The four-sided square secret chamber of Shenxiao, at this moment, resembled the grand entrance hall of a vast estate.

The doors of Shenxiao were already flung wide, as if awaiting guests to enter and take their seats. Though the master was absent, the necessary courtesies had been prepared for countless years. Of course, as guests, they were expected to change their footwear in this entrance hall, lay aside their rain gear, shake off the dust of their journey, and uphold the etiquette of visitors.

Among them, it was even possible that one might receive the ancient recognition and inherit this “estate,” almost lost to the currents of time.

This place had been empty and desolate, silent for who knew how many years, perpetually accumulating dust, utterly separate from the outside world. Now, although the dust had been brushed away, the process of recovering its vitality had been brutally interrupted by a terrifying external force. What met the eye was still inevitably somewhat withered.

Beyond the opened door lay ancient trees with yellowing leaves, a dense forest concealing secrets. Six winding, shaded paths extended into the unknown distance, like six mysterious chambers awaiting selection. Though called shaded paths, they were far from beautiful. Instead, dead branches lay scattered, fallen leaves lay in rotting piles, possessing a kind of aged decay that belonged uniquely to this Shenxiao place itself, corroded by time and utterly cold and desolate.

Yet, the vitality within the Shenxiao secret chamber still exceeded the expectations of many of the guests. Outside, guarding the Shenxiao secret treasury, were sky demons and terrifying existences beyond number. At this moment, their full might was unknown, only surmised from their own preparations and the identities of their competitors.

Even if sealed within and without, within this space alone, the situation was already complex enough. Xiong Sansi, Yu Xin, Zhulan Ruo, Zhuyong, Yang Yu, Quan Xihua. The Inspiration King Lu Qilang, the Red Moon King She Gu Yu, the Black Lotus Temple’s Shu Jialan. The Taiping Ghost Messenger Zhu Dali, the Swift Wind Killing Sword Chai A Si. A full eleven monsters.

They hailed from different factions, each harboring their own schemes, and held various grudges against one another. The tangled animosities between the three forces of Tianxi Wasteland, Ziwu Hills, and Shenxiang Flower Sea, the struggle for Buddhist leadership between Gunan Mountain and the Black Lotus Temple, the undercurrents within the great families of Moyun City, Lu Qilang’s pursuit of She Gu Yu, coupled with the intrusion of the Taiping Dao, and the mysterious Chai A Si – all mixed together in a chaotic mess! One could say that these myriad threads, if anyone could untangle them, could navigate the world.

But even as the situation had already devolved into such complexity, when the true secret of Shenxiao, in an illusory manner, completely broke through the underground and concealed itself in the unknown, in the final breath before the complete sealing of inside and outside, another monster was unexpectedly forced inside! This immediately startled the monsters within the chamber, each lost in their own thoughts.

This was because the scene of that terrifying existence violently impacting the Shenxiao place earlier had been too shocking. At that time, the Shenxiao place had already begun to self-destruct, its standing rules shaky, and they had almost all perished together!

Upon recognizing the newcomer as Yuan Mengji, they more or less breathed a sigh of relief. If that one, who had no regard for their own life, had squeezed in, they wouldn’t need to compete anymore, only kneel and beg for mercy. Quan Xihua even exchanged a glance with Zhuyong, a rare consensus reached amidst their tense and unwavering hostility. Though they knew not how this fool from the Yuan family had entered, they presumed he would pose no significant threat.

As the final participant in this feast, Yuan Mengji found himself the focus of all eyes. His heart, however, was a tumultuous sea, unable to find calm for a long time.

Damn! Damn! Damn! Are we truly blood relatives of Yuan Xian Ting? Though I’ve never heard of this Great Demon having offspring… could it be I am his long-lost grandson? Otherwise, why would he, the elder, care for me so?

Grandfather, ah, with you here, I wouldn’t mind not coming to this secret place. What’s the use of the Yu Zhen secret treasury, the Yu clan inheritance? What good is it to care? Wouldn’t it be enough for you to teach me a few techniques? Why do I still need to compete with these bumpkins and endure such hardships?

