116: Chapter 116 These people come with ill intentions, then let's fight!

Ye Chen found a clean rock to sit on and continued taking medicine to adjust his breathing.

The battle with the "Seven Emotions Soul-Devouring Demon Orchid" gave him a deeper understanding of his own power...

...especially the use of Divine Soul attacks, but it also exposed his shortcomings.

Although the "Soul-Shocking Spike" was sharp, its consumption and backlash were too great, and its effect would be diminished when facing strong mental protection.

"Guixu Attraction" was even more of a new skill; he had been lucky this time to happen to disrupt the demon flower's force field, but it might not go so smoothly next time.

"It seems that my Divine Soul cultivation and attack methods need further strengthening."

"The Great Sun Visualization Method must be improved as soon as possible."

"The sword mantra taught by Senior Bai Chen also needs to be mastered quickly."

He pondered silently in his heart.

"Junior Brother Ye."

Murong Bai's voice interrupted his thoughts.

Murong Bai walked over, sat down beside him, and handed him a water skin.

"This time, thanks to you."

Murong Bai's tone was sincere.

"If it weren't for your final move, we might have all fallen to that demon flower."

"I didn't expect Junior Brother Ye to have such accomplishments in the path of the Divine Soul."

"Senior Brother overpraises me; it was just luck."

"If the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters hadn't created the Opportunity, I would have been powerless."

Ye Chen took the water skin and took a sip; inside was clear spiritual spring water with a hint of Spiritual Qi, moisturizing his parched throat.

"Excessive modesty is pride."

Murong Bai smiled, then changed the subject.

"However, Junior Brother Ye, the method you used at the end to disrupt the demon flower's force field, as well as that Divine Soul attack, don't seem to be common legacies of our Tianyun Sword Sect. Of course, everyone has their own opportunities; I have no intention of prying."

"I'm just reminding you, Junior Brother, that although such methods are powerful, they are also easy to attract envy, especially... from the Golden Flame Peak side. You must use them more cautiously in the future."

Ye Chen's heart tightened, knowing that this was a well-intentioned reminder from Murong Bai, but also a subtle warning.

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. I understand."

"Good, as long as you're aware."

Murong Bai nodded and said no more, also closing his eyes to adjust his breathing.

Ye Chen looked at Murong Bai's profile, his thoughts racing.

Murong Bai was powerful, meticulous, and good at winning people over, yet he remained inscrutable.

Towards himself, he seemed to have appreciation and a desire to recruit, but also caution and a desire for control.

Traveling with such a person was both a safeguard and something to be constantly wary of.

The road ahead would likely be even harder to walk.

He withdrew his gaze and also calmed his mind, continuing his healing.

He had to recover as quickly as possible to Face the unknown path ahead.

However, while everyone was immersed in healing and recovery and the valley was silent...

Bai Yu, who had been leaning against a rock near the valley entrance and seemed to be adjusting his breathing, suddenly opened his eyes.

He listened intently, his brow furrowing imperceptibly.

Then, he stood up, walked to Mo Ling's side as she was maintaining the Formation, and whispered something.

Hearing this, Mo Ling's expression changed slightly, and she immediately re-checked the Formation Plate in her hand.

After a moment, she looked up at Murong Bai, her voice carrying a hint of gravity.

"Senior Brother Murong, there's a situation. At the edge of the warning Formation, subtle and regular spiritual power fluctuations have been detected, approaching us."

"It's not Yao Beasts... it's Cultivators. No fewer than five people. Their speed isn't fast, but their target is clear; it seems... they are coming for us."

The atmosphere in the valley instantly tightened again.

The group, having just gone through a fierce battle, gripped their weapons and looked warily toward the valley entrance.

Who was it?

Friend or foe?

Mo Ling's words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing the atmosphere that had just relaxed to suddenly tense up.

Everyone stood up abruptly, weapons in hand, their gazes simultaneously fixed on the valley entrance.

