CHAPTER 718: CHAPTER 100: LONE ASCENT TO DEMON MOUNTAIN AGAINST 6 ENEMIES_2

Yu Gu She waved his hand and said, "There’s no need to hold back, speak freely."

Han Ji cupped his hands and said, "Then this disciple will speak directly, though it’s just a speculation on my part. If I am mistaken, I hope Master will not take offense."

Yu Gu She chuckled and said, "I won’t. Speak quickly."

Han Ji instinctively lowered his voice and said, "Master, this disciple believes the key lies not with those devils themselves, but with the question of where they came from."

Yu Gu She’s body faintly trembled, and as if realizing something, his eyes brightened. He suddenly looked over and said, "Are you saying those unknown Demon Caves?"

Han Ji nodded seriously and said, "Highly likely!"

Yu Gu She took a deep breath, the fists under his sleeves tightening and then relaxing, tightening and relaxing again.

Thousands of years ago, when the Xuanmen Sect’s fortunes were at their height, they destroyed and suppressed four of the Ten Great Demon Caves in East Splendor Continent.

In the present era, no one knows where the remaining four are located. Yet now, as the Demon Sect is on the verge of Great Prosperity and the cycle of fate turns, the Demon Caves will likely appear one by one. If someone can seize them early and hold them, they might not just achieve the status of a sect founder but also realize a Grotto Heaven—no longer an unattainable aspiration.

Thinking of this, excitement began to stir in his heart. He lightly struck his fist onto the table and said, "Makes sense!"

As a Cave Master himself, he hadn’t considered it before because he already controlled a Demon Cave and didn’t want additional trouble. Thus, he had resisted and dismissed the idea. But now that Han Ji had pierced the veil, he instantly awakened to the possibilities.

However, this matter wouldn’t be so simple. With his strength alone, capturing an entire Demon Cave was near impossible.

He remained silent for a while, thinking the matter through thoroughly in his mind. Then he turned around, picked up a brush, and wrote a letter with swift strokes. He didn’t seal it but handed it directly to Han Ji, pointing at him and saying, "Among my disciples, you are the most composed and have the clearest vision. I can entrust this to you. Take this letter and set off immediately for the sect headquarters. Remember, this letter must be delivered personally into the hands of your grandmaster. Trust no one else. If you can’t meet him in person, don’t return."

Han Ji froze momentarily, then stood up without questioning. He accepted the letter, bowed respectfully, and left the Cave Mansion. Once outside, he summoned a blood-colored tunneling light resembling a scarlet rainbow and flew westward.

He hadn’t gone far when a majestic plume of flying smoke came rushing from the horizon, booming as it landed at the base of the mountain.

The arrival was utterly unrestrained, immediately attracting the attention of the Mountain Guarding Disciples.

They were perceptive individuals and could discern from the tunneling cloud above that the newcomer was a Xuanmen Sect Cultivator with extraordinary cultivation, possibly even a Hua Dan Cultivator. This realization made their hearts tighten with unease.

However, these disciples had resided at Xiao Zhe Mountain for decades, encountering few enemies. Particularly over the last twenty years, with the capture of devils through their small demon cave, they had become wholly devoted to cultivation and faced little outside provocation. For this reason, they were uncertain whether the newcomer was simply passing through or seeking conflict.

After some discussion, two disciples decided that one would report to the master while the other approached to inquire.

Zhang Yan walked alone, pacing leisurely toward the mountaintop. From a distance, the approaching disciple observed his ethereal and transcendent demeanor, daring not to underestimate him. Upon nearing, the disciple retracted his tunneling light and landed, cupped his hands, and said, "Fellow Daoist, halt your steps. Beyond here lies the territory of Jueji Cave, which does not welcome outsiders. I request Your Excellency to explain your purpose."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and bowed, saying, "I have come to seek an audience with the Cave Master Yu Gu She."

The disciple was momentarily stunned, his demeanor becoming slightly more respectful. He bowed in return and said, "So, you are an acquaintance of my master. May I ask your name, honorable Daoist?"

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "My surname is Zhang, given name Yan. Just report that I am a representative of the Mingcang Sect."

