Chapter 513: Chapter 512: Do Not Probe with Divine Thought
"I am naturally aware that with Master Giant Axe and others present, those top treasures might not be ours to claim.
But while they feast, we can still have a taste of the rich soup.
The six of us, even the weakest among us, possess combat strength at the late-stage Divine Realm. Together, though we can’t match a powerhouse at the Nine-star Divine Realm, we are certainly not inferior to an Eight-star Divine Realm powerhouse either.
Therefore, at the right moment, we too can make a claim.
Since there’s a chance, I suppose you all aren’t satisfied with just the basic mission rewards, right?
The real allure lies in the treasures during the mission.
A Nine-star mission’s treasures are bound to be immensely abundant; even if Master Giant Axe and the others pick the best, the rewards still surpass those of a Seven-star or even an Eight-star mission."
Master Panshan continued, his face brimming with excitement.
"Of course, the allure is strong, but we must stay alive to claim it," Master Pei said with a sense of self-awareness.
Bai Ziyue frowned, clearly sensing that Master Rock’s mind was already unsettled.
*Even though the Soul-controlling Master had immense wealth and has already perished, the fact that Master Giant Axe treated the matter with such caution, even inviting two Nine-stars, two Eight-stars, and seven Seven-stars—totaling fifty late-stage Divine Realm powerhouses—proves the danger involved.*
*It’s unwise to think of treasures first instead of the dangers.*
He maintained a calm demeanor, yet kept a silent vigilance in his heart.
"Naturally, if we indeed encounter danger and things become untenable, preserving our lives should be our priority.
But when treasures do appear, we shouldn’t hesitate either.
Master Giant Axe did say that once inside, apart from having to heed instructions and refrain from acting independently, all gains depend on our own abilities."
Upon hearing this, Master Rock calmed slightly but still spoke.
"As it should be."
"If a good opportunity arises, we certainly won’t miss it."
...
Master Zixuan, Master Treasure Seizer, and others smiled slightly, quickly agreeing.
Bai Ziyue nodded as well, naturally not objecting.
...
The warship flew at a tremendous speed, and no one dared to provoke the obviously extraordinary Giant Axe Warship.
This resulted in a smooth journey.
Soon, half a month flew by.
And at this moment, Master Giant Axe, Evil Moon Fairy, and Master Great Sun finally reappeared.
"By now, I believe you’ve all heard about the target of this mission, haven’t you?
That’s right, it’s the legendary mausoleum that the Soul-controlling Demon Monarch spent a century building before his official demise.
It’s the true burial ground of the Soul-controlling Demon Monarch.
However, even though the Demon Monarch has perished, excavating his tomb to seize his treasures is by no means easy.
Because in his mausoleum, a millennium ago, those powerhouses he enslaved have all been sacrificed by him, becoming a group of immortal, undying special entities guarding the tomb over the centuries.
These powerhouses, though their Divine Souls are chaotic and insanely altered, with reduced combat strength from their peak, are numerous and undeterred by death, forming troublesome, fierce contingents not easily dealt with.
So, when you enter the tomb, I hope all of you adhere to the arrangements, following my instructions above all.
If you dare to act independently, don’t blame us for any unkindness."
Master Giant Axe explained, his gaze turning ice-cold as it swept across the crowd, full of overwhelming authority.
Immediately, the weaker cultivators bowed their heads.
"Alright, everyone, follow me off the ship."
Seeing this, Master Giant Axe smiled with satisfaction, unfazed even if a few retained impassive expressions, leading the way off the warship.
Following suit, the others rushed out.
Bai Ziyue followed behind Master Pei and others, scanning around to find themselves in a desolate, expansive mountain range.
The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi here seemed quite thin. Within a radius of hundreds of miles, human presence was scarce, appearing utterly barren. Even the venomous creatures and beasts inhabiting the area were mostly mundane, with very few having turned into Demons.
"Is this the tomb of the Soul-controlling Demon Monarch?" someone asked, their face full of curiosity.
"Don’t rush. We still have a half-hour journey ahead."
Master Giant Axe gestured, casually retrieving his Giant Axe Warship, before heading straight into the depths of the mountain range.
By this time, most were unsure of their exact location, and few had ever visited here, so they quickly followed.
After another half hour, an enormous abyss appeared before them.
Below the abyss, mists shrouded the area, with nothing but faint eerie winds rising here and there.
"To an outsider, this appears to be simply a cliff, and indeed it is. The bottom of the cliff only contains ordinary mountain paths, indistinguishable from other places.
However, beneath lies an array, serving as the entrance to the Soul-controlling Demon Monarch’s mausoleum.
Only those adept in the Array Dao, armed with the Divine Eye, observing constantly, can vaguely glimpse some of its secrets."
