Chapter 360: No one dared to touch the divine pills in the hall; we still had to rely on Master Jiang!

The fading light of the Heavenly Ladder still lingered in the Void Realm.

Everyone was already standing on the white jade platform.

Before them was that towering palace.

The main gate was over ten zhang high, carved entirely from white jade and inlaid with various rare gems.

There were night-luminescent pearls the size of fists, blood corals as thick as a baby's arm, Star Sand flickering with starlight, and Sun Stones emitting a warm Yang Qi Aura.

Every single one of them could fetch an astronomical price outside.

But at this moment, no one dared to move.

No one even dared to take more than a few glances.

Everyone's gaze fell upon one person.

Jiang Yun.

The sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth stood with his hands behind his back, facing away from the crowd, quietly looking at the gates of that palace.

His silhouette was thin but upright.

In everyone's eyes, that was no longer just a silhouette.

It was a life-saving straw.

The only straw that could lead them to survive amidst the deadly Restrictions.

No one spoke.

No one stepped forward.

Even the four Falling Star Rank experts just stood in place, looking at Jiang Yun with complex gazes.

The scene on the Heavenly Ladder just now still echoed in their minds.

Lei Heng, Diamond Eighth Tier.

One wrong step, and he was reduced to ashes.

He didn't even have a chance to resist.

That kind of shock was enough for anyone to remember for a lifetime.

And the palace before them, as the core of the entire Secret Realm, its Restrictions would only be stronger and more terrifying than the Heavenly Ladder's.

Who would dare to act rashly?

No one dared.

Lie Yunkong took a deep breath and stepped forward.

He walked to a spot three steps behind Jiang Yun and stopped.

Then.

This fourth-stage Falling Star Rank expert, who had acted overbearingly in Black Rock City for many years, bowed his waist.

It wasn't just a slight nod of the head.

It was a true bow.

Ninety degrees.

"Master Jiang."

His voice was incredibly respectful.

"I, Lie Yunkong, venture to ask—how should we enter this gate?"

Blood Lady followed closely behind, curtsied, and lowered her head deeply.

"Master Jiang, I am willing to follow your orders."

Black Wind Old Demon didn't speak, but he also bowed his waist.

That spine, which had always been straight, now bent into a humble arc.

He Yuanming even stepped forward directly, cupping his hands and bowing.

"Master Jiang, everyone from the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group is at your disposal."

The four Falling Star Rank experts now stood respectfully behind Jiang Yun, like Disciples meeting a teacher.

Their humble attitude and lowly posture made everyone present widen their eyes.

The team members looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock.

These were Falling Star Rank experts!

In Black Rock City, which one of them wasn't a regional overlord?

Which one wasn't a figure who could make the entire city district tremble with a stomp of their foot?

Now, they were bowing to a sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth.

"Master Jiang is too incredible..."

Someone murmured.

"Even Falling Star Rank experts have to lower their heads; what kind of status is this?"

"From now on, who in Black Rock City would dare to provoke Master Jiang?"

The discussions were quiet, but everyone's eyes were filled with awe.

The way they looked at Jiang Yun was completely different from the beginning.

At first, they mocked him for being Gold Rank Five and looked down on him.

Later, they were shocked by his status as a High-Grade Appraiser and began to respect him.

Then, they personally watched him crack runes and ascend the Heavenly Ladder, and a sense of awe naturally arose.

And now.

It was looking up.

Looking up as if looking up at a deity.

Jiang Yun slowly turned around.

His gaze swept across the four bowing Falling Star Rank experts and the team members whose eyes were full of awe.

His expression was indifferent.

As if being consulted by Falling Star Rank experts with a bow was the most normal thing in the world.

"Rise."

His voice was as calm as water.

The four Falling Star Rank experts straightened up, but the respect in their eyes didn't diminish in the slightest.

After all, entering this place full of Restrictions...

Every step was a gamble with the grim reaper.

If not for Master Jiang's guidance, they would probably have been wiped out today.

Lie Yunkong asked cautiously.

"Master Jiang, this gate... is there a way to crack it?"

Jiang Yun didn't answer immediately.

He looked up at the gate.

Deep in his eyes, a blue light quietly emerged.

"[Medicine God Palace Main Gate: The entrance to the dojo of the Saint King Rank expert, the Medicine God. Nine layers of Restrictions are engraved on the gate, but most have failed due to the passage of time. Currently, only one layer of Restriction is still running, requiring the correct opening method to enter. The opening method is: inject spiritual power into the two 'Medicine' characters on the gate simultaneously for nine breaths, and the gate will open on its own. If the injection time is insufficient or too long, the Restriction will be triggered, resulting in a Saint King Rank spiritual attack; those below Falling Star Rank will die instantly, and even Falling Star Rank experts will be heavily injured.]"