When he heard Zhang Yan was from the Mingcang Sect, the disciple was greatly startled. Without further hesitation, he hurriedly turned to report the matter.

Zhang Yan didn’t proceed further and simply stood there quietly.

A short while later, from within the Cave Mansion, a blood cloud shot up into the sky like a dazzling firework. Zhang Yan squinted and observed closely, noting the brilliance and purity of the cloud, devoid of any demonic or evil aura—merely a vivid scarlet sphere radiating like sunlight in the air. From this, he judged the cultivation technique to be deep and refined, likely belonging to the true master.

Yu Gu She, upon hearing that Zhang Yan of the Mingcang Sect had come, was deeply astonished but couldn’t afford to shrink away. After displaying a grandiose array of skills, he descended from the sky. Transforming the blood cloud into a majestic scarlet Dharma Robe, he draped it over himself. Fixing his gaze on Zhang Yan, he bowed and said, "So, it is Zhang Daoist of the Mingcang Sect, ranked ninth among the Top Ten Disciples. What guidance does Your Excellency offer us this day?"

Zhang Yan returned the gesture but spoke indifferently, "Nothing much. I came only to ask Yu Daoist why you intruded upon our sect’s territory, took liberties without consent, and slaughtered our disciples. What is your reasoning?"

Yu Gu She was silent for a long moment before letting out a cold snort and saying, "Since you already know, I have nothing to add. It seems the only course forward is for us to face each other in battle."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "That suits me perfectly."

Yu Gu She’s tone turned icy, "If I win, I will refine your flesh into a Demon Artifact worthy of your reputation. If I lose, you may deal with me as you see fit. Still, could I ask that you spare my disciples?"

Zhang Yan shook his head and sighed, "To cut the weeds without removing the roots leaves trouble to grow anew."

Yu Gu She’s eyes glimmered with frigid light as he stared intently at Zhang Yan and said, "Very well, then let me witness Your Excellency’s skill."

At that moment, a gong and cymbal resounded in the sky, followed by a streak of blood light descending and swirling around before landing. Out stepped a hideous child—Guo Nanxing—accompanied by two disciples, their bodies cloaked in crimson clouds and seemingly of considerable cultivation.

Guo Nanxing let out a sinister laugh and said, "Junior brother, I heard from the disciples that someone has dared encroach upon your territory? Don’t despair. Let us join forces, slay this intruder, and then hunt those devils. Wouldn’t that be exhilarating?"

Yu Gu She sneered and said, "Since senior brother desires it, how could I dampen your enthusiasm? Yet if we act, we must go all out. If this man escapes today, peace will never return for us."

Guo Nanxing laughed heartily, licking his lips as he glared at Zhang Yan with ferocious intent. His eyes radiated malevolence as he said harshly, "Old man, I’ve been seeking a suitable Blood Essence. You bring yourself here, ignorant of death. I’ll use you for sacrificial refinement!"

Just then, two blood clouds descended from the sky, landing on Yu Gu She’s left and right. One of the figures was his Senior Disciple, Qian Yi. He cupped his hands and called out loudly, "Master, we’ve already scouted outside. This man has come alone with no companions."

When Yu Gu She first learned of Zhang Yan’s arrival, he had felt immense dread, fearing that the Mingcang Sect had dispatched forces to claim his life. Secretly, he sent disciples to investigate the numbers. Hearing now that Zhang Yan was alone, relief flooded him, and his spirit rallied somewhat. He looked at Zhang Yan and chuckled, "Zhang Daoist, I’ve heard faintly of your reputation, but perhaps you miscalculated, not expecting my senior brother to be visiting today. To come alone was indeed a blunder!"

At this moment, Zhang Yan faced six Hua Dan Cultivators from the Blood Essence Sect. Yet, standing calmly in place, his expression was serene, showing not a hint of fear. He spoke with a detached tone, "In my eyes, all of you will shortly become sword-slain souls beneath my blade. One more or less among you matters not."

With that said, a streak of sword light flashed suddenly, tearing fiercely through the air!

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian.com to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)