For a martial artist, the Sacred Tomb is undoubtedly a rare treasure that one can only hope to encounter. Despite the astonishment in his heart, Ye Xingchen maintained a calm demeanor and asked in a deep voice, "The Sacred Tomb is of great significance. How did you come to know about it?"
Shen Zhengping's expression grew serious as he slowly replied, "This is indeed hard to believe, but it is absolutely true. My Shen Family has been rooted in Tianfeng County for several years, precisely for the sake of this Sacred Tomb. Many years ago, our ancestors traveled here and, by chance, discovered the existence of this Sacred Tomb."
"However, our ancestors lacked the strength to gain anything from it and feared that others would arrive first. Thus, they relocated the family here to keep it hidden. For years, my Shen Family has been dedicated to exploring the Sacred Tomb, but unfortunately, we have been unable to access its core due to unfavorable circumstances."
"Only those of Feng Wang Jing strength can explore it further. Yet, my Shen Family still has a strong member of Feng Wang Jing." A hint of helplessness and unwillingness seeped into Shen Zhengping's voice.
Hearing this, Ye Xingchen furrowed his brows and pondered for a moment before saying, "If that's the case, why didn't you inform Chen Canghai earlier? With his cultivation level, he might have been able to give it a try."
Shen Zhengping's expression changed abruptly; he sneered and said, "Chen Canghai is treacherous. If I were to inform him, how could my Shen Family survive? Such treasures should not fall into the hands of such petty individuals."
Ye Xingchen's tone carried a hint of mockery as he slowly replied, "Are you not afraid that I might silence you?" Upon hearing this, Shen Zhengping revealed a hearty smile and said, "I have inquired about Brother Ye's past; you have slain Qian Wanfeng and wiped out Chen Canghai and others purely out of self-preservation. Even when expanding your influence, you have acted with integrity and have not indiscriminately killed innocents. Because of this, after careful consideration, I decided to share this news with you."
Ye Xingchen's expression became serious as he asked, "What are your plans then?" Shen Zhengping seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at this question; he had indeed worried that Ye Xingchen would resort to extreme measures. Now composed, he said, "We will prepare and then take you to the Sacred Tomb. The spoils will be divided seventy-thirty. However, we hope to have the right of first choice on one item."
Ye Xingchen nodded slightly and replied solemnly, "Alright, it's settled." Seeing this agreement, Shen Zhengping's expression became earnest as he said, "Words alone are not enough; we need to swear an oath before our Heart Demon." Every cultivator has their own Heart Demon. The Heart Demon oath is made before one's own Heart Demon. If one were to break it, they could suffer severe consequences—losing their cultivation or even perishing entirely; not even an emperor could escape such fate.
Ye Xingchen did not hesitate upon hearing this; he immediately joined Shen Zhengping in swearing an oath before their Heart Demons. Once the oath was established, both felt a sense of relief. Afterwards, Shen Zhengping personally escorted Ye Xingchen and his companions out of the estate.
As night deepened, lanterns outside the estate emitted a dim yellow glow that elongated their shadows. Watching Ye Xingchen depart into the night, Shen Zhengping pondered inwardly; perhaps this collaboration could bring unexpected gains for the Shen Family.
Standing nearby was Shen Guanghao, his brow furrowed with discontent and helplessness as he remarked, "Ancestor Ye revealing the Sacred Tomb to Ye Xingchen means our Shen Family will likely lose many opportunities for treasures."
Shen Zhengping's expression darkened as his gaze sharpened; he sternly reprimanded him: "I tell you every day that one's strength determines what treasures one deserves. In this world, everything is based on strength. If it weren't for your generation being so unambitious and lazy while I suffer from insufficient vitality preventing me from breaking through the Wang Jing barrier, why would I lower myself to seek help from others?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Guanghao's face turned pale in an instant as shame washed over him. He lowered his head in silence; at that moment, all his excuses seemed utterly powerless.
Seeing this reaction from him eased some of Shen Zhengping's anger but did little to hide his disappointment. He sighed deeply and turned back toward his courtyard, his figure appearing solitary and forlorn.
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