Chapter 270 (2/2)

”What? You were here 10 years ago?” Xiang Shaoyun cried out in astonishment.

”That's nothing surprising. I was about your age back then, and that was my first time here. I was proud and arrogant, coming to retrieve the earthstone heart with a bunch of apprentice brothers. However...almost all of us died. I only survived because I found the secret tunnel by fluke,” said Liang Zhuangmin with a look of melancholy. ”Earlier, I was trying to get to the tunnel again when I noticed that the tunnel was already sealed by the cannibals. Otherwise, they wouldn't have detected me at all.”

”Huh? Since it is already sealed, how will it help us?” Xiang Shaoyun asked.

”It's sealed, but we can open it again. That's why I need your help,” said Liang Zhuangmin frankly.

”You mean we can open the tunnel again and use it to approach the ancestral temple and s.n.a.t.c.h the earthstone heart from the cannibals? But there are most likely powerful cannibal kings guarding that place as well. Are the two of us even enough to get the earthstone heart?” questioned Xiang Shaoyun.

With a helpless smile, Liang Zhuangmin replied, ”I know this will be a difficult task, but I have no other choice. If you don't want to go, I will still go alone.”

Xiang Shaoyun could sense Liang Zhuangmin's resoluteness. The man had resolved to try even at the cost of his own life.

Xiang Shaoyun smiled and said, ”Since Brother Liang has already decided to give it your all, I shall play along as well.”

”Are you sure?” Liang Zhuangmin asked. He was astonished that Xiang Shaoyun would still agree even after knowing the dangers involved.

”Of course. I was here for the earthstone heart in the first place. How can I give up so easily?” Xiang Shaoyun gave a firm answer.

”Good. Let's not wait, and go right now,” said Liang Zhuangmin impatiently.

”No, we can't rush something like this. You are still badly injured. You need to first recover to your peak. Going in your current state is the same as suicide,” said Xiang Shaoyun.

”But I'm afraid I will need two or three days to recover to my peak,” said Liang Zhuangmin with a sigh.

”That doesn't matter. We have a month here, remember? What's two or three days?” Xiang Shaoyun placated him. ”If Brother Liang trusts me, tell me where the tunnel is. I will reopen it. When you are back to your peak, we can then go straight to the cannibals' lair.”

Liang Zhuangmin narrowed his eyes and studied Xiang Shaoyun for a bit before saying, ”Fine! I'll tell you!”

The two then left the cave. Liang Zhuangmin pointed in a certain direction, telling Xiang Shaoyun where the tunnel was. Looking over, Xiang Shaoyun realized that the tunnel was located close to where he had rescued Liang Zhuangmin earlier. Evidently, Liang Zhuangmin had been trying to get into the tunnel before he was found by the cannibals.

”Alright. Focus on recovery. I will reopen the tunnel as soon as possible,” said Xiang Shaoyun before das.h.i.+ng away.

Looking at the departing Xiang Shaoyun, Liang Zhuangmin thought to himself, Hopefully you won't disappoint me.

He then entered the cave and resumed recovering. This time, he entered an even deeper meditation fully focused on healing himself. The energy revolving around him this time was much more powerful than earlier, increasing the speed at which he was recovering. It would seem like although he looked simple and honest, he still knew to keep some of his actual strength hidden.

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