Chapter 31 - Fragile Collaborative Relationships

I Have Mastered the Revival of Spiritual Energy tianyi 2023-12-17

However, at this point, the Gu family's affairs were no longer important. What mattered now was entering the forbidden area, and everyone getting what they needed.

The armed team went in first. These individuals were dressed in protective suits, carrying large containers, and holding peculiar spray nozzles. After they had entered for a moment, Gu Mingyu led her group inside. Zhang Kai was the last one in.

As they entered, the interior suddenly opened up, revealing a huge underground space. Originally, the environment was pitch black, and you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. However, the team members who had entered earlier had placed some glowing objects in various locations. These objects were the size of eggs and emitted a bright light, providing enough visibility for the underground space.

They were indeed well-prepared, Zhang Kai couldn't help but admire.

Organization certainly had its advantages over going solo, but Zhang Kai remained calm. He thought to himself that compared to using cheats, being organized didn't mean much.

As he was contemplating this, a rapid series of "whoosh" sounds echoed, accompanied by screams. It was the sound of flying arrows, and someone had been hit.

Zhang Kai snapped back to reality and quickly looked in the direction of the commotion. He saw that some unfortunate members of the scouting team had fallen, while the rest were in a hasty retreat. The flying arrows were coming in dense waves, and the team's members couldn't outrun them. In the blink of an eye, half of the scouting team was down.

Gu Mingyu's group immediately stopped in their tracks, vigilant and watchful. They realized that the flying arrows had been shot from a wall somewhere, but they couldn't determine what had triggered it.

After a while, the barrage of arrows ceased.

Gu Mingyu approached to investigate, her expression extremely grim. "What a terrifying mechanism! These arrows are not simple; their material is a type of spiritual metal with incredible penetrating power. Even my high-fiber, three-layer special-made protective suit couldn't stop them." She picked up one of the arrows and examined it closely.

"This is not surprising, considering that the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain, as the leader of this mountain range, would have access to abundant spiritual materials," Daoist Chongming commented.

"But we've just entered, and if this continues, it will be difficult to predict our fates," Gu Mingyu said with a heavy heart.

"I think it might be better not to easily use our own people. We all have our own objectives here, and we'll need to contribute our efforts accordingly. Exploring this forbidden area is most convenient with our secret techniques. What do you think, fellow Daoists?" Shuangmawei spoke up.

Several people exchanged glances but remained silent. Although they all had their hidden abilities, these were essentially life-saving techniques, and in the early stages of the resurgence of spiritual energy, their powers were limited. Who could guarantee that they wouldn't encounter even more formidable challenges after using up their resources?

"What's the matter? Are you all only interested in personal gains and unwilling to make sacrifices? If that's the case, why bother teaming up? Since we've already entered, we might as well split up and act independently. Each one can rely on their own abilities, and whoever obtains something can keep it," Shuangmawei sneered, looking at the others with a mocking expression.

"Since you put it that way, why don't you take the lead and scout? The Demon Sect has a long history and numerous secret techniques. Let us see what you're capable of," Daoist Chongming retorted, his eyes filled with meaning.

Shuangmawei's gaze turned icy. "My killing techniques are quite interesting. Would you like to experience them?"

"I'm afraid your foundational cultivation for your killing techniques might not be sufficient to demonstrate their full power," Daoist Chongming replied calmly, his eyes squinting.

Shuangmawei's body suddenly exuded a chilling aura. Such a heavy killing intent couldn't be achieved without taking the lives of several people. "Enough! Do you all only want to profit without making any sacrifices? In that case, let's part ways."

"If that's the case, farewell," the young disciple of the Bone Sect said, then turned to the old fortune teller. "Old Zhou, let's go."

The old fortune teller sighed and said, "Very well, I wish all of you fellow Daoists success in your endeavors. Time is short, so please go ahead."

He then looked at Zhang Kai and asked, "Zhang Dao, would you like to accompany us?"

"Zhang Dao, I'd like to invite you as well. Regardless of how others act, I can solemnly swear on the Dao that I will stand with you in both good and bad times. If there are any ill intentions, they will find no place to bury themselves," Gu Mingyu said. Seeing her team disbanding without much fuss, she had decided to speak up and look at Zhang Kai with hopeful eyes.

"I'm in as well. Zhang Dao, I won't say much, but I'm willing to share all my gains with you," Daoist Chongming also chimed in, his expression sincere.

Zhang Kai: ???

What on earth is happening? I'm utterly confused.

First, we were cooperating, and they even allocated items. Now they want to split up and go their separate ways. And what's even more baffling is that I've become the object of their attention?

Have they figured out my strength so easily? They've completely seen through me.

But Zhang Kai had already been cautious from the beginning.

These people, none of them are trustworthy.

Their identities are untrustworthy, and their words are even more untrustworthy.

So, Zhang Kai smiled and said, "I think I'll be better off going solo."

"Zhang Dao, you don't know much about this forbidden area. Going alone could be extremely dangerous," the old fortune teller frowned, trying to persuade him.

He didn't expect Zhang Kai to doubt him as well. This kid, he had been competing with these people for his own survival. Did Zhang Kai think that he was also being deceptive, that his actions were all a show?

"That's not a problem. I'm here mainly to gain experience and broaden my horizons. If there's an opportunity, I'd like to study the Lord of Long Ridge Mountain. As for treasures, I have a realistic view. They must all be well-protected, so you see, I'm different from you all," Zhang Kai explained sincerely.

The group burst into laughter.

"Do you believe that?" They couldn't trust him.

This kid was the most mysterious among them because he couldn't be figured out. But he did have genuine abilities, especially in talisman-making. Despite the early stages of the resurgence of spiritual energy, their powers were limited, and talisman-making was a skill that put him ahead of many of his peers.

Meeting this kind of practitioner, it would be foolish not to try and recruit him.

"Since that's the case, take care, Zhang Dao," the old fortune teller said, finding it futile to persuade him further. He left with the young disciple of the Bone Sect, heading deeper into the underground space.

The underground area was vast, dark, and filled with multiple passages. Whoever found treasures first would depend on luck. As they went in separate directions, the remaining group was left in silence.

"It's better to split up; I don't think we can trust each other," the young disciple of the Bone Sect said, his lips curling with mockery, especially as he looked at Shuangmawei and Daoist Chongming.

"Is the Bone Sect, known for refining bone incense from the bones of countless creatures, qualified to judge right from wrong?" Daoist Chongming retorted, showing his disdain.

"In that case, we'll take our leave," the Bone Sect disciple said, then turned to the old fortune teller. "Old Zhou, let's go."