Chapter 1131
A Strange Aura
A moment later, Shi Ji opened his eyes, his gaze resolute: "Senior, I have detected a trace of demonic energy. It seems to be extending northeast; we should immediately head in that direction to search."
Upon hearing this, Qing Xuanzi immediately waved his hand in a spell, unleashing a powerful surge of energy that transformed into a whirlwind that enveloped everyone. He shouted, "Wind Control Technique, activate!"
At Qing Xuanzi's command, a sudden gust of wind arose, and everyone felt their bodies lighten, as if lifted by an invisible force, suspending them in the air. They swiftly sped towards the direction Shi Ji had pointed out, their speed astonishing.
With the help of the Wind Riding Technique, they quickly arrived at a remote valley. Shi Ji's Soul Mirror shone again, and he pointed to the depths of the valley, saying, "Senior, the aura of the demonic path is very strong; they should be hiding in this valley."
Qing Xuanzi nodded, then waved his hand in a spell gesture, signaling everyone to land. They landed silently at the entrance of the valley and began to search cautiously ahead.
An eerie atmosphere permeated the valley, as if countless shadows were lurking in the shadows, watching them. But Qing Xuanzi and Shi Ji both knew that these were merely remnants of demonic illusions, and they had to remain calm and not be misled by them.
They continued their journey until they finally arrived at the entrance to a hidden cave. The cave entrance was shrouded in a strange energy barrier, as if it were an impenetrable wall.
Qing Xuanzi frowned and looked at Shi Ji: "Shi Ji, can you use the Soul Mirror to investigate the situation inside this cave?"
Shi Ji nodded, closed his eyes, and the light of the Soul Mirror shone brightly once more. He attempted to penetrate the energy barrier with his consciousness to investigate the situation inside the cave.
A moment later, Shi Ji opened his eyes, his gaze grave: "Senior, there are indeed people of the demonic path hiding in the cave. Moreover, I also saw trapped villagers, bound by strange runic chains, unable to move."
Qing Xuanzi's expression turned extremely solemn; he knew that this battle was imminent. He looked at everyone and said in a deep voice, "We can't wait any longer. We must act immediately to rescue those innocent villagers and thwart the demonic path's conspiracy!"
The crowd responded in unison, and they followed closely behind Qing Xuanzi, rushing towards the entrance of the cave.
Just as everyone was about to rush into the cave, Shi Ji suddenly frowned, keenly sensing an unusual aura. He quickly pulled Liu Yichen beside him and whispered, "Yichen, do you feel a strange power approaching? This aura seems somewhat familiar."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yichen immediately focused his mind and calmed himself. After a moment, his expression changed slightly: "Indeed, this aura... it's like that demonic expert we fought before. How could he be here?"
Shi Ji's eyes sharpened instantly; he knew that the strength of that demonic expert should not be underestimated.
He immediately turned around and said to Qing Xuanzi and Liu Yichen, "Senior, Yichen, the situation has changed. That demonic expert may also be hiding in this cave. We must be extra careful."
Upon hearing this, Qing Xuanzi's expression became even more grave.
He looked at Shiji and said in a deep voice, "Shiji, can your Soul Mirror detect any more information? We need to find out the exact location of that demonic master before we can formulate a countermeasure."
Shi Ji nodded, and he closed his eyes again, the light emanating from the Mirror of Souls growing even brighter.
He took a deep breath, trying to sink his consciousness deeper into the Mirror of Souls to track down the demonic master.
A moment later, Shi Ji opened his eyes, his gaze grave: "Senior, that demonic expert is indeed in the cave, and he's not far from the trapped villagers. We must act quickly, or he might harm them."
Upon hearing this, Qing Xuanzi immediately made a decision: "Alright, then let's split up. Liu Yichen and Shi Ji, you two are responsible for dealing with that demonic expert, so be careful. Shi Ji, you come with me to rescue the villagers, and we'll meet up again afterwards."
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately nodded in agreement. They understood that this was a battle concerning the fate of the cultivation world, and every step was crucial.
