47: Blood Shadow Sect remnants, tracking clues

The setting sun at You Shi (5-7 PM) cast a warm orange glow over Xueling City. The crowds on the streets gradually thinned as the second round of the Alchemy Grand Assembly concluded. Lu Chen and Lin Xiaoya successfully advanced to the semi-finals, but they didn't linger to celebrate. After a simple packing of their belongings, they hurried back to Tianling Academy. After their pill refining duel with Zhao Feng, both knew that the Zhao family's hostility had not dissipated. Staying in Xueling City for even an extra moment meant an extra risk, so returning as soon as possible was the prudent course of action.

After leaving the city, the two quickly traveled along a forest path. As dusk deepened, the light in the forest grew dimmer. Only the occasional evening breeze, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees, slightly dispelled their travel fatigue. Lu Chen activated his spiritual sense to vigilantly scout their surroundings. His Foundation Establishment Stage perception range had significantly increased, allowing him to clearly detect spiritual energy fluctuations within several li, avoiding encounters with Yao Beasts or ambushes from the Zhao family. Lin Xiaoya followed beside him, her short sword held tightly, and healing pills in her Storage Pouch were already prepared, maintaining a state of alert at all times.

When they reached a fork in the road, Lu Chen suddenly stopped, his brows slightly furrowed, and his gaze fixed on the depths of the dense forest to their right. “Something's wrong. There's a faint, sinister spiritual energy fluctuation there, like the aura of Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators.” His Foundation Establishment Stage spiritual sense was extremely keen. Even if the Evil Cultivators deliberately concealed their aura, they couldn't escape his perception. That familiar, chilling spiritual energy was identical to the aura of the Blood Shadow Sect Evil Cultivators during the great battle on the night of the full moon.

Lin Xiaoya was startled. She quickly restrained her aura and whispered, “Why are Blood Shadow Sect remnants here? Are they plotting something again?” After their disastrous defeat attacking Tianling Academy on the night of the full moon, the Blood Shadow Sect should have been recuperating. Their appearance outside Xueling City clearly indicated something suspicious.

“Let's go take a look. Perhaps we can uncover their secret.” Lu Chen made a decisive move, activating the Concealment Art to completely hide their auras. He led Lin Xiaoya to stealthily approach the direction from which the sinister spiritual energy was emanating. Their figures moved like ghosts, weaving through the dense forest, carefully avoiding conspicuous vegetation as they drew closer to the source of the spiritual energy.

After traveling for about half an hour, they came across an abandoned stone house stronghold. The stone house was dilapidated, with most of its roof collapsed and cracks covering its walls. Weeds grew rampant around it, making it seem long abandoned. However, the faint sinister spiritual energy lingering around the stone house exposed its abnormality. Lu Chen gestured for Lin Xiaoya to stand guard outside, while he quietly approached the stone house. Peering through a crack in the wall, he saw three black-robed Evil Cultivators sitting inside, conversing in low voices around a stone table. A black ledger and several scattered spiritual materials were on the table, creating an eerie atmosphere.

“The Sect Leader's instructions must be carried out as quickly as possible. The nether water spirit pearl must be found within ten days, otherwise the forbidden technique cannot be activated on time,” one Evil Cultivator said in a hoarse voice, filled with urgency.

“Don't worry, we've already found out that the nether water spirit pearl is likely in the vicinity of the Netherworld Swamp. It's just that the swamp is filled with miasma and many Yao Beasts, so finding it won't be easy,” another Evil Cultivator replied, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes.

“No matter how difficult, we must find it! Once the forbidden technique is activated, our Blood Shadow Sect's strength will greatly increase. By then, let alone Tianling Academy, the entire Cultivation World will have to submit to us!” The third Evil Cultivator's tone was fanatical, and sinister spiritual energy subtly fluctuated around him.

Lu Chen heard everything clearly from outside, and his heart was greatly alarmed. nether water spirit pearl? Forbidden technique? The Blood Shadow Sect, far from retreating after their crushing defeat, was instead searching for a special treasure to prepare a forbidden technique. They clearly intended to make a comeback, and the consequences would be unimaginable. He quietly retreated and rejoined Lin Xiaoya, whispering the contents of what he heard inside. Lin Xiaoya's face changed drastically, her eyes filled with worry. “The nether water spirit pearl sounds very dangerous, and the Blood Shadow Sect's forbidden technique must be extremely evil. We must stop them!”

