Chapter 362

Chapter 362: Spirit Stone

Passing through the passage, Zhou Luo and Shangguan Qianxue appeared in a new cavern.

Notably, a raised platform stood at the center this time, surrounded by layers of steps. Radiant spiritual light shimmered across its surface.

Simultaneously, both released their mental strength to probe the area.

But their mental strength sank into oblivion, blocked by an unseen force.

To advance, they had to ascend the steps.

Zhou Luo glanced toward Shangguan Qianxue.

Shangguan Qianxue said indifferently, "You decide."

"Since you want me to decide," Zhou Luo replied bluntly, "you go up first and take a look."

Who knew if the platform held dangers? Even if it didn’t, the Golden Core master had clearly prepared something; obstacles were inevitable. Having her scout ahead was undoubtedly the wisest move.

A glimmer of light flickered in Shangguan Qianxue’s beautiful eyes—she hadn’t expected such directness.

She studied the platform, then looked toward the two passages beyond it.

"This might be a trap," she voiced.

"Didn’t you tell me to decide?" Zhou Luo retorted.

Shangguan Qianxue was momentarily speechless. Frowning slightly, she stepped toward the staircase.

Upon setting foot on the first step, a heavy pressure, immense as mountain peaks, crashed down upon her body. Even her flowing magic power came to a halt.

Caught off guard, her body bent slightly.

Beside her, Zhou Luo’s eyes flashed with understanding—he now grasped the platform’s mechanism.

As Shangguan Qianxue painstakingly climbed upward, Zhou Luo also began to move.

He stepped onto the staircase and immediately felt a mountainous weight pressing down.

His physique ignited with a spiritual light, his toned muscles exuding a sharp, imposing aura.

This was the moment his Ten Thousand Refining Spirit Body Technique proved its worth.

His body now rivaled a top-grade magical artifact. Facing the tidal wave of pressure, he remained largely unaffected.

Under the force, Zhou Luo even moved with greater ease than Shangguan Qianxue.

Ahead, noticing this, Shangguan Qianxue revealed surprise in her eyes but pressed on silently.

The higher they climbed, the heavier the pressure grew.

Neither spoke as they ascended toward the platform in silence.

In under half an hour, Zhou Luo’s formidable physique propelled him onto the platform’s surface first.

Shangguan Qianxue’s astonishment deepened, but she could only quicken her pace.

Standing atop the platform, Zhou Luo immediately spotted a dazzling jewel resting upon the central stone pillar.

The jewel shone in rainbow colors—smooth and translucent, its surface covered in intricate patterns.

Zhou Luo approached and released his spiritual appraisal skill.

【Spirit Stone】

【Grade: upper-grade Foundation Establishment magical artifact】

【Description: A special gem that aids in comprehending the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. It greatly benefits capturing elusive fortune. When held during cultivation, it increases training speed. Extremely hard, it can also be used for attack…】

After mastering the Second Level spiritual appraisal skill, Zhou Luo’s understanding of Foundation Establishment magical artifacts deepened significantly.

Looking at the transmitted information, once he confirmed this thing was harmless, he grabbed it and stowed it away.

With this item, his future cultivation would be faster, and his divination accuracy would improve considerably.

Not long after he stored it, Shangguan Qianxue also reached the high platform.

She gazed at the empty stone pillar, her beautiful eyes darkening, but she didn’t utter another word.

Outmatched in skill, she accepted it willingly.

"Let’s go."

After acquiring the Spirit Stone, Zhou Luo descended from the high platform and came to two passages, one on the left and one on the right.

This time, he used his divination skill once more, but while doing so, he remembered to hold the Spirit Stone, enhancing his grasp on the elusive fortune.

Beside him, Shangguan Qianxue’s face showed faint surprise; she hadn’t expected him to possess such an ability.

Indeed, his methods far exceeded her estimates; tagging along with him might truly lead to finding that spiritual artifact.

With the Spirit Stone’s assistance, Zhou Luo’s divination result was much more accurate. Though only two passages existed, his perception of the information from the left one felt stronger.

The one thing that put him on alert was that during his divination, he suddenly sensed a faint aura emanating from behind him.

He turned to look at that empty area, deep in thought.

"Is it ready?" Shangguan Qianxue asked, viewing the direction pointed out by the tortoise shell.

"Hmm, let’s go." Zhou Luo nodded.

Immediately, the two headed toward one of the passages.

Shortly after they departed, in the spot Zhou Luo had observed, space suddenly twisted, and a figure materialized—it was Qi Chuan.

At that moment, with a grim expression, he muttered to himself: "Your vigilance is truly high; no wonder Shadow failed. But this time, I won’t let you escape."

"I must uncover the secret on you."

From the moment he first saw Zhou Luo, Qi Chuan had recognized him.

The only surprise was that it was Zhou Luo, who had gained renown earlier.

Recalling how he sold Lifespan Pills back then, Qi Chuan became certain that he had already seized that immortal opportunity.

If he could acquire the secret on him, perhaps his reward would surpass obtaining a spiritual artifact.

As for the formidable figure behind him, Qi Chuan wasn’t worried.

A supreme powerhouse like that, capable of altering someone’s Fate with one move, wouldn’t bother with a mere Ninth Grade person.

Likely, that figure had already forgotten helping him before.

Previously, with Long Yunshuang present, he missed his chance.

But now, the opportunity had arrived.

He affixed the tracking talisman to a prepared puppet and used a magical artifact to conceal his aura, then trailed after the pair, planning to seize an opening to capture him.

Concerning the Immortal Sect disciple, Qi Chuan believed that if wise, she wouldn’t get involved.

Casting a glance at the nearby high platform, Qi Chuan murmured: "Wonder what good thing this guy got this time."

Simultaneously, he mused internally that whatever the other obtained, it would ultimately become his.

He felt confident about capturing him.

Straightaway, he advanced, cloaked once more, and proceeded forward.

Meanwhile, Long Yunshuang and Song Zhan reached a new cave.

In contrast to the harmony between Shangguan Qianxue and Zhou Luo, the duo’s atmosphere was oddly tense.

Largely because Long Yunshuang was excessively cold; Song Zhan’s repeated friendly approaches were met with indifference.

As an Inner Sect disciple of the Immortal Sect, even nearing promotion to elder, Song Zhan naturally bristled at her aloofness.

Thus, they walked in silence, neither speaking another word.

While these five were seeking the spiritual artifact, two unknown Foundation Establishment cultivators following behind also slipped in unnoticed.

Compared to the group’s confusion, these two had a much clearer objective.

Holding a magical artifact, they swiftly navigated passage after passage by its guidance, paying no heed to anything in the caves.