Chapter 77: Jade Infant Fruit

The Puppet Master Sect ruins, located approximately 200 li from Demon Suppressing City, were reached by Zhou Yuan and his group in just an hour.

Standing on a hilltop, Zhou Yuan and his group gazed ahead. Deep within the forest, where towering trees loomed, a white mist permeated the air, faintly revealing layers of ruined halls. As they looked towards the sky above the ruins, they noticed shimmering lights in the space, from which wisps of unknown danger emanated.

"There's a Genesis Rune barrier above the ruins," Yao Yao said, glancing at the shimmering lights. A Genesis Rune barrier is a more complex and expansive application of Genesis Runes, similar to a grand formation. When the Puppet Master Sect was active in the Black Abyss, it likely possessed a powerful protective barrier. After the sect vanished, this barrier dissipated due to the depletion of Genesis Qi. However, remnants clearly remain. Rushing recklessly through the air would likely lead to encountering these residual barriers, which even Primal Beginning stage experts might not be able to withstand. After all, a sect's protective barrier would undoubtedly possess considerable power.

"It seems we can only force our way through on the ground," Wei Canglan said. He then looked at Zhou Yuan. "Your Highness, our intelligence indicates there are many ruined halls within these ruins, some of which may contain treasures. How should we proceed?"

Zhou Yuan replied without hesitation, "First, we go to where the Jade Infant Fruit is located." His primary goal for this expedition was to obtain both the Jade Infant Fruit and the Fire Spirit Spike. Since the Fire Spirit Spike is in the deepest part of the ruins, it was logical to secure the Jade Infant Fruit first.

"The Jade Infant Fruit is located in the southwest of these ruins," Wei Qingqing said softly, her delicate hand resting on the longsword at her waist. "Many have reportedly sought it there before, but none have succeeded."

"Then no matter what, we must obtain it," Zhou Yuan stated decisively. His mother's lifespan had been severely diminished; if he failed to find natural treasures to extend it, and anything went wrong, he would never be at peace. "First, we'll find the Jade Infant Fruit, then seize the Fire Spirit Spike. As for other treasures, we'll ignore them for now!" Zhou Yuan declared resolutely. While other treasures in the ruins might also be rare, one must not be too greedy; it's essential to understand priorities.

"Let's go."

Zhou Yuan looked at Wei Canglan, who nodded. With a wave of his hand, the group of a hundred transformed into a torrent, surging into the ancient ruins amidst the wary gazes of other treasure seekers nearby.

Shortly after Zhou Yuan's group entered the ruins, another contingent arrived rapidly: Qi Hao, Black Poison King, and their companions. A figure swept in from nearby.

"They went in?" Qi Hao asked indifferently. He had already stationed people outside the ruins to monitor Zhou Yuan's group.

"Yes, we had someone track them," the figure immediately replied. "Their direction seems to be towards the Jade Infant Fruit's location."

"Jade Infant Fruit?" Qi Hao's eyes narrowed slightly.

"The Jade Infant Fruit, that's a truly valuable item. It can extend one's lifespan and is worth a fortune," the Black Poison King remarked, greed flickering in his eyes.

"Zhou Yuan is looking for the Jade Infant Fruit, probably for his mother," Qi Hao sneered, clearly very well-informed about imperial matters. "Hmph, Zhou Yuan, you've repeatedly foiled my plans. This time, I'll ensure your wish doesn't come true! I want to see just how enraged you'll be when the Jade Infant Fruit falls into my hands." A vicious glint flashed in Qi Hao's eyes. Immediately, he waved his hand, "Let's go, chase them!"

Inside the ruins, mist filled the air. As far as the eye could see, there were only dilapidated walls and ruins, a desolate landscape. However, Zhou Yuan and his group dared not be complacent. They maintained their formation and advanced slowly. The surrounding mist grew thicker, interfering with even spiritual perception.

