death valley
After heading to the forest next to the city and following the golden line that marked the opportunity, the moment came when the golden line broke through the ground. Li Wei jumped into the air and dove straight down, creating a hole where he impacted.
Upon entering the hole he had made, he found himself surrounded by many white columns that supported the roof and a path that led to an altar with a violet sphere
'That sphere must contain the inheritance', thought Li Wei as he gazed at the violet sphere on the altar
However, upon arriving in front of the sphere, he encountered a protective formation that had deteriorated over time. With a single blow, Li Wei pierced her.
As he approached the violet sphere, Li Wei placed his hand on it and activated a formation that transmitted knowledge about various formations ranging from rank 1 to rank 4.
The craft of formation masters is divided into six ranks, from rank 1 to rank 6, though rumors speak of ranks beyond level 6, but it's just some people's theory.
A rank 4 formation master is exceedingly rare to find and is typically extremely expensive to hire.
Although Li Wei obtained information about many formations up to rank 4, this did not mean he had mastered them. He would need to practice each one to fully master them all.
"Thank you for the knowledge, master", said Li Wei, bowing deeply.
On his way back, he realized that the place was full of deadly and protective formations, all of which were deactivated because the site had been buried for a long time. The only formation that withstood the test of time was the rank 4 protective formation.
After emerging through the hole he had created, Li Wei spread his two black wings and flew off toward the second opportunity.
...
15 Days Later
Valley of Death
Li Wei sought information from travelers along the way to learn more about the area and discovered there was a city near the Valley of Death. The city served as a rest stop for people venturing into the valley in search of opportunities.
Upon arriving in the city, the first thing Li Wei did was visit a bar to listen for the latest news about the area.
"Yesterday, a man came out missing an arm but with a triumphant smile. They say he found an incredible opportunity", said one person while drinking.
"I already knew that. I heard about it earlier", replied another person chatting with him.
"But what you didn't know is that today his corpse was found in an alley", the first person added.
"What an idiot for sticking around. He got what he deserved", said the second person.
After a while of listening to different rumors and news, a waitress approached Li Wei's table and discreetly dropped a note.
[If you want better quality information, go upstairs to the last room in the hallway.]
Li Wei read the note and headed to the second-floor room.
Upon entering, he found a simple and small room with a table in the center and a figure in a black hood seated.
"What do you wish to know?", the hooded figure asked when he saw Li Wei enter the room..
Li Wei sat down and asked, "What do you know about the Valley of Death?"
"That will be 500 spiritual stones", the hooded figure said to Li Wei.
After hearing that, Li Wei took out a pouch and handed it to the hooded figure so he could begin speaking.
"The Valley of Death is infamous for the large number of people who never return and for the fact that a cultivator at the Nascent Soul realm died inside. The valley contains a mist that disorients and causes hallucinations in those brave enough to enter."
"It also harbors dangerous eyeless creatures that rely on sound to hunt. Despite all the dangers, people continue to venture into the valley because of the many treasures it holds."
"No one knows how it was formed, but rumors suggest the valley connects to different points in time. It's been observed that people entering at 20 years of age come out as 40-year-olds."
'It seems like a dangerous place, but the risk is worth it to seize the opportunity', Li Wei thought.
"Thank you for the information. Now I'd like to know if there are any living dragons on the continent and where they can be found", Li Wei said.
"Information about dragons costs 3,000 spiritual stones", the hooded figure replied.
"Fine", Li Wei said, pulling out a large sack filled with spiritual stones.
The hooded figure took a moment to count the stones using a skill. Once he finished, he began to speak.
"There have been documented dragon sightings on the continent, but it's said their habitat lies across the sea to the north. Many fishermen and cultivators claim to have seen dragons, though none have ever provided proof", the hooded figure said while pulling out a map and marking all the locations where dragons had reportedly been seen.
"Thank you for the information. It's been a pleasure doing business with you", Li Wei said, taking the map and leaving the room, heading toward the Valley of Death.
"Thank you as well", the hooded figure replied. Once Li Wei left, his expression turned serious. In a cold voice, he said, "Investigate that man. Being able to take out so many spiritual stones without hesitation means he's someone important."
"Understood, sir", a mysterious voice replied.
…
After leaving the bar, Li Wei decided to set a guide for an opportunity outside the Valley of Death, so he could find his way back without getting lost.
[Future Opportunity: Two months later, you will find a tree that produces spiritual fruits every 20 years.]
'That opportunity will be useful', Li Wei thought as a golden line appeared, guiding him toward the opportunity.
Afterward, Li Wei moved to the path where everyone passed to enter the Valley of Death and stood there, examining the opportunities of those passing by.
[Future Opportunity: None.]
[Future Opportunity: None.]
[Future Opportunity: None...]
After some time scanning, he finally discovered some interesting opportunities.
[Future Opportunity: One month later, while escaping a creature, you will accidentally find a library hidden by a powerful natural illusion formation. In the library, you will obtain a very valuable reward.]
Natural formations are those that have formed over time due to various environmental factors. The formations cultivated by practitioners are often based on the study of these natural phenomena.
[Future Opportunity: Two months later, you will find a celestial-grade spear embedded in the body of a creature that died long ago.]