Chapter 77: Guardian of the Wasteland

In fact, his expression was even more exaggerated.

"It seems it has just awakened. We did not anger it. Master, it looks like we must be even more careful from here on," Ye Shiyuan said.

Bai He nodded.

Watching the ferocious beast move farther away, he finally let out a breath of relief.

In Ye Shiyuan’s hand was a compass, an item belonging to Yaoxing Peak.

Baize Peak did not possess such a thing.

As expected of something from Yaoxing Peak, even here, it could still function and accurately determine direction.

Bai He immediately cast the Xuantian Barrier over the three of them.

Ordinary small ferocious beasts and the blowing sand were unable to approach them.

The three of them then landed on the ground and followed the direction indicated by the compass. Yet unexpectedly, the yellow sand ahead suddenly erupted into a violent gale.

Fortunately, with the protection of the Xuantian Barrier, they were not affected.

Through the swirling sand, they faintly saw a figure appear before them after the storm subsided.

"Honored guests, may I ask what brings the three of you to the Great Northern Wasteland?"

"Elder Tudi."

Bai He called out the name instinctively.

In the original story, this was the first person Ye Shiyuan encountered here and also the only one.

This place likely had only this one individual.

Strictly speaking, he could not even be considered a human.

He was merely the guardian of the Great Northern Wasteland’s barrier.

Any intrusion from the outside world, or any disturbance arising within would fell under his jurisdiction.

"Little guy, do you know me?"

"There was a book that mentioned you. You are the one who guards the barrier of the Great Northern Wasteland."

"Little guy, you are correct. Therefore, anyone entering or leaving the Great Northern Wasteland must answer my questions clearly. May I ask what business brings the three of you here? If it is nothing of great importance, you should leave as soon as possible. This place is extremely dangerous."

Elder Tudi was, in truth, acting out of goodwill.

Bai He felt around and took out a token. "I am an elder of the Lingguang Sect. I have matters to attend to here. These two are my disciples. I ask that you grant us passage."

There were actually two reasons for verifying identities.

First, it was out of concern that those who trespassed without understanding the immensity of heaven and earth might lose their lives within, which was something he wished to avoid.

Second, it was to guard against ill-intentioned individuals who might attempt to break open the barrier here and causing devastation and untold suffering.

The token in Bai He’s hand represented his identity.

The elders of the Lingguang Sect were all extremely powerful and absolutely possessed the ability to enter and leave this place freely.

Moreover, the Lingguang Sect was the number one cultivation sect under heaven and naturally could not be counted among those with malicious intent.

Thus, they were qualified to enter and leave this place.

"So you are an elder of the Lingguang Sect. I apologize for my lack of courtesy. In that case, I hope the three of you can find what you seek here. This old man shall take his leave."

"Many thanks, Elder."

With that, Elder Tudi vanished from before them amid a swirl of yellow sand.

"Master, your token is surprisingly useful," Xu Feng remarked.

Bai He quickly put the token away. "Without this token, we might have been driven out."

"Why?" Xu Feng did not understand.

Ye Shiyuan explained, "Of course, it’s because your Master’s token represents both strength and status."

"I acknowledge the status part, but as for strength..."

Bai He truly wanted to smack him.

What kind of look was that?

How dare Xu Feng openly look down on him?

"What’s wrong with my strength?"

"Junior Brother, Master’s strength... may not be sufficient to enter the Great Northern Wasteland on its own. However, the title of Lingguang Sect elder itself represents strength."

With that explanation, Xu Feng finally understood.

Bai He’s face immediately fell.

He felt miserable.

First Xu Feng called him weak and now Ye Shiyuan had joined the same camp.

In truth, he was already quite formidable.

But was it not a bit excessive to measure him by the standards of a Lingguang Sect elder?

He was only fifteen years old.

If he were already as powerful as those senior brothers and sisters, then how would Ye Shiyuan ever have had the chance to be the protagonist of this world?

A fifteen-year-old at the Golden Core stage was already incredibly impressive, alright?

Xu Feng should take a good look at himself before daring to mock his master.

"Master, if the compass is correct, the sword we’re looking for should be over there."

In the distance stood an extremely tall mountain.

This one was a real mountain and definitely not some ferocious beast in disguise.

It could practically be described as towering into the clouds.

"How are we supposed to get up there?" Xu Feng asked.

And even if they managed to climb it, how were they supposed to find anything?

A mountain this tall hiding a single sword, how was that any different from searching for a needle in the sea?

"Let’s not worry about that for now. We’ll go take a look first."

They flew over with ease and arrived at the foot of the mountain.

When he stand there and looking up, the sense of oppression felt even heavier.

"Master, I’ll go up and take a look first."

With that, Ye Shiyuan swiftly flew upward.

Soon enough, his figure disappeared from sight entirely.

It was impossible to tell how high he had gone.

Bai He and Xu Feng could only remain where they were and wait.

"Master, where did Senior Brother go? How long has it been already?"

Bai He sat on a rock while one of his hand propping up his chin.

Indeed, how long had it been?

Even he was starting to grow impatient.