Even with Yang Kai's current strength, he didn't place much stock in the group who had come to these ancient ruins. With the Soul-Devouring Insects in his possession, anyone below the Saint Realm was no match for him.
However, earlier, he had relied on this group to scout out the situation within the ruins, so he had kept a low profile, trailing behind them and moving together with them.
Now that he had a good idea of the circumstances, Yang Kai intended to break away from the group and act on his own.
He was quite curious about the source of that yang-attributed energy and wanted to investigate what exactly was there.
And now was his chance!
Yang Kai figured that with Hai Wangu's personality, the man probably wouldn't care if he lived or died.
Who could have guessed that upon hearing this, Hai Wangu would slowly shake his head? "That won't do. We can't just leave you here all alone."
It seemed that because of Yang Kai's earlier display, Hai Wangu had taken a bit of concern for him. His face was full of solicitude as he gave orders to a martial artist from the Hai family: "Old Four, you stay behind and look after him. Once his condition stabilizes, catch up with us."
The instructed martial artist nodded quickly and took a position beside Yang Kai, assuming a defensive stance.
Yang Kai was caught between amusement and exasperation, so he could only say, "Then I thank you for your kindness, Senior."
Hai Wangu gave a slight nod. "Mm. Heal your injuries quickly, then catch up with Old Four. We'll rest up a little ahead and wait for you."
With that, he led the others forward.
Yang Kai had no choice but to fake the process of circulating his energy. The martial artist called Old Four remained silent, standing not far from Yang Kai like a wooden stake.
About half an hour later, Yang Kai finally stood up again.
"How is it?" Old Four asked immediately.
"There should be no serious problem."
"Then let's catch up," Old Four said in a deep voice, his face filled with urgency.
He dashed forward quickly, following the traces Hai Wangu had left along the way. In less time than it takes an incense stick to burn, the two caught up with the main group.
But when Yang Kai saw the situation within the group, his expression couldn't help but tighten.
The group, which had originally numbered around twenty, was now missing six or seven people. And the faces of those remaining held a look of lingering fear.
During the time he had been pretending to heal, they had clearly encountered some danger. As for the fate of the six or seven who had vanished, one could guess with a single thought.
This ancient ruin was truly no safe place!
The group was resting. Upon seeing Yang Kai and Old Four return, Hai Wangu merely gave a slight nod, his expression grim, and said nothing.
"What happened just now?" Old Four walked over to another martial artist from the Hai family and asked in a low voice.
The other man's face still held a look of panic. He explained softly, "There seem to be many unknown restrictions here. Someone accidentally triggered one of them, and several people died!"
Old Four's expression changed drastically, and he dared not ask any more questions.
Just then, a sharp, piercing whistle sounded from the distance.
Hai Wangu, who had been sitting cross-legged, quickly opened his eyes and looked suspiciously in that direction. He muttered softly, "The Cheng family?"
As he spoke, he hurriedly stood up and waved his hand. "Everyone, please follow me. There seems to be some activity over there!"
About five li from where Hai Wangu and the others had been resting, a large crowd had gathered. They were martial artists who, upon hearing the whistle from this direction, had rushed over.
These martial artists, led by the strong experts of the Seven-Family Alliance, arrived in waves.
Once here and seeing the scene ahead, everyone was struck with shock and excitement.
Ahead of them was a giant, transparent sphere of light, radiating energy fluctuations that shook the heavens. No one knew what materials this transparent sphere was made of, but judging by the energy fluctuations it emitted, it was undoubtedly an artifact of considerable grade.
And it was completely intact!
However, at this moment, an invisible barrier lay before the crowd, blocking everyone's path. Any martial artist who tried to approach the sphere was forced to turn back, looking on with covetous eyes.
One martial artist after another stepped forward to test the barrier, but all were gently pushed back by an unseen force. None could get within fifty zhang of the sphere.
When Hai Wangu led Yang Kai and the others to the scene, it was bustling with activity. At least several dozen people had gathered.
Looking at that sphere, Yang Kai felt a stir in his heart and quietly paid close attention.
A familiar aura emanated from the crowd. Following that aura, Yang Kai couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Over there, the Holy Maiden of the Nine Heavens Holy Land was smiling demurely at him, a peculiar expression on her face.
Yang Kai looked away, pretending not to see.
This woman seemed to have some skill after all. Along the way, her clothes remained untouched by dust, and she carried an air of effortless calm. Moreover, her beautiful eyes were filled with an extremely excited gleam; she looked particularly happy, as if this undersea adventure had afforded her a thrill and pleasure she had never imagined before.