I relied on leveling up to achieve a comeback.

Chapter 98 Hunter and Prey

Xu Hao opened the courtyard gate and immediately saw an outer disciple of the Crane Peak Foreign Affairs Hall.

He clasped his hands in a gesture of apprehension and asked, "Senior brother, is there something you need?"

"You have been in the outer sect for over a month and need to complete an outer sect mission. If you do not complete it, you will have to pay twenty merit points!" The outer sect disciple returned the greeting with clasped hands and then reminded him.

"Sorry, I've been cultivating all month and completely forgot!" Xu Hao took out a small silver ingot from his pocket, subtly handed it over, and said, "I'll go report to the Foreign Affairs Hall right away!"

Sure enough, the ten merit points that the Five Animals Sect gives each month are not given for nothing.

The outer disciple's eyes lit up when he saw Xu Hao's actions. He then silently accepted the gift and said, "Well, since you're a new disciple, you get one chance to remind me. The next time you remind someone, you'll lose merit points!"

If you need to cultivate in seclusion but don't want to delay your mission, you'd better store your merit points in the External Affairs Hall to avoid having them deducted. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother!"

Xu Hao nodded humbly.

"Alright, now that the notification has been given, farewell!" The outer disciple clasped his hands in a fist salute once more, then turned and left.

Xu Hao took out the book, flipped through it, and couldn't help but shake his head.

It seems he hasn't fully grasped the many rules of the Five Animals Sect.

But this time he remembered!

Xu Hao immediately got up and rushed to the Foreign Affairs Hall. Following the advice of the outer disciples, he saved up fifty merit points.

Immediately afterwards, Xu Hao went to the Gongfa Hall.

He also possesses the techniques of the Azure Crane Force and the Flying Crane Swordplay.

If these two items are not returned or exchanged, it will cost 100 merit points every month.

Xu Hao also purchased some cultivation resources.

"I'm really out of money this time. I can probably last another month. Next month I'll need to do quests to earn money!" Xu Hao looked at his empty game backpack and made his decision.

However, despite the enormous expenditure, this month of cultivation was not without its rewards.

His dantian already contains more than half of its internal energy. If he cultivates for another month, his dantian will be completely filled with internal energy.

At that time, he will be able to break through to the external force (manifest force) of the Jinli realm.

With this level of cultivation, even in the outer sect, he would be considered a master!

"Brother Xu, it's really hard to find you!" Xu Hao had just received the resources and was about to leave when a familiar voice rang out behind him.

Xu Hao turned his head and saw a familiar yet unfamiliar person!

The reason they were familiar with each other was because they had met a few times during the sect entrance test.

It was Sikong Mou who had discussed some topics with him.

The reason why he is unfamiliar is that Sikong Mou now has a bright red name above his head.

Red name?

They are either wicked, harbor great malice towards him, or belong to the opposing camp.

Xu Hao simply couldn't imagine which category Sikong Mou belonged to.

However, Xu Hao remained outwardly calm, cupping his fists and saying, "So it's Brother Sikong. I've been cultivating recently, familiarizing myself with the transformation of Qi and Blood into Strength and practicing the Flying Crane Sword Technique. May I ask what brings you here, Brother Sikong?"

Sikong Mou looked around, then reached out and pulled Xu Hao to a secluded spot. He then spoke earnestly, "It's like this, we've discovered ancient ruins in a hidden place and are preparing to explore them, but we don't have enough manpower, so we'd like to invite Brother Xu!"

"Ancient ruins?" Xu Hao was startled.

In ancient times, the energy of heaven and earth was abundant, which was very conducive to cultivation. As a result, many powerful beings emerged.

In addition, there are many rare and precious natural materials, so there are also a great many treasures.

The ancient marrow cleansing pill that Xu Hao obtained from Zhao Heshan's injury came from a small ancient ruin.

Even a small Marrow Cleansing Pill greatly improved his spirit.

Now another ancient site has appeared.

If it hadn't been developed, it would definitely be full of treasures.

But soon, Xu Hao frowned.

It's incredible that someone would be willing to share such a treasure-like place.

Based on Sikong Mou's red name status, Xu Hao roughly guessed what was going on.

After all, when it comes to good things that are worth sharing, you have to be careful about the hidden dangers within them.

It should be noted that Sikong Mou's background is not weak. Finding some powerful individuals to explore is an easy task for him, and he can even enjoy the benefits all to himself.

Sharing this must be for some ulterior motive.

"That's right, but it's only suspected, not 100% confirmed yet. We explored it before, and it was a bit dangerous there. We also didn't have any definite clues, so we couldn't inform the sect. Therefore, I plan to invite a few trustworthy people to investigate further."

If it truly is an ancient relic, we can also gain some benefits from the surrounding area. When we report this to the sect, we can obtain a large sum of merit points.

Sikong Mou spoke with a hint of enticement.

Who could resist the allure of ancient ruins?

"I see!" Xu Hao sighed, then lifted the package in his hand and said, "I'm afraid it will lead to Brother Sikong's death. I just exchanged some cultivation resources, most of which need to be refined immediately. If I go exploring with you, these things will be wasted!"

"This—" Sikong Mou looked at the package in Xu Hao's hand, pondered for a moment, and suggested, "This is all we have. After we finish exploring, we can share some of the treasures, which will be enough to make up for your losses."

"I can't accept something for nothing!" Xu Hao shook his head. "Besides, it would be such a waste to squander these!"

"Alright, since it's only a suspected case anyway, the initial exploration and clearing of the surrounding area will probably take some time. Let's go check the situation first, and then we can lend a hand when Brother Xu finishes his cultivation!" Sikong Mou said casually, then asked, "How long will it take Brother Xu to cultivate with all these cultivation resources?"

Xu Hao's heart tightened slightly.

Even after he had already refused, Sikong Mou still wanted to drag him down with him.

What kind of deep-seated hatred is this?

I won't give up until I lie to myself and go!

However, when that time comes, it's hard to say who will be the prey and who will be the hunter!

Xu Hao took a deep breath and replied, "It should be about a month. I'll have time after a month. Besides, I bought so many cultivation resources this time, so I'll also need to take on missions by then. If the exploration isn't finished by then, I'll go!"

"A month!" Sikong Mou's eyes darted around, and he patted Xu Hao's shoulder, saying, "No rush. Ancient ruins take a lot of time, and once you've finished your cultivation, we'll have a better chance of success!"

"Alright, see you in a month!" Xu Hao nodded, chatted for a few more minutes, and then carried the package full of cultivation resources to his outer sect residence.

After Xu Hao disappeared from the resource hall, a figure walked in from outside and stood behind Sikong Mou, then asked, "Is the matter settled?"

Sikong Mou turned around, saw the person who had arrived, and quickly bowed respectfully, saying, "Not yet. This kid is unmoved; he wasn't attracted by the name of the ancient ruins. He says he wants to cultivate for another month!"