Two days earlier, an acquaintance had sent a letter saying he had discovered a place with beautiful scenery. The mountains were wondrous and the waters strange, and he could not bear to keep it to himself, so he invited Zhu Bo to go admire it together.
Translated into plain terms, he had found a ruin, suffered a crushing defeat during his first exploration, and planned to team up with Zhu Bo. As for how much they gained, each would rely on his own ability.
Zhu Bo knew exactly what strength the sender possessed. The other man had taken a heavy loss, and if Zhu Bo had led the expedition himself, the result would probably have been much the same.
Since the other party had already suffered once, he would certainly be better prepared the second time. Inviting Zhu Bo to join was most likely just a search for cannon fodder.
This business was rather thorny.
After hesitating for two days, Zhu Bo decided to go for it.
The reason was simple. Instead of seeking a stronger companion, the other party had chosen someone evenly matched with him, which showed that the ruin definitely contained good things. Since the two teams were close in strength, whether they cooperated or came to blows, there would be room to maneuver.
Wealth and honor were sought through danger. It was worth a try.
There was another important reason: these days, good tombs were becoming scarce. Digging one meant one fewer remained. If he missed this opportunity, he had no idea how long he would have to wait for the next.
Considering the risk of falling out, and the fact that the other party surely had additional reinforcements, Zhu Bo decided to bring Lu Bei along.
Feng Si had said that Lu Bei's strength was no lower than his own. As a novice who had never entered a tomb but had studied two days of theory, he was an excellent partner.
Zhu Bo did not expect Lu Bei to accomplish anything. As long as he lent a hand when the fighting started, that would be enough.
"How about it, Brother Lu? Are you taking this job?"
Zhu Bo gazed intently at Lu Bei and said in a deep voice, "Don't overthink it. If you're unwilling, I won't blame you. This cooperation runs deep enough that even I'm not sure I can keep it in hand."
[You have received the quest Ruin Exploration] [Quest Description: Underground ruins are strange and perilous, but the rewards are equally immense. This is a perilous adventure filled with dangers at every turn. How far can you go?] [Main Quest: Survive. Reward: 200,000 experience] [Main Quest: Explore the ruins. Rewards will be granted according to contribution] [Side Quest: Not triggered] [Accept?] Yes Did he even need to think about it? Just entering and coming back out would earn him 200,000 experience. Of course he had to accept! Lu Bei quickly confirmed the quest, took a deep breath, and looked at Zhu Bo. "Brother Bo, your words have hurt me deeply. What do you mean by 'I won't blame you if you're unwilling'? Is that something brothers should say to each other?" "Ah, this..." Zhu Bo was deeply moved. "Brother Lu, you mean you're willing?" "We're family, and my big brother has invited me to help. How could I refuse? Let alone waters too deep to grasp—even if a mountain of blades and sea of flames lay before me, with one word from you, Brother Bo, I, Lu Bei, wouldn't even furrow my brow." Lu Bei swore solemnly. He would not even furrow his brow—he would simply turn around and leave. "What a good brother!" "Now that's loyalty!" Smack! The two raised their hands and slapped them together, then hooked their arms around each other and agreed to go to Yunshui Tower that night to listen to some music. Lu Bei found this rather difficult. His eldest sister-in-law kept far too close an eye on him, so he could forget about Yunshui Tower. Bright Moon Tower, however, was available whenever he called. Zhu Bo expressed his understanding. Wei Mao had served at Dasheng Pass for several years and had never once had a spending record at Yunshui Tower. The severity of Zhu Yan's discipline was plain to see. "Then we'll meet at Bright Moon Tower tonight. This is the Ascension Gate Sect token. Keep it safe, and don't let someone pick it up along with your Qiankun Bag." "Brother Bo, don't make fun of me." Lu Bei accepted the token. An entry for "Ascension Gate Sect" appeared among his factions. He asked, "Does the Ascension Gate Sect have any intelligence on that ruin?" "We'll discuss the details at Bright Moon Tower. Go back and pack up, and get ready as soon as possible. We'll set out at the hour of the Dragon in three days." "Okay." Lu Bei nodded. Zhu Bo hurried away. He told Lu Bei to make further preparations, while he himself did not remain idle either. He went straight to the prefectural governor's residence, found Zhu Ting, told him everything truthfully, and then borrowed some men. Zhu Ting pondered for a moment before assigning a personal guard to accompany Zhu Bo. The guard had followed him for many years, so loyalty was not an issue. As for Lu Bei, after Zhu Bo left, he told Wei Mao and his wife that he had been invited on