As the Golden Core fell into Bai Shuo’s hand, dawn broke, casting the first rays of sunlight over the mountains. Birds soared into the sky, and the once desolate nameless mountain was filled with life again.
Everyone gazed at the three nameless graves, temporarily rendered speechless.
Suddenly, a hand reached out toward the Golden Core in Bai Shuo’s hand, but Fan Yue quickly stepped in, blocking Nan Wan’s way. He stared at him intently. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Nan Wan flinched under Fan Yue’s gaze and huffed, frowning. “Have you all forgotten why we came to Strange City? Now that the consciousness within this cursed core is gone, we have no way to locate the Wu Tong Tree Heart. I just wanted to see if there might be any clues within the core.”
After such an emotionally charged night, only Nan Wan still remembered their main mission. Truly, a talent.
Bai Shuo rubbed the Golden Core in her hand, raising her brows. “Jin Yao Immortal placed the Wu Tong Tree Heart in the nameless graves, likely intending for anyone who came here to neutralize the resentment within Senior Rong Xian’s Golden Core. Given that the resentment is now dispelled, the Wu Tong Tree Heart should appear… shouldn’t it?”
As soon as she finished speaking, a ray of sunlight fell on the Golden Core in Bai Shuo’s hand. The golden light refracted off the core, shining toward a spot behind the graves. The mist dissipated, and about ten meters away, a stone tomb suddenly emerged.
They had fought in these mountains all night without noticing this tomb. It must have been hidden by an enchantment, only revealed now that the Golden Core’s resentment was gone.
This, then, was the true resting place of the Wu Tong Tree Heart.
Before anyone could react, Nan Wan flew forward, sending his immortal sword toward the stone tomb’s entrance with a powerful slash. Yet the door didn’t budge.
Seeing Nan Wan’s frustration, Mu Jiu crossed his arms and sneered. “Well, well, Nan Wan, you Yun Xiao disciples have such manners—you’re first in line to meddle in a fight and first to snatch things!”
Nan Wan’s expression soured. After spending an entire night in this cursed place, he was still blocked from entering where the Wu Tong Tree Heart was hidden!
“If I can’t get in, do you think you can?”
Mu Jiu circled the stone door thoughtfully, then stroked his chin. “Now that the Golden Core’s resentment is gone, technically, we’ve passed Jin Yao’s first trial. Bai Shuo, why don’t you take a look? There must be some trick to opening this door.”
Mu Jiu really was a sly fox, bright and resourceful. Of all those present, the blacksmith might be the most resilient, but the cleverest was undoubtedly this crafty half-immortal girl.
Bai Shuo quickly examined the tomb’s door and suddenly exclaimed, “Look at the carvings on this stone door!”
The others leaned in, and there they saw it: beneath clouds was a figure standing atop a mountain peak, a long sword on his back, gazing toward the heavens. Behind him was a nine-tailed fox totem.
“A fox clan totem?” Mu Jiu raised an eyebrow.
“This mountain…” Bei Chen began thoughtfully.
“Lord Bei Chen, isn’t this Kunlun Mountain?”
Bei Chen nodded. “Yes, it’s Kunlun.”
Bai Shuo clapped her hands. “That’s it! I understand now. The relief shows the symbols of both Kunlun and the fox clan. Maybe Kunlun and fox clan members together can open the tomb. Lord Bei Chen, could you and Prince Mu Jiu try?”
“Who wants to work with Kunlun?” Mu Jiu scoffed, arms crossed, looking as if even begging him wouldn’t make him comply.
Bei Chen spoke indifferently, “I came to Strange City solely because I felt regret over Sect Leader Rong Xian. Now that Senior Rong Xian has departed, the Wu Tong Tree Heart holds no importance to my sect.”
“Lord Bei Chen…” Bai Shuo began, but Bei Chen had already turned to leave, leaving her dumbfounded—she didn’t want all their efforts from last night to go to waste!
She was about to persuade him further when Nan Wan stepped forward to block Bei Chen.
“Brother Bei Chen, the immortal clans stand united. Since we’ve entered Strange City, we should work together. The Wu Tong martial feast isn’t just a competition—it’s a matter of deciding the immortal and demon clans’ share of heavenly lands for the next century. Regardless of who wins, the immortal clans must give their all. You shouldn’t give up at this crucial time.”
Well said! Proper immortal sect disciples truly know how to speak eloquently!
Bai Shuo raised her eyebrows.
Sure enough, Bei Chen hesitated, his brows furrowing slightly as he stopped in his tracks.
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