Chapter 30 - Allocation First, Then Action
"Oh damn! I thought everyone had revealed their identities, but damn, they're all fakes, spouting nothing but lies! And to top it off, that idiot is still here, muttering away, maintaining his suspicion. Who would've thought these guys had already figured each other out? Damn, I'm really just a greenhorn."
With these thoughts in his mind, Zhang Kai felt that this experience was broadening his horizons and providing valuable learning opportunities.
"You want to read the novels? I've already downloaded them for you at Mi Du's Novel Network: MIDUSHU.COM."
"Of course, who wouldn't hide their true intentions? I refuse to believe they've figured out my plans."
"Truly worthy of the Bone Sect, impressive, impressive," a voice suddenly rang out, and Gu Mingyu appeared from the cave.
Zhang Kai sighed inwardly. He had underestimated the various powers in the world. Even though they had experienced the era of prosperity and cultivation, with their mysterious techniques, some secrets could never be completely eliminated. He had thought they didn't sense him, but it turned out they were all right under his nose.
"It's not as good as the Gu Sect's techniques," the young man replied calmly.
At this moment, another figure emerged from the water. Initially appearing small, like someone using bone-shrinking techniques, the figure slowly expanded until it took on the form of a person. It was none other than Daoist Chongming's crooked-mouthed disciple. However, this time, the disciple had a blank expression, devoid of any light in his eyes, like a puppet.
"Now that everyone has revealed their identities, can we consider cooperating for this expedition to the forbidden area?" Shuangmawei continued.
"Cooperation is possible, but we need to agree on how to distribute the rewards in advance to avoid conflicts," Daoist Chongming said with a sly smile.
"Naturally, you can discuss what you each want to avoid misunderstandings," Gu Mingyu added with a smile.
"I want the Thousand-Year Blood Mushroom," Daoist Chongming was the first to speak, his eyes intense, making it hard to refuse.
"It seems that Daoist Chongming's blood refinement technique is about to break through. Congratulations," Shuangmawei commented with a slight raise of his eyebrows and a smile.
Daoist Chongming just smiled without responding.
"I need the Snow Soul," Shuangmawei continued.
"Oh? It seems that Daoist friend practices the Gu Sect's Iceheart Saintly Technique. I didn't expect such a prodigy to exist in this Dharma Ending Age. Impressive, impressive!" Daoist Chongming's eyes narrowed as he looked at Shuangmawei with some emotion.
Shuangmawei replied casually, "It's just an attempt, success remains to be seen."
"Then I want the Rare Serpent Bone," the young man spoke up.
Hmm! When this statement was made, everyone turned to look at him. Daoist Chongming furrowed his brow and said, "The Rare Serpent is the mount of the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain. This creature is originally a divine serpent with a thousand years of cultivation. Its profound cultivation has accompanied the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain, but whether it's alive or dead now is uncertain. Your request seems rather ambitious."
The young man had an expressionless face as he said, "This is what I need. If I can obtain it, it's mine. If not, it's my fate."
"Very well, I agree to this. I'll keep it simple. I want the Changling Heavenly Flower," Gu Mingyu spoke up.
"Changling Heavenly Flower? Does this legendary divine flower truly exist?" Daoist Chongming exclaimed in surprise.
Gu Mingyu replied, "Whether it exists or not is another matter, but what I want is this item. Let's make it clear now, so there won't be any misunderstandings if we do find it."
There was a moment of silence among the group.
Gu Mingyu didn't say anything more and turned to the old fortune teller and Zhang Kai, asking, "Daoist Zhou is the host of this expedition, and this time it's under your leadership. Naturally, the two of you have items you can specify. What do you need?"
The old fortune teller was calm by this point and said, "I need Spirit Stone Milk."
"It seems that the Wudang Sect knows quite a bit about the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain's collection. You even know about Spirit Stone Milk," Gu Mingyu praised.
The old fortune teller smiled and said, "Not as knowledgeable as you. I hadn't revealed it before, but you've already figured out that I came here for this, thoroughly understanding the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain's thousand-year collection. You know exactly what's in it."
