C26 During the Era of the Great Mountain Bandits!

At the base of Cliff Mountain, Zhuo Qingyao had taken time to heal and was now fully recovered from her injuries. A peculiar tension hung over the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. The elders surmised that Chen Ming had set off to address the situation at Pitfall Mountain. To them, Chen Ming epitomized the selfless hero, one who might valiantly depart and never return. The disciples caring for Zhuo Qingyao were also privy to the letter he left behind for her.

Given the slim chances of Chen Ming's return, that final letter likely served as his last testament.

The sect members believed Chen Ming had anticipated the perils of his journey and secreted his entire fortune within Cliff Mountain. Consequently, the sect's hoe and shovel shops were swiftly cleared out by eager disciples.

Chen Ming's legacy was irresistible. In all of Yan Kingdom, who had witnessed a talent to rival his? Surely, he had left behind a destiny-shaping treasure.

Before his departure, Chen Ming had slain Gongsun Zhi with a single stroke, earning him a reputation amongst the elders as a match for the Sect Master himself.

Chen Ming was a mere twenty-three years old, while the Sect Master was well into his two hundred nineties. The comparison was staggering, making the allure of Chen Ming's hidden wealth at Cliff Mountain even more enticing.

The world had finally learned the full account of Chen Ming's triumphant battle against the Killing Palace. Thirty thousand against a hundred thousand, with the enemy entrenched and the smaller force on the offensive. Chen Ming emerged victorious with negligible losses, even achieving the legendary feat of a thousand kills. Such divine strategy, such martial prowess—how could it be possible?

Do you aspire to genius?

Venture to Cliff Mountain in search of treasures!

Do you seek riches?

Venture to Cliff Mountain in search of treasures!

Do you desire an unparalleled cultivation technique?

Venture to Cliff Mountain in search of treasures!

Do you long for an elixir of immortality?

Venture to Cliff Mountain in search of treasures!

Do you covet the military treatise left by Chen Ming?

Venture to Cliff Mountain in search of treasures!

Forget 998, forget the lines. With just a hoe and shovel in hand, the legends of Yan Kingdom could be yours. The treasures left by Chen Ming await!

Cliff Mountain beckons adventurers!

Once the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's disciples made their way to Cliff Mountain, word quickly spread throughout the Yan Kingdom, prompting its youth to join the movement. With such a massive gathering, the secret was bound to leak, and soon enough, young people from neighboring lands were flocking to the site. Before long, Cliff Mountain was teeming with eager youths wielding hoes and shovels in search of treasure.

Zhuo Qingyao scrutinized the note left by Chen Ming. As his protégé, she was certain that only her unorthodox master could have penned such an eccentric message – it was beyond the capability of any ordinary person.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Cliff Mountain, Zhuo Qingyao discovered a bustling small town in what was once a barren wasteland. The town's businesses were thriving against all odds.

No sooner had Zhuo Qingyao entered the town than a Taoist holding a compass approached her. "My dear lady, you must be here in search of treasure, am I right? With sixty years of grave-finding under my belt, I am second to none. For a mere hundred taels of silver, you can retain my expertise for a full month!"

Puzzled, Zhuo Qingyao inquired, "Why would I be searching for a great tomb?"

The Taoist chuckled and replied, "Ah, it seems you're unaware of the mysteries this place holds. Let me enlighten you. Rumor has it that Master Chen of the Prince Regent Mansion has perished in the fierce conflict with the demon race. Master Chen, with his foresight, had anticipated this and prepared a cenotaph for himself, concealing all his wealth within it, including the secrets of his spiritual practice. Surely, such a revelation stirs your heart?"

Just then, a burly man with the air of a bandit shoved the Taoist aside and addressed Zhuo Qingyao, "Ignore the ramblings of that old Taoist. What Master Chen left behind is the key to the Dao Realizing Stage and becoming the Human King. Your prowess is evident, Miss. Join forces with me, and let's become legendary bandits, galloping into a life of treasure hunting. Only those who can withstand Master Chen's elaborate trials will claim the title of the unrivaled Bandit King of this world!"