“Don't rush,” Lu Chen said, his eyes firm. “Let's first take down these Evil Cultivators and seize the ledger. Perhaps we can find more clues about the Blood Shadow Sect from it.” His rune iron sword quietly unsheathed, and the spiritual energy of the Foundation Establishment Stage slowly circulated, a faint golden light appearing on the sword blade, ready to strike at any moment.

After their discussion, Lu Chen launched the first attack. He activated the Lightning Movement Technique, instantly rushing to the stone house entrance, kicking open the dilapidated wooden door. His rune iron sword, carrying a sharp spiritual light, aimed directly at the chest of the leading Evil Cultivator. The Evil Cultivators inside were caught off guard, all greatly alarmed. They quickly activated the Blood Shadow Art, and dense blood mist rose around them, attempting to block the attack.

“It's someone from Tianling Academy! Kill him!” The leading Evil Cultivator roared, a blood-red blade energy condensing in his hand, slashing towards Lu Chen. The other two Evil Cultivators also attacked simultaneously, their blood mist condensing into sharp claws, grabbing at Lu Chen's vital points.

Lu Chen's eyes were icy, showing no fear. He fully unleashed the Blood Shadow Annihilation Art, and the sword blade glowed with a red and white intertwined spiritual light, easily piercing through the Evil Cultivators' blood mist defense and stabbing through the chest of the leading Evil Cultivator. The leading Evil Cultivator let out a tragic cry, his body falling limply, completely lifeless.

Seeing this, the remaining two Evil Cultivators were filled with fear and turned to flee. Lin Xiaoya had already prepared herself outside. Seeing the Evil Cultivators escape, she immediately activated her spiritual energy, shooting out several silver needles tipped with a mild poison, accurately hitting one Evil Cultivator's leg. That Evil Cultivator screamed and fell to the ground. Lu Chen seized the Opportunity and killed him with a single sword strike.

The last Evil Cultivator was scared out of his wits and desperately fled into the depths of the dense forest. Lu Chen activated the Lightning Movement Technique to quickly catch up, sweeping his sword energy to sever both of his legs, subduing him on the ground. “Speak! What exactly is the Blood Shadow Sect's forbidden technique? Where exactly in the Netherworld Swamp is the nether water spirit pearl?” Lu Chen demanded coldly, his sword blade pressed against the Evil Cultivator's neck, his eyes icy and filled with killing intent.

The Evil Cultivator trembled with fear and quickly begged for mercy: “I'll tell you! I'll tell you! The Blood Shadow Sect's forbidden technique is called 'Blood Nether Descent'. It requires the nether water spirit pearl as its core, and then the sacrifice of the life force of a hundred Cultivators to fully activate it. Once activated, it can summon Netherworld power, greatly enhancing the strength of all Evil Cultivators, and can even awaken ancient Netherworld creatures... I don't know the exact location of the nether water spirit pearl, only that it's deep within the Netherworld Swamp, guarded by powerful Yao Beasts...”

Lin Xiaoya listened by the side, her heart trembling with fright. She never imagined the Blood Shadow Sect's forbidden technique was so evil. If they truly succeeded, the consequences would be unimaginable. Lu Chen's killing intent grew stronger. After confirming that the Evil Cultivator wasn't hiding anything, he killed him with a single sword strike to prevent future troubles.

The two entered the stone house and picked up the black ledger on the table. The ledger recorded the Blood Shadow Sect's recent activities, personnel deployments, and material transactions. It detailed their progress in searching for the nether water spirit pearl and even indicated that the nether water spirit pearl was most likely hidden deep within the “Netherworld Swamp.” It even mentioned the distribution of miasma and Yao Beasts in certain areas of the swamp, which was extremely crucial.

“With this ledger, we can find the nether water spirit pearl ahead of time and prevent the Blood Shadow Sect from activating their forbidden technique.” Lin Xiaoya's eyes were full of joy; this ledger was undoubtedly an important clue that would give them the initiative.

Lu Chen nodded and carefully put away the ledger. Just as he was about to leave the stone house, his foot suddenly kicked something. He looked down and saw a tattered booklet with “Tracking Secret Art” written on its cover. He bent down to pick it up and quickly flipped through it, discovering that this secret art mainly explained how to track targets through spiritual energy fluctuations, residual auras, and other clues. It would be of great help in finding the nether water spirit pearl or tracking down the Blood Shadow Sect remnants. It was clearly a treasure that had fallen from the Evil Cultivator he had just killed.