"That's something we owe you. If we gain anything, we'll owe the Wudang Sect a favor in the future," Gu Mingyu said earnestly.
The others didn't object.
The old fortune teller smiled contentedly and said, "Very well, with your words, I'm satisfied."
"What about you, Zhang Dao? What do you need?" Gu Mingyu looked at Zhang Kai.
Internally, Zhang Kai was thinking, "I wish you'd just drop dead. You all know so much, even specifying what you want in advance, while I'm stuck in the dark."
But he couldn't say that out loud. Instead, Zhang Kai said decisively, "I'm not very familiar with the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain, but since everyone else has made their selections, I'll take whatever you don't want."
Gu Mingyu: ...
The old fortune teller: ...
Daoist Chongming: ...
Shuangmawei: ...
...
"Cough, Zhang Dao, that's not what we meant. We're suggesting that you specify something you want. The idea is to select one item you desire, and the rest can be divided fairly among us," Daoist Chongming explained with a smile.
Zhang Kai said, "But I don't know what's here."
"In that case, it depends on what you need," Shuangmawei also chimed in, his gaze focused on Zhang Kai.
They were all inheritors of their respective sects, and as soon as someone stated their desires, they could immediately deduce part of Zhang Kai's intentions.
Zhang Kai looked around and smiled, "I do have something in mind, but it's quite challenging."
"Oh? Please tell us," Gu Mingyu said.
Zhang Kai said with a smile, "I want the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain himself."
Gu Mingyu: ???
Others: ...
"You have unique tastes. According to my sect's records, the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain is a bearded man. Are you sure you want that?" the old fortune teller explained with a strange expression.
Zhang Kai laughed and said, "Isn't that the best thing to get? Researching the mysteries of divine beings is sure to yield some good results. After all, in this Dharma Ending Age, when gods and Buddhas are in decline, this is a rare opportunity. When the spiritual energy is restored, and gods and Buddhas regain their strength, it will be much harder to study."
With this statement, everyone looked at Zhang Kai with strange expressions.
It felt like they were looking at a pervert or a madman.
"That's acceptable. If you have the ability to take away the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain, then so be it," Gu Mingyu said conclusively.
"Alright, now that everyone has made their choices, and we've allocated items, can we ask Daoist Zhou to unlock this bronze door?" Daoist Chongming looked at the old fortune teller. The old fortune teller smiled and said, "Let's see my skills."
With that, he energetically began manipulating the mechanism of the revolving door on the bronze gate. His body was full of vigor, and his hands were steady. The revolving mechanism on the bronze door deftly rotated back and forth.
Amidst the clinking sounds, a heavy thud suddenly resounded, and the old fortune teller proudly declared, "I won't disappoint. The mechanism of this bronze door has been unlocked."
"Wudang's mysterious techniques are truly enigmatic and unpredictable, just as the legends say," praised Daoist Chongming.
"You're too kind. I'm just scratching the surface," the old fortune teller humbly replied.
Shuangmawei walked up to the bronze door, pushed with both hands, and sure enough, the bronze door slowly opened, creating a narrow gap that allowed one person to pass through before stopping.
"Let's go. This is the real forbidden area. It's unpredictable and mysterious. Although we all have our own objectives, if we find something, we'll need to rely on our abilities to obtain it. Life and death are determined by fate. Be prepared, everyone," the old fortune teller said with a serious expression.
"We understand the principles, no need to say more. I'll send someone to scout ahead," Gu Mingyu said, raising her hand and addressing a wristwatch, "Everyone come in."
Soon, amid the chaotic sound of footsteps, a group of people appeared before them. To Zhang Kai's surprise, these were the same people who had followed them earlier. Not only were they unharmed, but they were also now armed to the teeth, holding various weapons.
Zhang Kai was rendered speechless. This lady had such an armed group with her? Would a flourishing family cultivate such an army?
Could it be that the Gu family had gained some prestige during this operation?
Note: This translation attempts to preserve the original style and tone of the text, which includes some informal language and slang.