Chapter 59: The Opening of the Toba Ruins

As Bai Feiyu was lost in thought, suddenly a commotion erupted within the crowd. In the next moment, he saw the dense throng of people begin to stir restlessly—on the side of the Toba Ruins, the entrance had finally taken shape, and everyone started surging forward in haste.

In an instant, the crowd was like a pack of madmen, rushing frantically into the Toba Ruins. The first arrivals would claim the best treasures; those who came later could only pick at leftovers. In this place, being first meant everything.

Yet Bai Feiyu did not share their eagerness. He followed quietly in the middle of the group, lurking cautiously. He had a strong intuition that entering too quickly could bring unforeseen dangers; it was better to let others test the way ahead. After all, he could collect attributes simply by fighting—while the treasures inside were tempting, they did not possess a fatal allure for him.

Moreover, with so many people storming in at once, if he were at the very front, he would certainly incur the resentment of the disciples from the Golden Radiance Sect, for he had already tricked them previously. They would surely seek an opportunity to strike at him, and once the senior brothers' attention was absorbed by the ruins, he would be left unprotected. Even for someone as formidable as Bai Feiyu, being caught off guard by so many ambushers could prove overwhelming.

But following behind his senior brothers was different; if any sudden events arose, at least the members of the Eagle Alliance would go all out to protect him. The Golden Radiance Sect would be wary, unwilling to clash with the Disintegration Sect here, for any fighting on the outskirts would only delay their own progress and allow other sects to empty the treasures within the Toba Ruins.

Within the Golden Radiance Sect's ranks, a young man in white, his face twisted with malice, watched Bai Feiyu’s retreating figure and snorted coldly: “That brat is not without brains—he knows better than to rush ahead. But does he really think he can escape? If I were him, I wouldn’t even enter the Toba Ruins, knowing someone is targeting me.”

Now, the Golden Radiance Sect regarded Bai Feiyu as a thorn in their side, itching for his destruction. This was not merely vengeance for the fat disciple; Bai Feiyu had caused their sect to lose face. Moreover, with such a prodigy in their midst, should the Disintegration Sect ever rise in power, they might go to any lengths to wipe out their rivals. After all, the Golden Radiance Sect was located right next to the Disintegration Sect, and resources for cultivation were limited. Everyone hoped to expand their own territory and face no competition for resources.

As everyone charged forward in a frenzy, suddenly, those at the very front emitted agonized screams.

Runes flared to life as the disciples surged inward; lines of order began to operate, and the formations within activated their power. Clearly, the original inhabitants of the Toba Ruins, skilled in array formations, had set these traps to deter grave robbers after their demise.

When the first wave encountered the devouring power of the formations, everyone halted in shock, staring at the scene before them. It was just the beginning, yet the entrance alone had trapped so many. Who could guess what dangers awaited deeper inside? Many began to reconsider, fearing that rash entry might bring disaster. Cultivation was arduous, and most valued their lives.

At this moment, Bai Feiyu remembered the compass the old city lord had given him. Since the old lord claimed it would be useful, perhaps it really would play a role. With that thought, Bai Feiyu quickly produced the compass, opened it, and recited the incantation.

The pointer began to spin, eventually indicating a remote direction. Could this be the true entrance? Bai Feiyu hesitated, unwilling to risk himself recklessly, and soon devised a plan: “Perhaps the formation cannot be entered from the front, but must be approached from a secluded spot. Since we’re all here, we should find a way to enter rather than retreat so easily. How about each sect sends a representative to probe the remote areas and discover the real entrance?”

His suggestion immediately gained traction among the various sects. Waiting here was futile; who knew how long it would take to enter? This way, each sect would lose fewer people by sending just one to test the way.

Without further delay, the sects began selecting their candidates. After some discussion among the Disintegration Sect, it was decided that Liu Qing would take the risk.

Bai Feiyu was dumbfounded.

He never imagined Liu Qing would be chosen. Strangely enough, it wasn’t by selection—Liu Qing volunteered himself. Thus, the task fell upon him.

“Senior Brother Liu Qing, listen to me—I have a hunch that spot is…the real entrance,” Bai Feiyu secretly transmitted his voice.

Among the Disintegration Sect, Liu Qing was the one Bai Feiyu knew best and trusted most. As for the others, their relationships were either lacking or entirely unfamiliar. Bai Feiyu sincerely hoped Liu Qing would avoid danger.

On receiving Bai Feiyu’s transmission, Liu Qing hesitated, then quietly replied that he would follow the advice. Though he didn’t know why, deep inside he felt a profound trust in this youth—a feeling he could not explain.

Once everyone had discussed and chosen their representatives, the sects sent them to scout the way. Most met with misfortune, trapped as soon as they began their exploration. With no other recourse, they could only wait for their elders to arrive and attempt a rescue.

One by one, the sects failed, casting a pall of disappointment over the crowd. Was it possible they would leave empty-handed, and worse, lose people in the attempt?

Just as everyone’s spirits sank, Liu Qing stepped forward. It was now the Disintegration Sect’s turn, and Liu Qing naturally felt some nerves.

But as he approached the formation, he was stunned.