Chapter 2163: Immortal Child

Martial and Immortal Heroes

Shaoshi arrived beside Qin Sang, and they exchanged glances. They had turned the Great Fierce Lair upside down but found no trace of the lingering multicolored light, making them intensely curious about its origin.

They activated their escape lights, chasing the multicolored glow towards its source.

The multicolored light seemed to be rapidly devoured by a monstrous beast, fading quickly.

They pursued it deep into the secret realm, where they saw the multicolored light contract into a single beam, flash once more, and then completely vanish.

*Swish!**Swish!*

Qin Sang and Shaoshi instantly appeared, looking down at a scene of ruined walls—the debris of a collapsed ancient hall.

Their spiritual senses swept over the ruins, detecting no unusual fluctuations. Working together, Qin Sang and Shaoshi carefully cleared away the debris layer by layer until a deep pit was revealed, yet still, they found nothing out of the ordinary.

"This ancient hall should be unrelated to the multicolored light," Shaoshi said.

Qin Sang surveyed the surroundings, concentrating his senses. With the multicolored light gone, all fluctuations had completely disappeared.

If that was the case, what had caused the multicolored light to appear?

The Great Fierce Lair and this secret realm clearly had no connection, and neither Qin Sang nor Shaoshi could fathom any underlying pattern.

"Since there's no pattern, the multicolored light is probably one of the trials in this Sacred Land assessment," Si Huang's voice echoed from behind them.

Qin Sang and Shaoshi turned, seeing Si Huang hovering above a lake, gazing down at its surface.

Shaoshi nodded. "Precisely! If the multicolored light is related to the trial, more and more places will surely exhibit it later. I believe it won't be long before we uncover the secret behind it."

He then added to Qin Sang, "True Immortal Qin hasn't participated in the Sacred Land trial before, so you might not be aware. The content of these trials varies greatly. They can be very simple, like releasing precious treasures for everyone to contend for, with the strongest claiming them. Or they can be unregulated and unpredictable, requiring reliance on luck, wisdom, and personal exploration and comprehension."

*Splash!*

Si Huang reached out and grabbed at the lake's surface. The water churned, and several emerald green lights shot up from below. They were knee-high slender bamboos, exuding natural spiritual energy and as verdant as jade.

"I didn't expect to find several Amber Cloud Bamboos here. You two can share them."

Apart from the ancient hall where the treasure box was located, the other halls were empty. Si Huang had reaped the greatest benefit, so he was sharing a portion with Qin Sang and the others.

Qin Sang received half. Amber Cloud Bamboo is a type of spiritual wood that can be used as a material for refining spiritual treasures. However, Qin Sang couldn't think of an immediate use for it, so he considered placing it in either the Green Sheep Monastery or the Five Thunder Institute later.

While the Cloud Roaming Sword could continue to absorb spiritual wood, at the level of a Postnatal Spiritual Treasure, the enhancement provided by ordinary spiritual wood was already very minimal.

Just then, escape lights approached from a distance. It was the First Prince and his two companions, who had returned.

They had been warned to deliberately avoid meeting Marquis Dingyuan. However, they also didn't manage to encircle and kill their companion who had been pursuing Marquis Dingyuan. This time, neither side suffered any casualties.

The multicolored light and the gray figures had vanished, but the First Prince and his companions still seemed to be struggling a bit upon arrival.

Perhaps due to the recent upheaval, the power of the Misty River was increasing much faster than before.

After discussion, they decided to leave immediately. Although there were still treasures floating in the Misty River, the rapidly increasing power of the river made the area increasingly dangerous, so it was not advisable to linger.

They returned the way they came, proceeding with caution. From the Misty River back to the tomb passage, they encountered no ambush. Marquis Dingyuan and his group were nowhere to be seen, apparently having already left.

Everyone successfully exited the tomb passage and flew out of the abyss. Everything nearby appeared normal. Qin Sang bowed to Si Huang, taking his leave.

Next, he would first rendezvous with Si Lu, then head to the agreed-upon location with Liuli.

"The origin of the multicolored light is unknown, and the situation is unsettled. True Immortal Qin, would you consider joining forces with us? If you agree, any opportunities or treasures that suit you, I will also fully assist you in obtaining them."

Si Huang was making a final effort. This time, he displayed great magnanimity, hoping to sway Qin Sang and recruit this top expert to help them complete the trial.

Shaoshi also tried to persuade him to stay, but Qin Sang's mind was made up. He merely said he would seriously consider it, then bowed and flew away.

Watching Qin Sang's figure disappear into the horizon, Shaoshi sighed softly. "This man is unwilling to be subordinate to others. He can only be tempted by personal gain."

Unfortunately, there were very few treasures that could tempt such a powerful individual.

"This person's entry into the Sacred Land probably has other motives, but that's irrelevant to us. This journey was unexpectedly smooth. Daoist Friend Qing and the others should be arriving soon. Let's head back and wait for them to rendezvous…"

Si Huang retracted his gaze and led his group back the way they came.

