Chapter 295 : The Tomb Keeper
Chapter 295: The Tomb Keeper
Chen Ming truly hadn’t expected that the Celestial Master Residence bore such a responsibility.
However, speaking of which, wasn’t that so-called Demon Realm, Monster Realm, and Hell just a massive dungeon to grind experience points?
To him, it was no different from “Qingwei Heaven.”
Thinking this way, he actually started to feel a bit excited.
Once this journey ended, he must make a trip to the Celestial Master Residence.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Chen Ming spoke of the matter at hand, “That’s for the future. For now, I’ve formed my Yin Spirit. I ask Senior to teach me how to avoid detection by Divine Repository Realm experts’ spiritual scans.”
The Old Daoist said, “This isn’t difficult. I’ll pass you a mantra. With it, you can deceive the heavens and cross the sea. Memorize it well…”
The cultivation method he practiced excelled at evading calamities. What he passed on to Chen Ming this time was one of the sect’s secret arts—specifically designed to conceal one’s presence and avoid powerful enemies.
After passing on the mantra, the Old Daoist also carefully explained it to him.
Chen Ming memorized the mantra and asked, “Senior, what is this secret art called?”
“My master named it Merging Radiance with Dust.”
“What a fitting name. Senior has helped me so many times—I truly don’t know how to repay these favors.”
“This is fate between us. Now go and comprehend it well. With your talent, I believe you’ll soon master this secret art.”
“Senior, I take my leave.”
…
Two days later, Jiangzhou City finally came into view.
Chen Ming followed Princess Mingyu back to the Sea-Calming King’s Mansion. That afternoon, he found an opportunity to request an audience with her. “I’m here to bid farewell, Princess. Thank you for all the care along the way. I will surely repay the kindness one day.”
Princess Mingyu sat in the inner chamber, separated by a curtain, her expression obscured. She said flatly, “This Princess did it for Sister Ziyi’s sake. No need for thanks.”
“Then, Princess, I, Chen, bid you farewell.”
Chen Ming left the room, and just as he exited the main gate, the voice of Princess Mingyu came from behind him, “You… take care.”
“You too, Princess.”
With that, he departed.
Disguised as a servant from the mansion, Chen Ming left without alerting anyone.
He activated Merging Radiance with Dust, and only after putting considerable distance between himself and the mansion did he slip into a deserted alley, change his clothes and appearance, exit from another path, and blend into the crowd—vanishing into the vast cityscape.
He had been to Jiangzhou several times. Finding a hiding spot wasn’t difficult.
Unless the mastermind used official power for a massive manhunt, it would be nearly impossible to find him.
Great concealment lies within the city. In a metropolis with over a million permanent residents, it was even easier to hide.
If he left the city, he’d actually be easier to track down.
So, Chen Ming planned to stay in the city for the time being.
…
Two days later.
In an inconspicuous tavern in Jiangzhou City, a green-robed man sat by the window on the second floor, drinking alone.
This man looked about thirty, with a lean face and a cold aura. On the table sat a plain refined steel sword, but no one dared provoke him.
“…Who is that new gang leader of Jin Yutang anyway? A peak First Grade, yet I’ve never heard of him before.”
“Who knows? Rumor has it he and a few others entered a high-tier secret realm controlled by Jin Yutang. If he really obtained some rare treasure and succeeds in awakening his Divine Repository, then Jin Yutang might reclaim its spot among the Four Great Sects.”
“Isn’t that the truth…”
“And then there’s Inspector Pan. Word is, he also entered that top-tier secret realm, preparing to awaken his Divine Repository…”
“When he emerges, that Yuhaitang is in for trouble.”
“…”
Disguised as the green-robed guest, Chen Ming listened to the tavern’s chatter, gleaning useful intel.
During the time he’d been away from Jiangzhou, two major events had occurred.
Jin Yutang had a new gang leader named Dong Qianfeng—peak First Grade. The man seemingly appeared out of nowhere, with no known background.
But with the support of the First and Third Elders, he became Jin Yutang’s new master.