After Jiang Yun finished reading, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

He only gave a faint response of one word.

"Yes."

After saying that.

Jiang Yun withdrew his gaze and looked at the crowd.

At this moment, everyone was still startled to hear Jiang Yun's words!

Although they had already guessed that Master Jiang would know how to crack it, this was too fast!

So fast that they hadn't even calmed their hearts from the intense sense of crisis.

Upon hearing Jiang Yun's reassuring answer.

Everyone's eyes were full of anticipation.

There was also a hint of wariness, which they hid very deeply...

And they were also very curious.

They wondered, how exactly did this youth do it?

He was clearly only sixteen or seventeen years old.

He was clearly just Gold Rank.

Why could he understand Restrictions that even Medium Grade Formation Masters and Medium Grade Rune Masters were helpless against?

Why could he see through everything in this Secret Realm?

Finally, someone couldn't help but speak up.

It was an Amethyst Ninth Tier team member from the Blazing Flame Mercenary Group.

He asked cautiously.

"Master Jiang, I venture to ask... how did you do all this?"

He paused, seemingly organizing his words.

"We know you are proficient in Appraisal Techniques. But you are also proficient in Formations, runes... and can even see through this kind of ancient Restriction..."

"Who exactly are you?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone pricked up their ears.

Yes, who exactly was he?

This question had been circling in everyone's minds for a long time.

Jiang Yun glanced at the person.

That gaze was as calm as water, yet it made the person's heart tremble, and they quickly lowered their head.

"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."

Jiang Yun said indifferently.

The person trembled all over and nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, yes! I spoke out of turn! I spoke out of turn!"

Lie Yunkong, however, looked at Jiang Yun thoughtfully.

He pondered for a moment and slowly spoke.

"Master Jiang, I have lived for over sixty years and have seen countless Geniuses and quite a few Prodigies."

"But someone like you... I have never seen."

A hint of complexity flashed in his eyes.

"Proficient in the three Daos of appraisal, Formations, and runes, and still so young... this kind of talent, perhaps even that Grand Tutor Dongxuan might not be able to match."

Grand Tutor Dongxuan!

As soon as these four words came out, everyone nodded one after another.

"Right, right, right! Grand Tutor Dongxuan also became famous at sixteen!"

"But Grand Tutor Dongxuan is only proficient in the Dao of appraisal, right? Master Jiang is proficient in all three!"

"Comparing them like this, isn't Master Jiang's talent even more terrifying than Grand Tutor Dongxuan's?!"

"Hiss!!! Doesn't that mean as long as Master Jiang is given time, he will surely become a great figure in the future?!"

"More than just a great figure? He might become a top-tier figure like Grand Tutor Dongxuan! Or even surpass him!"

"By then, won't all the major forces be scrambling to curry favor with him?"

The discussion grew louder, and the gazes looking at Jiang Yun became more and more fervent.

Some quick-witted people had already begun to ponder.

After getting out, how should they curry favor with Master Jiang?

How should they win Master Jiang over?

If they could establish a relationship with Master Jiang, wouldn't exploring Secret Realms and appraising treasures in the future be like adding wings to a tiger?"

Even the four Falling Star Rank experts had a flash of heat in their eyes.

If they could recruit Jiang Yun...

Blood Lady's eyes rippled as she began to calculate what conditions would move Jiang Yun.

In Black Wind Old Demon's sinister eyes, a rare moment of deep thought appeared.

Lie Yunkong even spoke up directly.

"Master Jiang, once we're out of the Secret Realm, you must do us the honor of visiting the Blazing Flame Mercenary Group! I will certainly prepare a generous gift and treat you well!"

He Yuanming grew anxious.

"Lie Yunkong! Master Jiang was invited by our Blood Thorn Mercenary Group! Don't you think about stealing him!"

Lie Yunkong sneered.

"Stealing? He Yuanming, what kind of treatment does your Blood Thorn Mercenary Group give Master Jiang? Say it and let's hear it? If it can't compare to my Blazing Flame, why should Master Jiang choose you?"

The two actually started arguing on the spot.

Jiang Yun watched this scene with no ripples in his heart.

Win him over?

Unfortunately, he, Jiang Yun, was never someone who could be won over by others.

Sacred Student of Sky Dome Academy.

Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

Revealing either of these two identities would be enough to shut these people up.

But now was not the time to expose them.

His goal for coming here, from beginning to end, had only been one.

Treasures.

Within this great hall, there must be heavy treasures hidden.

Otherwise, that Saint King Rank Medicine God wouldn't have set up these layers of Restrictions to block outsiders from entering.

Unfortunately...

Although these Restrictions and trials were as difficult as reaching the heavens for others, for him...

The corners of Jiang Yun's mouth curled up slightly.

It was just the daily life of a cheater.

His talent ability was too Heaven-Defying.

With the improvement of his Beast Tamer Realm.

His talent seemed to be gradually growing stronger.

His talent was more capable of seeing through the essence of things.

These data entry prompts were also becoming more and more ridiculous.

He withdrew his thoughts, ignored those arguments, and stepped toward the gate.

Seeing this, the crowd quickly stopped their arguing and followed closely.

Jiang Yun walked to the front of the gate and looked up at those two ancient characters.

Medicine God?!

The two characters were written with powerful strokes, their Aura magnificent.

Every stroke contained some kind of mysterious charm.

Jiang Yun looked for one breath.

Then, he raised both hands.

His left hand pressed on the "Medicine" character on the left.

His right hand pressed on the "God" character on the right.

Everyone held their breath, staring fixedly at his movements.

"Master Jiang is..."

"Pressing directly on it?"

"Won't it trigger the Restriction?"

Someone discussed in a low voice.

But they were quickly silenced by the person next to them.

"Shut up! Don't disturb Master Jiang!"

Jiang Yun ignored the commotion behind him.

He closed his eyes.

The Beast Taming Power within his body circulated, surging out from his hands and into those two large characters.

One breath.

Two breaths.

Three breaths.

There was no movement.

Everyone was so nervous their palms were sweating.

Four breaths.

Five breaths.

Six breaths.

Still no movement.

Someone couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

"Is... is this success or failure?"

No one could answer.

Seven breaths.

Eight breaths.

Nine breaths.

At the exact moment the ninth breath ended.

Boom!!!

On the gate, a blinding golden light suddenly erupted!

That golden light was dazzling and brilliant, making it impossible to keep one's eyes open.

Everyone raised their hands to shield their eyes.

But although their eyes were closed, their ears heard everything clearly.

"Creeeeak!!!"

A dull sound of metal friction rang out.

It was the sound of the gate, which had been sealed for an unknown number of years, slowly opening.

"It's open! It's open!"

"The gate is open!"

"Master Jiang succeeded! He succeeded again!"

Cheers suddenly erupted!

The golden light gradually dissipated.

Everyone opened their eyes and looked at the gate.

The gate had already opened.

Behind the gate was a long corridor leading into the depths.

On both sides of the corridor, night-luminescent pearls were inlaid, emitting a soft light.

“Master Jiang! You're truly incredible!”

“Another Restriction broken! Master Jiang is invincible!”

“I'm impressed! Completely impressed!”

Praises flooded in like a tide.

Lie Yunkong and the other three were also full of shock, looking at Jiang Yun with even more awe.

“Master Jiang, please!”

They stepped aside and made a gesture of invitation.

Jiang Yun didn't stand on ceremony and stepped through the gate.

Everyone followed closely behind.

Passing through the corridor, the view suddenly opened up.

It was a massive hall.

The vaulted ceiling was dozens of zhang high, embedded with countless fist-sized night-luminescent pearls that lit up the entire hall like broad daylight.

Around the hall were thick white jade pillars, carved with exquisite patterns—scenes of Alchemy, herb gathering, and Beast Taming Ascension.

And in the center of the hall.

Dozens of white jade display stands were neatly arranged.

Each stand was about half a person tall and one foot square.

Above each stand floated a Medicinal Pill.

Yes, floating.

Every Medicinal Pill radiated a faint glow, quietly suspended above its display stand.

Those lights were golden, silver, purple, azure...

Multicolored and reflecting off each other, it was magnificent.

Even more startling.

Was the medicinal power radiating from those Medicinal Pills!

It was so thick it had almost condensed into substance!

Just standing at the entrance and taking a breath, one could feel the spiritual energy within their body stirring!

“This... this is...”

Someone spoke with a trembling voice, filled with disbelief.

“Medicinal Pills... they're all Medicinal Pills...”

“Such thick medicinal power! What grade of Medicinal Pills must these be?!”

“Falling Star Rank! They're definitely Falling Star Rank or higher! There's even eclipsing moon?!! Even Sun-Level Medicinal Pills!!!”

