The Eight Desolations Chaotic Graveyard was originally a forbidden zone.
However, because Master Kaihong's discovery of the ruins had come to light, various powers were now converging on this location.
In a short time, this desolate place—once regarded as a forbidden zone by the world—had become an extremely bustling spot.
At first, those who came here were all people of considerable standing; hardly any were ordinary folk.
But gradually, as the news spread further and further, many who merely wanted to watch the spectacle also arrived.
These people were not particularly strong in cultivation. Their purpose had nothing to do with fighting for the treasures within the ruins—they simply wanted to join the excitement and broaden their horizons.
As time passed, some people actually spotted a business opportunity and built an inn offering both dining and lodging outside the Eight Desolations Chaotic Graveyard, providing comfortable accommodations, fine food, and even beautiful women to accompany the guests.
"W-wow, my lady, l-look, th-there's an inn over there. Let's go get something to eat and rest for a bit."
Wang Qiang, Chu Feng, and Zhao Hong—all three wearing bamboo hats—had been heading straight for the Eight Desolations Chaotic Graveyard, but upon spotting the inn, Wang Qiang suddenly came to a halt.
"You're at least a cultivator, aren't you? Would you really starve to death without eating?" Zhao Hong shot Wang Qiang an irritated glare, her eyes brimming with exasperation at his uselessness.
"Of course I w-w-wouldn't starve, but enjoying the delicacies of the mortal world is one of life's great pleasures."
"A-also, I'm not doing this for myself—it's for you, my lady. You've been carrying us both through the air for so long; you must be exhausted." Wang Qiang's face was full of eager solicitude.
"I'm not tired," Zhao Hong said flatly.
"My lady, look—there are so many people there. Maybe we could pick up some useful information."
"Besides, it never hurts to be prepared. If w-w-we gather some intelligence before heading into the ruins in the Eight Desolations Chaotic Graveyard, we'll have a better chance." Wang Qiang continued.
"There are indeed quite a few people gathered down there. We might actually learn something useful," Chu Feng agreed.
"Fine, but we're only staying for one meal. We leave as soon as we're done," Zhao Hong said.
The three of them descended into the inn. Constructed with barrier techniques, the inn was quite large, and the comings and goings of guests were numerous.
In order to gather intelligence, the three did not enter a private room. Instead, they sat directly in the spacious main hall.
Although the place was crowded, chaotic, and rather noisy, there were plenty of people discussing matters. If one listened carefully, it was possible to pick up all sorts of information.
Once Chu Feng and the others entered and took their seats, they ordered a large spread of food and wine.
Wang Qiang ate with absolute abandon, completely forgetting about the task of gathering intelligence. Meanwhile, Chu Feng secretly transmitted his voice to Zhao Hong, asking: "Zhao Hong, you said you'd reveal your plan once we reached the Eight Desolations Chaotic Graveyard. We're here now—can you tell us?"
Chu Feng did not distrust Zhao Hong. It was simply that a great many people had already gathered here, and the experts from the various major factions had long since entered those ruins.
With so many powerful experts competing for the treasures within, unless they had some solid plan, their level of strength clearly meant they wouldn't get anything.
That was why Chu Feng wanted to know what Zhao Hong's plan actually was, so he could assess whether it was reliable.
"That's right, my lady! Wh-what plan do you have? You can tell us now!" Because Chu Feng's voice transmission was two-way, Wang Qiang could hear it too, so he eagerly pressed the question as well.
Of course, his words were also communicated privately—only the three of them could hear.
"Actually, after discovering that ruin site that day, I obtained two critically important things. One of them was a map."