Chapter 1981 - 1961:

Chapter 1981: Chapter 1961:

"Stay close and wear your masks; be cautious of poison." Qhianqhian had meticulously prepared ’gear’ for every eventuality, from insect repellent to masks, and from ropes to gloves. She tried to think of everything possible and even worked hard to anticipate the unforeseen.

Meanwhile, Huangfu Yanyao also had his own set, but chose not to reveal it to avoid unnecessary attention.

After all, if he brought it out now, members of the patrol team who had seen the academy team’s ’equipment’ earlier would raise questions. The most crucial aspect is that no one noticed the swap within the patrol team, leaving the current situation completely uncertain. It was best to exercise caution.

Following the mushroom-covered slope, a secret door could be easily found. Beyond the door lay a bright stairway and terrifying skeletons, serving as apparent nourishment for the mushrooms. It made Qhianqhian hesitate briefly, as the sight was truly repulsing.

Of course, those who traveled this path were only trapped to death, and now the secret door was under their control, allowing free entry and exit without being helplessly trapped underground.

At the foot of the stairs lay a flat area surrounded by countless corridors extending in all directions, leaving the choice of path up to personal preference.

Mo raised an eyebrow, glancing at Qhianqhian. The objects here didn’t concern him; he merely brought people over for an experience. Bai Yinshu was initially supposed to lead, but Mo distracted Bai Yinshu with two cleverly sourced perfumes, leading him to abandon his leadership role in pursuit of them.

Of course, the two fragrances involved were an alluring ocean perfume and a contrasting Paris scent, misleading Bai Yinshu with two chunks of wood soaked for days. Mo intended to give these to Bai Yinshu once he realized the truth.

After all, it was through the Nine Heavens Pavilion that Mo could effortlessly deceive that fool, leaving him quite delighted.

"Sixteen paths?" Qhianqhian counted them and instinctively frowned; with only twelve teams, the chance of encountering another was small, but not impossible.

Aside from Huangfu Yanyao’s team, there were two patrol teams capable of accessing this area, although their arrival might be slightly delayed. Naturally, this wouldn’t disrupt the grand scheme given the multitude of paths.

"This path has wind." Someone immediately noted from within the team.

Di Jun rolled his eyes, muttering a reprimand under his breath.

Having wind indicated an exit route ahead and most certainly not leading to a concealed area, typically marked by secret chambers, questioning the presence of numerous paths.

"This direction." Huangfu Yihui pointed backward, feeling undecided as it led downhill with no detectable aura or significant elemental fluctuation, relying solely on his intuition.

Long Tu furrowed his brow, glancing sideways, strangely drawn by the passage to his side.

"I feel drawn to this one," another voiced promptly.

"This one perhaps?"

Given a ten-person team, consensus was challenging, representing a particular test of their dynamics...

"They all seem the same to me," Di Jun remarked dismissively, perceiving no difference among the passages aside from their directions.

"I can’t discern any either." Qhianqhian shrugged.

Mo chuckled indifferently, treating the area as a grand labyrinth...

"Let’s take this one." Qhianqhian pointed casually to a passage on her right and smiled, "It’s just a random choice since I can’t sense anything specific."

Mo cast a deep glance at Qhianqhian; the sixteen corridors had eight symmetrical distributions, and Qhianqhian was pointing to the ’life’ path.

"This works for me," Di Jun shrugged, showing little concern.

Mo had no objections, nor did Long Tu, drawn by the passage’s allure anyway, willing to turn back if obstructed.

Being the sole female in the team, Qhianqhian inevitably received preferential treatment, which was noticeably positive.

Usually shielded by Mo, nobody dared to target Qhianqhian be it verbally or physically. Despite Mo’s laid-back demeanor and seemingly uninvolved stance, he had established himself as the top figure in the academy.

Consequently, even if Di Jun was somewhat insolent, he discreetly restrained himself, recognizing Mo’s invincibility.

Less than three minutes into the passage, they heard anguished cries ahead...

Everyone exchanged puzzled looks; what was happening? The sudden cry signified what exactly?

Even with sounds indicating potential presence ahead, they proceeded cautiously, wary of triggering traps.

Considering it was the Five Emperors’ Tombs, it demanded a degree of respect and caution.

"Did we collide with another team or did paths converge, or is it a trap ahead?" Di Jun remained vigilant, having been warned by Qhianqhian he should restrain action unless faced with deadly danger. Acting recklessly might leave him abandoned in unknown terrains, though he knew Qhianqhian and Long Tu wouldn’t truly forsake him. The unpredictability in such regions justified caution—rescuing others must first ensure personal safety.

No need to risk one’s safety for others, right?

Yet, should Qhianqhian or Long Tu be in peril, Di Jun would undoubtedly intervene, knowing their reciprocal commitment.

"We must’ve found someone’s path." Mo broke the silence after brief contemplation, explaining, "Our path hasn’t shifted, but its level is descending, nearing mountain base."

Such conclusions drawn from air and passage without lighting, relying solely on torches for insight.

The air, though not thin, lacked the initial refreshing coolness upon entering. The sun rising against dispersing mist was possible, yet the secluded back mountain seldom received sunlight.

Hence, the air remained cool and slightly refreshing, while the mountain base yielded warmth and floral scent, akin to the present air.

The absence of lighting in the passage likely intended to obscure the gradual descent...

Mo casually took out a Luminous Pearl, which indeed began rolling, and its pace increased.