The clan leader is truly too low-key. With such a powerful backer, he always refuses to speak out, always hiding and concealing! What is he thinking? He hasn’t inherited even a shred of the Sky Demon Great Ancestor’s dominance; I, this later generation, must be the one to carry the mantle!

Yuan Mengji straightened his back even further. Standing here, he stood like a green pine. Though he had arrived last, it was absolutely not because he couldn’t make it. No way! It was because the main character, appearing last in all stories, was the absolute king accepting the worship of all monsters.

His gaze swept around. In this moment of high spirits, he involuntarily thought once more of that banquet at Feiyun Lou. You all schemed, targeted, excluded, spoke those cryptic words that an old man couldn’t understand… So what? We still came!

Regarding Yuan Mengji becoming the last participant of Shenxiao place, Yu Xin felt a mix of suspicion and uncertainty, but on his face, he still wore a forced bright smile. “Brother Yuan, you’ve come as well? I was just saying, today’s grand assembly is unprecedented, with great treasures before our eyes. We young talents of Moyun City were only missing you!”

Yuan Mengji, his heart already brewing with words for a long time, instinctively laughed heartily. “You also know it was Great Ancestor Yuan Xian Ting who personally sent me in?” Having spoken, he then realized it was Yu Xin talking and let out a cold snort. “You despicable little monster, don’t talk to me!”

Even insidious ones like Zhuyong and Quan Xihua kept their emotions well-hidden, but Yuan Mengji’s attitude was unexpectedly so unfriendly, leaving Yu Xin even more perplexed. However, the three words “Yuan Xian Ting” were truly deafening.

Strongly suppressing the unhappiness in his heart, the little Yu Zhen continued to force a smile and probe. “Brother Yuan, how is this? We’ve never been this way before. I even invited you to visit the brothels! I don’t know where I’ve offended you, could you perhaps tell me the reason, so I can humble myself and beg for forgiveness?”

“Talking nonsense! Who visited brothels with you!” Yuan Mengji secretly glanced at Zhulan Ruo, then jumped up in anger and cursed, “You despicable and shameless fellow bird, you curse me behind my back, and now you dare slander me to my face!”

Yu Xin’s handsome face flushed crimson, appearing deeply indignant. “Yuan Mengji, you clarify your words! I, Yu Xin, act upright and sit straight. I always speak my mind to your face. When have I ever cursed you behind your back!”

At these words, within the Shenxiao secret chamber, all the monsters laughed. However, their laughter was varied – mocking, derisive, or cold. This laughter made Yu Xin’s heart pound, but he couldn’t understand what was wrong. His acting was flawless, wasn’t it? The details were clearly in place, and his emotions were full!

Only Yuan Mengji continued to curse at his face. “Just now, in the secret chamber with Xiong Sansi, what did you curse me about? Gunan Mountain’s Knowledge Bell awakened the entire city; everyone heard it! How long has it been, and you’ve already forgotten?”

Yuan Mengji was indeed straightforward; if he had an opinion, he stated it directly. Unlike the other monsters, who were all hiding and concealing, stuffing their thoughts inside. But his straightforwardness was a bit too much…

Yu Xin desperately wanted to find a crack to crawl into and hoped that old brother Xiong could completely block the view of him. At this moment, he understood why the other monsters, upon entering, had given him the cold shoulder, each one not giving him a pleasant look. So, it turned out these bastards were actually watching outside! What a broken Knowledge Bell! Yang Yu, you dead bald head, I will never rest until you are defeated!

“I have a reminder,” Shu Jialan suddenly spoke.

Yu Xin looked over eagerly, expecting this monk to say something about Buddha’s compassion, not minding unintentional words. Wasn’t that what monks were for?

He only heard Shu Jialan continue, “The Knowledge Bell belongs to the Black Lotus Temple, only temporarily occupied by Gunan Mountain. Though you outsiders may not know, you still cannot confuse them. Additionally…” He looked at Yu Xin and said fiercely, “You may call me brainless, but you must also be careful of your own brain.”

Yu Xin’s mouth twitched slightly.

