Treasure Distribution

Deep within the sacred land, just outside the cave.

Xu Hao and his two companions were locked in a desperate battle against eight demonic cultivators.

Though their realms were comparable, each of them was a top disciple from their sect, and their cultivation techniques and skills were on a different level compared to these demonic cultivators.

On top of that, each wielded some magical treasures, giving them a decisive upper hand for the moment.

Wang Tianjing’s divination plate spun rapidly, and suddenly, a chain formed from stone erupted from the ground, tightly choking the throat of a sharp-featured demon cultivator.

“Bastard, tell us! How do we get into this cave?” Wang Tianjing demanded.

“Heh! Give up... you can’t break this death duel barrier. It will only open when someone inside dies!” the helmsman’s trusted aide spat blood, laughing wildly.

“Helmsman Liu hasn’t killed him yet—he’s clearly enjoying himself... Liu’s favorite pastime is torturing trash like you!”

“Helmsman Liu carries a secret demonic elixir. Once ingested, it can unleash his potential, boosting his strength to that of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator...”

“Hahaha, when he comes out, you lot are doomed!”

Hearing this, the three frowned deeply.

A demonic elixir that temporarily grants Nascent Soul strength?

Such a potion must damage one’s foundation, but under these circumstances, it was undeniably effective.

Even with the three of them working together, it was uncertain whether they could defeat a Nascent Soul cultivator!

As for Lu Ze, trapped inside...

He was clearly doomed!

“Ah, why did he rush in like that...” Chen Yiyun sighed.

“Senior Brother Shen, I’m sorry...” Wang Tianjing was filled with sorrow, recalling Shen Yan’s last words, his heart heavy.

“Hmph, all cultivators, stop your crying and whining! Let’s finish off these trash first, then we’ll avenge Brother Lu...” Xu Hao’s words were cut short.

Suddenly, the black barrier sealing the cave entrance shattered.

“Hahaha, Helmsman Liu is out... you’re finished!!” the helmsman’s aide shouted arrogantly, while the other demonic cultivators nearby showed gleeful expressions.

Xu Hao and the others braced themselves, instinctively drawing close and pointing their weapons toward the cave.

But the moment a figure emerged from the darkness, everyone froze.

“Huh? You guys... still haven’t finished?” Lu Ze blinked, looking at the swords and blades aimed at him.

This so-called demonic prodigy, Helmsman Liu, had nearly been killed by Lu Ze’s single strike.

The reason he wasn’t instantly killed was that Lu Ze thought killing too quickly might raise suspicion.

He also wanted to test the power of other techniques.

He had secretly taken a blue pill, which seemed to temporarily boost his strength...

Still, he was cut down by the sword qi of the Mysterious Ice.

Along the way, he also learned something important—

Killing demonic cultivators doesn’t grant demonic points.

This made Lu Ze suspect that his demonic system wasn’t demonic enough.

If he’s considered demonic, why doesn’t killing comrades increase cultivation?

Lu Ze thought that after dragging things out so long, the fight outside would be over, so it was only natural for him to come out now.

Unexpectedly, the battle outside was still ongoing, with neither side gaining the upper hand...

...

Meanwhile.

Outside the secret realm.

Having taken down two Nascent Soul demonic cultivators, Zhong Yi’s expression was grave.

“Senior Brother Zhong, your [Words Against the Law] technique is getting more and more powerful...” Mu Yawen murmured.

“I...”

Zhong Yi was momentarily at a loss for words, sinking deep into self-doubt.

No way, right?

Could it be that his Sacred Word Spiritual Root had really grown crooked?

He thought carefully for a moment—this morning when he set out, his Sacred Word Spiritual Root hadn’t exerted any power…

Could it be that his own suspicion was actually true?

The appearance of demonic cultivators was no small matter, especially since there were two demon cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage.

Shaking off the wild guesses in his mind, Zhong Yi quickly took out a Transmission Jade Slip.

“Junior Brother Mu, protect me!”

“This matter is of utmost importance; the elders must be notified immediately!”

“Junior Brother Lu…”

“Trouble’s coming!!”

……

……

Deep within the treasure ground.

With Liu Dumu dead, the demon cultivators lost their will to fight and scattered in all directions.

Lu Ze hadn’t lifted a finger, and the three others smoothly claimed victory.

