After the squad led by Senior Brother left, those remaining in the mountain hollow did not let their guard down. Under Shi Meng's direction, defensive fortifications were further strengthened, with sentries alternating between overt and covert positions, turning this tiny temporary stronghold into an iron fortress.
Xiao Qi, having recovered through meditation, didn't remain idle either. He carefully examined the condition of each wounded disciple, especially those from Vajra Sect, using Purification Power to expel any subtle residual demonic energy that might be lurking within their bodies, ensuring no hidden harm remained. His meticulous work and miraculous ability earned genuine respect from the Vajra Sect disciples, bringing them even closer to Qingxu Temple.
About two hours later, a slight fluctuation came from the warning formation around the hollow's perimeter. The disciple on duty immediately signaled, and everyone instantly went on high alert.
Soon, the figures of Senior Brother and the others appeared in sight. To everyone's delight, they did not return empty-handed—behind them trailed over a dozen cultivators with blood-stained robes, weary expressions, yet bearing the relief of survivors. Judging by their attire, they were unmistakably disciples of Ten Thousand Swords Sect and Mysterious Mechanism Holy Land! Seven from Ten Thousand Swords Sect, five from Mysterious Mechanism Holy Land.
Even more noteworthy, the party also escorted a Shadow Snake Pavilion demonic cultivator prisoner, firmly bound by restraints, his face pale, his gaze venomous! From his aura, he seemed to be at Qi Refining eighth layer.
"Senior Brother! You're back!"
"You even captured a prisoner?!"
Those who had stayed behind exclaimed in surprise and joy, hurrying forward to greet them.
Senior Brother's expression remained grave, but a glint of sharpness shone in his eyes. He motioned for everyone to first settle the newly arrived fellow disciples, letting them heal and rest. Then, along with Shi Meng, Xiao Qi, and several core disciples, he brought the demonic cultivator prisoner to a secluded spot deep within the hollow.
"We encountered fellow Daoists from Ten Thousand Swords Sect and Mysterious Mechanism Holy Land being besieged by a demonic cultivator squad on our way back," Senior Brother explained succinctly. "We intervened, eliminated the other demonic cultivators, and kept only this one alive. Perfect timing—we can use this opportunity to interrogate them about the purpose behind this large-scale invasion."
Everyone's gaze immediately focused on the demonic cultivator prisoner.
Though captured, the demonic cultivator showed no fear. Instead, he grinned at them, his voice hoarse: "Hmph! Kill me if you want! Dream on if you think you'll get anything out of me!"
Shi Meng, with his fiery temper, stepped forward at these words. His large hand, like a palm-leaf fan, grabbed the demonic cultivator by the collar, lifting him up as he glared. "You demon spawn! Still acting tough even at death's door? Believe me, I'll crush your bones right now!"
Choked by Shi Meng's formidable physical strength, the demonic cultivator turned red-faced, yet still strained his neck, eyes fierce.
Senior Brother waved his hand, signaling Shi Meng to calm down. He walked up to the demonic cultivator, his gaze calm yet possessing a penetrating force, speaking slowly: "Your Shadow Snake Pavilion has dispatched its entire force this time, wantonly slaughtering our righteous disciples throughout the secret realm. This is certainly not merely about seizing resources. Speak—what exactly are you searching for? Or rather, what do you intend to release?"
The demonic cultivator's eyes flickered briefly, then returned to ferocity. He spat a bloody mouthful: "Cut the crap! I know nothing!"
Xiao Qi, who had been silently observing all along, suddenly stepped forward. Without a word, he extended a finger. At its tip, an extremely faint yet supremely pure strand of Purification White Light quietly appeared.
The moment the white light emerged, the demonic cultivator prisoner shuddered violently as if bitten by a poisonous snake. His face twisted with extreme terror and revulsion, as though that strand of light were the most dreadful thing in the world. The demonic energy within his body actually spontaneously agitated and scattered under the light's illumination, bringing excruciating pain.
