Chapter 262: The Mystery Behind Opening the Door, Jiang Chen's Decision

"To breach the entrance of this cave dwelling, one must either possess the secret knowledge to unlock it or resort to a superior spatial technique to force it open."

"Some are capable of harnessing the potent power of their bloodline to pry it open. It's known that all high-level bloodline abilities harbor a formidable spatial innate skill."

Shangguan Ning expounded, "This innate skill, when applied to basic spatial techniques, acts almost like a master key."

"In our present condition, by pooling our resources and aiding you with the spatial techniques, we have the capability to open it."

"Employing your True Dragon Bloodline could also serve to open it, though it would utilize some of your bloodline power. This consumption, however, can be replenished."

"However, this door appears to be a main gateway, linked to several arbitrary secondary gates. Once the primary gateway is breached, the subsidiary ones will concurrently swing open."

"Consequently, after unlocking the door to the cave dwelling, other cultivators lucky enough to stumble upon these secondary gates will gain entry into the interior as well."

"Of course, only those cultivators with advanced cultivation bases can detect these secondary gates. Thus, those capable of penetrating these gates will undoubtedly be formidable."

Nangong Wan chimed in, "Jiang Chen, ponder over whether you wish to initiate the unlocking process now."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen fell into immediate thought, his hand instinctively raising to stroke his chin.

Now, armed with his Heaven-Defying Fate Changer, the Void Tribulation Soul, he had the capacity to unlock this mysterious cave dwelling.

He no longer needed to remain passive, with the cave dwelling and the opportunities within tantalizingly close yet unattainable.

Yet, this doorway, being a main gateway linked to various random secondary gates, presented an unexpected complication.

Nonetheless, this revelation also addressed some of Jiang Chen's lingering queries.

For example, the supporting characters involved in this mysterious cave dwelling plot would certainly gain entry through these secondary gates.

These gates were likely dispersed across numerous domains within the Immortal Martial Continent, and those who could infiltrate them were undoubtedly far from ordinary.

Once unlocked, it would attract a host of formidable cultivators from across the Immortal Martial Continent.

This implied that the reach of this narrative extended across the entire Immortal Martial Continent, surpassing the scale of the Lustrous Yang Domain.

As for Gu Ran, being the protagonist with an off-the-chart Heavenly Fate Value, he would definitely also infiltrate through a secondary gate.

There was no disputing this.

'So, we've ascended to the scale of the Immortal Martial Continent.'

'This mysterious cave dwelling plot marks the first grand assembly of the heroes of the Immortal Martial Continent and also signifies Gu Ran's first stride onto such a momentous stage to genuinely make a mark.'

'It's almost certain that, without my interference, Gu Ran will undoubtedly reap considerable rewards and grow exceptionally powerful.'

'...'

After much consideration, Jiang Chen finally resolved to unlock the door to the mysterious cave dwelling.

Otherwise, driven by the force of Heavenly Fate, Gu Ran would unquestionably manage to unlock the mysterious cave dwelling in the not-too-distant future and gain entry.

Jiang Chen would then need to follow him, either chancing upon a secondary gate through luck or trailing Gu Ran, which could risk being discovered.

Lastly, the method Gu Ran would likely employ to open the door would be the Endless Dark Blood Moon Bloodline.

But such an expenditure could be restored, meaning Gu Ran wouldn't endure any significant loss.

In conclusion, Jiang Chen determined that it would be more advantageous to unlock the door himself rather than allowing Gu Ran to do so.

He would unlock the main gateway, and Gu Ran could only infiltrate through the randomly appearing secondary gates.

This approach would ensure that Gu Ran remained unaware of Jiang Chen's role in opening the main gateway, let alone his very existence.

At the very least, when first entering the mysterious cave dwelling, Jiang Chen would possess the upper hand due to this information asymmetry.

'Then, I'll take it upon myself to unlock the door.'

'As for the method, I'll opt for Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning's assistance.'

