The Heir of the Celestial Diagram

Chapter 59: Between Shadows and the Path to the Unknown

]Han Feng was well concealed deep in the forest on the slopes of the Western Region mountains. The wind gusted through the gnarled trees, cold and cutting. He was silent in his tread, steps unheard, like a shadow in the midst of gloom. His definition of concealing his aura hit an impressive attainment, nearing the impossible for a mortal Gu master to sense his presence. Lately, he had discovered trails of an ancient retreat once belonging to a powerful cultivator from eons gone by. In the data he'd been able to garner, some rich treasures could be hidden within, one of which could even be an important catalyst for a mysterious Gu still beyond his reach to refine. As he pushed through the dense foliage, the icy chill of his purple eyes spoke volumes. He was not the only one interested in the retreat. Traces of other cultivators had been obvious in recent days, some of them belonging to the Celestial Corpse Sect. — So they're keeping an eye on this too... — Han Feng murmured to himself. The Celestial Corpse Sect was known for its macabre techniques and insatiable ambition. He knew that a confrontation with them was inevitable if he continued his search. With patience and caution, Han Feng approached the ruins of the refuge. It was an ancient structure, partially buried and covered in moss and vines. The doors were broken, clear signs that someone had already entered. He didn't have to think twice. Light-footed, he went into the ruins. The interior was dark and claustrophobic; the air was saturated with moisture and the smell of aged stone. In the corridors, he'd seen signs of recent struggles. The dried blood on the floor indicated that the first explorers hadn't left unscathed. "If the Celestial Corpse Sect has already made it this far, Heaven knows where the real treasure lies." They haven't found it. Treading carefully, Han Feng traversed the corridors, well-alert for any expressions of danger. A noise suddenly echoed throughout the space. He hastily leaned himself against a wall and listened as a group of three cultivators from the Celestial Corpse Sect was seen congregating in a chamber further ahead. — The treasure must be nearby. The Master ordered us not to leave empty-handed! — one of the men spoke in a stern tone. Han Feng narrowed his eyes. He could take advantage of the situation and wait for them to reveal the location of the treasure before acting. So, with patience and coldness, he remained hidden, waiting for the right moment to strike.