My skills have mutated again!

Chapter 347 Four Travelers, Five Natives, and the Forest King's Ambition!
After leaving the side hall, Xiao An and the other female ghosts came forward to greet them and took their guests away one by one.

For the next few days, these female ghosts served as guides for the distinguished guests who carried the Qingjue calligraphy scroll.

Xiao An led Xia Lin to the guest room area.

Although it is called a guest room, it is actually a complex of buildings and temples, with a magnificent style.

Moreover, the area is densely covered with array patterns, which isolates ghostly energy and is filled with spiritual and celestial energy, making it more suitable for living people to live in.

"I wonder if the young master is satisfied with the environment here?"

When Xiao An asked this, Xia Lin nodded and said, "Of course I'm satisfied."

Xiao An then said again, "If you have any further needs, please feel free to call me at any time."

Xia Lin nodded again.

Just before leaving, Xiao An seemed to remember something and looked at Xia Lin again.

"Xiao An has forgotten that she does not yet know the young master's name."

Xia Lin smiled and uttered two words.

"Boundary Sea".

……

"Jiehai" is undoubtedly a pseudonym, something Xia Lin made up on the spot.

"As long as it doesn't remind people of the name Xia Lin, it's a good pseudonym!"

These were Xia Lin's true thoughts as she lay in bed.

The incense has been lit, emitting a calming and soothing fragrance.

Xia Lin lay on the soft bed, closed her eyes, seemingly dozing, but in reality, she was sorting out the series of events that had occurred since she entered the venue.

The King of Forest's Birthday Banquet, the Pure and Secret Treasury, and the Luo Zhi Road.

Three key points intertwine to form the underlying tone of this ash-covered area.

Thinking of the conversation between the nine people who possessed the Qingjue calligraphy scroll in the side hall just now, Xia Lin breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"The situation has become somewhat complicated."

Senwang organized a gathering, and eight people attended the banquet.

But apart from the Forest King, they were all treacherous and cunning individuals.

Their greatest enemy, Luo Zhidao, was also hidden among these people.

"From the perspective of the situation, selling the Qingjue calligraphy copybook and not participating in the exploration of the Qingjue secret collection seems to be a better choice."

Because the main quest is not related to the Clearing of the Secret Treasury.

The main quest only requires Xia Lin to attend the Forest King's birthday banquet and survive until the Ash Zone time ends; it seems there's no question of clearing out the secret treasure.

But Xia Lin didn't dare to be the one to take the lead.

Yes, it's not that they're unwilling, but that they dare not...

"Two considerations."

"First, the main quest."

"Although on the surface the main quest is not related to the Qingjue Secret Treasure, the main quest description already hints that there will inevitably be changes and crises at this birthday banquet."

"Now, taking advantage of the birthday banquet, King Sen wants to explore the Qingjue Secret Treasure. It's easy to connect this inevitable crisis with the Qingjue Secret Treasure."

"As we all know, the more passive you are, the greater the danger. Rather than waiting for danger to come knocking, it is better to take action in advance and even nip the crisis in the bud."

Waiting passively is not Xia Lin's style; taking the initiative is.

In his mind, since the Qingjue Secret Treasure is the focus and key to this Ash Zone, and may even be the source of the crisis, then for the sake of the main mission, Xia Lin has no need to hide.

Hiding won't solve the problem; it only puts your fate in someone else's hands.

Take the initiative, and regardless of the outcome, good or bad, at least your destiny is still in your own hands.

"Second, the problem of fabricating lies."

"Right now, the enemy is in the dark while we are in the dark; they don't know me and I don't know them."

"Whoever identifies the other first will gain the upper hand... Therefore, I absolutely cannot be the first to stick my neck out in this game."

That is the complexity of the situation.

Xia Lin's concerns extend beyond the main quest and the Clearing of the Secret Treasury; there is also the potential threat from the Human Race Sequence Four, Luo Zhi Dao.

One wrong step could easily lead to a fatal disaster.

This left Xia Lin with no choice but to be careful.

……

In the ancient city of Senluo, within the Senluo Palace.

