Can a Scholar Be Called a Villain

Book 2: Chapter 25: Mantis pursues cicada, oriole trails

The crowd gathered swiftly and dispersed just as quickly. In an instant, the number of people remaining in the ‘Sealed Wintry Gate’ had significantly dwindled.

Those who survived were joyous, their faces lighting up with joy due to the treasures they had obtained. They dispersed into the surroundings, ready to organize their newfound wealth and strengthen themselves before seeking further opportunities.

Even Yue Long Teng’s flying ship set its course toward the centre of the hidden realm. He had gathered an ample supply of treasures, including two lower Barren grade spiritual items.

The three other Abhijñā realm cultivators departed together.

Meanwhile, Zhou Xuan Tong, driven by the death of his younger brother, pursued Xiao Dong in a frenzied chase throughout the hidden realm.

During this precarious time, countless individuals joined the pursuit, making it dangerous for Xiao Dong and even Luo Miao Miao.

In an effort to evade their pursuers, Xiao Dong and Luo Miao Miao sought refuge in a cave. While in hiding, Luo Miao Miao carefully examined and counted Xiao Dong’s harvest.

Xiao Dong played with the ‘Blessed Enigma Cauldron’ that had unexpectedly flown into his arms. Once he refined it, he sensed a peculiar aura on it, prompting a strange expression.

Though a higher Sky grade spiritual equipment, the cauldron not only contained a higher Sky grade cultivation method but also held the map of the ‘Sealed Wintry Gate’.

He stared at the map in silence, deep in thought. The information left by ‘Han Tian Xuo’ had captivated him, yet he couldn’t shake the doubt that it might be a trap. Demons’ credibility wasn’t exactly stellar these days.

Observing his conflicted expression, Luo Miao Miao couldn’t help but ask, “What’s going on with you?”

Xiao Dong turned to her, then shook his head before posing a question, “If a demon that was sealed were to announce that anyone who could free them could obtain their power, would you believe it?”

Luo Miao Miao hesitated, pondering for a moment before responding, “I might consider it if the demon was weak. But if it would become too troublesome and provoke too many people, I wouldn’t do it.”

Deep in thought, Xiao Dong contemplated the fact that ‘Han Tian Xuo’ had been sealed in the ‘Sealed Wintry Gate’ for over a millennium. The ‘Blessed Enigma Cauldron’ might have been in the outside world for centuries, raising the possibility that the demon had already long perished.

Moreover, it seemed as though no human figures had been present in this ‘Sealed Wintry Gate’ for over a millennium, making it less risky to take action now.

After a brief contemplation, Xiao Dong made up his mind.

“Let’s go! Accompany me to a place! Perhaps there might be a great fortuitous encounter there!” he said to Luo Miao Miao.

He slowly stood up, still within the confines of the ‘Sealed Wintry Gate’.

Luo Miao Miao hesitated briefly, then joy appeared on her face as she followed Xiao Dong.

Why did she follow him?

For fortuitous encounters, for opportunities to grow stronger.

It was evident to her that Xiao Dong had discovered something valuable, so it was only natural for her to want to tag along.

The duo followed the path outlined on the map inside the ‘Blessed Enigma Cauldron’, avoiding the scrutiny of those still lingering in the ‘Sealed Wintry Gate’. Stealthily, they made their way to the marked location on the map.

This location was at the base of the largest mountain peak, a spot they hadn’t noticed before as they had ascended from the other side. Here, at the base of one of the six smaller mountains, a small ruined palace came into view. While it sparked the curiosity of many, the palace remained inconspicuous under their divine senses, and most people paid it no attention.

Xiao Dong gently held Luo Miao Miao’s hand, their steps echoing through the approach to the quaint palace. Both of them maintained a vigilant watch over their surroundings, deploying their divine senses to scan for any anomalies.

Despite their divine senses detecting nothing amiss, Xiao Dong only allowed himself to relax after employing his spiritual talismans to ensure they were not being trailed.

As they stepped inside the palace, a scene of desolation greeted them. Weeds carpeted the ground, vines entwined the walls, and a large table at the center lay bare.

Luo Miao Miao’s expression turned disdainful as she realized the suppression of her divine senses amid the dust and overgrown vegetation.

On the contrary, Xiao Dong, utilizing his power of Devourment, discerned peculiarities in their surroundings. He detected the unnatural growth of vegetation in areas unaffected by engraved arrays. Taking measured steps, he approached the table and unleashed his spiritual powers, invoking the potent force of Devourment that swiftly descended upon the surrounding weeds, causing them to wither, yellow, shrivel, and disintegrate.

The unpleasant greenery crumbled to dust, and with Xiao Dong’s spiritual powers in full swing, the dust was expelled from the immediate surroundings.

A formless whirlwind whisked away the dust that coated the ground, propelling it out through the window and transforming the once-neglected palace into an instantly cleansed space.

While cracks adorned the ground beneath them, the imprints of the arrays etched into the surface remained unmistakable. Amidst the intricate carvings, lines converged at a specific location—beneath the central table in the palace.

Under Luo Miao Miao’s puzzled gaze, Xiao Dong moved the wooden table aside, unveiling the nexus of the array underneath. Squatting down, he delivered a measured punch to the array node, unleashing resonating booms that reverberated through the ground.

Excitement glinted in their eyes as a smooth entrance came into view—a long staircase leading downwards.

“This is a silent array. The only part detectable is hidden beneath this table, but the ‘Absolute Goddess Wood’ is made of blocks divine senses,” Xiao Dong explained, his gaze fixed on the entrance. His heart raced, and he turned to Luo Miao Miao, “I’ll go first; follow behind me!”

“En!” Luo Miao Miao nodded, oblivious to Murong Lin, discreetly observing them from outside the palace.

Guarding the location after tossing the ‘Blessed Enigma Cauldron’ toward Xiao Dong, Murong Lin patiently waited, knowing Xiao Dong would inevitably arrive. Concealing his aura with the ‘Evil of Lifelessness, Lawlessness, and Formlessness,’ he lurked in the shadows.

As Xiao Dong and Luo Miao Miao delved into the secret passage, Murong Lin’s figure flickered, appearing at the entrance. The corners of his mouth curled upward, “The mantis stalks the cicada, but the oriole follows behind!”

He waited outside for a moment, before eventually entering.

Advancing, he reached a small door shrouded in darkness. Despite his immunity to the lack of light and the stone walls obstructing his divine senses, a hint of nervousness crept in.

Leaning against the stone door, he scrutinized the scene within. The ceiling emitted a soft glow, revealing two figures locked in combat within the expansive space. The ground, adorned with countless arrays, surrounded a platform bearing a lifeless figure—a woman resembling Luo Miao Miao. Yet, Murong Lin sensed she was still alive.

On the opposing side, Xiao Dong, wearing a serious expression, engaged in a fierce battle with an unseen adversary.

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