Chapter 99: A Perilous Reveal

Ye Xingchen peered intently into the distance.

The keen eyesight characteristic of a cultivator pierced through the gloom and dust, catching a peculiar metallic glint amidst the shadows at the end of the alleyway.

Following the direction of the trio’s gaze, a pile of dark, indistinct objects came into view.

Beneath the debris of charred plastic, several weapons were strikingly revealed: the streamlined grip of a pistol, the metallic barrel of a machine gun, and the intricate rails of an assault rifle.

These modern firearms, which rightfully belonged in an armory, were now coated in a layer of bluish-gray rust, gleaming with a chilling light within the gloomy cavern.

Observing the fervor the three displayed towards this pile of firearms, it became evident that these were their true objective for this expedition.

‘Could the ancient alchemical products mentioned earlier possibly refer to these very firearms?’

A jolt ran through Ye Xingchen’s heart. ‘Could this truly be the Earth of the future?’ he wondered.

‘Yet, if that were the case, why would two cultivators of such profound cultivation engage in a fierce battle over these mundane weapons? Considering their realm, these firearms should pose no threat to them whatsoever…’

What perplexed him further were the two corpses at the center of the formation.

The First Cultivator, clad in a moon-white Daoist robe, sat cross-legged at the core of the Innate Bagua formation, while the Second Cultivator, in dark robes, guarded the Acquired Bagua position.

Two remnants of spiritual energy formed a subtle cycle within the two Bagua formations.

Ye Xingchen, who himself cultivated the Qimen Dunjia technique, naturally possessed considerable knowledge of Bagua formations.

He understood that while the Innate Bagua, originally created by Fuxi, had later undergone revisions, it still offered glimpses into the past.

Conversely, the Acquired Bagua, developed by King Wen of Zhou, could predict the future.

When combined, they formed the Qimen Jiugong arrangement, an esoteric pattern passed down through generations.

This arrangement could connect the past, present, and future, revealing the myriad mysteries within the river of time.

The crisscrossing sword marks and scorched magic formations on the cavern walls silently recounted the brutal events of the past.

‘Things are likely not so simple…’ Ye Xingchen mused.

The mere presence of these firearms within a cultivator’s dwelling was already peculiar. Coupled with this profound formation layout, and with too few clues available now, acting rashly would likely be ill-advised.

‘It would be better to observe quietly for now,’ he thought, ‘perhaps more clues will emerge later.’

However, just as Ye Xingchen was lost in thought, an unforeseen incident suddenly occurred!

Mu Wanqing, whose nerves had been tightly strung, finally could not control herself and shrieked upon seeing the two imposing remains of the cultivators.

As she instinctively recoiled, her shoe abruptly landed on a moss-covered, slick rock, causing her to instantly lose her balance.

“Ah!”

Her startled cry produced an eerie echo within the enclosed cavern.

Ye Xingchen and Su Liyue’s expressions changed simultaneously.

They watched as Mu Wanqing traced a terrifying arc in the darkness, sliding rapidly down the slick rock face like a kite with a severed string!

She attempted to grasp protrusions on the rock wall, but the sharp edges only left several bloody streaks across her palms.

“Qizai!” Ye Xingchen and Su Liyue’s faces paled in unison.

Mu Wanqing had already slipped out of the concealed area of the compass formation and was plummeting towards the pure glazed flame at the central eye of the formation!

In that critical instant, Qizai’s sword body surged in size, transforming into a streak of light that shot forth.

Just as Mu Wanqing was about to plunge into the pure glazed flame of the formation eye, the sword spirit maiden manifested her physical form and, with outstretched arms, caught her securely.

With their robes fluttering, they hovered precariously just three inches from the edge of the formation eye.

“Who goes there?!”

The black-robed man’s fierce shout exploded like a clap of thunder.

The leader abruptly threw back his hood, revealing a face covered in eerie tattoos.

The dark red patterns seemed to writhe like living things under the flickering firelight.

“To think someone could infiltrate this place…” he growled. “Could it be those mages from the Aetherland Empire…?”

His chilling voice carried a hint of disbelief as his gaunt fingers already rested on the hilt of a menacing scimitar at his waist.

The black-clad figure on the left suddenly pointed into the air. “Big Brother, look quickly! That flying sword beneath the girl’s feet!”

At this moment, Mu Wanqing was held in a princess carry by Qizai, suspended in mid-air.

Her magic robe and the bells adorning the sword tassel swayed together in the eerie blue firelight, making her pale face appear even more terrified.

This picturesque scene, like a beautiful painting of a noblewoman, unfolded within the grim cavern, yet it also became the most conspicuous target.

Beautiful as the sight was, it was clear from the three men’s eyes that they apparently hadn’t perceived the sword spirit Qizai, but only Mu Wanqing, seemingly supported by a flying sword beneath her feet.

The black-clad figure on the right suddenly drew a greatsword inscribed with a skull.

“It’s the long-lost Sword-Riding Art?!” he roared. “They must not be allowed to leave here alive!”