In another corner of the ruins, in a secret chamber within a city.
Xuan Bing stood in the center of the chamber, facing the two people seated at the head of the room.
Judging by their build, one was a man and the other a woman, both wearing white masks, their features obscured.
"Alliance Leader, Deputy Alliance Leader, the operation to clear out the tomb was not smooth!"
"The personnel responsible for clearing the tomb were lost completely, and we had to join forces with Ye Cangtian of the Hidden Group..."
Xuan Bing detailed the mission's specifics, their findings within the tomb, and the subsequent ambush by the Tian Can Lou.
"Xuan Bing, you did well this time."
"Without sufficient strength to clear the tomb, you knew to seek assistance. It seems appointing you to command was a wise decision."
The woman with the white mask cast an appreciative glance.
Although no precious treasures were obtained, the mission was completed, and it served as a valuable training opportunity for the subordinates who participated.
This was enough to satisfy her.
"Deputy Alliance Leader, I wish to know what our attitude should be towards the Hidden Group."
Listening to the woman's words, Xuan Bing pondered for a moment before slowly asking.
Despite some past cooperation, there was mutual wariness between them.
Furthermore, as the Anti-Black Alliance grew stronger, friction and conflict with the Hidden Group were inevitable.
After all, the resources within the Dark Ruins were finite, and it was natural for factions to clash over interests.
"We will mind our own business!"
In response to Xuan Bing's question, the Deputy Alliance Leader remained silent for a long time before finally giving her answer.
The Hidden Group's influence within the Dark Ruins was not to be underestimated, and they had numerous powerful experts. If the Anti-Black Alliance were to engage in battle with them, it would be difficult to gain an advantage.
Moreover, in her opinion, there was no point in creating conflict with the Hidden Group.
The Anti-Black Alliance was established to overthrow the rule of the Dark Association. Expending strength against the Hidden Group would only bring joy to their enemies and sorrow to their allies.
Therefore, maintaining clear boundaries, non-interference, and secretly developing their strength was the best course of action.
"When necessary, we can cooperate with the Hidden Group."
"However, when cooperating, we must show sincerity and avoid provoking them," the Deputy Alliance Leader added after a moment of thought, the Alliance Leader supplementing her statement.
The Anti-Black Alliance was still somewhat weaker than the Hidden Group. During cooperation, minimizing friction would be essential to achieve mutual benefit.
Moreover, this approach might secure a stable ally, which would be highly beneficial for the great cause of the Anti-Black Alliance.
"I understand, subordinates."
Receiving direct instructions from the Alliance Leader and Deputy Alliance Leader, Xuan Bing immediately responded, feeling a great deal of relief.
This meant they no longer had to be as vigilant against the Hidden Group as if they were guarding against a thief.
"Xuan Bing, your visit today has two purposes. The first is to understand the mission's outcome."
"The second is to provide you with some spirit stones and elixirs..."
Meanwhile, seeing Xuan Bing fall silent, the Alliance Leader changed the subject. He took out his Qiankun bag and handed it directly to Xuan Bing.
The combat strength of the Anti-Black Alliance was still weak, and their influence was not yet substantial. This was precisely when spirit stones and elixirs were needed.
With these resources, they could enhance the Anti-Black Alliance's combat power, increase their chances of success in clearing tombs, and recruit more soldiers.
"Thank you for your trust, Alliance Leader."
"Alliance Leader, rest assured, I will not disappoint you!"
Xuan Bing thanked them immediately, understanding the significance of these provisions.
"Remember, even if cooperation with the Hidden Group is not feasible, do not make them enemies. At critical junctures, you may concede some interests."
"As for everything else, proceed boldly. We will back you up on any matter!"
The Alliance Leader admonished him solemnly before waving his hand.
Xuan Bing bowed respectfully and then left the secret chamber.
...
Ghost City!
Dark Association Headquarters.
After returning from the mission, Ye Cangtian found himself with leisure time, thanks to Mantou and Feiyan gathering information.
He spent several days cultivating in his room.
Now alone in the room, Ye Cangtian took out his Qiankun bag during a break from his cultivation.
This was what he had salvaged from the tomb's owner during the clearing operation, and he had just remembered it.
Looking at the Qiankun bag, Ye Cangtian licked his lips, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
It was like opening a blind box; it could contain worthless junk or genuine heavenly treasures.
The next moment, Ye Cangtian was dumbfounded.
Inside the Qiankun bag, besides some elixirs, there was only an ancient book with inscriptions he did not recognize.
This was too much of a rip-off!
Ye Cangtian muttered to himself, a wave of disappointment making him agitated. He took out the ancient book, preparing to examine it, when suddenly his mind went blank.
After a moment, Ye Cangtian regained his senses. An image of a man appeared in his mind.
He was seated in the sky, his eyes closed.
Inheritance!
Seeing this scene, Ye Cangtian's excitement surged, and he immediately focused his attention.
The Mental Power Battle Technique was a support-type cultivation method, lacking any powerful killing moves. According to the inheritance, its sole purpose was to cultivate mental power.
However, the inheritance provided no information regarding the uses of mental power.
This left Ye Cangtian somewhat speechless. This was his first encounter with mental power; how could he know what it was?
Nevertheless, since the cultivation method was simple, requiring only meditation, Ye Cangtian reluctantly tried it out.
In his view, such a technique would be beneficial and harmless; otherwise, who would bother developing it...
"Boss, boss, we're back..."
After an unknown period, Mantou's voice echoed in his mind.
Ye Cangtian awoke from his meditation. The moment he opened his eyes, he was stunned.
Everything in his vision became remarkably clear, his senses had improved, and he could even distinctly feel the imperceptible spiritual energy in the air.
So, so magical...
Ye Cangtian suddenly realized that this Mental Power Battle Technique was truly a remarkable thing!
He had only cultivated it for a short time, yet he experienced significant improvements. It was truly miraculous.
"Boss, what's wrong with you today?"
"You seem different from usual?"
Looking into Ye Cangtian's eyes, Mantou tentatively inquired. The feeling she sensed earlier was peculiar and difficult to describe.
Following the events of the past few days, Mantou's loyalty to Ye Cangtian had deepened, even changing her address to him.
On the other side, Feiyan chuckled and stepped forward, saying, "Yes, you are a bit different. You look a bit more handsome."
Ye Cangtian smiled faintly at their words and changed the subject without explanation, "What news did you two gather today?"
"Alas, nothing of consequence. It's all trivial matters, as if the entire Dark Ruins have fallen silent."
Mantou sighed, eager to prove her worth to Ye Cangtian.
However, with no findings for several consecutive days, she couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment.
Feiyan echoed her sentiment with a sigh, "My situation is similar. The only news is that Lord Huangshan and Lord Lü Luo have returned. As for their previous whereabouts, we haven't been able to ascertain..."
Since they returned to Ghost City with Ye Cangtian, they had not seen Huangshan and Lü Luo.
Now that both had returned, she and Mantou felt ashamed that they still hadn't discovered the purpose of their departure.
Huangshan and Lü Luo?
Ye Cangtian's eyes flickered; he was also curious about their movements.
However, before he could speak, there was a knock on the door.
It was none other than Huangshan and Lü Luo.