"This is a water-element defensive treasure robe," he said.
"A water-element treasure robe?" Diao Chan's eyes sparkled with eagerness.
Water-element treasure robes offered excellent defense, impervious to blades and spears, and possessed some restorative capabilities.
"Water-element treasure robes are crafted by Inscription Masters. Only they can engrave inscriptions onto clothing."
"Jie Mingyue mentioned that these Inscription Masters were at the pinnacle of inscription arts. Unfortunately, this particular Inscription Master disappeared over three hundred years ago, and no news has been heard of them since."
"Inscription arts are a branch of martial arts, but they differ from the martial path. Inscription arts emphasize gradual progress. Once one embarks on the path of inscription, they must take each step diligently and with great effort to potentially reach the peak and become an Inscription Master."
Diao Chan explained a few points before adding, "My Lord, let's leave quickly. If we delay further, more traps and mechanisms might be triggered."
Zhou Yan nodded and, with Diao Chan, walked across the stone platform towards the center of the cave.
In the center of the stone chamber lay an ancient coffin, surrounded by a chaotic array of sharp weapons: halberds, great bows, spears, hammers, and more, all radiating a potent aura of slaughter.
"Hmm?"
Zhou Yan suddenly noticed dense inscriptions carved onto the coffin.
These inscriptions were incredibly complex. As Zhou Yan's gaze swept over them, abstruse and difficult-to-understand texts immediately surfaced in his mind.
"My Lord?"
Seeing this, Diao Chan couldn't help but ask with concern, "My Lord, are you alright?"
She observed that Zhou Yan's expression was solemn as he stared at the coffin, as if facing a troublesome matter.
"It's nothing. I just feel that the inscriptions on this coffin are rather unusual," Zhou Yan replied, shaking his head.
"My Lord, since you say these inscriptions are unusual, shall I help you examine them?" Diao Chan offered.
She was also an Inscription Master and naturally recognized many precious inscription diagrams, enabling her to discern the extraordinary nature of these inscriptions.
Zhou Yan nodded slightly.
"This inscription is called the 'Ice Seal Curse.' It is said to be an extreme cold inscription, used specifically to freeze enemies or suppress demons and monsters. Its power is terrifying, capable of instantly turning a target into an ice sculpture or even transforming a human into a puppet."
Diao Chan observed closely and then said, "Furthermore, the Ice Seal Curse has a characteristic: after the caster dies, their corpse can still maintain its lifelike appearance. Not only does the physical body remain incorruptible, but it can also continue to absorb Yin energy to nourish the soul and remain preserved permanently."
Upon hearing Diao Chan's explanation, Zhou Yan was profoundly shocked. Such an inscription was truly miraculous.
"Is there anything else?" Zhou Yan inquired.
"Nothing beyond that."
Diao Chan shook her head slightly. "I only know this much."
"Alas, what a waste,"
Zhou Yan expressed a hint of regret. If he could take this Ice Seal Curse with him, it would be a worthwhile gain.
However, this item was of little use to martial cultivators; it was only suitable for Inscription Masters.
"The material of this obsidian is quite special; it contains a powerful fiery aura. It should be able to be integrated into my Crimson Flood Dragon Scale Armor," Zhou Yan murmured.
He reached out and touched the palm-sized piece of obsidian, his eyes filled with anticipation. He decided to test the power of this stone slab first.
Whoosh!
Zhou Yan forced out a drop of his vital blood and let it fall onto the stone slab.
Buzz!
In an instant, the stone slab suddenly emitted a brilliant red light. Immediately, fine runes lit up across the entire slab.
These runes intertwined, forming peculiar formations.
Rumble!
The stone slab began to tremble violently. As it vibrated, a surging power erupted from within – a power of the Great Dao, incredibly potent, engulfing heaven and earth.
Zhou Yan was frozen in place. This was a form of law, possessing immense might, which even Zhou Yan could not immediately break free from.
"Ah!" Diao Chan cried out in alarm.
She was closer and bore the brunt of the impact, but her life was not in danger.
Zhou Yan endured a terrifying force, but his body was incredibly strong, and with various treasures on him, it was not easy to harm him.
"My Lord..."
Diao Chan was terrified and quickly looked at Zhou Yan, anxiously asking, "My Lord, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I'm just a bit surprised by this place," Zhou Yan said, rubbing his knee. "This inscription is indeed powerful."
Just moments ago, as the stone slab vibrated, Zhou Yan sensed a powerful force erupting from within it.
This force was so immense that it almost propelled Zhou Yan outwards.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly, immediately channeling his cultivation technique to resist. Otherwise, he would truly have been blasted away.
"This inscribed stone tablet likely possesses intelligence and can even generate some form of attack. Fortunately, I reacted in time."
Zhou Yan secretly felt fortunate. If he had been even half a second slower, he might have been blown away.
"The inscriptions here were likely left by that divine-level artifact refining Grandmaster. However, a corner of the inscribed stone tablet seems to be missing," Diao Chan pondered for a moment, then looked up at the coffin. "My Lord, there must be treasures hidden within."
"I know, but it's not the right time to retrieve the treasures yet," Zhou Yan said with a smile.
"My Lord is right. Let's first find a way out," Diao Chan agreed.
"If we head left, we should be able to pass through this tomb," Zhou Yan glanced to the right, beginning his search for an exit.
The tomb chamber was filled with the stench of decay. The space was small, less than five meters wide. Moreover, the walls were lined with mechanisms, and a single misstep could trigger them.
However, with the Myriad Forms Mirror in his possession, Zhou Yan didn't need to worry about these traps and mechanisms, proceeding unhindered.
After a short while, the group exited the tomb chamber and proceeded along the passageway.
The mechanisms in the passageway gradually became fewer, and soon, a spacious tomb chamber appeared.
Within the chamber were several stone coffins, piled with thick dust, appearing long abandoned.
On a stone platform in the center of the chamber rested a massive bronze sarcophagus.
This sarcophagus, eight feet tall and circular, had its lid carved with intricate patterns, totaling ninety-nine plum blossoms.
"Huh?" Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow.
He noticed that the plum blossoms seemed to be blooming, lifelike and vivid.
Zhou Yan vaguely felt that the ninety-nine plum blossoms represented some kind of meaning.
"My Lord, what's wrong?"
Diao Chan noticed the change in Zhou Yan's expression and asked softly.
"It's nothing."
Zhou Yan waved his hand and said, "Let's go."
"Alright!" Diao Chan nodded and obediently stood beside Zhou Yan.
Soon, the two arrived at the end of the tomb chamber.
At the chamber's end stood a grand mausoleum hall, within which stood a massive stone door.