There, the thick grey-white mist flowed slowly, dead silent, as if nothing were there.

But the Formation's warning wouldn't be wrong.

"Can you tell which side they're from?"

Murong Bai asked in a deep, solemn voice.

Mo Ling stared at the vibrating silver Formation Plate in her hand, her fingers quickly calculating; after a moment, she slowly shook her head.

"The Formation senses pure spiritual power fluctuations; they've deliberately restrained their aura, making it impossible to judge their specific Cultivation Technique. However, from the condensation of the spiritual power and their way of moving, they are well-trained Cultivators with cultivation that isn't weak—at least at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm or higher."

"Five people... no, six. They seem to have some kind of tracking or investigation method; their target is very clear—it's this direction."

Six Cultivators at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm or higher, approaching silently in a dangerous place like Falling Star Lake with a clear target.

This was definitely no chance encounter.

Either they were "Shadow Fiend" people following the previous battle's commotion or the clues from the Liu Family's remnant map.

Or it was Golden Flame Peak, or others with ulterior motives toward the Tianyun Sword Sect or their team.

Whichever it was, it meant trouble.

"Prepare for battle."

Murong Bai made a prompt decision, his voice cold.

"Senior Brother Shi Yue, take the high point on the left rock wall of the valley entrance and control the entrance."

"Senior Brother Lei Zhen, Senior Brother Jing Wuming, ambush on both sides of the valley entrance; wait for my command to strike."

"Junior Sister Mo Ling, strengthen the warning and defensive Formations, especially the ones that block detection and toxic mist."

"Ye Chen, Bai Yu, Zhao Feng, Han Li, Su Yuwei, you all act as backup in the center, ready to support at any time."

"Be careful; the other side may come prepared. Don't reveal your full strength yet; find out their intentions and background first."

"Is!"

Everyone responded in unison and quickly took their positions as arranged.

Shi Yue gave a low growl, and a flash of earthy yellow light appeared around him.

He seemed to merge into the rock, silently climbing the steep rock wall on the left side of the valley entrance.

Hiding behind the shadow of a protruding giant rock, his aura instantly merged with the mountain stone.

Lei Zhen's figure flickered, and he was already behind a half-man-high black boulder on the right side of the valley entrance, his Purple Thunder Hammer held across his chest, his gaze sharp.

Jing Wuming was like a ghost, disappearing into a patch of low, deep purple shrubs near the valley entrance, no longer emitting any aura.

Mo Ling's hands flicked repeatedly, and several Talismans sank into the surrounding ground and rock walls.

A more solid layer of Formation barrier, with a faint distorted halo...

...shrouded the entire small valley, cutting off most of the internal aura, light, and shadows.

The five of them: Ye Chen, Bai Yu, Zhao Feng, Han Li, and Su Yuwei...

...retreated to the middle of the valley, backs against the rock wall, each occupying an advantageous position, their expressions alert.

Ye Chen took a Medicinal Pill, suppressing the hidden pain and fatigue of his Divine Soul, and the ice scar sword quietly unsheathed half an inch.

Hunyuan True Essence slowly circulated within his body, while his Divine Sense cautiously extended outward.

Cooperating with the Formation, he sensed the movement outside.

Bai Yu put away his cynical expression, his iron fan folded in his hand, his gaze calm.

A very faint, hard-to-detect airflow seemed to swirl around him.

Zhao Feng gripped his long saber tightly, Han Li's bowstring was half-drawn, and on Su Yuwei's Water-Blue Thin Sword, a faint watery light flowed.

Murong Bai stood alone at the edge of the valley entrance Formation, his hands behind his back, his expression calm.

He gazed deeply in the direction where the mist surged, as if waiting for something.

Inside the valley, one could hear a pin drop.

There were only the suppressed breaths of the group and the faint sound of unknown creatures crawling deep in the distant mist.

Time passed second by second in the suffocating wait.

About the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea...

The mist outside the valley suddenly surged unnaturally.

