17: Preparations for the ruins attract covetous eyes from all sides.

The news that Beyond Heaven successfully repelled the united forces of the Tian Xuan Sect was like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a huge commotion on the continent. Various factions gained new understanding of Beyond Heaven's strength. Besides awe, many forces also developed a strong interest in the mysterious relic known to Beyond Heaven.

Jun Xiaoyao knew that exploring the mysterious relic would be no easy feat. Not only would they have to deal with various dangers that might exist within the relic, but they also had to guard against the covetous eyes of other forces. He gathered Beyond Heaven's core members and discussed preparation matters in a secret chamber.

"Everyone, the mysterious relic concerns the future development of Beyond Heaven, and we must prepare meticulously. Please share any thoughts you have," Jun Xiaoyao said, his gaze sweeping over everyone with a solemn expression.

Marshal of the Unruly was the first to speak: "Master, this old servant believes that for this relic expedition, The Unruly can serve as the vanguard to scout the path for everyone. Our perception and response capabilities to danger are strong, and we will surely be able to escort the team safely."

Fu Hongxue nodded slightly: "What the Marshal said makes sense. Furthermore, we experts need to cooperate closely to deal with powerful guardian Yao Beasts or mysterious forces that may appear within the relic."

West Gate Blows Snow lightly stroked his sword hilt, his eyes cold: "Ye Gucheng and I can stand guard on both sides of the team, and once danger approaches, we will strike with the fastest speed."

Ye Gucheng's expression was stern, and he nodded slightly in agreement.

Thirteen Swallows pondered for a moment before saying: "During the team's advance, we must remain vigilant. I am good at observing the surroundings and can look out for hidden traps or mechanisms."

Li Xunhuan also said: "I will prepare ample hidden weapons and medicines. Hidden weapons can deal with sudden attacks, and medicines can provide timely treatment if anyone is injured."

Shen Lang then said: "Master, I suggest having The Net gather intelligence about the mysterious relic in advance, understanding its general location, potential dangers, and the movements of other forces. At the same time, I can use my knowledge of mechanisms to prepare some tools for breaking them."

Jun Xiaoyao nodded in agreement: "What Shen Lang said is absolutely correct. Zhao Gao, the matter of intelligence gathering for The Net is entrusted to you. Be sure to ascertain the detailed situation of the relic as soon as possible. Xiang Shaolong, continue to improve the defensive mechanisms. If we encounter danger in the relic, these mechanisms might play a crucial role."

"Yes, Master!" Zhao Gao and Xiang Shaolong responded in unison.

While everyone was busy with preparations, other forces on the continent were not idle. A mysterious organization called the Earthly Fiend Alliance, upon hearing about the mysterious relic, also eyed it covetously. The Alliance Master of the Earthly Fiend Alliance, Old Monster Disha, possessed unfathomable strength, rumored to have reached the Peak Land Immortal Realm, only a step away from Shattering the Void. He gathered the alliance's experts to discuss seizing the relic's Treasure Trove.

"I heard that Beyond Heaven knows of a mysterious relic, which might contain the key to Breakthrough the Land Immortal Realm. We absolutely cannot miss such an Opportunity," Old Monster Disha said from the head seat, his eyes revealing greed.

"Alliance Master, Beyond Heaven's strength is not weak now. If we act rashly, we might encounter resistance," an Elder said worriedly.

Old Monster Disha snorted coldly: "Hmph, no matter how strong Beyond Heaven is, can they be stronger than our Earthly Fiend Alliance? We can first send people to track Beyond Heaven, and after they enter the relic, we can reap the benefits."

"Alliance Master is wise!" everyone echoed.

Meanwhile, some medium-sized forces were also secretly inquiring about the mysterious relic. Although they feared the strength of Beyond Heaven and the Earthly Fiend Alliance, they were unwilling to miss this rare Opportunity and were all waiting for the right moment to intervene.

Zhao Gao quickly gathered some clues about the mysterious relic through The Net's vast intelligence network. He hurried to the secret chamber to report to Jun Xiaoyao.

"Master, according to reports from The Net's scouts, the mysterious relic is located deep within the Misty Forest in the southwest direction of the continent. The forest is shrouded in thick fog, filled with various dangerous miasma, and guarded by many powerful Yao Beasts. Furthermore, the Earthly Fiend Alliance also seems to have developed an interest in the relic and might track us, waiting for an Opportunity to act," Zhao Gao said with a solemn expression.

Jun Xiaoyao frowned, pondering countermeasures in his mind. "It seems this relic expedition will be fraught with difficulties. Notify everyone to speed up preparations. We must not only deal with the dangers within the relic but also guard against sneak attacks from the Earthly Fiend Alliance."

Then, Jun Xiaoyao looked at Shen Lang again: "Shen Lang, you are quite familiar with the various forces in the Jianghu. Do you have any way to deal with the Earthly Fiend Alliance?"

Shen Lang pondered for a moment before saying: "Master, the Earthly Fiend Alliance is powerful, and a head-on confrontation would be disadvantageous for us. We can set up some traps and ambushes on the way to the relic. If the Earthly Fiend Alliance tracks us, let them suffer a bit and retreat when they realize the difficulty. At the same time, we can also try to contact other neutral forces. If the Earthly Fiend Alliance makes a move, we might be able to get their assistance."

Jun Xiaoyao nodded: "This plan is feasible. You and Xu Ziling will go together to contact the neutral forces and see if cooperation can be achieved. Marshal of the Unruly, arrange for The Unruly to set up traps along the way, making sure they are concealed and powerful."

Everyone received their orders and immersed themselves in intense preparatory work.

Xiang Shaolong worked day and night in the workshop, making final adjustments and upgrades to the defensive mechanisms. Combining the spiritual energy characteristics of this world with his knowledge of mechanisms, he created a batch of incredibly powerful mechanical crossbows and spiritual energy bombs. These mechanical crossbows could fire bolts imbued with powerful spiritual energy, while the spiritual energy bombs could cause massive explosions at critical moments, severely damaging enemies.

Marshal of the Unruly selected a group of the most elite Unruly members and led them to carefully set up traps on the inevitable path to the Misty Forest. They buried spike traps underground, set up tripwire mechanisms in trees, and placed spiritual energy bombs in some hidden spots. These traps worked in conjunction, and once triggered, would cause immense trouble for the enemy.

Fu Hongxue, West Gate Blows Snow, and other experts intensified their Cultivation within Beyond Heaven, striving to elevate their strength to a new height before the relic expedition. They continuously honed their Martial Skills, sparred with each other, and sought opportunities for Breakthrough.

And Jun Xiaoyao himself also entered seclusion in the secret chamber to Cultivate, attempting to Breakthrough his current Realm. He deeply understood that in the upcoming relic expedition, his strength would play a crucial role in the safety of the entire team.

As the preparations gradually completed, the Beyond Heaven members were about to embark on their journey to the mysterious relic. Would they successfully explore the relic and obtain its Treasure Trove? Would the Earthly Fiend Alliance achieve its wish and reap the benefits? The situation on the continent became increasingly tense due to the mysterious relic, and a fierce competition revolving around the relic's Treasure Trove was about to unfold...