Jiang Fan took a step forward, ready to leave.
Gong Caiyi, however, clutched his arm tightly.
Her face streaked with tears, she said, “You must come back.”
“I… I’ve already lost too much.”
“I don’t want to lose you too.”
A sharp pain lanced through Jiang Fan’s heart.
He wiped away her tears, cupped her face, and bent down for a kiss.
This time, Gong Caiyi did not resist.
She lifted her face, bravely meeting his kiss.
“You must come back,” she repeated.
She reluctantly let go of his hand.
Jiang Fan nodded and quickly headed toward the direction of the sound.
Soon.
At the mountainside, at the end of a muddy path marked with Beast Claw prints—
A massive tunnel slanted deep into the earth.
The stone walls inside the tunnel were smooth.
Eroded over countless years by the massive bodies of Spirit Beasts rubbing against them.
It was obvious.
Deep in this tunnel was the location where the Spirit Beasts collected Earth Phoenix Grass Juice.
It was also very likely the burial site of the Earth Phoenix Great Sage.
Ren Guhong and Wu Manyue, upon seeing Jiang Fan arrive, wasted no time sticking a Dustless Talisman to themselves before diving into the tunnel.
Jiang Fan also decisively took out a talisman and placed it on himself.
After some thought, he unsheathed the Purple Sword.
Riding the sword in flight, he left no footprints.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea—
He descended an indeterminate depth into the tunnel.
Far below the earth, the air was devoid of any rotten or damp smells. Instead, the fragrance of fresh greenery grew stronger and stronger.
The scent stirred a vague sense of familiarity in Jiang Fan.
It was undoubtedly reminiscent of the Earth Phoenix Grass Juice he had once drank.
It seemed, they were close.
“How frustrating!”
“Just as the tomb is about to be opened, they send us up to scout the situation.”
“With five Ninth Layer Perfection Core Formation beasts up there, do they think that bunch of decrepit elders can escape alive?”
“Clearly, they don’t trust us because we’re not their inner circle and fear we might pocket the tomb treasures. So, they sent us away.”
“Damn it! When there’s hard labor to do, we’re considered one of them. But when it comes time to split the spoils, we’re treated as outsiders!”
“Keep your voice down. Trouble comes from loose lips.”
…
Two young men wrapped in long robes with only their eyes visible walked toward him, whispering.
They moved using a movement technique.
Like nimble cats, they lightly tapped along the hardened stone walls on either side, leaping and dodging.
Leaving no trace of human presence.
Suddenly.
The more silent of the two robed youths tensed, his gaze sharpening as he spotted a trail of muddy footprints ahead.
Outside, it was pouring rain, leaving everything caked in mud.
It would have been nearly impossible for Ren Guhong and Wu Manyue to avoid the mud.
“Someone’s here!” the robed youth exclaimed, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
At the same time, his figure swiftly retreated.
Ren Guhong and Wu Manyue, who had been hidden, both paled.
Immediately, they drew their swords, prepared to pursue and silence him.
PLUCK—