The golden light inside the treasure chamber illuminated the ancient stone walls.
Three treasures rested on the pedestals before Fan Lin and Lin Yueqing.
A glowing jade sword, an ancient martial scroll, and a mysterious crystal orb swirling with wind energy.
Fan Lin's eyes sparkled.
"These must be the core treasures of the Wind Spirit Ruins."
Lin Yueqing nodded slowly.
"The jade sword is likely a spirit weapon, and the scroll probably contains the Wind Spirit Martial Artist's legacy technique."
Fan Lin grinned.
"Looks like we got lucky tonight."
But before they could examine the treasures further—
The system warning panel flashed again.
WARNING
Hostile cultivators approaching
Distance: 800 meters
Estimated number: 6
Average cultivation: Body Tempering Level 7–8
Leader detected: Body Tempering Level 9
Fan Lin sighed.
"Looks like we're not the only treasure hunters."
Lin Yueqing's expression became serious.
"We don't have much time."
Fan Lin nodded.
"Let's grab the treasures first."
They quickly stepped toward the pedestals.
Lin Yueqing took the ancient martial scroll.
Fan Lin reached for the jade sword.
The moment he touched it—
The system panel appeared.
Spirit Weapon Detected
Item: Wind Spirit Jade Sword
Grade: Low Spirit Weapon
Effect:
• Increases sword speed
• Enhances wind-type techniques
• +10% attack speed
Fan Lin's grin widened.
"A spirit weapon already?"
He lifted the sword.
The blade was light and extremely sharp.
When he swung it gently, the air produced a faint whistling sound.
"Perfect."
Lin Yueqing opened the scroll carefully.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"This is the Wind Spirit Sword Art."
Fan Lin blinked.
"That sounds powerful."
"It is," she replied.
"It's a High Mortal Rank sword technique… nearly reaching Earth Rank."
Fan Lin chuckled.
"Then tonight really was lucky."
Just as they finished collecting the treasures—
Footsteps echoed from the corridor.
Several shadows appeared at the entrance of the hall.
Six cultivators walked in.
Their leader wore a luxurious dark robe and carried a heavy spear.
The moment his eyes saw the fallen guardian beast, his expression darkened.
"So someone got here before us."
His gaze landed on Fan Lin and Lin Yueqing.
Then he saw the treasures in their hands.
Greed filled his eyes instantly.
"Hand over the treasures."
Fan Lin tilted his head slightly.
"And if we say no?"
The leader sneered.
"Then you die."
The system panel appeared automatically.
Enemy Leader
Name: Guo Han
Realm: Body Tempering Level 9
EXP Reward: 400
SP Reward: 40
Fan Lin grinned slightly.
"Another Level 9."
Lin Yueqing stepped forward calmly.
"We don't have time to argue."
"Fight quickly."
Guo Han laughed loudly.
"You two think you can defeat all of us?"
His five subordinates surrounded them.
Fan Lin rolled his shoulders.
"I've beaten worse odds."
Guo Han raised his spear.
"Kill them!"
The battle began instantly.
Two enemies rushed toward Fan Lin.
Fan Lin activated Wind Shadow Sword Technique.
His body moved like flowing wind.
SLASH!
The Wind Spirit Jade Sword cut through the air faster than before.
One enemy's weapon shattered instantly.
Before he could react—
Fan Lin's blade flashed again.
SLASH!
The man collapsed.
DING
Enemy defeated
EXP +200
SP +15
EXP: 550 / 900
SP: 215
Fan Lin turned immediately.
The second enemy attacked from behind.
Fan Lin dodged sideways and stabbed forward.
CRACK.
The jade sword pierced the man's chest.
DING
Enemy defeated
EXP +200
SP +15
EXP: 750 / 900
Meanwhile Lin Yueqing fought three opponents at once.
Her sword moved like moonlight.
Elegant.
Deadly.
SLASH!
One enemy fell instantly.
SLASH!
Another collapsed seconds later.
Guo Han's expression darkened.
"These two monsters…"
Only he remained.
Fan Lin cracked his neck.
"Looks like it's just you now."
Guo Han roared angrily and charged forward.
His spear thrust toward Fan Lin like lightning.
CLANG!
Fan Lin blocked with the jade sword.
The impact pushed him back slightly.
Guo Han's strength was impressive.
But Fan Lin only smiled.
"Your EXP will push me to the next level."
Guo Han snarled.
"You're insane!"
They clashed again.
CLANG!
CLANG!
Weapons collided repeatedly.
Finally Fan Lin activated his full power.
"Wind Shadow Strike!"
His body blurred.
The jade sword flashed.
SLASH!
Guo Han's spear shattered.
A second slash followed instantly.
Blood sprayed.
Guo Han collapsed to the ground.
DING
Guo Han defeated
EXP +400
SP +40
The system panel exploded with light.
EXP: 1150 / 900
LEVEL UP!
Realm: Body Tempering Level 9
Strength: 41
Agility: 38
Spirit: 31
A powerful surge of energy flowed through Fan Lin's body.
His aura grew noticeably stronger.
Fan Lin exhaled slowly.
"Level 9."
Now he was only one step away from the Spirit Warrior Realm.
Lin Yueqing looked at him with surprise.
"You broke through again?"
Fan Lin smiled casually.
"Lucky night."
But suddenly—
The system map flashed violently.
A new warning appeared.
ALERT
Powerful Demon Beast Approaching Ruins
Distance: 3 km
Estimated Strength: Spirit Warrior Realm
Danger Level: Extreme
Lin Yueqing's expression changed.
"A Spirit Realm beast?"
Fan Lin's smile slowly widened.
"Now things are getting interesting."
But deep inside…
Even he knew this fight might be far more dangerous than anything before.
The ruins adventure was far from over.