A Mortal's Start in the Spirit Beast Mountain

Chapter 298 Negotiation and Clearing the Area

As Qingyi Jushi stepped out of the teleportation array, his gaze habitually swept across the entire area. He first spotted Manhuzi and Wan Tianming, and nodded slightly in greeting.

Immediately, his gaze fell on Luo Ming, who was sitting cross-legged, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Clearly, Luo Ming had arrived here earlier than him, which was also unexpected.

However, he was very shrewd and didn't say much. He just nodded slightly to Luo Ming as if nothing had happened. He found an open space, sat down cross-legged, and began to regulate his breathing to recover the mental energy that might have been depleted in the illusion.

Seeing this, the smug look on the bearded man's face grew even stronger. Although he hadn't actually won the bet with Wan Tianming, the fact that his Qingyi Jushi had appeared before the righteous Mutengzi and Tianwuzi was a source of pride for him.

Before long, the teleportation array lit up again. This time, it was Mu Tengzi who appeared. This righteous Nascent Soul cultivator looked rather pale, and his aura was somewhat unstable, clearly indicating that he had expended considerable mental energy in the illusion. After stepping out, he bowed to Wan Tianming and silently found a place to sit down and recuperate.

Immediately afterwards, Tengoko was also teleported out, in a similar state to Mutōko.

Finally, after a slightly violent spatial fluctuation, the figure of the Extreme Yin Ancestor appeared in the teleportation array. His face was gloomy, and his eyes still held a trace of lingering hostility and exhaustion, clearly indicating that he had experienced a rather unpleasant "interrogation" in the "Hall of Inquiry".

As soon as he stepped out of the teleportation array, his gaze swept across the entire area like a venomous snake. When he saw Luo Ming, who was already there and meditating with his eyes closed, his pupils suddenly contracted, and a hint of undisguised shock, anger, and chilling killing intent flashed deep in his eyes!

"This junior... actually came out before this old ancestor?!" The Extreme Yin Ancestor was both shocked and angry, and a strong sense of fear and unease surged into his heart.

He knew better than anyone else that the core of this "Exquisite Illusion," the "Hall of Inquiry," primarily tested a cultivator's spiritual strength and mental fortitude.

The stronger one's soul and the more acute and stable one's consciousness, the greater one's ability to see through illusions and resist the invasion of inner demons, and the faster one can pass through.

How could Luo Ming, a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, pass the test before him, an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator? What does that mean?

While it cannot be ruled out that this child possesses a top-tier treasure or secret technique specifically designed to counter illusions and protect the mind, either possibility is enough to demonstrate that the child's danger and potential have far exceeded his initial assessment! Allowing this child to grow unchecked will inevitably lead to him becoming a major threat in the future, and may even turn around and threaten his Extreme Yin Island!

"This child... must not be allowed to live! We must find a way to eliminate him before leaving the Void Heaven Palace!" The Extreme Yin Ancestor made a decision instantly, his killing intent palpable. Luo Ming's potential and threat had touched his most sensitive nerve. He absolutely could not allow such a hostile and incredibly promising enemy to continue living in this world.

He quickly suppressed the murderous intent that had almost surfaced, his face returning to its sinister and deep expression. He found a place to sit down and began to regulate his breathing.

Although Luo Ming had his eyes closed to meditate, his divine sense was extremely sharp, and he naturally noticed the fleeting yet chilling killing intent emanating from the Extreme Yin Ancestor. He sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

"Old ghost, you really couldn't hold back anymore... Fine, let's see who eliminates whom first in this inner palace!"

Time passed silently as everyone waited and adjusted their breathing. The teleportation screen leading to the "Exquisite Illusion" lit up several more times.

Following several Nascent Soul cultivators, the disguised Xuan Gu, Han Li, Yuan Yao, Wu Chou, and two other unfamiliar Core Formation cultivators were also teleported out and arrived at the platform in front of the inner hall entrance.

At this point, all the cultivators who could reach the entrance to the inner hall through the "Extremely Wonderful Illusion" had arrived. Apart from the six Nascent Soul Ancestors, only Luo Ming, Xuan Gu, Han Li, Yuan Yao, Wu Chou, and the yellow-robed middle-aged man and the short, stout old man who arrived last remained, totaling seven Core Formation cultivators.

After an hour's wait, the teleportation array leading into the inner hall suddenly emitted a burst of light. However, the Grand Elder Jin Kui of the Star Palace, who was in charge of supervision, and his two accompanying elders still had not appeared.

This caused a subtle change in the previously somewhat oppressive atmosphere.

"Haha!" The bearded man suddenly let out a loud, triumphant laugh, breaking the silence of the platform. He looked around, confirming that the people from the Star Palace were indeed not there, and his smile became even more blatant. He looked at Wan Tianming opposite him, his voice laced with provocation:

"Old Daoist Wan! It seems that Jin Kui and his cronies are determined not to get involved in this mess in the inner palace! Good, without the Star Palace getting in the way, it'll be much quieter!"

He paused, a warlike glint in his eyes, and continued, "Since only the righteous and demonic paths remain, the ownership of the Void Heaven Cauldron will inevitably be decided by a battle! How about... we settle this right here? The loser shouldn't even bother entering the inner hall, saving themselves the embarrassment!"

These words were extremely domineering and perfectly in line with the Bearded Man's consistent style—he would rather take action than waste words and preferred to intimidate others with force.

