By the time they realized something was wrong, it was too late to retreat.
Naturally, Gu Fei didn't care about the fates of those people. He had long noticed the presence of these magical beasts but hadn't paid them any mind.
As the spatial storm subsided, a massive structure slowly emerged before everyone.
What appeared before them was a grand palace, its sheer size leaving Xiao Yi Xian, Cai Lin, and the others in awe.
The new holy city of the serpent people seemed almost insignificant before this palace, which rivaled the surrounding mountains in grandeur.
The only thing comparable to this palace was the great hall of the Gu Clan.
The entire palace was a deep crimson, looking from a distance like flames burning atop a mountain of bones. The lingering traces of sealing energy around it further enhanced the palace's imposing presence.
"So, this is the ancient remains?" Xiao Yi Xian was astounded.
"As expected of a palace left behind by a Dou Saint. The palace itself is already impressive," Cai Lin couldn't help but marvel, feeling even more hopeful about the Dou Saint.
"Alright, the ancient remains is open now, but the real treasures are inside the palace."
"Let's go in!"
With that, Gu Fei gestured for Zhu Li to lead the way. Zhu Li understood and was the first to enter the palace.
As a Half-Saint proficient in spatial powers, Zhu Li was the best choice to enter the palace first and probe for any dangers.
The magical beasts that had been lurking around, eyeing the ancient remains, were mostly wiped out by the storm.
For now, they didn't have to worry about others coming to snatch the treasures.
Zhu Li entered the palace first, and thanks to Gu Fei's guidance, they didn't encounter any dangers. The mechanisms beneath the fire path didn't impede their progress.
"Let's get the first treasure!"
They arrived beneath the fire path, with Gu Fei leading the way through the ancient relic.
Zhu Li was a bit surprised to see how familiar Gu Fei seemed with the place, almost as if he had been there before. However, he didn't say anything and quickly followed, staying close to Zi Yan.
Cai Lin and Qing Lin protected Xiao Yi Xian and Xian Yue, ensuring their safety from any unexpected dangers.
"Are those... puppets?"
Soon, they reached a massive door, in front of which stood a group of silver puppets.
"Puppets at the peak of Dou Ancestors? Are they the gatekeepers?" Qing Lin couldn't help but remark.
"Is this door the true entrance to the ancient remains?" Zi Yan noticed something.
"These are Earth Demon Puppets. Though they are at the peak of Dou Ancestor, they can unleash Dou Venerate-level power by forming a special formation!"
As soon as Gu Fei finished speaking, the ten Earth Demon Puppets began to glow with silver light. Sensing danger, they immediately started to gather together, attempting to form a formation.
"Shatter for me!"
Gu Fei struck out with a palm, crushing three or four Earth Demon Puppets into pieces, rendering them inoperative.
The remaining puppets were also swiftly dealt with.
With all the Earth Demon Puppets destroyed, the stone door emitted a creaking sound as it slowly opened, revealing a gap wide enough to pass through.
"Let's keep going!"
Gu Fei once again took the lead, entering through the gap, followed closely by the others into another majestic hall.
However, this wasn't their final destination. After surveying the area, Gu Fei chose a direction and continued onward.
"Gu Fei, where are we headed?" Qing Lin asked, puzzled.
"To find some treasures, of course."
Gu Fei smiled mysteriously, urging the group to pick up the pace.
Soon, they arrived at another massive stone door.
This time, there were no guards in front of the door. After a quick look around, Gu Fei stepped forward and pushed the door open.
As the stone door opened, the group was surprised to find a vast forest on the other side.
"I smell a medicinal fragrance! It's very strong- definitely a top-tier heavenly treasure!" Zi Yan exclaimed, her keen sense for such things kicking in.
"Your nose is sharp. That's exactly our goal," Gu Fei replied with a slight smile, leading the group to race through the forest.
They had expected to encounter dangers in the ancient remains, but with Gu Fei leading the way, the path was surprisingly smooth.
Soon, they reached a small lake, about ten feet across. The water was crystal clear, but its depth was unfathomable.
In the center of the lake was a floating piece of land, like a small island, on which stood a peculiar tree.
The tree was entirely silver-gray, with intertwined branches resembling vines, creating a strange curvature. From a distance, the tree looked like a pregnant woman, with the bulging part representing her belly.
At that spot, a faint golden light was flickering.
"That's our target, the Soul Baby Fruit!" Gu Fei pointed to the glowing spot.
"It looks delicious. I'll go pick it!" Zi Yan said, rushing towards the fruit. However, as soon as she reached the lake, the calm surface suddenly erupted with waves.
A massive figure surged out of the water, its gaping maw aimed straight at Zi Yan.
"You wretch!"
Zhu Li shouted, his terrifying aura crashing down on the figure. The creature trembled, halted its attack, and retreated back into the water, looking at Zhu Li like a chastised child.
The creature was a Heaven Reaching Semi-Dragon, powerful due to its ancient dragon bloodline. However, before a true member of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, it could only cower.
"Hmph!"
Zi Yan snorted, walking up to the Soul Baby Demon Tree and picking the Soul Baby Fruit.
Just then, Zi Yan suddenly felt a bit dizzy. Zhu Li, worried about her safety, quickly approached.
"What's wrong with her?" Zhu Li asked anxiously.
"I feel like something is calling me," Zi Yan replied, looking towards the deeper part of the ancient forest.
"That's the great opportunity I wanted to give you. Let's go!"
Gu Fei stepped forward at that moment.
"Isn't the Soul Baby Fruit the greatest opportunity?" Cai Lin was shocked. The Soul Baby Fruit was already legendary- what could be an even greater opportunity?
Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin exchanged glances, equally unable to imagine.
Seeing that Zi Yan was fine, Zhu Li stopped worrying and followed Gu Fei and Zi Yan's lead deeper into the ancient forest.
The group soon arrived at a plain. Though it appeared unremarkable, Zi Yan landed on the ground, took a few steps, and reached out her hand. Suddenly, a golden light appeared before them, forming a protective barrier.
"A golden barrier... Zi Yan, drop a drop of your blood on it."
Zhu Li seemed to realize something, his old face betraying a hint of shock.
Following his instructions, Zi Yan bit her finger and let a drop of golden blood fall onto the barrier.
A crack appeared on the golden barrier, slowly widening.
"Let's go in!"
Zi Yan was the first to enter the golden barrier, followed by Gu Fei and the others.
Inside the barrier was a desolate plain, with a massive stone altar at its center. The terrifying pressure emanating from the altar made those with weaker cultivation, like Xiao Yi Xian, feel their Dou Qi stagnate.
(TL/n: Last chapter for today. Thanks a lot for the support and also for pointing some translating errors- I've since fixed them. As always leave a review, let me know your thoughts and have a great rest of your day~)