“Hmm? What is this?” Just as he was about to put these items away, he discovered something the size of a thumb in the storage bag. He took it out and held it in his hand for a closer look. This appeared to be an artifact, evident from the traces of refinement on it. If he hadn’t studied the art of crafting in Qilin Cave, he might not have recognized it, which spoke volumes about the skill involved in its creation. It resembled a droplet of water, entirely black, with a small hole at one end, seemingly designed for easy carrying. But who would go through the trouble of crafting such an ornament? Unless one was utterly bored, no one would willingly engage in such an endeavor. His intuition told him that this item was extraordinary.
Mo Wen began to examine the artifact, but no matter how he looked at it, he found himself at a loss. He bit his fingertip and dripped blood onto it to refine it, but there was no reaction. He circulated his Kung Fu to force out his essence blood, yet still no response. After taking a break, he attempted to refine it using Law, but again there was no reaction. Staring at the artifact in his hand, Mo Wen fell into deep thought. He had tried all common methods of refining artifacts except for those involving Shen Hun, which he currently could not use. Looking at the Ink Black Artifact in his hand, Mo Wen was filled with questions; after all his efforts, there was still no result. He could only temporarily give up and put the artifact away to continue sorting through the items on the ground.
While Mo Wen was busy counting his gains in the cave, outside it was already bustling with activity. Various factions and officials surrounding Cloud Mist Forest had organized expedition teams to enter the forest. After all, such significant changes had occurred in Cloud Mist Swamp, and some even claimed that a Divine Beast had appeared, making everyone restless.
…
Inside a tavern, Lu Xun sat across from his junior brother. “Junior brother, news has come from Cang Yun that there has been a disturbance in Cloud Mist Swamp; the commotion is immense. It’s said that mountains and marshes within a hundred Bird Journey radius have been swallowed by lava, forming a Lava Lake.”
“Oh! Such an event! Could there be some Treasure emerging? That shouldn’t be the case.”
“It’s said that before the disturbance occurred, someone sensed the presence of a Divine Beast. You’ve been in Cloud Mist Forest for years; didn’t you notice any signs?”
“No, as you know, that place is just a perilous area. I’m not interested in what lies within; even if there is something valuable, let those younger ones fight over it.”
“That kid hasn’t shown any signs of life until now; aren’t you worried?”
“I think you’re the one who’s worried. That kid was pulled out from Yan Luo River by me; just think about it—someone whom even Yama wouldn’t take would hardly be in any trouble.” Lu Xun looked at his senior brother with a half-smile. Ever since seeing those two Jade Tablets last time, his senior brother had been insisting on taking Mo Wen as a disciple.
“In my opinion, you should stop thinking about that kid; he’s someone valued by others.”
“You mean…”
“I’m saying nothing; don’t jump to conclusions.”
“Is that so?”
…
In the underground palace, Gong Shangnan knelt before a mirror where a figure wearing a Crimson Mask appeared.
“Has there been any news regarding the disturbance in Cloud Mist Swamp?”
“Reporting to you, my lord, the expedition team is nearing Cloud Mist Swamp but has yet to make any valuable discoveries.”
“There was previously a presence of a Divine Beast; it might be a cub. If we can capture it and present it to the sect, your entry into the Inner Gate will be much easier.”
“Thank you, my lord! If a Divine Beast truly appears, I will find a way to obtain it and present it to the sect.”
“Also, what about any news regarding the remnants of the Mo Family?”
“Reporting to you, my lord, I have been searching for years and have compared all youths within the realm who resemble him in age and appearance but have found nothing. Forgive my boldness; that kid may already be dead—a child without any cultivation falling into Yan Luo River would likely have been taken by Yama.”
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