Then there was Inspector Pan Zhiyuan, who finally got his chance—entering an elite secret realm controlled by the Six Doors Authority of Jiangzhou, preparing to break through to the Divine Repository Realm.
It was supposed to be top secret, but somehow, the news leaked and spread wildly among the populace.
Given Pan Zhiyuan’s status, he could’ve broken through at any time. He waited solely for a chance at a top-tier secret realm quota.
There were many secret realms in the world, but top-tier ones were extremely rare. Acquiring a quota was no easy feat. Even after securing it, there would still be fierce competition—not easily conquered.
Of course, if Pan Zhiyuan succeeded in awakening the Divine Repository, he would become one of the elite among his peers.
As Chen Ming mulled over these matters, he saw a white-clad woman stride quickly up to the second floor. Her figure was elegant, and she wore a veiled hat. After ascending, she looked around, as if searching for someone.
Soon, she spotted Chen Ming by the window and approached, taking a seat opposite him.
Chen Ming, as if greeting an old friend, picked up the wine jug and poured her a cup.
“Is it really… you?”
The white-clad woman’s voice trembled slightly—clearly overwhelmed with emotion.
“Long time no see.”
Chen Ming smiled. “You came, and not some expert from the Six Doors. I’m glad. Thank you for still considering me a friend.”
The woman was Zhao Xiyan. Upon hearing his familiar voice, her eyes welled up with tears. Yesterday, she received a letter signed by Chen Ming—mentioning several things only the two of them knew. That’s why she came.
Thousands of words surged in her heart, yet in the end, she only uttered one question, “Have you… been well?”
“I’ve been okay. But I’ve run into some trouble recently. After much thought, only you could help me.”
“What kind of help?”
“I need you to deliver a letter.”
Chen Ming placed the already prepared letter before her and used a sound transmission to tell her the recipient. “You must deliver this personally. Then return here in half a month to give me their reply.”
“All right!” Zhao Xiyan nodded solemnly and carefully tucked the letter into her chest.
Then she asked, “Is there anything else you want me to say?”
Chen Ming knew she referred to his family. He shook his head. “No need. They’re safer not knowing my whereabouts.”
Zhao Xiyan opened her mouth to speak, but swallowed her words.
After a moment, she stood and said, “Then I’ll go now.”
“Okay.”
Chen Ming watched her leave, feeling a bit melancholic.
He contacted Zhao Xiyan out of desperation. In Jiangzhou, she was the only person he could still trust.
Yu Haitang, Huo Qianqian, and Li Jinchuan were all in Qingfeng City.
Jiang Yingxue had returned home.
Gu Yuantao and Zhou Weihao were also not in Jiangzhou.
There was simply no one else to turn to.
Chen Ming finished his drink and left at a leisurely pace. After confirming no one was tailing him, he entered a small alley and walked into a modest clinic called “Changqing Hall.”
“Does Old Doctor Sun still remember me?”
As soon as he entered, he saw the silver-haired but still spry Doctor Sun.
Doctor Sun glanced at him and said with some confusion, “You look unfamiliar. I don’t think we’ve met.”
“You once taught me medicine, Senior.”
“You’re… that Chen lad?” Doctor Sun was somewhat uncertain.
“Exactly, Junior greets you.”
“So it really is you! Come, sit. You’ve been gone so long—I thought you were…”
“It was a narrow escape. But I survived, luckily. I returned to Jiangzhou just to pay respects.”
Doctor Sun sounded gratified. “You’re thoughtful.”
Chen Ming said, “Senior, may I ask you a question?”
“Go ahead.”
“Do you still remember that Miss Yu who frequently visited you?”
“The one with national beauty and heavenly grace? Of course.”
“Why did she visit you so often?”
Doctor Sun chuckled. “She mistook me for some elder from the Eternal Life Cult. That’s why she kept visiting. But she hasn’t come by in months—seems like she’s had some trouble.”
Chen Ming stared at him intently. “Then, Senior, are you?”
Doctor Sun shook his head. “I’m not.”
“Oh.”
Chen Ming was just curious. After breaking through to First Grade, he had fewer scruples. Unless facing a Divine Repository Realm expert, he didn’t need to be afraid.
