Chapter 91: Demon Cultivator

Exiting the Black Corpse Temple, the leading Poison Insect Disciple swiftly turned left.

The group followed closely, flashing through to an adjacent street known for its miscellaneous goods market. Here, many rogue cultivators sold treasures unearthed from tomb raiding.

After walking several dozen steps along the street, the Poison Insect Disciple abruptly halted and glanced towards a shop on the left side.

Spirit Medicine Pavilion.

This store specialized in selling spirit medicines, with an entrance more lavish than nearby shops, featuring door frames crafted from high-quality wood. However, even here, chaos had struck; the Spirit Medicine Pavilion’s doors were forcibly broken, leaving shattered remnants scattered around. Inside, cabinets lay disarrayed, and the corpses of dead clerks slumped over them, emitting a foul odor.

“The target is inside.”

The Poison Insect Disciple extended his hand, summoning back the dispersed insects.

“Everyone, step back.”

Lian Qiang from Divine Fire Peak advanced two steps and unleashed a powerful punch against the half-collapsed door. A scorching blast cleared away debris, ensuring no hidden traps could catch them off guard.

The group entered cautiously.

Chen Luo positioned himself near the center, accompanied by Mowen Jian from Tianjian Peak.

This Poison Insect Disciple seemed quite capable; if danger arose, he could serve as a shield.

“I wondered where they were hiding, turns out it was underground.”

Lian Qiang, at the forefront, approached a medicinal cabinet and with one swift strike shattered it, revealing a concealed passageway below. Surrounding the entrance were scattered formation markings, which had previously masked this location from their detection.

“Be cautious, there might be an array master among these rogue cultivators,” Chu Hongye warned.

Before her words had fully echoed, a black needle-like magical item flew out from a nearby cabinet. At the Qi Refinement stage, spiritual energy is limited, so during combat, small magical items are used to conserve power. For resource-scarce rogue cultivators, poison-tipped needles are often their preferred choice.

Clang!

The needle viciously struck Lian Qiang’s face, striking his left cheek with such force that sparks flew upon impact.

“You think that tickles me?”

With a menacing grin, Lian Qiang punched the adjacent cabinet, unleashing explosive strength that demolished the entire wall.

“Troublesome, dealing with Divine Fire Peak’s ironclad brute.”

A shadow darted from amidst the explosion, swiftly escaping beyond the courtyard.

“Trying to run?”

With a fierce roar, spiritual energy erupted from beneath Lian Qiang’s feet like flames, propelling him forward violently and demolishing walls along his path. Only Divine Fire Peak’s body cultivators fought with such brutal ferocity.

The others intended to follow and provide support but were halted as a pale yellow paper talisman flew out from the corridor below them.

Pausing momentarily in mid-air, the talisman transformed into a streak of white light before exploding spectacularly.

Boom!

Grasping two individuals by their arms, Chu Hongye swiftly retreated.

Before anyone could regain their footing, seven or eight figures emerged nearby, including the corpses that had previously lain on the ground, now shakily standing upright.

“Be cautious, these are corpse puppets, highly poisonous. Find the necromancer controlling them first!”

“Foul spirits, mere weeds!” shouted the sword cultivator beside Mowen Jian. His eyes gleamed with a burst of white light, hair flying dramatically.

With a ringing sound, his longsword unsheathed itself.

Blade glows coalesced into unparalleled sword qi, effortlessly slicing through the dozens of surrounding corpse puppets in a single strike, cleaving them in half.

After executing the devastating blow, the Tianjian Peak disciple swiftly sheathed his sword, the movement remarkably stylish and fluid. The only slight flaw was a wobble upon landing, causing his steps to falter briefly.

True to Tian Jian Peak’s reputation, their sword cultivators struck decisively—success or martyrdom with every swing!

“Sword cultivators always exude such elegance,” said Chen Luo’s fellow Wu Dao Peak disciple enviously.

In comparison to the experts from other peaks, the two representatives from Wu Dao Peak seemed almost token additions. Throughout the mission, they had little opportunity to contribute, often feeling more like hindrances than active participants.

“Wu Dao Peak is no slouch either. Shixiong, let’s not diminish our own standing by admiring others too much,” Chen Luo gently reminded his senior, urging him to contain his envy. After all, they represented Wu Dao Peak’s reputation outside its walls.

“Should we descend now?”

After dispatching the corpse puppets, the group swiftly gathered near the cave entrance.

Lian-shixiong from Divine Fire Peak had already vanished somewhere; typically, those from his lineage preferred action over strategy, mirroring the straightforward nature of their cultivation techniques.

“We can wait for them to come up on their own.”

Chu Hongye stepped forward and, with her right hand, produced a blue-purple gourd which she tossed into the cave.

With a soft thud, the gourd disappeared at the bottom.

“Ahhh!!!”

Soon, agonizing screams echoed from within the cave, followed by sounds of crashes and falls, then all went silent. This scene sent chills down the spines of those nearby, deepening their awe towards Elder Sister Chu.

“It seems they won’t be able to climb back up.”

With a calm expression, Chu Hongye retrieved her insect charm.

Wanwu Peak disciples excelled in poisons and insects, and as the head disciple, Chu Hongye’s mastery over them was truly extraordinary.

Just as they were about to search the area, an explosive sound erupted outside.

This was immediately followed by furious roars.

“It’s Lian-shidi,” Chu Hongye swiftly darted out, knowing that Lian Qiang must not die, or their situation would become perilous.

Upon emerging, everyone froze in their tracks.

The previously dark sky had vanished, replaced by dense fog, reducing visibility in the entire market to less than three meters. Standing at the entrance, they could only hear distant enraged shouts but couldn’t discern their origin.

“I just want to survive; why do you disciples from major sects keep pushing me?”

A wavering voice drifted through the mist, seemingly accompanied by numerous ghostly shadows flitting around, making it impossible to locate its source.

“Let’s rescue him first.”

Chu Hongye ignored the voice, focusing on the insect charm in her hand, yet she found herself unable to pinpoint Lian Qiang’s position.

“Poison Shidi, I may need your assistance this time,” Chu Hongye’s gaze fell upon the Poison Insect Disciple beside her.

“A minor task.” The Poison Insect Disciple reached into his robes and produced another venomous bottle.

“With my Spirit Devouring Gu-”

Mid-sentence, his expression abruptly changed, and he swiftly pressed his hand against his chest.

Shhhk!

A translucent palm emerged from the fog behind him, instantly ripping out the Poison Insect Disciple’s heart.

The crimson heart hung within the pale hand, pulsating vigorously.

This sudden scene stunned everyone, especially Chu Hongye, who was closest to the Poison Insect Disciple. Splattered with hot blood, the warmth constantly reminded her that her fellow disciple had been killed right before her eyes.

“Seeking death!” Chu Hongye reacted first, roaring as three gu bottles materialized in her hands.

“Elder Sister Chu, restrain your anger!” Suddenly, the Wu Dao Peak disciple, who had remained mostly passive during their encounter with Chen Luo, spoke up. A powerful wave of divine soul fluctuations spread out, instantly calming the enraged Chu Hongye.

“It’s the Heart Demon Technique; there must be a demon cultivator nearby.”

Simultaneously, Chen Luo held back Mowen Jian at his side, using his divine soul power to snap him out of it. Just moments ago, his friend was about to draw his sword impulsively.