Comprehending Myriad Techniques as Woodcutter

Chapter 253: Chapter 198: Xie Yuan’s Gift

The guard sauntered over to the large tent nearby, called out to the man on duty, and told him to take his post.

"I’m sick of waiting on that guy. You go. I’ll treat you to a leg of lamb later."

"Damn it, Jia the Second! You’re such a pain in the ass!"

The guard Jia the Second had sent away cursed under his breath as he walked over to stand watch at the entrance of the tent where Xie Yuan was imprisoned.

"Jia the Second"—the real Xie Yuan—stood for a moment at the entrance to the other tent and pricked up his ears.

"...We’ve been stuck here for over half a month, and who knows how much longer it’ll be! All we do in this damn place is get sandblasted and baked by the sun. No booze, no women... I don’t even know what we’re here for. This is fucking boring!"

"If you’ve got a problem, go tell the Grand Commander. Just make sure you stand far away from him when you do. I’d hate to get your blood on me."

"Shut up! I was just venting."

"The Grand Commander said our job will be over in a few more days, at most. Then we can go back to the city for meat, wine, and women. Just be patient."

"Hey."

One of the horse bandits lowered his voice.

"So, what do you guys think we’re really here for?"

"Shut your mouth! The Grand Commander said asking questions is forbidden. He’ll personally rip the tongue out of anyone with a loose lip."

The second horse bandit, who sounded like their leader, seemed more cautious and stopped him again.

Another man scoffed.

"It’s probably for whatever’s inside that dirt mound... What are you glaring at me for? It’s not like we haven’t talked about it before. Let’s be real, we’re horse bandits, not a regular army. If I wanted to follow all these damn rules, why the hell would I have come here in the first place?"

"You’d be a dead man if you said that to the Grand Commander’s face."

"But he’s not here, is he? Hmph. Back in the day, he was at my level. I heard... and this is just a rumor... that it was only after he went into this place that he..."

The tent fell silent. Xie Yuan guessed they were communicating with their eyes; he could even picture their expressions.

After a moment, the leader spoke coldly.

"You’d better watch your mouth. Now I’m really worried your blood might splash on me."

"What’s there to be afraid of? I was just kidding around. But seriously, what do you guys think... is actually in there?"

"Who knows? We can’t even get close to the ruins. I heard his son is personally guarding the very center, and anyone else who gets near is a dead man. Just do your job and keep your head down. Unless you want to become his son, too."

"Hey, I wouldn’t mind calling him ’Dad.’ The question is whether he’d be willing to have me."

"Who’d have you? You’re fucking two years older than him."

"Well, I’m younger than him. It wouldn’t be so bad being his son. Look at the kid—he’s got a Grandmaster for a father, and he’s already reached the Qi Blood Third Transformation at such a young age. He might become Grandmaster Xiao Lu in the future, you never know."

"It’s fine. If he won’t have you, I will. Go on, call me ’Dad’ right now."

"You son of a bitch, get the hell away from me!"

The horse bandits laughed and traded insults for a moment before someone shouted to the outside.

"Is that lamb roasted yet? Bring it in for us!"

"Right away."

Xie Yuan called back. A fragrant lamb was roasting over a nearby campfire. They might not be allowed to drink or have women here, but there were no rules against eating meat.

’So they don’t know what’s inside either... Still, I’ve learned a lot.’

’So this place is connected to how Lu the Third made his name?’

’What kind of ruin could it be?’

’Lu the Third ignored it before, but now he’s guarding it. Does that mean it’s about to open again?’

A glint appeared in Xie Yuan’s eyes.

He’d heard both Mu Chaoyun and Situ Qin talk about the many ancient ruins in the world. They were strange and wondrous places, like the fabled abodes of immortals.

Some were located in remote, desolate areas, appearing perfectly ordinary. They were sealed by barriers and would only open under specific circumstances or at a predetermined time.

Other entrances could be hidden in plain sight within bustling cities. Yet, upon entering through a special method, one would find themselves in a separate, smaller world—like the legendary Pocket Worlds and Blessed Lands!

Regardless of the type, these places were always unique. They held both unfathomable dangers and immense opportunities.

That was because such places often contained Spirit Pills, miraculous elixirs, Divine Weapons, and even ancient legacies—treasures that no longer existed in the modern world. If an ordinary person were to obtain one, they could become a top-tier Martial Artist overnight!

Thus, the appearance of any ancient ruin would inevitably trigger a bloody, storm-like struggle. The fighting just to get through the entrance could create a sea of blood, to say nothing of the deadly traps and poisonous miasma within that could kill without a trace.

’So this is the ruin Lu the Third found. He’s forbidden anyone from getting close because he’s afraid someone else will discover it.’

’But making such a big scene is bound to attract attention sooner or later... Is it because it’s set to open in the next few days? Once he’s inside, he won’t have to worry anymore?’

Xie Yuan’s mind raced as he planned his next move. Just then, the tent flap was suddenly thrown open. The leader stepped out, his eyes wide as he glared at him.

Xie Yuan remained impassive, putting on a bewildered expression.

"Boss, what’s wrong?"

"What’s wrong? Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to watch that hot potato! What are you doing here?"

the leader barked.

Xie Yuan answered in a lazy, devil-may-care tone.

"Oh, I switched with Li Gou’Er. I couldn’t be bothered to wait on that guy."

"You!"

The leader pointed at him and snorted. He then rushed over to the small tent where Xie Yuan was being held and yanked open the flap.

A man was huddled in the corner, facing the wall of the tent, apparently fast asleep.

He glanced inside, then let the flap fall. Seeing nothing amiss, he asked Li Gou’Er, who was standing guard at the entrance.

"Anything unusual?"

"Nah, Boss. The guy’s probably scared stiff. He’s been sleeping quietly."

"Alright. Keep a close eye on him, but don’t provoke him without my orders. We’ll wait for word from our superiors."

"You got it."

The leader shot Xie Yuan a glare, then went over to the campfire, grabbed the fragrant, sizzling lamb, and ducked back into the tent.

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