Master Giant Axe stood beside the cliff, addressing the crowd.
Upon hearing this, the others quickly used their spying skills, but soon, their expressions turned somewhat grim.
Most of them, apart from a few, found nothing at all.
Among those present, even the weakest were Late-stage Divine Realm powerhouses. They might not have been skilled Array Masters, but every one of them had mastered the spiritual eye peeping skill, and they all felt quite confident.
Yet, they were still unable to discern the mystery.
Some couldn’t help but use their Dharma Treasures, but as the treasures struck, there was nothing but the sound of stones shattering on the opposite side; surprisingly, there was no trace of array fluctuation.
Bai Ziyue swept out his Divine Sense and casually used the Great Cave Observation Technique.
A subtle wave immediately appeared in his perception.
And now, in his eyes, the seemingly ordinary abyss transformed. A surge of Yin Qi rushed upward, accompanied by an eerie chill rising toward the sky, only blocked by a subtle spirit light, preventing any leakage.
Master Giant Axe, who had been observing everyone, suddenly noticed Bai Ziyue’s unusual expression. His heart stirred, and he couldn’t help but take a second look at him.
Earlier, Bai Ziyue’s unflinching gaze had already caught his attention, and now, the strange look on his face clearly indicated he had noticed something, arousing some suspicion.
However, when he discovered that the other party was only at the Mid-stage Divine Realm Immortal Technique Realm, his gaze shifted away again.
A cultivator at this level, even with some special traits, could not possess significant power.
Thus, he naturally didn’t pay much attention.
"Inside this mausoleum, there is a Fourth-Grade High-tier Grand Array in place. Even a Golden Core Realm Master would find it hard to detect unless they thoroughly investigate.
"Fortunately, I have here a Fourth-Grade Array-Breaking Talisman, capable of tearing a small hole in the grand array, allowing us to enter smoothly.
"The Fourth-Grade Initial Stage Array-Breaking Talisman, due to its limited power, can only break the array for ten breaths. Time is limited, so you must quickly rush in.
"Additionally, I must remind you that once inside, you must not act rashly, as danger can arise at any moment. It’s best to activate your Defense Techniques first."
As Master Giant Axe spoke, he flipped his hand and took out a talisman.
Without hesitation, he directly activated the Array-Breaking Talisman.
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
A trembling sound resonated in the air.
Immediately, an orange array membrane appeared and was torn open like a wall-like hole.
Inside the hole, it was utterly empty, with a strong and eerie black light sweeping out, accompanied by faint wails as if ghosts were crying and gods were howling.
The Yin Qi was terrifyingly thick.
"Enter!"
Master Giant Axe shouted lowly, his body flashing with spirit light as a defensive light shield rose around him. He then charged directly inside.
Rushing into a dangerous place, no one was complacent. Thus, at that instant, everyone activated their Defense Techniques, and amidst the flickering spirit light, they followed and rushed inside.
Bai Ziyue’s thoughts stirred, and he spent a full three breaths of time before a robe of pitch black, enveloping his entire form inside and out, instantly materialized.
The robe appeared almost tangible, encapsulating him entirely. Though it looked thin, it was solid to the extreme.
It was the Great Divine Technique, the Five Emperors Divine Robe.
Even though he had not yet reached Entry Level in this Great Divine Technique, when he displayed it, it possessed Defense Power comparable to a Top-grade Dharma Treasure.
Yet, at this moment, he still felt insecure. With a sweep of his Divine Thought, Seven-Colored Spiritual Light appeared on him.
The seven-colored radiance enveloped him, making him seem like a transcendent entering the mortal world, splendid and holy.
It was the Divine Technique, Seven-Colored Tribulation Passage Spirit Light.
Unconcerned with the surprised looks of others, Bai Ziyue lifted his foot and leaped into the hole just before it closed.
"Such heavy Yin Qi! Moreover, this space is far larger than I had initially imagined."
Bai Ziyue’s eyes flickered, and a slight trace of surprise appeared in them.
"Be careful."
"Do not extend your Divine Thought."
"Everyone, gather closer."
At that moment, low murmurs rang out.
Just as Bai Ziyue was about to extend his Divine Thought, he heeded the words and drew closer to the others.
However, some, due to habit, extended their Divine Thought immediately.
A Late-stage Divine Realm’s Divine Thought had an incredible range. Even if suppressed, it quickly reached several kilometers away.
Then...
"Roar!"
"Kill!"
"Charge!"
Savage roars, akin to beast howls, arose from all directions.
"Are these the strong ones once enslaved by the Soul-controlling Demon Monarch? Could they possibly have persisted till now?"
Someone exclaimed in surprise, their face slightly pale.
There were too many of them.
They were surging directly from all directions.