"Another cave?" Xu Mingwei wore a peculiar expression.
But ancient, ink-black vines grew at an angle from cracks in the cave's rock, their tendrils hung with specks of moss like ghostly phosphorescent flames, their dim light flickering in the mountain breeze.
Time had worn the stone steps at the entrance smooth, yet a little bone dust had accumulated in the corners.
Xu Mingwei stepped inside, and a chill immediately washed over him. The stalactites overhead resembled wolf fangs hanging upside down, while the dripping of water echoed through the hollow space.
Quite a few dry bones lay scattered in the corners, most belonging to beasts, though some were human.
Xu Mingwei thought to himself that the lair of a Qi Refining demon beast might contain the remains of cultivators. If it did, there might be magical artifacts, storage pouches, or similar items.
He searched carefully.
The first thing he spotted was an enormous nest built from dry branches and leaves. Inside lay three hawk eggs as large as human heads, their shells patterned with azure markings and giving off warmth.
"They're alive."
A smile appeared on Xu Mingwei's lips. Even if he found nothing else, bringing back these three hawk eggs and hatching all of them would make everything worthwhile.
He withdrew his gaze and continued searching the cave.
There were no weapons or anything of the sort, but he found three small pouches made of gray brocade.
"I can't open them. They must be storage pouches used by cultivators?"
"This really is a substantial haul. It seems Third Brother's talent truly is remarkable—seeking profit and avoiding harm."
Xu Mingwei had also sensed that the exceptional talents of all five siblings might be deeply connected to their father.
Though he understood the secret behind it, he did not dare expose