Chapter 30 - Open Sesame

In an area that was relatively near to the location where Xin Jin and the others had camped, another group was also getting ready.

This was the where the Holy Dragon Fire Sect had decided on the previous afternoon.

At this moment, Dong Zǐmò was standing before the tent that had been designated for use in holding their Sects Young Master, Huo Shaoyang.

"Sigh..."With an exasperated sigh, as if the weight of a small mountain was resting on his shoulders, Grand Elder Zǐmò stepped through the flap that served as a door to the splendidly decorated tent.

Upon entering, Dong Zǐmò halted his steps as his wizened gaze fell upon the face of his charge.

Huo Shaoyang, who had spent the night tied to the central pole holding up his tent, was currently cultivating as one would expect. However, there was an obvious difference in his appearance.

No longer did the Young Master of the Holy Dragon Fire Sect have the same sharp jawline, aquiline nose, or any other features that, while handsome in their own right, were not to the same degree as Xin Jin's.

Instead, Huo Shaoyang's skin had become more smooth, his complexion more fair, and with considerably softer features...almost as if...

Dong Zǐmò suddenly shook his head, ridding himself of any unnecessary thoughts. Even though he couldn't understand the motives behind why the Sect Master Huo Yang had done what he did, ultimately, it wasn't any of his business.

"Ahem."

The sound of Elder Zǐmò clearing his throat caused Huo Shaoyang to abruptly end his meditation and open his eyes, upon which his dark, obsidian like eyes narrowed as his features returned to normal.

"What is it?" Huo Shaoyang asked with a tone filled with an undertone of displeasure.

"Young Master, It is nearly time." Dong Zǐmò replied, ignoring the way Shaoyang had just spoken to him while simultaneously forming a blade of Spirit Energy and cutting the rope that held him.

"Finally. I can't wait to get a chance to destroy that bastard, Xin Jin." Huo Shaoyang said as he stood up and stretched his limbs.

"Young Master Huo, I would advise against taking any unnecessary actions against Xin Jin, as it serves no purpose, especially when one considers the already considerable dangers inside the Inheritance Tomb." Dong Zǐmò advised, hoping the young man would heed his words.

"So, you're taking his side then?" Huo Shaoyang shot back with a biting tone.

"No, Young Master. I simply hope that you may choose to put aside your grudges and hatred. Such things will eventually burn you from the inside, resulting in a never ending cycle of revenge, as well as possibly becoming a Heart Demon that could ruin you cultivation." Dong Zǐmò said seriously.

"Heh." With a small laugh, Huo Shaoyang decided to appease the Grand Elder, even if he didn't really mean it.

"Sigh, Elder Zǐmò, you are always the voice of reason." He said solemnly,"Fine. If that's what you say I should do, then who am I to scoff at your wisdom."

"I wouldn't dare claim to be such, Young Master." Dong Zǐmò said with a slight bow.

"Whatever." Huo Shaoyang replied as he waved his hand dismissively while walking past the Grandmaster Elder,"Let's go then." He added, all while sneering internally.

'Hah, yeah right old man. Like I would take the words of an old fossil like you as gospel.'

The camp of the Holy Dragon Fire Sect was quickly stored away before the members moved as one large group under the lead of Huo Shaoyang.

.....

Xin Jin and company were standing in the same exact spot where they had landed the day before, watching the last bit of golden light fade from the great stone stele that served as the timer for the barrier.

By his estimation, the disappearance should coincide with the sunrise, which was only a few moments away, evidenced by the increasing amount of white on the horizon.

While waiting, Xin Jin felt like it was necessary to observe all the disparate groups that had assembled in order to gain access to the riches hidden within the Tomb.

There were dozens of different types of uniforms just within his immediate visual range.

Sects, Clans, Government Officials, even rugged Mercenary groups and members of Merchant organizations were present for the occasion.

As many people as were able, as one might expect, had rushed over desperately, some even only making it recently, while others were still on the their way.

It was a race against time.

Sure, there would be plenty within the Inheritance Tomb, especially if the creator had been relatively powerful or well known, but even a Peak Grandmaster would have a limit to their resources.

Thus, while some, if not most of those currently present, would act cordially or maybe even friendly toward one another, however once inside, there was no telling how quickly someone would slip a dagger in the back of a 'Good Brother' they had once sworn a blood oath with.

Suddenly, as Xin Jin was scanning the faces of the crowd, two in particular stood out like sore thumbs.

Who was it that he saw?

Xin Jin's eyes were locked on the faces of Zhou Pei and Zhou Yong.

His despicable half brothers.

These two had tormented the past Xin Jin to no end due to the fact that his mother had been a simple mortal woman that worked in a brothel that served upper-class clients.

Even if she made a decent living, at least enough to feed them both and keep new-ish clothes on his back, it wasn't near enough to afford the monumental cost of even a basic cultivation technique, let alone the necessary pills and herbs required for efficiency.

Thus, when his mother had left Xin Jin with the Zhou family, to say he was bullied would be a colossal understatement.

Beaten, starved, humiliated, forced to live in a wood shed, and so much more, all with the help of his 'fathers' Wives and Concubines, as well as his tacit approval. It was no wonder that in less than 6 months he found himself framed and killed.

As Xin Jin thought about these things that had happened to him, and yet not him, he closed his eyes and took a breath to steady his emotions.

There would be a time to settle old grievances, but it wasn't now.

A moment later, as he opened his magnificent golden eyes, a pulse of energy, almost too faint to notice, passed through the crowd as the golden light on the Grand Stele faded entirely, along with the barrier.

As Xin Jin watched the large double doors slowly open, he couldn't help but mutter two words to himself.

"Open Sesame..."