Chapter 32: Treasures Secured for a New Journey, the Esper Championship Draws Near

The crumbling temple was thick with cobwebs, and the air was heavy with the scent of decay.

Mao Yu scanned his surroundings, his brows furrowed. This place was, without exaggeration, a den of lions and tigers. Feng Yao and Mao Ling clung tightly to his sides, not daring to draw a full breath. This was no romantic expedition through an ancient castle; it was a genuine, life-threatening crisis.

"Young Master Mao, do we really have to stay here?" Mao Ling’s voice trembled. She clutched the corner of Mao Yu’s coat like a frightened little rabbit.

"There’s no other choice. If we head out now, we’ll be sitting ducks," Mao Yu sighed, tucking the Heart of Chaos securely against his body. "This thing is more dangerous than a nuclear bomb right now. We have to find a safe place to hide it."

Feng Yao nodded in agreement. A rare trace of worry crossed her cold, beautiful features. "That presence... it is very strong. We are no match for it."

Mao Yu rubbed his temples, feeling a splitting headache coming on. He had barely warmed up to this treasure before it brought a mountain of trouble upon him. Suddenly, he remembered the system and hurriedly called out, "System, old buddy, give me a hand here!"

The system’s voice was devoid of emotion: "Host, please resolve this yourself. This system is only responsible for issuing tasks and providing upgrade support."

"Damn it, failing me at the critical moment!" Mao Yu muttered under his breath. This system was useless for anything other than issuing bizarre tasks.

The wind howled outside, sounding like the low growl of a wild beast. Mao Ling shivered, hugging Mao Yu’s arm tightly. "Young Master Mao, I’m scared..."

Mao Yu gently patted her hand, comforting her. "Don't be afraid, I'm here." He turned to Feng Yao and added, "Feng Yao, keep Mao Ling safe. I’m going to scout the perimeter."

Feng Yao nodded, her gaze firm. "Don't worry, I will protect her."

Mao Yu stepped cautiously out of the ruined temple, activating his perception ability to monitor the surroundings. Suddenly, his eyes sharpened, and he whirled around. "Not good! Someone’s here!"

"Who goes there?!" Mao Yu demanded sharply.

Several figures emerged slowly from the darkness, radiating murderous intent. The leader was a burly man with a thick, fleshy face—clearly no one to trifle with.

"Kid, I heard you got your hands on a treasure. Hand it over obediently, and I’ll spare your life!"

Mao Yu sneered. "Just you ragtag bunch?" His eyes glinted, and the Heart of Chaos in his hand began to glow, emitting a powerful wave of energy that surged outward.

"You want to rob me? You should have measured your own worth first!"

The burly man was stunned, clearly not expecting someone so young to possess such immense energy. But he quickly recovered, grinning hideously. "Stop playing games! Brothers, get him!"

The men lunged at Mao Yu simultaneously, unleashing various abilities. The open ground outside the temple instantly transformed into a battlefield of powers. Mao Yu remained calm, rotating the Heart of Chaos in his palm to form an energy shield that deflected every attack.

"Small tricks!" A look of disdain curled his lips.

In a flash, he moved like a phantom between them. Each strike carried the power of the Heart of Chaos—fast, precise, and lethal, leaving them no chance to defend.

"Thud! Thud! Thud!" After a few muffled sounds, the burly man and his subordinates all collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain.

Mao Yu brushed off his hands, looking relaxed. "Is that all you've got? And you dared to come for my treasure?"

He turned and returned to the temple, where Feng Yao and Mao Ling looked at him with adoration.

"Young Master Mao, you're amazing!" Mao Ling jumped up in excitement and hugged his arm.

Feng Yao said nothing, but her eyes were filled with admiration. She walked over and leaned against him gently. "Are you alright?"

Mao Yu felt the warmth of both women beside him. He suddenly recalled the task the system had issued: find a safe place to secure the Heart of Chaos. He closed his eyes, sensing the power of the relic, and suddenly, an idea struck him.

"Follow me!" Mao Yu led them to a hidden valley. Deep within lay an ancient altar radiating a mysterious aura. Mao Yu placed the Heart of Chaos upon the altar, and it suddenly erupted in brilliant light as runes appeared, encasing the treasure within.

"It's done!" Mao Yu let out a long sigh. The hot potato was finally settled.

As news spread, Mao Yu’s name became synonymous with wisdom among the superpowered community. Those factions that had once coveted the treasure could only watch with envy; Mao Yu had become the true keeper of its secret.

Seeing the treasure secured, Feng Yao and Mao Ling gazed at him with deep affection. Mao Yu felt their devotion and his heart warmed. Standing on the mountain peak, overlooking the brilliant lights of the city below, he murmured, "The Ability Tournament..."

The night wind tugged at his clothes as he stood like a king descending upon the world. "The Ability Tournament..." he whispered, his eyes flashing with excitement. The crisis brought by the Heart of Chaos had been temporarily averted, but new challenges lay ahead.

He would make a name for himself at the tournament; he would make the entire city of superhumans remember the name "Young Master Mao!"

"Young Master Mao, we will support you with everything we have!" Mao Ling trailed behind him like a little shadow, stars of adoration in her eyes. Feng Yao, though silent, stood firmly by his side, her actions speaking for her support.

News traveled like wildfire throughout the city. Since the treasure incident, Mao Yu’s name had become legendary. Now, the announcement of his participation in the tournament set the entire community ablaze.

"Did you hear? Young Master Mao is entering!" "Now things are going to get interesting!" "Who can possibly stand against him?" The discussions were endless, and Mao Yu had become the center of attention.

It felt good. A slight smile played on his lips. However, he knew the tournament was no game; it was filled with hidden masters, and a single mistake could lead to disaster.

His expression hardened. He knew the road ahead was long, and the true challenge had just begun. He gazed toward the tournament grounds and took a deep breath, as if to inhale the entire world.

"Wait for me, Ability Tournament!"

Suddenly, the cold voice of the system rang in his mind: "Hidden task triggered—Win the Tournament! Reward: One Mystery Gift Pack!"

"Whoa, there's such a thing?" Mao Yu’s eyes lit up. This system could be quite helpful at critical moments! It seemed the championship was already his.

He turned to Feng Yao and Mao Ling with a confident smile. "Let's go. It's time to meet these so-called 'masters'."

The three descended the mountain toward the glowing city. Suddenly, a dark figure flashed past with shocking speed, leaving a single sentence in Mao Yu’s ear: "Beware... the Black Shade..."

The figure vanished without a trace, leaving only a faint, lingering killing intent. Mao Yu’s eyes sharpened as he clenched his fists.

"Black Shade..."