Chapter 74: Entering the Museum

Jiangnan's question,

It made Zhou Cong's complexion turn deathly pale in an instant, his lips trembling, yet he could not utter a single word.

Under the night veil, the Museum was like a gigantic black hole, devouring all light.

Zhou Cong knew Li Zuzhang's strength; even he had vanished without a trace, so entering now was no different from courting death.

His breathing grew rapid, and fine beads of sweat seeped onto his forehead.

No, we can't go in; once inside, we might never get out.

But if we don't go in, wouldn't that cement the word "coward" that Jiangnan just called me?

Zhou Cong clenched his fist tightly, then slowly released it, repeating several times; his palms were already soaked with sweat.

"Zhou Cong, say a few less words."

Mu Tong spoke, her voice cool.

"The urgent priority is to deal with the formation inside the Museum."

She stepped forward, gazing at the Museum before her, her expression solemn.

"This formation is not simple."

Xu Mao stood beside Mu Tong, his brows tightly knit.

"We must break the formation as soon as possible; otherwise, the consequences are unimaginable."

"Indeed, this formation is tricky."

Mu Tong repeated the sentence, turning her head toward Jiangnan.

"Mr. Jiang, the Advanced Group is already on the way; each of them is an elite among elites, and any one of them can handle matters single‑handedly."

"The others in the group have also fought countless battles, are richly experienced, and have dealt with innumerable emergencies."

"With them present, this formation will surely be broken."

"I only hope you can act, to temporarily block Black Shadow from setting up the formation."

Jiangnan hadn't spoken yet,

Zhou Cong, upon hearing that, felt his previously taut nerves relax a little.

He glanced at Jiangnan, silently snorting in his heart.

With the Advanced Group here, why would we still need this kid?

Mu Tong looked at Jiangnan and continued:

"Mr. Jiang, I know you're formidable; this time, could you help us?"

"As long as you're willing to act, once the matter is settled, our Special Operations Unit will definitely record a great merit for you."

"Then, ask for any reward you want; as long as we can arrange it, we will certainly satisfy you!"

Mu Tong's tone was sincere, and her eyes were full of expectation.

Jiangnan shook his head.

"I don't care about merit rewards."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the Museum before him.

"I only care whether this formation will harm innocent civilians."

When his words fell, Jiangnan's eyes lingered on the Museum's main building.

The night veil hung low.

The Museum at this moment was like a sleeping giant beast, crouching in the darkness, silent and mute.

Each window resembled a tightly shut beast's eye, pitch black, revealing no sliver of light.

A chilling wind, swirling dust, spun across the open plaza, emitting a low whine, as if it were a monster's whisper.

Jiangnan stared at the massive object before him, his brows slightly furrowed.

"It's dangerous inside."

He spoke, his voice deep, carrying a hint of gravity.

"Group Leader Li, a Master Level expert, has already been defeated inside."

"Your strength has not yet reached the Master Realm."

"If you don't want to follow in Group Leader Li's footsteps, it's best to stay close to me and follow my orders."

Jiangnan's voice was not loud, yet in the silent night it sounded especially clear.

Each word was like a heavy stone, striking everyone's hearts.

Zhou Cong's complexion grew even gloomier.

He clenched his jaw tightly, his fists gripping with a crackling sound, as if ready to explode at any moment.

"You..."

He was about to retort, but Xu Mao grabbed him by the arm.

Xu Mao gave him a look, signaling him to stay calm.

"Jiangnan, we will follow you."

Mu Tong stepped forward one pace, her gaze steadfast.

Her voice was crisp, bearing an unquestionable resolve.

"I believe in you."

Mu Tong added another sentence, her eyes blazing as she looked at Jiangnan.

Zhou Cong watched Mu Tong's gaze, feeling a surge of irritation.

He glared fiercely at Jiangnan, turned his head aside, and fell silent.

"Fine."

Jiangnan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group.

"Remember, once inside, no matter what happens, do not act on your own."

"Everything, obey my command."

"Understood."

Mu Tong and Xu Mao responded in unison.

Zhou Cong said nothing, but silently consented.

Jiangnan said no more, turned and walked toward the Museum's main gate.

His silhouette, in the night, appeared especially upright.

Like a mountain peak, it gave an inexplicable sense of safety.

Mu Tong and Xu Mao followed closely behind; Zhou Cong hesitated briefly, then also caught up.

The four figures gradually vanished into the Museum's darkness.

……

Meanwhile, deep within the Museum, a hidden secret chamber.

All four walls were built of blue stone, cold and hard.

A faint candle flickered, casting twisted shadows on the walls.

The air was filled with a stale musty odor, mingled with a faint scent of blood.

In the chamber's center, a figure clad in a black robe sat cross‑legged.

The robe was wide, covering his face, revealing only a pair of eyes.

Those eyes, in the dim light, flickered with a strange glow.

He was Yin Teng.

Yet at this moment, a barely perceptible panic flashed in Yin Teng's eyes.

Through the window, he saw Jiangnan's figure again.

In the He Shen Quan Incident, he had suffered a heavy loss at Jiangnan's hands.

That time, the plot he meticulously devised was completely shattered by Jiangnan.

The dark art he boasted of was no match before Jiangnan.

He even nearly lost his life at Jiangnan's hands.

That episode was a disgrace to Yin Teng.

He had thought Jiangnan could not find this place.

Unexpectedly, fate played a trick; Jiangnan truly came to the Museum.

Yin Teng's body trembled slightly.

It was fear, and also anger.

He clenched his fist, nails digging deep into his palm, bringing a sting.

The pain made him a bit more alert.

No.

Yin Teng roared at himself in his heart.

Cannot be afraid.

This time, unlike before.

He had already made thorough preparations.

He had been scheming for this operation for a long time.

This time, he was confident he could utterly defeat Jiangnan.

Yin Teng's gaze gradually became resolute.

He inhaled deeply, calming the fear within.

The corner of his mouth curled into a chilling smile.

Jiangnan, you have arrived.

Very well.

This time, I will ensure you never return.

Yin Teng rose slowly, his broad black robe moving without wind.

A powerful aura radiated from him.

The candle in the chamber flickered violently, as if it could extinguish at any moment.

The air grew heavy and oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

The battle was about to erupt.

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Yin Teng's eyes.

At that moment, his subordinate suddenly knocked on the secret chamber's door.

"Lord Yin Teng, the formation has entered the critical stage; we need you to go and oversee the situation."

"Understood!"

Yin Teng nodded, a barely noticeable excitement flashing in his eyes.

As long as the great array is set, a mere Jiangnan is nothing to fear!

This Museum is Jiangnan's tomb!