LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 4:
Chapter 4: The Demonic Cave Stirs!:
Yu Yanxue stood in silence, gazing at the peaks before her.
Behind her, the gathered disciples exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes filled with concern.
For the past three hundred years, the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect had flourished, its disciples enjoying abundant resources, and countless young talents had risen through the ranks.
The matter of the Demonic Cave in Yuling Mountain had always been a mystery, yet few had dared to investigate it deeply.
After all, it was a Demonic Cave. The occasional leakage of spiritual energy was insignificant and had never threatened the sect’s stability.
However, now that Lu Chen—a man who had lost all his cultivation—had left the sect and headed straight for Yuling Mountain, doubts began to creep into everyone’s minds.
Recalling past rumors, Yu Yanxue found her gaze drawn toward Yuling Mountain.
For three hundred years, Lu Chen had been diligent and unwavering in his duty.
Ever since he returned to the sect to recuperate in his wooden hut, he had rarely stepped outside.
If he had truly been colluding with the Demonic Cave, there would have been signs long ago—not just now.
And yet, that resolute figure walking away… was it a sign of something more?
For the first time, uncertainty flickered in Yu Yanxue’s mind.
Chu Tian’s eyes burned with urgency, but seeing that the Sect Master remained silent, he had no choice but to wait.
Beside him, Qi Ze narrowed his eyes slightly, concealing the emotions within them.
On the surface, he appeared to be mourning the loss of his senior brother.
Finally, Chu Tian could no longer hold back. He stepped forward and knelt.
“Sect Master, our Mystic Spirit Holy Sect is a righteous and noble sect. If rumors spread that a disciple has ties to the demonic path, we will become the laughingstock of the other sects!”
“For the sake of our sect’s reputation, I volunteer to lead a team to Yuling Mountain and uncover the truth!”
The moment Chu Tian spoke, a cold glint flashed in Qi Ze’s eyes.
Old man Chu, are you trying to ruin my plans?
Everyone knew there were unusual movements near the Demonic Cave.
If you lead a team there now, are you planning to keep the spoils for yourself?
Using an investigation as an excuse—how convenient. You must think you can take everything for yourself.
Such wishful thinking!
Without hesitation, Qi Ze cupped his hands.
“Master, Yuling Mountain is dangerous. I am willing to accompany Elder Chu on this journey!”
“I’ll go too! I’ll join Junior Brother!”
Chi Lingxiao’s voice was filled with urgency, as if afraid Qi Ze would leave her behind.
As she spoke, she subtly moved closer to Qi Ze.
Seeing this, the other disciples could no longer remain calm.
Though they said nothing, their faces showed their eagerness.
Finally, Yu Yanxue slowly turned around.
“This matter is of great importance and requires further discussion. I am feeling a bit weary—you are all dismissed for now.”
The disciples exchanged confused looks but still took a few steps back.
Yu Yanxue departed, and the others dispersed with murmurs of disappointment.
…
Once they were alone, Chi Lingxiao pouted, her face full of frustration.
“This is infuriating! Elder Chu’s intentions were written all over his face. What sect reputation? He just wants to take all the treasures from the Demonic Cave for himself!”
“We should have tried harder to convince Master. There’s no way we can let that old man succeed!”
“He’s completely overestimating himself. With his level of cultivation, he’s as good as dead!”
The more she spoke, the angrier she became. Her cheeks puffed up, and her chest rose and fell with agitation.
Qi Ze merely smiled faintly, his voice calm.
“Why rush, Senior Sister? I’m sure Master has already made her decision.”
Chu Tian was an elder of the inner sect, a highly respected figure.
Yuling Mountain was full of dangers. Even if a team were sent, it would never be led by him.
No matter how eager Chu Tian seemed, in the end, nothing would come of it.
And as Yu Yanxue’s personal disciple, he was bound to be involved in this mission.
Though he had spoken up a little too hastily earlier, Qi Ze had no regrets.
At the very least, he had made his stance clear to Yu Yanxue.
Chi Lingxiao sighed again.
“Junior Brother, you’re too kind. You never fight for anything—that’s why people take advantage of you!”
“But don’t worry. I’ve already made up my mind. Wherever you go, I’ll go too. I’ll protect you!”
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, making her thoughts obvious.
Qi Ze turned to look at her, his expression full of gratitude.
“Then… thank you, Senior Sister.”
“Thank me? What are you talking about? We’re practically family! If you say that again, I’ll get mad.”
…
Yuling Mountain.
The closer Lu Chen got to the Demonic Cave, the more difficult each step became.
Three hundred years ago, he had stood proudly between heaven and earth, fighting a relentless battle against demonic creatures.
Who would have thought that after being expelled from the sect, this place would be the first refuge to cross his mind?
Reflecting on his journey, countless emotions swirled in Lu Chen’s heart.
But before he could fully process them, a surge of power erupted from within his body!
A tremendous force tore through his meridians, threatening to shatter them completely!
Lu Chen’s heart clenched, and his vision blurred.
Just a little more…
He was almost there!
The place he was seeking was just outside the Demonic Cave. If he could reach it, he would be safe for now.
Even if his body was drained of energy, at least he wouldn’t become easy prey.
With sheer willpower, Lu Chen gritted his teeth and pushed forward.
His forehead was drenched in sweat.
Finally, he reached the entrance of the cave.
Before he could take another step, Xuan Mo suddenly leaped from his sleeve!
“Roar!”
A piercing cry rang out as Xuan Mo’s fur bristled in alarm!
Under the sunlight, its sleek black coat glowed with a faint purple-red hue, and its eerie green eyes flickered ominously!
At that very moment, Lu Chen’s meridians—shattered completely!
A searing pain spread through his body, so intense it felt as if it could tear him apart.
It was as if countless insects were burrowing into his bones, gnawing away at him, yet he could not move a single muscle.
The only thing Lu Chen could do was shift his gaze toward Xuan Mo.
The little creature had its back to him, staring intently at the cave entrance, its entire body in a defensive stance.
A faint smile tugged at Lu Chen’s lips.
If I die here today, I won’t be able to protect you anymore.
Xuan Mo seemed to sense something and slowly turned its head.
At the same moment, the spiritual energy within Lu Chen surged violently, breaking through some unseen barrier!
“Ah—!”
A gut-wrenching scream tore from his throat, and then—everything went dark.
…
Blood-red dusk.
The fading sunlight cast flickering shadows through the lattice windows, staining the ground with patches of crimson light.
Rear Hall of the Mystic Spirit Holy Sect.
Qi Ze and Chi Lingxiao knelt before the grand hall.
Yu Yanxue watched them in silence, her expression unreadable.
“You two came here specifically for matters regarding the Demonic Cave?”
Chi Lingxiao’s face was resolute.
“Master, the request to go to Yuling Mountain’s Demonic Cave was my idea alone. It has nothing to do with Junior Brother.”
Qi Ze raised his head to meet Yu Yanxue’s gaze, his heart tightening with unease.
Her clear, beautiful eyes held a chilling sharpness.
Did she… know something?
Suddenly, a group of disciples rushed in, their expressions frantic.
“Sect Master, something terrible has happened! There’s an anomaly in the Demonic Cave at Yuling Mountain!”
“A crimson light erupted, engulfing the entire mountain!”
Before the words even fully sank in, another disciple stumbled in, his voice trembling.
“Sect Master, the spiritual spring at the rear mountain… has vanished!”