The group pressed on, venturing deeper and deeper, to the point where they could no longer discern their direction. They had traveled for half a day without reaching their destination.
If they hadn't all been ancient martial artists, they would have likely given up long ago.
"Alright, we're here."
Finally, everyone stopped before a cave entrance. The cave was completely sealed by a stone slab, but it was evident that behind the slab lay an opening.
"Behind this stone slab is the passage to the inheritance land. From here on, you will have to act on your own. No one knows what the inheritance land is like. You will have to rely on yourselves for any danger you encounter, and whatever you gain will be entirely up to you. You might return empty-handed, or you might die there. This is your last chance to regret your decision. Once you enter this cave, there will be no turning back."
The sword slave issued another warning to everyone, as if the inheritance land were a hellish abyss, deterring people from entering.
But no one hesitated; their faces were all filled with determination.
"Alas!"
The sword slave sighed, then raised his hand and struck the stone slab. The slab smoothly slid aside, revealing the cave entrance behind it.
The entrance was over a person tall, allowing an adult to walk upright inside.
After opening the entrance, the sword slave paid no further attention and stood to the side, waiting by the cave mouth, just as he had guarded Taiping Mountain.
Young Master Long was the first to enter the cave. It was rather dim inside, and the further they went, the darker it became.
Fortunately, everyone had brought outdoor survival gear, including glow sticks, which illuminated their surroundings.
As they walked, a sudden commotion echoed from within the cave, as if a creature were circling them.
Young Master Long immediately ordered everyone to be silent.
"Hush!"
Once everyone stopped, the cave fell silent, with no sound other than their breathing.
"Young Master Long, did we mishear?"
Someone asked doubtfully.
"You said 'we.' If one person misheard, could everyone mishear?" Young Master Long replied without looking at the speaker, his gaze warily scanning their surroundings.
The person felt a bit awkward. Indeed, it was impossible for everyone to have misheard.
Everyone immediately became vigilant.
"Jiudi, Li Jun, follow me and clear the path ahead. Su Fan, you and your group stay at the rear and maintain vigilance."
Young Master Long, like a leader, issued his commands.
Su Fan and Hu Xuelan's group was the largest besides Young Master Long's, so assigning them to cover the rear was perfectly reasonable, and no one objected.
Su Fan also had no objections.
He scanned their surroundings with a vigilant gaze.
Su Fan and Hu Xuelan were at the very back, with Su Bei and Xiao Lan behind them. The others watched the sides, while Young Master Long and his companions led the way.
"Careful!"
Xiao Lan suddenly shouted, pointing towards the rear.
Su Fan was startled; he hadn't seen anything.
However, Hu Xuelan reacted instantly, drawing her sword and pointing it directly behind them, ready to attack.
Su Fan didn't doubt her and drew his Golden Back Saber, watching the rear warily.
Xiao Lan's cry also drew the attention of the others. They all looked back, but saw nothing but darkness.
"Little sister, don't shout randomly. There's nothing behind us!"
Someone said to Xiao Lan with displeasure.
As soon as he finished speaking, a white shadow suddenly emerged from the darkness.
It was a tiger with wings!
Su Fan was shocked and immediately thought of the monster Su Dongsheng had mentioned: the Qiongqi!
It had wings on its back, was the size of an ox, and bore a striking resemblance to a tiger.
"Dodge!"
Su Fan shouted to Hu Xuelan and quickly rolled to the side to evade.
With such a large monster lunging at them, Hu Xuelan and her companions alone wouldn't be able to stop it.
Upon spotting the "Qiongqi," Hu Xuelan also abandoned the idea of blocking and quickly dodged.
The two, being the closest, dodged in a rather clumsy manner. Thanks to Xiao Lan's warning, Su Bei was also prepared and evaded immediately. The "Qiongqi" glided over their heads, but those behind them were not so fortunate.
One unlucky individual didn't react in time and was directly pounced upon by the "Qiongqi." Its jaws snapped shut, severing his neck, and within a few bites, he was torn to shreds and swallowed.
The very first encounter with the creature resulted in one death.
"Everyone scatter! Follow me!"
Young Master Long's sharp gaze fixed on the "Qiongqi," and without fear, he led his teammates to engage.
Wielding his treasured sword, Young Master Long moved with ethereal grace, covering several steps in moments to reach the "Qiongqi."
Meanwhile, Jiudi flickered and vanished from his spot, his whereabouts unknown.
Li Jun's body ignited with his vital energy, his aura surging, his robust physique seemingly enhanced several levels.
Wu Yun employed his swordsmanship, coordinating with Young Master Long.
Seeing this, Su Fan finally understood that Young Master Long hadn't chosen his teammates randomly. Each of them possessed unique qualities and excelled in their own ways, making their combined combat power far greater than a simple sum.
"Roar!"
The "Qiongqi" let out a roar at Young Master Long and his companions, its gaping maw exuding a strong, foul stench.
Su Fan almost choked on the smell; it was truly pungent.
The "Qiongqi" swiped its massive claw at Young Master Long.
Although Young Master Long was powerful, this was a monster that had once injured Su Dongsheng. He wouldn't be able to withstand a single blow from the "Qiongqi" alone.
At this moment, Li Jun charged forward, instantly positioning himself between the "Qiongqi" and Young Master Long. His great saber, wreathed in blood energy, slashed towards the creature's claw.
Remarkably, Li Jun's saber blocked the "Qiongqi's" attack.
Young Master Long leaped into the air, heading towards the "Qiongqi's" head.
The "Qiongqi" opened its massive mouth, attempting to stop Young Master Long.
Wu Yun, who was coordinating with Young Master Long, then unleashed his sword. It flew out, embedding itself instantly into one of the "Qiongqi's" eyes.
The "Qiongqi" cried out in pain, a pained roar that interrupted its attack and created an opening for Young Master Long.
The "Qiongqi" thrashed its head violently, trying to shake off Young Master Long.
Jiudi, who had disappeared earlier, suddenly reappeared before the "Qiongqi" and plunged his dagger directly into its other, still intact eye.
The "Qiongqi" was instantly blinded. Without its sight, it could no longer sense Young Master Long's position, only letting out enraged and pained roars.
Young Master Long successfully landed on the "Qiongqi's" head. His long sword, enveloped in a purple glow, slashed down, the sword light piercing the "Qiongqi's" nape.
While it didn't sever the head, it broke its spine. The "Qiongqi" immediately collapsed, twitching on the ground. A large amount of blood flowed from beneath it, and soon, it ceased to breathe.
All of this happened in a mere instant. The group's coordination was impeccable; everyone was preparing for Young Master Long's final strike, ensuring he could successfully reach the "Qiongqi's" head and sever its spine with a single sword blow.