Chapter 499: Chapter 497: Spare Me, I’ll Give You My Treasure

Zheng Long laughed indifferently, "As long as our ancestors live on in our hearts, that is enough. Now that we are free, I believe if our ancestors’ souls in Heaven knew, they would only be even happier."

"What are your plans after you get out?"

Zheng Long glanced at Zheng Yan and said, "Let’s get out first, then we’ll talk."

Xu Yang thought for a moment, then took out a token and said, "This is the token of the War King Family, one of the seven top powers in the outside world. If you have nowhere to settle, you can go to the territory of the War King Family!"

At this, Zheng Long’s eyes brightened and he immediately accepted it.

To be one of the seven top factions—it goes without saying.

He secretly rejoiced inside, thankful that he hadn’t gone too far.

"Now, the source of the Spirit River is in decline. Sooner or later, the Spirit Realm will fall into destruction—it’s only a matter of time."

"Ever since the fall of the first Daqian Emperor, Daqian was suppressed and abandoned. Now they’ve returned to the Spirit Realm, and there’s a Celestial overseeing them. Though the Spirit Realm appears peaceful, beneath the surface, currents of intrigue run deep."

"For all that happened today, I beg you seniors not to reveal any of it upon returning to the outside world, or you will bring disaster upon yourselves!"

This was by no means Xu Yang sensationalizing danger!

If this is exposed, not to mention himself—even Daqian would not spare them.

Moreover, even if they relied on the Five Elements Celestial Realm, Xu Yang felt it was highly likely they’d have their minds forcibly searched using the Soul-Searching Secret Skill by experts there.

The outcome is easily imagined!

Zheng Long’s expression became grave; then he nodded heavily: "You have my word."

As his words fell, he suddenly forced out a drop of essence blood, and a spiritual mark emerged, a spot of spiritual light falling into the blood.

The other members, seeing this, immediately followed suit.

Xu Yang looked on, utterly perplexed.

What are they doing?

Soon.

In front of each person floated a drop of essence blood infused with a spiritual mark.

Zheng Long merely gazed at Xu Yang and said in a deep voice, "We swear upon our lives: if any of today is leaked, let us perish, body and soul!"

"And if our souls are searched, so too shall it be!"

As his words ended,

They began forming hand seals in quick succession.

In the next instant, the essence blood intertwined and, in a sudden flash, transformed into a sinister blood rune that burrowed into each person’s body.

Xu Yang’s body shuddered: "This is..." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Zheng Long smiled, "This is the Zheng Clan’s oath seal. Should any of us break our word, the punishment of the oath shall befall us!"

Xu Yang took a deep breath, said no more, and clasped his fists solemnly in salute.

Zheng Long was shrewd—what Xu Yang could think of, Zheng Long could too.

That’s why he took this step!

Still, one had to admit, this measure completely dispelled all of Xu Yang’s worries.

"Mr. Xu, what are your plans next?" Zheng Long asked.

Xu Yang thought for a moment and said, "I’ll stay in the Fallen Land for a while longer to strengthen myself."

"In that case, I do have a place I can recommend for Mr. Xu to try."

"Oh?"

Xu Yang raised his brow slightly.

"The Wild Beast Abyss—extremely concealed; few know of it. It lies deep in the northern core of the Fallen Land. Here’s a map. Inside live many demonic beasts we call ’wild beasts.’ These creatures have no intellect—only the instinct to kill and fight!"

"Because of the nature of the Fallen Land, their flesh and blood hide spiritual source power. It’s not much, but refining their essence blood provides martial artists significant overall improvement. Plus, there’s no shortage of these beasts!"

"Both cultivation and tempering are greatly aided here!"

Xu Yang’s eyes lit up. This was indeed a good spot.

Cultivate while battling!

He took the map and said, "Thank you, Senior."

With some brief conversation, Xu Yang took his leave.

Zheng Long watched in the direction Xu Yang departed, murmuring, "That cauldron...might not be the true treasure!"

"Why do you say so?" Zheng Yan was taken aback.

Zheng Long smiled, "He was too straightforward, and indeed too practiced at it. Of course, that cauldron is extraordinary—but none of that really matters."

"The disputes between the Daqian Emperor and the Spirit Realm have nothing to do with us. Now that we’re free, the Zheng Clan should celebrate properly."

Zheng Yan gave a slight smile: "Then we must find a few big ones to hunt and lift our spirits."

"Hahahaha!"

...

All along the way, Xu Yang immersed himself in researching the Heaven-Devouring Spirit-Eating Skill!

The more he studied it, the more astonished he became.

This secret technique simply defies description.

All things in Heaven and Earth—even turbid qi—can be devoured and forcibly refined!

It truly resembles the Celestial Refining Divine Scripture in profound ways.

But the difference is, the devouring methods here are much more direct and brutal.

He felt more and more surely that this secret art and the Celestial Refining Divine Scripture must be related.

They fit together perfectly!

"If I cultivate this art, my rate of progress will increase severalfold—at the very least!"

"Even the first Daqian Emperor—where did he acquire such an astonishing technique?"

It was certain this was not created by the first Daqian Emperor alone.

Even a Celestial could not have created such a secret technique.

A thought flashed by; Xu Yang smiled, watching the core of the Fallen Land draw nearer with excitement.

He would cultivate here for a while, and then head to the Wild Beast Abyss!

He could anticipate—by the time he left the Fallen Land, his power would undergo a world-shaking transformation.

By then, he would no longer fear Xiao Ming!

A quarter-hour later, he reached the core of the Fallen Land.

Xu Yang extended his senses, then shot off quickly in a certain direction.

The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi here was astonishing, and invisible spiritual source energy permeated the air.

Though thin, long-term cultivation here was remarkable indeed.

"Not bad at all."

Soon enough, Xu Yang found a suitable spot and was about to descend—when a surging aura erupted abruptly.

"Already occupied! Get lost!"

A harsh shout came from below.

Xu Yang halted mid-air, then sighed and turned to go.

First-come, first-served—better find someplace else.

"Hm? True Monarch Middle Realm..."

"Tsk, tsk. Kid, you’d better stay."

The voice sounded again, now laced with sinister laughter.

Whoosh!

A short, scrawny middle-aged man appeared in front of Xu Yang, his face hostile.

Xu Yang frowned, "I was just about to leave. What do you want?"

The man sneered, "Kid, there’s nothing more normal than killing people and stealing treasures while out in the wild, is there?"

"I’m only at True Monarch Middle Realm, while you’re already high-tier. What treasure could I possibly have that you would need?" Xu Yang sighed.

"You never know. Better to kill the innocent than let someone go."

The man finished speaking, murderous intent blazing in his eyes.

"Wait."

The man paused instinctively, suspicion in his eyes.

"I’ll give you my Storage Ring—just let me go, how about it?" Xu Yang said solemnly.

"Already cultivated to True Monarch, and still this naïve? Think you can escape after I’ve targeted you? Foolish!"

The man’s patience wore thin; the instant his words fell, he vanished from his spot, killing intent surging like a tide, enshrouding the void around them.

Dozens of meters were crossed by a high-tier True Monarch in the blink of an eye.

The man grinned cruelly, his hand, shaped like a beast’s claw, unleashed a violent might.

One sweep of his claw exuded a terrifying binding force, warping and collapsing the space around Xu Yang.

Xu Yang sighed, "I truly meant to spare your life. I gave you plenty of chances, but you just wouldn’t take them."

"What?"

"Spare my life?"

The man froze in disbelief, then burst into raucous laughter: "You little whelp, such big talk for your age!"

"I’d like to see if your strength matches that sharp tongue of yours."