Cultivating To Immortality

Chapter 785: Pursuit

A deathly silence.

Where the Grand Enclosure Building once stood, there was now an enormous, deep pit.

The Cave Abyss Sect Disciples were gathered there.

Earlier, when the Formation collapsed and began its destruction, seven Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators, including Song Yan and Li Yi, immediately took action to protect their fellow Disciples behind them.

Although Xiang Zhaoling was only at the Qi Refinement Stage, she possessed a considerable number of treasures.

Worried about the safety of Zhou Mengdie, who was still half-asleep beside her, she conjured a small toad-shaped stone sculpture.

A gigantic toad phantom, radiating a thick, earthy yellow spiritual light, appeared out of thin air, enveloping her and the several female Cultivators next to her.

It was fortunate that they did so, otherwise the Cave Abyss Sect Disciples would not have survived.

Even so, the spiritual energy barrier was on the verge of collapse, its light dimming under the cataclysmic destruction that had just occurred.

By the time the mountain collapse subsided, Song Yan and Li Yi’s faces were pale.

If they had been at the core of the Formation’s collapse, they probably would not have escaped death.

But the other Cultivators who were originally in the Grand Enclosure Building were not so lucky.

Song Yan looked around, his expression extremely solemn.

The spiritual light from the Formation’s collapse dissipated, leaving only a faint afterglow in the valley, casting shadows into the bottom of the pit.

The mountain wind blew, stirring up ashes from the ground.

At the edge of the giant pit, Cultivators from various Pulses who had miraculously survived struggled, groaned, and coughed.

Some looked around in confusion, others stood dazed and lost.

The Buddhist Cultivators from Huadu Temple closed their eyes in pain, sitting cross-legged on the spot, unsure if they were recovering from injuries or performing rites for the deceased.

All members of the Yang Family, including Elders and young Disciples, who were near the center of the enclosure, died instantly when the Formation was destroyed.

Not a single one survived.

"Yuerong..." Gu Qingqing stared blankly at the ruins in the deep pit, finding it hard to accept.

On Dragon Pool Mountain, countless Cultivators had died instantly under this power.

Only Cultivators from the Six Major Sects, who had five or six Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators working together to protect them, or Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators who possessed special defensive treasures, managed to preserve their lives.

Xiao Ju’s expression was complex; many of the unfamiliar Loose Cultivator Fellow Daoists who had chatted amicably with them just a while ago had now turned to dust.

Dragon Pool Mountain and Daji no longer existed.

Wangling Immortal Valley was also in chaos.

"Sit down and meditate to recover."

Xu Ziqing suddenly spoke.

He and the other four Foundation Establishment Realm Disciples had solid spiritual power cultivation, and these Qi Refinement Stage Disciples were also well-protected.

It was Song Yan and Li Yi, the two newly advanced Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators, who had expended a great deal of energy.

This was not the time to act brave, so the two immediately sat cross-legged to meditate, quickly recovering under the protection of their several Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters.

Two palms, one on the left and one on the right, rested on Song Yan’s back.

Two streams of pure spiritual energy gently flowed into his body; it was Song Zhenzong and Yu Nanxi helping him recover.

Song Yan quickly thanked them: "Thank you, Senior Brother, Senior Sister."

Song Zhenzong, with his lean face, shook his head: "It’s nothing."

"Hehe, Junior Brother, you must remember my kindness. When you achieve Immortal Ascension and become an ancestor in the future, don’t forget me."

Yu Nanxi chuckled.

"Uh... yes."

Qin Ying and Wang Renming were helping Li Yi recover his strength.

Suddenly, Song Yan’s heart stirred, and a golden light appeared in his eyes as he looked into the distance.

He saw Yang Kaijun walking towards a familiar figure at the edge of the ruins—it was Ke Huai.

At this moment, with all the Yang Family attendees utterly annihilated, Yang Kaijun was actually chatting and laughing with Ke Huai.

His brows furrowed slightly.

Was this Yang Kaijun colluding with Demonic Cultivators, or... had he already died in Great Qi Mountain?

