Wang Li tensed at the sound of approaching footsteps. His body was still aching from the battle, but he forced himself upright, preparing for whatever new threat lurked in the darkness.
Lan Yue was already on guard, her golden sword gleaming faintly in the dim light. "Who's there?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
The footsteps paused. Then, a low chuckle echoed through the cavern.
"You two certainly know how to make an entrance."
From the shadows, a figure erged—a man clad in dark robes, his features partially obscured by a silver mask. The only visible part of his face was his mouth, curled into an amused smirk.
Wang Li's eyes narrowed. "Who the hell are you?"
The masked man stepped forward, leisurely examining the remnants of the shattered wraith beast. "I should be the one asking you that. This tomb isn't exactly open to the public."
Lan Yue didn't lower her sword. "You're not from our sect."
The man chuckled again. "Very perceptive. No, I am not."
Wang Li's grip tightened on his dagger. "Then why are you here?"
The masked man tilted his head, as if considering how much to reveal. "Sa as you, I imagine—seeking the treasures hidden in the depths of this ruin." He gestured toward the ember-like remnants of the wraith beast's core. "And it seems you've done a great favor by eliminating the guardian."
Wang Li imdiately stepped in front of the ember, blocking the man's view. "Sorry, but this one's ours."
The man's smirk widened. "Now, now, let's not be hasty."
He raised a hand, and in an instant, a powerful pressure crashed down on them.
Wang Li staggered. The weight of the man's spiritual energy was suffocating—it was on a completely different level from his own. Even Lan Yue, strong as she was, visibly tensed under the force.
He's in the Nascent Soul realm.
Wang Li cursed inwardly. Against soone like this, fighting was pointless. They were like ants trying to challenge a dragon.
The man took a step closer. "I'll make this simple. Hand over the ember, and I'll let you leave in one piece."
Wang Li's mind raced. There was no way he was handing it over, but how could they possibly escape?
Then, from behind him, Lan Yue spoke, her voice completely calm. "If you take it, the tomb will collapse."
The masked man paused. "Excuse ?"
Lan Yue kept her expression unreadable. "The ember is tied to the formation keeping this place intact. Remove it, and the entire tomb caves in. Do you really want to gamble with your life?"
Wang Li nearly gaped at her bold-faced lie.
The masked man studied her for a long mont. Then, to Wang Li's shock, he laughed.
"Well, well, aren't you a clever one?" He let out a sigh, as if reluctantly backing down. "Fine. I have no interest in being buried alive today."
The pressure vanished in an instant.
Wang Li didn't relax. The man was giving up too easily—it felt wrong.
Sure enough, the masked man took a step back but left them with a parting remark.
"I'll let you keep it... for now. But be careful, little cultivators." His silver mask glead as he turned away. "Not all of us are as reasonable as I am."
With that, he disappeared into the shadows, his presence vanishing like a ghost.
Wang Li finally exhaled. "Holy hell, that was close."
Lan Yue let out a slow breath. "We need to leave. Now."
Wang Li didn't argue. He grabbed the ember and tucked it into his storage ring before following her deeper into the tomb.
Sohow, he had the sinking feeling that this was only the beginning of their troubles.
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