Demon Slaying

Two days ago, an acquaintance sent a message stating they had discovered a place of beautiful scenery. Fearing they couldn't enjoy it alone, they invited Zhu Bo to go and appreciate it together.

Translated, it meant they had found a ruin. After an initial exploration that ended in failure, they planned to team up with Zhu Bo, with each person relying on their own abilities to reap rewards.

Zhu Bo knew full well the strength of the sender. The other party had suffered a great loss, and if he were to lead the expedition, the outcome would likely be similar.

Furthermore, after suffering such a significant setback, the sender would surely be better prepared the second time around. Bringing him into the fold was likely a search for cannon fodder.

This venture was a bit tricky.

Zhu Bo hesitated for two days before deciding to go for it.

The reason was simple: the sender hadn't sought out someone stronger, but instead chose someone of similar caliber to him. This indicated that there must be something valuable within the ruins. With both teams having comparable strength, there would be room for negotiation, whether they cooperated or fought.

Fortune favors the bold; it was worth a shot.

There was another important reason: good tombs were becoming scarce these days, and each one found was one less. He didn't know when the next opportunity would arise.

Considering the risk of betrayal and the fact that the sender surely had other powerful allies, Zhu Bo decided to bring Lu Bei along.

Feng Si had mentioned that Lu Bei's strength was not inferior to his own. As a novice who hadn't explored any tombs before, after a couple of days of theoretical study, he would be an excellent partner.

Zhu Bo didn't expect Lu Bei to achieve much; he just needed him to be helpful if a fight broke out.

"How about it, Brother Lu, are you in for this score?"

Zhu Bo looked at Lu Bei with burning eyes, saying solemnly, "Don't overthink it. If you're unwilling, I won't blame you. This cooperation is a bit murky, and even I might not be able to handle it."

[You have received the quest [Ruin Exploration]]

[Quest Description: Underground ruins are treacherous and dangerous, but the rewards are equally immense. This is a perilous adventure; how far can you go?]

[Main Quest: Survive, Reward: 200,000 Experience]

[Main Quest: Explore the ruins, rewards will be given based on contribution]

[Side Quest: Not Triggered]

[Accept?]

[Yes][No]

Did he even need to think about it? Just entering and exiting would net him 200,000 experience points. Of course, he would accept!

Lu Bei quickly confirmed the quest, took a deep breath, and looked at Zhu Bo, "Brother Bo, hearing you say that pains me deeply. What do you mean, 'If you're unwilling, I won't blame you'? 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 brothers, and Big Brother has invited me. How could I possibly refuse? Let alone a murky situation that's hard to grasp, even if mountains of knives and seas of fire lay before us, with just one word from you, Brother Bo, I, Lu Bei, wouldn't even bat an eye," Lu Bei swore.

Wouldn't even bat an eye, then turned and left.

"Good brother!"

"Loyal!"

Slap!

They high-fived and clapped each other on the shoulder, agreeing to go to Yunshui Tower that night to listen to some music.

Lu Bei found this rather difficult. His eldest cousin-in-law was too strict; Yunshui Tower was out of the question. Bright Moon Tower, however, was available at any time.

Zhu Bo understood. Wei Mao had served at Dasheng Pass for years and had never spent a dime at Yunshui Tower. Zhu Yan's strictness was evident.

"Then it's settled, Bright Moon Tower tonight. Here's the Ascension Gate Sect token, keep it safe, don't let someone pickpocket your Qiankun Bag."

"Brother Bo, don't tease me."

Lu Bei took the token. A new entry, 'Ascension Gate Sect,' appeared in his affiliations. He asked, "Regarding that ruin, is there any information available within the Ascension Gate Sect?"

"We'll discuss the specifics at Bright Moon Tower. Go back and pack, get ready as soon as possible. We'll depart three days from now at Chen Shi."

"Alright."

Lu Bei nodded. Zhu Bo left in a hurry. While he had asked Lu Bei to prepare, he hadn't been idle himself. He went straight to the Prefect's mansion and found Zhu Ting, told him the truth, and then requested reinforcements.

Zhu Ting pondered for a moment and assigned a personal guard to accompany Zhu Bo. Having served him for many years, his loyalty was unquestionable.

