===============??===================
Arthur stood by the shimmering lake, his eyes narrowing in concentration.
He extended his soul sense, trying to detect the hidden array that guarded the lake, but to his frustration, he couldn't sense anything.
"Something's not right," he murmured, his brow furrowing.
From within the Nine Heavens Palace, Aixen's voice echoed in his mind. "Your mastery over your soul power is not yet sufficient to discern the complexity of this ancient array. It appears to be a long-lost formation of incredible power, far beyond your current mastery of your soul power."
Arthur's mind raced as he tried to process the information.
Being constantly reminded of his low mastery over his soul power was getting increasingly annoying.
'Right after this, I am going to grind the hell out of the Nine Heavens Soul Technique!' he vows.
An array of such magnitude could only mean one thing—this place was set up by a formidable expert.
His thoughts then turned to the map he had received that led him to the sect. "This location matches the mark on the map," he thought in his heart.
In fact from the beginning he had been leading everyone in the direction of that ultimate treasure.
But he made everything seem coincidental so far, and no one had noticed.
Aixen's voice responded, still tinged with surprise, "Indeed, it seems you've stumbled upon an incredible find. I never expected something of this level will be in such a desolate world."
"But be cautious, Master. This array not only guards the treasure but also conceals something else—a terrifying creature locked deep within the lake."
"This creature is one that will be challenging for you and you might not be able to defeat it."
'What? Such a level of beast is sealed here?' Arthur was curious if the founder never wanted anyone to have the treasure in the first place.
"I believe this might be an error in that fellow's judgement. He never foresaw that it will take so long for a disciple to clear that tower."
Arthur agreed with Aixen on that.
But still, he was a bit excited about the prospect of obtaining a valuable treasure himself, but the presence of a powerful creature gives him a little headache, nothing more.
He has a way to take care of it, but that will expose cards he needs to keep well hidden.
"What should I do?" he asked, pondering the best course of action.
Cora, who had been quietly observing the situation, offered a solution through Arthur's mind. "I can take care of the creature, but it will expose my existence to the others."
Aixen added, "I can also handle it, but that will have the same consequence."
Arthur weighed his options. Exposing their existence was a risk he couldn't afford, especially since he was still keeping his true strength hidden.
Before he could make a decision, Kira spoke up. "Invincible, there is a very hidden ancient array here."
"What?" Arthur asked in surprise.
He never expected that Kira will have some knowledge of this. This made him wonder about her origins.
'She is not an ordinary girl that's for sure.'
"This array is a very ancient and lost one and I was only able to learn about it from my grandfather who had learnt it by chance also."
"Moreover there is an ancient beast sealed within this lake and breaking the array will set it free. That creature is not something we can handle right now."
Arthur nodded, "Do you have a way?"
Kira smiled a bit, "I can break the array and put the creature to sleep, but in return, you must owe me a favor. I have no interest in whatever treasure lies here."
Arthur considered her offer carefully. He was wary of owing favors, but it seemed like the best option to avoid exposure.
"Very well," he finally agreed. "I will owe you a favor, but remember, I will only do what does not clash with my interest and is within my power."
Kira nodded in agreement, understanding the conditions.
She brought out a formation plate and activated it, causing a ripple of energy to descend into the lake.
She repeated the action with another formation plate, and after a while, the once placid lake started to stir.
The water churned, and a bestial cry reverberated in the air, sending a chill down everyone's spines.
"Chrooar!"
"What did you do?" Gareth asked, his eyes wide with concern.
The others were shocked. It seems that they were in the presence of not one but two big shots instead.
Although they knew of Kira's identity, not much is known about her abilities.
'I guess her identity and heritage is not just for show. Still, I wonder who her parents are, as the Supreme Guardian had never revealed any other information on his private life.' some wondered.
"I broke the array's seal and put the creature into a deep slumber," Kira replied with a smirk. "It won't be causing us any trouble for a while."
Aixen's voice chimed in again, impressed. "This girl is not simple. That formation plate she deployed isn't something a lower realm brat can have access to."
With the creature subdued, the scenery around the lake changed, revealing a hidden passageway that led underground.
Arthur turned to Kira and nodded in approval. "Good work. Now, let's see what lies within."
The group cautiously entered the passageway, their steps echoing in the enclosed space.
The air was heavy with anticipation as they ventured deeper into the unknown.
As they moved into the passageway, they could barely see, even with there enhanced eyesight as cultivators.
Slowly, they moved and as they walk deeper they could see a faint light ahead. Still, no one rushed ahead against Arthur's lead.
After some time they finally arrived at the source of light and wha they saw was like another world.
Blue skies, birds flying in the air, lush forest and great mountains.
But one particular mountain stood out because of what appeared to be the structure of a magnificent pavilion etched on its summit.
================??================
------------End of Chapter------------
=================??================
Please support my new book everyone!
"Domination of the Eternal Dragon"
I entered a contest and I would like to win your help and support.
Thanks guys!
Follow current nov𝒆ls on freew(𝒆)bnov𝒆l.(c)om