Alright, then we'll take the immortal artifact first and then go find that kid.

Losing by a single move meant that the gap in strength between the two sides was not large; with a bit of effort, there might still be a chance to turn the tables.

But being kicked to death...

That represented an absolute crushing defeat on a fundamental level.

Just like a person wouldn't care about stepping on an ant.

If the Pavilion Master of Tingfeng knew the truth, would he still treat him as a potential stock worth investing in, like he did now?

He would only unhesitatingly choose to cooperate with the Zhao family and completely crush him, this ant, to death.

Therefore, Su Ji had to gamble.

Gamble that this Pavilion Master would choose to stand on his side because of his honesty and that fabricated potential.

That was enough.

The second step was also a gamble.

Gamble that he could get enough enhancements from here.

To truly be able to fight that golden-robed dog head-on.

There was no other way...

The disparity in strength on this path was too great.

There was simply no safe way to break the deadlock.

...

The three of them soon arrived at that steep cliff.

The entrance indicated on Zhao Tianyang's map was actually just an inconspicuous depression on the cliff face. It was about a person's height, eroded smooth by the wind and sand, showing no traces of artificial excavation.

Zhao Wuji stopped in his tracks, the protective spiritual light around his body flickering.

If he took another step forward, the world would turn upside down.

Pavilion Master, this is the place.

The Pavilion Master of Tingfeng ignored him, merely raising his head to examine the cliff face before him.

He reached out a hand, as if wanting to touch that depression.

But at the exact moment his fingertips were about to touch the rock wall, his movements paused.

Interesting.

As soon as his voice fell.

He formed his fingers into a sword and made a phantom slash toward that seemingly ordinary cliff face!

An invisible sword qi, difficult to discern with the naked eye, silently swept past.

Crack—

A soft, crisp sound.

That cliff face was actually sliced open right down the middle like tofu, leaving a flat and smooth cut!

Immediately after, an even more shocking scene occurred.

From the depths of that sliced opening, a darkness so thick it couldn't be dissolved surged out!

Within that pitch-black darkness, it was as if countless vengeful spirits were howling, and endless killing intent was roaring!

Black chains formed from pure baleful aura madly shot out from the crack, like venomous snakes coming to life, lunging and biting wildly toward the three people closest to them!

Zhao Wuji's expression changed drastically. Without a second thought, he retreated while simultaneously summoning an archaic bronze bell to protect himself.

Boom—!

The black chains crashed against the ancient bronze bell, emitting a muffled, thunderous boom.

The ancient bronze bell's light flashed wildly, and Zhao Wuji was shaken by the immense force until his vitality churned. He stumbled back several steps before barely managing to steady himself.

However, even more black chains were already overwhelming the sky and covering the earth as they rushed over!

Right at this critical moment.

The Pavilion Master of Tingfeng finally moved.

He simply, easily, took a single step forward.

And gave a cold snort.

Hmph!

A breeze brushed past.

Those sky-filling chains, which were enough to leave even a Soul Formation cultivator flustered, actually dissipated inch by inch like blue smoke under the blowing of this breeze.

The edge of the abyss regained its tranquility.

Zhao Wuji stared blankly at this scene. On his refined face, only pure shock remained.

Was this... the strength of a True Immortal?

Just a dilapidated array, that's all.

The Pavilion Master of Tingfeng withdrew his hand, his face still maintaining that calm and breezy appearance.

Let's go.

He glanced at the crack he had sliced open, which was still emitting wisps of black energy, and took the lead to step inside.

Keep up.

Zhao Wuji took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the shock in his heart, and hurriedly followed.

Wait a minute?

Where is Su Hao?

The Pavilion Master suddenly asked?

Zhao Wuji: ???

Shouldn't you be asking yourself that?

You suddenly attacked and triggered the array's backlash; he only had time to protect his own little life, where would he find the time to care about Su Hao?

The Pavilion Master frowned and thought for a moment. He was probably sent flying by the impact.

However, that kid has a special physique. This baleful aura won't be enough to take his life.

Zhao Wuji spoke, Then let's go find him first...

The Pavilion Master interrupted him, There's no rush. Su Hao won't be able to run far in a short amount of time.

I think the thing in front of us is more important than Su Hao...

That stupid dog you raised thought this was a dead end... but it's actually not.

Perhaps the most important thing in this entire tomb is right here.

Zhao Wuji was somewhat absent-minded, his head full of thoughts about Su Hao, and he casually humored him, What is inside here?

A simple sentence from the Pavilion Master attracted Zhao Wuji's attention, making him throw Su Hao to the back of his mind.

The natal immortal weapon of Immortal Venerable Haoyue!

Not only did Zhao Wuji's face show no signs of joy, but it actually became even gloomier.

This is bad!

Then let's hurry and retrieve it!

With an immortal weapon appearing in the world, I'm afraid the commotion here won't be hidden for long!

A half-decayed immortal weapon, although not comparable to the legacy he had envisioned, was not bad either.

Alright, then we'll retrieve the immortal weapon first, and then go look for that kid.

After the Pavilion Master finished speaking, he didn't wait for Zhao Wuji to react and stepped inside first.

Behind the crack was a long and narrow corridor, leading to an unknown destination.

The Pavilion Master of Tingfeng walked at the very front. With every step he took, the surrounding baleful aura that attempted to encroach upon him would automatically retreat.

He was like a monarch patrolling his own territory, strolling leisurely and remaining utterly unhurried.