Chapter 137: Sect Activities

(1/3)

As we spoke, we had already reached the main gate where we had entered. I felt the aura barrier invisible to the naked eye, then punched it hard again, seeing no reaction. I took the treasured sword from Chen Chen’s hand.

It seemed this aura barrier was indeed very tough; at least with my current strength, brute force wouldn’t break it.

I looked at the sword in my hand, initially intending to take it away—after all, who doesn’t want a good weapon? But now it seemed I could only leave it behind.

I’m not one to hesitate, so I raised my hand and inserted the sword into the mechanism’s slot.

With a sharp sound, the aura barrier before us slowly vanished.

Chen Chen was the first to step out; seeing no problem, the others followed in turn.

“Ah, finally out,” Li Zijian exclaimed, lighting a cigarette and pulling out his phone.

“Sigh, now there’s signal again.”

From the moment we entered this ancient tomb, I had guessed it was the Ghost King’s trick to block all signals inside.

Li Zijian quickly called Old Li. We had planned to invite the others to ride with us, but they kept declining.

With no other choice, the three of us stood waiting for the car. The other classmates had already headed back; we found a large stone by the roadside to sit on.

“Let’s grab some food,” Li Zijian whispered nearby. I was indeed a bit hungry and gladly agreed.

Chen Chen had nothing pressing and tagged along.

“Just go like this?”

I said, shaking my long robe.

“Then let’s take a bath first. What do you guys think?”

“Alright, alright...”

...

Not long after, Old Li’s car sped over and stopped right in front of us.

Once we were in, Old Li asked, “What were you guys up to? Tomb raiding? Grave robbing?”

Only a fool would say that. Li Zijian quickly came up with a shaky excuse.

And so the story of the South City ancient tomb came to an end. The car sped along the highway, the scenes behind us growing more distant.

If nothing else happens, I swear I won’t set foot here again in this lifetime.

The journey back was smooth, and Old Li helped us find a large bathhouse.

There weren’t many people here today. I just worried that our outfits might draw too much attention.

(2/3)

Just after stepping inside the bathhouse, I casually admired the decor. Our purpose today was simply to relax.

What caught my eye was a man in a suit at the front desk—he possessed the strength of a Spirit Leaf rank three.

“Welcome to Golden Dragon Bathhouse. Please follow me,” he said, leading the four of us to the VIP suite. Old Li must have arranged this in advance.

“Enjoy your bath,” the man said before leaving us to settle in.

This must be the largest and finest VIP room at Golden Dragon Bathhouse.

I went to the changing room, shed my clothes, put on a bathrobe, and plunged into the warm spring.

“Golden Dragon Bathhouse, not bad. Even the front desk has Spirit Leaf rank three strength,” I whispered to Old Li.

He smiled knowingly and replied, “That’s normal. As ordinary people, you wouldn’t notice. Wherever you go—any city—there are those who disdain the bloodshed of the martial world and live for earthly pleasures. They just don’t act lightly.”

I nodded, learning a bit more about the cultivation and martial world.

Earlier, I hadn’t called Second Uncle yet; I planned to surprise them later.

The bath was very refreshing. We stayed over an hour. During that time, the front desk man came by to say he would help clean our clothes.

By the time we finished, our cleaned and dried clothes had been delivered.

I changed into a white silk robe scented with jasmine and was the first to step out.

I sat on a sofa in the hall, waiting for the others.

At that moment, the front desk man approached, holding a teapot.

“Senior, I am Wang Tian,” he said, bowing deeply.

His gesture stunned me. Usually, those below my level can’t sense my cultivation, yet Wang Tian addressed me as “senior.”

I instinctively stood and asked him, “How did you tell my cultivation level?” Then I gestured for him to sit and chat.

He didn’t hesitate, pulling a golden pearl from his pocket.

“This is called a Spirit-Detecting Pearl. It reveals the presence of those with spiritual energy. Plus, you’re wearing a white silk robe—definitely a senior.”

I glanced down at the white robe, which did give the air of a cultivated noble’s son.

“You’re surprisingly accomplished for your age. May I ask who your master is?”

Wang Tian’s tone was courteous, almost like a salesman, but such questions are common in the cultivation world.

“Cai Ming.”

Whenever asked, I always mention Second Uncle’s name.

“Cai Ming...” Wang Tian rubbed his chin, pondering but seemingly recalling nothing.

“My master has been in seclusion for many years. It’s normal not to know him.”

“Oh, apologies.”

Wang Tian was very polite, every movement graceful. Yet I felt he had a purpose; otherwise, he wouldn’t have approached me so familiarly.

“If you have something to say, just tell me.”

Wang Tian was taken aback but then chuckled and said, “Nothing escapes you. I want to invite you to a small event.”

He handed me a card with bold characters: “Xuanwu Gate.”

From the name, it must be a sect. That explained everything.

“Our sect is holding a small event inviting independent cultivators to undergo a series of tests. Winners receive generous rewards.”

I wasn’t interested at all but couldn’t outright refuse.

“I have many things going on recently. If I have time, I’ll contact you.”

I saved Wang Tian’s number.

At that moment, Li Zijian and the others finished bathing and came out, ready to rest before leaving.

Wang Tian, seeing my friends, returned to the front desk to continue working.

I leaned toward Old Li and asked, “Uncle Li, do you know Xuanwu Gate?”

Old Li nodded, thinking for a moment.

“Xuanwu Gate is a sect with a strong heritage. It wasn’t always called Xuanwu; it changed names after some internal changes. It’s a reputable orthodox sect.”

Hearing this, I felt relieved—not some villainous sect.

“What’s wrong?”

“That guy at the front desk just invited me to join. No big deal.”

I made up a casual excuse. Old Li smiled and said,

“Nowadays, sects with strong heritage are powerful but haven’t had fresh blood for a long time. That’s why they’re eager to recruit talented newcomers.”

“Especially someone with your strength. You’d be highly sought after in a sect.”

(3/3)