As the battle concluded, the deathly aura in the tunnel gradually dissipated, and fragments of the evil spirit's spiritual body were scattered across the ground. The Yunlan Mountain cultivators quickly gathered the spirit fragments, while the atmosphere remained tense and heavy.
Wang Quan withdrew his spiritual energy, quietly observing the surroundings. He felt the pressure from deeper within the tunnel growing stronger, as if something more dangerous lurked ahead.
Daoist Feng Ming and the Foundation Establishment cultivator from Yunlan Mountain exchanged glances. Though they were temporarily allied, both sides understood that this cooperation could dissolve at any moment. As soon as treasure was involved, conflict would inevitably arise.
"There's likely more to this ahead. Let's move on," the leader of the Yunlan Mountain group said coldly, gesturing for them to continue forward.
The group advanced cautiously, and before long, the tunnel widened. Despite the expanded space, the deathly energy remained thick, and ancient runes, faintly glowing, adorned the stone walls, whispering of a long-forgotten history.
Suddenly, the tunnel split into three branching paths. Each entrance appeared distinct, yet all radiated an eerie atmosphere, with deathly energy shrouding them, obscuring the view of what lay beyond.
"Three paths…" Wang Quan muttered, frowning as his eyes darted between the three routes. This wasn't unusual—ancient ruins often featured multiple pathways to confuse intruders. However, the overwhelming deathly aura made it difficult to probe deeper using spiritual sense.
Daoist Feng Ming and the Yunlan Mountain cultivators also paused, their expressions tinged with uncertainty.
"It seems we'll have to make a choice. We don't know where these paths lead, but if we split up, it could become even more dangerous," the leader of the Yunlan Mountain group said coldly.
Daoist Feng Ming nodded slightly and replied gravely, "That's true. The evil spirits here aren't ordinary, and splitting up might not be wise."
All the cultivators understood that each path likely harbored different risks, but treasures could also be hidden along any one of them. Splitting up could mean missing out on opportunities—or worse, walking into a trap.
However, with treasure so near, the temporary alliance between Yunlan Mountain and the scattered cultivators was fragile. It was only a matter of time before tensions rose.
"In that case, why not go our separate ways?" The Yunlan Mountain leader suddenly suggested, his gaze coldly sweeping over Feng Ming and Wang Quan.
Clearly, he was no longer interested in cooperating with the scattered cultivators, especially when treasures were at stake. Though they had fought together earlier, the situation had now shifted to the point where the division of interests loomed close.
Daoist Feng Ming's expression darkened as he responded, "If we split up now, without knowing what lies ahead, we may end up weakening ourselves and becoming easy targets. Why not continue working together until we find the treasure, then we can rely on our own abilities to claim it?"
The Yunlan Mountain cultivator sneered, his tone icy. "Work together? Yunlan Mountain doesn't need the help of a bunch of scattered cultivators to explore this ruin. Since we're here, let's go our separate ways. Treasures belong to those with the strength to claim them."
The tension in the air grew thick, neither side willing to back down.
Wang Quan remained silent, inwardly wary. He had anticipated this from the beginning. The cultivators from a great sect like Yunlan Mountain had no real intention of cooperating with the scattered cultivators. Now that they were close to uncovering potential treasures, it was only natural for them to split ways. Further disputes would only delay their progress.
"Perhaps splitting up is the best option after all," Wang Quan thought to himself. The situation was on the verge of breaking, and if they forced a continued alliance, it would only lead to more suspicion and wasted time.
Seeing the delicate balance, Feng Ming Daoist finally relented, his voice cold as he glanced at the three paths. "Very well. If that's what you've decided, we'll go our separate ways. We'll rely on our abilities, and there will be no interference."
With a final exchange of icy glares, Feng Ming led Wang Quan and the others down one of the paths, while the Yunlan Mountain cultivators chose another.
As they proceeded, Wang Quan remained on high alert. Though he wished to avoid direct conflict with Yunlan Mountain, he was also careful not to fall into their traps. The three paths were still a mystery, and no one knew which led to treasure or peril.
Daoist Feng Ming led the way calmly, his long sword faintly glowing as he channeled spiritual energy through it. His senses were spread out, constantly scanning their surroundings for any potential threats.
"From now on, we'll have to rely on ourselves," Daoist Feng Ming said in a low voice, his gaze steady as they pressed forward.
The path they had chosen was narrower than the others, with ancient runes still etched into the stone walls. These runes flickered with faint light, emitting an eerie energy.
Wang Quan's spiritual sense scanned the area repeatedly. Though he couldn't detect the presence of any evil spirits, he knew the path ahead wouldn't remain quiet for long.
As they ventured deeper into the tunnel, the deathly energy grew heavier, and the air became thick with an unsettling aura, as though an unseen force was pressing down on them.
"There's something ahead," Wang Quan said quietly, his senses picking up on an abnormal fluctuation.
Sure enough, the tunnel gradually opened into a larger space. A deep fissure appeared in the ground, from which thick deathly energy seeped. It was clear that something unknown was hidden at the end of this path.
Daoist Feng Ming halted and spoke in a low voice, "Be on your guard. There may be a stronger evil spirit lurking ahead."
The group tightened their grips on their weapons, their spiritual treasures beginning to glow faintly in preparation for any sudden danger.
Wang Quan gripped his sword, his spiritual energy circulating faster within his body. He was prepared for a fight. Whatever lay ahead, they would need all their strength to survive.
"No matter what's waiting for us, only strength will keep us safe," Wang Quan thought with determination, his eyes resolute.
As a low growl echoed from the fissure, the deathly energy suddenly thickened.