Chapter 469: Sometimes encountering an ambush is not a bad thing

Lu Yuan felt secretly wary in his heart; the Dark Spirit Clan is a mysterious and ancient branch of the Xiuzhen Jie, they take devouring life force as their energy source, and they also eye precious treasures covetously.

And the "Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map" is exactly what this ancient clan has long desired to obtain.

King Qi tightly gripped the Demon-Breaking Golden Wheel in his hand, his gaze sharp as he stared at the opposing party: "We came here not intending to intrude; may I ask if this place hides the Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map?"

"If so, we are willing to offer assistance."

Upon hearing this, the visitor immediately showed a somewhat cunning smile: "Hmph, you too have come for the Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map."

"However, obtaining it is not that easy."

Everyone felt somewhat tense; they knew that if they could not reach a compromise with the Dark Spirit Clan, a fierce battle would ensue in this mountain forest.

Gu Qingwan calmly said: "We are not enemies of the Dark Spirit Clan; we merely hope to borrow some information."

"Perhaps, in the process of seeking the Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map, we can cooperate with each other."

The visitor glanced at Gu Qingwan, pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Since you can guarantee not to put the opposing party in danger, I can tell you some clues about the Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map."

"But the precondition is that you must first withstand my trial."

Facing the visitor's challenge, everyone nodded in agreement with determined and unafraid eyes.

He opened a secret passage between the rocks and revealed to everyone that at the foot of the mountain lay a treasure-filled secret realm.

The Dark Spirit Clan repeatedly emphasized that after entering, four must walk side by side, simultaneously employing immortal arts; otherwise, venturing deeper into the secret realm would place them in extreme danger.

After some preparation, everyone entered the secret realm.

In an instant, a dark aura began to permeate the surroundings, and strange shadows flickered around them.

Suddenly, the Dark Spirit Clan's figures vanished, leaving Lu Yuan and the others to face countless illusions and attacks.

"This is the Dark Spirit Clan's trial!" Su Liyan tightly gripped the Ice Crystal Long Whip, and the cold jade ice flakes on her body burst forth with dazzling light.

Gu Qingwan swiftly summoned the Phoenix Fire Lotus Basin, her mana surging even stronger.

King Qi, with a solemn expression, wielded the Demon-Breaking Golden Wheel, shattering each attack that lunged from the darkness.

And Lu Yuan drew the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword, tracing arc-like lightning arcs in the air, successfully resolving many crises.

The group cooperated seamlessly, using superb tactics and immortal arts to dispel the phantoms and attacks surrounding them.

As time gradually passed, they finally found an exit in the darkness and rushed out of the Dark Spirit Clan's trial grounds.

Everyone panted heavily, their hearts filled with the joy of victory.

Although they had exerted effort, they ultimately earned the Dark Spirit Clan's recognition and trust.

The defeated Dark Spirit Clan told everyone that to obtain the treasure map they must first go to the Netherworld Valley. The group moved to a safer location; Lu Yuan plunged his Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword into the ground, laying an invisible barrier around them to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Netherworld Valley... sounds dangerous."

Su Liyan furrowed her brows.

King Qi lightly laughed: "Precisely because it's dangerous, it's all the more worth our adventure to explore."

"Moreover, we cannot allow the Dark Spirit Clan to obtain the Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map."

Gu Qingwan pondered a moment, then said: "It is said that the Netherworld Valley is a place where ancient cultivators sealed evil spirits and forbidden immortal arts."

"If we can smoothly venture deep inside and successfully unravel its secrets and trials, perhaps we can also gain more clues from it."

Lu Yuan nodded in agreement: "Only by venturing deep into the Netherworld Valley can we be sure to obtain the 'Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map' and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands."

"If that's the case, we must make thorough preparations."

Everyone again divided tasks and cooperated; Lu Yuan employed the Detection Technique to lay a scouting magic formation, to guard against any dangers they could not perceive.

Su Liyan, meanwhile, used ice-system immortal arts to strengthen the barrier, protecting everyone's safety.

King Qi, on the other hand, gazed into the distance, a hint of resolve showing in his eyes.

After a period of preparation, everyone was ready and set, preparing to enter the Netherworld Valley.

They walked along a path completely covered by tree branches and leaves, the surrounding air filled with a suffocating atmosphere.

Finally, as the sky grew dark and the leaves became sparser, everyone felt a gloomy and terrifying aura.

They saw a deep and dark valley appear before their eyes.

The Netherworld Valley is surrounded by strange rocks covered in ancient, moss-like vegetation.

Accompanied by waves of bone-chilling cold and a stench like bloody wind and rain, it is unbearable.

"This is the Netherworld Valley."

Lu Yuan looked at the group, his face bearing a hint of solemnity.

"According to legend, this is where ancient cultivators sealed evil spirits and forbidden immortal arts."

Su Liyan's delicate brows slightly furrowed: "It seems this place is not somewhere ordinary cultivators can easily venture."

Gu Qingwan stared at the black vapors rising from the Netherworld Valley, indifferently saying: "We have already decided to go forward; no matter what dangers lie within, we will also seek the truth."

King Qi pressed his lips together, gazing into the darkness deep in the Netherworld Valley: "Even if this is a battle with no chance of victory, we must persevere." Upon entering the Netherworld Valley, everyone immediately felt an extraordinary atmosphere.

They discovered that, contrary to their earlier expectations, this place is not a lifeless, stagnant realm.

Within the Netherworld Valley spreads an inexplicable vitality, as if countless lives are branching and flourishing in this forbidden land.

Lu Yuan excitedly looked around.

Wherever his gaze fell, countless shadowy figures appeared before his eyes.

One by one, solemn and weary faces stared at them; the sealed beings began to manifest in transparent, frail forms.

Lu Yuan horrifiedly discovered that this place hides a miniature society formed by the sealed beings—the "Shade Realm."

In the depths of the Netherworld Valley there is a gathering place formed by experts.

They are sealed here, constantly cultivating and honing themselves.

They hold the heart to seek the Dao, painstakingly cultivating in the harsh environment, yet gradually growing weary and tired.

Their gaze is sometimes empty and blank, sometimes dim and lightless.

Lu Yuan approached one of the sealed beings, an old man clad in a black robe.

Excuse me, senior, I heard that deep in the Netherworld Valley there is a 'Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map'; do you know any clues about it?

Lu Yuan asked respectfully.

The old man lifted his head, his eyes filled with weariness and vicissitudes: 'Young people, did you come for the Myriad Laws Heavenly Treasure Map?'

This place is not where mortals can set foot.

But you have shown steadfast courage and a sense of responsibility.

Lu Yuan smiled slightly: 'It is precisely because we recognize the danger here that we are all the more determined to come.' (End of chapter)