Chapter 73: Entering the Abyss

The Black Abyss is a land filled with danger. Yet, it is also teeming with opportunities.

In ancient times, the Black Abyss was home to numerous powerful factions, each likely stronger than the dynasties that now surround it. However, for unknown reasons, these factions gradually vanished, and an increasing number of source beasts proliferated throughout the abyss, transforming it into a haven for them.

Although these ancient powers are gone, they inevitably left behind certain artifacts, which have drawn countless Source Masters eager to obtain them.

From time to time, lucky individuals in the Black Abyss stumble upon opportunities that propel them to sudden prominence and widespread fame.

Over time, this has led more and more Source Masters to flock to the area, braving dangers in search of their own opportunities, hoping to become the next fortunate one.

However, only a small fraction ultimately succeed; many more likely become mere skeletal remains beneath this chaotic and blood-soaked land.

The Black Abyss is rife with chaos, slaughter, and the law of the jungle.

However, Zhou Yuan and his group were clearly not weak prey. Thus, when they entered the Black Abyss, although their passage drew countless prying eyes, no one dared to make a move against them.

The Black Abyss contains numerous factions of varying sizes, each entrenched in their own territories. Whenever Zhou Yuan, Wei Canglan, and their company passed by, these factions became wary and apprehensive.

After all, those who have spent years navigating the Black Abyss know well that two powers in this region are not to be provoked: the notorious Black Venom King and General Wei Canglan of Canglan Province.

Zhou Yuan's group, though small in number, was exceptionally elite. Furthermore, with Wei Canglan, a Genesis Realm expert, among them, their lineup was formidable enough to contend with any force in the Black Abyss, save for Black Demon City itself.

Therefore, upon seeing them, these factions became anxious and fearful, worried that this formidable group might at any moment unleash a brutal attack on them.

However, Zhou Yuan and his companions were clearly uninterested in engaging them. As long as they weren't obstructed, they simply passed through.

Under these circumstances, in just a few days, Zhou Yuan and his party gradually approached their destination...

Prison Demon City, the closest city to the ruins, was governed by a late-stage Heavenly Gate Realm master who had some renown in the Black Abyss, which allowed him to secure this city.

In the past, Prison Demon City was lively but moderately so. However, since news of the ruins recently spread, it immediately became a gathering point for various factions and countless treasure hunters, causing the city's popularity to soar.

Every day, countless people visited the ruins. While they dared not venture too deep, as the area was filled with strange battle puppets that were troublesome once encountered, some lucky individuals inadvertently stumbled into certain spots and emerged with peculiar artifacts. Once these items were put up for sale, they attracted considerable interest, fetching a good amount of Genesis Crystals and earning a small fortune...

Zhou Yuan and Wei Canglan's group rode directly into Prison Demon City. Faced with their arrival, even the city guards did not dare to obstruct them, allowing them to enter unhindered.

In Prison Demon City, Zhou Yuan's party rented an entire inn and settled their people.

"Your Highness," Wei Canglan said, approaching Zhou Yuan after everyone was settled, "Prison Demon City is the closest to the Battle Puppet Sect ruins, and many have already slipped in. We can gather a lot of intelligence about the ruins here, so it would be best if we took a look around."

Zhou Yuan saw no objection; the non-stop journey over the past few days had been quite monotonous. Hadn't Su Youwei, Wei Qingqing, and even Yaoyao, who were nearby, shown expressions of interest when they heard Wei Canglan's words?

So, after a brief rest, the group took a few guards and left the inn.

Prison Demon City was far less prosperous than Great Zhou City or Canglan Province. The city had a rough feel and was still filled with chaos. Occasionally, two groups would clash in the streets, their exchanges deadly, and every now and then, a cold, lifeless corpse would be discarded. The entire city exuded a fierce and brutal aura.

As Zhou Yuan and his companions walked through the city, they attracted many covetous gazes. Of course, most of these gazes were directed at Yaoyao, Su Youwei, and the long-legged Wei Qingqing from their group.

Beauties of such caliber were clearly rare in a place like this.

However, those who had survived in the Black Abyss this long possessed some discernment. So, although various meaningful glances continuously appraised the three women, no one dared to step forward and provoke them.