After Xiao An and the other female ghosts left, Sen Wang picked up the spirit jade on the table.

When ghostly energy enters, information naturally appears.

The jade pendant contained the names of the other eight holders of the Pure Absolute Token, as well as their actions upon arrival.

After quickly scanning the area with his spiritual sense, the Forest King put down the spirit jade and fell into deep thought.

After a moment, he let out a cold laugh.

"Indeed, this secret treasure is neither easy to open nor easy to take."

Because out of the eight people, he could see through the disguises of only three!

The remaining five people either possessed powerful protective treasures or had exceptional skills, so much so that even the Forest King couldn't discern their origins or backgrounds!

One of those who knew her identity was the old ghost cultivator.

Known in the martial arts world as Granny Tree, she is an extremely powerful ghost cultivator within the territory under the jurisdiction of King Sen.

Although he hasn't reached level eleven, he rarely suffers defeats among level ten warriors, and even has a record of escaping from level eleven experts.

It seems that this ghost should be a subordinate of the Forest King, but the Forest King knows that Granny Tree has ties with the Ghost Control Sect, which is one of the forces under the Heavenly Dao Creator.

To put it bluntly, Granny Tree is actually an informant planted here by the Creator of Heaven.

Thinking of Granny Tree's usual words and actions, Senwang's lips curled up, revealing a hint of coldness.

He and Granny Tree had a strained relationship.

The second person who could see through his identity was the cultivator named Zhang Chu.

He did indeed put on a disguise, and his true identity was indeed that of a rogue cultivator.

It was only after the meeting that Sen Wang realized that Zhang Chu was actually a renowned Level 11 knight in the main universe!
Moreover, he is one of the top dual-class users in the current main universe!

Zhang Chu followed the same path as the Sword God Qingjue, which was also a path of cultivating both immortality and martial arts.

It is widely believed that Zhang Chu possesses the legacy of the Qingjue Sword God and is the successor of the Qingjue Sword God. Zhang Chu himself has not denied this.

At this juncture, it is quite reasonable that Senwang gathered nine Qingjue calligraphy scrolls, which led to the appearance of this person.

The third person who could see through their identity was the white-robed ghost man.

Level 11, Ghost Clan, the sworn brother of the Forest King, Gong Chen.

And this Gong Chen is actually one of Sen Wang's own people.

Said that Cao Cao Cao Cao arrived.

Amidst the swirling ghostly energy, Gong Chen's figure coalesced like smoke beside the Forest King.

Their eyes met, and Gong Chen sighed, "Brother, we really can't find out the origins of the other people."

Senwang nodded slightly, then said, "If we can't find it, then so be it..."

After saying this, King Sen let out a cold laugh.

"Anyway, I can't let these people leave the Qingjue Secret Treasury alive!"

Senwang may seem carefree and magnanimous, but he keeps things to himself and has no reason to share them with others.
Moreover, taking advantage of this birthday banquet and the opening of the Pure Absolute Treasure, the Forest King has even greater ambitions!
Turning to look at Lingyu again, Lingyu emitted a faint light, revealing the figures of the other five people.

Leviathan (that arrogant race of giants).

Boundary sea.

Yanjie.

Beria.

The rainy season is sunny.

Looking at the five people of unknown origin, Senwang spoke calmly.

"Do you know how many of these five are Ashbringers?"

Gong Chen shook his head blankly, while Sen Wang let out a cold laugh.

"Four... a whole four!"

After saying that, King Sen waved his sleeve, and the spirit jade turned to ash and scattered amidst the floating ghostly energy.

The King's voice turned cold again.

"The Ash Zone System was created by the Six Pillars."

"It may seem like an independent Gu Gu, living in its own little world, but the shadow of the Ashes Walkers can be seen everywhere in the main universe!"

The real embers occupy the vast majority of the ember area.

Wherever there is disaster, there you will find the Asheswalkers.

Essentially, this is a good thing.

Having the Ember Walkers handle some minor troubles is beneficial for the harmonious development of the main universe, but it also presents a test for them.

But the problem is, what do you expect the villains who had their plans ruined by the Ashwalkers to think?
In this game, Senwang was clearly identified as the villain by the Ember faction...