Zhuo Qingyao's eyelids fluttered in disbelief. Master, what have you done?

Zhuo Qingyao waved her hand dismissively and commanded, "Grandpa Faang, have the soldiers detain these two ruffians and take them to the magistrate for sentencing!"

With a respectful bow, Faang replied, "As you wish, Miss. Men, seize these two at once!"

Zhuo Qingyao continued, "Grandpa Faang, my master has instructed me to undertake training at Cliff Mountain. Henceforth, please refrain from following me. Otherwise, I won't reap the full benefits of my training."

Old Faang bowed deeply and directed the Flying Tiger Army of the Prince Regent Mansion to withdraw. He watched Zhuo Qingyao venture into Cliff Mountain. Once she was a good distance away, Old Faang gestured subtly, and Wang Meng employed his magic to become invisible, stealthily trailing behind her.

The influx of practitioners to Cliff Mountain stirred the great demons residing there. Initially, they mistook the practitioners for exorcists intent on their destruction, but upon realizing these visitors were merely at the Dao Enlightening Stage, they commanded, "Slay all these practitioners. The tranquility of our Cliff Mountain is not theirs to disrupt!"

Unaware of the true danger, the practitioners lamented as demon beasts attacked, "Surely, this is a trial from Master Chen. His foresight is indeed profound and unpredictable!"

Chen Ming, preoccupied with devising a scheme against Pitfall Mountain, found himself sneezing incessantly in recent days. "This is odd. As a cultivator, I shouldn't be susceptible to colds. Why this constant sneezing? Could it be that someone has hexed me?"

Dismissing these thoughts with a wave of his hand, Chen Ming listened as the Black Eagle delivered its report, "Pitfall Mountain appears to be on high alert, with increased demon patrols. Moreover, the Demon King has sent envoys here, extending an invitation for our Lord to attend a council."

It seemed the Green Lion Demon King had caught wind of the dungeon incident. Chen Ming knew he must head to Pitfall Mountain to hear the Green Lion Demon King's plans. Failing to appear would only betray his unease. Being a newcomer, he was oblivious to the Green Lion Demon King's secrets, and thus, above suspicion.

Meanwhile, significant military movements were afoot in the vicinity of Pitfall Mountain. White Fox Mountain, Ten Thousand Snake Cave, Old Turtle Lake, Fire Mulberry Nest, and Black Tiger Mountain were all astir. The five Great Demon Kings appeared ready to unite their forces for action.

If Chen Ming were the Green Lion Demon King, he would have fled at the first sign of trouble. Yet, the actual Green Lion Demon King showed no inclination to escape. Clearly, he had other tricks up his sleeve.

Pitfall Mountain was turning out to be more complex than it initially seemed.

At that moment, a voice echoed in his mind, “Ding! Class F plot challenge: Halt the Demon Clan's fury! Reward: 3000 Spirit Sense points and 300 Reputation points. Plus, a chance to draw a random item. Would you like to proceed?”

Chen Ming couldn't help but get excited. The reward wasn't just a hefty 3000 Spirit Sense points, but also a chance at a random item. First things first, though—he needed to wash his face!

Post-wash, Chen Ming indulged in a bit of self-deprecating humor, “The odds of drawing something worthwhile are nil. I'll never pull anything good in this lifetime!”

“Let's draw!”

“Ding! You have received a Storage Ring. The reward has been distributed. Please verify receipt.”

Chen Ming grunted in acknowledgment and patted himself down, searching. Where could the Storage Ring be? “Storage Ring, show yourself!”

“Open sesame!”

“Where on earth is this Storage Ring?”

Despite his thorough search, Chen Ming couldn't locate the reward. What was happening? No matter, he decided not to dwell on it. His next move was to report to the Green Lion Demon King.