Chapter 12831 I'm just joking, don't take it seriously

Ling Xiao carefully observed his surroundings, and after confirming that there were no traces of people, he took a deep breath and used the method that Jiu Lao had taught him before to quietly enter the cave.

The cave was dark and silent, with only faint breathing sounds echoing. Ling Xiao walked in the direction of the sound and finally saw Jiu Lao lying on the stone bed. Jiu Lao was seriously injured at this time, his face was as pale as paper, and his breath was weak.

Ling Xiao was already very happy that Jiu Lao was not dead. To him, Jiu Lao was not only a friend but also a benefactor.

"Who?" Jiu Lao heard the slight movement, frowned, and a trace of alert flashed in his eyes. He was originally immersed in the process of healing, trying to use his weak internal strength to repair the severely damaged meridians and internal organs. However, this sudden sound broke the tranquility he had created with great difficulty.

He tried hard to support his exhausted body and wanted to see clearly the unexpected guest. But the severity of his injury was far beyond his imagination. Every time he tried to exert force, severe pain would surge like a tide, dragging him back to the reality of lying down helplessly.

After several attempts, he had no choice but to give up. He could only lie on his back, staring at the approaching figure.

"It's me, Ling Xiao!" A familiar and firm voice sounded beside his ears. Ling Xiao's figure gradually became clear in the dim cave. He walked quickly to Jiu Lao's side, squatted down, and checked Jiu Lao's injuries with concern.

The moment Jiu Lao saw Ling Xiao, a flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, but then, more joy and relief appeared. He never thought that when he was most helpless and in danger, it would be Ling Xiao who came to his side.

At this moment, he felt that his choice was not wrong, and Ling Xiao was indeed someone worthy of his trust and entrustment.

"Why are you here?" Jiu Lao's voice was weak, but his tone was full of gratitude and relief. He knew that Ling Xiao's arrival not only brought him hope, but also gave him the motivation to live.

Ling Xiao did not answer, but silently began to treat Jiu Lao's wounds. He carefully cut open the torn clothes, revealing the hideous wounds. Then, he took out the pills he carried with him and fed them to Jiu Lao.

Under Ling Xiao's careful care, Jiu Lao's injuries gradually stabilized, and the paleness on his face slowly faded away.

Watching Ling Xiao's busy figure, Jiu Lao's heart was filled with gratitude and warmth. He knew that he had met a friend he could truly rely on. In this world full of dangers, this trust and friendship were more precious than anything else.

"Why help me?" Under Ling Xiao's careful treatment, Jiu Lao's expression gradually changed from solemn to a hint of gentleness.

He raised his head, looking through his cloudy eyes, and stared at Ling Xiao deeply and intently, as if he wanted to see through the young man's true thoughts: "We have only met a few times, why are you so helpful?"

Seeing this, Ling Xiao raised a cynical arc at the corner of his mouth. He shrugged lightly and deliberately answered in a relaxed tone: "If I tell you that I am after your inheritance, would you believe it? After all, you are a veteran of the Tianxia Association. You must have accumulated a lot of treasures and wealth over the years. If I can get it, wouldn't it be like I become rich overnight and reach the peak of my life from now on?"

After hearing this, Jiu Lao's expression suddenly became serious. He was silent for a moment, as if he was weighing something.

Then, he slowly took off an antique storage ring from his waist. The ring flickered faintly in the dim light, as if it contained endless secrets.

He handed the ring to Ling Xiao, his voice low and firm: "Here, this is all my savings. It contains 1 billion mid-grade spirit stones, although this is not much for me, because most of my wealth is used to support my experiments and research."

"But even so, these spirit stones are enough for you to use for a while. In addition, there are many human treasures and even an earth treasure in the ring. I believe you will be able to use it."

Ling Xiao was stunned for a moment as he looked at the storage ring in front of him. He had just wanted to make a joke to liven up the atmosphere, but he had never expected that Jiu Lao would take his joke so seriously and actually take out all his savings.

He felt a little overwhelmed, but at the same time he was deeply moved by Jiu Lao's generosity and trust. He waved his hands hastily, wanting to refuse: "You...you really want to give it to me...I was just joking, don't take it seriously!"

Jiu Lao shook his head slightly, his eyes revealing a deep helplessness and emotion.

He said slowly, "I was lucky to be able to come back from the brink of life and death this time. But people always have good and bad luck. Next time, maybe I really can't escape. Rather than letting these precious resources and wealth fall into the hands of those greedy and shameless people in the Empress's Palace, I would rather give them to you. After all, you are the only one who is willing to lend a helping hand when I am in the most difficult time."

Ling Xiao felt a warm current in his heart when he heard Jiu Lao's words. He touched his nose and showed a sly smile on his face: "Hehe, Jiu Lao, what you said is right. I am not a saint. I help you, of course, for your little wealth. But don't worry, I won't waste these things."

Jiu Lao smiled and waved his hand, interrupting Ling Xiao's words: "No matter what your original intention is, you should accept these things. In addition to the resources and money you need, this storage ring also contains my notes and experience of my lifelong research on the Holy Mark."

"These are the fruits of my labor over the years. I hope you can be inspired by them and carry forward the Way of the Holy Marks. In addition, there is a treasure inherited from my Shangguan family in the East China Sea. It was passed down to me by my ancestor and is of extraordinary significance. You don't have to care about the Shangguan family's opinions, but you must keep it carefully and don't expose it easily, so as not to attract unnecessary trouble and pursuit."

Jiu Lao's expression was extremely solemn at this moment, as if he was entrusting his last wish. He sighed deeply, and his old eyes revealed a kind of powerlessness and determination.

He seemed to have understood that he was in an inescapable disaster. The empress was determined and had never failed to kill anyone she wanted to kill.

"Shangguan Yu made a mistake this time, but we have all witnessed the methods used by the Empress' Palace. Next time, the person she sends may be even more terrifying than Shangguan Yu." Jiu Lao's voice was low and heavy, and every word seemed to be engraved in the air, making it impossible to ignore.

Ling Xiao was silent for a moment. He felt the heaviness and helplessness in Jiu Lao's words. There was also a hint of determination.