Then, six figures wearing uniform grey robes and black masks to cover their Faces appeared like ghosts.

They slowly walked out of the thick fog and stopped about thirty zhang from the valley entrance.

The six of them seemed to be standing loosely, but in fact, they vaguely formed a small Formation with both offense and defense, their auras connected.

The leader was of medium build, with the most obscure and deep aura; the gaze under the mask was like a hawk, scanning the valley entrance.

It lingered on Murong Bai for a moment, then swept toward the inside of the valley, as if investigating something.

The five people behind him also each had a condensed aura and cold gazes, their weapons of various styles.

But all emitted not-weak spiritual power fluctuations.

It was indeed six people.

Moreover, looking at their attire and way of doing things, they were definitely not good people, and even less like Loose Cultivators encountered by chance.

"A Formation?"

The leader of the grey-robed men spoke in a raspy, unpleasant voice.

It had a quality like metal rubbing together, clearly having been deliberately altered.

"It seems the friends inside are very cautious."

Murong Bai's expression remained unchanged as he spoke flatly.

"Falling Star Lake is a dangerous place with crisis at every step; it's always good to be careful. I wonder what business you friends have following us here?"

"Following?"

The Grey-Robed Leader chuckled low, a coldness in the sound.

"Fellow Daoist, you overstate it. It's just a coincidence that we're on the same path, and we sensed intense spiritual power fluctuations ahead, as if there were a fight. Fearing that fellow Cultivators might be in danger, we specially came to check. Why not invite us in to sit? This mist is damp and cold; it's not a good place for talking."

These words were watertight, but the intent to test and coerce within them was more than obvious.

"Thank you for your kindness."

Murong Bai remained calm.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"We did indeed encounter some trouble just now, but we have already resolved it ourselves. We have sustained some minor injuries and are in no condition to host guests. If there is nothing else, please feel free to take your leave."

"Resolved it yourselves?"

The Grey-Robed Leader's eyes flickered, as if he were sensing the lingering aura within the valley.

"That Spiritual Qi fluctuation just now did not look like a 'minor trouble'. If I am not mistaken, there seems to be the lingering aura of a 'Seven Emotions Soul-Devouring Demon Orchid'? Tsk tsk, that is a troublesome thing."

"For you all to be able to resolve it, your strength is truly extraordinary. Especially... that final Divine Soul attack was truly fierce. I wonder which Fellow Daoist was responsible for it? I also have a keen interest in the Dao of the Divine Soul; might you come out to meet me, so we can exchange pointers?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hearts of everyone in the valley sank.

The other party not only knew about the 'Seven Emotions Soul-Devouring Demon Orchid' but also accurately pointed out the final Divine Soul attack.

This indicated that they had likely been lurking nearby for a long time, and had even witnessed part of the battle!

Their intentions were clear as day.

They were either here for the Materials of the 'Seven Emotions Soul-Devouring Demon Orchid', or... they were here for the person capable of unleashing such a powerful Divine Soul attack—Ye Chen!

Murong Bai's eyes turned slightly cold.

"Fellow Daoist, you jest. Eliminating demons and protecting the Dao is our duty, not worth mentioning. As for who made the move, it is inconvenient to disclose. If you have nothing else, please leave and do not disturb our healing."

The Grey-Robed Leader was silent for a moment, and the gaze beneath his mask seemed to become sharper, slowly scanning the valley.

It lingered for an extra moment, especially in the direction where Ye Chen, Bai Yu, and the others were hiding.

"It seems that the friends inside do not intend to give us this Face."

His voice carried a hint of sinister chill.

"Since polite requests do not work, then I have no choice but to use other methods. To tell you the truth, we are very interested in the core fragments of that 'Seven Emotions Soul-Devouring Demon Orchid'."

"And... that friend who is skilled in Divine Soul attacks. If you are sensible and hand over the items and the person, we might be able to spare your lives. Otherwise..."