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen exchanged a glance, their eyes both shining with determination.
They rushed deeper into the cave, preparing to confront the powerful demon.
However, as soon as they stepped into the depths of the cave, they were ambushed by a master of demonic arts.
A surge of demonic energy rushed towards them, carrying a strong corrosive aura, as if it would completely engulf them.
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen immediately began to use their hand seals to try to resist the invasion of this demonic energy.
However, the strength of that demonic expert was simply too formidable; even the two of them working together could not withstand him.
"Yichen, be careful!" Shiji shouted, and he quickly swung his long sword at the demonic energy.
However, his longsword was corroded by demonic energy, making a hissing sound, as if it would break at any moment.
Liu Yichen also sensed the danger, and he immediately used his magic to try to relieve some of the pressure on Shi Ji.
However, their strength was ultimately inferior to that of the demonic master, and they were caught in a fierce battle.
Just then, Qing Xuanzi and another fellow practitioner arrived at the depths of the cave.
Seeing that Shi Ji and Liu Yichen were locked in a fierce battle, they immediately used their magic to join the fray.
The addition of Qing Xuanzi undoubtedly brought a turning point to the battle.
His hands moved swiftly, unleashing powerful streams of immortal energy that clashed violently with the demonic energy, creating a deafening roar.
Another fellow practitioner followed closely behind, his Soul Mirror shining brightly, beams of light shooting out in an attempt to entangle the demonic expert and buy Shi Ji and Liu Yichen some breathing room.
However, the strength of that demonic master was truly terrifying. He was like a bottomless abyss, constantly devouring the surrounding immortal energy and beams of light, yet showing no signs of fatigue.
Seeing this, Shi Ji felt secretly anxious.
He knew that if things continued like this, their immortal energy would eventually be exhausted by this demonic master, and at that point, not only would they be unable to rescue the villagers, but they themselves would also be in dire straits.
At this critical moment, the demonic expert suddenly let out a chilling laugh: "Hmph, Qing Xuanzi, do you think you can save those villagers with just a few of you? What a fool's dream!" Qing Xuanzi's face turned ashen upon hearing this. He knew the demonic expert's strength, but he also understood that they had no way out. He gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "Whether we can save the villagers or not is not up to you. Today, even if we exhaust our last bit of immortal energy, we will defeat you!"
Upon hearing this, the demonic expert's eyes flashed with a hint of mockery: "Hmph, Qing Xuanzi, do you think I'm the kind of person who can be easily defeated? Let me tell you the truth, I have a secret weapon. Once I activate it, all of you will be reduced to ashes in an instant!"
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji's heart stirred.
He looked at the demonic expert and said in a deep voice, "You say you have a secret weapon? If we agree to one condition, would you be willing to let those villagers go and never cause trouble in the cultivation world again?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the demonic cultivator.
He looked at Shi Ji and sneered, "Hmph, do you think I'm the kind of person who can be persuaded with a few words? But since you've made this condition, I'd like to hear what you're trying to say."
Shi Ji took a deep breath. He knew this was an opportunity, a chance to save all the villagers.
He stared at the demonic expert and said in a deep voice, "Our conditions are very simple. As long as you release those villagers and promise not to cause trouble in the cultivation world again, we can agree to anything you ask."
Upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in the eyes of the demonic expert.
He looked at Shi Ji and said in a deep voice, "Anything? Are you sure you can do it?"
Shi Ji nodded, his eyes shining with determination: "Yes, we are sure. We will do our best to accomplish anything within our power."
Upon hearing this, the demonic cultivator remained silent for a moment before finally nodding slowly: "Alright, I agree. As long as you can meet the conditions I set, I will release those villagers and promise not to cause trouble in the cultivation world again."
He looked at Qing Xuanzi, signaling him to continue holding back the demonic cultivators, while he began to elaborate on the conditions: "We expect you to immediately cease the imprisonment and harm of all the villagers and guarantee that you will not retaliate against them in any form in the future. At the same time, you also need to promise not to cause trouble in the cultivation world and not to be an enemy of the righteous path."
