“Since Fellow Daoist has already located the nest of the Shadow Horse, yet still invited us here to assist, could it be that you’ve encountered some major trouble?” After a moment of silence, it was the burly man surnamed Yuan who spoke first.
“Although the Shadow Horse is elusive and skilled in concealment, given enough time, capturing it wouldn’t be difficult for me. The real issue is that its nest lies within the Yin-Yang Cavern of the Ten Thousand Poison Valley. I simply cannot follow it inside. Moreover, this creature is exceptionally cunning—it lingers only near the cave entrance and refuses to step out even a single step.” The old man surnamed Fu finally revealed the problem that had stumped him for decades.
“The Yin-Yang Cavern?” This time, not only did the burly man gasp in shock, but Bai Yaoyi’s face also instantly paled.
Only Han Li, who had never heard of it, asked in confusion, “What is the Yin-Yang Cavern? Is it truly so terrifying?”
“Fellow Daoist Han doesn’t know of the Yin-Yang Cavern? Ah, I nearly forgot—Brother Han is a cultivator from overseas, so it’s natural you wouldn’t know of this forbidden place. The Yin-Yang Cavern is one of the seven most perilous locations in our Great Jin. Ordinary cultivators who enter never return.” Bai Yaoyi let out a soft exclamation before explaining to Han Li in a low voice.
“If it’s so dangerous, what makes it so special?” Han Li’s curiosity was piqued, and he pressed for more details.
“The Yin-Yang Cavern is named so because stepping inside means an immediate separation between life and death. Aside from the soul-shredding Yin winds that rage endlessly within—winds that can scatter even a Nascent Soul cultivator’s soul upon contact—the cavern is situated atop an extreme Yin convergence. Over the years, the accumulated Yin energy has spawned countless powerful spectral entities. Even if one withstands the winds, they’d still be torn apart by the hordes of vengeful spirits.” The old man surnamed Fu took the initiative to elaborate.
“Hmph, it’s worse than that. The Yin-Yang Cavern lies thousands of feet underground, with countless interconnected tunnels and countless branching caves. In the past, some cultivators managed to reach the bottom by sheer luck, but none could fully explore its depths. Spiritual sense is useless there—the Yin winds block it entirely, reducing one to the level of a mortal. There have even been rumors of an immensely powerful Ghost King lurking in the deepest parts, though none have confirmed it. Regardless, even Great Cultivators avoid venturing too deep.” The burly man snorted as he spoke.
“Previously, aside from some low-grade mineral veins, nothing of value was ever found in the cavern. Everyone assumed it was just an abandoned super-mine from ancient times, and no one truly explored it. But now that Brother Fu has discovered the Shadow Horse inside, it seems the Yin-Yang Cavern isn’t as simple as it appears. Perhaps there’s real value in probing further.” Bai Yaoyi added, her delicate brows relaxing slightly.
“After all these years, even with Brother Fu’s abilities, he hasn’t been able to capture the Shadow Horse. That alone proves this cavern is no ordinary place. Even if there are treasures inside, one must survive to claim them.” Having experienced perilous places like the Void Sky Hall and the Fallen Devil Valley, Han Li was well aware of the dangers and didn’t hesitate to pour cold water on the idea.
“I’m well aware of that. That’s why I’ve spent decades preparing, refining several treasures specifically designed to counter spectral entities. To withstand the soul-shredding Yin winds, I’ve even brought my sect’s Violet Nether Pearl. With this pearl, I can’t claim complete immunity, but it can reduce the wind’s power by nearly half, ensuring all of us remain unharmed.” The old man surnamed Fu spoke with unwavering confidence.
“The Violet Nether Pearl?” Both the burly man and Bai Yaoyi were visibly moved—this was one of the Three Great Sect Treasures of the Nine Serenities Sect!
“So, what do you say? With such thorough preparations and the full assistance of the three of you, even if we encounter the most fearsome Ghost King, the five of us combined can handle it. Once we capture the Shadow Horse, I’ll immediately refine the Nascent Nurturing Pills, guaranteeing each of you one. This pill is a one-time marrow-cleansing elixir—even if more are made, each person can only take one, so there’s no need to worry about me withholding anything. As for any other treasures we might find, that will depend on your own fortune.” The old man surnamed Fu spoke slowly.
Han Li and the other two remained silent. Even the previously enthusiastic burly man now wore a pensive expression.
