Illusory formations weren't something Shen Yi had never experienced. But for one to leave a martial artist of his realm this dizzy and reeling was a first.

A strong wave of nausea washed over him, and he found himself instinctively drawing several deep breaths. Did the cave estate's master have to vomit first thing every time he came home?

"Hoo."

Shen Yi shook his head and steadied himself, then looked ahead in some surprise.

He'd thought he might see a grand mountain manor, or perhaps some elegantly appointed stone estate or immortal grotto. But he truly hadn't expected to be looking at a soaring great mountain — lush and green, cool mountain winds blowing. Apart from the absence of any living thing stirring, it was no different from the wild, deserted hills outside.

This counted as a cave estate?

"Damn it all, the transport formation's malfunctioned!"

There were a dozen-odd others nearby, no few of them looking all around, searching for their companions.

"What's the rush? One entrance is as good as another." A cultivator wreathed in golden light shot the speaker a cold glance, and under the pressure of his formidable aura the rest fell silent.

By rights, having come in through the formation, they ought to have been sent to the cave estate's main hall. Perhaps long years without repair had left the formation faulty, resulting in the present situation. But for a pack of cultivators come to hunt treasure, they'd have had to search all over regardless — where they started made no difference. It even happened to let them avoid the Xuanguang Cave party.

"Senior Xiang speaks sense."

Someone hurriedly squeezed out a smile in agreement, but his eyes drifted, of their own accord, toward the woman at the man's side.

The Xiang siblings were quite renowned. Both Mixed Origin powerhouses — and word had it the two had a thing besides. No need to rush, of course; easy to say when your back doesn't ache.

"The rest of you, come with me."

Xiang Tianxiong, carrying a faint air of arrogance, gave his orders outright, heedless…