Chapter 36: Ice Spiders

Chu Xiaotian spoke bitterly, not expecting their mission to be fraught with such peril. They had encountered the Jackal Tiger Beast earlier, and now they faced the Bloodthirsty Ice Spiders.

"Bloodthirsty Ice Spiders are ancient and ferocious creatures. Though small and only at the Lingyuan level, they are incredibly dangerous due to their vast numbers, easily in the millions. They are virtually unkillable, regenerating almost instantly unless they are attacked with fire," Chu Xiaotian explained.

"Are they that terrifying?" Mu Qingcheng's face grew tense upon hearing Chu Xiaotian's description. Her mission from the martial arts academy had turned out to be far more difficult than she anticipated.

"Does the Qinglian Lantern have any effect on them?" Mu Qingcheng asked, as they were close to completing the mission despite the numerous dangers they had already faced.

"We can try," Chu Xiaotian responded, uncertain of the lantern's effectiveness against the spiders.

Mu Qingcheng nodded, and they remained vigilant, ready to retreat if necessary. The lantern might be their key to proceeding further.

As countless Bloodthirsty Ice Spiders approached, their piercing sounds affected Chu Xiaotian and Mu Qingcheng's minds, making them extremely cautious. They were ready to leave at the first sign of danger but hoped the Qinglian Lantern's light would keep the spiders at bay.

"Here they come." The mass of Ice Spiders, with their shrill sounds, was intimidating, weakening their ability to fight at full strength.

Mu Qingcheng infused more spiritual energy into the Qinglian Lantern, brightening its light and expanding its range. The spiders hesitated to approach the light, as if fearful of the lantern's flame. If their numbers had been fewer, the spiders would have already retreated.

"Can you keep it up?" Chu Xiaotian asked, noticing Mu Qingcheng's pale face.

"We should move quickly," she replied, leading the way deeper into the cave while maintaining the lantern's light.

With the Qinglian Lantern's light holding the spiders back, Chu Xiaotian and Mu Qingcheng increased their pace, evading the spiders' pursuit.

As they advanced, the weakening light of the lantern allowed the spiders to close in. Chu Xiaotian acted quickly, his sword slicing through the spiders, which exploded on contact with the lantern's light.

"It's working," Chu Xiaotian realized, seeing that his sword attacks, combined with the lantern's light, effectively killed the spiders. He continued attacking the spiders within the range of the lantern's light, clearing a path for them.

Maintaining their strategy, Mu Qingcheng focused on sustaining the lantern's light while Chu Xiaotian dealt with the spiders. Their cooperation improved, and Mu Qingcheng occasionally assisted in eliminating any spiders that Chu Xiaotian missed.

Finally, Chu Xiaotian's spiritual power detected the end of the cave. "I see the bottom of the cave," he announced with a smile.

Mu Qingcheng nodded, her excitement palpable. "Let's go," they both said, rushing towards the cave's depths.

Upon reaching the bottom, they found the Ice Spiders no longer pursued them, hesitantly remaining outside. "They don't dare to come in?" Chu Xiaotian wondered, as they observed the spiders' reluctant retreat.