As dawn broke, Ye Cangtian and Huang Wu were awakened by a Xuan-level expert and instructed to assemble in the plaza within fifteen minutes.
Huang Wu was still a bit groggy, but Ye Cangtian had a slight inkling of what was happening.
The two individuals in the opposite bunk were also stirred awake. One of them, a Huang-level member who had chatted the most the previous night, remarked, "I originally thought you two wouldn't get to enter for another day or two. I didn't expect it to be this soon!"
It was evident that Ye Cangtian and his companion were about to be notified to explore the outer perimeter of the ruins.
Ye Cangtian shrugged indifferently, "We'll have to go down eventually anyway. It's just the outer areas, so even if there's danger, it's not significant. Gaining experience by going down earlier is much better than entering the ruins once they're open and not knowing anything!"
The Huang-level member nodded, "That makes sense. Be careful!"
A moment later!
Ye Cangtian and Huang Wu arrived at the outer plaza. At the same time, a dozen or so other individuals, all wearing bronze masks, were present.
Most of these people, like them, had only arrived on the island in the past two days.
Consequently, many were exchanging whispers, unsure why they had been summoned.
Before long, two Xuan-level experts wearing silver masks approached from a distance. One of them shouted, "Everyone, quiet down!"
Everyone immediately fell silent. To them, Xuan-level experts were high-ranking individuals, not only superior in strength but also much higher in status.
The Xuan-level expert continued, "My name is Xuan San. I am the overall commander responsible for all your actions in this relic. Now, I will explain the mission you are about to undertake and some important precautions!"
This person exuded a powerful aura. Even when speaking about the relic and the mission, all the Huang-level members present felt an intangible pressure!
Amidst the crowd, Ye Cangtian's expression grew considerably more serious.
Xuan San!
A Xuan-level master. Even if he were merely Xuan-level, this person gave him a sense of danger.
It seemed that even among Xuan-level experts, there were differences in strength.
While he had been able to easily deal with, or even kill, the Xuan-level experts he had encountered before, this Xuan San before him was likely even stronger than Zhao Ziyang.
He was an absolute master!
Ye Cangtian took a deep breath. This was merely a Xuan-level expert. What about a Di-level expert?
It was highly probable that there would be Di-level experts stationed on this island, especially since this so-called relic was important to the Dark Association.
"Alright, be safe when you go down into the relic. Additionally, if you have any unexpected gains, the organization will provide rewards!" Xuan San finished speaking and waved his hand.
The group exchanged glances and quickly followed.
As Ye Cangtian and Huang Wu were about to follow, a silver-masked individual beckoned them from nearby.
It was Xuan Jiu. He lowered his voice and said to them, "You two are conveniently going down. My subordinate, Huang Si, is also going this time. He can take you to meet Xuan Qi."
After saying this, Xuan Jiu called over a Huang-level member.
Upon hearing Xuan Jiu's instructions, the Huang-level member agreed. He promised to take the two of them to see Xuan Qi after they entered the outer perimeter of the relic.
Ye Cangtian felt a surge of dismay!
I don't want to see Xuan Qi! Why are you all so enthusiastic?
However, refusing now was useless. After all, there were too many Dark Association members present, and a powerful master like Xuan San was watching. If he revealed any flaws, he would be in a dangerous situation.
He could only go down into the relic and see what happened!
Ye Cangtian continued to follow the team towards a building. Huang Si, Xuan Jiu's subordinate, patiently explained the precautions for being inside the relic.
It was similar to what the Huang-level member had said last night: stay away from strangely shaped stones and try not to stray from the group!
Huang Si smiled and reassured them, "Actually, you don't need to worry too much. It's just the outer perimeter of the relic, so there isn't much danger. Just be careful, and you'll be fine!"
Just as he finished speaking.
A group of Huang-level members emerged from a passage in the building ahead. There were about a dozen of them, all covered in dust and grime. Many were injured.
Among them, three corpses were carried out.
As for the other injured individuals, one had lost an arm, another had a broken leg, and several others were covered in blood, clearly having encountered danger.
All the Huang-level members who were preparing to enter the passage had their expressions change dramatically. Was it that dangerous inside?
Huang Si, seeing the惨状 (tragic state) of these people, also put away his smile and asked with a grave expression, "You guys, what happened?"
One of the Huang-level members who had come out of the passage sighed, "While we were exploring the outer areas, the number of stone figures inside inexplicably increased, and they even actively attacked us! Besides that, some people went missing for no reason."
"Missing?"
Huang Si's expression changed. No wonder he noticed that besides the three corpses, the group was short by three people!
Soon, the group that had emerged from the passage departed.
It was evident that the survivors were still in shock, realizing how dangerous it must have been inside.
Everyone looked at each other, feeling a sense of unease about the mission!
Huang Si spoke, "Sigh, let's go everyone! As long as we don't fall behind, and with our numbers, there shouldn't be any danger!"
They had no choice but to undertake the mission assigned by their superiors.
Ahead was a passage guarded by two Huang-level members. The group entered the passage, where the dim lighting barely illuminated the steps underfoot.
The steps sloped downwards, and it was unclear how long they were.
After descending the passage for a long time, the group finally felt the passage widen, and everything before them opened up.
Ahead lay a relatively large open area where numerous scientists in white lab coats were busy working.
There were many instruments, the purpose of which was unknown. They could only see these scientists bustling about, with many armed soldiers watching them from the surroundings.
"It's really here!" Ye Cangtian softly exhaled.
There were at least dozens of individuals in white lab coats working before them. Judging by the weary and unwilling expressions on their faces, it was clear they were being forced.
He scanned the crowd, and finally, Ye Cangtian's gaze settled on a young female scientist in a white lab coat.
Shangguan Yanran!
Tang Xinwan's best friend, Shangguan Yun's sister, that scholarly female academic!
Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her face bore some dirt marks. She was reluctantly using an instrument to take measurements.
As if sensing something, Shangguan Yanran turned her head and glanced at the group wearing bronze masks.
However, she was quickly reprimanded by an armed guard! She had no choice but to turn back and continue her work!
Ye Cangtian said nothing, nor did he intend to rescue her.
Now was not the time to save anyone!
Putting aside the fact that there were many Huang-level members here, and even a Xuan-level expert on guard. Even if he could rescue Shangguan Yanran, he wouldn't be able to escape once they returned to the surface!
He would first scout the relic below and then make plans!
At this moment, their group had arrived at the front, where a massive barrier stood.
Rather than a barrier, it was more apt to describe it as a smooth, transparent wall. Moreover, this peculiar wall even emitted a special energy fluctuation.
This... could this be the location of the relic?