Chapter 68: Treasure Map of sceret realm
Min Kai's eyes widened, taken aback by Hell's sudden interrogation. She hesitated, choosing her words carefully, as Hell's piercing gaze seemed to bore into her very soul.
Min Kai hesitated, then revealed, "Senior, they ambushed us when... we were trying to secure a deal with a group selling us this map." She held up a bag, its contents rustling as she revealed the coveted map within.
Hell's puppy eyes narrowed; his gaze fixed intently on the bag. "A map, you say? What kind of map could be worth risking your lives?" His tail wagged slightly, betraying a hint of excitement.
Min Kai's hands trembled imperceptibly as she grasped the bag, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... a treasure map, Senior, supposedly leading to a powerful artifact hidden within the recently discovered secret realm." Her eyes darted nervously towards Ye Yang and Eva Angel before focusing back on Hell.
Ye Yang's voice cut into the conversation; his tone noticeably more measured than Hell's. "Is this the same secret realm that's rumoured to open in a few months?" He asked, his curiosity piqued, but his demeanour remained calm and inquiring, a stark contrast to Hell's intense scrutiny.
Min Kai nodded solemnly; her eyes locked on Hell's. "Yes, it's the Grotto of Obsession, the secret realm unearthed 30 years ago. This map supposedly leads to a hidden vault containing a powerful artifact and cultivation method."
Her voice dropped to a whisper, as if sharing a treasured secret. "Though it's mere rumour, the fact that even demonic clan members are involved suggests there's truth to it."
First Elder Eva Angel's expression turned sombre, a hint of sorrow flickering in her eyes. A pang of sadness resonated deep within her heart, as memories of the past surfaced.
The Grotto of Obsession was the same secret realm where her husband, the previous Clan Head of the Ye Clan, had met his untimely demise. The weight of that tragedy still lingered, a painful reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those who dared to explore the unknown.
Her gaze drifted, lost in thought, as the shadows of the past seemed to whisper echoes of what could have been. The fire in her eyes, once a beacon of determination, now dimmed slightly, tempered by the sorrow of remembrance.
Min Kai's hands trembled slightly as she held out the secret map, her eyes locked on Ye Yang's. "You saved my life... I can't fight you for it. Take it." Her voice barely above a whisper, she added, "But please, I have one more request. My clan mates are still battling the demonic cultivators. I don't know how much longer they can hold out.
Can you... can you help them?"
Her gaze pleaded for assistance, her expression a mix of desperation and hope. The weight of her clan's fate rested on Ye Yang's decision, and Min Kai's eyes conveyed the gravity of the situation.
Ye Yang's eyes narrowed, his gaze scrutinizing the map before locking onto Min Kai's. "We'll help your clan," he declared, his voice firm and resolute. "But keep the map - it's yours. We don't need it." He pushed the map back towards Min Kai, his gesture a symbol of trust and solidarity.
Min Kai's eyes widened in surprise, her hands hesitating before accepting the map. "Thank you... thank you so much," she stammered, her voice filled with gratitude. Tears of relief welled up in her eyes as she clutched the map, her heart filled with hope.
Hell's eyes snapped towards Ye Yang, his expression a picture of surprise, as if he couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. But it was First Elder Eva Angel who looked truly astonished, her eyes wide with disbelief. She couldn't fathom why Ye Yang would reject the map; an artifact coveted by even the most powerful entities in the world.
Her gaze lingered on Ye Yang, as if searching for a hidden motive or a glimmer of sanity. "You... you're refusing the map?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you know what you're giving up? The secrets, the power, the treasures hidden within the Grotto of Obsession..." Her words trailed off, her expression a mix of confusion and incredulity.
Ye Yang's calm demeanour contrasted sharply with Eva Angel's astonishment. "Elder, I believe we should prioritize caution over ambition," he said, his voice measured. "Coveting something that doesn't belong to us can invite calamity. The map's power may be too great for our clan to handle alone." His gaze swept across the room, as if envisioning the potential consequences.
"Consider our clan's members," he continued, his tone thoughtful. "Can every one of them withstand the power of demonic cultivators? I think not." Ye Yang's eyes shifted to Min Kai, a hint of strategic thinking in his gaze.
"She hails from a powerful force on another continent," he observed. "Her backers can likely handle the aftermath, even if they're attacked again. By returning the map, we ensure their involvement and protection, safeguarding our clan from potential repercussions."
Eva Angel's expression gradually shifted from incredulity to contemplation, her eyes narrowing as she weighed Ye Yang's words.
Hell's thoughts took a different turn, and he decided to probe Ye Yang's motivations through telepathy. "Hey, Ye Yang, are you smitten or something?" he teased, his mental voice laced with amusement. "Why else would you reject such a great opportunity? With that map, you could've claimed the artifact and technique for yourself, just as Min Kai promised."
Hell's mental tone was playful, but his curiosity was genuine. He couldn't fathom why Ye Yang would willingly pass up such a valuable resource, especially when it could benefit their clan. He awaited Ye Yang's response, eager to understand the reasoning behind his decision.
Ye Yang's mental response was shrouded in mystery, his words carefully chosen to pique Hell's curiosity. "I'm not yet ready to enter the secret realm," he said, his tone enigmatic. "And secondly, I don't need the map... because I have my own way." His mental voice trailed off, leaving Hell to wonder what he meant.
Hell's intrigue was palpable, his mental presence pressing for more information. "Your own way?" he echoed; his thoughts laced with scepticism. "What do you mean? You're not going to tell me you have a secret key or something, are you?"
Ye Yang's response was a subtle, knowing smile, his thoughts remaining private. "How could he possibly guess correctly?"
Hell's thoughts took a different turn, his mind racing with connections. "That's it... the mysterious power backing him, that's why he's so confident about the secret realm," Hell's mental voice whispered to himself. "He doesn't need the treasure map because he has something even better - a hidden advantage, a secret ally."
Hell's eyes narrowed; his gaze fixed on Ye Yang with newfound intensity. He was determined to uncover the truth about the secret power backing Ye yang.