“So, Captain Liu, you didn’t take any strange demonic elixirs, did you?” Xu Hao eyed Lu Ze suspiciously.

“Elixirs? No, I didn’t,” Lu Ze replied with an innocent look.

“Oh… then maybe these bastards are just making things up,” Xu Hao nodded, feeling relieved.

Otherwise, it would be too unbelievable for Lu Ze, at the mid-Golden Core stage, to have slain Nascent Soul cultivators.

“This should be the treasure of the secret realm…”

Lu Ze took out a flawless crystal, crystal-clear all over, and placed it in front of everyone.

It was something he had confiscated from Liu Dumu’s body.

Inside the crystal flickered a faint green soul light—clearly not an ordinary item.

“Earth Vein Jade Marrow!?”

Wang Tianjing, well-versed in many things, immediately recognized the identity of this treasure.

Lu Ze hadn’t seen one before but had heard of the reputation of the “Earth Vein Jade Marrow.”

It was a rare heavenly material and earthly treasure that helped cultivators shatter their Golden Core and condense their Nascent Soul during breakthrough, making the Nascent Soul stronger than usual!

But for Lu Ze, it was useless.

After all, he was relying on a system to break through; these pills and heavenly materials were completely unnecessary.

Seeing the envious looks from the other three, Lu Ze hatched an idea.

His system task wasn’t completed yet.

Although the task rewards were optional, why not take them if they were free?

Kill righteous cultivators…

Doesn’t killing in an illusion count as killing?

Assist the demons in seizing the treasure…

Wasn’t he the biggest demon here himself?

Suddenly, he realized it would be inappropriate to suggest everyone start a round inside the Illusion Tower.

Xu Hao wouldn’t touch that thing anyway!

But right now, this was a golden opportunity.

With that thought, Lu Ze cheerfully proposed:

“What do you all think is the best way to divide this treasure?”

Upon hearing this, the three exchanged glances, each revealing a hint of disbelief.

Captain Liu was killed by Lu Ze, and the treasure was taken by Lu Ze.

Even if he took it all by right, none of the three could say a word.

But they hadn’t expected Lu Ze to take the initiative to propose this.

“In my opinion, Brother Lu, you ventured into the cave alone, killed the demon helmsman, so the treasure rightfully belongs to you,” Wang Tianjing said, restraining his desires as he cupped his hands toward Lu Ze.

“No, no, no, this secret realm is the result of our joint efforts… I only happened to enter the cave first by luck,” Lu Ze quickly waved his hand, smiling warmly as he shook his head.

“Everyone fought and killed so many demon cultivators; if I took all the treasure alone, it would feel unfair.”

Lu Ze’s words stirred a bit of temptation in the others.

After all, what he said did make some sense.

The trap set by the demonic cultivators was clearly orchestrated by Lu Ze—it was only natural that he was the first to rush in.

As for venturing alone into the cave to slay the sect leader...

Lu Ze, at mid-stage Golden Core, could manage that feat. So what if the other three were late-stage Golden Core cultivators?

In other words, Lu Ze was lucky, and at first glance, there was nothing wrong with that.

“Since Brother Lu is so polite, I’ll gladly accept this generous offer... but I wonder, how should we divide the treasure?”

Xu Hao was anything but polite—he had contributed greatly to slaying the outer demonic cultivators.

The protective treasures given by the sect had already been damaged twice.

“How about rock-paper-scissors?”

Chen Yiyun suggested.

“Relying on luck? What’s the point?”

Xu Hao snorted disdainfully.

“Then... how about chess?”

Wang Tianjing thought for a moment and said.

“Playing mind games with you guys from Tianxuan Sect? Might as well just give it to you directly...”

Xu Hao retorted.

The three of them immediately started arguing.

“If you ask me, luck is important!”

“Mind games and calculations are fine too—it’s all about brains, right?”

“Hmph, if you’ve got the guts, let’s see who’s braver!”

...

Their debate went on and on.

Lu Ze, standing to the side, couldn’t help but smile.

“If I could come up with a method that tests calculation, luck, and courage all at once, wouldn’t that solve the problem?”

A faint smile curled at the corner of Lu Ze’s mouth.

He had thought of a game that perfectly fit the bill.

“Have any of you heard of—”

“Russian Roulette?”