In the distance.

"Hah... there’s nothing for us to do here either, let’s go."

"Ke Huai" yawned and patted "Yang Kaijun’s" shoulder.

"Although the Hu Family are a bunch of idiots, we promised them, so let’s go help."

"Is there still time?" Yang Kaijun looked up at the Golden Core battle in the sky: "It feels like they’re about to leave."

"Plenty of time, plenty of time." Ke Huai waved his hand: "The Yang Family doesn’t have much fighting power left alive."

"Let’s quickly kill them all."

"I’m just a straightforward person; if I don’t finish what I promised, I feel uncomfortable... my thoughts aren’t clear, understand?"

"Alright."

Yang Kaijun nodded: "Now that we have this Nuo mask, it’s good to eradicate the Yang Family."

Ke Huai asked: "What about the Hu Family?"

"No need to worry about them." Yang Kaijun replied: "Once they’re found to be involved with Demonic Cultivators, they’ll naturally be dealt with."

"Let’s go."

...Above the clouds, a brief exchange of blows had already given the four Golden Core Realm Cultivators a good understanding of each other.

Chen Ya and Li Luo were originally worried about the safety of their Disciples in the Grand Enclosure Building and were somewhat restrained in their fighting.

Seeing the Formation collapse and the Grand Enclosure Building destroyed, they no longer had any reservations.

However, at this moment, the two Demonic Cultivators suddenly sensed something and exchanged glances.

"Three Golden Core auras are approaching, one of them is a Buddhist Cultivator."

The thin Daoist said in a deep voice.

"Chen Linyuan isn’t among them."

The Fat Daoist’s brows furrowed slightly: "What a pity."

The Demonic Ruins’ purpose for this trip was naturally to pave the way for a subsequent full-scale invasion.

It could both confuse the Cultivators of the Central Region and test the Sect Master of the Cave Abyss Sect, Chen Linyuan.

This person was once a Sword Dao Prodigy of Jun Mountain in the Central Region, a peerless Nascent Soul Realm Cultivator of his generation.

It was rumored that due to a Heart Demon incident years ago, his cultivation continuously declined, and he eventually left Jun Mountain.

This person detested evil and was extremely arrogant.

Given how ostentatious they had been, Chen Linyuan’s continued absence suggested he was perhaps terrified by his Heart Demon and no longer dared to confront Demonic Cultivators.

"Let’s go, there’s no point in dragging this out any longer."

The two Demonic Cultivators were cunning and cautious individuals, prioritizing self-preservation and completing the Demonic Ruins’ mission above all else.

Seeing strong reinforcements about to arrive, they immediately decided to retreat.

If they continued fighting, even if they could severely injure Chen and Li, they would inevitably pay a huge price, and might even risk being surrounded and killed by the newcomers.

To the southwest, Buddhist chants were faintly heard, and golden light filled the sky.

The Fat and Thin Daoists’ expressions changed drastically, and they no longer dared to linger in battle.

The two simultaneously let out a sharp howl, bursting forth with violent Devilish Qi. The ghost skulls and turbid Yellow Springs waves suddenly converged into one spot, then instantly exploded.

Boom—!

This sudden and terrifying power not only shattered Chen Ya’s palm print and Li Luo’s sword rainbow but also forced both of them to activate their protective Dharma techniques.

The sky above the entire Dragon Pool Mountain ruins once again violently twisted.

Before the spiritual energy storm could even slightly subside, amidst the swirling dust, two incredibly swift black lights fled towards the northeast.

Above the sky, a vast blue tide surged, and a mighty river appeared out of thin air.

Upon the waves, a young Daoist in wide, sky-blue robes, with a resolute face, stood with his hands down.

Seeing the Demonic Cultivators flee, he exchanged a distant glance with the two Golden Core Cultivators from Profound Origin Sect and Hanging Sword Mountain, then nodded.

At this moment, Great Master Mingxin of Huadu Temple and Immortal Master Yinyu, the Golden Core Cultivator of Shooting Sun Sect, had also arrived.

