Chapter 381: Exclusive Access to the Dou Saint's Relic
Hearing Xiao Ze's vague response, Zi Yan didn't think much of it. After all, with Xiao Ze's current physical strength, he could handle most situations with ease.
"Is this the Dou Saint's relic you mentioned before?" Zi Yan asked, turning to look at the spatial passage.
"That's right. I came across information about this Dou Saint's relic by chance some time ago, but I had to wait until my strength was sufficient to handle it," Xiao Ze explained. The others nodded, understanding that such ancient relics occasionally had fragments of information circulating about them. Even so, most stories about Dou Saint relics were often just rumors, but even a hint of truth was enough to attract countless people, given the sheer power associated with a Dou Saint.
Medusa's beautiful eyes showed a hint of surprise. "No wonder you said we didn't need to worry about the resources in the Skeletal Mountain Range. With this opportunity, those resources pale in comparison."
"Xiao Ze, does this mean we can explore this Dou Saint's relic by ourselves?" Qing Lin asked, her voice tinged with excitement. Those present, all at the Dou Zun level, knew well the allure and value of a relic left by a Dou Saint. And to think they could explore it without competition!
"Exactly. With no one else to contest it, everything within this relic is ours for the taking," Xiao Ze said, smiling. "Alright, let's not waste any more time. Let's go in and take a look."
Xiao Ze had them enter the spatial passage first while he stayed behind to handle some final tasks. He removed the spatial seals they had set, masked the area's energy, and activated his own seal. This relic was initially set to reveal itself in a year or two. By opening it early and concealing the entrance well, he could keep it hidden for at least another year. When other forces eventually gathered, they would find that someone had already been there.
Smiling slightly, Xiao Ze entered the spatial passage. As he did, Zi Yan, who had just crossed through, looked back with curiosity. The level of spatial manipulation she sensed was beyond her abilities, even with her formidable dragon lineage.
When Xiao Ze emerged from the passage, he casually sealed it behind him. The group was now standing before a colossal palace, as tall as a mountain peak, causing them to feel insignificantly small.
"No wonder it was said to be a relic left by a Dou Saint!" Xiao Yi Xian exclaimed in awe.
"We explored a Dou Saint relic before, but this one is on a whole different level," Qing Lin remarked with a smile.
Xiao Ze examined the massive palace, which was a striking crimson color. In contrast to the surrounding bone sea, the palace stood out sharply, like a mountain of fire.
"Let's go. Staring at it won't bring the treasures to us," Xiao Ze said, leading the group toward the giant crimson doors. Standing before the palace, its grandeur and height were even more impressive.
"This stone door must weigh millions of pounds," Medusa commented, her brows furrowing at the thought.
Everyone nodded in agreement, understanding the effort it would take just to open it. Xiao Ze's eyes glimmered with a green and gold light. The women watched intently as he moved his fingers, sending a bolt of silver lightning to a specific spot on the door.
With a heavy thud, the doors slowly began to open.
"Xiao Ze, how did you figure that out?" Zi Yan asked, impressed.
"Just use your head and learn a bit about mechanisms," Xiao Ze replied with a smirk, causing the others to chuckle.
The doors opened to reveal a dark passageway. Zi Yan was about to rush in when Xiao Ze stopped her.
"There's no need to rush," he said. The group watched as he sent a lightning clone into the passage. The ground cracked open, revealing molten lava that surged up but didn't harm the lightning clone. Blue flames erupted from the walls, heating the air until it warped with the intensity.
"Was this Dou Saint a bit malicious?" Zi Yan asked, patting her chest in relief.
"Of course. This is their relic, and they wouldn't welcome intruders," Xiao Ze laughed. "Gather around, I'll take us in."
The four women obeyed, and Xiao Ze enveloped them in a golden flame that shielded them from the heat.
"Your control over fire is impressive. This flame feels extraordinary yet doesn't burn at all," Zi Yan said, grasping the golden fire.
"It's been a few years, and your strength has grown so much it feels unfamiliar," Zi Yan remarked.
Xiao Ze rolled his eyes, ruffling Zi Yan's hair. "Since when have you ever been able to fully gauge my strength?"
Zi Yan pouted, while the other three laughed, used to Xiao Ze's prowess. But for Zi Yan, it was a shock, having been apart for so long. If she were in the same situation, she too would be astonished by Xiao Ze's monstrous growth.