It had just rained, the ground was wet, and there were very few dry branches. So they couldn’t make too many bonfires. To prevent nocturnal animal attacks, Yan Ge took out the Night Pearl, placed it in a small net and hung it on a tree branch. The special forces soldiers sat under its light, and a sense of security immediately returned. At this point, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen no longer cared about the possibility of their identities being exposed.
Yilihan and Bai Shaobai were the most cunning ones, always trailing behind Great Han’s team, now they were also benefiting from the light.
Fortunately, the night passed without incident.
At daybreak, everyone quickly ate some dry rations and continued on their way.
The jungle was full of trees, and Yan Ge was curious about how the guide could remember the way.
The guide said, “This humble one cannot explain it clearly. I just look around and feel that we should go this way.”
Yan Ge thought that it was probably some kind of talent.
As the sun gradually rose, the forest became hotter as the moisture dried out, and everyone was sweating profusely.
After moving for nearly two hours, the guide couldn’t contain his excitement, “We’re almost there.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen released their spiritual consciousness and indeed, about two miles away stood a tall castle. The castle had been eroded by wind and rain all year round, and many parts of the walls had already fallen off, leaving mottled marks. The dried grass around the castle was taller than a person.
Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge exchanged a glance.
Yan Ge said, “General Yang, we both need to answer nature’s call, so give us a moment.”
Before Yang Zhuo could speak, Yilihan spoke up, “You two have such a good relationship, even coordinating bathroom breaks.”
“We made General Yilihan laugh,” Yan Ge smiled charmingly at him, but his eyes conveyed the message—It’s none of your business.”
Yilihan interpreted it and his face turned black with anger.
“You can go, just be careful,” Yang Zhuo guessed they had some secret plan.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen dismounted.
“Father.” Yan Jin reached out, and Huangfu Yuchen picked him up.
Yan Jin said mischievously, “I need to do a big one, no need to wait for us.”
After entering deeper into the bushes, Huangfu Yuchen used a concealment technique to shield them from view. The three of them applied insect repellent on themselves and quickly flew towards the castle in the distance.
“Zirui, are you planning to explore the Demon Fortress in advance?” Yan Ge asked.
Yan Jin huffed, “Father, is there any point? There must be monsters in the Demon Fortress. If we explore it first, wouldn’t we be doing a favor for the Mai Kingdom and Wei kingdom? I believe we should just focus on protecting our people.”
Huangfu Yuchen sighed, “Have both of you forgotten about the Golden Python?”
“Oh!” Yan Ge clapped his hands, “Right! We can release the Golden Python. If it rushes straight into the Demon Fortress, it means there’s definitely treasure inside!”
Indeed, this was Huangfu Yuchen’s idea: let the Golden Python lead them to the treasure, and then he and Yan Ge could use their spatial abilities to empty the treasure room without anyone noticing.
Yan Ge and Yan Jin both gave a thumbs up to Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen clasped his fists and said, “You’re too kind, too kind.”
Yan Ge and Yan Jin were amused.
Without hesitation, Yan Ge took out the box that sealed the Golden Python and set it free. The Golden Python was so excited that it rushed forward even before its entire body landed on the ground.
Yan Ge and the other two quickly followed.
Sure enough, the Golden Python’s target was the Demon Fortress. It immediately burrowed underground upon reaching the castle. Yan Ge took out the Night Pearl, and the three followed closely behind.
They arrived in an underground chamber, and their eyes were almost blinded by the sparkling gold and silver treasures that filled the room.
This treasure room was about two hundred square meters and was nearly filled to the brim. Due to its age, the jewels were covered with some dust, but it did not diminish their enchanting brilliance.
–“Ding. Side mission – Collect all treasures. Rewards once the mission is successful: 1000 silver taels and a silver box. Punishment upon mission failure: Deduction of 1000 silver taels. If you accept the mission, please choose ‘Yes’; if you reject the mission, please choose ‘No’.”
Yan Ge accepted the mission, and his face almost broke into a smile.
