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墨書 Inktalez
"Since there are no objections, each of you will receive a route and a map regarding Demon Soul Valley, along with some brief introductions. Considering your past experiences, it would take too long to travel by conventional means, so I will use a flying artifact to send you there. The rest will be up to you, whether it's completing the mission or returning."
"This mission lasts for six months, and you can return after that. Don't worry; when the Ranking results come out, your points accumulated over the six months will be distributed to you all at once. Now prepare yourselves; we will depart in half an hour, aiming to reach Demon Soul Valley before dark."
After Li Yun explained everything clearly, he did not leave but instead closed his eyes on the Dueling Platform to rest. The one hundred Bronze Ranking Disciples, upon receiving their respective maps, began to examine them carefully. Many of them had never even heard of this place, let alone understood it.
Demon Soul Valley, according to legend, appeared two thousand years ago. At that time, a Demon Emperor from the demon clan caused chaos for unknown reasons, leaving corpses everywhere and causing great suffering. Ultimately, three Emperor-Level Experts from the Xuanjian Sect emerged and fought the Demon Emperor here for a day and a night.
The skies changed color and blood flowed like a sea. In the end, two of the three Emperor-Level Experts were severely injured while one died, and the Demon Emperor was killed in battle. However, before dying, the Demon Emperor released all of his Demonic Energy, which lingered long after his death. After several years of changes, this led to the formation of the nearly thousand-mile-long Demon Soul Valley.
The location of Demon Soul Valley is just a mountain away from the largest adventure paradise for warriors in the Snow State, known as Nanyun Forest. However, compared to Nanyun Forest, very few warriors dare to venture here.
Due to the influence of Demonic Energy, everything here has been demonized; whether it's Elixirs or Demon Beasts, they hold little value for warriors. After all, warriors cultivate True Qi, and Demonic Energy is like poison to them. Only those practicing special techniques show interest in this place.
"Demon Soul Valley, demonization, Demonic Energy, Demon Emperor. This is not good news," said Ren Pingsheng, looking somewhat grim after reviewing the map and introduction. Who knows what dangers lurk in such a place? One careless move could cost them their lives.
Many disciples shared his concerns; their expressions were equally grim. Clearly, they also sensed the hidden dangers involved. However, thinking about the top-tier manuals and treasures made them accept it. As the saying goes, "Fortune favors the bold." If they could complete this mission successfully, the rewards would significantly enhance their strength. For them, an increase in power meant limitless possibilities.
"Ren Shidi. This mission is indeed not that simple. I think we should discuss it further; we don't know what we might encounter," said Feng Yi, approaching with another person—Lan Shaoqiu, another disciple from the Azure Wind Sword Sect who had entered the Bronze Ranking. He was currently one of the elder brothers among the disciples of the sect.
"Brother Feng, Lan Shixiong" greeted Ren Pingsheng immediately.
"Hehe, Ren Shidi, I believe you have some understanding of Demon Soul Valley. We all think this place is likely not simple. I am planning to collaborate with some friends who have good relationships with me during this mission; would you like to join us?" asked Lan Shaoqiu with a smile.
"Sure, I have no objections; having more people is better," he nodded in agreement. More people would help deal with any dangers that might arise.
"Great! Once we reach Demon Soul Valley, I'll introduce you to others. For now, prepare well," he said before leaving with Feng Yi, seemingly heading off to find more collaborators.
Not only were they making plans; many other disciples also gathered in groups of three or five to discuss cooperation or alliances. For their survival, many had set aside their pride and face-saving concerns.
Half an hour passed by unknowingly.
"Alright, time's up. Please enter the flying artifact; I will take you to Demon Soul Valley," said Li Yun, opening his eyes and speaking loudly. With a wave of his hand, a boat-shaped artifact quickly expanded until it could accommodate one hundred people before becoming stationary.
The one hundred disciples of the Bronze Ranking exchanged glances and boarded the flying artifact. One after another, within a few breaths, the ground was left empty. All the disciples had entered the artifact.
“Buckle up; this time the speed will be fast. We will reach Demon Soul Valley before dark.” He leaped onto the flying artifact, took out several shiny Spirit Stones, and placed them in the grooves. Then he pulled a lever, and the entire flying artifact shook before rapidly ascending, disappearing into the sky in the blink of an eye.
“Damn it, they actually went to carry out their mission like this; this is going to be troublesome.” Lin Lun, who had been observing from a distance, had a grim expression. His original plan was to secretly follow Ren Pingsheng and find an opportunity to strike. But now he couldn’t find anyone at all.
“They are going to Demon Soul Valley for a mission that lasts half a year. If we hurry over now, we can arrive in two months at most; then we can wait for an opportunity to act.” Another person stepped forward; it was Wu Yang from the Tiger Howl Sect.