Meanwhile, on Lu Bei's end, after Zhu Bo left, he informed Wei Mao and his wife about his invitation and their planned trip in three days.

Zhu Yan didn't overthink it, telling Lu Bei to be careful and to keep his wits about him when he was out. She added that it would be fine if he was swindled out of money, but he shouldn't let himself be deceived in other ways.

Wei Mao seemed thoughtful. When Lu Bei returned from Bright Moon Tower, he took him to the study and gifted him an inner chainmail shirt.

It was of blue quality and excellent craftsmanship, offering considerable defense. Lu Bei hadn't yet met the minimum stat requirement to wear it, so he would need to allocate some points when he got back.

"Eldest Cousin, what is the meaning of this?" Lu Bei, as usual, put the equipment away before asking.

"There are risks involved in entering and exiting ruins. If something were to happen to you, my wife and I wouldn't be able to explain it to Senior Sister. Wear this armor; losing a limb is better than losing your life," Wei Mao said frankly.

"If Eldest Cousin says he can't explain it, and you still don't stop me, you really don't wish me well!" Lu Bei said with a laugh.

"Your heart is too wild; you can't be contained."

Wei Mao shook his head, then changed the subject. "This armor was passed down from my father. After you return, don't come to me with any nonsense about accidentally losing it; I won't understand."

"Eldest Cousin, what kind of person do you take me for!" Lu Bei pouted, thinking to himself that his cousin-in-law knew him all too well.

"What else needs to be prepared? Tell me everything before we depart, and I'll have it ready for you within three days."

Wei Mao said something that deeply moved Lu Bei, then abruptly changed the subject: "When you return laden with spoils, you have to give me a share."

"This..."

Lu Bei scratched his head. "Eldest Cousin, I don't really understand. Why are you hoarding so much personal savings?"

"On Dasheng Pass, there's the Prefect, the County Lieutenant, and the County Supervisor overseeing things, plus an administrator from the Huangji Sect. I can't afford to offend any of them. Being an official here is too tiring; I plan to move to a more relaxed place in the next couple of years." Wei Mao was completely open about his thoughts.

"I see."

Lu Bei wholeheartedly agreed. Moving would require money for bribes, so Wei Mao wasn't having an easy time.

"Oh, right, Eldest Cousin."

A plan suddenly struck Lu Bei, and he felt it had great potential. He rubbed his hands together with a chuckle. "Eldest Cousin, what do you think of my hometown, Langyu County? How about you transfer there as County Lieutenant at the same rank?"

"Langyu County is a place to retire, not easy to get promoted there. It wouldn't be considered a lateral transfer," Wei Mao shook his head.

"You can't say that. Langyu County has simple folk and is perfect for exploiting the locals. Three years as an honest official there would earn you..."

"No need to say more."

Wei Mao directly interrupted. "The County Lieutenant of Langyu County is an old acquaintance of mine. I can rely on him if anything comes up. Any other questions?"

"None."

Lu Bei raised his hand and gave a thumbs-up. Not only were there no more questions, but he was also impressed. He truly was his Eldest Cousin, with boundless potential.

Back in his room, Lu Bei didn't immediately allocate his free attribute points. Instead, he put the experience into the 'Demon Slaying Scripture,' using the skill upgrade to boost his basic attributes.

[You have comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and achieved some success. Strength +6, Speed +6, Spirit +5]

[You have comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and achieved some success. Strength +6, Speed +5, Spirit +6]

[You have comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and gained immense rewards. Total Level EXP +100,000, Cultivation +800, HP +500]

"As expected of a skill specifically for demon slaying, it's truly brutal and ruthless. The boost to basic attributes feels so good..."

Just as Lu Bei was praising Mo Buxiu, the Demon Slaying Scripture skill underwent a change, and a new message popped up.

[You have comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and broken through its cultivation realm, slaying a Demonic Thought. Your total level has increased by 5]

[You have comprehended the Demon Slaying Scripture and broken through its cultivation realm, gaining Demon Slaying Will. All future basic attribute gains will be calculated at double rate]

"Slayed a Demonic Thought... Demon Slaying Will..."

"What is this?"

At the same time, in a dim and hazy space, black demonic mist spontaneously formed, slowly condensing into a human silhouette.

"Who am I?"

"Where am I?"

"My name is... Lu..."