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Chapter 271: Falling into a Trap
🕑 Added 2024-09-13 05:48:19 +0000 UTCThe entire interior of the building was clearly designed for habitation.
There were not only bedrooms but also storage rooms for medicinal pills, places for cultivation, and training areas—everything one might need.
As Lin Qian explored the structure, he touched the walls and used his soul power to sense the environment, transmitting all the data he gathered back to the Hua Xia Empire for Zhuge Ming to analyze.
Zhuge Ming's conclusion was that this fortress-like building was, in fact, just that—a fortress.
The array formations inscribed throughout the structure primarily served defensive and concealment purposes. They also had functions to eliminate noise and to calm and focus the minds of those within.
Thus, this fortress was essentially a place for rest and cultivation, allowing people to stay within and train without being disturbed.
"It seems this fortress building was primarily intended for rest, allowing people to cultivate undisturbed within," Lin Qian said after understanding the purpose of the structure and receiving Zhuge Ming's analysis.
This realization further convinced Lin Qian that the small world relic was not exclusively owned by a human faction in ancient times. It must have been shared by various forces, and not only by humans.
Clearly, in ancient times, the Swift-Hidden Clan was also among the participants in this relic's trials, and this fortress was a place for them to rest.
The medicinal pills left behind in the building were likely remnants from the Swift-Hidden Clan members who participated in the trials long ago. Lin Qian distributed these pills among the others.
As for the various ancient texts stored within the building, the others unanimously agreed to let Lin Qian have them.
Yang Tianhao and **** also understood, after some explanation, that Lin Qian had a great thirst for knowledge and ancient texts, whereas he had little interest in the medicinal pills.
The texts left behind by the Swift-Hidden Clan were extensive, likely intentionally placed here during the ancient era so that their kin could refer to them during trials if they encountered any cultivation insights.
Although the Swift-Hidden Clan's innate abilities seemed trivial compared to the Night Shadows, the texts still held significant research value, so Lin Qian gladly accepted them.
Apart from these, there wasn't much else of value in the fortress.
"If this small world contains a fortress for the Swift-Hidden Clan to rest in, could there be other buildings for the ancient races that entered this world?" Ye Xin suddenly speculated.
"Of course there are. There are three more such fortress buildings, each located in a different direction," Lin Qian replied before Ye Xin could finish her thought.
Thanks to the numerous scout beasts, the remaining three buildings had already been located. The Swift-Hidden Clan’s fortress was simply the closest to their initial position, so they had come here first.
It was fortunate they did, as otherwise, the two disciples from Blood Spirit Valley might not have survived.
"In that case, why don't we check out the other buildings and see what they're like?" Zhang Ziduo's eyes lit up with anticipation upon hearing about the other three fortresses.
Seeing Zhang Ziduo's enthusiasm, Lin Qian knew that his excitement for treasure hunting had been reignited.
During their exploration of the Swift-Hidden Clan's fortress, Zhang Ziduo had been the most eager, searching every corner, even turning up old soul artifacts and tattered clothing left behind.
"There's no time to waste; let's head out now," Zhang Ziduo urged, his excitement making him stomp his foot impatiently, trying to hurry everyone along.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Seven stomps echoed, followed by the sound of seven cracks. The building began to shake violently, rumbling as if it were about to collapse.
Crack!
Suddenly, the ground beneath them split open, revealing a gaping hole. Before they realized it, they were all falling into the depths below.
Although surprised, Lin Qian and the others didn't panic. They immediately gathered their soul power, attempting to stabilize themselves and hover in midair.
However, they quickly discovered that they couldn't fly—an invisible force seemed to be restricting their abilities, forcing them to continue their descent.
The calm expressions on Lin Qian and the others quickly turned to looks of helplessness, and they exchanged wry smiles.
At that moment, Lin Qian suddenly reached out, grabbing Ye Xin and pulling her close, holding her tightly in his arms. He adjusted his position in midair so that his back would hit the ground first.
Seeing this, Zhang Qi quickly followed suit, pulling Zhang Wenshan into his arms to shield her.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Ye Xin barely had time to react before they all hit the ground hard, the heavy thuds echoing in the vast, empty space around them.
Ye Xin could feel the impact transferring from Lin Qian's body to hers, but by the time it reached her, it was barely noticeable.
"Xiao Qian, are you okay? Why did you do something so foolish?" Ye Xin quickly got up from Lin Qian, scolding him with concern.
Lin Qian laughed as he leaped to his feet, brushing the dust off his clothes. "Silly girl, you know how strong my body is. There's no need to worry about me."
Still worried, Ye Xin carefully checked Lin Qian for injuries before finally relaxing.
As for the others, although they felt some pain, it was nothing serious given their cultivation levels. They quickly got up and began examining their surroundings with curiosity.
They found themselves in a quiet stone chamber, completely empty.
"Look what you've done—now we're stuck in this place!" Li Yunfeng shouted at Zhang Ziduo in exasperation after scanning the room.
"Exactly! We could have checked out the other three buildings later. What was the rush? All that stomping just got us into trouble!" Zhang Wenshan chimed in, equally frustrated.
Zhang Ziduo scratched his head sheepishly, realizing this situation was indeed his fault. He had stomped seven times, causing the building to crack and sending them tumbling down.
However, none of them noticed that Lin Qian's eyes were fixed on a particular direction, as if he had sensed something.
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