Poisonous clouds spread, dense purple fog shrouding the entire resource point, its ominous stillness laden with a dreadful killing intent, as if poised to devour anyone who approached. Three days ago, Wang Quan hid within the cracks of the broken array barrier, bearing witness to Yunxiao Sect's devastating downfall. He knew that Shen Tuo's poisonous clouds had a terrifying corrosive power, able to erode anything touched by the toxic air, be it people or arrays, until nothing remained. So he stayed still, holding his breath, calmly waiting for the enemy forces to withdraw.
The three-day wait was long and agonizing, surrounded every moment by the stinging poison fumes and scattered remnants. His heart filled with grief, but he knew now was not the time to strike back. He kept a cool head, carefully listening to his surroundings and waiting for the opportune moment to leave. At last, as the poisonous clouds dispersed and the enemy forces completely withdrew, he dared to stand up and slipped out from the array's broken cracks.
Standing amidst the ruins, he looked around at the devastation, his eyes filled with deep hatred. This southeastern resource point, once teeming with life, was now nothing but barren desolation. The air still faintly reeked of poison, suffocating in its intensity. Around him, trees were withered, spiritual fields lay desolate, and plants bore dark purple-black marks, like a canvas of despair. He slowly closed his eyes, a glimmer of hope igniting in his heart. He knew the road to rebuilding Yunxiao Sect would be arduous, but if there was even a shred of a chance, he would not abandon it.
With his sect destroyed, returning now would be futile; Wang Quan could only seek another path. He suddenly recalled his honorary elder status within the Loose Cultivator Alliance, and perhaps he could take refuge there temporarily, awaiting the right moment for a resurgence. Resolving himself, he set out without hesitation for the alliance's nearest contact point—the Wind Thunder Cavern.
Cautious and vigilant throughout his journey, Wang Quan remained calm. He knew the alliance was friendly with Yunxiao Sect, and the Wind Thunder Cavern, a significant alliance base nearby, usually saw a steady flow of cultivators. Surely, it could be a safe haven for him to recover his strength. However, upon arriving at Wind Thunder Cavern, a sight awaited him that made his heart sink—the once lively sanctuary was now in ruins, sword marks and fragments of broken artifacts littering the area, clear signs of a fierce battle.
Wang Quan walked through the wreckage, carefully examining the traces and scattered talisman fragments on the ground, feeling a deep sense of unease. Realizing the area was no longer safe, and that Wind Thunder Cavern had fallen, he felt an overwhelming helplessness, unsure where to turn next.
Just as he was mulling this over, his spiritual sense picked up a faint pulse of spiritual energy nearby. Focusing, he detected the presence of a cultivator and cautiously approached the source. Within a dense grove, he found a rogue cultivator seated and healing, his spiritual energy faint, clearly at the Qi Refining stage.
The rogue cultivator saw Wang Quan approaching and quickly stood up, wary. But when Wang Quan produced his elder token, the rogue cultivator's expression shifted to one of respect, and he bowed, saying, "Elder!"
Wang Quan waved a hand calmly, asking in a serious tone, "What happened at Wind Thunder Cavern? Why is it in such a state?"
The rogue cultivator's face darkened slightly as he replied, "Elder, the Wind Thunder Cavern was attacked by Yunlan Mountain forces. A Golden Core cultivator personally led the assault, nearly wiping out the alliance's disciples there. Only a few escaped; I survived by hiding here."
Wang Quan was shaken, realizing Yunlan Mountain's power had even swept away the Loose Cultivator Alliance's strongholds. After a moment of calm, he continued, "Where is the nearest alliance contact point? I need to meet with the alliance's leaders."
The Qi Refining rogue cultivator pondered and replied, "After Wind Thunder Cavern fell, the alliance's leaders instructed nearby cultivators to relocate to Qian Kun Grotto for refuge. Qian Kun Grotto has a Nascent Soul cultivator overseeing it, so Yunlan Mountain won't attack easily. You might find allies there."
Nodding, Wang Quan finally glimpsed a shred of hope amidst the chaos. He thought briefly, then turned to the rogue cultivator, "Let's leave together; it's not safe here. If the enemy returns, escape will be difficult."
The rogue cultivator hesitated slightly, but seeing Wang Quan's determined expression, he nodded. The two packed up quickly and set off together for Qian Kun Grotto.
Throughout the journey, Wang Quan remained vigilant. Knowing Wind Thunder Cavern had fallen, he suspected Yunlan Mountain might dispatch patrols to hunt for any remaining rogues, so they proceeded carefully to avoid detection. The Qi Refining cultivator followed in silent respect, not daring to speak much, while Wang Quan scanned the surroundings periodically to ensure their safety.
After two arduous days of travel, they finally neared the vicinity of Qian Kun Grotto. Rich in spiritual energy and surrounded by mountains, it was a natural haven. Qian Kun Grotto was famed for its abundant spirit veins, containing many natural caves and secret realms, making it a core base of the Loose Cultivator Alliance. For centuries, countless rogue cultivators had trained and advanced there, protected by the Nascent Soul elders from calamity.
Upon reaching Qian Kun Grotto, guards stopped them at the entrance. Wang Quan presented his elder token, which the guards verified respectfully before leading them inside. Inside, the area bustled with people, though many wore worried expressions, clearly uneasy about Yunlan Mountain's recent aggression. Wang Quan kept a calm and stern demeanor as he followed the guards deeper into the grotto.
Finally, they reached a grand hall where several senior alliance members sat, all Golden Core cultivators or higher. Wang Quan stepped forward, introduced himself, and recounted Yunxiao Sect's ordeal. The alliance leaders listened, their faces turning grim as murmurs spread, with many expressing anger at Shen Tuo's cruelty.
A dignified elder rose, speaking gravely, "Wang Quan, you may not know, but Yunxiao Sect has been completely destroyed." Wang Quan, stunned, asked, "How? Couldn't the Nascent Soul cultivators of Yunxiao Sect have intervened?" The elder replied, "Shen Tuo is indeed powerful, but Yunxiao Sect's Nascent Soul cultivators have mysteriously disappeared."
Wang Quan paused, grasping the elder's words. Shen Tuo was formidable, but Yunxiao Sect did have its own Nascent Soul powerhouses.
Another middle-aged cultivator suggested, "If you have nowhere else to go, why not officially join the Loose Cultivator Alliance? Our resources may not match a major sect's, but we value freedom and won't interfere excessively in your affairs."
A flash of resolve appeared in Wang Quan's eyes, and he quietly made up his mind. He nodded, indicating his willingness to join the Loose Cultivator Alliance. The alliance leaders then assigned a Qi Refining disciple to escort him to a cave residence.