Without warning, the Golden Python, as if it hadn’t eaten for centuries, pounced on a box of gold and opened its mouth wide.
“Ah!” Yan Ge was caught off guard, and the box was emptied in an instant.
Yan Ge felt heartbroken and immediately used a shrinking technique to reduce the size of the Golden Python. The pitiful creature struggled on the ground, torn between going after the gold and being sucked back by Yan Ge’s palm.
Yan Ge stared at the Golden Python, wishing to dissect its body and take out the gold. Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Jin watched Yan Ge helplessly, unable to suppress their laughter.
“Alright, baby, there’s still plenty here. Consider that box as the Golden Python’s hard work,” Huangfu Yuchen advised.
Yan Ge thought that he had always been a generous boss, so he felt at ease and put the Golden Python back into the box. He then surveyed the treasures in the room.
Taking a look around, his attention was drawn to a gray silk box placed on a simple altar. The box had some lines that resembled scriptures and was locked.
Huangfu Yuchen also walked over, raised his hand, and shot out some true qi, unlocking the box.
Inside the box was a round pearl-like sphere weighing about half a catty.
“This doesn’t look like a pearl. Why is it being valued so much?” Yan Ge was cautious and did not directly reach out to take it. Having grown up in a prestigious family before and now living in the palace, appreciating jewelry was an easy task for him.
Huangfu Yuchen noticed some writing under the brocade cloth on the “pearl”. He waved his hand, and the wind lifted the cloth, revealing several characters inscribed at the bottom of the box.
“Must accommodate the relics of the divine monk?” Yan Ge read aloud.
Huangfu Yuchen looked at the piles of treasures and said, “If that’s the case, this place is most likely the batch of treasures Suyi Malo, the leader of the Suyi nobles, took away years ago.”
*You can check chapter 171 for the backstory on the Suyi nobles incase you forgot.Yan Ge was puzzled, “This whole area is extremely strange, filled with dangers. How did Suyi Malo and his people manage to come in? According to what you said, that war happened over ninety years ago, so why haven’t we seen a single corpse along the way? Could it be that the monsters here even devoured their bones? Or maybe Suy Malo found a way to pass safely through this area?”
“It is indeed strange, but now it’s difficult to find the answer,” Huangfu Yuchen stroked his face and smiled gently, “I thought your first reaction would be to collect all the treasures.”
Yan Ge put on a scholarly posture and waved his hand, “Not at all. I am a person who values knowledge and inquisitiveness.”
“Who dares to say you’re not?” Huangfu Yuchen teased him. “Let’s put all these away first.”
“Yeah.” Yan Ge nodded, “I’ll take it. You and Little Jin can rest on the side.”
Huangfu Yuchen walked over to the side, watching Yan Ge as he stored all the boxes of gold and silver treasures into his space. He even hummed an unknown tune, not leaving a single small pearl behind. It truly was a meticulous process.
–“Ding. Side mission – Collect all treasures. Mission successful. Reward: 1000 silver taels and a silver box. Would you like to open the silver box now?”
Yan Ge chose to open it.
–“Congratulations, you have obtained ten Foundation Building Pills.”
“Congratulations, you have obtained ten Foundation Building Pills.”
A nice reward!
Yan Ge daydreamed, he hoped that the reward for the next mission would be the formula for Foundation Building Pills. Then he would refine as many of them as he could. However, receiving ten Foundation Building Pills was already very lucky.
In any case, with this batch of treasures, Great Han’s national treasury would be quite abundant, and there would be no need to skimp on various aspects of national development.
Yan Ge said with a beaming smile, “Zirui, this trip was worth it.”
“In the future, I’ll take you on more trips whenever there’s a chance,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
After making sure that there were no traces left to follow, Yan Ge released the Golden Python to fill the tunnel it had drilled. Then, the three of them quickly left and appeared behind the rear team from Great Han, pretending to chase after the frontmost troops.
After catching up, the three of them remounted their horses.
Because the guide said they would soon reach the Demon Fortress, their marching speed was fast and it didn’t take long for them to arrive at the grassland in front of the Demon Fortress.
