Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Ye Shi's fists tightened, his eyes darting around. Zhuang Yu was too lucky. Should he find another opportunity to strike? He couldn't believe that Zhuang Yu could always have people stand up for him. Once they left the secret realm and returned to the academy, it might be too late to act against Zhuang Yu.

Seeing the look on Ye Shi's face, Mu Chen's expression darkened, "Put those thoughts away. Do not harm Zhuang Yu."

Ye Shi glanced at Mu Chen, feeling a little wronged, "Why? Are you fond of him?"

Mu Chen rolled his eyes at Ye Shi, "What are you thinking? No, it's just that Zhuang Yu has incredibly strong luck. If you try to harm him, it might backfire on you."

Ye Shi looked at Mu Chen, a hint of resentment in his eyes.

Mu Chen sighed softly, "That golden light earlier was probably a life-saving charm left by Lu Yao's grandfather."

"Normally, such a charm activates only when Lu Yao is in danger. But you were targeting Zhuang Yu. There were hardly any threats to Lu Yao, yet the charm activated."

Ye Shi's face reddened, "You knew I was targeting Zhuang Yu?"

Mu Chen replied sarcastically, "I'm not blind."

Ye Shi sheepishly responded, "Mu Chen, if Lu Yao wasn't in danger then, why did the golden light activate?"

"Are you familiar with the concept of luck?" Mu Chen inquired.

Ye Shi nodded, "Yes."

To reach profound realms, cultivators need ample luck.

"Zhuang Yu probably has very good luck. Hence, he always has people around him. When you act against him, things always backfire," Mu Chen said with a sigh, patting Ye Shi's head.

"What should I do then?" Ye Shi asked anxiously.

The thought of forever being overshadowed by the inexplicably lucky Zhuang Yu, someone he found nauseating, was intolerable.

"Just keep your distance. Based on my observations, Zhuang Yu's luck is linked to those around him. The stronger they are, the luckier he becomes. If he's alone, he's not that significant."

The bond between the "white lotus" and his primary attacker means they share both honor and disgrace. Since Lan Ruofeng's luck was taken by Ye Shi, the benefits Zhuang Yu received from him have diminished.

Ye Shi, semi-understanding, suddenly thought of Lan Ruofeng.

He always felt that Lan Ruofeng's potential was more than what was apparent, but his luck was seized by Mu Chen.

"What are you thinking about?" Mu Chen inquired.

Ye Shi shook his head, "Nothing. By the way, are there any treasures in this room?"

"I haven't looked yet," said Mu Chen.

Ye Shi blinked, thinking, 'Is it because he's worried about me? Does Mu Chen value me more than treasure?' He blinked again, a warmth filling his heart.

"What are you thinking about? Looking so pleased," Mu Chen asked teasingly.

"Nothing," Ye Shi replied, taking Mu Chen's hand.

Mu Chen smiled and squeezed Ye Shi's palm, making him blush.

In the third chamber, three walls were lit by common luminescent stones. There were three boxes in the room, likely their rewards.

Ye Shi opened the first box to find a set of elemental stones.

"What's this? Just a few shabby elemental stones and they're put in a box?"

Mu Chen retorted, "Take a closer look; these aren't ordinary elemental stones."

Ye Shi sensed the energy within the stone, his face flushing instantly, "These truly are extraordinary!"

"Master mentioned that most elemental stone veins in the Xuan Feng Empire are barren. In resource-rich areas, higher-grade stones can be found. This appears to be of that superior quality," mused Ye Shi.

Holding an elemental stone, Mu Chen began absorbing its energy. A surge of profound power flowed into him, rapidly boosting his strength.

"The energy contained in this single stone is equivalent to hundreds, if not thousands, of regular elemental stones,"

remarked Mu Chen, narrowing his eyes.

Ye Shi counted and said, "There are a total of 120 elemental stones here."

Mu Chen nodded, "You should keep them."

"Let's split it, half and half," suggested Ye Shi.

Mu Chen agreed, "Very well."

The second box contained over a dozen books on formation techniques.

"This chamber must have been left by a formation master. These books document his insights," noted Mu Chen.

"The contents here don't seem as valuable as my own book," Ye Shi commented.

Mu Chen sighed, "Of course not. There are few books on formation techniques in this world that can compare to yours."

Ye Shi's book was incisive, each line striking the core of the matter, simplifying even the most complex formation knowledge. He smirked in pride.

"Though your book is excellent, its knowledge is finite. Exposure to other formation teachings can be beneficial," Mu Chen advised.

Ye Shi nodded in understanding, "Yes, I get it."

"Mu Chen, quickly check what's inside the third box!" Ye Shi leaned in, curiosity piqued.

Opening the box, Mu Chen discovered a pair of golden bees.