'The collective efforts of the two won't exhaust their soul essence, and the cost they bear will be significantly less than the energy spent by the Death Calamity True Dragon bloodline.'

Jiang Chen subtly nodded, having arrived at his decision.

So, under the eagerly expectant gaze of Wu Qian, Jiang Chen pivoted, a hint of a smile gracing his lips: "This door may be of high-level, but I can unlock it."

"It can be unlocked!"

"Incredible as always, Holy Son Jiang Chen!"

"That's immensely impressive, absolutely astounding!"

Wu Qian's eyes widened with a mix of shock and elation as he expressed his admiration.

A sense of reverence for Jiang Chen began to form within him.

He had tried countless times to breach that door, each attempt ending in failure.

However, upon Jiang Chen's first arrival, he already possessed a method to unlock it.

The disparity between them was stark.

"It's not something extraordinary,"

"I just chanced upon the appropriate method."

Jiang Chen offered a humble smile, then promptly shifted to a serious tone, "Daoist friend Wu, please take a step back, I'm about to commence."

"Alright!"

Wu Qian promptly receded several tens of kilometers.

"There's no need to retreat that far!"

Jiang Chen couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head, "A few tens of meters will suffice."

"Alright!"

Wu Qian laughed and swiftly returned.

Immediately, under Wu Qian's bright and focused gaze, Jiang Chen took a step forward, arriving in front of the golden-red gate.

He had never delved into spatial techniques, but Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were acquainted with them.

This time, Jiang Chen intended to let Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning utilize his body to perform the suitable spatial technique.

"Are you ready?"

"We're coming in!"

Nangong Wan's voice echoed in Jiang Chen's mind.

"Uh!"

"Your phrasing is... somewhat suggestive."

A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth, sensing that something was a tad off.

"What's suggestive?"

Shangguan Ning asked, seemingly perplexed, then added with a playful tone, "You're not thinking about... that, are you?"

"..."

For a moment, Jiang Chen found himself speechless, then he shook his head and laughed, "That didn't sound innocent at all. Wouldn't it be better if you just feigned ignorance?"

"Look who's talking, who was the one whose mind first went astray?"

"Just wait, in a moment I will be entering your body."

"If you're so eager to enter mine, please assist me in solidifying my physical form soon!"

Shangguan Ning, increasingly thrilled, teased in a playful manner, much like a child who had discovered a new toy.

"Enough, Shangguan Ning, don't go overboard."

Nangong Wan abruptly intervened, "We should concentrate on the task at hand, prepare yourself."

"Hmph."

"What do you mean by 'going overboard'?"

"Are you jealous because of what I said to Jiang Chen, are you?"

Shangguan Ning huffed cutely, feigning innocence and consideration, "Tsk tsk, such a petty attitude, unlike me. I don't mind how you tease Jiang Chen, I won't get upset."

"Enough, Shangguan Ning."

Nangong Wan responded with a hint of exasperation, "Quit playing coquettish."

"But that's my innate skill!"

Shangguan Ning chuckled playfully, but quickly shifted to a more serious demeanor, "Alright, alright, I was merely jesting, don't be so devoid of humor."

"Then, let's commence!"

Jiang Chen nodded, his voice firm and resolute.

"Alright!"

"Jiang Chen, here we come!"

Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning echoed each other, and immediately, their potent residual souls permeated Jiang Chen's body in unison!

Surprisingly, the three souls didn't exhibit any rejection.

On the contrary, they blended as seamlessly as water and milk, even forming a more significant unity.

'Oh! Such immense soul power...'

Jiang Chen felt his soul saturated with vigor, and naturally, he also absorbed a wealth of knowledge from the souls of his two companions.

The spatial technique that Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning were concentrating on recalling was instantaneously mastered by Jiang Chen.

And this was the most potent utilization of his Heaven-Defying Fate Changer, the Void Tribulation Soul!

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