Ma Kun watched this display, his expression souring as if he had just swallowed a fly. “Alright, enough. Stop dawdling. Everyone’s time is precious. Let’s move.”

No one argued. One by one, they summoned their Dharma Treasures. Ouyang Chen stepped onto a flying sword shimmering with azure light. The sisters, Lu Shu and Lu Yao, each stepped onto a conjured spirit cloud. Ma Kun controlled a black array disk, while Zheng Tong rode a simple flying dagger.

Lin Xuanwei’s actions, however, were the most eye-catching of all.

He slowly retrieved an item from his Storage Ring—a solid gold ingot, fully ten feet long and thick as a boulder.

With a clumsy leap, he sprawled across the giant gold ingot, straddling it with zero grace. The posture was comical, to say the least.

“Miss Lu!” Lin Xuanwei called out enthusiastically to Lu Yao, who was lagging behind. “Standing on a cloud looks so tiring. Want to hop up here and ride this treasure with me? I guarantee it’s fast and steady!”

Lu Yao stared at the glittering, tacky mount, the corner of her mouth twitching uncontrollably. She quickly waved her hand. “No need, Young Master Lin. I’m used to riding clouds.”

She would rather die than be seen sitting on that monstrosity.

The group delayed no longer, transforming into streaks of light that shot toward the depths of the Guiyuan Mountain Range. Lin Xuanwei rode his giant gold ingot, wobbling and swaying at the very back, though surprisingly, his speed wasn’t slow.

Before long, the group descended into a secluded mountain hollow.

Ahead, an ancient stone gate was embedded in the cliff face. It was tightly sealed, covered in moss and the weathered marks of time. Above the gate, a peculiar emblem was carved: a coiled dragon holding a blood-red crescent moon in its jaws.

“We’re here. This is the meditation cave of Daoist Long Wu.”

Ouyang Chen pointed at the gate. “This was originally the abode of another Nascent Soul cultivator. Later, this Fated Chance was obtained by Daoist Long Wu. Sadly, he failed to break through his bottleneck and passed away here. After his death, the cave became a self-contained secret realm. His legacy and treasures likely remain inside.”

Lin Xuanwei suddenly raised his hand like a curious schoolchild. “Wait, Brother Middle-Part, I have a question.”

Ouyang Chen’s eye twitched at the nickname.

“We haven’t even gone in yet,” Lin Xuanwei continued, oblivious. “How do you know all these details? You even know whose legacy it was? Is this a ‘second-hand’ secret realm? Don’t scam me—if this affects my Sect assessment, I won’t be happy.”

He wore an expression that screamed, I am very shrewd, do not test me.

Ma Kun couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Young Master Lin, do you dare venture into a secret realm without doing your homework?”

“All secluded caves in the Guiyuan Mountain Range leave unique marks and brief information at their entrances, which are registered in the Guiyuan Sect’s Cave Heaven Register. A simple check reveals everything.” Ma Kun dangled a jade talisman in his hand, engraved with the same dragon and blood moon pattern. “We spent a fortune buying the key for this trip, so naturally, our information is comprehensive.”

“Oh! I see.” Lin Xuanwei slapped his forehead in realization, then waved his hand with overbearing generosity. “You should have said so earlier! Put the cost of the key on my tab. I’ll reimburse you. As long as I pass the assessment, Spirit Stones are not a problem!”

Ouyang Chen really didn’t want to engage with this topic. He cleared his throat, his expression turning serious.

“Alright, let’s get back to business. According to records, the spatial rules of this secret realm are unique. The entrance can only accommodate two people at a time.”

“Moreover,” he continued, “different groups are highly likely to be teleported to random areas. Therefore, our top priority after entering is not treasure hunting, but regrouping. Keep this in mind.”

He took out five palm-sized wooden plaques engraved with the Guiyuan Sect’s cloud patterns and distributed them. “These are ‘Shared Breath Connection Plaques.’ They allow us to sense each other’s positions within a certain range. Guard them well.”

