While walking, the crowd came to a mysterious valley. The cloud mist around the entrance swirled and there was an ominous aura emanating from it. Mu Wenjie stepped forward first and was instantly bounced back by a powerful force. "This barrier force is very strong," Mu Wenjie said with a furrowed brow.
Huang Ling'er approached to inspect and said, "This restriction seems to be a transformation of an ancient formation. I have seen some records in our family's ancient books, but it is extremely complex to break." Upon hearing this, everyone gathered around to discuss a strategy.
At this moment, Jiang Yurou's mind flickered, and she took out a treasure. "This is the Baoding Zhu I happened upon. It may work." As the Baoding Zhu approached the restriction, it emitted a soft glow and slowly began to resonate with the restriction. As the glow intensified, a tiny crack appeared in the restriction. Mu Wenjie seized the opportunity and delivered a full-powered strike, causing the crack to widen gradually.
The crowd looked at each other in silent contemplation, exchanged a glance, and then nodded in understanding. They clasped hands tightly with one another, without hesitation, and together plunged into the mysterious valley.
As soon as they entered the valley, an overwhelming and dense spiritual energy hit them. It was like a visible spiritual mist that enveloped the entire valley. The spiritual energy was so dense that it had almost reached a physical form, allowing one to feel that they could breathe in large amounts of spiritual power and feel their pores relaxing.
The group couldn't help but feel a surge of joy in their hearts. They were well aware that such an overwhelming spiritual energy was not something an ordinary place could possess, and the place must be hiding extraordinary opportunities and treasures. However, they also understood that the immense opportunities often came with unknown difficulties and formidable challenges. But at this moment, their hearts were filled with confidence, with no trace of fear.
Mu Wenjie and Huang Ling'er stepped forward with resolute and strong steps, advancing deeper into the valley. With each step, the surrounding spiritual energy grew denser, and so did their anticipation for the unknown. Though they didn't know what awaited them ahead, they firmly believed that with their own strength and courage, they would be able to overcome all difficulties and reap their share of glory and wealth.
Just as they were filled with joy, their feet suddenly trembled slightly. The ground began to slowly crack open, revealing gaping fissures from which numerous vines emerged, winding their way towards the crowd as if they had a life of their own. Mu Wenjie swiftly drew his sword, which began to emit a shimmering aura and slice through the vines near him. Huang Ling'er raised her hands in a seal and murmured incantations, spewing streams of flames from her palms that engulfed the vines surrounding them. Jiang Yurou controlled the Baoding Zhu to release a protective energy shield, momentarily blocking the vines' attacks.
While fending off the vines, the group cautiously moved deeper into the valley. Suddenly, the view opened up, and an imposing palace appeared before them. The palace doors were shut tight, adorned with inscriptions. Mu Wenjie tried to push the door open with his spiritual energy, but it did not budge. Huang Ling'er studied the inscriptions carefully and discovered that they had to infuse spiritual energy in a specific sequence to open the door.
After much effort, the gate slowly opened, revealing an array of gold and precious items displayed within. There was also a martial arts manual that exuded a powerful aura.
Mu Wenjie smiled warmly at the people beside him, Huang Ling'er, Jiang Yurou, Xiao Yawen, Ding Yan, and Tuobacai Yingying, among others. His gaze slowly swept over each person's face, filled with contentment and joy. The others also returned smiles, their smiles containing a sense of trust, support, and reflection on the hardships they had endured together.
The sunlight shone down on them, as if draping them in a layer of golden brilliance. The gentle breeze stirred their hair, and for a moment, time seemed to have come to a standstill.
Taking a deep breath, Mu Wenjie began, "Throughout our journey, we've faced countless hardships and challenges, but we've never given up. Now, we have finally gained the honor and wealth that is rightfully ours!"
Huang Ling'er nodded gently, her beautiful face shining especially charming in the sunlight, "Indeed, all this was not easy to come by. But it is because of the company and efforts of everyone here that we have reached this point."
Jiang Yurou smiled gently and softly agreed, "That's right. This journey has made us stronger, and our bond has grown even deeper."
Xiao Yawen interjected with a look of excitement, laughing, "Ha! Thinking back to those difficulties we once faced, they don't seem like much anymore! Look at what we have now—it's all been worth it!"
Ding Yan also smiled and nodded, her eyes revealing a sense of satisfaction, "Yes, this is what we deserve. There will be many more days to come, and I believe we will create even greater accomplishments!"
Tuobacai Yingying had her arms crossed and said with confidence, "Absolutely, we're not going to stop here! There are even more challenges ahead for us to conquer!"
Mu Wenjie, Huang Ling'er, Jiang Yurou, Xiao Yawen, Ding Yan, Tuobacai Yingying, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling, and the mysterious and beautiful Jin Can Xianzi sat around together, each one's face radiating with joyful smiles.
When they heard an interesting topic, they first looked slightly stunned, then burst out into a rowdy laughter. This laughter had a powerful charm and quickly spread in the air, forming a series of joyful ripples.
