Chapter 158: Ancient Cultivator’s Cave Mansion

“After you, Fellow Daoist.”

Li Meng narrowed his eyes slightly, stroking his beard with the air of a gracious senior.

“Then let us depart, Fellow Daoist.”

Lu Zimo nodded lightly.

Li Meng took the lead, channeling his spiritual power to rise into the air, flying toward the distant horizon.

Lu Zimo followed close behind. Her white robes danced in the high-altitude winds, giving her the appearance of a celestial maiden descending from the heavens. Her aura was cold, ethereal, and utterly intoxicating to behold.

As they stabilized their flight path, Li Meng broke the silence.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, has something specific occurred at Yellow Wind Valley?”

Since she was heading to the same destination, there had to be a draw. Li Meng preferred to trade information rather than fly blindly.

A flicker of surprise crossed Lu Zimo’s eyes. She glanced sideways at the man flying shoulder-to-shoulder with her.

He is heading to Yellow Wind Valley, yet he doesn’t know the situation?

Lu Zimo didn’t dwell on the suspicion. Perhaps ‘Li Feiyu’ was the type of cultivator who chased vague rumors just to join the excitement. Since rumors were often unreliable, it was natural for him to verify the details with a fellow traveler.

Her voice, cool and clear like a mountain spring, answered him.

“An Ancient Cultivator’s Cave Mansion has appeared in Yellow Wind Valley. While the existence of the site is true, certain individuals with ulterior motives have linked it to the Grandmaster ‘Bodhi Tree.’ That exaggeration has drawn the attention of major Sects from all across the Tianlan Continent.”

An Ancient Cultivator’s Cave Mansion?

Li Meng’s eyes lit up.

In ancient times, powerful cultivators often built their secluded residences upon ‘Blessed Lands’—pockets of intense spiritual energy. If a new Blessed Land had been discovered, it would be a massive boon for every cultivator in the region.

Li Meng glanced at Lu Zimo’s side profile, which was as pure and flawless as sculpted jade.

“Does Fellow Daoist Lu know the story behind these rumors?”

“I know a little.”

Li Meng looked at her with undisguised expectation.

Facing his eager gaze, a faint, polite smile touched Lu Zimo’s lips. It seemed this ‘Li Feiyu’ truly was in the dark.

“Previously, Yellow Wind Valley was under the strict control of the Black Mountain Stronghold,” she explained. “They demanded exorbitant tolls for entry, which naturally incensed the local Rogue Cultivators. To force the Stronghold’s hand, the rogues spread news of the ancient site, adding oil and vinegar to the story until the whole world believed a supreme treasure was inside.”

Li Meng nodded slowly, his expression dawning with understanding.

So that’s the game.

The Black Mountain Stronghold was the only major human settlement in the Western Desert. They acted like the ‘Local Emperor,’ viewing the vast desert as their private backyard.

When an ancient site appeared in their backyard, they naturally claimed it as their exclusive property.

Rogue Cultivators dared not challenge them directly. However, the great Sects of the Tianlan Continent were a different breed. They wouldn’t pamper a local tyrant.

In the eyes of the major Sects, the Black Mountain Stronghold was nothing more than an ant. A few Golden Core elders would be enough to crush them into dust. By inviting the wolves in, the Rogue Cultivators had broken the Stronghold’s monopoly.

“But it has been some time since the news broke,” Li Meng mused, playing the devil’s advocate. “Surely the treasures inside have already been swept clean? What is the significance of going now?”

If the cave had opened, the loot should be long gone.

“It is not too late,” Lu Zimo corrected him gently. “The site is not a traditional residence. It consists of a single Enlightenment Stele and seven Enlightenment Platforms.”

Seeing Li Meng’s continued confusion, she patiently elaborated.

“The Enlightenment Stele contains the martial legacies and intent left behind by the ancient master. Those ancients placed the utmost importance on the cultivation of ‘Intent’ and artistic conception. If one can meditate there and gain even a sliver of enlightenment, it would be endlessly beneficial for their future Dao.”

She paused, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

“The Stele is protected by a powerful seal. It only weakens briefly during the hour of Extreme Yin on moonless nights. Going early or late makes no difference; one must wait for the cycle.”

“Furthermore,” she added, glancing at him, “the seven Enlightenment Platforms have their own restrictions. Only cultivators at the Foundation Establishment realm may ascend them to seek the Dao.”