He looked around the group. “There are six of us. We will split into three teams.”

“Wait.” Lin Xuanwei jumped in immediately. “I don’t want to be with that Groom.” He pointed a finger straight at Ma Kun.

“You!” Ma Kun nearly hopped with rage. “My name is Ma Kun!”

Lin Xuanwei had a thought.

Hum!

A hunched figure in a tattered gray robe instantly appeared beside him. The puppet stood there like a silent shadow, its aura deep and heavy—unmistakably that of a Late Golden Core cultivator.

“Sorry, force of habit,” Lin Xuanwei said, patting the puppet’s shoulder and grinning at Ma Kun. “This is my servant. I just call him Groom.”

The puppet’s appearance sent a chill through Ouyang Chen and the others. The “Lin Xuanwei” before them was only at the Early Golden Core stage, yet he commanded a Late Golden Core puppet as a mere bodyguard.

This was not something an ordinary wealthy scion could possess. This Lin Xuanwei’s background ran deeper than Zheng Tong’s investigation suggested. Their contempt for him instantly receded, replaced by a layer of caution.

Seeing they were sufficiently intimidated, Lin Xuanwei smiled with satisfaction. He turned to Lu Yao, his tone dripping with temptation. “Miss Lu, how about teaming up with me? With my Groom clearing the way, I guarantee a smooth path. plus, we’ll get first pick of the loot.”

Lu Yao’s eyes flickered. She instinctively glanced at Ouyang Chen, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

Lu Yao immediately switched on a sweet smile. “Okay, okay! Then I’ll trouble Brother Xuanwei to protect Yao’er!”

“Hahaha! Easy, easy!” Lin Xuanwei laughed heartily.

Ouyang Chen quickly assigned the rest. “Since that’s settled, Young Master Lin will pair with Junior Sister Lu Yao. I will go with Junior Sister Lu Shu. Junior Brother Ma Kun and Junior Brother Zheng Tong will be the third team.”

He paused. “Junior Sister Lu Shu and I will enter first to scout. Young Master Lin and Junior Sister Lu Yao will follow. Ma Kun and Zheng Tong will bring up the rear. Agreed?”

“No,” Lin Xuanwei objected instantly. “I want to go in first with Sister Lu!”

“What if there’s good treasure inside and you snatch it all before I get there? Where’s the ‘experience’ in that? I paid for this trip!” He put on a stubborn face. “I’m the one footing the bill, so I make the rules.”

Ouyang Chen felt a throbbing vein pulsing in his temple. Suppressing the urge to curse, he took a deep breath. “Fine. As Young Master Lin wishes. You go first.”

To the side, the lanky Ma Kun sneered inwardly. In a hurry to die? We’ll be happy to oblige.

“That’s more like it!” Lin Xuanwei nodded in satisfaction, making a gentlemanly gesture to Lu Yao. “Miss Lu, after you!”

Lu Yao looked at the eerie stone gate and the blood-red moon carving, then glanced at the silent, mountain-like puppet beside Lin Xuanwei. A trace of unease inexplicably rose in her chest. But she gritted her teeth and walked to the gate, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him.

She noticed Lin Xuanwei stealing glances at her profile, his eyes wandering. Her anxiety eased slightly. Hah. Dealing with this kind of man is a piece of cake.

Ouyang Chen handed the jade talisman key to Lin Xuanwei. “Young Master Lin, please.”

Lin Xuanwei took the talisman; it was cold to the touch. Without even looking at it, he slapped it into the groove in the center of the stone gate.

Hum—!

The talisman fit perfectly. Blinding red light erupted from the carvings. The stone gate groaned and swung inward, revealing a tunnel mouth glowing with a faint, crimson luminescence.

Lin Xuanwei’s body stiffened visibly. He seemed nervous, but unwilling to show fear in front of a beauty, he forced a brave front.

“Miss Lu,” he said, his voice a little tight. “Hold on to me.”

Lu Yao moved closer and grasped his sleeve.

“Groom, lead the way!” Lin Xuanwei barked.