Chapter 1837: Lost Mountains

To be honest, Qingya was very unwilling, but she clearly understood that the task assigned by their leader would never shortchange her. In fact, Xu Yang had already envisioned the future position Qingya would hold, even planning to elevate her to the ranks of the strongest martial artists in the entire empire.

More importantly, cultivating with the living fossil elder would bring her even greater benefits.

After all, Xu Yang’s own brilliant cultivation throughout his life was mostly acquired from his pursuits in other fields and from the continental era hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Within the scope of ancient martial arts and divine paths, the truly orthodox martial arts cultivation system was still the most authentic when taught by the old living fossil elder.

Therefore, for Qingya, a native martial artist, receiving meticulous guidance from a living fossil-level martial artist was the best way to solidify her cultivation foundation.

Staying by Xu Yang's side would merely grant her some special opportunities, such as the Martial God-level energy essence that Xiao possessed.

However, Qingya was currently still in the Ethereal Realm and had not yet achieved a breakthrough. Even if the life force of more powerful Martial God-level experts were shared with her, it would not bring a significant increase in her cultivation. Instead, sharing the most essential cultivation resources with Xiao would yield greater results in a shorter time.

After weighing the pros and cons, Xu Yang made this decision.

After settling everything on Juexing Peak, Xu Yang, along with Long Kun and Xiao, set off lightly, immediately heading for the Lost Mountains, the third largest forbidden area within the empire, located southwest of Juexing Peak.

The Lost Mountains, as the name suggests, were a vast and extremely dangerous labyrinthine area. They were said to be the most perilous of the empire's three major forbidden zones.

This place had existed tens of thousands of years ago, even before the empire's territory was fully established.

Over the years, countless top martial artists within the empire had attempted to break through the blockade of this so-called labyrinthine forbidden zone to search for treasures left behind by ancient powerhouses. All of them eventually disappeared without a trace, with none ever returning alive.

However, such terrifying tales were, for Xu Yang, merely a way to increase the difficulty of the game.

For Xu Yang, he was the one who destroyed forbidden zones; no forbidden zone could ever trap him.

Along the way, Xiao, once the female assassin god of the Heavenly Sect, shared some basic knowledge about the Lost Mountains with Long Kun and Xu Yang.

According to her, numerous unimaginable and strange plants grew within this most terrifying labyrinthine forbidden zone in the empire.

Each plant had its unique characteristics, and most of the terrifying plants growing inside the labyrinthine mountains possessed very powerful paralyzing effects. This was precisely why even the strongest martial artists never returned from this place.

Once physical strength was paralyzed, a martial artist's practical ability to resist danger would be greatly diminished when encountering threats. Coupled with their inherent hallucinogenic effects and the difficulty in discerning directions, it eventually earned the reputation of a true death forbidden zone. Even so, Xu Yang's three-person team still harbored a strong desire to conquer this place.

"Hahaha, Boss, according to this map, once we cross this waterfall ahead, we should be within the Lost Mountains!" Long Kun wiped the sweat from his forehead and shouted excitedly. The temperature nearby was very high, and Xu Yang and the other two had traveled through mountains and rivers, appearing somewhat tired.

However, the scenery in this place was exceptionally beautiful, perhaps precisely because it was rarely visited. Just as the three were about to cross the turbulent waterfall in front of them, a dangerous aura silently approached.

"Don't move, someone's following us."

Xu Yang was incredibly alert. Even though the sound of the waterfall crashing nearby was widespread, it still couldn't suppress his perception, which surpassed that of ordinary people.

In fact, those who had been trailing the trio all the way here had been careful enough.

They intended to approach the waterfall and use the sound of its rushing water to mask their movement and aura fluctuations. Ultimately, they were still discovered by Xu Yang's superior perception.

As expected, just as Xu Yang issued his warning, over a dozen cloaked figures suddenly appeared behind them. This time was completely different from their previous encounter in Sacred Soul City.

The aura emanating from the leaders, who wore cloaks of different colors, was much more powerful than that of the previous pursuers.

As soon as the group landed, Xiao's usually cold eyes sharpened slightly.

"Marks of the Son of Ten Thousand Years! Three disciples appeared at once. It seems these people have been targeting us from the start."

As Xiao spoke, the cloaked figure leading the group revealed a sinister smile. "Indeed. In fact, we obtained your whereabouts shortly after you left Juexing Peak. This time, our goal is to capture all of you at the entrance of the Lost Mountains."

The leading cloaked man's voice was somewhat hoarse, but the terrifying killing intent he exuded was incredibly dense. Long Kun couldn't help but sneer. "You and your mysterious cloaks, dare to make such arrogant claims in front of us? I think it's you who are tired of living."

This time, the opponents did not respond verbally, but directly unleashed their powerful martial arts aura, preparing to engage in battle.

As expected, and as Xiao had judged, the three leading figures all exuded purple martial arts aura. Undoubtedly, all three were above the Dao Assimilation Realm, possessing cultivation levels comparable to Xiao's current strength.

Behind these three "Sons of Ten Thousand Years," the remaining dozen or so were all Soul Vessel experts, with blue light flashing in various patterns on their bodies.

Powerful energy continuously gathered and released within their bodies.

Behind each Soul Vessel with a blue mark, their completely distinct martial arts totems materialized.

Xu Yang showed a trace of disdainful sneer and exchanged a glance with Xiao beside him. "You really hit the mark, girl. These so-called Soul Vessels possess the ability to control and wield the martial arts inheritances of others, and can replicate other people's martial arts techniques through those special marks, releasing corresponding totem powers."

In the blink of an eye, three of the Soul Vessels who had replicated beast spirit totems charged towards Long Kun's position. The remaining Soul Vessels focused their attacks on Xu Yang.

In contrast, the three strongest leading disciples acted with surprising coordination, charging simultaneously towards Xiao's position on the other side of the team.