The statue's eyes emitted a faint green light, and a voice echoed in Ye Tian's mind, "Thank you, benefactor, for releasing me back to the mountains."
Ye Tian pondered for a moment, then chuckled, "Are you the Mountain God of Shenni Mountain?"
The statue replied, "In fact, this entire region was once under my jurisdiction, including Shenni Mountain. That toad was an avatar I split off hundreds of years ago."
Ye Tian: "I see. Why is the Mountain God's statue in the Witch Cave?"
The statue: "When I was still an ordinary person, I received a legacy in the Witch Cave and founded the Witch Cave lineage, being revered as the Witch Ancestor. Later, in pursuit of longevity, I merged my soul with this mountain range, naturally becoming the Mountain God of this area."
Ye Tian: "Only a Celestial Immortal can achieve an indestructible soul. Your cultivation should be no weaker than a Celestial Immortal."
Witch Ancestor: "I am still inferior to a Celestial Immortal. I cannot leave this area; I am effectively bound."
Ye Tian: "Witch Ancestor, what legacy is there within the Witch Cave?"
Witch Ancestor: "A very ancient legacy, containing methods for immortality and invincibility, as well as a general compendium of witchcraft, considered the origin of all witchcraft in the world."
Ye Tian: "May I go in and see?"
Witch Ancestor: "The Witch Cave has three areas. I only entered the first area and passed the test. The other two places hold more powerful legacies, but the tests will undoubtedly be more difficult. Benefactor, please be careful if you go."
Ye Tian asked, "What kind of tests?"
Witch Ancestor: "Tests on a spiritual level, not something that can be overcome solely by high cultivation."
"Are there dangers if I don't pass?"
Witch Ancestor: "If you fail, you will become a slave of the Witch Cave, forced to serve it until your dying day."
Ye Tian: "It seems the risk is quite high."
"Benefactor, you must consider carefully."
Ye Tian: "No rush, we can discuss it another day."
After chatting with the Witch Ancestor for about half an hour, Ye Tian exited the Witch Cave.
Everyone was waiting outside. Seeing him emerge after such a long time, they cheered.
The Saintess was also pleased and said, "Chief Protector, congratulations on passing the Witch Ancestor's trial."
The assembly concluded, and everyone dispersed. Ye Tian and Zhang Longsheng bid farewell to the Saintess and returned to the mountain.
Upon their return, Gong Tianli had already arrived with his men and met up with Zhang Longsheng and Ye Tian.
Zhang Longsheng: "My people just received news that the Linggu Sect has a major event tonight. The Gu King and core members are all returning. Leader, why don't we act tonight and wipe out the Linggu Sect in one fell swoop!"
Ye Tian asked, "What major event?"
Zhang Longsheng: "The informant is not of high status, so they don't know the specifics, but it should be related to the Gu King they are cultivating."
Ye Tian: "I know a Gu Master named Balie. Is he also part of the Linggu Sect?"
Zhang Longsheng: "I have heard of Balie. He is a Gu Master from the northern Miao region and has some ties to the Linggu Sect, but they are not the same organization."
Ye Tian: "The most authoritative figure in the Linggu Sect should be their Gu King. I will handle the Gu King; I will not participate in anything else."
This matter, in essence, was the grievance between Zhang Longsheng, Gong Tianli, and the Linggu Sect. Ye Tian did not wish to be involved in too much bloodshed, merely helping them deal with the most formidable opponent, the Gu King.
Zhang Longsheng nodded slightly, "As long as the Leader can control the Gu King, the rest of them are not a threat."
Seeing that the time was about right, they set off for the Linggu Sect.
It was already past two in the morning. The group walked through the dense mountain forest, their pace not fast. Around four o'clock, Zhang Longsheng pointed to a brightly lit valley ahead and said, "Leader, the entrance to the Linggu Sect is ahead. There must be many sentries around here."
Ye Tian said, "Wait here. I'll go scout." With that, he disappeared from their sight.
Witnessing Ye Tian's spectral movements, Gong Tianli exclaimed, "Earth Immortals are truly powerful, far surpassing Human Immortals."
Zhang Longsheng: "Naturally. There are many Human Immortals in this world. How many Earth Immortals have you or I seen? Moreover, the Leader's strength is definitely in the upper-middle tier among Earth Immortals!"