“We’ve finally arrived!” Yilihan stared intently at the Demon Fortress.
Now, Yan Ge had the opportunity to carefully examine the Demon Fortress. It was a very large castle covering an area of over three thousand mu. Through the dense weeds, one could vaguely see the aged stone bricks on the ground. It seemed that the Demon Fortress must have been very prosperous in the past. The place where the name was engraved on the castle had already become faded and unclear, and it couldn’t be confirmed if it was the Twin Moon Palace.
*You can check chapter 176 for the short backstory on the Twin Moon Palace.“General Yilihan, should we let the soldiers rest and recuperate here before exploring the Demon Fortress?” Bai Shaobai was sure that he also knew the situation. Although he had no expression on his face, there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.
Huangfu Yuchen became even more certain that the Mai and Wei kingdoms were scheming against Great Han, and even other kingdoms. A cold smile appeared at the corner of his lips. Unfortunately, their wishful thinking was destined to be in vain.
Yilihan said, “Rest for half an hour on-site.”
To prevent soldiers from being harmed by insects in the grass, they collectively cleared a barrier on the edge of the square and set fire to the dried grass on the square.
Afterward, everyone took out dry rations to munch on, while the more exhausted soldiers lay down on the ground to rest for a while— there might be another tough battle ahead.
Yang Zhuo, Yilihan, Bai Shaobai, Wen Han, and other leaders each led a small team of twenty people to inspect the situation outside the Demon Fortress.
Yan Ge walked to Gao Feng’s side. “Gao Feng, how are you?”
Gao Feng had been resting with his eyes closed and quickly opened them, “Young Master, I’m feeling much better now, just a bit weak.”
Yan Ge took his pulse, “Don’t worry, you’re recovering well. Remember to drink more water. I guess everyone will split into several groups to explore the inside of the castle. Staying outside might not be entirely safe. Later, you’ll also go in and follow behind me and Zirui.”
“Thank you, young master,” the two brothers thanked him simultaneously.
It had just rained, the ground was wet, and there were very few dry branches. So they couldn’t make too many bonfires. To prevent nocturnal animal attacks, Yan Ge took out the Night Pearl, placed it in a small net and hung it on a tree branch. The special forces soldiers sat under its light, and a sense of security immediately returned. At this point, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen no longer cared about the possibility of their identities being exposed.
Yilihan and Bai Shaobai were the most cunning ones, always trailing behind Great Han’s team, now they were also benefiting from the light.
Fortunately, the night passed without incident.
At daybreak, everyone quickly ate some dry rations and continued on their way.
The jungle was full of trees, and Yan Ge was curious about how the guide could remember the way.
The guide said, “This humble one cannot explain it clearly. I just look around and feel that we should go this way.”
Yan Ge thought that it was probably some kind of talent.
As the sun gradually rose, the forest became hotter as the moisture dried out, and everyone was sweating profusely.
After moving for nearly two hours, the guide couldn’t contain his excitement, “We’re almost there.”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen released their spiritual consciousness and indeed, about two miles away stood a tall castle. The castle had been eroded by wind and rain all year round, and many parts of the walls had already fallen off, leaving mottled marks. The dried grass around the castle was taller than a person.
Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge exchanged a glance.
Yan Ge said, “General Yang, we both need to answer nature’s call, so give us a moment.”
Before Yang Zhuo could speak, Yilihan spoke up, “You two have such a good relationship, even coordinating bathroom breaks.”
“We made General Yilihan laugh,” Yan Ge smiled charmingly at him, but his eyes conveyed the message—It’s none of your business.”
Yilihan interpreted it and his face turned black with anger.
“You can go, just be careful,” Yang Zhuo guessed they had some secret plan.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen dismounted.
“Father.” Yan Jin reached out, and Huangfu Yuchen picked him up.
Yan Jin said mischievously, “I need to do a big one, no need to wait for us.”
After entering deeper into the bushes, Huangfu Yuchen used a concealment technique to shield them from view. The three of them applied insect repellent on themselves and quickly flew towards the castle in the distance.
