After joining forces with the eldest senior brother, third senior sister, and others, the Qingxu Temple squad now numbered ten people, greatly increasing their strength. The team was led by the eldest senior brother, with the third senior sister as his second-in-command, plus the formidable Xiao Qi and seven other experienced inner disciples. In this perilous secret realm, they could be considered a not insignificant force.
The group proceeded cautiously, advancing roughly toward the core area of the secret realm. However, as they ventured deeper, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive.
At first, they only occasionally came across traces of battle—lingering demonic energy interwoven with spiritual energy, indicating that righteous disciples and demonic cultivators had clashed here. But soon, they encountered more than just traces.
By a dried-up riverbed strewn with sharp gravel, they discovered the corpses of two disciples wearing the attire of a nearby minor sect. The bodies were desiccated, their essence, blood, and souls seemingly drained by some sinister technique. The deaths were gruesome, and the area was permeated with the strong aura of Shadow Snake Pavilion demonic arts.
At the entrance of a concealed cave, they encountered four Shadow Snake Pavilion demonic cultivators besieging a lone disciple of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. That Ten Thousand Swords Sect disciple was already severely wounded, his left arm severed at the shoulder, relying solely on a fierce sword intent to hold on desperately. The eldest senior brother and the others immediately took action, swiftly eliminating those four demonic cultivators whose cultivation was at the Qi Refining seventh and eighth layers, saving the Ten Thousand Swords Sect disciple who was on the brink of death.
From this disciple's intermittent account, they learned shocking news: the number of demonic cultivators who had entered the secret realm this time far exceeded any previous occasion! They were not scattered stragglers but were organized, operating in several small teams within the secret realm, specifically seeking out and besieging righteous disciples who were alone or in small groups. Their methods were ruthless, and their purpose seemed not merely to plunder resources but more like... clearing the field?
"Clearing the field?" The third senior sister's eyebrows shot up. "What are they trying to do? Monopolize the opportunities at the core of the secret realm?"
The eldest senior brother's face darkened as he shook his head. "It's probably not that simple. If they just wanted to seize opportunities, why be so thorough in their killing? Looking at their actions, it seems more like they are clearing obstacles for some larger scheme."
Xiao Qi remained silent nearby, but his heart was stirred. He recalled his own experience at the Heritage Hall—those three demonic cultivators had targeted him specifically (or rather, the Crimson Flame Sword). Now that demonic cultivators were mobilizing on a large scale, besieging righteous disciples everywhere, could this be related to the Heritage Hall and the Xu family's Purification Source? The Shadow Snake Pavilion's ambitions in entering the secret realm this time were immense!
The subsequent journey confirmed their suspicions.
They encountered several more waves of panicked fleeing righteous disciples from different sects, all bringing similar news—demonic cultivators were numerous, their actions rampant, and many teams had already been ambushed, suffering heavy casualties. Even a five-member team of Vajra Sect disciples, after encountering demonic cultivators, had only one member escape with his life thanks to his robust physique, but he was critically wounded.
The smell of blood and demonic energy in the air grew thicker, and a sense of impending storm weighed heavily on everyone's hearts.
"We can't go on like this!" an inner disciple couldn't help but speak up during a brief rest at a relatively safe, sheltered hillside. "The demonic cultivators are numerous and obviously deliberately gathering. If we remain scattered, sooner or later we'll be picked off one by one!"
"That's right," another disciple chimed in. "We must quickly contact other fellow disciples, as well as friends from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect and Vajra Sect. Only by uniting can we stand against these demonic scum!"
Everyone's gaze turned to the eldest senior brother.
The eldest senior brother pondered for a moment, sweeping his eyes over the group before finally settling on Xiao Qi. "Xiao Qi, what do you think?"
Xiao Qi hadn't expected the eldest senior brother to seek his opinion. After a moment's thought, he spoke gravely, "Eldest senior brother, fellow senior brothers and sisters, I believe they are right. The demonic cultivators came prepared this time, acting in unison. If we remain scattered, we'll fall right into their hands. The most urgent task is to quickly consolidate our scattered forces. I suggest we split into two groups: one led by the eldest senior brother continues exploring toward the core area, contacting and gathering any righteous disciples encountered along the way; the other, consisting of a senior brother or sister skilled in speed and concealment, attempts to return toward the secret realm entrance to inform disciples who haven't yet ventured deep and see if contact can be made with the elders guarding the entrance."
His suggestion was clear, logical, and comprehensive, earning nods of approval from many disciples.
The third senior sister immediately objected, "Returning to deliver a message is too dangerous! The outside is swarming with demonic cultivators now. Acting alone is practically suicide!"
Xiao Qi looked at the third senior sister, his tone calm but firm. "Senior sister, precisely because it's dangerous, it requires someone skilled in speed and concealment. Moreover, this is currently the most effective way to break the deadlock. We can't just wait to die."
The eldest senior brother gave Xiao Qi an approving glance and nodded. "Xiao Qi makes a good point. Liu Yun, you're too impulsive; you're not suited for delivering messages. Junior Brother Zhang," he looked toward a disciple with a slender build and an almost imperceptible aura, "you have achieved minor mastery in both the 'Wind Movement Art' and 'Concealment Art,' making you the fastest and most adept at stealth. The task of returning to deliver the message goes to you. Be extremely careful, prioritize your own safety, and if the situation becomes untenable, retreat immediately."
That Junior Brother Zhang straightened up solemnly, cupping his hands in salute. "Rest assured, eldest senior brother. Zhang Ming will not fail this mission!"
"Good!" The eldest senior brother stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone as a steady, mountain-like aura emanated from him. "Then we'll proceed according to plan! Junior Brother Zhang sets off immediately; the rest follow me onward! Remember, our primary goal is to gather strength. When encountering enemies, focus on repelling and driving them away; do not pursue relentlessly. Preserve your strength!"
"Yes!"
With the decision made, the group no longer hesitated. Junior Brother Zhang Ming gave everyone a cupped-hand salute, then his figure blurred as if merging with the wind, silently speeding away along the path they had come, soon disappearing into the mountain forest.
The eldest senior brother led the remaining nine, including Xiao Qi and the third senior sister, once more setting out on their journey. Only this time, their objective was clearer and their steps more resolute.
Xiao Qi followed within the team, sensing the increasingly tense, murderous atmosphere in the air, gently stroking the scorching Crimson Flame Sword in his storage bag.
The signs of the demonic cultivators' siege loomed like dark clouds gathering, the storm about to break. And they had to unite every possible force before the storm fully erupted.
The path ahead was destined to be filled with more bloodshed and slaughter. Yet his eyes were brighter than ever before.
Since there was no avoiding it, then let the battle come!