The laughter continued in waves, blending together harmoniously, like a beautiful symphony. Some laughter was crisp and pleasant, like a tinkling bell; some was boisterous and unrestrained, like a thunderous gong resounding; and others were gentle and refined, like a soothing stream trickling through the heart.
The laughter continued to resonate through the air without ceasing, lingering on for a long time. It seemed to pierce through the clouds, crossing over mountains and rivers, carrying on to places far and distant.
The birds around them seemed to have also sensed the joyful and lively atmosphere. Like they were attracted by a mysterious power, they stopped flying and landed lightly on nearby branches. These small birds with round eyes looked curiously at the group of happy people below.
They chirped occasionally with clear and melodious "tweets," their voices rising and falling in harmony, weaving a beautiful and moving natural symphony.
Some birds were whispering softly, discussing the interesting scene before them; others were calling out excitedly, as if cheering and applauding enthusiastically for the joy of Mu Wenjie and Huang Ling'er. The entire forest became even more lively with the addition of these birds.
As the group was immersed in joy, a strange glow suddenly appeared within the palace. Mu Wenjie quickly stood up, and the others followed suit, becoming tense. A faint, ethereal figure gradually emerged from the glow.
"These intruders have dared to tamper with my palace!" the figure's voice boomed with authority. The group realized that this must be the guardian spirit of this place. Mu Wenjie took a step forward, bowed respectfully, and explained, "Senior, we have undergone countless hardships to reach this point, and we had no intention of offending you." The spirit sneered coldly, "To take away the treasure, you must pass my test."
A trial ensued. The spirit summoned phantom beasts to attack the group. The group worked together, with Mu Wenjie facing the enemy head-on, Huang Ling'er casting spells to assist, and Jiang Yurou controlling her treasure for defense. After a fierce battle, the group gradually discerned the weaknesses of the phantom beasts and collaborated to defeat them.
The spirit nodded in satisfaction, "You are worthy of these treasures because of your unity. Go on, I hope you will use them well in the future." And with that, he vanished without a trace.
Mu Wenjie, Huang Ling'er, Jiang Yurou, Xiao Yawen, Ding Yan, Tuobacai Yingying, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling, and the Jin Can Xianzi all breathed a sigh of relief. They looked back at the treasures once more and radiated happy smiles on their faces. With the treasures in hand, they left the valley ready to embark on their next marvelous journey in cultivation.
Shortly after leaving the valley, the group sensed a faint presence trailing behind them. Mu Wenjie gave a nod, and the others understood, continuing their journey as if unaware. When they reached a dense forest, Mu Wenjie suddenly turned around, drawing his sword and pointing it towards the rear, "You've been following us for so long; it's time for you to show yourself." A figure in a black robe emerged slowly from behind.
"Hand over the treasures, or face the consequences," the black-clad person said ominously. The group naturally refused, and they immediately assumed combat positions. The black-clad person let out a cold laugh and threw several poison darts. The others urgently dodged them. Jin Can Xianzi waved her sleeve, releasing silken threads to bind some of the poison darts. Mu Wenjie charged towards the black-clad person in close combat while Huang Ling'er and others helped from the side by launching magical attacks.
The black-robed man was unable to hold his ground and tried to flee, but Tuobacai Yingying summoned a treasure to restrain him. Mu Wenjie pressed, "Why did you steal the treasures?" The black-robed man gritted his teeth and said, "I was the one who first discovered them, and you lot got in my way."
Mu Wenjie solemnly said, "Treasures are always meant for those who are worthy. Your act of forcibly seizing them is against the path of righteousness." Afterward, the group disabled the black-clad man's cultivation and let him go. Following this incident, the group cherished the treasures they had obtained even more and set out on their journey, determined to enhance their own abilities to face more unknown challenges.
As the group continued on their journey, the sky grew dark. They decided to find a place to rest. After setting up a simple barrier to protect against outsiders, they settled down in a cave. Later that night, there was a sudden pack of howling wolves outside the cave. The group woke up in alarm and saw a group of demonized wild wolves patrolling outside the cave. The demonized wild wolves had red eyes and were several times larger than ordinary wild wolves.
Mu Wenjie tightened his grip on his sword and said, "It seems that tonight will not be peaceful." Huang Ling'er stood to the side, her hand igniting with flames, "Then let's fight. It's a good opportunity to test out the new treasures we've obtained." Jiang Yurou also took out her forbidden pearl ready to deal with any unexpected situations.
The wolf pack began to charge at the barrier, and Mu Wenjie went out first, swinging his sword to chop down several wild wolves. The others also joined in, with Huang Ling'er's flames scorching a large area of grass and burning many wolves. Jiang Yurou used the forbidden pearl to create ice spikes that were inserted into the bodies of the wolves. The group worked together seamlessly, and gradually, most of the wolves were killed or injured.
The last wolf king saw the situation was dire, turned to run. Mu Wenjie wouldn't let it escape, throwing out a spiritual formation to strike the wolf king and capture it. After this battle, the group had even more confidence in their abilities. They took a short rest and, with the sun rising, set off again on their journey to enhance their cultivation.