Upon returning to the agreed location, Si Huang and Shaoshi landed. Suddenly, they sensed something and turned to look at the nearby jungle, sharply shouting, "Who's there! Come out!"

The Third Prince and the others looked over in confusion.

A faint, obscure aura was hidden in the forest, barely perceptible to Si Huang and Shaoshi. It belonged to no one they knew.

Moments later, a gentle breeze rustled, and a figure emerged from the edge of the jungle.

This person was dressed in brocade robes, small in stature, like an eight or nine-year-old child, exquisitely carved from pink jade. The brocade robe was oversized, its long sleeves almost reaching his feet, making him appear somewhat comical.

A round bead also adorned his forehead, clearly marking him as a member of the Siyou clan, and a top-tier expert at the late stage of the Empty Realm's second tier. Yet, Si Huang and the others did not recognize him.

The boy stood with his hands behind his back, an arrogant expression on his face. His gaze swept over everyone, landing on Si Huang. He said indifferently, "Are you the current Si Huang?"

Everyone secretly frowned. Although the boy's cultivation was high, Si Huang and Shaoshi were no worse than him, and Si Huang was the recognized emperor of the Siyou clan. The boy's demeanor was excessively arrogant.

"You are..."

Si Huang scrutinized the boy. Seeing a token at the boy's waist, his heart stirred.

The boy snorted. "As Si Huang, you don't even recognize this token?"

Si Huang's expression subtly changed. To everyone's shock, he actually clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "May I ask which Immortal Child from an ancestral master's lineage has graced us with your presence? I am sorry for not welcoming you sooner, and I hope the Immortal Child will not take offense!"

Hearing this, everyone was secretly astonished and suddenly understood why this boy, despite his high cultivation, was unknown.

As the saying goes, "When one achieves enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven."

When cultivators of the alien race reach the Sacred Realm, they enter the Sacred Land for cultivation. However, Sacred Realm experts are not reclusive individuals; they often bring their closest relatives and attendants into the Sacred Land to keep them by their side.

These individuals, being near Sacred Realm ancestral masters, never lack external resources and often receive guidance from Sacred Realm experts, making their cultivation far easier than in the outside world.

This person was indeed an attendant boy of a Sacred Realm ancestral master, so he certainly had the right to be arrogant.

"You don't need to know my Master's identity! I ask you..."

The boy's expression turned cold, and he sharply demanded, "Where have you hidden the murderer of my Senior Brother!"

Upon hearing this, Shaoshi's heart skipped a beat. He could already guess the boy's origin, likely related to the Ash Family's Grand Enshriner.

Among the Siyou clan's top experts, only the Grand Enshriner's background was unclear. The Grand Enshriner had never publicly revealed his origins, but some things were not secrets.

It was said that those who followed Sacred Realm experts into the Sacred Land for cultivation found it difficult to leave, facing many restrictions. Though rare, such individuals had appeared before, entering the mundane world for various purposes.

During the Storm Sea campaign, Shaoshi had even personally probed the Grand Enshriner. However, he would absolutely not admit it now!

Si Huang remained impassive, asking doubtfully, "May I ask who the Immortal Child's Senior Brother is, and who is the murderer? I hope the Immortal Child will enlighten me! If what the Immortal Child says is true, I will absolutely not shield the murderer. I just fear there might be some misunderstanding..."

At this moment, how could he not understand the Immortal Child's intention?

After the Ash Family's Grand Enshriner fell, he hadn't considered reporting it to the Sacred Land. Firstly, the clan had long had strict orders not to easily disturb the ancestral masters, as ancient alliances constrained them from interfering in the grievances of younger generations. Secondly, the Grand Enshriner had always ignored the Siyou imperial family, which might reflect his ancestral master's attitude towards them. Thirdly, it was unclear whether this person had left the Sacred Land on his own initiative or had been expelled.

True Immortal Qin had the support of the Vermilion Ape clan leader, and it was the Ash family that had initiated the attack; the other party was forced to retaliate.

Should that ancestral master become enraged and retaliate despite not being in the right, bullying the younger generation and causing discord between the two clans, the Sacred Realm ancestral master would certainly be fine, but they could very likely be implicated.

The so-called Si Huang and the imperial family were never irreplaceable.

"Misunderstanding?"

The Immortal Child's eyes blazed with fury. He didn't believe Si Huang knew nothing about his Senior Brother's identity; he was clearly feigning ignorance.

Yet, he had no recourse against Si Huang and could only suppress his anger to reveal his Senior Brother's identity.

"It was the Ash Family's Grand Enshriner!"

Si Huang's face was filled with shock, and he hastily explained, "The Ash family has always been at odds with me. Ash King even privately said he would replace me. I have long admired the Grand Enshriner, but unfortunately, he always ignored my invitations. I truly did not know the Grand Enshriner was an Immortal Child under an ancestral master! Although I am at odds with Ash King, we have always fought without breaking completely. The Grand Enshriner's unfortunate death at the hands of an outsider is unrelated to me. Please, Immortal Child, see clearly!"