Passing by Changqing Hall stirred a sudden urge to stop and clarify this doubt.
Now it seemed Yu Haitang had likely misjudged.
This old man truly wasn’t a martial artist. From the Yin Spirit’s perspective, his soul was only slightly stronger than that of an ordinary person.
Neither a warrior nor a cultivator.
Just then, Doctor Sun changed the topic. “However, I do have another identity.”
“Oh?”
Chen Ming was startled and looked at him curiously.
Doctor Sun said, “Come with me.”
He turned and walked inside.
Chen Ming, confident in his abilities, followed out of curiosity.
Inside was a study, books stacked everywhere, barely any room to step.
Doctor Sun pulled out a wooden box from a corner, dusted it off, and placed it before him. “This is for you.”
“What is it?”
The box looked to be made of rosewood, clearly old. A small iron lock sat atop it, rusted with age.
Doctor Sun sighed, “Though you haven’t met all the conditions yet, I’m already old. I’ll give it to you early. I don’t know how many years I’ve guarded this box.”
Chen Ming instinctively took the box, even more puzzled. “What conditions does Senior mean?”
Doctor Sun calmly said, “To gather the complete 《Five Elements True Art》.”
What?
That sentence struck like a thunderclap.
He actually knew about the 《Five Elements True Art》?
He even knew I was cultivating it—how could that be?
Looking at the old man before him, Chen Ming felt his scalp go numb.
His throat tightened. Gripping the box tightly, he asked gravely, “Who exactly are you, Senior?”
Doctor Sun said, “I’m merely a tomb keeper—waiting for someone to gather the 《Five Elements True Art》. After all these years, it seems you’re the one. Though you still lack one element… I can’t wait any longer.”
Chen Ming grew more and more shocked. “How did you know?”
“As the tomb keeper, naturally I can discern your cultivation. From our first meeting, I saw you possessed two types of true arts. In such a short time, you’ve gathered four. Clearly, you are the destined one.”
“What’s inside the box?”
“The secret of the sixth false tomb. With this, and the complete 《Five Elements True Art》, you can unlock that tomb and obtain the method of immortality hidden within.”
“…”
Looking at the box in his hands, Chen Ming felt like he was holding a scorching hot potato—almost tossing it away.
Countless had already died for the secret of that false tomb. Now, someone was handing over the most critical item to him.
No matter how he looked at it, it seemed like a trap.
“Please don’t harm me, Senior.”
Chen Ming handed the box back. “I don’t know any 《Five Elements True Art》. I didn’t hear anything you just said. I was never here.”
Doctor Sun’s expression turned strange. “Everyone desires immortality. Many have destroyed their homes for the contents of this box. But you… don’t want it? Are you not interested in living forever?”
“Immortality sounds nice, but one must live to enjoy it.”
Each time a false tomb of an Immortal Emperor emerged, it triggered massive conflict. First Grades were mere minnows. Even Divine Repository Realm experts might die. Even Fate Palace Realm big shots would join in…
With his tiny frame, joining such strife would mean instant death.
“Senior, let’s pretend I was never here. Farewell.”
Chen Ming turned to leave.
“So be it.”
Doctor Sun didn’t insist. “I’ll keep the box for now. Chen boy, are you interested in the metal-attribute true art? If you want it, go to…”
…
When Chen Ming left Changqing Hall, he was drenched in cold sweat.
Who would’ve thought that on a whim, visiting an old acquaintance would accidentally uncover such a shocking secret?
This ninety-year-old Doctor Sun… was actually the tomb keeper of an Immortal Emperor’s false tomb!
And he even wanted to hand over the box containing its secret to him.
It was beyond terrifying.
Only after walking a long distance did he calm down and begin pondering Doctor Sun’s final words.
The last missing metal-attribute true art from the 《Five Elements True Art》… should he complete it?
“Of course I should!”
Chen Ming only hesitated for a few seconds before making up his mind.
He clenched his fist.
He had invested too much into this cultivation method. There was no turning back to start another. No matter what—it had to be completed.