System: Infinite Evolution into Qilin Bloodline

The old lama's voice carried a hint of urgency and despair, as if this was his last bargaining chip, an attempt to exchange it for a glimmer of hope.

Zhang Hao and Zhang Qilin exchanged a glance and temporarily stopped their further actions, but their eyes remained vigilant and they did not relax their guard in the slightest.

"What secret?"

Zhang Hao asked coldly, his voice devoid of any emotion.

The old lama took a deep breath, trying to calm his erratic breathing, and then slowly began to speak:

"This temple is not as simple as you think."

It conceals an ancient secret, a secret powerful enough to change the fate of everyone in the world.

He paused, seemingly observing Zhang Hao and Zhang Qilin's reactions, and seeing that they did not interrupt, he continued:

"At the deepest part of the temple, there is an ancient altar, on which a mysterious jade stone is enshrined."

This jade possesses incredible power, enabling one to transcend life and death, and gain supreme power and wisdom.

But it is also fraught with danger; countless people who have tried to approach it have never returned alive.

A complex emotion flashed in the old lama's eyes, a mixture of longing for that mysterious power and sympathy and fear for those who had failed in the past.

"The reason I want your skulls to make ritual implements is because I firmly believe that only those with special wisdom can unlock the secrets of jade, and I have always longed to be that person."

Upon hearing this, both Zhang Hao and Zhang Qilin were shocked.

They never imagined that such an astonishing secret was hidden behind this seemingly ordinary temple.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the curiosity and wariness in each other's eyes.

What makes you think we have the ability to unlock this secret?

Zhang Hao questioned, not believing that the old lama would so easily reveal such important information to them.

The old lama gave a wry smile and said, "Because you were able to resist my drug, that is enough to prove your extraordinary nature."

Moreover, I have been observing you for a long time, and I can sense a unique quality in your words and actions.

I believe you are the people I've been looking for.

Zhang Hao and Zhang Qilin exchanged a glance, each lost in their own thoughts.

They knew that this secret might conceal enormous risks, but it could also bring unprecedented opportunities.

Ultimately, they decided to believe the old lama's words for the time being, since only by exploring it themselves could they know the truth.

"Okay, we agree, but you must first lead us to that jade stone."

Zhang Hao said, his tone filled with unwavering determination.

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy flashed in the old lama's eyes. He quickly nodded in agreement and promised to take them to the deepest part of the temple to find the mysterious jade.

The night remained deep, but the atmosphere inside the temple became subtle.

After waking the others, Zhang Hao and Zhang Qilin, led by the old lama, ventured deeper into the heart of the temple.

Guided by the old lama, Zhang Hao and Zhang Qilin walked through the winding, dark corridor, each step seemingly treading on the dust of history.

The air inside the temple grew increasingly heavy, as if even breathing had become difficult.

However, their curiosity and longing burned like a raging fire, dispelling the chill around them.

Finally, they arrived at a huge stone chamber.

The stone chamber's door was tightly shut, its surface carved with intricate totems and ancient runes, exuding an air of mystery.

[Ding! Rare item detected: Sin Eater Baru.]

It turns out that behind the stone gate is a monster called the Sin-Eating Balu. The old lama brought them here and had everyone gather in front of the stone gate, presumably to use the monster behind the stone gate to deal with them.

If they hadn't used their special abilities to know in advance what lay behind the stone gate, someone in the team might have been injured.