“Zirui, are you planning to explore the Demon Fortress in advance?” Yan Ge asked.
Yan Jin huffed, “Father, is there any point? There must be monsters in the Demon Fortress. If we explore it first, wouldn’t we be doing a favor for the Mai Kingdom and Wei kingdom? I believe we should just focus on protecting our people.”
Huangfu Yuchen sighed, “Have both of you forgotten about the Golden Python?”
“Oh!” Yan Ge clapped his hands, “Right! We can release the Golden Python. If it rushes straight into the Demon Fortress, it means there’s definitely treasure inside!”
Indeed, this was Huangfu Yuchen’s idea: let the Golden Python lead them to the treasure, and then he and Yan Ge could use their spatial abilities to empty the treasure room without anyone noticing.
Yan Ge and Yan Jin both gave a thumbs up to Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen clasped his fists and said, “You’re too kind, too kind.”
Yan Ge and Yan Jin were amused.
Without hesitation, Yan Ge took out the box that sealed the Golden Python and set it free. The Golden Python was so excited that it rushed forward even before its entire body landed on the ground.
Yan Ge and the other two quickly followed.
Sure enough, the Golden Python’s target was the Demon Fortress. It immediately burrowed underground upon reaching the castle. Yan Ge took out the Night Pearl, and the three followed closely behind.
They arrived in an underground chamber, and their eyes were almost blinded by the sparkling gold and silver treasures that filled the room.
This treasure room was about two hundred square meters and was nearly filled to the brim. Due to its age, the jewels were covered with some dust, but it did not diminish their enchanting brilliance.
–“Ding. Side mission – Collect all treasures. Rewards once the mission is successful: 1000 silver taels and a silver box. Punishment upon mission failure: Deduction of 1000 silver taels. If you accept the mission, please choose ‘Yes’; if you reject the mission, please choose ‘No’.”
Yan Ge accepted the mission, and his face almost broke into a smile.
Without warning, the Golden Python, as if it hadn’t eaten for centuries, pounced on a box of gold and opened its mouth wide.
“Ah!” Yan Ge was caught off guard, and the box was emptied in an instant.
Yan Ge felt heartbroken and immediately used a shrinking technique to reduce the size of the Golden Python. The pitiful creature struggled on the ground, torn between going after the gold and being sucked back by Yan Ge’s palm.
Yan Ge stared at the Golden Python, wishing to dissect its body and take out the gold. Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Jin watched Yan Ge helplessly, unable to suppress their laughter.
“Alright, baby, there’s still plenty here. Consider that box as the Golden Python’s hard work,” Huangfu Yuchen advised.
Yan Ge thought that he had always been a generous boss, so he felt at ease and put the Golden Python back into the box. He then surveyed the treasures in the room.
Taking a look around, his attention was drawn to a gray silk box placed on a simple altar. The box had some lines that resembled scriptures and was locked.
Huangfu Yuchen also walked over, raised his hand, and shot out some true qi, unlocking the box.
Inside the box was a round pearl-like sphere weighing about half a catty.
“This doesn’t look like a pearl. Why is it being valued so much?” Yan Ge was cautious and did not directly reach out to take it. Having grown up in a prestigious family before and now living in the palace, appreciating jewelry was an easy task for him.
Huangfu Yuchen noticed some writing under the brocade cloth on the “pearl”. He waved his hand, and the wind lifted the cloth, revealing several characters inscribed at the bottom of the box.
“Must accommodate the relics of the divine monk?” Yan Ge read aloud.
Huangfu Yuchen looked at the piles of treasures and said, “If that’s the case, this place is most likely the batch of treasures Suyi Malo, the leader of the Suyi nobles, took away years ago.”
*You can check chapter 171 for the backstory on the Suyi nobles incase you forgot.Yan Ge was puzzled, “This whole area is extremely strange, filled with dangers. How did Suyi Malo and his people manage to come in? According to what you said, that war happened over ninety years ago, so why haven’t we seen a single corpse along the way? Could it be that the monsters here even devoured their bones? Or maybe Suy Malo found a way to pass safely through this area?”
