The Warces Mountain located in the corner of the Demonic Lands was a massive peak whose summit remained obscured by the perpetual dark clouds. Chen Zhe had agreed to explore this treacherous region with his previous expedition companions, who claimed to have found a map pointing to a treasure hidden within the Warces Mountains. Together, they secured an external sect pass from the Dark Valley Sect who oversees the Demonic Lands for their journey.


    Navigating the mountain was no trivial task and demanded both experience and courage. The region was not without its dangers. The mountain''s base was surrounded by dense trees and infested with demonic beasts, a menace that only grew fiercer in the inner regions. Exploring this domain required not just navigation skills but considerable combat abilities.


    Chen Zhe’s team consisted of a swordsman, an archer, a guide and himself, an archaeologist. The guide led them through the forest, where they encountered a mischievous pack of monkeys throwing fruits at them, poisonous spiders , venomous snakes and numerous other dangerous creatures. The journey as grueling as it was seemed even more perilous than anticipated.


    “This path should have been the easiest.” the guide explained with a frustrated sigh. “The recent heavy rainfall seems to have displaced the usual inhabitants scattering them everywhere and turning the simplest route into a menace.”


    Despite the party leader Tian Lou, the swordsman who was new but wellknown for his successful exploration of an ancient treasure pavilion insisting they find a different route, the guide refused. “Even the easiest path is like this.” he said shaking his head. “Who knows what we might encounter elsewhere?”


    Tian Lou and his sister, Tian Lan the skilled archer were visibly exhausted from their constant vigilance. The forest’s dangers demanded their unwavering attention. As they began climbing higher up the mountain, their situation took a darker turn when they stumbled upon a group of people sheltering inside a cave. Tian Lou immediately placed his hand on his sword hilt and advanced cautiously trying to get a good look at the strangers.


    From the shadows a man stepped forward with a sly grin and a heavy axe resting on his shoulder. “We’ve been waiting for you here for a long time” he sneered. “And now finally here you are.”


    Chen Zhe recognized the man immediately. He was a known looter, infamous for robbing and killing others in the wilderness while blaming their deaths on the mountain’s hazards. The sight of him sent a chill down Chen Zhe’s spine.


    “Step back.” Tian Lou commanded his voice firm as he gestured for Chen Zhe and the guide to retreat. “You’ll only be a burden here.”


    The looter’s group consisted of five men: two axe-wielders, a spearman, and two non-combatants who watched with malevolent eyes. Tian Lou and Tian Lan readied themselves for the sudden battle even though they were tried from the previous encounter with the demonic beasts, while Chen Zhe and the guide did their best to support from a distance hurling rocks and debris at their adversaries. Despite their efforts, the battle was grim. Tian Lan was injured by the spearman forcing Tian Lou to call for a retreat.


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    “Fall back, immediately!” he shouted gripping his sister’s arm as they fled. The guide seizing the opportunity also narrowly escaped together with them.


    However, Chen Zhe had no such luck. The path back was blocked by the looters now leaving him with no choice but to delve deeper into the cave. He sprinted into the darkness with heart pounding while the looters’ voices faded behind him.


    “Let him go.” one of the men scoffed. “There are savage beasts deeper in the cave. He’s as good as dead with his abilities.”


    The beasts were relentless. A fire demon with blazing eyes and a horned demonic creature pursued Chen Zhe forcing him into a narrow corner. Just as he thought all hope was lost his blood dripping from the wound caused by them fell onto a peculiar stone etched with ancient symbols. With a rumble, the cave wall shifted revealing a hidden passage. Without hesitation, Chen Zhe dashed inside.


    The door sealed shut behind him barring the beasts from following him. Breathing heavily, Chen Zhe looked around the chamber. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. The walls seemed deliberately carved and an opening in the rock provided a view of the outside. In the center of the chamber with couple of stairs away stood a treasure chest adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to pulsate with an ancient aura.


    He approached the chest cautiously, his hands trembling as he lifted the lid. Inside lay a skeleton skull, its hollow sockets staring back at him. Beneath it was a tattered book, its pages worn and some of its content lost to time. Gritting his teeth, Chen Zhe picked up the book and tucked it into his robes with his mind racing with questions. What was this place? And for how much could he sell the book hidden in a secret chamber?


    As he turned back to the chest, he froze. A deep resonant voice echoed through the chamber. “You will inherit the legacy of the Scarlet Demon.”


    Startled, Chen Zhe spun around his eyes darting across the room. “Who said that?” he demanded but the chamber was silent. Dismissing the voice as a figment of his imagination, he returned to the chest hoping to find more clues.


    “I am below you” the voice said again irritation lacing its tone. “What are you looking up there for?”


    Chen Zhe’s gaze dropped to the skull. That’s when he saw that skeleton skull was the one to speak… His blood ran cold as he realized the voice was coming from it. The skull’s jaw moved slightly as it spoke, its hollow eyes glowing faintly.


    “You...” Chen Zhe stammered taking an involuntary step back. “You can talk?”


    “Indeed.” the skull replied with its tone almost smug. “And you, my reluctant inheritor have much to learn.”