C45 Wang Sibo

Zhou Jibo beckoned Wang Xuelan into the room and had someone fetch a dry cloth and Bleeding Control Powder. He carefully applied the powder to Wang Sibo's wound and wrapped it securely with bandages.

Upon entering, Wang Xuelan was visibly shaken by the sight of her grandfather, Wang Sibo, with blood soaking his chest. It wasn't until she saw him awake that she truly believed Zhou Jibo had saved, not harmed, her grandfather.

Wang Sibo was utterly depleted, his body devoid of both blood and vitality, leaving him too exhausted to muster even a trace of his true essence. Despite his weakness, he mustered the strength to express his gratitude to Zhou Jibo and the Zhou family. A bowl of ginseng chicken soup to restore his vitality was all he managed before succumbing to a deep, restorative sleep.

Wang Xuelan exhaled a deep breath of relief at the sight, thanking Zhou Jibo profusely before allowing herself to rest, her own energy significantly spent from the ordeal.

They both awoke late into the night, hungry and ready to eat. Seeing Zhou Jibo and the Zhou family still there, awaiting their recovery, filled them with immense gratitude.

"Jibo, I can't thank you enough for saving my grandfather," Wang Xuelan said earnestly. "I promise to repay your kindness in full!"

Her promise was heartfelt, leaving no doubt that she would go to great lengths to honor her word.

Wang Sibo, though weak, managed to rise from the bed and bow deeply to Zhou Jibo.

"Young Master Zhou, you have saved my life. From now on, my life is in your hands, and I will follow your commands," he declared.

Despite his initial reluctance to get involved in the power struggle between Zhou Jibo's backers and the Shrine of Astral Radiance, Wang Sibo knew there was no turning back. Zhou Jibo had not only saved his life but had also patiently waited for him. To be ungrateful now would be unconscionable.

Thus, Wang Sibo pledged his loyalty to Zhou Jibo and the forces he represented.

Zhou Jibo was somewhat taken aback by Wang Sibo's commitment. He had hoped to forge a friendship with Wang Sibo, who could serve as a powerful ally when needed. But he hadn't anticipated Wang Sibo's outright pledge of fealty.

Zhou Jibo couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. His investment of nearly 30,000 attribute points to enhance his medical skills to the fifth layer had paid off in saving Wang Sibo. Now, he had gained another ally.

He gestured to Wang Sibo to dispense with formalities and then inquired about their recent ordeal.

Wang Sibo recounted their harrowing experience after entering the mine. "The natural cavern linked to the mine is incredibly deep and quite peculiar. There's a scarcity of iron ore, but an abundance of exotic minerals."

"Upon entering the cave, the miners were attacked by fanged beasts. Yan Yuanlu and the rest of us faced a swarm of bizarre flying creatures. I did everything in my power to shield everyone with my true essence, but despite our efforts, all the Acquired Stage Warriors, except for Yan Yuanlu and myself, perished."

"After discussing with Yan Yuanlu, we concluded that the cave was too complex to explore thoroughly in a short time. Continuing the investigation would be perilous, so Yan Yuanlu returned to inform the Myriad Treasure Auction House. I never anticipated returning with such mysterious injuries."

Wang Sibo, puzzled, asked, "Young Master Zhou, was I poisoned in the chest?"

"No," Zhou Jibo replied, "Did you or Yan Yuanlu come across any human traces in the cave?"

"There were none," Wang Sibo affirmed. "The cave is teeming with Strange Beasts; it's impossible for any humans to survive there."

"That place is exceedingly dangerous," Zhou Jibo warned, "Regardless of human presence, you should refrain from further exploration and await the Myriad Treasure Auction House's decision."

"Understood, Young Master Zhou. I won't join them again even if they ask," Wang Sibo stated.

Zhou Jibo nodded, stood up, and picked up the bronze piece wrapped in cloth from the table. "This is what drained your vitality and nearly cost you your life."

Wang Sibo examined the intricate design on the bronze piece and asked, bewildered, "What is this? How did it end up on me?"

"It's the Picture of Bone Seizing."

Zhou Jibo explained the sinister nature of the Picture of Bone Seizing to Wang Sibo. Wang Xuelan and the entire Zhou family listened intently, their fear palpable.

Can there really be such sinister and evil deeds in this world?

"I had assumed that the Picture of Bone Seizing was etched onto Wang Sibo's bone root by a master far superior to him. It wasn't until I saw this bronze piece that I realized the situation might not be as extreme as I'd imagined," Zhou Jibo remarked. "The cave certainly poses a significant danger, but it may not necessarily house a master."

Upon hearing this, Wang Sibo gasped, "Could it be an ancient ruin? A secret place where warriors from ages past would seclude themselves to train, filled with various cultivation techniques, spiritual pills, and artifacts?"

"Such places exist?" Wang Xuelan inquired.

"Absolutely, there are many such sites. The discovery of each relic causes a stir. Sometimes, it even draws the attention of major sects, the imperial court, and even the Holy Lands," Wang Sibo explained. "I've heard the rewards can be substantial. Some have broken through their limits, ascending beyond the Soul Separation Stage to the Body Leaving Stage, or even higher." His eyes shone with a hint of longing as he spoke.

Everyone listening felt a surge of desire: if that cave truly was an ancient relic, then they too might have the opportunity to reach such heights of cultivation.

The Soul Separation Stage is already a full realm above the Innate Stage. What level of mastery would one possess if they surpassed even the Soul Separation Stage?

Zhou Jibo spoke calmly, "Everyone, please keep your wits about you. The perils within that cave are beyond your capacity to handle. Wang Sibo himself nearly perished at the hands of the bizarre Picture of Bone Seizing, and all Acquired Stage warriors who entered met their demise. Should you venture inside, survival is unlikely."

At this reminder of Wang Sibo's ordeal, the group's enthusiasm waned. If even a warrior of the Soul Separation Stage had nearly lost his life, what chance did they stand?

Zhou Jibo then addressed Wang Sibo directly, "Don't dwell on it too much. Even if it is an ancient ruin, would a person who wields the Picture of Bone Seizing ever be benevolent? What are the odds they would leave a wealth of treasures for us?"

Wang Sibo nodded vigorously, his mind no longer daring to wander.

Anyone capable of wielding the Picture of Bone Seizing is undoubtedly a person of selfish and malevolent nature. The remnants of such individuals are bound to be riddled with traps and malicious intent. It would be wise for them to refrain from investigating further.

Having discussed the cave, they found themselves momentarily without other concerns. Zhou Jibo noticed Wang Sibo's spirit and vitality visibly improving and instructed the Zhou family to provide an abundance of nourishing food to aid in Wang Sibo's recovery. With this care, Wang Sibo should regain his former strength within two days.

Regarding the slight damage to Wang Sibo's foundational vitality due to its previous depletion, only long-term rest and recuperation could compensate for the loss. Although this setback might impact his future cultivation, it wouldn't diminish his current prowess.