Chapter 705

Chapter 705: Treasure Hunting in Manglong Mountain (Part Two)

This was indeed the Baiyue Peak as recorded in the books!

Wang Chen compared the scene before him with his memories and confirmed that this was the right place.

He felt fortunate to have found a companion in Hu Jiao.

Wang Chen’s knowledge of Manglong Mountain was limited to what he had read in books.

However, no matter how detailed the descriptions were, they could never fully match reality, as nature is constantly changing; the world is ever in flux.

He had prepared to spend a considerable amount of time searching for Baiyue Peak and was ready to face some setbacks.

Yet, Hu Jiao spared Wang Chen from such troubles.

This Qingqiu Fox Demon was evidently very familiar with Manglong Mountain, guiding him directly here without any detours or pauses.

“Are you certain that seven-leaf mysterious ginseng grows on this peak?”

Hu Jiao had brought Wang Chen to their destination, but she seemed skeptical: “You’re not being deceived, are you?”

Surrounded by undulating hills, Stone Monkey Baiyue Peak stood out starkly and conspicuously. Anyone passing by would surely notice it, and it hardly seemed like a place where seven-leaf mysterious ginseng would thrive.

Even if it had once grown here, it was likely long since extracted by others.

This area was not deep within Manglong Mountain; human cultivators frequently roamed here, and demons were also quite discerning!

“I can’t be sure.”

Wang Chen felt somewhat helpless: “I’m just trying my luck.”

He had already gathered five of the eight treasures for condensing elixirs, but the remaining three were proving difficult to obtain. Desperate for a solution, he had stumbled upon this clue and felt compelled to follow it.

“Alright then.”

Hu Jiao nodded in understanding: “I’ll accompany you.”

“Thank you, fellow traveler.”

Seeing Hu Jiao about to fly up the mountain, Wang Chen quickly stopped her: “Wait, it’s better to search at night!”

Hu Jiao was momentarily taken aback: “Huh?”

She had never heard that seven-leaf mysterious ginseng needed to be sought at night.

Wang Chen didn’t offer an explanation: “Just trust me.”

In truth, it was difficult to explain, as the notes he had read were rather cryptic.

But trusting Wang Chen, she didn’t press for further details.

The two found a secluded spot nearby and sat together, waiting for night to fall.

A cultivator’s sense of time differs from that of mortals, especially for higher-level cultivators; a day could pass in the blink of an eye.

Though Wang Chen had not yet reached such a level, he was patient in his waiting.

When night finally enveloped the land, the mountains plunged into darkness, and a bright moon slowly rose, Wang Chen stood up: “Let’s go.”

He and Hu Jiao made their way to the foot of the peak.

Though Hu Jiao didn’t fully understand the reason, she followed Wang Chen closely.

Wang Chen’s gaze shifted to the Stone Monkey perched halfway up the mountain.

To be precise, it was the shadow of the Stone Monkey cast by the moonlight!

As the moon drifted across the sky, the shadow elongated, stretching down into the shadowy valley below.

It blended seamlessly into the darkness.

Yet, just as the moon reached its zenith, a faint glimmer of light flickered atop the Stone Monkey’s head, instantly piercing through the long, dark shadows and illuminating the depths of the valley.

This phenomenon lasted only a fleeting moment, so brief that most would miss it entirely.

But this was precisely the moment Wang Chen had been waiting for!

“Follow me!”

Without hesitation, he darted toward the valley, heading straight for the spot where the light had just touched.

Wang Chen had perfected the Air Snatching Technique to the level of perfect mastery, and now he moved with the speed of a loosed arrow, covering hundreds of steps in mere breaths.

Hu Jiao followed closely behind, her pace just as swift.

Her movement techniques were graceful and nimble, carrying an almost ethereal rhythm, as silent and swift as a spirit.

Moments later, Wang Chen landed steadily in the valley.

This valley lay on the southeastern side of Stone Monkey Baiyue Peak; in truth, it was more of a vast hollow, overgrown with trees, plants, and tangled vines.

The ground where Wang Chen landed was carpeted with thick, decaying fallen leaves, and the surrounding darkness was so profound that one could scarcely see their own hand.

The bright moonlight was entirely blocked by the towering peaks and the dense canopy above.

Wang Chen glanced around, then retrieved an ancient in design eight-trigram mirror from his Xumi Ring.

Cradling it in his palm, he channeled his energy into it, causing the mirror’s surface to shift and emit a metallic clinking sound.

This eight-trigram mirror was a magical artifact, and its purpose was straightforward: it was designed for locating!

Simultaneously, Wang Chen extended his divine sense, scanning the surroundings in all directions.

Suddenly, his mind jolted as his gaze locked onto the steep rock wall of Baiyue Peak.

Once more, he soared into the air, heading straight for the mountain.

Upon reaching a height of about a hundred feet, he thrust his palm toward the rock wall, releasing a surge of potent energy.

Bang!

With a dull thud, dust and small stones cascaded from the wall’s surface.

Behind Wang Chen, Hu Jiao looked on in confusion, utterly baffled by his actions!

But the expression in the Qingqiu Fox Demon’s eyes soon shifted.

For the rock wall that Wang Chen had struck began to emit a faint glow, revealing countless intricate true seal characters that swiftly coalesced into a luminous gate.

“Go in!”

Wang Chen’s spirits soared as he rushed toward the light gate without a second thought.

At that moment, he no longer cared whether Hu Jiao would follow; the opportunity to enter was fleeting!

In the next instant, Wang Chen felt as though he had collided with a soft, resilient barrier. As the force of the impact dissipated, he was drawn inward.

A soft “pop” echoed in his ears.

His vision plunged into darkness, only to be replaced by a dazzling burst of light.

When his sight returned, Wang Chen was stunned to find himself standing in an immense garden!

All around him grew an array of exotic flowers and plants—some as large as basins, others taller than a person, some in full bloom, others still in bud, all awash in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Many of these plants emitted a soft, radiant glow, casting light across this otherworldly space.

“Is this a cave dwelling?”

Hu Jiao’s voice sounded beside Wang Chen, filled with wonder: “It’s breathtaking!”

“Perhaps,” Wang Chen replied, still somewhat dazed: “It truly is magnificent.”

He noticed a wooden house standing several hundred steps ahead, encircled by a fence draped with vines that bloomed quietly.

Wang Chen’s sharp eyes immediately caught sight of a plaque hanging beneath the eaves.

Qunfang Residence.

Without a doubt, this cave dwelling had an owner.

Or at least, it once did.

Wang Chen’s mindset shifted, and he bowed respectfully: “I am Wang Chen, a junior. I mean no offense. If a senior is present, I humbly ask for your forgiveness!”

Though Wang Chen believed it highly unlikely that anyone still resided here, caution was always wise; politeness never hurt.

His voice echoed through the space for a long while.

But no response came.