The Five Heretical Sects, the Northern Miao Gu Cult?
I never expected to stumble into a dilapidated house.
And overhear such a tale of the Daoist sects.
There are countless wondrous arts and strange techniques in the world.
And this Gu cultivation is one of the most well-known amongst them.
I recall my master once telling me that people only knew how poisonous and malevolent Gu cultivation was, how it killed without regard for propriety.
They didn't realize how harsh and venomous those who cultivated these Gu insects, who refined their own insect techniques, were to themselves.
Those who practice Gu cultivation generally raise insects within their own bodies.
Thus, they gain the unique abilities of these insects.
Among them, one particularly famous poisonous insect is called the "Golden Cicada Gu."
It is said this Gu is golden all over and incredibly poisonous.
After implanting this Gu within oneself, not only can one spit venom to kill, but one also becomes immune to all poisons.
Even more terrifying, the host can gain the insect's powerful healing abilities.
Of course, by nurturing insects within their own bodies, these Gu masters become "Insect People."
And suffer terrible side effects throughout their bodies...
I had only heard of this before, never seen it.
Could it be that today, I would have to face such individuals?
I thought this, looking at the five-poison boxes.
My martial uncle then chimed in, saying:
"Everyone, we must be even more cautious from now on.
These Miao Gu sorcerers are skilled in using insects.
They could be hiding insects anywhere on their bodies, including within their flesh or even their blood.
If you encounter them, be extremely careful."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded repeatedly, committing it to memory, not daring to be careless.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside.
"Everyone be silent!"
Yunxia Gu quickly exclaimed.
All of us immediately fell silent, pressing ourselves against the walls.
"The Great Protector has ordered a lockdown of the Demon Palace!"
"All passersby are to be strictly inspected."
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
"..."
As numerous voices responded, many demonic cultivators hurried back and forth outside.
Observing the scene outside, everyone's hearts grew tense.
We had just entered the Demon Palace, and they were already enforcing a lockdown.
How could we possibly approach the Corpse Ghost Celestial Embryo in the city center now?
After the sounds outside subsided, my martial uncle spoke to us again:
"The demonic cultivators and zombies killed outside must have been discovered.
It seems we can only hide here for now."
I nodded:
"That's fine, everyone has been traveling extensively.
It's a good opportunity to rest!"
My life curse had erupted, leaving me with just over a day.
Though I felt anxious, I knew that
Haste would not solve the problem.
Calmly assessing the situation and waiting for an opportunity was our best course of action.
The others, understanding the external circumstances were not conducive to action, also nodded.
Then, inside the house, they each found a corner to sit and rest.
We had traveled from Heishui Guan, and it had been almost a full day and night.
After such a long journey, even with their Dao cultivation protecting them, everyone was tired and needed proper rest.
Old Mo, being a bit more carefree, had already fallen into a light sleep shortly after sitting down.
Yunxia Gu and Xia Qiu Xi also closed their eyes to rest.
Only my martial uncle and I leaned near the doorway.
At the same time, my martial uncle placed a talisman on the door.
It was likely a talisman to mask our presence.
Simultaneously, he kept watch outside, prepared for any unforeseen events.
"Xiao Qin, you should rest too!"
My martial uncle whispered.
But I shook my head:
"Martial uncle, I'm not sleepy. You rest for a bit! I'll keep watch."
Seeing my earnestness, my martial uncle said no more.
He gave me a "hmm" and leaned against the wall, closing his eyes.
I truly wasn't sleepy as I focused on the outside.
Perhaps it was related to my impending life curse.
I touched my left chest, where a mass of energy resided.
It didn't hurt or itch, but rather felt a bit warm.
The sensation was like a rope, entwining my soul.
It couldn't be pulled out, nor could it be untangled.
It was better not to feel it, but if I deliberately tried to sense it,
I could feel it tightening, as if it were about to shatter my very being.
Now, deep within enemy territory, I didn't know if I could survive this ordeal.
If I did, I would repay the kindness of my martial uncle, Yunxia Gu, and the others tenfold.
If I didn't, I would find a way to ensure my martial uncle, Old Mo, and the others escaped safely.
I couldn't allow my fate to implicate them,
To make them be buried with me...
I mused silently, keeping watch.
Time ticked by, minute by minute.
One hour, two hours, three hours...
It should have been around five in the morning.
We had been hiding here for approximately seven to eight hours.
My martial uncle and the others had long since awakened.
But the alert within the Demon Palace had still not been lifted.
The incessant commands of demonic cultivators, the drifting vengeful spirits, the leaping zombies, and the scurrying four-legged monsters.
With only about a dozen hours left until the life curse erupted,
I touched the dragon and phoenix jade pendant, looking worriedly at the scene outside.
I murmured to myself:
"Is there really no chance?"
"There's definitely a chance, at worst, we can risk going out!"
My martial uncle heard my voice and suddenly spoke.
I turned my head and saw everyone looking at me.
Old Mo also chimed in:
"Old Qin, everyone has rested enough.
If they don't lift the lockdown soon, I think we should try to break out.
At worst, we'll fight our way out together.
Having entered this gate, I never expected to live to old age.
Even in death, we, the Twin Demon Exterminators, will not disgrace our reputation."
Old Mo was a true brother, a friend through life and death.
My heart swelled with emotion.
"Yes, hiding is futile. We might as well try."
Xia Qiu Xi agreed.
Yunxia Gu also responded with a "hmm":
"Tang Ge, rather than waiting like this.
It's better that we take the risk.
If we keep waiting like this,
I fear Xiao Qin's life curse will erupt..."