Aside from the Cave Abyss Sect and Spirit Talisman Sect, Golden Core Cultivators from the other four Major Sects were all present.

"The Demonic Ruins’ movements are unclear. Fellow Daoist Li, Great Master Mingxin, I trouble the two of you to remain here to oversee and clear the battlefield."

"Amitabha."

Great Master Mingxin was a venerable old monk with a solemn demeanor, holding a nine-ringed tin staff and wearing a saffron kasaya. He arrived floating in the air, with lotus flowers blooming with each step.

A faint golden halo subtly appeared behind his head, Buddhist light flowing, revealing pure, vast, demon-suppressing, and evil-dispelling Buddhist power.

Li Luo nodded slightly: "Please."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Ya, Jiang Chaosheng, and Immortal Master Yinyu, the three great Golden Core Cultivators, all transformed into streaks of rainbow light and pursued the two Demonic Cultivators.

The two remaining Golden Core Cultivators exchanged nods and slowly descended.

Great Master Mingxin landed on a relatively intact giant cliff rock. He looked at the devastated landscape, a hint of sorrow and compassion in his expression.

"Amitabha..."

Immortal Master Li Luo’s gaze swept over the Dragon Pool Mountain ruins, his voice carrying an undeniable authority, reverberating outwards: "Fellow Daoists of the Nine Pulses, heed my command!"

"The Formation has been broken, and Demonic Qi still lingers. Demonic Cultivators are cunning; there must be remnants hiding in the mountains, waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble, or intending to destroy the remaining Spiritual Veins, or abduct the injured, or attempt to rendezvous with their leader!"

"Immediately, all surviving Cultivators of the Nine Pulses, consolidate your teams, guard key positions, and heal and rest!"

"Each Sect shall select uninjured Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators and above to form extermination teams, centered on Dragon Pool Mountain, to pursue and eliminate the remaining Demonic fiends in the surrounding areas!"

"Those who can kill or capture them will be heavily rewarded by the Nine Pulses collectively!"

His voice paused, and he looked to the other side, where an Executive Elder in Profound Origin Sect Daoist robes had quickly approached, and Elder Zhang Guangyuan, the Cave Abyss Sect’s External Affairs Elder, also came forward to receive orders.

Li Luo said: "Great Master Mingxin and I will guard the central hub to prevent Mo Xu Cultivators from launching a surprise attack or opening a teleportation Formation."

"For the task of clearing out the Demonic Cultivators, I trouble the two of you from Profound Origin Sect and Cave Abyss Sect, and all Fellow Daoists present, to preside over the overall situation."

These Elders bowed in acknowledgment, loudly saying: "We respectfully obey Immortal Master’s decree!"

Although Li Luo was not a Cultivator from their own Sect, he was, after all, a Golden Core Immortal Master. Who would dare to disobey?

Moreover, with a formidable enemy at hand, they were united against a common foe.

Immediately, several Foundation Establishment Cultivators from different Sects and aristocratic families, who were still capable of action, stepped forward to receive orders and quickly began organizing personnel and dividing areas.

At this moment, the Spirit Manifestation Cloud above Dragon Pool Mountain was still operating. The actions of these Golden Core Cultivators also aimed to stabilize the hearts of the Cultivation World in Chu Kingdom.

In a corner of the ruins, the spiritual energy protection that had been safeguarding the Cave Abyss Sect Disciples gradually dissipated.

Song Yan and Li Yi had fully recovered. The Cave Abyss Sect’s strength was almost the most completely preserved among all forces after this catastrophe.

Zhang Guangyuan rushed over from a distance.

"Elder." Everyone saluted.

"Dispense with the formalities, dispense with them, what time is it now." Zhang Guangyuan anxiously scanned the Disciples.

"What are our casualties?"

In Zhang Guangyuan’s view, these were all promising young talents for the Sect’s future, and no mishaps could be afforded.

He had initially thought that such a sudden calamity would likely result in a few deaths, and even if all survived, minor or severe injuries would be inevitable.