He paused, and a contradictory aura, bone-chillingly cold yet mixed with scorching, explosive heat, suddenly erupted from his body.

It had shockingly reached the Peak of the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm!

The five people behind him also unleashed their auras simultaneously; they were all at the Late Stage of the Fourth Level to the Early Stage of the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm!

The six powerful auras merged into one, forming an immense sense of oppression that pressed down fiercely upon the valley's Formation!

"Otherwise, this Falling Star Lake shall be your burial ground!"

The threat was naked and unmasked.

They were indeed here for the Yao Beast flower core and Ye Chen!

The other party had long been premeditated, and their strength was formidable!

Inside the valley, everyone's expressions became extremely ugly.

Having just gone through a fierce battle, everyone was injured and their consumption was not small.

Facing six enemies who were in prime condition, not weak in cultivation, and clearly harboring ill intentions, the situation was extremely disadvantageous.

A cold light flashed in Murong Bai's eyes; he knew that today's matter would definitely not end well.

He slowly drew his gleaming white sword, its blade flowing with clear light, and his voice turned cold.

"It seems you have made up your minds to be enemies with our Tianyun Sword Sect."

"Tianyun Sword Sect?"

The Grey-Robed Leader seemed stunned for a moment, then let out a disdainful sneer.

"What a grand name. Unfortunately, this is Falling Star Lake; it is perfectly normal for a Disciple or two to die here. Who would know it was us? One last question: will you hand them over, or not?"

Answering him was the suddenly surging sword light of Murong Bai and a cold, sharp shout.

"Attack!"

Shi Yue, who had already been poised for action, was the first to leap up from the rock wall!

Like an enraged giant bear, he pounced down from high above, carrying the terrifying momentum of a collapsing mountain.

The earth-yellow light on his fists condensed into solid giant rocks, which he smashed fiercely toward the Grey-Robed Leader and an enemy to his left!

"Boom!"

Almost simultaneously, on the right side of the valley entrance, Lei Zhen's Purple Thunder Hammer, carrying thunder that filled the sky, smashed out with a roar, targeting the two people to the right of the Grey-Robed Leader.

Jing Wuming also flashed out from the bushes like a ghost, his pitch-black broadsword bringing forth a silent, deathly sword aura.

He slashed toward a grey-robed person at the back of the team who seemed skilled in long-range attacks.

As for Murong Bai himself, his sword light was like lightning, striking directly at the Grey-Robed Leader.

A point of white light at the tip of his sword was brilliant to the extreme, as if it could pierce through all falsehoods.

Striking first and concentrating their power, they attempted to disrupt the enemy's Formation and heavily injure their leader.

However, the six grey-robed people were clearly well-prepared.

Facing the sudden attack, they did not panic.

The Grey-Robed Leader let out a cold snort, neither dodging nor evading, and quickly formed hand seals in front of his chest.

A weird True Essence, intertwined with chilling cold and scorching heat, erupted, forming a half-black, half-red, slowly rotating light shield in front of him.

"Yin and Yang Chaotic Shield!"

"Clang!"

Murong Bai's incomparably fierce sword struck the light shield.

It actually emitted a dull, loud noise, and the white light at the tip of the sword and the Yin and Yang power on the light shield crazily cancelled each other out and annihilated.

The light shield fluctuated violently but did not shatter.

The Grey-Robed Leader's figure swayed slightly before stabilizing, and a flash of ferocity appeared in his eyes beneath the mask.

Shi Yue's attack was also met by the tall, grey-robed person on the Grey-Robed Leader's left.

He received it head-on with a thick, heavy bronze shield, emitting a deafening roar.

Both of them retreated several steps, and they were evenly matched.

Most of Lei Zhen's thunder was deflected by a grey-robed person to the right of the leader who held dual spikes and had weird movement techniques.

The remaining thunder was blocked by another person wielding a saber.

Jing Wuming's silent sword was met by the last grey-robed person holding a longbow.