Wan Tianming's expression remained unchanged, seemingly having anticipated the barbarian's provocation. He slowly opened his eyes, calmly looking at the barbarian, and replied in a steady tone:

"Fellow Daoist Man, you are mistaken. The opportunities in the Void Heaven Palace depend on one's own abilities. Why fight to the death outside the inner palace, which would only increase unnecessary casualties and variables? In my opinion, it would be better if we agreed to take turns taking the treasures after entering the inner palace."

Whoever reaches the core area where the Void Heaven Cauldron is located first will attempt to retrieve the treasure. After all, the Void Heaven Cauldron is protected by the Azure Ice Flame, making it difficult to retrieve. Although we are all confident, whether we will ultimately succeed is still unknown. Perhaps in the end, we will all have wasted our time and returned empty-handed. There is really no need to fight here now.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group of demonic cultivators, lingering for a moment on the faces of the Extreme Yin Ancestor and the Barbarian Beard, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "Moreover, if we suffer serious injuries and excessive consumption in this battle, it will likely be extremely detrimental to the subsequent... that important matter."

Upon hearing the words "that important matter," the expressions of Manhuzi, Jiyin Laozu, and Qingyi Jushi all changed simultaneously! They naturally understood what Wan Tianming was referring to.

The three members of the demonic path quickly exchanged a glance, seemingly discussing something in secret.

After a moment, the Yin Ancestor spoke in a sinister tone: "What Sect Master Wan said is not without reason. It would be unwise to fight to the death here. Taking turns to take the treasure... is also an option. However, how do we define 'first come, first served'? And how should we take turns?"

Right before the entrance to the inner sanctum, the righteous and the demonic forces began to whisper and discuss the "rules of the game," attempting to establish a relatively "orderly" competitive framework before entering, in order to avoid an early melee.

The attention of the Nascent Soul elders was now focused on this "negotiation" that concerned their own interests. Their divine senses were also subconsciously locked onto each other, guarding against possible surprise attacks or verbal traps. As for the few "insignificant" Core Formation cultivators at the edge of the platform, including Luo Ming, their attention was naturally reduced to the minimum.

However, a sudden change occurred!

At the edge of the platform, a black-robed figure who had been sitting quietly and unremarkable suddenly sprang up without warning. His body was enveloped in a mysterious light, and like a black arrow released from a bow, he shot towards the teleportation array leading to the inner hall at an astonishing speed! The speed of his movement and the clarity of his target clearly indicated that he had been planning this for a long time!

This person is none other than Yuan Yao!

"Um?"

Barbarian Beard, Wan Tianming, and the Yin Ancestor noticed almost simultaneously. They never expected that right under their noses, a Core Formation cultivator would dare to be so "presumptuous" and rush towards the teleportation array leading into the inner hall without any discussion!

However, their minds were mostly focused on "negotiation" and mutual wariness, so their reaction was a beat too slow! In addition, Yuan Yao was not far from the teleportation array, and with her sudden attack and full power, her speed soared to the limit!

By the time they instinctively tried to intervene—

"Whoosh!"

Yuan Yao's figure, like a ghost, precisely stepped into the center of the teleportation array where the light was slightly flowing!

A gentle yet irresistible white beam of teleportation light shot into the sky, completely engulfing her entire figure!

A flash of light, then vanished, leaving the teleportation array empty. Yuan Yao had successfully teleported into the inner hall!

The moment Yuan Yao teleported away, Luo Ming thought to himself, "It's done," and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Just now, he had the perfect opportunity to sense the shift in the attention of the Nascent Soul Ancestors, and with an extremely subtle divine sense transmission, he reminded Yuan Yao to take the chance to go in!

According to the original plot, Barbarian Beard and his group were supposed to clear the area. Although they were the other party's newly accepted disciple, they didn't think they had the influence to make the other party agree to let Yuan Yao, a cultivator who was of no use to them, into the inner hall to search for treasure.

Yuan Yao had already developed a certain level of trust in Luo Ming, and she also sensed the danger in the air and the delicate nature of her own situation. Without hesitation, she made a decisive decision and carried out Luo Ming's suggestion.

He enveloped himself in a teleportation talisman and entered the inner hall before the group of Nascent Soul cultivators could react. As it turned out, this risky move was the right one.

However, Yuan Yao's successful "smuggling" was like lighting a fuse, instantly provoking the other two Core Formation cultivators who had been "watching" for a long time on the platform—the middle-aged man in the yellow robe and the short, fat old man!

The two had been living in constant fear, worried that the powerful figures of the righteous and demonic factions might not reach an agreement and instead clash on the spot, thus affecting them, the "small fry."

Just as they breathed a sigh of relief at the apparent signs of "negotiation," Yuan Yao dared to rush into the inner hall first and succeeded! The two were stunned for a moment, then their eyes flashed with intense greed and schadenfreude!

Without hesitation, the two exchanged a glance, instantly reaching a tacit understanding. They simultaneously sprang into action, transforming into two streaks of light, one yellow and one gray, and frantically rushed towards the teleportation array! They also realized that this was their opportunity!

"You two ants, stay here!"

The bearded man roared, not even bothering to use any magical treasures or supernatural powers. He simply waved his hand, and two incredibly condensed, pale golden fist energies, accompanied by a piercing sound of air being torn apart, were like two golden poisonous dragons emerging from their caves. They arrived first after the latter, instantly covering a distance of dozens of feet, and fiercely slammed into the two streaks of light that were about to touch the edge of the teleportation array!

"No--!!"

"Please spare me, senior!"

The middle-aged man in the yellow robe and the short, stout old man felt the terrifying, world-destroying energy and soul-locking killing intent behind them. They were instantly terrified, letting out desperate screams and begging for mercy. They desperately activated their natal magic weapons and protective spiritual light in an attempt to resist.