Chapter 427: Exceptional Concealment Ability
Inside the cave, Xiao Ze's brows furrowed slightly as the vast power of his soul rippled around him. He wasn't entirely oblivious to what was happening outside. He had left behind four lightning bodies imbued with the power of the Origin Tree to protect Xun'er and the others. Although refining the Rock Demon heart was no easy task, it didn't completely cut off Xiao Ze's awareness of his surroundings.
Through the golden small tree, Xiao Ze contacted them, "Xun'er, don't be anxious."
The sudden voice startled Xun'er and the others. Once they realized it was Xiao Ze communicating through the golden small tree, they sighed in relief and listened attentively.
"The number of Rock Demons in the core region is overwhelming. The four of you alone cannot withstand the army's assault. There's no need to waste your efforts," Xiao Ze said calmly.
"But Brother Xiao Ze, aren't you in the critical stage of refining the medicine?" Xun'er asked.
"Although I'm deeply focused, it's not that I can't manage," he replied.
With Xiao Ze's control, four lightning bodies appeared before Xun'er and the others. "These are lightning bodies infused with my power. I'll leave one here to maintain the illusion and conceal our presence. The other three will head to the core region to divert attention and investigate what's happening."
Reassured by Xiao Ze's steady voice, their initial tension eased. They had long trusted Xiao Ze implicitly. Hearing his plan, they agreed without hesitation.
"Brother Xiao Ze, what should we do?" asked Xiao Yi Xian.
"Focus on your cultivation for now. If there's an emergency, and we're discovered, then you can act," Xiao Ze instructed before returning to his refining task. The others, seeing that he had no further instructions, went to meditate near the cave.
Three lightning bodies moved in different directions while the last one stayed in front of the cave, creating an illusion with the power of the Origin Tree. The illusionary power formed a massive space seal, completely hiding the area. Even if others passed by, they would sense nothing unusual.
Seeing these dual layers of protection, Xun'er and the others were amazed. "With this, we don't need to confront the Rock Demon army directly. We can wait for Brother Xiao Ze to finish refining the medicine, and then we can decide what to do," Xiao Yi Xian said.
"Indeed. Let's wait and cultivate in the meantime," Xun'er added.
In the cave, the golden flames of the Origin Emperor Flame continued to burn the Rock Demon heart. Nearly a thousand types of medicinal ingredients had dissolved into it. The previously strong energy was now significantly weakened. The Rock Demon heart, bathed in golden flames, glowed a more vivid red, exuding a captivating aura.
Xiao Ze observed the heart. Although it wasn't fully refined, its allure was already strong enough to tempt him. "This Rock Demon heart is truly extraordinary. I wonder if Xun'er will get a surprise reward when she refines it," he mused. "It should take about three more days to finish."
Meanwhile, powerful Rock Demons emerged from the core region. Enhanced by their linking ability, their strength had surged. Each one could easily overpower small Rock Demon groups. Among them, a colossal Rock Demon stood out, not only for its immense size but for the dark glow in its crimson eyes, signifying intelligence. This formidable Rock Demon aimed to control the entire core region.
With every step, the ground trembled. The Rock Demon army, led by this powerful being, crushed any opposition. They had no mercy; any group unwilling to join them was obliterated.
The ground's tremors alerted Xun'er and the others. They exchanged worried glances. Seeing the army in the distance, even their steadfast hearts couldn't help but feel a chill. It was terrifying—an endless black tide of powerful Rock Demons, led by a semi-saint Rock Demon.
"If it were just one semi-saint Rock Demon, we might have a chance, but facing this vast army under its command, we'd be doomed if we got caught," Xun'er said, her brows furrowing.
To their surprise, the Rock Demon army passed by without noticing them, even the semi-saint Rock Demon. They walked right through the spatial seal.
"Brother Xiao Ze's concealment ability is unbelievable. He even managed to fool a semi-saint!"