"It's... it's you! That kid who knows purification techniques!" The demonic cultivator's voice turned shrill, filled with terror. News of Xiao Qi killing Senior Brother Li and others near the Heritage Hall had evidently spread among the demonic cultivators, with his bizarre purification ability highlighted especially.
Xiao Qi still didn't speak, merely slowly brought that strand of Purification White Light closer to the demonic cultivator.
"No! Don't! Take it away! Quick, take it away!" The demonic cultivator completely broke down. For those cultivating demonic arts, this pure purification power was more terrifying than any torture—it was suppression and destruction originating from their very essence!
"I'll talk! I'll talk!" he shrieked, his psychological defenses utterly shattered. "It's... it's the Pavilion Master's order! He commanded us to enter the secret realm, search for... search for the entrance to the 'Sealed Demons' Land'!"
"Sealed Demons' Land?" Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this. They had never heard this name before.
"Speak clearly! What is the Sealed Demons' Land? Where is the entrance?" Senior Brother pressed sharply.
"I... I don't know exactly what the Sealed Demons' Land is..." The demonic cultivator panted, eyes fearful as he stared at the white light on Xiao Qi's fingertip. "Only that it's an ancient sealed land in the secret realm's core, said to seal an ancient great demon from primordial times... The Pavilion Master ordered us to find the entrance at all costs, and eliminate as many righteous disciples in the secret realm as possible, clearing obstacles for follow-up operations..."
"Ancient great demon?!" Shi Meng gasped. "Shadow Snake Pavilion wants to release a sealed demon lord? Have they gone mad?!"
"Not just that..." To avoid further purification agony, the demonic cultivator continued pouring out like beans from a bamboo tube. "The Pavilion Master specifically ordered us to watch for a kid carrying purification power, possibly possessing the Xu family heritage... He said this person is key. If captured, the Pavilion Master will reward heavily; if not... execute on the spot..."
Everyone's gaze fell on Xiao Qi again, filled with complexity. Indeed, Xiao Qi and the heritage he obtained were one of Shadow Snake Pavilion's primary targets!
Xiao Qi's expression remained calm, but his heart roiled with waves. Sealed Demons' Land? Ancient great demon? The Xu family heritage being key? All this seemed intricately connected to the jade pendant at his chest, to the Purification Source!
Senior Brother further interrogated details about demonic cultivator troop distribution, communication methods, etc. The prisoner's knowledge was limited, but he provided some valuable information, such as the demonic cultivators roughly dividing into five main squads, led by several Foundation Establishment stage true disciples, systematically cleansing and searching.
After the interrogation, Senior Brother had the ashen-faced demonic cultivator prisoner taken away under strict guard.
Silence fell over the hollow. The information provided by the prisoner was like a heavy bomb, stirring tidal waves in everyone's hearts.
"Sealed Demons' Land... releasing an ancient great demon..." Third Senior Sister murmured, her face filled with disbelief. "Is Shadow Snake Pavilion declaring war on the entire righteous path? Aren't they afraid of getting burned playing with fire?"
"What they seek is likely far greater than we imagine," Senior Brother said gravely. "If they truly succeed, releasing that sealed ancient demon lord, not only will every disciple in the secret realm be doomed—likely the entire cultivation world will face catastrophe!"
Shi Meng smashed a fist against a nearby rock, sending stone fragments flying: "We absolutely cannot let their scheme succeed!"
Everyone's gaze grew resolute. The temporary alliance, originally formed merely for self-preservation and vengeance, now seemed to shoulder a heavier burden—stopping the demonic cultivators, protecting the seal!
Xiao Qi felt the warmth transmitted from the jade pendant at his chest, along with the memory fragments in his mind about the Heritage Hall and Purification Source. He faintly sensed that he was being drawn into the very center of a massive whirlpool spanning vast epochs, concerning the fate of righteousness and evil.
The demonic cultivators' purpose was now clear, and their resistance had gained loftier, more urgent significance.
From here on, their actions were no longer merely about survival—they were defending the Dao!