"Lingxian, is it?"
At this moment, Ji Kong was curious about how his little granddaughter had managed to get the mysterious young man to make such a promise, but he decided not to dwell on it. It was a good thing regardless.
"Senior, would you like me to guide you around? That way, no one who lacks sense will disturb you," the Golden-Winged Roc offered obsequiously, eyeing Qin Tian. As a beast willing to do anything to enhance its strength, it didn't see anything wrong with leading a human around if it meant benefiting itself.
Qin Tian chuckled. This Golden-Winged Roc, despite its impure bloodline, had the right survival instincts. Though it would never break through to a higher level than emperor rank, such shameless yet capable creatures often lived quite well.
"Is there anything special in this place, or any valuable objects worth seeing?" Qin Tian asked, his tone indifferent. "If what you show me is satisfactory, I'll reward you with three more drops of true blood."
Qin Tian looked at the Golden-Winged Roc calmly. He figured that any world capable of producing a "child of fortune" must harbor great treasures. Forbidden lands like the Ancient Desolate Forbidden usually contained hidden treasures, meant to fall into the hands of the fortunate.
Qin Tian had nothing to lose by taking his time to explore the region. If he found nothing worthwhile, it wouldn't cost him much.
"Something special… or a unique place?"
The Golden-Winged Roc racked its brains. The Ancient Desolate Forbidden was vast, and it hadn't explored every corner. There were even areas too dangerous for emperor-level beasts like itself. It had no idea where something truly extraordinary might be found.
"Roc Emperor, have you forgotten the Ancient Stone Stele?" the nearby Giant Ape, a half-step human emperor-level beast, transmitted its thoughts telepathically. The Ancient Stone Stele was a secret known only to beasts of the emperor ranks within the Ancient Desolate Forbidden.
Legend had it that the Ancient Stone Stele was left behind by a terrifying primordial beast in the distant past. Though shrouded in mystery, it had never proven useful. It had passed through the hands of various human emperor-level beasts without anyone discovering its purpose.
The Golden-Winged Roc had nearly forgotten about it, as it currently rested in the possession of one of its friends.
"Senior, I have a friend who possesses a mysterious object that's quite unique," the Roc said, biting the bullet and bringing up the Ancient Stone Stele. It truly didn't know of any other special places or items in the forbidden land, but it hoped this gamble with the stele might pay off.
"An Ancient Stone Stele?" Qin Tian's interest piqued. Just the name alone suggested something extraordinary, the kind of object that, in typical novels, would serve as a world-altering artifact meant for the child of fortune.
"Let me have a look," Qin Tian replied, his philosophy always being to never let a potential treasure slip by.
"Please wait a moment, Senior. I'll retrieve it from my friend," the Golden-Winged Roc replied, flapping its wings and swiftly disappearing from view.
It wasn't long before the Roc returned, holding a one-meter-tall stone stele.
"System, can you analyze this stele? Is it valuable?"
Though Qin Tian didn't possess any treasure appraisal abilities himself, his system did.
"Ding! This is the Ten Thousand Beasts Stone Stele, a fragment created by the legendary Lord of Monsters," the system responded.
As expected, it was something extraordinary. Qin Tian's eyes brightened slightly. His instincts had been correct; where a child of fortune roamed, great treasures were often left behind.
Maintaining a neutral expression, Qin Tian examined the stele for a moment. Then, under the expectant gaze of the Golden-Winged Roc, he exchanged three drops of true blood for the stone stele.
"It's time to leave," Qin Tian said softly, his gaze shifting toward the distance. He felt an odd certainty that now, with the Ten Thousand Beasts Stone Stele in his possession, Lin Fan's fortune had been completely severed. This child of fortune had been thoroughly bled dry.
…
At the outskirts of the Ancient Desolate Forbidden, a group of elders and core disciples from various sacred lands and palaces had gathered.
"Why hasn't he come back yet?" Ji Lingxian, disguised as a man, stomped her foot impatiently. It had been several days since Qin Tian entered the forbidden land, yet there was still no sign of his return.
"Little girl, are you worried about the young master not returning to protect your Da Zhou Dynasty, or are you more concerned about the young master himself?" Chu Xinyue teased, covering her mouth as she giggled. It seemed the little girl had developed feelings for Qin Tian.
Honestly, Chu Xinyue wouldn't be surprised. Qin Tian's excellence was evident to all who had met him.
His strength was beyond terrifying, and as for his looks, he was impossibly handsome, like a perfect young noble from an ancient tale.
Qin Tian's demeanor, intelligence, and background were all unmatched.
As the saintess of one of the great sacred lands, Chu Xinyue had met countless geniuses and monstrous talents, but none shone as brightly as Qin Tian, who stood out like the moon against the stars.
At first, Chu Xinyue had only wanted to form a connection with this noble from the Upper Realm. She hadn't intended to give herself to him. But after spending time with him, she found herself falling for this flawless man—his talent, background, and looks all irresistible.
So, of all people, Chu Xinyue understood best just how captivating Qin Tian was.
If Ji Lingxian had fallen for him after only meeting a few times, Chu Xinyue found it entirely understandable. After all, Qin Tian was simply too outstanding.
…
"Look! Who's that coming back?" someone called out in surprise as a shadow emerged from the depths of the Ancient Desolate Forbidden. It was a large, dark figure, carrying several people.
"The Da Zhou War Emperor has returned!"
"And with him, the one who descended from the Upper Realm!"
All eyes turned to focus on Qin Tian and the War Emperor, Ji Kong.
"They're back!" Ji Lingxian beamed with joy, her gaze locked on Qin Tian and her grandfather. She had been wracked with worry over the past few days, fearing that her grandfather had perished in the forbidden land. Fortunately, he had returned safely.
"Lingxian, your grandfather wouldn't have made it out without the help of this young master," Ji Kong said as soon as he exited the forbidden land. He immediately sought out his granddaughter, knowing that the future of the Da Zhou Dynasty rested on the goodwill of the mysterious, powerful youth.
"The young master told me he saved me because of you, Lingxian. Now, tell me, what exactly is your relationship with him?" Ji Kong teased with a smile.
"Grandfather, you should rest after your journey," Ji Lingxian replied, her face turning red as she stomped her foot in embarrassment. How could she explain the deal she made, agreeing to do whatever Qin Tian asked?