CHAPTER 716: CHAPTER 99: JUEJI CAVE UNDER XIAO ZHE MOUNTAIN_2

He had spent considerable time in the Demon Sect and had developed some level of insight. While he couldn’t discern the depths of the person before him, he immediately sensed the cold and unyielding demeanor emanating from him—a person not easily deceived or tricked. Taking a deep breath, he spoke respectfully, "Reporting to this Daoist, I am Shen Ying, a disciple of the Blood Essence Sect. My honored teacher bears the surname Yu, with the given name Gu She, and is an elder of the Blood Essence Sect."

His sect affiliation was plainly evident to anyone with discernment, given the unmistakable blood aura surrounding him. Thus, there was no need to conceal or feign ignorance.

Zhang Yan lightly nodded and said, "So, you are Daoist Shen. I am curious—why have you come here?"

Shen Ying initially intended to fabricate an excuse to dodge the question. Yet, the moment his gaze met Zhang Yan’s unfathomable and abyss-like eyes, his heart inexplicably trembled. Hesitating briefly, he finally decided to respond truthfully, "I’ve heard from my sect brothers that this place hides a Demon Cave that holds great benefits for cultivation. Hence, I came seeking to capture a few devils for sacrificial refinement. But I hadn’t anticipated encountering you here, Daoist. If I have offended you, please forgive me."

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow. Based on his words, it seemed that this Shen Ying was visiting the cave for the first time. Moreover, his tone suggested he wasn’t aware that this area connects directly to Mingcang Sect territory. Could it be that he’s not aligned with the Blood Essence Sect disciples who previously explored here? This piqued Zhang Yan’s interest.

His eyes glimmered faintly as he lowered his voice and asked, "This place is hidden and obscure. How did you learn of it, and how did you make your way here? Explain in detail."

Having already spoken the truth, Shen Ying wasn’t worried about revealing more, especially since his life was now in someone else’s hands, leaving no room for tricks. Immediately, he divulged everything.

"Some time ago, my master reunited with a fellow disciple he hadn’t seen in years. During their exchange of techniques, my master discovered that not only had this uncle greatly improved his cultivation, but the disciples under him had also made significant advancements. Suspicious, my master dispatched me here as I am known for being resourceful, to investigate the reason behind these changes."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and remarked, "Based on what I’ve heard, you seem quite capable—to have actually uncovered this place."

Shen Ying coughed and replied, "I’ll be honest, Daoist. I befriended a female disciple under my master’s uncle and grew close to her. She eventually confided in me about this location. Seeing an opportunity, I waited for their disciples to be away and sneaked here, hoping to gain some advantage for myself."

Zhang Yan stared at him and inquired, "Since you were sent here on your master’s orders, why didn’t you report back sooner?"

Shen Ying responded with some embarrassment, "My master has numerous disciples under him. If I were to report back immediately, I’d only receive some Spiritual Shells as a reward. The larger benefits would not come my way anytime soon, especially once conflicts arise between my master and his uncle. As someone who treasures his life, I thought it wiser to reap some gains first and delay reporting back as much as possible. If it truly becomes inevitable, I’ll act as the situation demands, but not a moment sooner."

Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "You’re quite calculating."

Shen Ying forced a smile and replied, "You flatter me, Daoist."

Seeing his straightforward answers, Zhang Yan realized this was someone with a keen sense of self-preservation and decided not to beat around the bush. He proceeded directly, "What is your master’s uncle’s level of cultivation? Where does he reside? How many disciples does he have? Share everything you know."

Shen Ying, inwardly reasoning that this Daoist guarding the site would sooner or later investigate his uncle’s whereabouts, saw no reason to conceal information—after all, they were not of the same sect. Why should he protect them?

Having settled his thoughts, he explained, "My master’s uncle is a Third Realm Hua Dan Cultivator. His Cave Mansion is located in Jueji Cave on Xiao Zhe Mountain. Heading northwest upon leaving here, it’s about twelve days’ journey with swift flying. He has over fifty disciples under him, two of whom have reached the Hua Dan Realm, and their cultivation is quite formidable."

Zhang Yan mulled over this before thinking to himself, "The God Contract Technique I practice emphasizes capturing Demon Dao disciples’ Essence Blood Spirits for optimal refinement. But until now, I haven’t encountered many Demon Sect disciples to test this theory. If Shen Ying’s master’s uncle truly has only a few Hua Dan Cultivators guarding him, I would not fear them and might find it worthwhile to pay him a visit."

Having made up his mind, he declared, "Since you’ve come here, you must know how to bypass the formations at the cave entrance. Lead the way to Xiao Zhe Mountain. If your words prove true, I’ll merely sever your physical body and allow your Primordial Spirit to escape. Whether you choose to reincarnate or seize another body, is up to you."

Shen Ying trembled at first upon hearing this but soon settled down. Although this outcome wasn’t favorable, it wasn’t the worst either.

In the Demon Sect, its mental methods were different from those of the Daoist sects. Even without a physical body, one’s Primordial Spirit could still roam for some time. Seizing a compatible body of another sect disciple and resuming cultivation, albeit with some loss in progress, could be achieved. Better this than total soul scattering.

Given the current situation, with Zhang Yan holding his fate entirely in his hands, Shen Ying saw no other choice but to comply. If this Daoist could engage his master’s uncle in a mutually devastating battle, all the better. Having calculated the risks, he lowered his head and said, "Yes, I am willing to assist Daoist."

Zhang Yan pointed toward the cave entrance and asked, "What formations lie beyond those gates?"

"Reporting to Daoist, there’s a copper mirror hanging on the rock wall. If anyone bypasses it unlawfully, my master’s uncle can sense it from a thousand miles away. However, when I came here, I deceived a junior female disciple into sharing the mantra for safe passage. With the mantra, entry and exit are unobstructed."

Shen Ying immediately recited the mantra.

Zhang Yan performed the spell with practiced precision and confirmed its authenticity. Transforming into a plume of smoke, he carried Shen Ying along and departed the cave.

Upon landing, Zhang Yan glanced back and indeed saw an antique copper mirror hanging on the rock wall. Chuckling, he remarked, "Such an arrangement may appear simple, but without knowledge of its workings, it’s not easy to crack."

Shen Ying hurriedly agreed, his expression obsequious and flattering.

Turning his gaze forward, Zhang Yan noted a single narrow path sloping upward like an inclined corridor. Saying no more, he extended his sleeve, summoning billowing smoke and mists which surged forward in waves, heading toward the Demon Cave’s exit.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)