After days of exploration and the loss of over a hundred men, a preliminary understanding of the ancient cave was finally achieved.
This was indeed a relic of an ancient civilization, and it appeared to be the sacred ground of a powerful race.
Within it lay a vast amount of treasures left behind by that race, and possibly even the lineage and inheritance of their entire clan.
Someone among the previous survivors had discovered a clue; their consciousness had been encroached upon by an unknown mental force, and they had obtained incomplete information about a powerful divine ability.
It was clear that this was a result of forced infusion by an external force.
Could this be the inheritance of this place selecting its successor?
As these astonishing discoveries spread, those who learned of them were driven to madness.
Countless rare heavenly materials, earthly treasures, and the powerful inheritance of an ancient civilization – who wouldn't be tempted?
Although they knew the ancient cave was fraught with danger, fortune favors the bold. As long as the potential reward was great enough, greed would drive people to disregard all risks.
More and more experts, having heard the news, arrived and gathered near the mining pit. Among them, several prodigies drew everyone's attention.
These individuals were renowned figures, among the most dazzling geniuses in Purple Thorn State, with immeasurable future achievements, likely to become powerful magnates.
Among them, one woman stood out the most.
She was a Snow Woman, with exquisite and flawless features, a graceful figure, and a cascade of silver-white hair reaching her waist. As a gentle breeze blew, it seemed to stir a galaxy.
She was truly beautiful, like a carved ice sculpture, her eyes as clear as crystal, yet exuding an aura of cold pride that made others feel inadequate and afraid to meet her gaze.
The Snow Woman was named Bai Jingjing, the current Saintess of the Snow Sect, affiliated with the Wind Flower Snow Moon Sect. Her cultivation had reached the late Immortal stage, making her outstanding and surpassing her peers.
There were rumors that she was the most popular and competitive candidate for the Sect Master position in the current Wind Flower Snow Moon Sect, with a chance to become the youngest Sect Master in history.
Most importantly, Bai Jingjing was single, naturally attracting the most attention.
Many lecherous men eagerly inquired about Bai Jingjing's preferences. Upon learning that she was not interested in men, they immediately expressed their regrets.
There was also a young man with a commanding presence, surrounded by a group of people as if he were the moon surrounded by stars, conversing with ease.
He wore a fiery red long robe, a gentle smile on his lips, appearing as a refined young master, as gentle as jade, possessing an innate aura of sunshine and peace that naturally inspired goodwill.
This person was the "Benevolent Young Master" Mian Abe, renowned for his righteousness and generosity. He would go to great lengths to help strangers, earning him a widespread reputation for chivalry.
In stark contrast to Mian Abe's popularity was a ferocious beast, which no one dared to approach within a thousand-meter radius, all keeping a wide berth as if it were a venomous snake.
It was a golden lion, ten meters long, its entire body shimmering like forged gold.
It exuded an aura of ferocity and extreme brutality, with several corpses at its feet – unfortunate souls who had accidentally provoked it, only to be crushed with a single blow.
The golden lion had a significant background and formidable strength, which was why no one dared to intervene, even when it publicly killed people.
Besides them, there were over a dozen other beings whose blood and qi surged like rivers and seas, their presence awe-inspiring, including the elderly expert who was fond of "archaeology."
Sai Gao remained very low-key, hiding in the crowd without revealing his strength, trying his best to be inconspicuous.
However, his gaze occasionally fell upon Mian Abe, a flicker of joyful light flashing in his pupils.
Mian Abe also cast a discreet glance back. Their eyes met, and they shared a knowing smile.
If anyone had witnessed this scene, their eyes would have nearly popped out.
The notorious "Crooked Waist Man" Sai Gao was actually in league with the Benevolent Young Master Mian Abe!
"I can't wait any longer. Isn't it time to enter the ancient cave and contend for opportunities?"
The golden lion spoke human words, its fur bristling, flames dancing between its paws, urging, "If we wait any longer and those old fellows from the Emperor Immortal realm come to compete, we won't get anything."
"That makes sense. Time waits for no one. Today is an auspicious day for tomb raiding... for descending underground. We can act now."
The old archaeology expert agreed.
Delay could lead to complications.
Now that even prodigies like Bai Jingjing and Mian Abe had arrived, further delay might attract Immortal Emperors, which would not be good.
"I implore everyone to exercise restraint once inside the ancient cave. Please do not engage in treacherous acts like murder for plunder or forceful seizure. If anyone encounters danger, feel free to seek my help, and I will ensure your safety."
Mian Abe spoke, seizing the opportunity to gain favor.
After all, kind words cost nothing, so he might as well make them as pleasant as possible.
"Brothers, immortal treasures, divine artifacts, and divine skill inheritances await us. Charge!"
Sai Gao shouted, instigating others to rush forward first, clearing the dangers for him.
This guy was truly cunning.
However, this time everyone had learned their lesson. No one was easily fooled; they remained as steady as rocks, making no move to go first.
Bai Jingjing surveyed the surroundings and let out a disdainful snort, clearly looking down on the men present who were all talk and no action, cowards.
Her long hair flowing, she took a step forward.
Frost danced, the void shifted, and in an instant, she landed at the bottom of the mining pit.
This exquisite movement technique illuminated everyone's eyes, and they were simultaneously impressed by her courage.
Facing unknown dangers, Bai Jingjing dared not be careless. Her body was covered in layers of ice crystals, and she erected several layers of immortal light to protect herself before entering the ancient cave.
"Roar..."
The golden lion roared to the sky, clearly displeased at being looked down upon by a woman. It immediately leaped forward, following closely behind.
It did not dare to be slow either, its body igniting with fierce flames to isolate itself.
"Let's go."
Seeing someone take the lead, the others eagerly rushed in, afraid of missing out on anything if they were late.
Mian Abe kindly reminded them, "Family members, please be safe and take care of yourselves. Make sure to protect your liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. It's not good to injure any of them."
These words earned him another wave of goodwill. Everyone felt that this Benevolent Young Master was reliable and truly treated them like family.
Sai Gao deliberately lagged behind.
This time, he intended to do something big; he wanted both people and treasures.
"Hey, all of you, come out! This cave has a problem. It's located in a death gate, and you might not return alive. You'll all kick the bucket."
Ji Mo arrived, speaking to stop everyone.
He had just heard that he had acquired a piece of mountain and had come specifically to check the situation.
This vein originally belonged to the Ximen family, but after the Ximen family perished, this vein naturally became the property of Ji Mo, the creditor.
The Chi family, knowing that an ancient civilization relic had appeared in the mining area and seeing that Ji Mo had made no move, had reminded him a few times.
As a result, Ji Hanhan, upon receiving the news, rushed over, but he was still a step too late.
He was somewhat worried; it wouldn't be good for lives to be lost in his mining area.
"This young man is so handsome!"
Sai Gao spotted Ji Mo, his eyes lighting up.
Then, his gaze instinctively fixed on Ji Mo's abdomen, a surge of impulse to "slice" him.
He could sense that Ji Mo's physical body was extraordinary, his aura contained, his depth unfathomable. His kidneys must be of the highest quality, one in a million.
"I must find an opportunity to slice him."
Sai Gao was incredibly excited. This was the first time in his life he had encountered a man he felt an irresistible urge to lay his demonic claws upon.
He quietly approached Ji Mo.