Xu Ziqing said without hesitation: "The Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters were all very obedient and united."

"No casualties."

Zhang Guangyuan was stunned, then let out a sigh of relief, overjoyed.

He pondered for a moment: "The Qi Refinement Disciples who came to observe the ceremony should rest and await orders here, not straying too far from the two Golden Core Immortal Masters."

"Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators, heed my command: one Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator will take one Late Stage Qi Refining Disciple who attended, to look out for each other and clear out Demonic Cultivators."

"Xu Ziqing, Wang Renming, each of you will take two. Song Yan and Li Yi will act alone, looking out for each other and adapting flexibly."

Zhang Guangyuan’s mind was very clear.

These Demonic Cultivators had first boasted openly under everyone’s gaze, then quickly fled in defeat, which was truly strange. The Demonic Cultivators’ objective was still unclear, so caution was paramount.

Therefore, it was safer for Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators who had only come to observe the ceremony not to participate in the extermination.

And with two Golden Core Realm Cultivators now overseeing the situation, no major problems would arise.

Allowing the Late Stage Qi Refining Cultivators who had distinguished themselves in the Sect Sword Wipe to train with Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators was also a rare opportunity.

Xu Ziqing and Wang Renming were peers; one was the Sect Master’s Named Disciple, and the other was the Young Lord of the younger generation. He trusted these two the most.

As for Song Yan and Li Yi, their situation was special. These two were the earliest Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivators among the new generation of Disciples.

Their Foundation was still relatively weak, so within a certain range, acting alone was actually safer and more flexible.

"Yes, Elder."

Everyone acknowledged the order.

"Han Yuan, your injuries haven’t fully healed, so for now, do not participate in the pursuit. Stay here and look after the Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters to prevent any disorder."

Although Han Yuan felt regret, the Elder’s command was indeed the most suitable.

Just as he was about to respond, he saw Shao Sichao suddenly raise his hand.

"Elder Zhang, why don’t you let me look after the Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters here?"

He looked a little sheepish: "I am timid by nature and usually dare not fight with others. I’m afraid I would hold back my Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters."

Han Yuan’s eyes lit up as he looked at Shao Sichao, with a hint of gratitude.

"Hmm... alright."

Zhang Guangyuan nodded.

"Thank you, Elder, for granting my request."

Everyone formed their respective small teams, preparing to join the extermination of the Mo Xu Cultivators.

"Xiao Ju, wait here and follow Junior Martial Uncle Shao’s arrangements."

"This Disciple obeys."

Xiao Ju naturally also wanted to follow her Master to pursue the Demonic Cultivators, but the situation was urgent and not a game. Her cultivation Realm was still far from sufficient, and fearing she would only cause trouble for her Master, she obediently nodded.

"Xiao He, follow me."

Snake Babe darted from Xiao Ju’s body and disappeared into Song Yan’s sleeve.

Everyone knew that Song Yan had a small snake spirit pet, rumored to be quite powerful.

Although the number of Cave Abyss Sect Cultivators participating in the Demonic Cultivator extermination was not large, every Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator was a formidable opponent.

Not to mention the five team leaders, even the new generation Disciples Song Yan and Li Yi were not to be trifled with.

Among the Qi Refinement Cultivators, Han Yuan and Yuwen Yao themselves possessed considerable combat strength, and Xiang Zhaoling was even more enigmatic. At least under the care of a Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator, self-preservation would not be an issue.

With a leader and a common external enemy, the Nine Pulses Cultivators in the Dragon Pool Mountain ruins acted extremely swiftly.

Within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, teams were quickly assembled.

The surviving Loose Cultivators also attached themselves to Jiang Ming, the Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator from Lanxi Cave.

Countless spiritual lights and escape lights dispersed from the Dragon Pool Mountain ruins, heading towards the surrounding forests, deep valleys, and all directions.

Song Yan roughly identified a direction and flew eastward.

He vaguely remembered that Ke Huai and that Young Lord of the Yang Family had left in that direction.

Wasn’t that direction the Yang Family’s ancestral land?