Landing Becomes Guest

"Jinyin, Yuanbao, come here," Zhou Hao called out softly.

Zhou Yuanbao and Mu Jinyin immediately knew what to do. Zhou Yuanbao shrank down and wrapped around Zhou Hao's wrist as an accessory, while Mu Jinyin transformed into a small chicken and nested in Zhou Hao's hair.

These two were a bit too eye-catching. Shrinking down would be better. Without knowing the situation outside, it was always best to keep a low profile.

With everything prepared, Zhou Hao approached the coffin. He made a fist with his left hand and pressed the [Spirit-Womb Ring] on his ring finger into the groove.

As the [Spirit-Womb Ring] perfectly fitted the groove, the patterns on the coffin instantly lit up one by one. The formation patterns on the teleportation array on the ceiling also lit up simultaneously.

When all the formation patterns of the teleportation array lit up, a beam of light shot out and landed on Zhou Hao.

The next moment, with a "whoosh," Zhou Hao's figure completely vanished from the secret chamber.

After Zhou Hao disappeared, everything in the secret chamber fell silent again. The teleportation array on the ceiling also vanished, and the secret chamber returned to its original, unremarkable state.

Shilpo Mountain Stronghold

In the center of this stronghold was a circular arena built from bluestone slabs. Its diameter was estimated to be about twelve meters, making it a very large arena, though not particularly large for cultivators like them.

On the stage, two people stood three meters apart, facing each other, surrounded by a chorus of shouts.

It was something like this:

"Go, Second Boss, beat this weakling."

"Go, Third Boss, defeat the Second Boss and take charge."

The atmosphere was very enthusiastic, and it felt like the supporters on both sides were ready to fight at any moment. The crowd below was chaotic, while the stage presented a scene of harmony... well, not entirely harmonious.

"Xu Shan, starting a stronghold battle now benefits no one," Third Boss Ma Hongyun said in a deep voice.

Second Boss Xu Shan, a burly man with a booming voice, retorted, "Hmph, I don't care. They must give an explanation for Big Brother's death."

Ma Hongyun sighed, "We can't rush this. We need to plan carefully. Do you think I don't want to avenge Big Brother?"

"You just don't," Xu Shan snorted coldly. He took a horse stance and declared, "Words are useless. According to the rules, whoever wins, leads."

"Calm down," Ma Hongyun advised earnestly.

However, Xu Shan clearly had no intention of listening to his rambling. He stomped his foot, and his body shot out like a cannonball.

Just as Ma Hongyun was about to respond, a faint spatial fluctuation appeared in the air.

With a "buzz."

Zhou Hao suddenly appeared in mid-air, landing gracefully between Xu Shan and Ma Hongyun. Mu Jinyin, on his head, half-closed its eyes and surveyed the surroundings. Seeing no dangerous individuals, it stopped paying attention and closed its eyes to sleep.

The sudden change forced Xu Shan to brake abruptly, halting his charge. He then roared at Zhou Hao, "Who the hell are you? Get lost."

"Idiot," Ma Hongyun cursed inwardly.

Just from Zhou Hao's appearance out of thin air, he knew this person was not to be trifled with. Looking at Zhou Hao's attire, he realized this person's aura was not just unapproachable, but utterly untouchable!

Only a big oaf like Xu Shan would yell at someone like this.

Zhou Hao followed the sound to Xu Shan, surveyed the surroundings, and then realized, "Oh~ you're having a martial arts arena match! Then please continue, I'm just passing by."

He was about to turn and leave when his steps suddenly halted. He turned back to Xu Shan and said, "Adults shouldn't yell at everyone they see. It's impolite."

"Then I'll show you what politeness is," Xu Shan said, clapping his fists together before charging at Zhou Hao like a wild bull.

Zhou Hao raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised that he encountered a fight right after emerging.

However, to be honest, he was also a bit eager to try. After so long cultivating, he hadn't had any real combat experience besides fighting in an illusionary realm.

This fight came at the perfect time, making him a little excited.

Zhou Hao withdrew his thoughts, as Xu Shan had already reached him. However, Xu Shan was only at the Mystic Body Realm, and the strength difference between them was too great.

This caused Xu Shan's movements to appear exceptionally slow in Zhou Hao's eyes.

Zhou Hao reached out, grabbed, and threw Xu Shan clockwise off the stage, smashing him heavily onto the ground.

"Crack, crack~"

Zhou Hao clapped his hands. It was even easier and more effortless than he had imagined.

Ma Hongyun watched from the side, dumbfounded. This person was at least in the Spirit Profound Realm!

He shivered all over and quickly stepped forward, respectfully and fawningly calling out, "Sir."

This kind of young master clearly indicated wealth and status. If he could build a good relationship, soaring to the heavens wouldn't be a dream.

Zhou Hao glanced at him, thought for a moment, and asked, "Where is this place?"

Seeing so many people here, he thought he could quickly get a grasp of this world.

"Shilpo Mountain Stronghold," Ma Hongyun replied with a smile.

His tone was filled with flattery.

A stronghold?

Zhou Hao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you people do here?"

"Uh..." A thin sheen of cold sweat beaded on Ma Hongyun's forehead as he chuckled dryly, "We... we're collecting tolls."

"Highway robbery?" Zhou Hao called him out, unsparing.

Seeing Ma Hongyun's constipated expression, he knew they weren't up to any good.

Ma Hongyun quickly explained, "No, no, we just collect a bit of protection money to escort travelers or merchant caravans! Hehehe, really."

Fearing Zhou Hao wouldn't believe him, he emphasized the last part.

Zhou Hao fell into thought.

Ma Hongyun nervously stayed by Zhou Hao's side. Seeing Zhou Hao remain silent, his heart felt like it was about to leap into his throat.

After a while, Zhou Hao finally spoke, "Can I stay here for a few days?"

He planned to use this stronghold to understand this world. Arriving as he had, understanding was the most important thing.

Ma Hongyun was stunned for a moment at his words, then immediately nodded, "Of course, of course you can! You're most welcome. I'll have someone arrange accommodations for you right away."

He immediately found a disciple of the stronghold and had them prepare the best living quarters for Zhou Hao.

Zhou Hao scanned his surroundings, noticing that the cultivators here weren't very strong. The highest level was only Mystic Body Realm, like Xu Shan and Ma Hongyun.

Looking at it this way, the overall cultivation level in the vicinity probably wasn't high. Otherwise, two Mystic Body Realm cultivators wouldn't be guarding a single stronghold.

Finally, he fixed his gaze on Xu Shan and asked, "Still want to fight? I'm happy to oblige."

Xu Shan shook his head, gritting his teeth, "I'm not fighting."

Although he was unconvinced, the gap in strength was too vast. Fighting Zhou Hao would be akin to seeking abuse. He might be a bit slow-witted, but he wasn't stupid.

Zhou Hao secretly lamented, missing out on another match. He had been quite pumped up.

Afterward, he followed Ma Hongyun to the room he would be staying in.

This was the best room in the Shilpo Mountain Stronghold. It was fully equipped with everything one could need. This room was originally meant for entertaining distinguished guests.

Now, Zhou Hao was that distinguished guest.

"Sir, please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. I'll take my leave now," Ma Hongyun said with a chuckle.

Zhou Hao nodded slightly and waved his hand, "If you have something to do, go ahead! Don't mind me."

He was just a guest here, after all.

"Understood." Ma Hongyun respectfully withdrew and went straight to find Xu Shan.

After all, with the unfathomably powerful Zhou Hao suddenly gracing them with his presence, they naturally had to discuss how to handle the situation together.