The large group continued to advance, and before they knew it, the scenery around them began to change gradually. The once lush forest started to thin out, and the vegetation on the ground was slowly replaced by a type of black thorny bramble. These thorns exuded a chilling aura that made one feel quite uncomfortable.
"Something seems off about the Spiritual Energy here," Chen Li remarked, frowning as he sensed a faint aura of death permeating the air.
"I feel it too," Shen Qingyue nodded in agreement. This unsettling energy seemed to be emanating from ahead.
They exchanged glances, both feeling a twinge of unease. Quickening their pace, they caught up with the rest of the group. Before them, the mountains opened up to reveal a vast valley.
This valley exhibited an eerie dichotomy. On one side, it was picturesque with clear waters and fragrant flowers; the Spiritual Energy was so dense it felt almost tangible, resembling a paradise untouched by time. On the other side, however, lay a desolate wasteland devoid of life, covered in thick black thorns that painted a scene reminiscent of hell.
The stark contrast between these two landscapes was divided by a clearly visible boundary, sending shivers down their spines.
"What is going on here?" Many in the group gasped in disbelief, their faces reflecting shock.
"This is the center of the Azure Wind Mountain Range," Lin Xuan said solemnly, his expression grave. "This should be where the beasts gather, but now their presence feels significantly weakened."
"Could there be a problem in this central area?" He scanned his surroundings with a furrowed brow.
Initially, they believed that the beasts had become agitated for some reason and had retreated to the outskirts to attack humans. However, it now seemed that things were far more complicated than they had thought.
While everything appeared calm here, the thick aura of death across the valley resembled something straight out of hell.
"Could it be that the demon race has appeared here?"
As soon as those words were spoken, the previously relaxed atmosphere tightened like an invisible hand gripping everyone’s throats, making it hard for them to breathe.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
More sounds of slicing air echoed as several figures came to a halt nearby.
"Isn't that the Cloud Sword Elder from Heavenly Dao Sect? What brings him here?"
Heavenly Dao Sect was one of the Four Major Sects of Qian Sheng Empire, and Cloud Sword Elder was a well-known figure. What could they possibly want in Azure Wind Mountain Range?
A wave of gasps erupted from the crowd. However, upon seeing such a powerful figure appear, the previously panicked hearts of the people calmed down slightly.
The Cloud Sword Elder, clad in a long green robe with hair and beard flowing like an immortal, exuded an air of celestial grace. He scanned the eerie valley before him, his brow furrowing slightly, but he said nothing more.
"Hehe, Brother Cloud Sword, it's been a while!" A hearty laugh rang out, followed by another group of people appearing before the crowd.
Leading them was a burly middle-aged man dressed in golden robes, radiating a scorching aura that shone as brightly as the sun. "The Blazing Sun Elder of the Golden Sun Sect! Things are getting livelier!" The crowd gasped again; the Three Major Sects had arrived.
If the Imperial Academy were added to this mix, it would be quite a luxurious lineup!
Before the crowd could recover from their shock, a cold yet charming voice interrupted: "How could such a lively event be complete without us from the Holy Spirit Palace?"
As soon as the words fell, a stunning middle-aged woman dressed elegantly appeared, accompanied by more than ten disciples. "Elder Lengyue of the Holy Spirit Palace!"
Among the crowd, some knowledgeable cultivators recognized her identity and couldn't help but gasp once more. In just a short moment, powerful figures from the Empire's Three Major Sects had gathered here!
While excitement surged within them, an undercurrent of unease also crept in: Wasn't this Azure Wind Mountain Range known for its abnormal beast activity? Why had it attracted so many prominent figures?
Chen Li and Shen Qingyue exchanged glances, seeing mutual concern and confusion reflected in each other's eyes. Though they were still young, they understood that these Three Elders were top-tier figures within the Empire.
It was clear that the Three Major Sects were taking the changes in the Azure Wind Mountain Range very seriously.
However, before Chen Li could ponder further, a venomous glare struck him like a knife. He had no choice but to look up.
Among the many disciples of the Holy Spirit Palace, he spotted Yue Shan, who had left earlier, slowly parting her lips towards him. Though no sound emerged, Chen Li recognized her lip movements.
"Little brat, we meet again. Soon enough, you'll pay for your previous stinginess!"
Chen Li sneered inwardly; he paid no mind to Yue Shan's threat. A mere inner disciple of the Holy Spirit Palace dared to flaunt her power before him—he truly wondered who had given her such courage.
Yue Shan seemed to sense something, and a more triumphant expression appeared on his face. He let out a dark chuckle and made a slicing motion across his neck with his hand. Just then, something unexpected happened, and his expression suddenly shifted to one of tension.
In that instant, he bent down and turned to the side, respectfully looking at a child who appeared to be around seven or eight years old. Even Chen Li and Shen Qingyue could clearly see the child's face from where they stood.
That face struck Chen Li as somewhat familiar. Although the child was about the same age as them, Yue Shan treated him with utmost respect, as if the child's status within the Holy Spirit Palace was extraordinarily high. This left Chen Li puzzled.
The cultivation methods practiced in the Holy Spirit Palace were somewhat feminine in nature, which contributed to the child's cold demeanor. However, the intense hostility and chill emanating from his gaze made Chen Li feel an unsettling familiarity. It was as if he had an innate aversion to this child.
The moment Chen Li's eyes met the child's, something exploded in his mind, and he suddenly realized: You are Chen Ming! This child was unmistakably the son of his Scumbag Dad and Xu Yan'er. No wonder he had found something familiar in the child's features; it was clearly inherited from his Scumbag Dad's genes.
Chen Ming also looked over at Chen Li, his eyes glinting with deep hostility and malice. He slowly spoke, transmitting his voice to Chen Li: "Chen Li, you’ve lived for eight more years; this time, let your bloodline serve as proof for my breakthrough."
Hearing this, Chen Li's heart sank in shock. Bloodline proof? Did Chen Ming's cultivation method require the blood of relatives? As this thought crossed his mind, a chill crept up within him. This Chen Ming and Xiao Xiao Ji were so malicious that they would resort to such measures!
"What’s wrong? Are you scared?" Chen Ming seemed to see through Chen Li's thoughts, a cruel smile curling at the corners of his mouth as he continued to transmit: "Don’t worry; once I kill you and Shen Qingyue, I’ll make sure to give you both a proper burial. Hahaha!"
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