As the group ventured deeper into the tunnel, the deathly aura thickened, and the atmosphere grew increasingly eerie. There was a low rumble in the air, as if something was moving ahead.
Wang Quan tightened his grip on his sword, and his spiritual energy circulated rapidly within him. Scanning the path ahead, he quietly warned, "Something's stirring. Be on guard."
Daoist Feng Ming immediately assumed a defensive posture as well. His sword glowed faintly while his spiritual sense expanded outward, ready to respond to any sudden threats.
However, to their surprise, no hostile evil spirits approached. Instead, a group of cultivators appeared. These were not evil spirits, nor did they bear the insignia of Cloud Mist Mountain's disciples, indicating they were another band of rogue cultivators who had entered the cave.
Wang Quan's brow furrowed slightly as he quickly assessed the newcomers. The aura around them was calm but powerful. The group was sizable, with two Foundation Establishment cultivators leading, and eight Qi Refining cultivators following. Each of them wore a cautious, uneasy expression.
"Another group of rogue cultivators…" Wang Quan thought to himself, surprised to encounter other rogue groups in this treacherous maze of a cave.
Daoist Feng Ming, sensing no immediate danger, lowered his guard slightly and stepped forward with a polite gesture. "I am Daoist Feng Ming from the Rogue Cultivators' Alliance. Have you also come here seeking something?"
One of the Foundation Establishment cultivators smiled faintly and returned the courtesy. "So, it's Daoist Feng Ming. We, too, are rogue cultivators, though we haven't formally joined the alliance. We're merely traveling together for mutual benefit."
This cultivator wore a black robe and had a sturdy build, exuding a steady, grounded energy. The other Foundation Establishment cultivator was a cold-faced middle-aged man, his sharp eyes constantly scanning the surroundings as if wary of any threat.
"We're here to enhance our soul power as well," said the black-robed cultivator, with a hint of ease in his tone, though Wang Quan noticed that he remained on high alert, keeping an eye on the environment.
Wang Quan exchanged glances with the other rogue cultivators, understanding the situation immediately. The news about the evil spirits' soul-enhancing properties had spread throughout the cultivation world. Not only had Cloud Mist Mountain and the Rogue Cultivators' Alliance entered the area, but independent cultivators had also flocked to this region.
Feng Ming gave a small nod, his tone measured. "This place is indeed strange. We encountered a Foundation Establishment-level evil spirit not long after entering this tunnel and have since become trapped in a maze. Have you noticed anything unusual here?"
The black-robed cultivator glanced at his companion before responding. "Yes, we've sensed the strangeness here as well. We encountered quite a few evil spirits after entering, but there's been no sign of an exit. We suspect that something stronger or some kind of formation lies deeper within."
His tone grew serious, clearly indicating that they were also searching for a way to break free of the maze.
Feng Ming nodded. "It seems we're facing a similar predicament. Perhaps we should join forces and explore the area together?"
After a brief exchange, the groups introduced themselves. Although Feng Ming's group was smaller, Wang Quan's strength stood out, and the two Foundation Establishment cultivators in the other group also seemed formidable. Together, they made for a strong rogue cultivator team.
The black-robed cultivator nodded and said in a deep voice, "Agreed. This maze is too treacherous to navigate alone. With more of us, we can watch each other's backs."
Wang Quan observed the other cultivators silently, his thoughts racing. While they had agreed to a temporary alliance, rogue cultivators were often bound by loose ties, and trust was scarce in the face of personal gain. He understood that this partnership might not last long, but given the current circumstances, they did need more manpower.
The two teams merged, cautiously moving further into the tunnel. As they advanced, the death aura grew denser, as if an unseen force was wreaking havoc within the passage. Wang Quan maintained his vigilance, his Five Elements energy circulating as he watched for any disturbances.
"There's definitely an unnatural force controlling this tunnel," Wang Quan mused silently. He could sense that the death aura wasn't moving naturally. It felt as though a dark presence was waiting ahead, ready to confront them.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators led the group, regularly releasing their spiritual senses to probe the tunnel for changes. The black-robed cultivator's eyes narrowed as he swept the area with his senses, searching for signs of a formation.
"Stay alert," the black-robed cultivator cautioned, his voice low. "There may be a formation core here, and if triggered, it could bring us greater danger."
Daoist Feng Ming nodded in agreement. His sword vibrated softly in his hand, spiritual energy gathering around the blade as he remained ready for any sudden shifts.
As the group pushed forward, the oppressive atmosphere intensified, making the air feel heavy with foreboding. A sense of unease settled over them, gnawing at their focus.
"Something's off... Something ahead is waiting for us," Wang Quan thought, his spiritual senses picking up a faint but unusual ripple in the air. Deep within the tunnel, there seemed to be a powerful entity slowly drawing closer, far surpassing the strength of the evil spirits they had encountered before.
The black-robed cultivator seemed to sense it as well. His eyes darkened as he said in a steady voice, "It seems we are nearing the formation's core, or perhaps the lair of a powerful evil spirit."