After parting ways with the disciples from the Pill‑Cauldron Hall, Liu Yun and Tang Xiaoqi continued exploring upstream along the stream. Whether by luck or because the stream itself truly served as the lifeblood of this region, over the next half‑day they unexpectedly managed to reunite—one after another—with their senior brother Mu Qingfeng, who was also searching for teammates, and the body‑cultivator Shi Jian!
Mu Qingfeng still carried that mountain‑like steadiness; when he saw Xiao Qi safe and sound, a flicker of relief passed through his eyes. Shi Jian, however, appeared quite excited, giving Xiao Qi a hearty pat on the shoulder and laughing heartily: 'Junior Brother Xiao Qi, I knew you were tough! Glad you're alright!'
Thus, four out of the five team members had regrouped; only Su Xuan, who excelled in reconnaissance and Light Body Technique, remained missing. After discussion, they decided not to confine themselves to the stream anymore. Instead, using the stream as an axis, they would fan out search to both sides, leaving clearer assembly markers along the way, hoping to find Su Xuan as soon as possible while also expanding the search scope to look for resources within the secret realm.
They chose a ridge with relatively high terrain and sparse tree cover for lateral search. The ridge offered a much wider field of view, allowing them to gaze at the distant layered mountain ranges and the winding stream below, but it also meant they were more likely to expose their tracks.
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng walked at the forefront; his spiritual sense was the strongest, taking charge of leading the reconnaissance. Third Senior Sister Liu Yun and Shi Jian took positions on the left and right flanks respectively, while Xiao Qi followed in the middle of the team, responsible for covering the rear and providing support.
After advancing for about one shichen (two hours), Mu Qingfeng, who was walking at the very front, suddenly halted and raised his hand, signaling everyone to be on alert.
'Any situation?' Liu Yun asked in a hushed voice, her hand gripping her sword hilt.
Mu Qingfeng gazed sharply toward a cliff face on the right that was almost completely covered by dense vines, saying in a deep voice: 'There… is a faint spiritual energy fluctuation, but the aura… is quite obscure, unlike ordinary spiritual objects, nor like demon beasts.'
Everyone looked in the direction he pointed. They saw that cliff face densely covered with unknown dark‑green vines, forming a thick layer; without careful observation, one would never notice anything unusual. Yet, prompted by Mu Qingfeng, everyone concentrated their senses and indeed could detect an extremely faint, almost imperceptible spiritual energy fluctuation seeping out from behind the vines. This fluctuation was quite peculiar, now clear, now blurred, as if obscured and interfered with by something, and it carried a heavy, ancient aura that inexplicably sent a shiver down one's spine.
'Is it a cave?' Shi Jian asked in a muffled voice, taking a few steps forward and attempting to push aside the vines for a look.
'Careful!' Mu Qingfeng called out to stop him. 'The aura is unclear; do not make rash contact.'
Hearing this, Shi Jian immediately halted his movement and retreated.
Liu Yun frowned as she examined the cliff face: 'This fluctuation is very strange; it doesn't seem like a naturally formed spiritual cavity, but more like… the aura of some kind of restriction or residual formation? Could there be a cave dwelling left behind by predecessors inside?'
This conjecture boosted everyone's spirits. Within a secret realm, apart from rare natural treasures, the greatest opportunities lie in legacies left by predecessors! If this truly was an undiscovered ancient cultivator's cave dwelling, its value would be immeasurable!
But opportunity often coexists with risk. This obscure aura also foretells unknown dangers. No one knows what lies inside the cave—whether it's a safe place of inheritance, a trap filled with lethal mechanisms, or… something terrifying sealed within.
Everyone's gaze turned to Mu Qingfeng, awaiting his decision.
Mu Qingfeng stared at the vine‑shrouded cave entrance, pondering for a moment. He could sense a hint of antiquity within that obscure aura, definitely not something left behind by modern‑era cultivators. At the same time, he keenly detected an extremely faint, almost indiscernible abnormal energy mixed within, putting him on guard.
'This place indeed holds peculiarity,' Mu Qingfeng spoke slowly, his voice steady. 'It may be an opportunity, or it could be a perilous ground. Since we have already discovered it, ignoring it would likely mean missing a chance, and we would hardly feel at ease.'
His gaze swept over everyone: 'My intention is to proceed with cautious investigation. But three rules must be established: First, Liu Yun and I will be at the front, Shi Jian will protect Xiao Qi at the rear, maintain distance, no rash advancement. Second, once any uncontrollable danger is detected, withdraw immediately, without hesitation. Third, any gains inside the cave must be distributed through joint discussion; no private contention allowed.'
His arrangement was prudent and thorough, considering both the necessity of exploration and placing safety as the top priority. Everyone had no objections.
'Yes, Senior Brother!' Liu Yun, Shi Jian, and Xiao Qi responded in unison.
Decision made, everyone immediately sprang into action. Mu Qingfeng and Liu Yun stepped forward, carefully using their sword tips to part the thick vines. Behind the vines indeed appeared a pitch‑black, narrow opening barely wide enough for one person to pass through. A cold breeze mingled with dust, mustiness, and that strange obscure aura wafted out from the cave, making one's hair stand on end.
The spiritual energy fluctuation at the cave entrance seemed clearer now, yet the sense of obscurity grew even more pronounced.
Mu Qingfeng was the first to take out a glowstone for illumination, channeled spiritual energy into it, and a soft white light dispelled part of the darkness at the entrance. He turned sideways and stepped into the cave first, with Liu Yun following closely behind. Shi Jian signaled Xiao Qi to follow, while he himself walked last, his burly frame almost blocking half the entrance, vigilantly watching the rear.
The light penetrated the cave, illuminating a short distance ahead. The cave walls were rough, covered in moss, the ground uneven with rocks. The passage extended inward, winding downward, leading to who‑knows‑where. That faint spiritual energy fluctuation and obscure aura were precisely coming from the depths of this dark passage.
Exploration officially began. The four of them, carrying both vigilance and anticipation, stepped into this unknown darkness.