Shen Xiang's House, Black Wind Market.
There were only four people in the living room: Shen Xiang from the Eternal Heaven Palace, Ling Taixu from the High Heaven Pavilion, Hu Man from the Blood Battle Group, and Xiao Ruo Han from Storm Manor.
Shen Xiang always boasted about being from the Eternal Heaven Palace, one of the strongest powers in the entire Universe, although no one believed him.
"Why did you summon everyone here?" Ling Taixu, who still bore bruises from fighting Shen Xiang, needed several months to fully recover.
"When will you marry my daughter?" Hu Man always asked the same question every time they met.
"Sensei, has the latest edition been released?" Xiao Ruo Han had the same hobby as Meng Wu Ya: reading a highly valued book titled Doujinshi.
Incidentally, Shen Xiang had created a book called Doujinshi, an 18+ book he sold to several sect elders on the black market for the equivalent of Heaven-grade pills.
Meng Wu Ya and Xiao Ruo Han were now his biggest supporters. Yes, those two perverted elders had become his fans.
"Ahem... The reason I called you all here is because I want to share some extremely valuable information. This will concern the future of your three sects, the powers throughout the Great Han Dynasty, and even your strength in the future." When Shen Xiang got serious, everyone immediately stopped their casual behavior.
The sect leaders present exchanged serious glances. Although Shen Xiang often acted recklessly, this time they knew he wasn't joking.
"Have you heard of the Inheritance Cave?" Shen Xiang asked, his voice echoing through the room.
The attendees, including Hu Man, Ling Taixu, and Xiao Ruo Han, exchanged confused but curious looks.
Shen Xiang looked at them with a blank expression, but suddenly said, "Stop looking at me like that. It's disgusting when old men stare at me with hungry eyes."
As if stung, everyone's faces soured, some even looking away. They suspected that Shen Xiang had obtained some kind of inheritance. However, the remark was enough to break the tension.
"Alright," Shen Xiang continued. "The reason my body is so strong is that I was born with a Special Physique. You may have heard of this phenomenon. Not many possess such an ability, but I am one of them."
Although Shen Xiang didn't elaborate further, no one doubted his words.
The Secret of the Inheritance Cave.
"Back to the main topic," Shen Xiang said, narrowing his eyes. "Not far from here, there is a Inheritance Cave. This cave holds many relics from Saint Realm cultivators. However, I must warn you, great dangers lurk within."
All eyes turned to Shen Xiang, who now stared at Hu Man, his father-in-law.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Hu Man felt awkward, his hands trembling under the table.
Shen Xiang gave a thin smile. "Because the cave is located beneath a mine owned by the Blood Battle Group."
A small commotion arose among the sect leaders. Everyone turned to Hu Man with curious expressions.
"Yes," Shen Xiang continued, his voice growing heavier. "That mine has been hiding a big secret all this time. However, the Inheritance Cave has a barrier. Only cultivators below the Immortal Ascension Realm can enter. And every time the Inheritance Cave appears, a great phenomenon will be seen throughout the Great Han Dynasty."
Everyone fell silent. Such phenomena were never taken lightly. A phenomenon meant that powerful forces would become aware of the Inheritance Cave's existence.
"Every time a phenomenon occurs, major powers from across the Great Han Dynasty will arrive. They will compete for treasures and claim every relic as their own. This often leads to large-scale conflicts," Shen Xiang explained calmly.
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "And once it's all over, those major powers will start recruiting members from your sects. So, think carefully about what you want."
The Offer and Plan.
Hu Man frowned, but after a moment, he said, "Alright, I agree to open the Inheritance Cave."
Everyone looked at him with surprised expressions, but Hu Man continued. "However, I have conditions. For cultivators in the True Element Realm, they are equivalent to low-grade Heaven pills or artifacts. For the Separation and Reunion Realm, they are equivalent to high-grade Earth pills or artifacts. For the Qi Transformation Realm, they are equivalent to mid-grade Earth pills or artifacts. And for the Initial Element Realm, they are equivalent to low-grade Earth pills or artifacts."
Ling Taixu and Xiao Ruo Han exchanged glances. The offer was reasonable, considering the potential dangers within the cave.
"Agreed," Shen Xiang finally said. "The High Heaven Pavilion and Storm Manor will pay accordingly. If you want pills refined, I'll offer a 50% discount, but only for now. You can return and discuss the quotas with your elders. As for Su Yan and Su Mu's quotas, I'll cover them myself."
After that, Shen Xiang stood and opened the door. "Discussion over. You may leave."
The sect leaders reluctantly rose. They knew Shen Xiang had controlled the conversation from the start.
"Thank you, son-in-law," Hu Man said with a laugh, hugging Shen Xiang tightly. "Thanks to you, the Blood Battle Group has gained significant benefits."
Preparing for the Cave.
After everyone left, Shen Xiang closed the door and went into his room. He sat on the bed, closed his eyes, and began cultivating.
His thoughts focused on the Inheritance Cave. He knew the dangers awaiting inside wouldn't be easily overcome by the three sects. However, Shen Xiang also knew the treasures hidden within the cave were worth the risk.
Meanwhile, the sect leaders began preparing their members to face the challenge. Each sect would send only their best disciples into the Inheritance Cave.
Yet they all understood this was not just about obtaining treasures. It was also about surviving amidst competition with other sects and major powers.
That night, the sky above the Great Han Dynasty began to change. The stars appeared brighter, and some sect disciples felt a mysterious pressure in the air. These were signs that something monumental was about to happen.