"But in this world, where are there really any good guys or bad guys?"

"It's nothing more than me crossing the line with the Ash District, and even the Six Pillars, that's why the Ash District sent four Ash District Walkers to teach me a lesson!"

Sen Wang spoke these words in a cold voice, which caused Gong Chen to lower his head and not dare to utter a sound.

He, the sworn brother of Sen Wang, has just entered level eleven.

But Sen Wang is a veteran level eleven... In fact, only a few of his own people know that Sen Wang has already faintly touched the threshold of level twelve!

—Achieving the twelve-level limit without relying on the six pillars!
Either be a dog, or don't even reach level twelve.

This is the consensus among the level eleven powerhouses of the main universe.

But there are always people who keep trying to break this consensus...

"Qingjue is one, and so am I."

Muttering to himself, Sen Wang turned to look at Gong Chen.

Do you know how Qingjue died?

Gong Chen shook his head, and then heard Sen Wang grit his teeth and say, "He was personally crushed to death by the Creator of Heaven!"

After uttering those words, King Sen suddenly deflated.

He leaned back in his chair and spoke slowly, "I'd rather be Qingjue."

"Qingjue's research before his death may have touched the bottom line of the power monopoly of the Six Pillars, which is why he was killed."

"Right now, my research is clearly far from in-depth. The Six Pillars don't even bother to look at me; they've just sent a few Ash Zone Walkers from the Ash Zone System..."

Gong Chen spoke up, "Perhaps this is not the intention of the Six Pillars, but just a coincidence that these four Ash District Walkers have the Qingjue Calligraphy Scroll."

Sen Wang sneered again: "This doesn't conflict with anything. The will of the Six Pillars is so profound and difficult to fathom; how could you possibly speculate on it in private?"

Gong Chen remained silent, only listening to Sen Wang continue, "The purpose of my opening of Qingjue's secret treasure this time is to obtain Qingjue's final research results before his death."

"Use it as a reference to perfect my path! If it succeeds, then the path to the twelfth level will no longer be bound by the six pillars, and the pattern of the six pillars competing will surely be overturned!"

"For this, I, Sen Shuhan, would die a hundred times without regret!" When he said these words, King Sen was full of vigor and his eyes gleamed!
Gong Chen was also filled with emotion upon seeing this.

A sentence inexplicably popped into my head.

"Establish a mind for the heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the living people, carry forward the unique teachings of the past saints, and create peace for all generations."

The ambitions of the Forest King are comparable to those of a sage!

It's not just for myself, but also for the countless pure souls who don't want to be dogs but still yearn for the Way!
Gong Chen was completely convinced of this older brother's abilities.

"Then these four Ashbringer..."

When Gong Chen asked this question, Sen Wang answered.

"The Ember Walker that the Ember District sent to interfere with me must be someone of great importance and with many tricks up their sleeve. They are not easy to deal with."

"Taking action outside would only increase the variables and give them more room to maneuver. It would be better to wait until they enter the Qingjue Secret Treasury before dealing with them."

After saying that, Sen Wang looked at Gong Chen and said, "Don't worry, they are just a bunch of juniors after all, and they can't escape my grasp."

"Not to mention, I am more familiar with the Qingjue Secret Treasury than they are, and this group of people are of great use in the Secret Treasury."

"Give them good food and drink for a few days. We'll see what happens after they enter the secret realm!"

……

Xia Lin was unaware that the Forest King harbored immense ambitions.

However, the main questline in the Ember Zone has indeed indicated that this time, the Ember Zone will be quite risky.

Over the next few days, Xia Lin tried to gather more information, but to no avail.

Because Xiao An was always by Xia Lin's side...

With Xiao An around, Xia Lin found it difficult to explore more secrets and could not come into contact with the person who held the secrets—not only Xia Lin, but according to Xia Lin's observation, the others were treated the same way.

Therefore, as the time drew near, there was only one thing Xia Lin could be certain of.

The Forest King harbors ill intentions.

Seven days later, the birthday banquet began on time.