The Immortal Child said coldly, "Of course, I know you didn't kill my Senior Brother; otherwise, I would never spare you!"

As he spoke, he glanced at Shaoshi.

Shaoshi's heart skipped a beat, and he sighed, "Immortal Child, you may not know, but during that battle, although this old man accompanied him, the Grand Enshriner did not trust me and left me in the rear. The anomaly occurred too quickly, and I had no time to act. It's embarrassing to admit, but I was not that person's match and could only flee. Later, I was even forced to seek peace with that person."

With no one to corroborate the story, the Immortal Child's fury had no outlet. He sneered, "You not only fail to avenge your kin, but you even bring the murderer into the Sacred Land. Do you know what shame is?!"

Si Huang's expression darkened.

This Immortal Child came seeking revenge. If it were anyone else, even if they harbored resentment, they would outwardly try to win them over, helping them find their enemy and exact revenge.

The Immortal Child's behavior indicated either too much comfort in Sacred Land cultivation or that he was exceptionally strong and looked down on everyone else.

Such a person, once convinced of something, was difficult to sway.

Si Huang had originally intended to win over this powerful kinsman, but now it seemed that having him close would be a troublesome liability. Thus, he stiffened his tone and said, "This was not my sole decision. Allowing True Immortal Qin into the Sacred Land was approved by the entire clan. There are reasons for everyone's actions. Of course, had I known this would happen, I would certainly not have agreed. Immortal Child wishes to seek revenge on True Immortal Qin, but you are a step too late; True Immortal Qin has already left."

The Immortal Child was enraged by this. "What? Didn't you invite him to explore the secret realm? How could he leave so quickly! You still dare to shield the murderer? Aren't you afraid I'll report you to the ancestral master?"

The Siyou imperial family's discovery of a secret realm in the Sacred Land, and their long-term planning for it, was no longer a secret within the Siyou clan.

The Immortal Child's quick resort to threatening him with the ancestral master made Si Huang fearless instead, suspecting that the ancestral master was completely unaware.

"Under normal circumstances, we would indeed have continued exploring for some time, and success wouldn't have been guaranteed. Unexpectedly, we encountered an anomaly in the secret realm, allowing us to effortlessly enter its depths and successfully obtain the treasure we sought. I had no reason to keep True Immortal Qin. After exiting the secret realm, True Immortal Qin left on his own," Si Huang said truthfully.

"I can swear, not a single word is false! There was only a pure transaction between True Immortal Qin and me. I have no reason to risk the ancestral master's wrath by sheltering this person."

The Immortal Child's expression hardened. Such a coincidence in the world! He had rushed here upon learning the murderer was also in the Sacred Land, but he was still a step too late.

"Do you know where this person went?"

"True Immortal Qin is cautious by nature and never revealed a word," Si Huang shook his head.

The Immortal Child's face flickered between anger and uncertainty. He inquired about the direction Qin Sang had left in, then tossed out a jade talisman.

"If you encounter this person again, crush this talisman. Once I avenge my Senior Brother, I will surely commend you before the ancestral master!"

With that, the Immortal Child departed.

"My lord, this jade talisman..."

Shaoshi's face showed hesitation.

Si Huang closed his hand around it, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Act as circumstances dictate!" he said meaningfully.

After the Immortal Child left, he flew for a distance before descending towards a mountain peak. At the summit was a flattened stone platform, where several figures sat cross-legged. One of them was Yuan Jian, the Great Elder of the Youyan clan.

Yuan Jian opened his eyes. Seeing the Immortal Child's expression, he had a guess. "Immortal Child couldn't find that person?"

The Immortal Child's anger had not subsided. "Si Huang has already obtained the treasure, and that person has left!"

"So fast?"

Yuan Jian was surprised, then sighed softly. "What a pity! It's my fault for not foreseeing that person would also enter the Sacred Land, and with Si Huang's group no less. We wasted so much time and missed a golden opportunity."

The Immortal Child waved his hand. "This isn't your fault. Thanks to your tip-off, otherwise, I would still be in the dark. It's hateful that Si Huang knew but didn't report it and let the enemy escape!"

A hint of sadness flashed in Yuan Jian's eyes, and he sighed deeply:

"I felt an immediate connection with the Grand Enshriner, and we agreed to explore the Sacred Land together. Fortunately, the Grand Enshriner left a token, allowing me to contact the Immortal Child. Back then, I couldn't openly intervene, but I did assist in secret. Unexpectedly, things change so unpredictably; those outsiders actually harbored such terrifying methods!"

The Immortal Child glanced at Yuan Jian and spoke frankly, "You don't need to worry. Senior Brother has always honored his word, and I will fulfill his promise on his behalf. However, the price of our cultivation in the Sacred Land is subject to numerous restrictions. Under normal circumstances, we cannot easily leave our cave dwellings, and we don't know much more about this place than you do, so I cannot guarantee absolute success."

Yuan Jian was overjoyed. The Immortal Child's promise was enough!