Chapter 535: Chapter 541: Not Initiating, Not Refusing, Not Taking Responsibility! (Third update)
Upon seeing that people from both Heavenly Spring Sacred Land and Heavenly Snow Holy Domain had arrived, the expressions on the faces of Guo Jing and his companions became extremely peculiar. Then, their faces lit up, and they exclaimed, “So many strong forces have come to the Mountain and River Ruins. Has the secret of these ruins been discovered?”
A woman surnamed Feng mumbled, “If any abnormalities occur, would we lose the black sand?”
“Not necessarily… we just don’t know if they’ll still allow us to search for black sand after they’ve arrived.”
From the sound of it, Guo Jing spoke these words with deep worry, which surprised Yang Zhen. He asked in astonishment, “What does their search for the secret treasure have to do with your search for black sand? Have these Great Sects become so domineering?”
Upon hearing these words, Guo Jing managed a bitter smile. He explained, “Heart-Piercing Friend, you may not understand, but it’s beyond our control. When these Great Sects take action, they’ll certainly clean the area, claiming to fear sabotage that could damage their operations.”
Yang Zhen finally understood. In hindsight, their actions were rather reasonable since they faced significant risks. Who knew what powerful prohibitions laid hidden within the treasure? If they didn’t clear the area and some malicious individuals snuck around to cause damage, what would become of the situation?
Upon reflection, Yang Zhen found himself sympathizing with the Great Sects. After all, if it were him, he’d have acted the same. Why hide one’s powers? Was it to nurture offspring?
As he was deep in thought, people from both the Heavenly Spring Sacred Land and the Heavenly Snow Holy Domain descended at a thrilling pace, separating into groups. Some of them stood atop Yang Zhen and his companions’ heads, frowning as they scolded, “Followers of the Heavenly Spring Holy Land, clear out. You lot, leave the Mountain and River Ruins immediately!”
Yang Zhen’s eyes widened in surprise at the posturing disciples. No wonder so many people like the privileges of power or seek a solid backing. So, it could be this domineering?
These practitioners were merely at the Tribulation Crossing Period of their cultivation with not a single one at the Heavenly Realm Boundary. Their arrogant demeanor was more intimidating than the Divine Transformation Stage dark puppets Yang Zhen had encountered. They ordered them to clear the area without any consideration, clearly not putting Guo Jing and others into their consideration.
Of course, they didn’t consider Yang Zhen important either.
Yang Zhen looked at Guo Jing, whose expression was rather odd, but surprisingly not angry. Instead, he looked troubled as he cupped his fists in respect and stated, “I am Guo Jing. I will leave with my men immediately!”
The practitioners nodded, glanced at Yang Zhen, and then left on their flying swords.
Once they were gone, Guo Jing turned to the Feng surname woman and said, “Junior Sister Feng, now that people from the Heavenly Spring Sacred Land and the Heavenly Snow Sacred Domain are here, perhaps… we should withdraw for the time being. We can return to look for the black sand after they’ve left.”
“But…” The woman surnamed Feng hesitated, her expression grievous as she said, “If they linger around, my grandfather’s injuries might… ”
“Junior Sister Feng,” Guo Jing said, “the people from the Heavenly Spring Sacred Land only gave us a warning this time. If we don’t leave on time, I’m afraid they might be less friendly next time. Don’t mistake my words; I am not afraid of the Heavenly Spring Sacred Land and Heavenly Snow Sacred Land. No matter how unreasonable they act, they should understand the value of human life. But imagine if we conflict with them and get injured, would we still have the strength to look for the black sand?”
At this point, Guo Jing sighed heavily and said with a bitter smile, “We… can only gamble.”
“Gamble on what?” asked the woman named Feng sorrowfully. “Are we gambling that they’ll leave soon? Senior Brother Guo, I appreciate your kindness, but my grandfather urgently needs this black sand. We’ve already wasted too much time finding it. I really can’t wait for the people from the Heavenly Spring Sacred Land to locate the secret treasure. Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to dodge them and only search around the Mountain and the River Ruins. You… you should leave.”
“Junior Sister Feng, your words are unfair. Am I the sort to fear death? It’s just that… if we were discovered, we certainly wouldn’t be able to save our master!”
Junior Sister Feng shook her head, didn’t say a word, and continued walking.
Guo Jing’s face turned pale. He looked at the remaining four people and said bitterly, “Junior Sister Feng, if you insist on this, then be careful. A single person poses a smaller target. We… we’ll go back and see if we can obtain more black sand.”
Upon hearing Guo Jing’s words, Junior Sister Feng shuddered. She turned her back towards him and bore a desolate and helpless expression.
Yang Zhen watched as Guo Jing, his face clouded with unease, led his group away. He shook his head and sighed. Normally, when searching for treasures, he was always in the forefront. He couldn’t believe the complexity of the situations happening behind the scenes.
Although he hadn’t experienced it personally, Yang Zhen understood that such situations weren’t unique. Those who were deterred by the Great Sect disciples from entering the area surrounding the secret treasure were likely ordinary practitioners just like him.
Before he left, Guo Jing looked back at Yang Zhen, seemingly wanting to say something, but ended up sighing without saying a word and left with his four companions.
Yang Zhen stood alone, appearing deserted and desolate. He couldn’t help but be sarcastic about himself.
Damn it, why am I getting sentimental? The cultivation world has always been scheming and cruel. Anyone embarking on this path should be prepared to sacrifice life and conscience. Such despair and helplessness, isn’t every cultivator in the world struggling against it and still fighting to survive?
What, after all, are we cultivating?
The moment Yang Zhen thought of this question, he was startled. He quickly pushed the thought away, not wanting to dwell on this chicken or egg scenario. It was a mental trap with no solution.
Faced with such a problem, it’s preferable to be reckless. You either perish or live eternally.
Yang Zhen wasn’t a coward who feared death. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stirred trouble wherever he went. Moreover, this was the path he had chosen for his life.
Cast away the distractions from his mind, Yang Zhen took a deep breath, walked to Feng Lingqiao’s side, and said cheerfully, “Miss, it’s pretty dull being alone in this wild place. How about we team up?”
Feng Lingqiao turned towards Yang Zhen in surprise and said, “You’re not leaving?”
“Why would I leave?” Yang Zhen curled his lips, “I came here for a purpose. I can’t leave just because someone told me to.”
Feng Lingqiao wiped away tears from the corner of her eyes and gave Yang Zhen a graceful smile. “Why are you helping me?”
Yang Zhen shook his head and replied nonchalantly, “Who said I was helping you? Don’t get me wrong. I just want to chat with you. If there’s danger, I might even run faster than anyone else.”
Feng Lingqiao stared at Yang Zhen blankly, then broke into an unexpected chuckle, “Hu Junior Sister was right. You are indeed interesting. Aren’t you afraid that people from the Heavenly Spring Sacred Land and Heavenly Snow Sacred Land might attack you?”
Yang Zhen grinned, put his hands behind his head, and walked nonchalantly, “I’m just here to find a good friend. As for everything else, I won’t take the initiative, won’t refuse, and won’t be responsible.”
“Won’t take the initiative, won’t refuse, won’t be responsible?” Feng Lingqiao looked puzzled. She took a deep breath and said, “If they attempt to attack you, I’ll hold them off. You leave!”
This time, Yang Zhen was taken aback. He looked at Feng Lingqiao with a strange expression and asked, “Why?”
Feng Lingqiao gave a soft laugh and murmured, “When I was at my most helpless, someone stayed to chat with me. Even if it costs my life, it’s worth it.”