Over the past half month, Fu Qingzhou and Zou Chong often went out to gather information. The ruins weren’t hard to find—many cultivators had already entered—but no one discovered anything of value. Some elder cultivators insisted there must be a hidden space within, so everyone eagerly searched for a way in. Only Mu Li remained absorbed in refining new pills. Since arriving, she hadn’t left the cave dwelling at all.
Because Mu Li’s cultivation was weak, Fu Qingzhou never let her stay alone. He and Zou Chong took turns accompanying her to ensure her safety.
As for the search for opportunities in the ruins, Mu Li was calm: “What’s the rush? No one else has found anything either.”
“Tsk, your mindset is really something,” Fu Qingzhou said, reclining on a chair, glancing sideways at her.
Mu Li was busy sorting the herbs she had just gathered for future use.
“Well, if we don’t keep calm, what else can we do? We’re only three people. Even if we did find some treasure, with dozens of high-stage Foundation cultivators outside, we couldn’t escape.”
Fu Qingzhou nodded. “True. With so many watching, I couldn’t guarantee getting you and Daoist Zou out safely.”
Mu Li smiled. “And who knows if there’s even a hidden space? If not, all that effort is wasted. Right now, trading pills for herbs and spirit stones is already quite profitable.”
Fu Qingzhou sighed again. “You’re easily satisfied.”
“By the way, with so many cultivators here, surely Xuanyuan Yunfei and Su Xuening have come too?”
Her curiosity wasn’t strange. In secret realms, great opportunities usually depended on the protagonists. If they weren’t present, others likely wouldn’t find clues.
Fu Qingzhou’s expression turned odd. “What, you want to see them?”
When they first entered the realm, Mu Li had wanted to avoid those two. Now she was asking about them.
Realizing the awkwardness, Mu Li regretted her slip and laughed lightly: “I’m just curious. With so many people gathered, it wouldn’t make sense for them not to show up.”
“Maybe they wandered into some remote corner and missed the news,” Fu Qingzhou suggested.
Of course, the protagonists wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. The very next day, they appeared—and upon hearing Mu Li’s group was present, they sought them out immediately.
“Daoist Mu, I didn’t expect you to be an alchemist,” Xuanyuan Yunfei said, his expression complicated.
Mu Li nodded coolly. “A little. I can only refine low-level pills. Nothing special.”
Su Xuening forced a smile and praised, “Daoist Mu is too modest. With only early-stage Foundation cultivation, you can refine so many useful pills. Even in the Central Continent, heavenly-ranked alchemists would fight to take you as a disciple.”
Alchemy and artifact refinement required talent and comprehension, not just effort. Even heavenly-ranked alchemists struggled to find worthy successors.
Xuanyuan Yunfei’s mood grew heavier. He had known Mu Li for years, yet never realized she could refine pills. Whether she gained this talent after their broken engagement or the Mu family had hidden it, he found it hard to accept.
Su Xuening also felt uneasy. Back in Ling City, many had accused her of being the third party who ruined their engagement. At the time, Mu Li’s cultivation was too low, so people only pitied her briefly before agreeing that Xuanyuan Yunfei’s choice was right.
Now, things were different. Who knew how others would gossip, or how the Xuanyuan family would react?
Still, Su Xuening composed herself and explained her purpose: “We accidentally entered a beast lair. Many of our team were injured, and our pills are nearly gone. We heard Daoist Mu has many varieties. If we bring herbs, could we trade for some?”
Mu Li didn’t care for them, but business delivered to her door was hard to refuse. Besides, protagonists blessed by fate always had good items.
She nodded. “Yes. As long as I have them, you can trade herbs for pills. What do you need?”
Su Xuening quickly listed several healing and recovery pills.
Mu Li had plenty in stock and immediately exchanged them. The smooth transaction brightened both their faces.
After some small talk, Su Xuening hesitated, then invited: “More and more cultivators are searching for treasures. Why don’t you three join us? Our team isn’t large, but we’re strong.” Seeing no immediate response, she added, “Of course, you can discuss it first. We’ll rest for two days.”
Once they left, Fu Qingzhou asked: “What do you think?”
Zou Chong leaned toward agreeing but looked to Mu Li, since he considered himself her guard.
Mu Li thought for a moment. “Let’s join them. With more people, our chances improve.”
After all, with the protagonists’ luck, they would surely find the entrance sooner or later. Tagging along might let them share in the fortune. And since the invitation came from the protagonists themselves, if she accidentally took part in their opportunity, fate wouldn’t blame her.
Two days later, Su Xuening’s team informed them they had found the hidden entrance.
Mu Li marveled—*as expected of protagonists*—and followed Fu Qingzhou and Zou Chong to meet them.
Su Xuening’s group included three late-stage and four mid-stage Foundation cultivators. With Mu Li’s trio, they numbered twelve.
At night, they reached the entrance—a Five Elements teleportation array. Five late-stage cultivators activated it, sending everyone inside. Their strong, unified team immediately drew attention. When they vanished, other cultivators noticed and gathered around the array.
Inside, Mu Li’s group found themselves at the foot of a towering mountain. The space wasn’t large—just the single peak rising into the clouds.
Fu Qingzhou grew serious. “We’ve found the entrance. Others will follow soon. We must act fast—straight to the summit.”
At his words, the others summoned their flying treasures and soared upward. Mu Li was about to retrieve one from her ring when Fu Qingzhou pulled her onto his sword. Wind roared past her ears as his voice rang clear: “Stay close to me.”