a trip and would be leaving home in three days. Zhu Yan did not think too much of it. She only told Lu Bei to stay safe, keep his wits about him while away from home, and that being swindled out of money was one thing—but he had better not let anyone swindle him out of his chastity too. Wei Mao seemed deep in thought. When Lu Bei returned from Bright Moon Tower, he brought him to the study and gifted him a chain-mail shirt to wear beneath his clothes. It was blue quality, superbly crafted, with rather impressive defensive power. Lu Bei's basic attributes had not yet reached the minimum requirements to wear it, so he would have to assign another point after returning. "Eldest Cousin, what does this mean?" As usual, Lu Bei first stowed away the equipment before asking. "Entering and leaving ruins is dangerous. If something happens to you, your wife and I won't be able to answer to Senior Sister. Wear this armor. Losing an arm or a leg is still better than losing your life." Wei Mao was blunt. "Eldest Cousin, you've already said you couldn't answer to her, yet you're not stopping me. You really don't wish me well!" Lu Bei said with a laugh. "You're too wild at heart. No cage could hold you." Wei Mao shook his head, then abruptly changed tack. "This armor was passed down to me by my father. After you return, don't feed me any nonsense about accidentally losing it. I won't understand a word." "Eldest Cousin, what kind of person do you take me for?" Lu Bei pouted, secretly thinking, *He really knows people well.* "Is there anything else you need to prepare? Tell me everything while there's still time. I'll have it all ready for you within three days." Wei Mao said something that moved Lu Bei deeply, then suddenly changed tack again. "When you return laden with spoils, you'll give me a share of the gains." "This..." Lu Bei scratched his head. "Eldest Cousin, I don't quite understand. What are you hiding away so much private money for?" "There's a prefect, a commandant, and a regional inspector at Dasheng Pass keeping watch over everything, not to mention an administrator from Huangji Sect. I can't afford to offend any of them. Serving as an official here is exhausting, so I plan to transfer somewhere more leisurely within the next two years." Wei Mao made no attempt to conceal his thoughts. "I see." Lu Bei nodded deeply. Moving elsewhere required money to grease the wheels. Wei Mao had it hard as well. "By the way, Eldest Cousin." A sudden idea struck Lu Bei. Thinking there was a lot of potential in it, he rubbed his little hands together with a grin. "Eldest Cousin, what do you think of my hometown, Langyu County? What if you were transferred there as County Lieutenant at the same rank?" "Langyu County is a place to retire. Promotion is difficult there, so it can't be considered a transfer at the same rank." Wei Mao shook his head. "You can't put it that way. The people of Langyu County are simple and honest, making it the perfect place to prey on the locals. In three years as an incorruptible official, you could earn..." "No need to say more." Wei Mao cut him off. "I'm acquainted with the County Lieutenant of Langyu County. If anything happens, you can go to him. Any other questions?" "None." Lu Bei raised a thumbs-up. Not only had he no more questions, he was thoroughly impressed. As expected of his eldest cousin—his prospects were limitless. ... After returning to his room, Lu Bei did not immediately allocate his free attribute points. Instead, he invested the experience into the Demon Slaying Scripture, using cultivation-level increases to drive up his basic attributes.
[You comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and achieved something. Strength +6, Speed +6, Spirit +5]
[You comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and achieved something. Strength +6, Speed +5, Spirit +6]
[You comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and achieved a great deal. Total level experience +100,000, cultivation +800, Health +500]
"Just as expected of a cultivation method specializing in demon extermination. It's truly violent and merciless. The basic attributes are rising so satisfyingly..."
Just as Lu Bei was lavishly praising Mo Buxiu, the Demon Slaying Scripture suddenly changed. A new message appeared.
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[You comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and broke through the cultivation method's realm. You severed one demonic thought. Total level increased by 5]
[You comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and broke through the cultivation method's realm. You grasped the Demon Slaying Will. From now on, all increases to basic attributes will be calculated at double value]
"Severed one demonic thought... Demon Slaying Will..."
"What is this?"
At the same time, in a dim and murky place, black demonic mist appeared from nowhere and slowly condensed into a humanoid silhouette.
"Who am I?"
"Where am I?"
"My name is... Lu..."
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