The training ground at Azure Edge Peak gradually quieted as the sun climbed higher.
Luo Yun finished the last sequence of swords training and lowered his sword. Sweat clung lightly to his brow, but his breathing remained steady. Around him, other outer disciples dispersed in small groups, some continuing practice, others leaving for cultivation or tasks.
He did not leave immediately.
Instead, he moved to the edge of the training field, where the sword qi was thinner but still present, and sat down cross-legged. Closing his eyes, he let the faint sword intent brush against his spirit sense, using it to temper his mind the way he had grown accustomed to.
The process was uncomfortable but familiar.
Some time later, he sensed someone standing nearby.
When he opened his eyes, he saw Chen Yao waiting a short distance away.
Chen Yao did not interrupt. He only stepped closer when Luo Yun fully withdrew from meditation.
"You finished?" Chen Yao asked quietly.
"Yes," Luo Yun replied, standing.
...
They walked together toward the stone path leading down the peak. Chen Yao hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
Chen Yao stopped walking.
"Outer Sect tasks are thin lately," he said, sounding almost indifferent.
Luo Yun gave a noncommittal hum.
"There's a place just beyond the boundary," Chen Yao continued. "Not listed by the sect. I passed through it recently."
Luo Yun's steps slowed, just a fraction.
"Found something?"
"A spirit beast," Chen Yao said. "Phantom Vein Rabbit"
Luo Yun was surprised by this.
He waited, letting the words settle.
Luo Yun was doubtful. "If that's true, the sect would've noticed already."
"They would—if it were reported." Chen Yao's tone remained flat. "Once elders intervene, there's nothing left for us."
Luo Yun said nothing.
Chen Yao went on, unhurried. "It's not aggressive. Doesn't pursue. Grade One. Mid-stage."
"Troublesome," Luo Yun said.
"Only if you rush," Chen Yao replied. "Chase it blindly and you'll waste half a day. By then, your qi's gone and the beast is still playing games."
He glanced sideways. "That's why I'm inviting some guys."
He paused before continuing, "What I need is someone with high spiritual sense, who won't be led around by false sights and sounds."
Luo Yun understood.
"And the distribution?" he asked.
"Equal," Chen Yao said. "After expenses. No sect involvement."
Silence followed.
An illusion beast outside the boundary. Mid-stage. Unreported.
Worth the risk.
"Ok." Luo Yun said. "When are we leaving?"
"At dawn," Chen Yao replied.
...
There were four of them in total.
Chen Yao.
Two other outer disciples at mid Qi Condensation.
And Luo Yun.
They reached the area by midday—a stretch of broken stone and sparse trees, where spiritual fluctuations were faint but irregular. The trap they set was simple: talismans, spirit nets, and formation flags placed carefully along a narrow pass.
For a time, nothing happened.
Then the beast appeared.
It was small rabbit, its body wavering slightly, as if never fully present. When the trap activated, the beast froze for a heartbeat—then split into several identical images and darted away.
The net caught nothing.
"Chase!" one of the others shouted.
They pursued immediately.
The illusions were crude but persistent. False paths appeared. Sounds echoed where no one stood. The beast doubled back twice, nearly slipping past them.
Luo Yun stayed at the rear, observing.
Its movements were erratic, but purposeful—leading them somewhere.
When they reached a rocky slope riddled with shallow cracks and uneven stone, Luo Yun slowed.
The Qi beneath the ground felt… wrong.
"Halt," he said.
At the same moment, the illusion beast vanished.
A low vibration passed through the stone.
Lines—ancient, worn, barely visible—flickered briefly beneath the dust.
Then the ground gave way.
Luo Yun felt his footing disappear as the stone collapsed inward. He forced Qi through his legs instinctively, but the pull was sudden and deep. He dropped, the light above shrinking rapidly.
The others were thrown backward by the formation's rebound, flung beyond the boundary as the collapse sealed itself.
The sound of stone grinding shut echoed faintly.
Luo Yun struck the ground hard, rolling to dissipate the impact. Pain flared briefly, then faded. He pushed himself upright and looked around.
The space was not large—but it was unmistakably artificial.
Smooth stone walls rose several meters high, etched with faded carvings. Pillars, cracked and eroded, lined the chamber. The air was thick with ancient Qi—dense, stagnant, and carrying a pressure that made his scalp tighten.
This was no beast lair.
It was a sealed structure.
Something old.
Something far more dangerous than a Grade One spirit beast.
As he took his first cautious step forward, a familiar presence stirred within his mind.
A calm chime echoed.
[Ding!
Location Detected: Sealed Ancient Tomb.
Rating : ★★★ (Three-Star).
Sign-In : Available (Unique Conditions Met).]
Luo Yun exhaled slowly, steadying himself.
Above ground, the others would believe him lost.
Below ground, he had entered a place that had slept for a very long time.
And he had no choice but to proceed carefully.
Before that he decided to sign-in, at least his nerves would calm down and he can think properly.
**DING!**
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Sign-In Successful!
Reward 1: Spatial Pouch (Mid-grade)
Reward 2: Spirit Beast Pouch (Mid-grade)
Reward 3: Veiled Barrier Illusion Formation Disk (Grade 2)
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Before he could hide his astonishment another bell chimed-
**DING!**
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Sign-in at 3 star location
Special Random Reward triggered
Reward : 20 years Comprehension in Array Formations!
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