Ancestor Serpent, launching an attack.

Yet the encounter was alarmingly swift.

Within an instant, the so-called prodigy was bitten into two clean halves, his blood dripping onto the ground as life drained from him.

Lin Fan glanced at Qin Yang. "So, this is the ’monster’ you mentioned earlier. He’s dead now."

Qin Yang’s face froze in disbelief.

"Impossible!"