Unlike ordinary birthday banquets, this time, King Sen held a grand banquet under the slogan of sharing the joy with the people, and this banquet will last for a full half month.

This means that the Forest King's birthday banquet will continue until the time limit for the Ash Zone expires.

On the last day of the birthday banquet, which is also the day the time limit for the Ash Zone expires, the Forest King will make an appearance at the banquet.

"This also means that the problem will occur on the last day."

The logic is not much different from that of the Outer Gods and Immortals Legend in the Ashes area.

These are all situations where a devastating disaster will occur before the main quest ends.

The origin of this disaster, firstly, must be the Forest King.

Second, there's the Qingjue Secret Treasure, which seems unrelated to the main quest but is actually closely connected to it.

Just as the birthday banquet was about to begin, it was in that same side hall.

The nine people gathered again, and the Forest King spoke softly.

"It's today."

After saying that, he took out his copy of the Qingjue calligraphy book.

The rest followed suit.

……

Nine calligraphy copybooks appeared together, suddenly shining with subtle brilliance.

The rays of light connected and meandered into the distance, as if revealing the exact location of the secret and hidden place.

Everyone looked up, but the point where the thread landed was far beyond their perception, which prompted the Forest King to speak.

"Qingjue's secret treasure has been hidden in an unknown place. Only when all nine calligraphy copies are gathered can the location of Qingjue's secret treasure be found."

"Judging from the current situation, this location seems to be quite far from us. Why don't I take action and lead you all to the Pure Absolute Treasure as soon as possible? What do you all think?"

No one had any other objections.

After everyone nodded, ghostly energy suddenly surged out from the Forest King's body.

The surrounding space began to shake violently, and all sorts of strange, bizarre, terrifying, and grotesque scenes flashed by.

This is the ghostly power of a demon!
And the Ghost Realm of the Forest King is none other than the infamous Eighteen Levels of Hell!

Now covered by the power of the ghost realm, a sense of horror instantly enveloped everyone's hearts.

The energy within the body flows spontaneously, resisting the pull of the demonic realm—this is the instinct of the extraordinary.

Because they were covered by the ghost realm, they naturally lost their home-field advantage and were in mortal danger.

But after Gong Chen took the lead and gave up resisting, the others followed suit, letting the power of the ghost realm cover them and pull them into it.

In an instant, an unknown distance was covered.

If viewed from a high vantage point, one could see the eighteen levels of hell beneath the ancient city of Senluo, abruptly flattened and elongated, stretching into the distance like a thread.

In just one breath, everyone found themselves in the vast, uninhabited void.

The power of the demonic realm slowly dissipated, and the Forest King gazed at the meteorite in front of him, nodding slightly.

"Here we are."

……

Xia Lin looked up and gazed ahead.

Ahead, there are many meteorites, which seems to be a natural meteorite belt.

However, one of them had a dark color with faint lines rising from it, as if it were an illusion.

Looking down at the Qingjue calligraphy scroll in his hand, he saw silk threads extending from the scroll, pointing precisely to the meteorite in front of him—the Forest King was right, this meteorite seemed to be the hidden place of Qingjue's secret treasure.

"Then what happens next..."

The giant Leviathan scratched his head, unsure how to open the Secret Treasury of Purification.

Before King Sen could speak, the meteorite had already floated in front of everyone.

A strong pulling force emanated from my hand.

The meteorite is drawing the Qingjue calligraphy scrolls in everyone's hands.

Without the King of Forest giving any instructions, everyone released their grip, letting the meteorite pull the calligraphy scroll inside.

It's like finding the right keyhole with a key.

After a flash of light, the meteorite disintegrated on the spot, but left behind a rotating portal of light that appeared before everyone's eyes.

Upon seeing this, King Sen laughed heartily.

"Gentlemen, the secret treasure has been opened, please!"

He gestured for them to proceed, but the others remained motionless.

This eased Sen Wang's smile slightly, and he quickly nodded.

"Being cautious is a good thing. Since no one is willing to take the lead, I will personally take the lead to show my sincerity."

With that, King Sen took the lead and walked towards the gate of light.

But before the Forest King could step into the portal, another voice sounded behind him.