“Since Brother Fu has made such preparations, why seek out the three of us? As for mid-Nascent Soul cultivators, your sect, being one of the Ten Great Demon Sects, should have no shortage of candidates.” Bai Yaoyi tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and asked calmly.
At this question, Han Li’s expression shifted slightly, and the burly man fixed his gaze on the old man’s face—both seemed particularly interested in his response.
“Seeking help from within the sect? For others, perhaps, but for me, absolutely not. Due to past grudges within the sect, I’ve fallen out with most of my peers. Aside from Junior Sister Chang, the others would likely rejoice at my demise. Even if they agreed to help, I’d fear treachery from behind.” A flash of anger crossed the old man’s face as he spoke.
Han Li was taken aback. This explanation was as good as none—who could verify its truth? But since the old man had said as much, they couldn’t press further. Silence fell once more.
“Entering the Yin-Yang Cavern is a grave matter. I’ll need time to consider. How about this—I’ll give you a definite answer in three days.” After a moment of contemplation, Bai Yaoyi raised her head and spoke.
“Three days? Of course. The Yin-Yang Cavern’s Yin winds weaken once every twenty years, and the next such period is in six months. That’s the optimal time to enter. Moreover, to deal with spectral entities, each of you will need to prepare specialized artifacts. So even if you agree now, we won’t enter until half a year later. However, before leaving, I must ask each of you to swear a blood oath of secrecy on this Nether River Page. I’d rather be cautious now than regret later—I don’t want word of the Nascent Nurturing Pills or the Shadow Horse spreading.” The old man surnamed Fu smiled faintly, flicking his sleeve to reveal a scorched yellow page wreathed in black flames.
“The Nether River Page? The cursed artifact that brings calamity upon oath-breakers? I thought it had been lost for centuries!” The burly man exclaimed in shock.
Han Li’s heart also skipped a beat at the sight.
“I acquired this artifact at great cost from an underground market specifically for this venture. Its effects aren’t as exaggerated as the rumors claim, but it’s sufficient to ensure your silence for the necessary period. Fellow Daoist Han might not know how Feng Tianxing of the Heavenly Demon Sect met his end, but Fellow Daoists Bai and Yuan surely do. Feng Tianxing was also a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator. I doubt any of you would wish to test its power yourselves.” The old man surnamed Fu spoke indifferently.
“Fine. With something as valuable as the Nascent Nurturing Pill at stake, I won’t pass it up. I’ll be there in six months.” After a moment of internal struggle, the burly man declared resolutely. He then beckoned the black page toward him, spat a mouthful of blood essence onto it, and swiftly inscribed ancient characters with his finger.
A green-faced, fanged ghost head emerged from the black flames, leering at the burly man before inhaling deeply—the bloody script flew into its maw and vanished. The ghost head then dissipated into smoke.
Witnessing this eerie spectacle, Han Li’s heart clenched.
The old man surnamed Fu retrieved the page, examined it, and nodded in satisfaction before turning to Bai Yaoyi.
After a brief hesitation, she reluctantly repeated the process. The ghost head appeared and vanished once more.
When the old man’s gaze shifted to Han Li, he sighed inwardly. Though wary of this unknown artifact, refusal seemed impossible now.
Expressionless, he pointed at the page, drawing it toward him. After a brief inspection, he bit his tongue and spat blood essence, quickly inscribing his vow of secrecy. As the ghost head reappeared, a strange chime suddenly resonated from within Han Li’s body.
The sound was soft yet clear to all present. While the others showed no reaction, the ghost head contorted in horror, let out an incomprehensible roar, and disintegrated as if fleeing in panic.
The old man surnamed Fu, the burly man, and the others stared in stunned silence.
Han Li, his expression slightly odd, exhaled and flicked his sleeve, sending the page back. “I’ve made my decision—I’ll join you when the time comes. But it seems this object conflicts with something inside me, making the oath impossible. However, as a lone cultivator, I’ll remain in the Southern Border for the next six months and won’t speak of this matter to anyone. This artifact is unnecessary for me.”
The Nether River Page floated back to the old man surnamed Fu on a wisp of azure light.
Catching it, the old man’s face still bore traces of astonishment. Without the Nether River Page, he had no other means to ensure Han Li’s silence.
“Senior Brother Fu, I believe Fellow Daoist Han’s words hold merit. The Nether River Page isn’t strictly necessary. I trust he won’t break his word.” The black-robed beauty, silent until now, suddenly spoke.
Her voice was husky yet carried an inexplicable magnetism. With a slight turn of her autumn-like eyes, her entire demeanor became enchantingly alluring.
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