The forest around them lay hushed, as if holding its breath. A light breeze stirred the ancient branches overhead, making the scattered sunlight dance on the mossy ground. The faint scent of damp wood and wildflowers filled the air.
Huo Chuntian broke the silence first, his eyes thoughtful.
There's a cave not far from here. I saw it while gathering herbs.
Mike turned toward him, curiosity sparking in his tired eyes.
Are you sure, Mr. Huo? A cave?
Huo Chuntian nodded, a small smile on his lips.
"Hmm, yeah, Mike. I'm sure. I spotted it when I was searching for herbs for the pill. But I didn't stop to examine it my priority was saving you.
Mike dipped his head. Thank you, Mr. Huo.
Jian Dao's expression brightened at the mention of the cave.
If there's a cave here in beast territory, that means we've hit a jackpot. Caves like that untouched, hidden they're often packed with treasures. Rare techniques, ancient pills, elemental flames… things beyond imagination.
Without another word, the three rose into the air, slicing through shafts of sunlight and drifting mist as they sped toward the cave.
Soon, they stood before its entrance: an ancient stone door, worn by time, edges chipped, its surface blanketed in moss and dust. The door itself was rough, uneven, as if shaped by nature's own hand.
Together, they pushed. The door groaned as it opened, and darkness poured from within like a living thing, cold and heavy.
Mike summoned a small flame in his palm. The warm light drove back the shadows, revealing jagged stone walls and a narrow tunnel that led deeper inside. They moved slowly, the sound of dripping water echoing softly as they advanced.
At the cave's heart, they found it: a simple key, resting alone on a cracked stone pedestal.
Jian Dao placed a hand on Mike's shoulder, his voice steady, almost solemn.
Listen, Mike. In life, you have two choices. You can be the one who lights up the world, as you've lit this cave. Or, you can burn it down, becoming ruthless, empty, a man with no purpose but destruction. Remember that.
Mike bowed his head. Yes, Master. I'll choose the first path. I'll remember.
Huo Chuntian's eyes gleamed as he spotted something near the pedestal.
Hey, this is the lock that fits the key in your hand!
Together, they opened it.
Suddenly, the ground shook beneath their feet. From beneath the floor, a massive stone-and-wood cupboard rose, grinding against the earth. A blinding light spilled out as it cracked open, filling the cavern with its brilliance.
Shielding their eyes, they waited until the light dimmed. When at last they could see, their jaws dropped in unison.
Mike let out a low breath. We really did hit a jackpot.
Huo Chuntian's voice trembled with excitement.
Look at this, Jian Dao! The Abyssal Shark Devour Technique! And there three more! Rare techniques, all of them!
Jian Dao smirked, crossing his arms.
Huo Chuntian, don't act like a child. So what if there are four scrolls? That demi-human hoarder only left four things behind. What a pitiful treasure for a cave like this.
Mike stepped forward, scanning the walls and corners.
Master… I think there are more hidden things here. Let me check.
Jian Dao shook his head.
No, what's here is rare enough. Don't get greedy.
Huo Chuntian chuckled as he gathered the scrolls.
I'll just take these and
Jian Dao's voice snapped.
Are you mad, you old fool? How many techniques do you have already? I have eight and that's more than enough!
Huo Chuntian sighed.
You're right. Grief makes me selfish… But Jian Dao, there's one selfish thing I want. Give me a body, please.
Jian Dao was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.
Fine. I'll find you a suitable body. I thought Han Zetsu's body would've been perfect, but that disappeared on us.
No! Huo Chuntian recoiled. Not that dirty body. Never!
Jian Dao laughed.
Relax. I was joking. I'll find something better. Now hand me those scrolls.
As Huo Chuntian passed them over, he noticed Mike searching the cavern walls, his flame casting flickering light.
Mike, what are you doing? Jian Dao called sharply.
Mike turned, sheepish.
Ah, sorry, Master. I was looking for more hidden treasures. I thought there might be something else.
Jian Dao smirked.
Enough of that. Focus. These are four rare techniques, the kind cultivators guard as trump cards.
Mike tilted his head. Trump card?
A trump card, Jian Dao explained, is your hidden strength. When you're at a disadvantage, when all else fails that's when you use it. The last blow that turns the tide.
Mike's eyes lit up.
So if I have many trump cards, my chances of victory rise. But if I have few, I'm at greater risk.
Exactly. Jian Dao nodded, proud.
Huo Chuntian grinned.
Your disciple's sharp, Jian Dao. Smart, handsome too. No what am I saying…
Jian Dao narrowed his eyes.
What do you mean by that?
Huo Chuntian leaned in with a grin.
You have a daughter, right? And Mike's Eldon Yeager's only son… so maybe.
Before he could finish, Jian Dao's foot found his gut.
Shut up, you old crow! Don't open your filthy mouth again!
Huo Chuntian staggered back, clutching his stomach.
Alright, alright! I'm leaving, I'm leaving!
Mike watched, puzzled.
Master… was he talking about my existence?
Jian Dao waved it off.
Forget it. Not important. Focus on this. These techniquesstudy them. The Autumn Technique you know. But the others…
His voice lowered as he gestured to each scroll.
Abyssal Shark Devour summons the spiritual force of a monstrous abyssal shark, tearing through anything in its path. One stage. No build-up. Pure destruction.
Blazing Starfall meteoroid-sized fire orbs rain down, exploding on impact. A massive blazing star follows, burning all. Feared by great cultivators.
Celestial Sword Burial Formation a deadly formation that can reach its peak as Heaven's End Annihilation, where swords fall like stars to end all beneath the heavens.
Frostgrave Doomsway channels the deathly chill of ancient ice valleys. Creates a domain of freezing doom. If mastered, slays foes twice as strong. If failed the cold claims the user's life.
Mike's breath caught. A do-or-die technique…
Jian Dao nodded.
Now… enough of this. We go to the competition next.
The cave's shadows seemed to deepen as they turned to leave, treasures in hand, the future uncertain, but their path set.