“I didn't expect to also get a Tracking Secret Art. Now we have even more confidence in finding the nether water spirit pearl.” Lu Chen put away the Tracking Secret Art, his mind somewhat settled. With the clues from the ledger and the assistance of the Tracking Secret Art, their success rate in going to the Netherworld Swamp to find the nether water spirit pearl had greatly increased.

The two quickly cleared the traces in the stone house to avoid being discovered by any subsequent Blood Shadow Sect remnants, then accelerated their journey back towards Tianling Academy. As night deepened, moonlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, and the forest was silent, with only their hurried footsteps and the occasional roar of a passing Yao Beast, making it exceptionally quiet.

During their journey, Lu Chen and Lin Xiaoya discussed their subsequent plans. The Blood Shadow Sect was searching for the nether water spirit pearl to prepare a forbidden technique, so there was no time to lose. They had to return to Tianling Academy as soon as possible to report this matter to Elder Li Ping, and then head to the Netherworld Swamp to find the nether water spirit pearl and thwart the Blood Shadow Sect's conspiracy. The Netherworld Swamp was extremely dangerous, filled with miasma and numerous Yao Beasts. They might not be able to handle it alone, so they needed to request Sect support or unite with Disciples from other Sects to go together.

“Senior Brother Lu, the Netherworld Swamp is so dangerous, can we really find the nether water spirit pearl?” Lin Xiaoya couldn't help but feel a little worried. Although she had experienced several major battles, she had never been to such a dangerous Secret Realm, and she had an instinctive apprehension towards unknown dangers.

Lu Chen's eyes were firm as he comforted her, “Don't worry, we have clues from the ledger, the Tracking Secret Art, and the Sect's support. As long as we are careful, we will definitely find the nether water spirit pearl. The Blood Shadow Sect's forbidden technique concerns the safety of the entire Cultivation World; we absolutely cannot let them succeed.” He knew in his heart that this trip to the Netherworld Swamp was not only to stop the Blood Shadow Sect but also to improve his own strength. As a dangerous Secret Realm, the Netherworld Swamp might also hide other Opportunities that could further enhance his strength, preparing him for future confrontations with Zhao Kun and Mo Qianchou.

The two hurried along without the slightest pause, finally arriving at Tianling Academy the next morning. Life in the Sect had gradually returned to normal, with Disciples busy repairing buildings and Cultivating Cultivation Techniques. Seeing Lu Chen and Lin Xiaoya return, they all greeted them warmly. The two did not stop, heading directly to the Elder Hall to report in detail to Elder Li Ping about their encounter with the Blood Shadow Sect remnants outside Xueling City, learning about the nether water spirit pearl and the forbidden technique, and obtaining the ledger and the Tracking Secret Art.

Upon hearing the news, Elder Li Ping's face changed drastically, his eyes filled with solemnity. “I didn't expect the Blood Shadow Sect to be so stubborn, still preparing such an evil forbidden technique after their crushing defeat! I've heard a little about the nether water spirit pearl and the Netherworld Swamp. The swamp is filled with chilling miasma, containing potent poisons, and deep within are powerful second- or even third-tier Yao Beasts, making it extremely dangerous. This matter is of great importance; we must act quickly to stop the Blood Shadow Sect.”

Subsequently, Elder Li Ping immediately convened the Sect Elders for discussion. It was finally decided that Lu Chen would lead a few stronger Inner Sect Disciples to the Netherworld Swamp to search for the nether water spirit pearl. At the same time, envoys would be dispatched to Qingyun Sect and Hundred Herbs Valley to inform them of the matter and request their Disciples' support to jointly counter the Blood Shadow Sect's conspiracy. Upon learning of this, Yu Lan volunteered to join the team. Her myriad manifestations pendant could dispel miasma and suppress Yao Beasts, which would be of great help for traveling to the Netherworld Swamp.

With everything ready, Lu Chen began to pack his belongings, preparing the ledger, Tracking Secret Art, healing pills, antidote pills, and other supplies one by one. Simultaneously, he practiced the Tracking Secret Art, familiarizing himself with its core principles. He knew that the journey to the Netherworld Swamp would undoubtedly be fraught with peril. Only by making thorough preparations could he cope with the unknown dangers, successfully find the nether water spirit pearl, and thwart the Blood Shadow Sect's evil conspiracy. And the secrets and Opportunities deep within the Netherworld Swamp were quietly awaiting their exploration.