"Just a coincidence? Or... could the treasure marked on this map be the same 'Strange Treasure' causing all the rumors?!"
After double-checking the ancient animal hide scroll, Lin Feng confirmed that the depicted location was indeed Great Python Mountain. Stunned by the improbability of this overlap, his mind began racing, eyes glinting with newfound determination.
If the 'treasure' marked on his map truly aligned with the celestial phenomenon-inducing artifact drawing crowds to the mountain, the situation grew far more complex.
There were pros and cons: the disadvantage was that his original plan to search alone now meant competing with hordes of cultivators, raising the difficulty exponentially. The advantage, however, was his exclusive lead – with the map, he could locate the treasure faster than anyone else.
Initially indifferent to the Strange Treasure, Lin Feng's resolve hardened. "The opportunity is right here. I can't just sit idle. At the very least, I'll verify the site firsthand. Better to confirm whether this map's mark matches the rumored location than waste time on false hope..."
Without delay, he gathered his belongings, slipped silently through the window, and vanished into the night.
In a nearby room, Sword Guest abruptly opened his eyes mid-meditation, sensing movement outside. He smirked and glanced toward the window.
"Tsk, Fellow Daoist Lin… Not interested, eh? Sneaking out at this hour – surely not visiting an alchemist now?"
He rose, stretching lazily. "Well, timing aligns. Time to act on today's intel. Can't afford to lose track..."
In a flicker of shadow, he too disappeared into the darkness.
Meanwhile, on the inn's first floor, Wei Wuyi of the Absolute Sword Sect set down his teacup, his gaze sharpening as he stared through the closed window.
"Elder Wei? What is it?" Loong Tian'ao, previously meditating on the bed, snapped to attention.
"Nothing. Proceed as planned." Wei Wuyi's voice was icy. "The Azure Wind Valley's Tian Guangshu has arrived. We must secure the treasure before them."
Loong Tian'ao sneered, leaping to his feet. "Let them come! The Strange Treasure belongs to the Absolute Sword Sect! Anyone daring to contest us will taste our flying swords!"
Wei Wuyi frowned slightly at the young disciple's arrogance but said nothing. "Move out."
Lin Feng's hopes of a stealthy reconnaissance crumbled swiftly. The streets toward Star City's eastern gate teemed with cultivators – some in groups, others alone – all openly discussing their plans to scout Great Python Mountain under cover of darkness.
Outside the city, the flow of travelers intensified: parties returning from the mountain crossed paths with those setting out. While nighttime reduced foot traffic, only the bold or powerful dared venture forth after sundown. Shadows hid not just secrets, but blades.
Robbings, ambushes, and outright slaughter had become routine in the lawless expanse of Great Python Mountain. By now, only those at mid-Foundation Building or above risked solitary travel. Most formed alliances, yet even then, clashes erupted hourly – not just over the Strange Treasure, but over the mountain's abundant rare herbs, minerals, and demon beasts.
The deeper regions reportedly harbored Grade Four demon beasts equivalent to Nascent Soul cultivators – lethal even to seasoned groups. Yet the carnage only fueled the frenzy. The allure of a treasure capable of shaking heaven and earth outweighed all reason.
Three hours later, Lin Feng reached the foot of Great Python Mountain. Under the moonless sky, its silhouette loomed like a primordial serpent coiled to strike. The main peak, towering five kilometers high, was flanked by jagged ridges and cloaked in forests so dense they swallowed light.
Most travelers dispersed upon entering the foothills. By the time Lin Feng crossed a narrow river and ventured thirty li inward, he encountered scattered demon beasts – skittish creatures fleeing at the slightest noise. Two foolish enough to attack fell to his sword in seconds.
Guided by the map, he avoided the main peak, veering instead toward a valley nestled between two subsidiary ridges. Yet as he neared his target, the frequency of cultivator teams spiked.
This area... It's where the celestial phenomenon was sighted.
The correlation between the rumors and his map solidified. But with increased foot traffic came heightened danger. Every ten minutes, another group passed – half embroiled in battles against demon beasts or rival factions. Lin Feng, relying on the Yinyuan Art to suppress his aura, slipped through unnoticed.
"This should be the place. But... where's the treasure?"
Lin Feng crouched atop a tree at the valley's entrance, comparing the terrain to his map. The valley appeared utterly ordinary – no ruins, no formations, no trace of hidden mechanisms.
"A thorough search, then. Maybe an entrance lies concealed..."
He dropped to the ground, scouring every rock and crevice. The map's crude 'X' marked an area spanning kilometers – the treasure could be anywhere.
"Squeak!"
A fuzzy head poked out from his robe. The silvery-furred mystery mouse, Xiao Qiu, sniffed the air, eyes brightening with excitement. Before Lin Feng could react, it darted into the valley.
"Xiao Qiu! Wait!"
Heart pounding, Lin Feng gave chase. The creature's uncanny senses had led to breakthroughs before – perhaps this time would be no different…