The confession extracted from the captive demonic cultivator dropped like a boulder into a tranquil pond, making every member of the temporary alliance realize the gravity of the situation. The Shadow Snake Pavilion's objective was not merely to plunder resources or eliminate rivals, but to release an ancient great demon sealed away! This was no longer just a conflict within the secret realm—it had become a colossal conspiracy threatening the entire cultivation world!
After a brief spell of shock and silence, a resolute atmosphere of shared hatred and unyielding determination began to permeate the mountain hollow.
"We absolutely cannot let them succeed!" Shi Meng's voice boomed like a temple bell, shattering the stillness. He swept his gaze around, his eyes blazing, "If that demon is allowed to emerge, not only will we be utterly destroyed, with no place to bury our bodies, but our sect relatives and friends, and even all living beings under heaven, will face calamity! We must go to the Sealed Demons' Land!"
"Brother Shi Meng is right!" the Master Brother's expression was solemn, his voice steady yet carrying an indisputable force, "Since the demonic cultivators are pouring all their effort into searching for the Sealed Demons' Land, the core region must be the focus of their activities. By heading for the core region, we can seek opportunities on one hand, enhancing our strength; on the other hand—and more importantly—we can thwart their conspiracy! Even if the disparity in power is great, we cannot stand by and do nothing!"
"Right! To the core region!"
"Fight those demonic bastards!"
"Stop them!"
Qingxu Temple, Vajra Sect, Ten Thousand Swords Sect, Mysterious Mechanism Holy Land... Disciples from different sects now cast aside all sectarian biases and personal gains, leaving only steadfast fighting spirit and the determination to uphold the righteous path in their eyes. Xiao Qi's miraculous Purification Power further boosted their confidence considerably—at least when facing demonic cultivators, they held one crucial trump card.
The alliance's objective was thus clear: actively advance into the secret realm's core region, stop the Shadow Snake Pavilion, and protect the Sealed Demons' Land!
With the decision made, intense preparations followed.
Master Brother, Shi Meng, and the temporary leaders elected by the Ten Thousand Swords Sect and Mysterious Mechanism Holy Land disciples jointly discussed the travel route and combat strategy. Based on the limited information provided by the captive demonic cultivator and scattered intelligence brought by disciples of various sects, they roughly sketched several possible paths leading to the core region. They chose one relatively concealed route, said to be teeming with fierce demon beasts and fraught with harsh environmental hazards, hoping to avoid the main force of demonic cultivators and achieve surprise.
All injured members, aided by Xiao Qi's purification and medicinal pills, had their wounds effectively controlled and were recovering. Though not fully healed, they already possessed a certain level of mobility and combat capability. The group simply coordinated and distributed the medicinal pills and talismans they carried, ensuring everyone would have sufficient supplies for the fierce battles ahead.
Xiao Qi used this time to become more deeply familiar with the characteristics of the Crimson Flame Sword. He dared not wield it casually, merely stirring a sliver of its sword intent in secluded spots, sensing the blazing, majestic power circulating within his body, subtly resonating with the Purification Source. He knew this sword might become the key to resisting the demonic cultivators and even the unknown demon.
The rabbit spirit also seemed to sense the tense atmosphere before the great battle. It no longer scurried about randomly but quietly perched on Xiao Qi's shoulder, its ruby-like eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings, occasionally pricking up its ears to listen for distant sounds.
One day later, all preparations were complete.
The temporary alliance, totaling twenty-six members, set out on the expedition to the secret realm's core region, with Master Brother as overall leader and Shi Meng of the Vajra Sect, Ling Feng (a cold-tempered sword cultivator) as the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's temporary leader, and Mu Yu (a gentle-natured female cultivator skilled in support and water-attribute techniques) as the Mysterious Mechanism Holy Land's temporary leader, serving as deputy leaders.
This team gathered Qingxu Temple's steadiness, the Vajra Sect's fierceness, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's sharpness, and the Mysterious Mechanism Holy Land's wondrousness. Though few in number, they could be considered elite. More importantly, they shared a common and noble goal.
The team left the relatively safe temporary stronghold, like an unsheathed sword, resolutely thrusting toward the most dangerous, most central region of the secret realm.
The deeper they went, the environment grew increasingly bizarre and unpredictable. Towering ancient trees gradually gave way to twisted, grotesque plants emitting colorful poisonous miasmas. The ground turned soft and muddy, concealing quicksand and toxic swamps that could devour lives. The spiritual energy permeating the air became violent and chaotic, sometimes scorching like fire, sometimes piercingly cold, even mingled with residual whispers that disturbed the mind.
The strength of the demon beasts also abruptly increased. Third-tier demon beasts began to appear frequently—not only were they powerful, equivalent to human Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, but most were ferocious by nature and extremely territorial. The team had to expend considerable effort dealing with them, either fighting or evading, which significantly hindered their travel speed.
Once, they encountered a swarm of nearly a hundred "bone-corrosive ants"—creatures whose bodies were covered in hard bony plates and could spew acid. Individually, these ants were only first-tier in strength, but gathered into a swarm, they surged forth like a tide, fearless and unyielding. Wherever they passed, even rocks were corroded and dissolved. The alliance members formed defensive formations, each employing their means—sword light, Buddhist seals, spells woven into a net of death. They fought bitterly for a full half hour before finally repelling the ant swarm, leaving behind a thick layer of ant corpses. Two alliance disciples were unfortunately injured by the acid, their wounds severe.
Another time, they passed through a silent valley filled with bewitching purple flowers emitting an enchanting fragrance. Two disciples with slightly weaker willpower inadvertently inhaled too much of the floral scent and immediately fell into frenzy, attacking their companions. Fortunately, Mu Yu promptly cast a Clear Mind Mantra, and Xiao Qi used his Purification Power to dispel the hallucinogenic toxins within them, averting greater losses.
Hardships and obstacles emerged endlessly. But the alliance members remained united, supporting each other throughout. Master Brother's steady command, Shi Meng's brave pathbreaking, Ling Feng's sharp sword light, Mu Yu's supportive healing, and Xiao Qi's crucial purification and toxin dispelling at critical moments all became guarantees enabling the team to press forward in this desperate situation.
Through each battle and crisis response, Xiao Qi grew increasingly adept at utilizing his powers. The concussive force of the wok, the blazing sword intent of the Crimson Flame Sword (though not fully unleashed, he could now preliminarily invoke and augment ordinary attacks), and the all-important Purification Power—he skillfully combined them. He was no longer merely a special auxiliary needing protection within the team but had become a dependable combatant proficient in both offense and defense.
Several days later, after the team arduously crossed a treacherous peak shrouded in year-round, unceasing gray mist, the view before them suddenly opened up.
It was an immensely vast core region, seemingly a world unto itself. In the distance, the silhouettes of majestic palaces loomed faintly amidst swirling spiritual mist; nearby, exotic flowers and rare herbs covered the ground, the spiritual energy so dense it almost liquefied. With every breath, they felt their cultivation subtly growing. Yet simultaneously, a heart-palpitating, immense pressure—mingling ancient solemnity with profound evil—faintly emanated from the central area of this region.
That must be the location of the Sealed Demons' Land!
And what tightened everyone's hearts even more was that within their field of vision, they distinctly saw several traces of fierce combat, and… the thick demonic aura left behind after the Shadow Snake Pavilion's activities!
The core region was right before their eyes. And the demonic cultivators had clearly arrived first!
Master Brother raised his hand, signaling the team to halt. His gaze swept sharply over that land of both opportunity and peril ahead, his voice low and firm:
"We've arrived. Everyone, prepare for battle!"