AST 1514 - The Treasure Map is the Key to Inheritance, Evil Inten (1/2)

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Qing Shui and Qin Qing had both entered ancient ruins before, and both were dumbfounded by their discovery. They exchanged a look before moving towards the mountain pass; there was only one way to get in and out of the place. Regardless of whether they encountered anyone or not, they could only follow the path in front of them.

This was the location indicated on the treasure map. Hence, this ancient ruin should be where the treasure was hidden. Yet, they did not find any Guardian Beasts obstructing their journey when they were outside.

Cautiously, they walked towards the mountain pass. As they were approaching, Qing Shui was surprised to see a group of twenty people looking over from not far away. However, that was not the most surprising sight, what surprised him more was the Statue above.

Battle God Statue!

This place was similar to the ruins where he received the Battle God Inheritance. If he remembered correctly, this was also a place of Battle God Inheritance along with a mausoleum to signify the won battle.

A far away mountain peak had the same Battle God Statue, yet from its appearance, it seemed like it was the statue of a Battle Goddess instead.

Only at this time did Qing Shui look towards the group of people; most of them were old, but there were also a few middle-aged men in their midst and two who seemed to be on the younger side.

Qing Shui and Qin Qing moved towards them. At this point, they had noticed the pair as well and were watching them suspiciously.

These people were in ordinary garb without many distinctive characteristics. They were all the attire of cultivators, only that the material it was made of seemed to be of pretty high quality. The few elderly men who were leading the group had an extraordinary aura.

The strength of these few elders was mighty, stronger than that of Qing Shui. Still, if he was to battle them one-on-one, he was sure there was still a possibility he could defeat them. He noticed the old men seemed unhappy with their presence.

Qing Shui could understand that, after all, they had arrived first. The concept of “whoever enters first is master” must have made them feel as though the place was already theirs. What he didn’t understand was why the other party remained here; could it be that they were not able to break through the Battle God Statue?

However, he denied the notion once he thought it out. Breaking through should not pose any issues. Then, there must be other reasons.

With a closer look, Qing Shui realized the place was different from the previous ruins he had been in: There was only one Battle God Statue here, and there was even a hall behind it. Other than that, nothing else differed.

Qing Shui had an inkling that he could not grasp. At this time, the old man who was leading the other party looked over at Qing Shui, his eyebrows no longer in a frown and spoke up ”What a coincidence for us to have visited this place at the same time.”

Qing Shui couldn't make any sense of the old man’s words and neither did he know what the man was trying to imply. Qing Shui merely smiled and said, ”I thought so too, not sure how your group found your way here?”

As Qing Shui spoke, he recalled that he had caught onto something previously. With a glance towards Qin Qing, he reckoned that she’d be in for a treat this time around.

”We came across here by chance. Though, unfortunately, we were not lucky enough; the Battle God Inheritance is a Goddess again. We couldn’t even enter.” It was clear as the elderly spoke that he felt this was a pity.

The old man had thought that even if he was not able to receive the Battle God Inheritance, he could have at least taken the other treasures. In fact, some Battle God Inheritance did not consider the genders; either men or women would be acceptable.

”That's a pity. I wonder how long you’ve been here. Why the refusal to leave if you couldn’t get anything?” Qing Shui asked, his lips tugged into a cordial smile.

”We came in a hurry and are all a bunch of old men. Hence, a group of people had gone to invite others here.”

The meaning behind his words was obvious - they were claiming this as their own, at least until they decided to quit. Any others would not be allowed to take a share of it.

”Elderly, even a change of person would not make any difference. I don't know if you’d believe me or not?” Qing Shui said, still donning his smile.

”Who can say about these things? It’s still better to try.” The old man replied gently.

”I wonder if we can try it.” Qing Shui asked with a chuckle, but his tone was calm.

The environment here was good; warm as spring and very bright, it was worlds apart from the outside. Of course, it wasn’t to say that it was unpleasant outside, only that it was covered in ice and snow there. Which was better was subjected to personal preferences.

For a moment, the old man was surprised. It was a long while before he looked over at Qing Shui and gave a nod. The elderly knew that to have the audacity to try would mean that Qing Shui must have had a certain level of might. Besides, such things would only befall upon those who were destined for it, so there was no need to offend anyone.

Qing Shui smiled. ”Thank you!”

Qing Shui could tell that the elderly was a smart man. He wondered what the others would do if he had found out that Qing Shui was in possession of a treasure map.

Qing Shui and Qin Qing headed towards the distant mountain, towards the Battle God Statue.

”Miss, do you know which Battle God this is?” Qing Shui couldn’t sense the aura of a Battle God Inheritance or the successor of Battle God on Qin Qing. As such, he would help her achieve that with their treasure this time around.

If what Qing Shui thought was true, then the treasure was truly substantial. A set of Battle God Inheritance that was enough to break the group’s head over it. It was a pity that he had already received the inheritance and besides, it seemed like the Battle God Inheritance this time would suit a woman more.

”This is Phoenix Battle God.” Qin Qing said softly, her eyes watching the Battle Goddess Statue.

The old men were also intently watching Qing Shui and Qin Qing.

”Brother, is it not a mistake to let them pass?” One of the old men thought for a moment before asking.

”Only those who are strong will be able to make it here, and being so young, there's definitely someone backing them. Furthermore, we have yet found a solution after so long. If there are any valuable items here, we’ll need to be able to retrieve it for it to be worth its value. Offending someone over things which we don’t even have the ability to take is unwise.” The old man replied without sparing a glance.

”What do we do if they manage to get it?” The other old man asked again.