Six months later, In the outer region of the Great Star Dou Forest...
Amidst the dense trees and bushes within the Great Star Dou Forest, a man in his twenties made his way through the bushes with careful steps. His imposing and well-built body moved with ease like someone who was well-versed in exploring the forest. The man's destination was a certain hidden cave, a place that held a significant meaning to him.
As he reached the entrance, he paused for a moment, taking in the familiar surroundings. The cave was well-hidden, its entrance concealed by thick vines and the natural curvature of the rocky terrain. To anyone else, this place would have seemed like an ordinary, unremarkable cave. But to this man, it was a sanctuary.
Entering the cave, he moved deeper and deeper until he reached its innermost chamber. The air grew cooler and fresher, and soon the dim light gave way to a radiant, almost magical glow. The chamber opened up into a large space, illuminated by the bioluminescent glow of countless Immortal Herbs that surrounded a serene, crystal-clear lake dense with Spiritual Energy.
The sight was breathtaking, a Blessed Land of unimaginable value. If any outside force discovered this place, they would definitely go crazy and do whatever it took to take over this Blessed Land, even a war between empires would not be surprising.
The man walked slowly around the place, his eyes scanning every corner, searching for something or rather someone. His face, initially hopeful, gradually turned to one of disappointment. He sighed softly, murmuring to himself, "Brother Qian, Sister Linlin... when will you come back?"
The man was none other than Tang Chen!
Ten years ago, Tang Chen had stumbled upon this place under dire circumstances. His own brother had tried to kill him, and in the ensuing chase, Tang Chen had been saved by two Spirit Beasts, Feng Qian and Feng Linlin who lived in this cave.
Though his brother had perished, it was the result of his own action trying to kill him, and Tang Chen bore no ill will toward the Feng Qian and Feng Linlin. Instead, he grew to respect and cherish them, living with them for three years and became their brother. He also had promised to keep the cave a secret from the outside world.
He walked to the edge of the lake and gazed into the water, lost in memories. "Maybe, they aren't coming back?... No, I shouldn't think like that. I believe we will meet again someday," he murmured, trying to shake off the nagging worry that had crept into his heart.
For the past seven years, Tang Chen had visited this place annually to do some closed-door cultivation while waiting for Feng Qian and Feng Linlin, but each time he was unable to meet them. Despite the repeated disappointments, he remained optimistic, convinced that one day they would meet again.
He wanted to search the entire Great Star Dou Forest to find them, however that was just wishful thinking as it was impossible for his current strength to roam freely in the Great Star Dou Forest as the forest was full of powerful Spirit Beasts that could kill him easily.
"Brother Qian, Sister Linlin... Wait for me, when I have grown strong enough, I will surely find you!"
With a final look around the cave, Tang Chen turned to leave. His visit this time was solely to check on the cave, not for secluded cultivation, as he had been tasked with a mission by his Clan to go to the Star Dou Forest, so he decided to pass by this place as well.
Soon, he moved out of the cave, once again concealed its entrance with the natural camouflage. Outside, he paused to spread his Spiritual Energy, ensuring that no one had followed him or was lurking nearby.
After making sure he was alone, he set off towards a specific area within the outer region of the Great Star Dou Forest.
...
Somewhere in the Outer Region of the Great Star Dou Forest...
It didn't take long for Tang Chen to reach his destination where six individuals awaited him. They were a formidable group, each possessing an aura at the Spirit Emperor Realm. Surprisingly, some of them were still young and around Tang Chen's age.
Currently, Tang Chen's cultivation was also at Spirit Emperor Realm, and to be precise he reached the Rank 67 Spirit Emperor in the age of 25.
Having received the Level 4 Immortal Herb from Feng Qian seven years prior, and consistently engaging in secluded cultivation within the Blessed Land, Tang Chen's potential soared. Even prodigies who had the full support of their clans couldn't surpass Tang Chen's potential, making Tang Chen the most talented prodigy known throughout the continent.
Soon, as Tang Chen approached them, a white-haired man who seemed to be the captain stepped forward to greet him. "Tang Chen, you're late," said the man in a reprimanding tone.
Tang Chen scratched his head and said sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I had to check on some place earlier," he explained.
The white-haired man nodded reluctantly, understanding. "Sigh... We were about to start without you. It's good that you're here now."
The white-haired man was from Seven Sword Clan, Chen Jianjin, a 34-year-old man, and a Rank 69 Spirit Emperor, He's currently the captain of this group that was formed six months ago by the Spirit Hall.
The group, now complete with Tang Chen's arrival, exchanged brief greetings and prepared to move forward with their mission.
Each of these members was a prodigy of their respective clan and was chosen by Spirit Hall. Their mission this time was clear: to eradicate the Dark Spirit Master's hidden base in this forest.
As the group ventured further into the forest towards the hidden base, the surrounding air grew colder with the onset of night.
