Hidden genius: Black belly snake

Chapter 165: My team mates? Part4

"The ancient labyrinth was uncovered by the elders of the nine nations. So everyone assembled here today is permitted to enter."

"However, it would be prudent on your part to think twice before stepping in."

"Only step inside if you have the ability to protect yourself."

"It is not a secret that whenever the experts from the nine countries compete for something like this, in the past, blood and carnage have littered the ground."

"Outside the entrance, fighting is prohibited, but inside the entrance, you can only rely on yourself."

"The sole purpose of some of the people standing here isn't the Labyrinth itself but killing the promising and talented members of other clans and races."

"Inside this mountain, you will experience nothing short of a war, a bloody power-hungry battle, where your own brother wouldn't hesitate to kill you. Do you understand?"

Tang Yue trembled. For an instance, it felt like the man's crimson eyes were gazing at her as he mouthed the words.

"Sure, it will be dangerous, but I have to do this." She clenched her fist resolutely.

Not just her, but most of the people assembled had very similar reactions.

The man's cruel words made it abundantly clear to everyone that their next few days will be filled with both treacherous dangers and heaven-defying opportunities.

They all couldn't help but look around and size up their neighbors and the group they were standing in.

"Are you wondering why everyone is still eager to participate?" A familiar voice sounded near Tang Yue.

The snake turned around in surprise, shocked to see Xavier near her. "Your highness?"

"That's because everyone needs challenges to grow." 

"If you only wish to remain safe and secure within your home, then you might as well give up being a cultivator."

"Greetings, Princess. Or should I say, teammate?" Xavier chuckled as he casually walked over, munching on a fruit.

Huh? Teammate? What the hell? Tang Yue was confused.

However, the devil's voice pulled her attention back to his address.

"I have looked into the outer layers of the labyrinth, as I am sure several other clan elders have as well."

"Vile beasts plagued with thick dark elemental essence are roaming about behind these rocks."

"But this is just the beginning."

"What lies beyond these undead minions, even I do not know."

"I have personally not come across something as complex and mysterious as this labyrinth so it would be impossible for others to rush to your rescue."

"Once you are inside, you will truly be on your own, no matter what you face."

"Everyone disperse and reach your designated locations within the next 30 minutes."

"This labyrinth will be opening then. Proceed with the utmost caution."

Just as he finished his address, Xander flicked his sleeve and his figure disappeared.

Following his example, several elders and other groups as well mobilized quickly.

Soon intense rumbling sounds started echoing in several nooks and corners of the gigantic mountain range, as the group of over a thousand experts slowly faded away.

Some flew over to the northern parts, some to the southern parts, and some even to the parts of the far end of the mountainous range which was submerged in the ocean bordering the land.

Luckily, Tang Yue didn't have to go so far and she reached her allocated spot pretty quickly.

And of course, to her dismay, Xavier silently hummed and walked right next to her, going wherever she went.

Tang Yue tried both increasing her pace and decreasing her pace, but the elf stuck to her like glue on fingers.

After a while, Tang Yue finally sighed and accepted this new teammate of hers.

"Well, having a powerful saint realm expert might not be such a bad thing." She clicked her tongue and fastened her steps.

Her spot was actually on a small crevice on the mountain, a few yards higher than ground level.

So Tang Yue used her hands and feet to climb the part of the mountain and reached the gathering spot.

Of course, her teammate Xavier simply hovered around and floated in the air, while she patiently climbed the rough edge of the mountain.

When the duo finally reached the small crevice, Tang Yue dusted her back and properly supported herself in the small flat rock which was accessible.

"Hmm?" The snake pondered in confusion.

She had expected some sort of a cave entrance or at least a small opening that they could crawl into but so far it was just solid immovable rocks and slabs of rocks in front of her.

How is this even an entrance to the labyrinth? She was confused.

Placing her one hand on the rocks and supporting herself, she turned around and looked at Xavier for an explanation.

But that elf seemed to be deeply engrossed in his own thoughts. 

Wait, no. If one looked at it from another angle, the elf was merely chewing on a fruit and enjoying the scenery in the distance which looked quite stunning from the height they were in.

The vastness of the forest, the birds in the distance, and the ocean which seemed to be extending infinitely, everything was very eye-catching.

"." Tang Yue's lips twitched but she silently sighed and waited.

A couple of seconds later, eight other figures arrived on that small crevice on the huge mountain, each one standing steadily, even if they were barely holding onto a small rock protrusion for support.

And among those newly arrived figures, Tang Yue couldn't help but notice a certain fellow pale blue serpent.

"Greetings sister." Tang Xi cocked her head and revealed a kind and warm smile.

She was just about to continue when her eyes spotted the lofty and majestic elf standing right next to Tang Yue, with a small amount of fruit juice dripping from the corner of his mouth.

"Greetings, your highness." Tang Xi immediately bowed again, this time with a faint coy expression on her mesmerizing face.

She even brought out her typical move of crossing her arms in the front while bowing, which gently squeezed her chest making the voluptuous mounts glisten in the bright sunlight.