“Heavens! So many top-tier Medicinal Pills!”

Everyone went wild!

The team members' eyes turned red!

eclipsing moon and Sun-Level Medicinal Pills!

Out in the world.

A single one could sell for an astronomical price!

They could make Diamond Rank or even Eclipse Moon Rank Experts fight to the death!

They could even move the hearts of Sun-Level experts!

And now, there were dozens here!

Dozens of them!

“Mine! They're all mine!”

Someone roared and was about to rush forward.

But before he could take a step, he was pulled back by someone nearby.

“Are you crazy?! Did you forget the previous Restriction?!”

The man shuddered and snapped out of it.

Right, the Restriction.

How could there be no Restriction in this great hall?

Everyone suppressed the greed in their hearts and looked at the display stands.

But their gazes still couldn't help but dart toward those Medicinal Pills.

Just then, someone cried out.

“Look over there!”

Everyone followed his finger.

At the deepest part of the hall, there was a high platform.

That platform was three feet higher than the surrounding stands, built entirely of white jade and surrounded by a faint mist.

On the platform, five display stands were placed.

Those five stands were even more exquisite and magnificent than the others.

And above those five stands.

Five items were suspended.

A Medicinal Pill, entirely golden, radiating brilliant golden light like a small sun.

A Jade Slip, simple and unadorned, but with runes faintly flowing on it, exuding a profound Aura.

A Spirit Medicine, entirely purple, complete with roots, stem, and leaves, emitting a faint fragrance that refreshed the mind with a single sniff.

A piece of Ore, fist-sized and crimson, with flame patterns dancing on its surface, as if containing infinite fire-element energy.

A roll of beast hide, looking tattered and worn, but densely covered in writing, each word exuding an ancient Aura.

“That... that is...”

Lie Yunkong's voice was trembling.

“Treasures that can be placed separately, even in the primary position?!!! I'm afraid these five treasures are even more precious than these Medicinal Pills... What grade are those five treasures?!”

Blood Lady took a deep breath, her eyes full of fanaticism.

“At least Sun-Level! Maybe even higher!”

“Maybe even Legendary... or even Saint King Rank treasures!!!”

Black Wind Old Demon's breathing became heavy.

“If I could get just one of them...”

He didn't finish, but the greed in his eyes said everything.

He Yuanming was also full of excitement.

“We've struck it rich! This time we've really struck it rich!”

The team members' eyes were so red they almost bled.

Those were treasures even more precious than Falling Star Rank Medicinal Pills!

Getting any one of them would mean never having to worry for the rest of one's life!

Finally, someone couldn't hold back.

It was a burly man at the Diamond Rank Seven, from Black Wind Stockade.

He stared fixedly at the nearest Medicinal Pill, his eyes full of madness.

“Forget it! I'm going for it!”

He let out a roar and suddenly rushed out!

“Don't!!!”

Someone tried to stop him, but it was too late.

The burly man rushed to the stand and reached out to grab the Medicinal Pill.

Then.

“Bang!”

An invisible force suddenly erupted from the display stand!

The burly man was sent flying as if struck by a giant hammer!

“Ah!!!”

He screamed, crashing heavily onto the ground and spitting out blood.

But since his beast hadn't been summoned, the Restriction didn't take his life.

The burly man struggled to get up, his Face full of terror.

“I... I'm not dead?”

He felt himself and found that although he was heavily injured, he was indeed still alive.

“The Restriction didn't kill anyone?”

The others were also stunned.

No killing?

Doesn't that mean...

They can grab them?!

The team members' eyes grew even redder!

But before they could act.

“Useless trash.”

A cold voice rang out.

Lie Yunkong.

He stood there, his eyes full of disdain.

“Rushing in as soon as you see a treasure, how are you different from a beast?”

Blood Lady also sneered.

“Leaving such trash alive is just a waste of resources.”

Black Wind Old Demon said sinisterly, “Instead of letting them share the treasures for nothing, why don't we...”

He didn't finish.

But in the next moment.

Boom!

Four terrifying Auras suddenly erupted!

Lie Yunkong, Blood Lady, Black Wind Old Demon, and Tie Muzhen—the four Falling Star Rank experts—attacked simultaneously!

“You guys!!!”

He Yuanming's expression changed drastically, and he tried to stop them.

But it was too late.

Four attacks, like thunder, slammed into those team members who had just rushed out!

Along with their beasts!

“Ah!!!”

Screams rang out and then stopped abruptly.

