"Disciples, Master has ordered us to rescue Meng Tao from the hands of the demon Chu Xiuhuan at all costs. Prepare your things and letâs set off."
When Meng Tao was captured, everyone already knew about it. That night, we were supposed to stay and keep watch, but ended up sneaking out for some excitement. Using Immortal Law was one thing, but even we felt it, let alone Chu Xiuhuan who has higher cultivation.
Sure enough, she got caught.
"We donât even know Chu Xiuhuanâs whereabouts now. How can we save Sister Meng Tao?"
"Master mentioned that Meng Tao possesses the Immortal-level Magical Artifact, Jade Spirit Sound. The compass given to us by Master before descending is specifically for locating Jade Spirit Sound. We just need to follow the compass."
Hearing this, everyone was stunned.
Thinking it was for self-defense, it turned out its sole purpose was to prevent Meng Tao from getting lost.
As for them, they had nothing, and the sole purpose seemed to revolve around protecting Meng Tao. Such a large team was entirely centered around her.
"Master truly cares for Meng Tao."
"Enough with the idle talk. Letâs find Chu Xiuhuan first."
Though their hearts were filled with discontent, they dared not speak out freely because Heaven has ears. They could only suppress it and follow, searching for Meng Taoâs whereabouts as guided by the compass.
Since Immortal Law cannot be used too frequently, Yu Fanxin simply bought a few carriages. While resting in a place, he closely watched the position on the compass.
"Weâre almost there, just within the gorge ahead."
Upon reaching the mountain top, facing a landscape of towering mountains, the compassâs direction pointed to the depths of a forest nestled among the peaks. From the vantage point, Jiang Lai could clearly sense the chilling breeze emanating from the forestâs depths.
"Meng Tao should not be down below."
Jiang Lai looked back at everyone, speaking with seriousness.
Yu Fanxin asked her softly.
"I also feel the demonic Qi emanating from within. Itâs certainly dangerous below, but whatâs your basis for saying Meng Tao isnât there?"
"Chu Xiuhuan wouldnât stay long in such a place. He used to be part of the Immortal Realm, and before falling into demonic ways, he killed many demons. Therefore, the Demon Clan does not favor him. Do you think he would stay in such a place with Meng Tao?"
Moreover, Chu Xiuhuan is severely injured now. This place is like a wolfâs den for him. Maybe he stayed here briefly with Meng Tao, but he wouldnât remain here waiting for death.
Yu Fanxin nodded.
"What you said makes sense."
"What sense does it make, Senior Brother? The demonic Qi here is overwhelming. It would be easier for Chu Xiuhuan to hide amidst it. Senior Sister, even if you donât like Meng Tao, you shouldnât make wild guesses. What if she is down there?"
The speaker was the third disciple, Chu Xuan, who had feelings for Meng Tao. After receiving admiration and affection from her, he was even more convinced of their mutual affection. Now was the time to prove his sincerity.
Jiang Lai gave him a glance, understanding internally, with a smile, seemingly indifferent.
"What I just mentioned was merely a guess. If you believe Meng Tao is down there, well, then you should go down and check the path. Weâll follow right behind, okay?"
Of course, Chu Xuan was not pleased.
"My cultivation isnât the highest here, so why should I go first?"
Another female disciple, Yun He, couldnât help but laugh upon hearing this.
"Third Senior Brother, donât you think everyone knows your feelings? You like Meng Tao, and now that youâre given a chance to show it, yet you fear death? How can our Senior Brother, whose cultivation is the highest here, lead the way when you asked to search down there yourself?"
Chu Xuan got anxious.
"Meng Tao is everyoneâs junior sister, our fellow disciple. Now that sheâs captured, we all have a responsibility. Let me lead, fine, Iâll do it."
Yu Fanxin kept a stern expression and didnât speak. When Jiang Lai also remained silent, he followed by riding the wind and flew down.
Darkness pervaded the forest, thick leaves overhead blocking sunlight completely.
This was indeed a Feng Shui treasure trove for demon cultivation. As soon as they landed, Jiang Lai saw a furry-less beast on the ground, gnawing at a deer, making disturbing sounds. Yu Fanxin wasted no words, decapitating the demon with a swing of his sword.
"Disgusting creature."
Demons, unlike regular cultivated beings, stray into evil paths due to weak willpower. With sinister influence entering their bodies, their appearances become increasingly terrifying, their minds beast-like, and while their strength grows, their basic goodness erodes completely.
Chu Xiuhuan hasnât fully fallen into demonic ways, his reason remains. We must seize him before he completely loses human nature or kill him directly.
After searching around, apart from a few weak demons recklessly rushing over, there was no sign of Meng Tao.
Most critically, while following the compassâs guidance, at the entrance of a pitch-black cave, the compass needle stopped moving.
Evidently, the artifact was inside.
Chu Xuan gazed at the cave, taller than stacking himself ten times, and its darkness like ink that wouldnât dissolve. It exuded a nauseating humid, rotten smell, along with sounds of massive beasts breathing heavily.
His legs weakened, retreating involuntarily.
Jiang Lai happened to be behind him, steadying him.
"Why retreat? Your junior sister might be inside, go in and find her."
"Senior Sister, are you trying to send me to death?!"
Chu Xuanâs voice suddenly rose, alarming the entities within the cave, accompanied by trembling and shaking of the ground beneath. A powerful front current burst from the cave amidst growls, with black horns slowly emerging.
Just the horns were several meters long, sharp like cattle or ram horns.
In fright, Chu Xuan slipped several times, hiding behind Yu Fanxin, everyone quickly drew their swords, and Yu Fanxin stepped before Jiang Lai, saying back.
"Take everyone and run."
After speaking, there was no movement behind him. Surprised, Yu Fanxin frowned, ready to shout again, but turning around, Jiang Lai and the other disciples were already gone.
"So heartless..."
Momentarily distressed, but the current situation didnât allow him time for more thoughts. With a shake of his longsword, golden light slowly leaked from behind. As the golden light burst, sensing threat, the demon inside the cave roared and rushed out, flipping aside the cave entrance, gradually rising from below.
A colossal creature appeared before him, breaking through the dense forest, raising its head to roar, silencing all animals within a hundred-mile radius in fear, huddling motionlessly.
Facing this giant beast, Yu Fanxinâs heart sank, unprecedented danger looming.