“It is indeed strange, but now it’s difficult to find the answer,” Huangfu Yuchen stroked his face and smiled gently, “I thought your first reaction would be to collect all the treasures.”
Yan Ge put on a scholarly posture and waved his hand, “Not at all. I am a person who values knowledge and inquisitiveness.”
“Who dares to say you’re not?” Huangfu Yuchen teased him. “Let’s put all these away first.”
“Yeah.” Yan Ge nodded, “I’ll take it. You and Little Jin can rest on the side.”
Huangfu Yuchen walked over to the side, watching Yan Ge as he stored all the boxes of gold and silver treasures into his space. He even hummed an unknown tune, not leaving a single small pearl behind. It truly was a meticulous process.
–“Ding. Side mission – Collect all treasures. Mission successful. Reward: 1000 silver taels and a silver box. Would you like to open the silver box now?”
Yan Ge chose to open it.
–“Congratulations, you have obtained ten Foundation Building Pills.”
“Congratulations, you have obtained ten Foundation Building Pills.”
A nice reward!
Yan Ge daydreamed, he hoped that the reward for the next mission would be the formula for Foundation Building Pills. Then he would refine as many of them as he could. However, receiving ten Foundation Building Pills was already very lucky.
In any case, with this batch of treasures, Great Han’s national treasury would be quite abundant, and there would be no need to skimp on various aspects of national development.
Yan Ge said with a beaming smile, “Zirui, this trip was worth it.”
“In the future, I’ll take you on more trips whenever there’s a chance,” Huangfu Yuchen said.
After making sure that there were no traces left to follow, Yan Ge released the Golden Python to fill the tunnel it had drilled. Then, the three of them quickly left and appeared behind the rear team from Great Han, pretending to chase after the frontmost troops.
After catching up, the three of them remounted their horses.
Because the guide said they would soon reach the Demon Fortress, their marching speed was fast and it didn’t take long for them to arrive at the grassland in front of the Demon Fortress.
“We’ve finally arrived!” Yilihan stared intently at the Demon Fortress.
Now, Yan Ge had the opportunity to carefully examine the Demon Fortress. It was a very large castle covering an area of over three thousand mu. Through the dense weeds, one could vaguely see the aged stone bricks on the ground. It seemed that the Demon Fortress must have been very prosperous in the past. The place where the name was engraved on the castle had already become faded and unclear, and it couldn’t be confirmed if it was the Twin Moon Palace.
*You can check chapter 176 for the short backstory on the Twin Moon Palace.“General Yilihan, should we let the soldiers rest and recuperate here before exploring the Demon Fortress?” Bai Shaobai was sure that he also knew the situation. Although he had no expression on his face, there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.
Huangfu Yuchen became even more certain that the Mai and Wei kingdoms were scheming against Great Han, and even other kingdoms. A cold smile appeared at the corner of his lips. Unfortunately, their wishful thinking was destined to be in vain.
Yilihan said, “Rest for half an hour on-site.”
To prevent soldiers from being harmed by insects in the grass, they collectively cleared a barrier on the edge of the square and set fire to the dried grass on the square.
Afterward, everyone took out dry rations to munch on, while the more exhausted soldiers lay down on the ground to rest for a while— there might be another tough battle ahead.
Yang Zhuo, Yilihan, Bai Shaobai, Wen Han, and other leaders each led a small team of twenty people to inspect the situation outside the Demon Fortress.
Yan Ge walked to Gao Feng’s side. “Gao Feng, how are you?”
Gao Feng had been resting with his eyes closed and quickly opened them, “Young Master, I’m feeling much better now, just a bit weak.”
Yan Ge took his pulse, “Don’t worry, you’re recovering well. Remember to drink more water. I guess everyone will split into several groups to explore the inside of the castle. Staying outside might not be entirely safe. Later, you’ll also go in and follow behind me and Zirui.”
“Thank you, young master,” the two brothers thanked him simultaneously.