Those team members, along with their beasts, instantly turned into blood mist!

They didn't even have a chance to resist.

Diamond Rank Seven.

Diamond Rank One.

Amethyst Ninth Tier.

Just like that, they died.

Like stepping on a few ants.

The remaining team members were stunned.

They looked at the clouds of blood mist, their Faces pale and bodies trembling.

Fear, like a cold snake, crawled all over them.

They finally understood.

In this Secret Realm, the greatest danger wasn't the Restriction.

It was people.

It was these Falling Star Rank experts.

In the eyes of these Falling Star Rank experts, they were nothing more than ants that could be crushed at will.

Even if they made it out alive, even if they got treasures, as long as these people said the word, they wouldn't be able to keep them.

They wouldn't even be able to keep their lives.

“Lie Yunkong!”

He Yuanming roared.

“What is the meaning of killing my people?!”

Lie Yunkong turned his head and looked at He Yuanming, his eyes full of mockery.

“Your people?”

He sneered.

“Just some trash recruited temporarily. Do you, He Yuanming, really care about their lives?”

He Yuanming choked.

He wanted to retort, but the words wouldn't come out.

Because Lie Yunkong was speaking the truth.

These people were just temporarily recruited cannon fodder.

If they died, they died.

What he really cared about was Lie Yunkong not giving him Face.

Killing his people in front of so many—how was that different from slapping his Face?

He Yuanming's Face was ashen, his eyes full of fury.

But in the end, he didn't say anything more.

In fact, he secretly felt a sigh of relief.

It was fine for a few people to die.

Fewer people to share the treasures.

Jiang Yun stood to the side, quietly watching this scene.

From beginning to end, he hadn't spoken.

He just watched coldly.

Watching those Falling Star Rank experts turn on others and kill.

Watching the team members in terror and despair.

Watching He Yuanming's anger yet silence.

Human nature.

This was human nature.

In the Face of treasures, any promises or guarantees were just farts.

People in the same boat, helping each other—it was all bullshit.

As long as there was enough profit, these people could tear off all their disguises without hesitation.

Jiang Yun withdrew his gaze, his heart cold.

He looked at those few Falling Star Rank experts.

Lie Yunkong, Blood Lady, Black Wind Old Demon, Tie Muzhen.

And He Yuanming.

Which of these five wasn't ruthless?

Which one didn't use any means to achieve their goals?

If he had a conflict of interest with them in this hall...

These people would probably kill him without hesitation as well.

Jiang Yun's eyes narrowed slightly.

He secretly communicated with his Beast Taming Space.

Through the contract, a thought was sent out.

“Fox Immortal.”

A moment later, a cold voice rang in his mind.

“I'm here.”

Jiang Yun felt at ease.

With Fox Immortal there, he had a way out.

Even if he couldn't beat these people, he could still run.

Fox Immortal's voice rang out again.

“Need this Empress to take action? There are quite a few treasures here.”

Jiang Yun shook his head slightly.

“Wait a bit longer.”

“I haven't fully grasped the Restrictions in this hall yet.”

“I still need them to... scout the way.”

Fox Immortal was silent for a breath.

“As you wish.”

Then, there was no more sound.

Jiang Yun pulled back his thoughts.

At this time, everyone's gaze fell on him once again.

The killing intent on Lie Yunkong's Face vanished, replaced by a smile.

That smile was so gentle it was as if he wasn't the one who had just killed someone.

“Master Jiang.”

He cupped his hands.

“Your attainments in Formations and runes are extraordinary, and you are also skilled in the art of appraisal. What are your thoughts on the Restrictions in this hall?”

Blood Lady also smiled, “That's right, Master Jiang. With so many treasures here, we can't just watch and not be able to take them, can we?”

Black Wind Old Demon spoke up for once, his tone much more polite.

“If Master Jiang can give us some pointers, we will surely reward you handsomely.”

He Yuanming also looked at Jiang Yun.

Everyone's eyes fell on him.

Anticipation.

Dependence.

And a deeply hidden trace of...

Greed.

Jiang Yun looked at these people and gave a faint smile.

That smile was calm and composed.

“No rush.”

He turned around and looked at those white jade display stands.

“Let me observe for a bit.”

Having said that, he stepped forward.

Behind him, everyone followed closely.

Not a single person dared to say another word.

Jiang Yun walked to the first display stand.

He reached out his hand, stopping a foot away from the stand.

Deep in his eyes, a blue light flickered slightly.

He wanted to see clearly the true nature of this hall.