Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain Chapter 2928 - 2927: Greed
Previously on Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain...
As Dracula was about to guide Lin Dong and Ye Linglong into the vicinity of the Ancient General Tomb, a sudden frown creased his brow. He turned his gaze towards Lin Dong. "Brother Lin, you must also sense those pesky ants tailing us, correct?"
Lin Dong nodded his assent. "I noticed them quite some time ago."
"Hehe, shall we eliminate them?" Dracula inquired.
Lin Dong, however, shook his head. "I don't believe it's necessary. As you yourself mentioned, this Ancient General Tomb is fraught with peril. A simple warning should suffice to make them disperse.""Of course, if they prove unwilling to depart and insist on following, then they can hardly blame us for their demise."
"Brother Lin's wisdom is indeed profound." Dracula let out a sneer, then discreetly transmitted his voice to Lin Dong. "Brother Lin, in truth, I intentionally allowed my aura to be sensed, thereby inviting them to follow us."
Lin Dong blinked in surprise, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, and a telepathic exchange ensued.
"Brother Dracula, what is the meaning behind this? Why would you deliberately reveal our presence and allow them to trail us?"
Dracula's response came swiftly. "Because entering that Ancient General Tomb necessitates a certain blood sacrifice. My initial intention was to dispatch some demon beasts for their blood. However, it suddenly occurred to me that we were being pursued."
"Hehe, in that case, do not fault me..."
Lin Dong fell silent upon hearing this. It became apparent that Dracula was not exactly a benevolent soul.
Then again, what else could be expected? He hailed from the Blood Clan of the Ancient European Country, after all.
He did consume blood!
Just not with the same insatiable fervor as the Extraterritorial Blood Clan, whose ambition was to subjugate and destroy human martial artists.
"Brother Lin, I shall test their resolve. If they harbor no excessive greed and are amenable to my warning, choosing to depart, then naturally, I shall dispatch them as a sacrifice. But should their avarice compel them to follow us in, they alone bear the responsibility for their fate..."
"Is it not a universal truth that greed incurs a steep price?"
Having conveyed this thought to Lin Dong, Dracula strode purposefully towards the distance.
Then, his voice boomed towards the shadowed waters behind them, "Come out, friends. Cease your concealment; your tracks have already been discovered."
As the words left his lips, three distinct groups of individuals emerged instantaneously.
The first contingent comprised martial artists originating from the Ancient European Country, numbering over a dozen. Their strongest member was a martial artist at the First Heaven Heavenly Realm, while the remainder consisted of Earth Realm cultivators, and even a Sect Master among them.
The second group was notably smaller, consisting of only three individuals. These were warriors from the Dragon Country, all possessing the formidable strength of Earth Realm martial artists.
The third faction was a diverse assembly of martial artists from various nations. This collective also numbered more than a dozen, attired in distinctive bounty hunter armor, identifiable as 'bounty hunters' from the Extraterrestrial Battlefield. Within this group, the most powerful was a Second Heavenly Realm Martial Artist.
Upon their emergence, all these individuals offered respectful bows towards Lin Dong and Dracula.
"Salutations to Lin Tian, and greetings to Lord Dracula..."
"It appears you are acquainted with us, yet you still dared to pursue. Do you possess no regard for your own lives?" Dracula addressed the assembled group, his presence exuding a palpable, terrifying aura.
This potent aura, once unleashed, caused the countenances of everyone present to shift dramatically, rendering even the simple act of breathing a struggle.
"Pray forgive us, Lord Dracula. Our intentions were not malicious. We were merely curious. Lord Dracula, you and Lin Dong Lin Tian have joined forces to venture into these peculiar waters; could it be that you have uncovered some ancient ruins?"
The leader of the bounty hunter contingent posed the question.
Dracula offered no pretense of concealment, responding directly, "Indeed, we have discovered ancient ruins and intend to explore them. They may hold many secret treasures, but the undertaking is exceedingly perilous..."
At this revelation, the expressions of all three factions transformed, their eyes gleaming with unmistakable greed.
If even Lin Dong and Dracula sought to investigate these ancient ruins, then the treasures contained within must surely be immense.
The bounty hunter leader quickly interjected, "Lord Dracula, Lord Lin Dong Lin Tian, these ancient ruins must be quite expansive, correct?"
"Surely, you do not intend to hoard the entirety of these ancient ruins for yourselves, forbidding us from exploring as well? We too wish to enter and seek our fortunes."
"Precisely, Lord Dracula, Lord Lin Dong Lin Tian. While your power is undeniable, you cannot be entirely unreasonable, can you? Ancient ruins belong to those who find them. We also desire to enter and search for treasures. Whether we find anything is a matter of individual opportunity."
Another leader, this one from the Ancient European Country faction – a martial artist of the First Heaven Heavenly Realm – added his voice to the plea at this juncture.
Hearing their words, Dracula's demeanor shifted, betraying a hint of annoyance.
Yet, he still let out a huff and declared, "Ancient ruins are indeed open for discovery by anyone. I cannot claim exclusive rights. However, are you unequivocally certain you wish to proceed?"
"I am issuing a warning to you all. Inside, there are indeed secret treasures. Ancient martial arts and dan medicines are merely minor details. There are even treasures that surpass ancient martial arts... but as the saying goes, greater opportunities often come with greater risks. It is extremely dangerous within."
"My advice to you is that if you enter, there's a very high probability you will die."
"I strongly urge you to leave immediately. Do not go inside. Especially those of you with inferior strength, you truly won't comprehend how you met your demise in there."
However, Dracula's admonitions were completely disregarded by the assembled crowd.
This is simply human nature; once greed takes hold, the terrifying crisis and inherent risks become impossible to perceive clearly.
Among ordinary people, when they witness others profiting in the stock market, they too rush to invest, oblivious to the fact that it has already reached an exceedingly high point. They are completely swept up by the momentum, only thinking of making money, and ignore the current market peak... thereby walking right into a trap.
When their principal investment is significantly depleted, they finally realize their folly, and only then might they question their past actions.
Sometimes, personal gain completely clouds one's judgment, and avarice leads to a loss of all reason.
This group of people is currently in precisely that state.
Upon hearing that the ancient ruins yielded ancient martial arts, dan medicines, and even paramount treasure techniques and secret treasures, they have been utterly blinded by the prospect of riches.
Driven by their avarice, they completely disregard the perils involved.
Even if someone offers them a warning, they will not heed it.
Lin Dong, observing this situation, addressed the second group, comprising three Dragon Country warriors: "You are merely Earth Realm martial artists. I advise you not to enter."
"If you do, you will bear the consequences!"
The three Earth Realm martial artists, hearing Lin Dong's caution, suddenly snapped back to their senses.
It was as if a voice of reason had echoed in their very hearts!
In that instant, they exchanged glances and then bowed respectfully to Lin Dong.
"We three are indeed weak. We shall not partake in this chaotic venture. We bid you farewell..." These three were the only ones who managed to break free from the suffocating grip of greed.
They departed without the slightest hesitation.
Naturally, their decisive departure was entirely attributable to Lin Dong.
This was because Lin Dong had employed his spiritual power to exert pressure, instilling a profound sense of dread within them.
At that moment, they experienced the chilling fear of impending death.
Like a person engulfed in flames who is suddenly doused with ice-cold water, they were jolted awake.
As for the remaining two factions, Lin Dong showed no such leniency.
Since they are determined to seek treasures, let's see if they possess the life force to see it through...