"A mechanism? That's impossible."
Shangguan Hong froze. He had personally supervised the construction of this tomb. There was no way it could contain a mechanism. It was utterly impossible.
Ling Chen walked over to the hidden panel and shook his head. "The mechanism isn't part of the original tomb structure. Someone added it later."
Shangguan Hong narrowed his eyes. Who would sneak into this tomb at the back of the mountain and set up a mechanism? If it was someone within the sect, it wouldn't be too concerning. But if it was an outsider, how did they manage to slip in here silently and leave behind a mechanism unnoticed?
"Who it is isn't important. What's important is their purpose. What is hidden inside this box?"
Ling Chen pulled out his Cloud-hidden Sword and cautiously used the tip of the blade to pry open the box. Instantly, the contents of the box were revealed.
The moment the box opened, Ling Chen instinctively backpedaled in case there was any danger within.
Seeing that nothing sprang out, Ling Chen peered into the box. Inside was an object resembling a firearm, though not quite. At one end of the tube-shaped object, a metallic cap sealed it shut.
Noticing the oddity of this object, Ling Chen couldn't resist the urge to try and open the cap.
Suddenly, Shangguan Hong's stern voice resounded next to his ear.
Ling Chen paused, puzzled by the other man's intense reaction.
"This is a True Qi Tube, a Treasure used for storing True Qi," Shangguan Hong said with a grave expression. "This tube contains a violent surge of True Qi. If you recklessly open the cap, the Qi inside will explosively lash out and unleash terrifying force."
"Just a surge of violent Qi? It can't be as dreadful as you're making it out to be."
Ling Chen was somewhat skeptical. The True Qi Tube didn't look large or particularly impressive. He wondered how powerful it could be.
"Not necessarily," Shangguan Hong shook his head. "It depends on the Cultivation level of the person who created the True Qi Tube. If they're a Grand Master, then a single strike from the True Qi Tube would be akin to a Grand Master's full force. If they're a Top Sky Apex Strong, then it would be equivalent to their full force. Would you consider that frightening?"
"A full-force strike from a Top Sky Apex Strong?"
Ling Chen looked at the True Qi Tube in his hand with shock. Could this bland-looking object truly possess such astonishing power?
"In your opinion, Great Elder, what level is this True Qi Tube?"
"I don't know. But generally, anyone using a True Qi Tube should at least be a top-level Grand Master. Otherwise, it wouldn't be worth the trouble. Such a thing is usually used for protecting the Sect's talented younger generation. I'm very curious about who put this True Qi Tube here."
Shangguan Hong remained extremely curious about who left the object here. It seemed like someone purposely wanted Ling Chen to obtain this True Qi Tube but did not wish to reveal themselves.
"Perhaps it was left by a master within the Sect. If they do not wish to appear, it doesn't make sense for us to dig deeper," Ling Chen said casually. However, he didn't have much choice. With just this True Qi Tube, it was impossible to find out who it belonged to.
Shangguan Hong nodded in agreement. "The production cost of a True Qi Tube is very high. Even I only had one, but I've already given it to Qiu Shui. Ling Chen, this object can save your life at a critical moment, help you evade danger, and repel strong enemies."
"I understand. I won't use this item unless absolutely necessary."
Seeing the seriousness with which Great Elder Shangguan Hong regarded it, even though Ling Chen had never seen a True Qi Tube before, he understood the item's significance.
"Let's go. Aren't you setting out tomorrow? You should go back and rest well tonight. It would be best to leave under the cover of darkness to ensure no one finds out about your departure," Shangguan Hong said, his expression solemn.
"Alright, I'll descend the mountain and leave during the first watch tomorrow night."
Ling Chen understood Shangguan Hong's intentions. Right now, Ye Nantian might still be watching him closely. If he were to strut down the mountain, it would undoubtedly attract attention. He needed to leave quietly to avoid detection.
The Great Elder nodded. "If you run into any unsolvable problems out there, remember to send a message by carrier pigeon."
Having packed away the True Qi Tube, Ling Chen left the back mountain with Shangguan Hong.
During the first watch, Ling Chen packed his belongings and descended the mountain quietly.
His departure didn't attract much attention. Apart from the Great Elder and Ling Yin, no one else was aware of it.
The Elders in the Sect only knew of his intention to venture out for training but not exactly when he would set off. They certainly couldn't have guessed he would leave by starlight. Many still believed that Ling Chen was in secluded Cultivation within the Sect. Perhaps it would take some time before they realized what had happened.
Riding an ordinary white-maned horse, Ling Chen refrained from riding the distinctive Jade Lion exclusive to True Disciples to avoid drawing attention, which was not his intention.
Once he was a fair distance from the Divine Intent Sect, Ling Chen began to speed up, heading north.
The land was vast and endless. As Ling Chen rode his horse, galloping between heaven and earth, a surge of heroism and lofty ambition welled up in his heart. One person and one sword, roaming the world. Upholding justice, bringing peace to the world.
Ling Chen felt a deep sense of emotion. This scene, with a knight-errant, a Treasure Sword, and a fine steed, only lacked fine wine and poetry. A poem, a jug of wine, a long song, and a sword to the ends of the earth.
Continuing northward, his destination was the Aqua Country, one of the Five Kingdoms.
The Five Kingdoms within the Cloud Outland were vast. Earth Country had the largest territory, followed by Aqua Country; both possessed immensely vast territories. However, much of Aqua Country was desolate, consisting of uninhabited marshlands and sandy deserts, and was not densely populated.
Between Wind Country and Aqua Country lay a large prairie named the Northwind Prairie.
The crescent moon hung high, and a fierce wind howled.
The nights on the Northwind Prairie were always bleak. For thousands, even tens of thousands of miles around, human presence was rare. Instead, there were endless prairie Exotic Beasts and the chilling roars of these creatures echoing through the land!
Not far away, a boulder the size of a house blocked the gusty wind. Behind the boulder, a dancing fire offered a hint of safety in the desolate night.
Wiping the grease from his mouth, Ling Chen leaned back against a large rock. A blazing bonfire crackled before him. Over the flames, he roasted an Exotic Beast roughly the size of a wolf cub. Seasoned with spices and herbs, it emitted waves of an enticing aroma.
This Exotic Beast was known as the North Wind Rat, unique to the Northwind Prairie. Its meat was succulent and delicious—it was one of the few weak Exotic Beasts that were both edible and tasty.
His life now revolved around making the sky his blanket and the earth his clothes. This was the way to temper oneself: cultivating in harsh environments, overcoming all difficulties to achieve the Righteous Path.