After hearing Shi Ji's conditions, the demonic cultivator's eyes flashed with disdain, but he immediately nodded: "Alright, I agree. However, I also have one condition."
Shi Ji's heart tightened, but he remained calm: "Tell me, we will do our best as long as it is within our power."
The demonic expert sneered, "I need one of you to stay with me as a hostage to ensure you keep your promise. Once you've proven your sincerity, I'll naturally let him go."
This condition stunned everyone.
They looked at each other, unsure how to respond.
As hostages, they will undoubtedly face enormous risks, and may even lose their lives.
However, in order to rescue the villagers and for the peace of the cultivation world, they must make sacrifices.
Qing Xuanzi looked at Shi Ji and Liu Yichen and said in a deep voice, "Which of you is willing to be a hostage?"
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen exchanged a glance, then stepped forward without hesitation: "I do!"
Qing Xuanzi looked at Shi Ji and Liu Yichen, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. He knew that these two were outstanding figures in the cultivation world, extraordinary in both strength and character. However, faced with such a dangerous mission, they had both stepped forward without hesitation, which moved him and worried him at the same time.
"You..." Qing Xuanzi was about to speak when Shi Ji interrupted him.
“Senior, there’s no need for further words. I know this mission is dangerous, but for the sake of rescuing the villagers and for the peace of the cultivation world, I am willing to take the risk.” Shi Ji’s eyes were unwavering, as if she had made all the necessary preparations.
Liu Yichen nodded as well, his eyes equally firm: "Senior, me too. I am willing to be a hostage in exchange for the safety of those villagers."
Upon hearing this, Qing Xuanzi felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He looked at Shi Ji and Liu Yichen and said in a deep voice, "Good, I have seen your courage and determination. However, as hostages, you will face enormous risks. Therefore, I hope you will consider this carefully."
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with determination and trust. They knew this was a responsibility they had to shoulder, and a contribution they would make to the cultivation world.
"Senior, we have thought it through. Whatever the outcome, we are willing to bear it." Shi Ji's voice was firm and powerful, as if she had made all the preparations.
The demonic cultivator watched this scene with a hint of surprise in his eyes. He hadn't expected these righteous cultivators to be so brave and resolute. He looked at Shi Ji and Liu Yichen and sneered, "Hmph, what a brave pair of cultivators. Since you're so determined, I'll grant your wish. However, I must warn you that as hostages, you will face my endless torture and trials. If you can endure them, I will naturally release you."
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen both nodded. They knew that this was a challenge they had to face, and also an opportunity for them to prove themselves.
"Senior, we are ready. No matter what difficulties and challenges we face, we will persevere." Shi Ji's voice was full of determination and confidence.
Looking at Shi Ji and Liu Yichen, Qing Xuanzi felt a surge of pride. He knew that these two were outstanding figures in the cultivation world, and their courage and determination would inspire more people to fight for peace in the cultivation world.
"Alright, since you've made your decision, I won't say anything more. Be careful and make sure you stay safe." Qing Xuanzi's words were full of concern and admonition.
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen both nodded, their eyes filled with determination and trust. They knew this was a battle that would determine the fate of the cultivation world, and they had to give it their all.
Subsequently, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen were taken away by the demonic cultivator and kept as hostages by his side. Qing Xuanzi and another fellow cultivator remained in the cave, engaging in fierce battles with the demonic cultivator's subordinates.
……
Shi Ji was taken by a master of demonic arts to a mysterious lake—Qianli Lake. The scenery here was picturesque, and the water was crystal clear, but it harbored endless dangers.
The demonic expert tossed Shi Ji onto the lakeshore and sneered, "Hmph, enjoy the scenery here. However, I must warn you, a thousand-year-old celestial general—General Fei Yu—is hidden at the bottom of this lake. He was framed and imprisoned here, his celestial power severely damaged. If you have the ability to find him and obtain any useful information or treasures from him, it might increase your chances of survival." (End of Chapter)