In the following days, Xiao Chen meditated diligently, consuming pills to refine his spiritual energy further. Though he did not break through, his spirit sense recovered fully and even grew slightly stronger.
At the outskirts of Falling Cloud Valley, a secluded area of dense forests and towering mountains, four young men stood on an open plain. They were split into two pairs, maintaining a wary distance from each other.
"Junior Brother Chu Kuang, we've come as agreed. Why haven't we departed yet?" asked one of the twins standing beneath a tree. Their guarded expressions betrayed their unease.
"Senior Brother Di Qiu, please be patient," Chu Kuang replied calmly, though a hint of anxiety flickered in his eyes.
"Could it be that you've invited someone else besides us?" The Di brothers exchanged glances, their expressions turning grim.
After a brief hesitation, Chu Kuang nodded. "I've indeed sought the aid of another. While I believe we're prepared for the journey, the dangers of an ancient cultivator's abode should not be underestimated. However, rest assured, even if this person joins us, they are not a threat to either side. Whether they come or not remains uncertain."
The Di brothers visibly relaxed, though their eyes continued to betray a mix of doubt and calculation.
Watching them, Chu Kuang smirked inwardly before closing his eyes to meditate. Beside him, a taciturn young man, Wu Wanli, remained silent, his lips curving into a faint, icy smile.
In the mountain valley medicine garden, Xiao Chen made final preparations. While he hadn't achieved Foundation Establishment, he believed he was ready. Securing the entrance to the garden with subtle mechanisms, he ensured it would appear undisturbed in his absence.
Cloaked in the black robe he had acquired from the trade market, Xiao Chen suppressed his cultivation to the eighth level of Qi Refinement and set out for the rendezvous point.
From a distance, he spotted the four figures waiting below. Furrowing his brows, he descended.
"Ah, you came after all," Chu Kuang said, his tone light and his face lighting up with a hint of relief.
The others' reactions revealed their relative strength. Chu Kuang was the first to notice Xiao Chen, followed by Wu Wanli, while the Di brothers only detected his approach after some delay.
Sweeping his spirit sense over the group, Xiao Chen discerned the disparity in strength between them. They remained oblivious to his probe, and he offered them a polite nod.
"Let me introduce everyone," Chu Kuang said with a smile. "This is Senior Brother Wu Wanli. These are Senior Brothers Di Qiu and Di Shuai. May I ask for your name?"
Xiao Chen clasped his hands and replied in a hoarse voice, "Liuyun." Then, he sat cross-legged in silence.
Chu Kuang's sharp eyes lingered on Xiao Chen. He had likely pieced together Xiao Chen's true capabilities during their prior encounter, but Xiao Chen remained unconcerned.
Wu Wanli nodded slightly before resuming his meditation, while the Di brothers exchanged cold glances at Xiao Chen's covered visage. Though they didn't voice their displeasure, their expressions revealed mild dissatisfaction.
Once everyone was settled, Chu Kuang activated a soundproof barrier and began, "As you all know, this expedition targets the treasures within an ancient cultivator's abode. The spoils will be divided evenly, but I must emphasize: follow my instructions. The risks are substantial, and any misstep could lead to disaster."
The Di brothers and Wu Wanli nodded.
Xiao Chen frowned slightly and asked, "Ancient cultivator dwellings are notoriously dangerous. Are we truly equipped for this?"
"Liuyun, rest assured. I've explored the outskirts of the site and assessed its challenges. I wouldn't risk this expedition if I didn't believe it was feasible," Chu Kuang replied confidently.
Satisfied, Xiao Chen nodded, signaling his agreement.
"Good. Let's set off," Chu Kuang declared, taking to the skies with the others following closely behind.
Traveling in secret, the group quickly left Falling Cloud Valley. They maintained a swift pace, covering over 10,000 miles in a single day. By nightfall, they had entered the Ten Thousand Wild Mountains, a vast expanse of rugged wilderness teeming with powerful demonic beasts.
The mountains were infamous for their dangers. On the outskirts alone, one could encounter Grade One demonic beasts equivalent to Qi Refinement cultivators. Deeper within, the threats escalated, with rumors of Grade Five beasts inhabiting the central regions—creatures as powerful as the Unfallen Realm of human cultivators.
As the group descended onto a mountaintop, Chu Kuang gestured for caution. "The ancient cultivator's abode lies midway up this mountain. However, this area is teeming with demonic beasts, some of considerable strength. We must remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary conflict."
The others nodded in agreement.
Chu Kuang led the way, with the Di brothers and Wu Wanli in the middle. Xiao Chen followed at the rear, his senses on high alert.
The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional distant roar of beasts. Above, flocks of strange, black-feathered birds with hooked beaks soared ominously through the sky.
"Wait," Chu Kuang suddenly whispered, his eyes fixed on a leaf-strewn clearing ahead. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his face turned pale. "Conceal your aura. Make no sound."
The group complied immediately, sensing the heavy, unnatural stillness in the area. Even the skies above were devoid of activity, an unsettling anomaly.
Suddenly, the eerie silence was broken by the sound of a commotion overhead. Two of the black-feathered birds were engaged in a fierce battle.
One bird struck its rival, causing it to plummet several meters. The victor let out a triumphant screech, its harsh cry grating on the ears.
But as it looked down, its eyes widened in terror. Without a second thought, it abandoned its prey and shot upward, fleeing into the skies.
Below, the defeated bird flapped its wings frantically, trying to regain altitude. Its panicked cries reverberated in the oppressive silence, a chilling prelude to what lay ahead.