Chapter Eleven: The Ancient Cultivator’s Abode

After consolidating his cultivation, Yang Xiao continued his arduous training in the desert. One day, as he was practicing, the communication talisman on his body flashed, and He Ming’s voice came through: “Junior Brother Yang, someone recently discovered an ancient cultivator’s cave mansion in the Myriad Fathoms Mountain Range. Are you interested in exploring it? If you want to go, hurry back. If you’re late, there’ll be nothing left for you.”

As He Ming’s voice faded, the light on the talisman dimmed. At that moment, Yang Xiao recalled certain events from his previous life. Indeed, he had once explored such a cave mansion, though the circumstances were different; last time, he was cultivating within the Giant Spirit Sect, whereas now he found himself in the vast desert.

Judging by the timing, it must be the same ancient cave mansion. In his previous life, He Ming had also notified him, and the two had rushed there together. However, because their cultivation was low, they gained little from the expedition, only harvesting a few medicinal herbs. All the valuable treasures had already been claimed by those with greater strength, as many cultivators had flocked to the site. Yang Xiao and He Ming, being among the weakest, could only pick through what others had discarded.

“In my last life, my weak cultivation left me living in frustration. But now, given a second chance, I must change everything,” Yang Xiao said, clenching his fist resolutely.

He was determined to join this treasure hunt. According to his calculations, even if someone arrived before him, breaking the restrictions around the cave mansion wouldn’t be accomplished quickly. He could use that time to get there.

Having considered everything, he immediately set out for the Giant Spirit Sect to meet He Ming.

Two days later, Yang Xiao returned and met He Ming.

He Ming was delighted to see Yang Xiao back, and said with a smile, “I thought you wouldn’t come back. Many cultivators have heard about this, and with our cultivation, we likely won’t gain much. But since you’ve returned, we may as well join in the excitement. If we’re lucky, we might pick up something useful for our cultivation. At worst, we’ll gather some herbs—many ancient cave mansions are said to be filled with rare spiritual plants.”

“Yes, that’s exactly why I came back. Senior Brother, let’s set out now,” Yang Xiao replied enthusiastically.

“Alright, let me tell you where the cave mansion is. It’s located in the central region of the Myriad Fathoms Mountain Range, supposedly discovered by a local mountain dweller while hunting. Later, a cultivator verified it as an ancient cave mansion. There seem to be numerous restrictions around it, so it hasn’t been opened yet. And since it’s not far from our Giant Spirit Sect, I received the news in good time. We should be able to arrive right on schedule,” He Ming explained, clearly pleased with himself. He understood the importance of timely and accurate information when seeking out ancient cave mansions; only then could one hope to gain some benefit.

Yang Xiao nodded silently. He knew these things well, having already experienced them in his past life.

The Myriad Fathoms Mountain Range was indeed vast, with tens of thousands of peaks, and its history stretched far back. Among these mountains, there were occasionally cave mansions abandoned by ancient cultivators. In such places, one might find magical artifacts and pills once used by those ancient practitioners, which could greatly aid later generations. Those who obtained such treasures often saw their cultivation soar, becoming formidable figures.

Of course, some cave mansions yielded nothing at all, leaving those who discovered them disappointed. Nevertheless, the allure of unexpected cultivation resources was strong for any practitioner. That is why, whenever a cave mansion was discovered, hordes of cultivators rushed to investigate.

Regarding this particular cave mansion, Yang Xiao had clear memories from his previous life, for it truly contained several valuable items. Though he’d failed to obtain them last time due to his weak cultivation, he’d heard from those who did that the treasures were exceedingly precious.

Because there were genuine treasures within, Yang Xiao remembered it so clearly—and this time, he was determined to claim them for himself.

“Oh? Junior Brother, have you already learned the location of this ancient cave mansion? You seem to be even more eager than I am,” He Ming remarked, noticing that Yang Xiao was outpacing him and appeared more familiar with the route.

“Oh, I only learned about it when you mentioned it just now. I’m simply anxious to get there, afraid that if we’re late, we’ll miss out,” Yang Xiao replied, suddenly aware he’d been acting out of character. His mind was occupied with thoughts of how to secure those treasures, and he’d unwittingly moved ahead of He Ming. Hearing He Ming’s confusion, he took two steps back, allowing He Ming to lead, and said respectfully, “Senior Brother, you’re certainly more familiar with the Myriad Fathoms Mountain Range. Please guide the way.”

“Very well,” He Ming straightened his chest and strode forward without hesitation. “This cave mansion was discovered on a small peak called Wild Ox Mountain. I know that area well; I often go there to chop wood. Oddly enough, I never noticed the cave mansion while gathering firewood—it was a hunter, a local resident, who found it.”

“The Myriad Fathoms Mountain Range is so vast, Senior Brother couldn’t possibly have visited every corner. That hunter lived nearby, so it’s not surprising he discovered it,” Yang Xiao offered in explanation.

“That’s true,” He Ming agreed. “Ancient cultivator cave mansions usually have restrictions separating them from the outside world. They’re hard to detect from a distance. This time, the hunter managed to find it because, after so many years, the restrictions mutated and revealed part of the entrance. Otherwise, even if someone approached, they’d never notice it.”

“So that’s how it is—no wonder,” Yang Xiao said thoughtfully.

Chatting as they walked, the two made their way toward the cave mansion, employing spiritual power to enhance their speed, far outpacing ordinary people. Thus, they would arrive at their destination much more quickly.