Chapter 1486: Wang Xingkong (Part 1)

Chapter 1486: Chapter 1486: Wang Xingkong (Part 1)

The sixth level of the crypt was empty, yet every step taken was extremely cautious, fearing that something might be missed.

Finally, everyone saw the corpse sitting at the center of the crypt.

It was preserved far better than Lin Tian had imagined, with skin still white and even body hair vividly present. If it weren’t for the fact that this crypt had lain unopened for hundreds of years, one might think this person was simply meditating.

This person appeared to be around eighty years old, dressed in a gray robe suited for practice, with silver-white hair still thick. His face was full of wrinkles, yet even with his eyes closed, radiated a natural aura of authority.

Just... why does this person look somewhat familiar?

Suddenly, Wang bent his knees and knelt in front of him. Wang Sijing, seeing this, followed suit without asking questions.

It was only then that Lin Tian realized that this corpse’s appearance matched the golden statue seen on the upper level. Could this be Wang Xingkong?

Lin Tian’s heart beat rapidly, feeling increasingly unsettled at this possibility.

"Descendant Wang is ungrateful, kneeling before the ancestor,"

Wang was already in tears, speaking with a choked voice. He then propped his hands on the ground and knocked his head heavily three times, causing a ’thud thud thud’ sound.

Lin Tian watched as the elder hit the ground so sincerely, exclaiming inwardly how genuine this old man’s demeanor was.

Not just Wang, Wang Sijing couldn’t escape the formality either. Though she wasn’t teary-eyed, her head knocked even harder than Wang’s.

Afterwards, Wang refused to rise, continuing to kneel before Wang Xingkong’s corpse, murmuring extensively, though in a voice so low that Lin Tian didn’t catch a word, respecting the ancestral whispers.

Once finished, Wang finally stood up, and Wang Sijing followed suit.

Turning around, their foreheads were red and bruised, their skin broken... truly forceful.

"Grandpa Seven, why is the ancestor’s body here?"

Wang shook his head with a heavy voice, "I am not sure either. But I believe there must be a reason. Fortunately, the ancestor’s body is well-preserved without harm. Handling this matter will need the Elder Council’s decision after returning."

Lin Tian wanted to closely inspect the corpse, feeling something off yet unexplainable. But risking an approach might be seen as disrespectful by Wang and Wang Sijing, potentially leading to conflict.

Wang Sijing seemed uncertain, "What should we do now?"

Wang did not hesitate, waving his hand, "Withdraw immediately. No one must disturb the ancestor’s serenity; we’ll discuss matters later."

To Wang, nothing was more important than preserving the ancestor’s peace; that would be the greatest transgression.

Just as everyone started retreating, Lin Tian raised a hand, "Wait."

Wang Sijing eyed Lin Tian with suspicion, unsure of his intentions.

"Mr. Lin, let’s discuss outside," Wang’s voice was stern and beyond questioning.

Lin Tian smiled lightly, unperturbed, "Don’t you want to know why your ancestor is here? In my view, he might still be alive."

"What?!" exclaimed Wang and Wang Sijing in unison, followed by Chen Moxiang and Xv Jiazhi, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Mr. Lin, please speak plainly," Wang humbly implored, clasping his fist at Lin Tian.

With assurance, Lin Tian took two steps closer to Wang Xingkong, thoroughly observing before nodding lightly, appearing enlightened.

Everyone awaited with anticipation for him to speak.

"Ahem," after clearing his throat, Lin Tian said, "Everyone has felt the Spirit Gathering Array here. Yet this array, effective for centuries, remains powerful and unworn. The crypt contains only your ancestor, nothing else. I suspect this is your ancestor’s cultivation site. Moreover, there’s another possibility: the array’s core is your ancestor."

"What is the basis for your words?" Wang inquired.

"Basis? Haha, none, merely intuition. This ancestor has integrated with the Spirit Gathering Array, forming a self-contained world—a true marvel," Lin Tian remarked.

If true, this ancestor’s abilities were terrifying. Apart from that, cultivating within such an array for over four centuries without sustenance would indeed make him an old monster, truly terrifying.

But Lin Tian sensed an undying aura, flowing endlessly like the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.

Wang’s expression changed thrice, choosing to believe Lin Tian. Not for any reason other than the ancestor’s immaculate body—skin and hair intact. To claim he is alive, Wang would believe it, as the ancestor had never been short of miracles.

Eventually, Wang made a decisive choice, bowing once more to Wang Xingkong, "Ancestor, forgive the offense."

Then he cautiously approached, extending his hand to Wang Xingkong’s wrist, intending to use Inner Strength to detect any signs of life.

Everyone slowed their breathing, tensely watching the scene. Lin Tian feared the elder’s skill might be insufficient to reveal anything.

In under two minutes, Wang, eyes closed, felt a massive force surge through the ancestor’s pulse, violently repelling him.

In an unexpected turn, Wang’s body slammed heavily to the ground, unable to even cry out, convulsing twice before spitting blood suddenly.

Having scoured destiny and lost essence, sustaining such an injury yet surviving was indeed miraculous.

Wang Sijing paled with fright, rushing to assist Wang, crying urgently, "Grandpa Seven, how do you feel now?"

Mouth filled with blood, Wang managed a pained smile, softly replying, "It’s nothing, just a fall. These old bones can bear it."