“Namo Guangwang Buddha!” Yang Yu proclaimed a Buddhist name. “This great blockhead monk’s words I cannot agree with. The Taigu Calendar has not been interrupted; history has records. For ten thousand years, I have not heard of the Black Lotus Temple having Buddhist leadership. A historical pen is like a knife, more reliable than your black mouth and yellow teeth? Buddhist leadership has never had any relation to your Black Lotus Temple, and the Knowledge Bell even less so. You are not deceiving yourself and deceiving monsters.” Having said this, he also glanced at Yu Xin. “Furthermore, Donor Yu, this poor monk also hopes you can correct your understanding of Gunan Mountain.”

Yu Xin’s expression stiffened. He wanted to explain something, but he was afraid that the more he explained, the worse it would become, arousing public anger. This was before they had even entered the Shenxiao place! If he were beaten to death now, he would truly die with his eyes wide open.

The other monsters were still engrossed in the information that Sky Demon Yuan Xian Ting had personally sent Yuan Mengji in. Indeed, each of them had a Sky Demon level existence backing them, but frankly… which one was as fierce as Yuan Xian Ting? This Sky Demon’s reputation was truly too resounding! Thus, they inevitably felt a sense of apprehension towards Yuan Mengji. But towards Yu Xin, each one was eager to test him.

Zhuyong’s eyes darted about, then he intended to speak.

“Alright,” Xiong Sansi stood in front of Yu Xin and said hoarsely, “We are all gathered here, presumably not for a few words of argument. Now, the most important thing is, how do we enter this Shenxiao place, and how do we divide it?”

Zhuyong, holding his qin motionless, silently closed his mouth again.

Lu Qilang’s hand rested on his sword hilt, and he said leisurely, “How does Brother Sansi plan?” Though he addressed everyone present, his eyes were fixed on Chai A Si. Clearly, he was wary of Chai A Si’s feigned allegiance, even suspecting that Chai A Si had some design against him. Thus, he constantly sought to probe.

Chai A Si grinned, a fierce glint in his eyes. His superior had previously told him to keep a low profile, to restrain himself, and he hadn’t understood then, but now he completely did. The superior was playing a simple hand with a heavy impact! At this moment, everyone in the secret chamber, lacking any true demons, wasn’t this like a tiger entering a flock of sheep? His heart only asked, “Superior, do we strike or not?”

“I will deal with that Taiping Ghost Messenger; as for the remaining ten, you can crush each one with a single finger!”

The superior’s reply was mild. “All those present are our demon clan’s heavenly prides. If we can avoid killing, do so. Weakening them weakens our demon clan’s overall strength. You are destined to reach the absolute peak in the future; how can you lack such foresight?”

Chai A Si was awakened by these words, enlightened. His gaze towards Lu Qilang became much warmer. Although this fellow was annoyingly arrogant, he was after all a subject of our Chai Emperor… How could I not understand?

“According to this demon’s view,” he very responsibly took the initiative to speak, “all those present are our demon clan’s heavenly prides. If we can avoid casualties, do so. Weakening them weakens our demon clan’s overall strength. Everyone in the future is destined to reach the absolute peak; how can you lack such foresight?”

At these words, all the monsters looked at him with solemn respect. Such petty tactics and opportunism were truly fleeting clouds; this was the perspective of a higher level!

“Namo Guangwang Buddha,” Yang Yu said mildly. “This donor speaks correctly. If we can talk things through, it is best not to fight and kill. The Shenxiao place is vast; I suggest we all first walk and see.”

Shu Jialan said in a chilling voice, “But there are only six paths ahead, and yet twelve demons present. How do we divide the paths?”

Xiong Sansi said, “In my opinion…”

Rumble, rumble!

Before he could finish his sentence, suddenly the entire Shenxiao secret chamber was filled with shimmering light and shadows. The wall directly facing the door, a wall of silver-white, was slowly and steadily pushing outward. It didn’t harm anyone, simply gently pushed everything in the secret chamber towards the Shenxiao place. Finally, that silver-white wall completely overlapped with the opened door. The entire Shenxiao secret chamber was thus compressed into the appearance of a door, standing behind all the monsters.

At this moment, all the monsters were already in the forest, and everything seemed more vibrant. And in front of them, before those six forest paths, stood a giant stone, likely a road sign or boundary marker. Approaching it for a closer look, the giant stone was engraved with words. The Dao text was written with a long-lasting charm.

It read: “Guest from afar comes.”