Zhou Yuan and his companions circled around and finally arrived at a relatively cleaner street. The atmosphere here was exceptionally vibrant and lively, far surpassing other areas.

The street was lined with shops displaying a dazzling array of goods, drawing much attention.

"Come on, come on, take a look! New goods just unearthed from the ruins, all sorts of treasures available, don't miss out!"

Following the shouts, Zhou Yuan and his group approached the largest shop. Inside, they saw a crystal display case filled with various seemingly broken items, all exuding an ancient aura, as if freshly excavated.

"Ladies and gentlemen, behold! This is a Genesis Weapon unearthed from the Battle Puppet Sect ruins. It was likely a Profound Genesis Weapon in its prime. Now, it's on a massive sale! Only 1,900 Genesis Crystals and it's yours!" someone inside the shop was still shouting.

Zhou Yuan looked at the bronze spear in the person's hand. Its shaft was broken, and its Genesis Qi was dim and obscured. Forget a Profound Genesis Weapon, it probably couldn't even compare to a mid-grade Genesis Weapon.

But that was normal; if it truly were a Profound Genesis Weapon, its price would be at least tens of thousands of Genesis Crystals, not just 1,900.

There weren't many interested buyers for this item; a few people sparsely made bids, and it finally sold for 2,500 Genesis Crystals. The buyer was likely hoping it might be a hidden gem.

Next, several more broken items appeared, presumably also from the Battle Puppet Sect ruins. Zhou Yuan looked at them but wasn't interested, as his Spirit perception told him these items were indeed completely shattered and had no value.

After watching for a while, Zhou Yuan decided to lead his companions away.

However, as he turned to leave, Yaoyao suddenly tugged at him, gesturing with her pale chin towards an item in the crystal display case. "The item in the bottom right corner," she said, "you might want to buy and take a look."

Zhou Yuan paused, his gaze following her indication. He saw what appeared to be a black jade tablet, its surface mottled and bearing cracks, though faint patterns were vaguely discernible on it.

Zhou Yuan was a little puzzled because he could sense no Genesis Qi fluctuations from the black jade tablet.

"What is it?" Zhou Yuan asked quietly.

"The jade tablet itself isn't valuable, but there seems to be an incomplete Genesis Rune on it that's quite peculiar," Yaoyao said with a faint smile. "For a Genesis Rune to give me such a feeling, it likely wasn't an ordinary item in the Battle Puppet Sect."

Zhou Yuan's mouth twitched. *'Oh, Miss, you're so arrogant,'* he thought. *'I wouldn't even dare to refute that reason.'*

Secretly shaking his head, Zhou Yuan said no more. He simply pointed at the jade tablet and directly asked, "What's the price?"

The hawker had a sharp, monkey-like face, clearly very shrewd. The moment he saw Zhou Yuan ask for the price, even though he didn't know the function of the black jade tablet, his eyes darted, and he was about to make an exorbitant offer.

"My money isn't that easy to swindle," Zhou Yuan said indifferently. "Are you sure the people behind you can handle it?"

The man's mouth immediately clamped shut. He saw Wei Canglan looking over with an indifferent expression, and the oppressive aura of a Genesis Realm expert made him realize that this group was not to be trifled with.

"Heh heh, the consignor said two thousand Genesis Crystals," the man said sullenly.

Zhou Yuan nodded, not bothering with further words. "Alright, I'll take it for two thousand Genesis Crystals," he stated.

He waved his hand, and Lu Tieshan immediately took out Genesis Crystals, ready to pay.

"Wait, I'll offer three thousand Genesis Crystals for that jade tablet." However, at that very moment, a laugh suddenly rang out.

Zhou Yuan's eyes narrowed. He turned his head slightly and saw a path open in the crowd as a group of people surged forward. At the very front, a familiar figure appeared in Zhou Yuan's sight.

"Qi Hao?"

Zhou Yuan looked at the figure, a sharp glint immediately flashing in his eyes. This fellow had actually hidden himself in the Black Abyss.

Qi Hao smiled at Zhou Yuan, then pointed at the black jade tablet and lazily said, "Three thousand. I'll take it."