"What are these?" Ye Shi frowned.

Mu Chen squinted, "It appears to be the Sky-Devouring Bees."

"By the name alone, they sound quite formidable!" Ye Shi exclaimed with widened eyes.

Mu Chen, eyes still squinted, added, "Legend says the Sky-Devouring Bees can consume anything. They're very formidable."

"Really? These two look half-dead and rather useless," Ye Shi murmured.

Observing the bees, Mu Chen noted, "They seem to be gravely injured and now lay dormant."

Ye Shi quizzically said, "So they're essentially useless?"

Mu Chen shook his head, "Not necessarily. We may need to find a way to revive them."

Ye Shi grumbled, "The owner of this chamber is rather stingy – leaving only a few stones, some old books, and two near-dead bees after all the effort we went through to break the formation."

Mu Chen gave Ye Shi a resigned look, "Enough. We should be grateful for whatever has been left for us."

Ye Shi smirked, somewhat dismissive.

"Let's go. We have only half a month left. Let's see what's elsewhere," Mu Chen proposed.

Ye Shi quickly agreed, "Right, we must hurry before that wretch Zhuang Yu claims all the treasures in this secret realm."

Hearing Ye Shi's words, Mu Chen's heart sank slightly. Zhuang Yu has always been incredibly lucky, and with Lu Yao by his side, who knows what benefits they have gained from that secret realm.

"Let's go outside," said Mu Chen, adjusting his expression.

Ye Shi nodded, replying, "Alright."

…………

As Lan Ruofeng walked through the mountains, a chilling voice suddenly echoed from behind him, "You! Stop right there."

Lan Ruofeng furrowed his brow, halting in his steps.

He couldn't help but clench his fists, feeling dejected. Lan Ruofeng had always considered himself a genius. Although he wasn't as exceptional as Mu Chen, he was still far superior to the average student.

Yet, on his very first day in the secret realm, he was left in a sorry state, pursued by an eight-star martial spirit. Later, he was ruthlessly expelled by Ye Shi. Now, a random woman appears, effortlessly dominating him.

The newcomer wore the uniform of the Holy Star Academy, her face cold and aloof, exuding the power of a four-star martial spirit.

This woman probably didn't recognize him. An inherent arrogance emanated from her, making it evident that she didn't regard him highly.

Lan Ruofeng watched her, his mood sinking even more. Hidden talents kept emerging, each one dealing a blow to his pride.

"Did you come from Yunqing Mountain?" she inquired coldly.

Lan Ruofeng nodded, answering, "Indeed."

As Lan Ruofeng studied her, he realized her face seemed familiar. A memory flashed, recalling a man from the Mingyue Academy who had been struck down by a sword – this woman bore a striking resemblance to him.

A strange thrill surged within Lan Ruofeng. No matter how talented, without destiny on one's side, one could die unnoticed.

The Dean had been secretly nurturing such a talent, intending to use him as a secret weapon. Little did he know, before this young talent could rise, he met an untimely death. The outside world remained unaware of such a prodigious talent in the Holy Star Academy.

"Have you seen someone who looks like me?" Jing Feiyue asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

Lan Ruofeng nodded, replying, "I have."

Jing Feiyue's eyes sharpened, "Where did you see him?"

With a sigh and a hint of melancholy, Lan Ruofeng said, "He was on Yunqing Mountain and met a martial spirit from the Mingyue Academy. Unfortunately, he met his end at their hands."

Jing Feiyue's face paled significantly. She shared a deep connection with Jing Feili, her twin. A few days ago, she had an ominous feeling that something bad had happened. That feeling had intensified over the past days, but she had been in denial.

"So, my brother really met with misfortune?" she murmured.

Lan Ruofeng pondered, "They really are siblings. Given her formidable strength, she likely has an eight-tier aptitude, and her brother probably did too. Has the Dean already taken on a disciple without anyone knowing?"

"Where is the person from Mingyue Academy now?" Jing Feiyue asked with a menacing expression.

Lan Ruofeng lowered his gaze, somewhat regretfully saying, "He is dead, taken down by Mu Chen and Ye Shi."

Jing Feiyue's expression turned even more grim, "He was mine to kill. He should've died by my hand."

Narrowing his eyes, Lan Ruofeng thought, 'As expected. Given Jing Feiyue's pride, she would never want others to exact revenge for her.'

"He was defeated by Mu Chen and Ye Shi, and his spatial ring ended up in their hands. Your brother's belongings are probably with them," Lan Ruofeng stated calmly.

Jing Feiyue gave Lan Ruofeng a meaningful glance, saying, "I understand. You may leave."

Lan Ruofeng felt a chilling sensation from her gaze.

Bowing his head, he left as if he'd been granted a reprieve.