No one knew that the lake would be filled with water again when morning came and the palatial building was completely hidden beneath. Sophia didn't dive into the lake as she couldn't determine what was in the water."Are you sure that there is treasure hidden at the bottom of the lake?" Aidan asked again."It's true! I swear!" Sophia appeared very certain."Alright, we'll wait here then. We'll see what is really at the bottom of the lake tonight." Aidan nodded."Mr. Ridge, why do we have to wait till nightfall? Isn't it better to just explore the lake now?" Garrett suggested. Everyone knew that the monsters were most active at night. It might appear quiet and peaceful now, however, there might be many different monsters appearing by the lake at night. It'd be dangerous then."The lake is deep and we can't see the bottom. If you go in now, you can't even see where you're going. How are you going to search for the treasure?" Aidan commented casually."Mr. Ridge, to be honest, m
As Dozer dove in, the rolling waves quieted down slowly. Everyone stood and waited quietly at the shore, each lost in their own thoughts. It was a very quiet lake with emerald water. The visibility in the lake was very low as no fish were seen. It was obvious that it was a little abnormal.Time ticked by slowly and very soon, five minutes had passed. The surface of the lake remained calm and there was no movement under the surface as well. The trio that dove in had disappeared completely and they made no waves."It's been five minutes since they dove in, right? Why aren't they surfacing yet? Could there have been an accident?""Likely impossible. If there was any monster in the lake, they must have put up a fight with it. However, there isn't any sign of struggle. It's enough to prove that they're alright.""An undercurrent could have pulled them under and drowned them?"Looking at the calm surface of the lake, everyone started discussing and guessing. Martial artists might
Everything occurred in a flash, from the appearance of the mutant piranha to the swallowing of a Black Scorpion Squad member, and then the disappearance of the mutant piranha. It was so fast that no one could wrap their head around the incident.The Black Scorpion Squad member that was swallowed disappeared before he could shout for help. All that was left were splashes on the lake's surface as blood gurgled up rapidly from below."W-What?" Dozer and the other member were shocked beyond words. Both of them widened their eyes in terror and looked around with a frightened expression. What just happened? Where did their team member go? Why was there blood gurgling up from below?"Why are you two still there? Swim for your life!" Recovering from his shock, Garrett yelled loudly."Yes… save ourselves!" Dozer and the other team member suddenly came to their senses. They started flailing their arms and legs around as they swam toward the shore as fast as they could without a second
Garrett was dumbfounded. Staring at the densely packed mutant piranhas, his fury was replaced by sheer horror. Who would have thought that human-eating monstrous creatures would be hiding in the seemingly calm lake? Had he known earlier, he never would have allowed his team to dive into the waters. "There's danger lurking everywhere!" Sophia feigned a sigh.In fact, she already knew about the mutant piranhas when she saw them tearing apart and devouring two massive mutant wolves the previous night. She didn't warn the others of the danger to prioritize her chances of securing valuable treasure. After all, the more casualties there were, the fewer individuals she would have to divide the treasures with."Diving in with so many mutant piranhas around is impossible. We'll wait for the tide to recede at night," Grace commented, instructing her guards to set up camp nearby.Given the unusual behavior of the Celestial Eye, there was a strong possibility that the Dracan essence was h
"Despicable?" Bran shook his head as he chuckled."Jackson, you're the lead disciple of the Embersteel Order. I'm really disappointed to hear you say something like that." He was gratified to see Jackson deflated. "Bran, you know the saying—first come, first served. We've staked our claim here. You should go somewhere else." Sophia asserted.It would become increasingly disadvantageous for her if more people found out about the treasures beneath the lake. If she couldn't outcompete them or was beaten to it, then all her efforts would be in vain."Oh? It's Sophia from Harmony Sect. It's been two years since we last met, and you've grown even more beautiful." Bran grinned. "Thank you for the compliment, Bran," Sophia replied with a faint smile. "Bran, Harmony Sect discovered this place first. Can you let us have it?""Sophia, it's not that I don't want to, but this is a mission given to us by our sect. I have no choice." Bran suddenly changed the subject, "But of course, i
"Are you threatening me?" Grace asked calmly."You could consider it... a friendly advice." Bran's chuckle carried a meaningful tone. "Ms. Linsor, you're an intelligent woman. I'm sure you understand the right decision to make in this situation."In the Southwest, numerous factions existed, but only three major sects held supreme authority. Among them, the Drakes Dominion Order was universally acknowledged as the most powerful, followed by the Frostwing Sect, and then the Embersteel Order.The Frostwing Sect was already dominating the region with their influence, adding to that their alliance with the Drakes Dominion Order, their combined strength was unstoppable. Who would dare confront them head-on in the entirety of Southwest?"Sorry, but I'm afraid you'll have to be disappointed. My stance remains the same. We either share it all or there's nothing else to talk about." Grace was unfazed. "Hmm?" Bran's face darkened, and he spoke sternly, "You bitch! I'm being kind he
Everyone was shocked by the scene unfolding before their eyes. The pillar of light shooting into the sky, the enormous vortex at the center of the lake, and the receding water—all signs pointed to a major change. The tension between the two factions was forgotten as their attention shifted toward the extraordinary phenomenon in the lake, silently hoping for the revelation of treasures. The central vortex in the lake spun faster, expanding its reach as the receding water vanished into the vortex. In just half an hour, the lake had dried up significantly. Finally, a palace-like structure hidden beneath the lakebed unveiled itself. The grand building was cloaked in an eerie black hue and covered in moss. Standing in quiet majesty, it resembled a dormant ancient colossal beast, emitting an overwhelming sense of oppression."There really is treasure here! This is fantastic!" The sight of the palace excited everyone. Judging by its size, the previous owner must have been incredi
The sudden emergence of numerous forces disrupted Yonah's plans completely."It's getting more lively." Aidan raised an eyebrow and finally leaped down from the tree. It seemed like he couldn't stay aloof any longer. "Jackson, it's getting chaotic here. Let's hold back for now and let them battle it out. "We'll capitalize on the situation once they engage in their deadly struggles," Sophia whispered as she huddled next to Jackson. Given her current predicament, a direct confrontation with these forces would lead her nowhere. Unwilling to give up, she could only hope for the right opportunity to gain some of the treasures."I understand. Stand behind me later. I'll make sure to protect you!" Jackson promised. The combined forces of the Embersteel Order and Harmony Sect were merely a few people, making them relatively weak. Engaging the stronger forces head-on was clearly unwise at the moment."Brothers! There's treasure here! Let's go grab it!" Suddenly, someone shouted, brea