“Could this be ‘that person’s’ intention?”
“Of course. This time four High-Level Warriors will accompany us. ‘That person’ has quite a grudge against Ren Pingsheng as well. So this time, no matter where it is, we must go.”
“With six of us, if we just ambush them from the shadows, it will be enough. I’ll go back and prepare; let me know when it’s time to set off.” Lin Lun agreed as well. He also didn’t want Ren Pingsheng to return alive.
Wu Yang smiled but said nothing further. He turned and left.
Not long after, six swift horses departed from Great Chu Academy and quickly vanished from sight.
On the flying artifact, the one hundred disciples either closed their eyes in meditation or gathered in small groups to whisper. Ren Pingsheng gazed at the fleeting scenery, somewhat lost in thought.
More than three years ago, he had also sat in a flying artifact and embarked on his cultivation journey. In just a blink of an eye, time had flown by, yet he remained oblivious. Every day was filled with cultivation and becoming stronger—monotonous and dull, solitary as snow. It seemed he had forgotten the passage of time and those beautiful landscapes and joyful moments.
“Perhaps this is the price to pay; stepping onto the path of cultivation to become strong always requires a cost.” Ren Pingsheng's gaze became somewhat distant as he reminisced about these years—experiences that were joyful, sorrowful, mundane, or pure.
“I’m afraid we are almost there.” The exclamations of nearby disciples pulled Ren Pingsheng back from his drifting thoughts. He looked out and saw endless forests in the distance and undulating mountain ranges.
“That should be the paradise for adventurers—the Nanyun Forest,” Ren Pingsheng thought to himself.
Nanyun Forest, also known as Nanyun Mountain Range, could be described as boundless. It is rich in various Elixirs and treasures of heaven and earth. The furs and demon cores of various Demon Beasts also attract adventurers. Nearby Nanyun City is a bustling trade city. Although it is only a secondary city, its prosperity is not inferior to that of any Secondary City.
Their destination, Demon Soul Valley, is right next to Nanyun Forest. So upon seeing this scene, they knew they were almost there. Whether cultivating or whispering among themselves, all disciples perked up.
“Get ready; we’re almost there. That black Mountain Valley in the distance is Demon Soul Valley—the destination for your mission,” Li Yun suddenly spoke up.
It was now sunset; the dying sun was blood-red, staining everything around it. The nearly thousand-mile-long black Demon Soul Valley looked from above like a Demon’s gaping mouth, grinning menacingly as if ready to swallow everything whole. In the afterglow of the setting sun, blood-red hues spread across the landscape.
The flying artifact soon came to a halt and began to descend. At this moment, Ren Pingsheng finally saw clearly that the Demon Soul Valley was situated between two mountains, which were not very high, only about two hundred zhang. The entrance appeared to be around fifty or sixty zhang wide, and everything in sight, from the trees to the flowers and grass, was black; even the stones on both sides of the mountain had turned black. It was completely out of place with the surroundings.
"Is all of this caused by Demonic Energy?" Ren Pingsheng thought in shock. He couldn't help but marvel at the power of an Emperor-Level Expert. Just a single battle here had left such an indelible mark on this place, constantly affecting everything in the surroundings.
"This is Demon Soul Valley. Your mission officially begins tomorrow. You have a six-month deadline, but you can return early if you have at least five hundred points in the Jade Tablet. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the six months are up to return to the Academy."
"Take care of yourselves; don't lose your lives." Li Yun glanced over everyone and then boarded the flying artifact, disappearing in a few flashes. This left the one hundred disciples of Bronze Ranking momentarily silent.
"Ahem... I think we can all see that this mission is likely to be quite dangerous. Although I don't know what Daoist Academy's arrangement is for, I believe everyone wants to preserve their lives and complete the mission. So why don't we work together?" One person stepped forward to speak. This person appeared charming and handsome, with bright eyes and a captivating demeanor.
"So it's Gu Shixiong. Since Gu Shixiong has said so, I have no objections," many people expressed their agreement.
"This is Gu Yunfei, who was previously ranked first in Bronze Ranking." Seeing Ren Pingsheng's expression, Feng Yi quietly explained.
"Oh, no wonder he has such charisma. What do you think?" A hint of surprise flashed in Ren Pingsheng's eyes as he asked.
"It can be considered. If everyone can stick together, it would be safer. As long as we stay together during that time, we won't have to worry about any schemes," came the reply.
"Exactly! We can form a small group within this larger group. Even if something unexpected happens, whether we advance or retreat, we will be much more composed," Lan Shaoqiu added.
"Alright then, let's see what other suggestions he has." Many other disciples also agreed, knowing that in this unfamiliar place, having more people would provide greater safety. At this moment, no one would foolishly rush in alone to show off their bravery.
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