Chapter 35: Deep into the Cave

After claiming the Yao Crystal from the Jackal Tiger Beast, Mu Qingcheng, carrying the injured Chu Xiaotian, hurried towards their destination. Shortly after their departure, other Yao beasts arrived at the scene, devouring the remains of the massive beast without leaving a trace, then disappearing into the darkness of the forest.

Having slain the Jackal Tiger Beast, they continued on, fortunately not encountering any more Yao beasts along the way. Otherwise, they would have surely perished in this core area.

"We're here," Mu Qingcheng said with relief after carrying Chu Xiaotian for several minutes. Her complexion was paler, her breath weaker.

After administering a healing pill to Chu Xiaotian and ensuring his condition stabilized, she took one herself. As a being with a supreme divine physique, Chu Xiaotian's recovery speed, especially with the aid of the medicinal pill, was remarkably fast.

"System, there's still residual medicinal power in my body. Should I use it all?" Chu Xiaotian, regaining consciousness but not yet opening his eyes, asked the system.

"Use it all," he decided. With the burst of medicinal power, Chu Xiaotian activated his Tai Gu True Dragon Art and, combined with the medicinal power and natural spiritual energy, broke through to the next realm – the sixth level of Lingyuan Realm.

"A breakthrough?" Mu Qingcheng noticed Chu Xiaotian's significant movements. His injuries were severe, and even with her high-grade pills, it would have taken days to recover. However, in just one night, not only had his injuries healed, but he had also advanced a minor realm. "What kind of monster are you?" she wondered, half in awe.

As Chu Xiaotian opened his eyes, his gaze was sharp, and his aura intimidating. He exhaled a breath of turbid air, and his eyes and the sword qi inside him returned to normal.

"Are you alright?" Mu Qingcheng asked, her tone now soft and concerned.

"I'm fine, and feeling much better," Chu Xiaotian assured her.

"That's good to hear," she replied, her attitude towards Chu Xiaotian subtly changing, becoming more gentle and less aloof.

"What is this place?" Chu Xiaotian asked, looking around the icy cave that was large enough to accommodate hundreds of people and seemed to have no end in sight. The cave was not dark; a faint light allowed visibility, and their spiritual power was not hindered.

The Qinglian Lantern not only dispersed the white fog and restored spiritual power but also repelled the cold, making them immune to the chill. "Such a miraculous item," Chu Xiaotian thought, moving closer to Mu Qingcheng.

"We've reached our destination. Now that you've recovered, let's go in," Mu Qingcheng said, resuming her cold and proud demeanor.

Chu Xiaotian agreed without objection and followed her into the cave.

According to the information Mu Qingcheng had, the item she sought was inside this cave. However, soon after entering, they heard a series of eerie sounds, like demonic whispers causing discomfort and pain.

"Do you hear that?" Chu Xiaotian asked, frowning.

"I hear it, but I don't know what it is," Mu Qingcheng replied, her expression turning serious as she scanned their surroundings cautiously.

"Should we continue deeper?" Chu Xiaotian asked, puzzled by her apparent lack of knowledge about what lay ahead.

Mu Qingcheng hesitated, recalling their encounter with the Jackal Tiger Beast. "Let's stop for now," she decided, not wanting to take further risks without more information.

Agreeing with her decision, Chu Xiaotian remained silent. His strength was limited, and using his Sword Domain would completely drain him, leaving him vulnerable.

Shortly after, Chu Xiaotian's spiritual power detected creatures approaching. They were palm-sized Yao beasts, translucent like crystal, resembling spiders but larger and emanating a malevolent aura.

"Bloodthirsty Ice Spiders!" Chu Xiaotian exclaimed in recognition.

"You know them?" Mu Qingcheng asked, unfamiliar with these creatures.

"Don't you know? Weren't they mentioned in your information?" Chu Xiaotian asked, concerned about their lack of knowledge.

Mu Qingcheng simply replied, "No."

Chu Xiaotian frowned, feeling misled and endangered by the lack of information.