The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

"Activity of the dead?" Lin Qian's curiosity was piqued by Ye Xin's words. "What do you mean by that? Is it really that terrifying?"

Ye Xin nodded gently and explained, "Before we entered, my master strictly instructed us to only move forward and never venture to the east or west."

"Your master?" Lin Qian pondered her words. Ye Xin's master was the famed Sword Saint of the Divine Sword Sect. If she had issued such a stern warning, those two areas must indeed be dangerous.

"Xin'er, did your master mention what exactly is in those places?" Lin Qian asked, still curious.

Ye Xin shook her head softly. "No, she just told me very seriously not to go near them."

"Those two areas in the ancient relic are known as the Land of the Dead," Wang Lanxin suddenly spoke up from beside Li Letian.

All eyes turned toward Wang Lanxin as she continued, somewhat awkwardly, "Sometimes I like to read old notes and records. I once came across a journal from a senior of our Wanxiang Sect who ventured into the ancient relic. According to his account, the Land of the Dead is anything but ordinary."

"Anything but ordinary? What do you mean by that?" Lin Qian's interest was clearly piqued as he urged her to explain further. "Tell us what that senior recorded."

Even Ye Xin's curiosity was stirred. Her master had repeatedly warned her against venturing there without giving any specific reasons, which made her even more eager to understand why.

Wang Lanxin cleared her throat and began recounting what she had read. "According to that senior's notes, the landscape in the Land of the Dead is entirely different from where we are now. The forests and mountains there are shrouded in thick fog all day long, making it dim and difficult to see."

"But the strange part is that when night falls in this small world, the fog in the Land of the Dead dissipates, revealing the true appearance of the forest."

"The land is filled with barren, twisted trees. The ground is dry and cracked, with icy cold air seeping out from the fissures."

"In that desolate forest, there are various buildings scattered around, though they appear dilapidated. According to the senior's notes, the structures resemble living quarters, as well as libraries and pill storage buildings."

As Wang Lanxin spoke, Lin Qian and the others perked up, clearly intrigued. It seemed these buildings might have once belonged to the ancient sect that originally inhabited this relic.

"I've heard a theory that this small world in the ancient relic is somewhat unique," Ding Zhirong added, drawing everyone's attention.

"This ancient sect faced a catastrophe, and parts of the sect's land collapsed into this small world. It's likely that the Land of the Dead is the area that collapsed, which is why it's so different from the rest."

After hearing Ding Zhirong's explanation, Lin Qian nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. If that's the case, there might be valuable items left behind in the Land of the Dead."

"But there are rumors of the dead being active in that place," Ye Xin quickly cautioned as she noticed Lin Qian's interest growing.

Wang Lanxin nodded in agreement. "Yes, many people have heard that. The journal I read provided more details."

"At night, when the fog clears, corpses begin to move in the Land of the Dead. These corpses are not only incredibly strong, but they are also impossible to kill. Even if you cut off their heads, they will continue to move."

Hearing this sent chills down everyone's spine. Corpses that were powerful and couldn't be killed? How would they even deal with such a threat?

Lin Qian hadn't expected this ancient relic to have such a strange and eerie place like the Land of the Dead.

"Boss, judging by your expression, it seems like you're really thinking about going there," Lei Qian suddenly remarked, noticing Lin Qian's contemplative look.

Lin Qian nodded, confirming Lei Qian's suspicion. "Yes, I am indeed interested in exploring the Land of the Dead."

To Lin Qian, if what Wang Lanxin described from the journal was accurate, the Land of the Dead could hold significant treasures from the ancient sect. If he could obtain these relics and bring them back to Zhugeming for study, it could yield some incredible results and greatly benefit the Huaxia Empire.

"But Xiao Qian, isn't this too dangerous?" Ye Xin frowned, clearly concerned about Lin Qian's decision to go to the Land of the Dead.

Wang Lanxin also chimed in, reminding Lin Qian, "The Land of the Dead was discovered during that senior's expedition, and only he and a disciple from Sheng Tian Sect returned alive. Everyone else perished there."

Seeing the hesitation on the faces of his companions, Lin Qian smiled reassuringly and said, "What's the matter? Don't you believe in your own strength? Just because others died there doesn't mean we will too."

Lei Qian and the others exchanged glances but remained silent. While they knew some things about the Land of the Dead, it was still largely an unknown to them.

According to the normal process, they should be heading deeper into the first area of the ancient relic, trying to reach the second area within five days. Along the way, they could hunt soul beasts to strengthen themselves.

They could also collect materials from the beasts, such as hides, bones, and tendons, which would be valuable for alchemy and forging—potentially a decent fortune.

After all, anything they acquired in the ancient relics belonged to them, and the sect wouldn't take it away.

The question now was whether they should play it safe and hunt soul beasts to pass through the first area, or follow Lin Qian into the unknown Land of the Dead.

The Land of the Dead was full of uncertainties and dangers, but it might also hold valuable relics from the ancient sect.

These relics were what truly held significant value.

"Xiao Qian, are you really going to the Land of the Dead?" Ye Xin asked seriously as she turned to Lin Qian.

Lin Qian met her gaze and nodded firmly. "Yes."

"Alright, then I'll go with you." After receiving his confirmation, Ye Xin sighed and nodded.

Lin Qian smiled and held her small hand. "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, nothing will happen."

Seeing this, the couple, Li Letian and Wang Lanxin, exchanged knowing smiles and quietly held hands as well.

Lei Qian and Ding Zhirong both raised their eyebrows, averting their gazes. But just then, Zhao Haiming slipped between them, wrapping his arms around their shoulders with a mischievous grin. "How about the three of us pair up?"

"Bam!" In perfect sync, Lei Qian and Ding Zhirong both elbowed Zhao Haiming in the chest, shouting in unison.

"Get lost!"