543 A Visit From Kong Dao! (2/2)

He sat before Wang Baole now. He might seem cold and distant, but he was clearly considerably relaxed, as his eyes weren't as cold as they were usually. After some thought, he spoke.

”Baole, I need your help!”

Wang Baole's expression grew serious when he heard that. He didn't question Kong Dao and simply nodded his head and agreed to help.

A smile appeared on Kong Dao's face when he saw how Wang Baole agreed to help him without even thinking or questioning him. He thought for a while, then said in a low voice, ”I used the Spirit Boat you lent me the last few times I carried out my missions. I accidentally found a secret cave abode under the Sea of Fire… It's well-preserved and protected by a hex. Because of its unique location, no one else except me has discovered this cave.

”During this period… I found chances to observe the cave in secret. Nothing's changed in the past few months, so I am fairly confident that no one has discovered the cave.

”I've tried getting past the hex but found it challenging to do it alone. Baole, we'll have a greater chance of success if we do it together. Your level of cultivation is higher than me. For everything that we manage to find there, you'll get…”

”We'll split everything in half!” Wang Baole waved his hand. He knew what Kong Dao was trying to say. The latter wanted him to have a bigger share. He would have gone along with that if someone else was speaking to him about this, but Kong Dao was his brother. It was within reason for him to get a bigger share of their gains, but Wang Baole couldn't do such a thing.

Kong Dao stared at Wang Baole, then shook his head and laughed. Warmth unfurled inside him. He didn't quibble with Wang Baole and shared everything he knew about this cave abode in detail. After discussion, they decided that they couldn't afford any further delays. They left Wang Baole's cave abode and immediately set off while the sky was darkening.

Wang Baole and Kong Dao raced speedily in their Spirit Boats underwater. They approached their destination as Kong Dao led the way. Finally, after two hours, they reached some ruins under the Sea of Fire.

Forceful blasts savaged the area. Numerous cracks lined the seabed. The area was flooded over by the Sea of Fire. It was clear that this had been the battleground between powerful cultivators. One might even call it an ancient battlefield. There were many skeletons scattered around the place, though most had been searched through. What items remained on them were worthless.

”This is it. Baole, follow me.” After sending a voice transmission in the Spirit Boat, Kong Dao steered his boat ahead, circling the battlefield several times. Then, he located a crack amongst the countless small and large cracks on the seabed and snaked in. Wang Baole followed him close behind. He watched as Kong Dao's Spirit Boat went further inward for some time. Then, Kong Dao stepped out of his Spirit Boat. He endured the scorching temperatures and the agony of being burnt as he swiftly pressed his palm on the wall beside him.

A distortion appeared on the wall. As it contorted and warped, a crack appeared on it. Kong Dao returned inside his Spirit Boat hastily, then steered the boat through the crack and advanced.

Wang Baole watched in shock as Kong Dao executed the same series of steps repeatedly and unlocked a series of cracks in walls swiftly. The openings gradually healed shut after they entered.

How did he manage to find this place? Wang Baole had an odd expression on his face as he followed behind. They soon reached the depths of this battleground ruins and found themselves in a cave!

There was no Sea of Fire in this cave. They were surrounded by complete darkness. On the wall before them was a large stone door!

Beyond the stone door were two stone statues in the shape of bats. One had lost its head, and aside from a huge gash on its chest, the other could be said to be rather well-preserved. It stood immobile beside the stone door.

”This is the place. I found this place when I was chasing after an Inferno Rat. This was originally the nest for a dozen Inferno Rats.” Kong Dao seemed to have sensed what Wang Baole was thinking and began to explain how he had found this place. He pointed at the large stone door.

”There's a hex on the door. Based on my previous attempts, it takes a great deal of strength to push it open. After it's opened, we have a span of ten breaths before the stone statue comes to life and attacks any trespasser in the area!”

”I have no idea how powerful the stone statue used to be, but right now, it's as powerful as a late-stage Core Formation realm cultivator. I accidentally resurrected it the last time and only managed to escape with the life-saving treasure that my godfather had given me.” Kong Dao took a deep breath and looked at Wang Baole. His eyes were colored with anticipation.

”Tell me. What should we do?”