He accurately intercepted it with a golden arrow shot in the nick of time, and the sword aura and the arrow annihilated each other simultaneously.

A round of surprise attacks had failed to achieve the expected results.

The six enemies cooperated tacitly, with balanced offense and defense, and their strength far exceeded the estimates.

"Form the 'Six Harmonies Killing Formation'! Leave none alive!"

The Grey-Robed Leader shouted sharply.

The six grey-robed people quickly changed positions, their auras connected, and their True Essence responded to each other.

They formed an even tighter Formation, vaguely sealing off the valley entrance.

A weird aura, intertwined with killing intent, chilling cold, and scorching heat, spread out, vaguely shrouding the four of them, including Murong Bai.

"Hmph!"

Murong Bai's expression sank; he knew they had encountered tough opponents.

These six people were definitely not ordinary Loose Cultivators or Disciples of small Sects.

Their Cultivation Technique, coordination, and Formation all revealed an aura of being well-trained and having sinister, weird methods.

"They are people from the 'Shadow Fiend'! They Cultivate the 'Yin and Yang Evil Art'!"

Mo Ling's voice, carrying a trace of shock and anger, rang in everyone's ears.

She had clearly recognized their origin from their Cultivation Technique and Formation.

Shadow Fiend!

It was indeed this group of persistent ghosts!

Everyone's hearts chilled, and hatred and killing intent rose simultaneously.

"Since you have recognized us, we cannot leave you alive even more!"

The Grey-Robed Leader, or rather, the "Shadow Fiend" leader, saw his killing intent surge.

"Kill!"

The six-person Formation was activated, and like a single entity, they crushed toward the four of them, including Murong Bai.

Yin and Yang Evil Qi rampaged, sometimes bone-chillingly cold, freezing blood and True Essence; sometimes scorching and explosive, burning Meridians and Divine Soul.

There was also weird Evil Qi that could erode protective True Essence and disturb the mind.

The four of them—Murong Bai, Shi Yue, Lei Zhen, and Jing Wuming—immediately fell into a bitter battle.

Although the four of them were strong, they had just experienced a fierce battle and were not in Peak condition. Facing six "Shadow Fiend" killers who were not weak in cultivation, had tacit cooperation, and were bolstered by a Formation, they immediately fell into a disadvantage, able only to barely hold on and retreat step by step.

"Junior Brother Ye, Bai Yu, why aren't you attacking yet!"

Lei Zhen roared in anger; he was entangled by two strands of Yin and Yang Evil Qi, struggling to defend, and the wound on his shoulder split open again.

"Junior Sister Mo Ling, interfere with the Formation!"

Murong Bai also shouted urgently.

"Understood!"

Mo Ling formed hand seals, controlling the valley's defensive Formation, and sent out several distorted meta-magnetic fields and Spiritual Qi turbulence to attack the "Six Harmonies Killing Formation" of the "Shadow Fiend", attempting to interfere with its operation.

At the same time, she reactivated several secret attack Restrictions on the periphery of the warning Formation.

Streams of ice cones, earth spikes, and wind blades attacked the "Shadow Fiend" group from the ground and the mist.

Although not very powerful, they served as a distraction.

"Zhao Feng, Han Li, Su Yuwei, provide long-range support! Aim for the nodes where their Formation connects and the areas where their aura is weak!"

Ye Chen ordered in a deep voice, and he himself had already leaped out.

He saw that the four of them, including Murong Bai, were suppressed by the enemy's Formation and could not perform well; someone had to break the stalemate from the outside.

And he and Bai Yu were currently in relatively better condition.

Bai Yu looked at Ye Chen, smiled, then his figure flickered, and he followed.

The two of them, one on the left and one on the right, were like two sharp knives, thrusting directly into the flanks of the "Shadow Fiend" "Six Harmonies Killing Formation".

Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng and Han Li immediately drew their bows and nocked arrows, Saber Qi condensing, aiming at the positions pointed out by Ye Chen.