The Sect Leader Has Taken in a New Female Disciple

But the true barrier restrictions, defined by color, are far mightier, not at all comparable to the previous level.

"Second Uncle, I wonder which sect you've joined now. Let's see who can open the other coffins first!"

Zhou looked expectant as he slowly unraveled the scroll.

In an instant, a blinding light burst forth from the scroll, enveloping him completely.

Within the light, countless dense runes, patterns, and complex array restriction maps began to flash and dance crazily, with an ocean of knowledge surging into his mind like a roaring tide.

A sharp pain stabbed at his spirit, but having entered the mid-Nascent Soul Realm, his consciousness had expanded several-fold, making this pain insignificant.

Displayed before him was the lifelong array restriction knowledge of Master Xuanqing from the Starry Battlefield, including structures, principles, key points of arrangement, and methods of change.

From the most basic array base construction, the flow routes of spiritual power, to guiding and releasing powerful energies, every detail was crystal clear before him.

Beads of sweat formed on Zhou's forehead as his brain worked furiously, greedily absorbing every drop of this knowledge like parched land soaking up rain.

The disposable scroll in his hand, just like Master Xuanqing, began to gradually fade and become transparent...

A few nights later, two lights suddenly appeared from beneath a pile of bones. They cautiously surveyed the surroundings, and only after ensuring no one was around did the two relax.

"Let's not tell anyone about this place. When you can slay the Demon Emperor, come back for the Suanni Bone!"

Lu Yaoyao feared that Zhou might tell Uncle Mo and the others out of respect.

Zhou was stunned.

I was about to tell you the same thing, thinking to leave this place as a sure-kill site to use in critical times.

How much in sync are we?

"The Demon Emperor? That's a Spirit Severing Realm expert. You really have faith in me!" Zhou quipped with a smile.

Lu Yaoyao remained serious, her gaze firm on Zhou. "Believe in yourself. You're the best!"

Seeing this, Zhou could only nod with a smile, "Thank you!"

Then, looking at the moonlight, he wondered how long they'd been secluded, estimating it to be around two months.

"Last time I didn't have time, but I want to see where Senior Sister Luo Xue fell." Zhou glanced around, his eyes showing a hint of sorrow.

Now that both had significantly improved their strength, they felt confident to investigate Spirit Skull Mountain.

Lu Yaoyao's initially happy eyes dimmed at this moment, a flash of grief crossing her face as she softly replied, "Alright!"

With that, they began searching the area. According to the sect, one of the Cangyan Daoist Palace's five prodigies, Sima Demoness, had ruthlessly dismembered Senior Sister Luo Xue, sparing not even her Nascent Soul.

Senior Brother Du Kui was also seriously injured, and the sect had merely set up a memorial grave for Senior Sister Luo Xue as a simple comfort.

"Zhou, look—"

Lu Yaoyao quickly arrived at the spot where Zhou had previously buried the Thunderous Golden Toad. A deep pit gaped there, the half corpse long gone.

Moreover, the bodies of the subordinates brought by the Nascent Soul Realm cultivator named Chu Yu had also been cleaned up completely.

Lu Yaoyao distinctly remembered them being nearby, as she had gathered many storage bags from their fragmented bodies after their self-detonation.

Zhou squatted down, carefully examining the surroundings, noting numerous new footprints in the ash and soil, indicating many recent visitors.

If he guessed right, it was likely the Blood Rock Mine sent a new overseer to investigate the deaths of Li Hong and Chu Yu and stumbled upon the Thunderous Golden Toad's body.

"Too bad you still didn't escape your fate!" Zhou lamented, staring at the empty pit.

Li Hong, Chu Yu, and the two black-robed puppets, four Nascent Soul Realm cultivators altogether. If something happened here, Cangyan Daoist Palace would likely send a late Nascent Soul Realm or even a Great Perfection to investigate.

But in the end, they found out it was a tragic outcome of greed, where they perished battling the Thunderous Golden Toad, whose life was nearing its end.

Despite so many deaths, nobody from the Blood Rock Mine thought to exploit the situation.

It's likely that some adventurers from minor sects stumbled upon this scene, acted as opportunists, and took all the storage bags and other things.

But probably because the Thunderous Golden Toad's body was too large to carry, they had to hide it somewhere, planning to return for it later.

Thus, Zhou surmised that the Cangyan Daoist Palace wouldn't regard this as a sneak attack by the Three Sects Alliance but rather an accidental tragic quarrel.

Moreover, with the ongoing war reaching a fever pitch, all factions were too busy to focus much on this.

Hence, the Blood Rock Mine probably lacked strong guardians now.

"Looks like it's not too late to take advantage now!" Zhou's eyes glinted coldly, narrowing with murderous intent.

The two then departed, continuing their search in other areas where battles might have occurred.