An accident had clearly occurred within the ancient cave.
Those who dared to venture into the ancient cave first were no ordinary individuals; they possessed considerable strength and were not faint of heart.
Yet, they were now terrified, letting out screams of panic. It was impossible to imagine what these people had encountered.
Everyone present turned pale, recoiling in alarm and moving away from the mine pit.
They saw blood mist drifting out of the ancient cave, a stark crimson, indicating that those who had entered had met with misfortune.
The sounds from within the cave quickly ceased, and silence fell.
Just as everyone believed those people were finished, over twenty survivors scrambled out, their faces ashen and filled with dread.
These individuals were panting heavily, drenched in cold sweat, yet still tightly clutching the various treasures they had just obtained. They were clearly those who valued riches over their lives.
"What happened? What danger did you encounter?"
Many couldn't help but ask, desperate to know the situation inside.
Despite the danger, the rewards were incredibly enticing, making the risk worthwhile.
Sai Gao's gaze fell upon the hand of one of the survivors, who was tightly gripping a small grass about seven inches long.
The grass was entirely blood-red, like agate, with faint dragon scale patterns on its leaves, emitting a special aroma that stirred the heart. It was precisely the Dragon Blood Grass.
A flicker of greed flashed in the depths of Sai Gao's pupils.
This rare herb only grew in soil where dragon blood had dripped. It could nourish bones and strengthen one's bloodline, making it an exceptionally rare find. He desired to possess it.
"The cave is filled with all sorts of rare treasures, and also..."
One survivor's eyes were glazed over, attempting to describe what he had seen, but his emotional state was clearly unstable, appearing somewhat deranged.
However, before he could finish speaking, his body suddenly exploded with a "bang."
Following that.
Of the twenty-plus survivors who had successfully escaped, more than ten detonated on the spot, leaving behind a mess of rotten flesh and broken bones.
"Ugh..."
Someone, unable to bear the gruesome scene, gagged on the spot.
The crowd was once again terrified and retreated, fearing they too might be affected and explode inexplicably.
Fortunately, the remaining nine survivors did not perish. They were still alive, but their mental state was not right, clearly suffering severe spiritual trauma and falling into a dazed state.
What exactly had happened?
What situation had these people encountered?
Why did such bizarre events occur?
Even the seasoned tomb raider... the old archaeology expert, furrowed his brow deeply, utterly baffled and unable to comprehend what was happening.
He had been "archaeologizing" for many years, working underground constantly, and had encountered various strange events, but this was his first time seeing something like this.
However, he was certain that the ancient cave indeed contained abundant treasures, but it also harbored terrifying dangers.
Hundreds of beings had entered, and only nine ultimately survived; it was too frightening.
These nine individuals were the strongest group. Did this mean that as long as one's strength was sufficient, they could still retreat unharmed?
Of course, this still needed to be verified.
"Oh my, isn't this my little brother? What happened to you?"
Sai Gao suddenly appeared grief-stricken, rushing towards the cultivator holding the Dragon Blood Grass, then hoisting him onto his shoulder. He said with a pained expression, "Don't be afraid, little brother. With your good brother here, I will find a way to save you. I'll take you to the best physician right now."
Saying this, he quickly left with the person.
Some unsuspecting bystanders couldn't help but sigh at the deep brotherhood, remarking that one needed such close friends when venturing out, loyal and unwavering – how touching!
Meanwhile, many cunning individuals quickly understood the trick. They followed suit.
"Good elder brother, as your younger brother, I cannot abandon you."
"You little brat, grandpa will take you away now and find a place to heal."
Suddenly, all sorts of absurd situations of falsely claiming kinship occurred. The disoriented survivors became coveted prizes, with many people vying to snatch them, even resorting to fighting over them.
There was a young survivor who was delighted to gain a father, suddenly acquiring over a dozen cheap elderly fathers. These doting fathers fought fiercely, nearly tearing him apart on the spot.
Of course, these people had ill intentions and ulterior motives.
The reason they scrambled for these survivors was twofold: first, to covet the treasures they held, and second, to study the problems with their bodies in order to find countermeasures and prepare for entry into the ancient cave.
This place was suspected to be the ruins of an ancient civilization, undoubtedly hiding unimaginable things. Everyone wanted to seize the opportunities and fortunes within.
Sai Gao was less scrupulous. He carried the person to a secluded spot, directly snatched the Dragon Blood Grass, and also took the victim's kidney.
Afterward, he meticulously dissected the unlucky fellow's corpse. After some research, he made a significant discovery.
He then decisively called for reinforcements, sending a message to his accomplices to hurry over.
The news of the ancient civilization ruins appearing outside Blue Jade City quickly spread, causing a great stir.
Various factions, like sharks smelling blood, rushed to the scene.
...
Wind Flower Snow Moon Tower.
Ji Mo's expression was extremely tense and unnatural, his mood very uneasy.
The Great Elder of the Moon Sect had come to visit, showing immense enthusiasm. She grabbed Ji Mo's hand and sincerely invited him to join them.
Given that the background of the Wind Flower Snow Moon Tower was common knowledge, and the selection process for the past leaders of the Wind Flower Snow Moon Sect was not a secret, the Moon Sect's Great Elder assumed Ji Mo knew everything and did not elaborate on the connections.
"What did you say? You want me to join you, and you want me to be the 'Saintess'?"
Ten thousand alpacas stampeded through Ji Mo's mind.
His handsome face was immediately covered in dark lines.
This was too exaggerated!
Although there was no shame in any profession, and he held no contempt for those working in pleasure houses, he truly had no intention of selling his pure body for money. Even selling his skills but not his body was unacceptable.
And what did "Saintess" of a pleasure house mean?
Did it mean he had to dress up as a sissy to please guests with peculiar tastes?
The thought alone gave him goosebumps.
Absolutely not, he was a pure man!
After careful consideration, Ji Mo firmly shook his head and refused.
This simpleton had overthought things, believing the Moon Sect's Great Elder wanted to recruit him into the sex trade and engage in illicit activities, so he naturally wouldn't agree.
The Moon Sect's Great Elder had expected Ji Mo to readily accept. After all, the status of the Moon Sect's Saintess was transcendent, and it offered the opportunity to contend for the position of leader of the Wind Flower Snow Moon Sect. This was a great opportunity for success and a leap to the heavens!
Moreover, she believed that with Ji Mo's abilities, he could overpower the Saintesses of the other three sects—Wind, Flower, and Snow—and have a significant chance of becoming the leader. She couldn't understand why Ji Mo would refuse such a good thing?
"Young Master Ji, please reconsider. If this matter is successful, it will save you at least ten thousand years of hard work! Furthermore, we have beauties of all types and races, exotic charms, plump and slender..."
The Moon Sect's Great Elder gave Ji Mo a meaningful smile, hinting with her words.
Her implication was that upon being elected as the leader of the Wind Flower Snow Moon Sect, he would not only enjoy transcendent status but also have countless beauties flocking to him, available for his selection.
As long as one was male, there was no reason to refuse such terms.
However, Ji Mo still politely declined.
The Moon Sect's Great Elder left in disappointment, her impression of Ji Mo gaining two new points.
Aloof!
Truly gay!
But she did not give up easily and would think of other ways to recruit Ji Mo.
Poor Ji Mo, he didn't realize he had missed out on a tremendous opportunity to live off women.