As they moved forward, there was a village emitting green light from every house.
"A village in the middle of the forest?" Tang Chen and the others were quite surprised by the appearance of the village.
"Stay alert, according to information, this should be their hidden base." Chen Jianjin said, his voice low but firm. Suddenly he shouted "Everyone, get ready to fight!"
Soon, several vile Dark Spirit Masters surged forth.
Swosh~ Swosh ~
Chen Jianjin immediately summoned his Martial Spirit, the Seven Kill Sword.
Shiing~
They were roughly at the Rank Spirit Ancestor Realm, yet they were effortlessly vanquished by Chen Jianjin's Martial Spirit, Seven Kill Sword.
"Spirit Ancestor? These Dark Spirit Masters seemed to overestimate their capabilities," Chen Jianjin said with a smile. He snapped his fingers.
On his palm, seven light swords that were like pillars danced, casting light over the area and illuminating the entire village.
"Martial Spirit of Seven Sword Clan are really something." A lady adorned in regal attire from the group of seven Spirit Masters sighed involuntarily. A veiled lady from the group also nodded in agreement.
These two beautiful ladies were royalties from the Star Luo Empire, Dai An and Xu Xan. Dai An was the representative of the White Tiger Clan, while Xu Xan, the veiled lady was the representative of the Star Crown Clan.
"He can clearly just let Xu Xan light up this place… As the captain, he must at least have some experience in this area. What a showoff..." A gray-haired man from the group complained.
"This old man, why did he have to bother lighting up this place even though he knew he was the attacking type in this group? Tch... it was truly inefficient; he'd better just transfer his captaincy rights to me." the gray-haired man muttered displeasedly.
The gray-haired man's name was Yu Tianwu. A prodigy from a clan that had the most powerful Martial Spirit in the entire continent, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. From his own records, his strength was so strong that he could even fight someone with cultivation above his realm equally.
"T-Tianwu, stop it already... W-we're on a mission, D-don't fight!" A blue-haired woman said while trying her best to hold Yu Tianwu.
This blue-haired lady was not from a big clan like any other members, but her Martial Spirit was so rare that it was comparable to big clans across the continent, her name was Xie Rin, the only person with the Nine-Hearted Flowering Apple Martial Spirit.
"Hmph! like I care!" Yu Tianwu said unconcernedly
Although they have been in one group for the past six months, it seems that differences between members are still an obstacle for them.
Tang Chen seemed unbothered, and just quietly following behind.
However, suddenly a young man with golden hair from their group stopped walking. "Wait, I feel powerful Dark Energy ahead," the man said, his tone calm but reassuring.
If anyone looked closely toward the man, they would see that the man was radiating a holy, spiritual energy that made everyone around him feel warm and secure.
This man was none other than Qian Douliu!
Spirit Hall's most talented prodigy, even people across the continent sometimes said that his talent was comparable to even greater than Tang Chen, that was because at the age of 20 he had already reached the Spirit Emperor realm.
"Everyone, don't run around and stick together. The Dark Spirit Masters are already alert to our presence. From our latest information, there might be additional dangers in this village that are elusive and unpredictable, making them impossible to defend against," Chen Jianjin reminded.
Everyone in the group nodded and carefully moved forward.
The village seemed to have been abandoned for a long time and had become one of the secret bases of the Dark Spirit Masters. It is unknown how many innocent lives have fallen victim to the Dark Spirit Masters in this Village.
As they went deeper, Tang Chen didn't realize that he has been left far behind by the group.
Soon, as he came to the realization, he swiftly pursued them, following in silence. Yet, as he proceeded, Tang Chen noticed that the group ahead had stopped talking... He felt something was odd.
"Where are the Dark Spirit Masters?"
Tang Chen asked, not blinking an eye, while carefully observing the surroundings.
Strangely, Chen Jianjin continued walking ahead, not once looking back or responding to Tang Chen. Similarly, the rest of the group members acted in the same manner.
Unbeknownst to Tang Chen, the village was gradually enveloped in a dense fog. The light grew fainter, and the birdsong slowly diminished until it was gone. The air became damp and chilly, and the faint sound of water dripping could be heard. A piercing cold wind seemed to cut through the body, reaching out to caress the soul.
Hello I'm back, and welcome to Volume 2 of the story...
P.S
(You don't have to read this, this is just a statement of the reasons for my absence)
I'm really sorry that I didn't give updates for the last 6 months, I only had time to write because my college semester just finished, I thought I could write while studying, but it seems quite difficult to focus on both... So I decided to go on hiatus without telling you...
Actually, when I opened the app again a few weeks ago I was very surprised because my book got 1 million views.
It really made me excited to write again, but I felt sad at the same time because I was still studying at that time so I couldn't write.. .
I can't promise you that I won't do this again, but I will make sure to continue the story when I have time...