It turns out that this lock has such a structure.
With a gentle pull of my hands, a rod-like object solidified, identical to the key once used by Snoke. Upon opening this former treasure trove, I strode in with Guan Ling by my side.
This wild girl expressed great admiration for my ability to discover such a mysterious cave on the Nameless Island, incessantly tapping and probing, eager to uncover any hidden treasures akin to those of Monte Cristo. I shook my head and smiled, gently dissuading her, "There's no need to search; we already explored this place last time, and anything of value has long been taken."
Guan Ling replied earnestly, "Perhaps you were careless and overlooked the true treasure. I once read a novel that described how meticulous individuals would construct a false repository atop the most precious treasures, leading people to find these baubles while neglecting the genuinely valuable items.
Is that so?
Then you may take your time searching;
I shall reap the benefits.
The cave was not large, and aside from the Rainbow Altar, there was nothing else to be found. Despite Guan Ling's diligent searching, she remained empty-handed. As I contemplated our next course of action, I did not mock her seemingly futile efforts.
"In fact, there is a trump card we could employ.
If I were to grant that Colorful Phoenix fruit to Guan Ling, I would gain an extraordinary ally, one that neither the Rock Group nor the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps could contend with—powerful monsters like the Hundred-Eyed Giant, the Lord of Storms, or the Water and Fire Serpent."
This rainbow-grade wish fruit was exceedingly precious, and Guan Ling and I were mere acquaintances, lacking any profound bond.
To give it away seemed contrary to the principle of maximizing one's benefits.
"It's quite vexing; after all this time on Demon Island, I have yet to find anyone trustworthy. In this cursed realm, everyone is at each other's throats, vying for various treasures.
Can't there be a more peaceful approach?" These troubling questions lingered without answers.
After abandoning her search for the so-called true treasure, Guan Ling produced a bottle of drink and some fast food, evidently hoping to replenish her strength.
I, however, did not feel hungry; I wandered around the cave, my mind drifting. Last time, we had not encountered the Winged Demon Ape, and although my strength had significantly increased since then, I still preferred to avoid such formidable beasts unless absolutely necessary. What had become of that Winged Demon Ape?
"Hey! Can you stop pacing back and forth? You're making my head spin! What exactly do you intend to do?
Just tell me directly," Guan Ling remarked, her keen intelligence quickly discerning my preoccupation.
However, I hesitated to reveal that I was contemplating whether to share the fruit with her, merely shrugging and casually saying, "I was wondering where the Winged Demon Ape might have gone. If it still resides on the island, we could be in danger."
I briefly recounted our previous adventure, omitting the crucial detail that the ultimate prize had been the Colorful Phoenix fruit.
Guan Ling listened with rapt attention, her curiosity piqued as she pressed, "So you and Jack fell out because of this... Oh! You actually know someone from the Rock Group? Lilith is the beautiful woman we encountered last time? She has quite the figure!
"Indeed, I must ascertain the whereabouts of the Winged Demon Ape and neutralize any potential threats before I can feel safe on this island.
"Aren't you going to join the battle on Demon Island?"
"I don't feel obligated to fight for a cause in which I have only recently become involved. I've sought various justifications, but asking me to risk my life without sufficient reason seems inadequate. Guan Ling, though young and seemingly astute, was still somewhat naïve regarding the complexities of interests and life-and-death matters.
It was only through my prompting that she began to grasp the reality of the situation.
"That's true!
We don't have much connection with the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps. But Wang Lin, you are truly different.
I've seen many new recruits under my father's command, and they swear loyalty on their first day, eager to fight and die for him.
I always thought they were a bit unhinged, yet here I am, almost becoming one of them!" She stuck out her tongue and made a silly face, revealing her endearing side.
"Your father must be quite imposing for people to swear such loyalty. Which country's crime lord is he?
Guan Ling expressed her disdain for the term "crime lord" with palpable anger, exclaiming, "I detest the underworld! Please don't mention such words in my presence.
"However...
Guan Ling added, her tone growing somber, "my father and several of my brothers are in this line of work. Although they treat me well, I know they can be ruthless and are not exactly good people."
"I too have become somewhat ruthless, nearly losing touch with my former self.
With my hands behind my head, I reclined on the Rainbow Altar, muttering to myself, "In truth, many matters are beyond our control. I have my share of unrelated issues, yet I must carry on. I wonder when I can return to a peaceful life.
Guan Ling threw her drink bottle far away with a frustrated hurl, declaring, "But I hate this feeling!"
"I share that sentiment!" The cave fell into silence after our mutual exclamation.
As I lay on the Rainbow Altar, lost in thought and nearly drifting off to sleep, a sudden noise jolted me awake. Guan Ling, her expression somewhat flustered, quickly explained, "I didn't do anything; it came from the direction of the entrance."
With a flick of my fingers, a spectral butterfly from the underworld flitted towards the stone wall, transmitting the outside situation through the stone door.
A towering, muscular giant ape, covered in snowy fur, was pounding its chest with fists the size of wine jars, demonstrating its might to a slightly smaller, crimson-hued, membranous-winged counterpart.
"It's the Winged Demon Ape! It has finally appeared. But what is the origin of this white giant?