"How about I take the lead?"

When Sen Wang turned around, he saw that the one who spoke was Zhang Chu, who was probably the successor of Qingjue.

Zhang Chu's strength is not much weaker than that of the Forest King.

Upon seeing Zhang Chu step forward, Sen Wang's eyes lit up with realization.

He then nodded and said, "The risks inside are unknown, and it would be best if Young Master Zhang were willing to be the vanguard."

He turned slightly to the side and watched Zhang Chu be the first to enter the Qingjue Maze.

The next second, a sudden scream rang out, it was Zhang Chu's voice!
Sen Wang was taken aback, then pretended to be horrified and rushed into the portal. The others looked at each other and followed behind Sen Wang.

A brief moment of disorientation, as if transported to another space.

When Xia Lin opened her eyes again, she was shocked to see that Zhang Chu was hanging in mid-air!
The invisible sword energy pierced through Zhang Chu's thirty-six internal orifices. Amidst the flowing blood, the blood energy dissipated into the air and was assimilated by the environment.

Numerous array patterns of light flashed from all directions.

Grandma Tree looked at the array patterns and quickly frowned.

"A very complex energy-draining array... On one hand, it's to prevent tomb raiders, and on the other hand, it's to draw on the life force and energy of those affected to power this secret realm!"

Tomb raiders is a general term.

They can also be called Secret Realm Hunters.

In short, this profession is not new in the main universe... because it's a strange quirk that has been passed down from who knows where, some powerful people do like to set up secret realms for those with the right destiny to explore.

"But this Qingjue Secret Realm is rather bloodthirsty..."

Grandma Tree looked at Zhang Chu, who had become a battery, and muttered something like that.

Just then, a flash of light appeared on Zhang Chu's body, and his skill, Light of the Sword, was activated.

The immortal power circulated within his body for a moment, dispelling the invisible sword energy and allowing Zhang Chu to break free from the formation's restraints and land beside everyone.

The light of the skill flashed again, and Zhang Chu's injuries had been completely healed, but his face was pale and his aura was much weaker than before!

"Half of my cultivation and attributes have been drained!"

Zhang Chu roared in anger!

This sudden attack caught Zhang Chu completely off guard!
However angry he was, Zhang Chu couldn't blame anyone.

He volunteered to lead the charge...

Thinking of this, Zhang Chu looked at the Forest King.

Senwang remained expressionless, but a hint of a smile flickered in his eyes.

What a load of rubbish! Apart from having the same power system, Zhang Chu has absolutely no relation to the Sword God Qingjue!
In fact, Zhang Chu's purpose was the most obvious and direct.

He wanted to gain the insight to completely master dual professions so that he could reach new heights in his strength!

Unfortunately, he was greedy and not very smart.

Because the Forest King only used a small trick to eliminate a major threat to himself!
This tactic is simply a way to get the ball rolling.

……

Senwang undoubtedly had some understanding of the Qingjue Secret Treasury.

This first hurdle, also known as the "Open Gate Kill" or "Energy Draining Formation," was something he knew perfectly well.

Originally, if Sen Wang had taken the lead, he would have been able to handle the energy-absorbing formation. However, he did not expect that Zhang Chu, the so-called successor of Qingjue, would actually jump into the pit on his own initiative.

He seemed to think that since Sen Wang dared to take the lead, this lead might not be risky, but rather beneficial.

He readily took on the role of the one who stood up for others.

But it wasn't just that he was tricked badly; it also exposed that he had absolutely no connection with Qingjue.

For a moment, Zhang Chu had no words to express his bitterness. He could only change his clothes with a grim expression, and then look around.

Even before Zhang Chu finished observing the environment, everyone already had a general understanding of where they were.

"The dimensional space is fraught with danger at every turn."

"This hidden treasure is not easy to enter!"

Gazing at the brightly lit, broad road leading to an unknown land, the group looked at each other in bewilderment. The giant Leviathan then spoke for them, uttering their unspoken thoughts.

"The Sword God of Pure Absoluteness seems unwilling to let his legacy fall into the hands of others..."

(End of this chapter)