Zhou Yuan's steps suddenly halted. "Be careful," he warned, "something is approaching." Although spiritual perception was interfered with, Zhou Yuan was clearly more sensitive than ordinary people when it came to detecting things. Wei Canglan also nodded, having clearly sensed it. He immediately waved his hand, and the surrounding guards instantly became vigilant, their bodies surging with Genesis Qi.

The white mist rippled slightly. Faint red lights seemed to emerge from the white mist. With subtle sounds, ten black figures drilled out of the fog, blocking Zhou Yuan and his group's path. Zhou Yuan and his group all looked up, their eyes narrowing.

They saw that the ten black figures were, in fact, ten completely dark beasts. A closer look revealed their bodies were like black iron, shimmering with a dark glow, and their beast eyes glowed with red light. Lacking intelligence, they were clearly ten beast-shaped battle puppets.

"Are these battle puppets?" Zhou Yuan stared at them in surprise. Within these ten battle puppet beasts, Genesis Qi faintly emanated, clearly indicating they were comparable to Qi Cultivation stage experts.

"It is rumored that during the Puppet Master Sect's heyday, it possessed an army of 100,000 battle puppets, said to be invincible and unstoppable," Wei Canglan stated.

Zhou Yuan clicked his tongue in wonder. An army of 100,000 battle puppets, if all could reach the Qi Cultivation stage, would be a force difficult for any dynasty to rival. Yet, for some unknown reason, these ancient powers that once existed in the Black Abyss ultimately perished.

Wei Canglan waved his hand, and twenty figures shot out like lightning, heading straight for the ten battle puppet beasts blocking their path. Bang! Bang! As both sides clashed, Genesis Qi immediately erupted. Wei Canglan had deployed Qi Cultivation stage experts, but the ten battle puppet beasts knew no fear or death, resulting in an exceptionally fierce battle.

The battle concluded after several minutes. The ten battle puppet beasts were dismembered, but five of the twenty Qi Cultivation stage guards were also injured. Clearly, these tireless and fearless battle puppets proved quite troublesome.

Yao Yao, holding Tun Tun, approached with interest. She examined the dismembered battle puppet beasts, her slender fingers gently tracing some gradually fading patterns, and murmured to herself, "Powered by Genesis Runes..." After her examination, she stood up and walked back.

Zhou Yuan nodded to Wei Canglan, and they began to move forward once more. In the following period, they continuously encountered more battle puppet beasts. Fortunately, Zhou Yuan and his group were strong and well-equipped, sweeping through these obstacles without much difficulty.

About half an hour later, Zhou Yuan and his group's steps halted outside a lake. By the lake, they saw several figures, clearly treasure seekers who had already arrived. The fact that these individuals had made it this far indicated their considerable strength. These individuals also noticed the arrival of Zhou Yuan and his powerful group. Their gazes, as they looked over, were filled with wariness.

Wei Canglan glanced around, pointed to the center of the lake, and said, "The Jade Infant Fruit is in the center of the lake." Zhou Yuan looked up and saw mist drifting on the lake's surface. In the center of the lake lay a small island, and at its heart stood a large tree resembling emerald. Zhou Yuan's gaze was fixed intently on the jade tree. On its branches hung two crystal-clear fruits, shaped like infants, charming and adorable. Wisps of faint fragrance emanated, creating an boundless allure. As Zhou Yuan gazed at the fruits, which appeared to be sculpted from jade, his heart rate suddenly quickened.

"Jade Infant Fruit, I've finally found you!"

Shortly after Zhou Yuan and his group arrived at the lake, commotion arose from another direction. Many eyes turned to see another contingent emerging from the mist.

"Qi Hao."

As soon as he saw the familiar figure at the front of that group, a cold glint flashed in Zhou Yuan's eyes. Qi Hao and the Black Poison King arrived by the lake. Qi Hao glanced in Zhou Yuan's direction, a smirk immediately appearing at the corner of his mouth. He pointed to the center of the lake and gave Zhou Yuan a mocking smile.

"Zhou Yuan, you want the Jade Infant Fruit? Today, you'll have to ask for my permission first."