Rogue cultivator alliance’s stronghold

As they continued flying forward, Wang Quan gradually caught sight of a sprawling mountain range in the distance. Mist shrouded the peaks, with occasional flashes of lightning illuminating the clouds. The spiritual energy here was far more concentrated than in the outside world, carrying a hint of thunderous power—clearly an extraordinary place for cultivation.

"Young friend, ahead is our base—Wind and Thunder Cave," the rogue cultivator elder said with a smile, pointing towards a large cave opening nestled in the mountains.

Wang Quan's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sight, quietly impressed. The aura emanating from Wind and Thunder Cave was anything but ordinary. The concentrated lightning energy in the area indicated that this was a prime location for cultivating wind or lightning-based techniques—a treasure trove for cultivators attuned to these elements.

As they arrived at the cave entrance, the atmosphere grew heavy with energy. Thunder rumbled faintly, as if a storm could break out at any moment. Several Qi Refining cultivators stood guard at the entrance, and upon seeing the elder and the two other Foundation Establishment cultivators, they immediately bowed respectfully.

"Welcome back, Elder!"

The elder nodded, leading Wang Quan and the others into the cave.

Inside Wind and Thunder Cave, it was a world unto itself. The spacious interior featured naturally formed stone platforms and spirit pools, with thunder symbols and formations etched into the walls. The spiritual energy was exceptionally rich, and lightning-imbued stones, unique to the cave, lay scattered across the ground, glowing with faint electric light.

The elder guided Wang Quan deeper into the cave, smiling as he said, "Young friend, this is our rogue cultivator alliance's stronghold, Wind and Thunder Cave. The spiritual energy here, especially the wind and thunder elements, is highly beneficial for cultivators who practice wind or lightning techniques."

He then introduced the two Foundation Establishment cultivators beside him: "These two are my old friends, Daoist Lei Ling and Daoist Feng Ming. The three of us have long defended Wind and Thunder Cave together, supporting each other against external threats."

Lei Ling, the middle-aged man, had a sharp gaze and a robust aura, radiating powerful thunder energy. He gave a brief nod, his expression somewhat assessing. Feng Ming, on the other hand, was an elderly man clad in a green robe, exuding a gentle demeanor with the soft flow of wind energy around him, giving him a much calmer presence.

The elder continued, "But Wind and Thunder Cave is not just guarded by us three. There's also a senior at the Golden Core stage—Wind and Thunder Elder, who is the true master of this place."

"The Wind and Thunder Elder is a renowned rogue cultivator in the cultivation world, known for his mastery of beast taming. He has a powerful Golden Core stage spirit beast, the Wind and Thunder Demon Hawk, which is so formidable that even most Golden Core cultivators don't dare challenge him lightly."

Hearing this, Wang Quan was inwardly surprised. He had initially assumed that Wind and Thunder Cave was merely a regular rogue cultivator base. To find that it was protected by a Golden Core stage cultivator significantly raised its stature, making it a powerful faction in its own right.

The elder smiled and continued, "Young friend, I can see you are no ordinary cultivator. Your swift and fearless actions in dealing with the Yunlan Mountain disciples impressed us. Our rogue cultivator alliance values mutual support, and if you're willing to join Wind and Thunder Cave, we would be more than happy to help you in return."

"Though this place is a rogue cultivator base, it is not without order. If you join us, you'll gain access to resources like spirit stones, pills, and even the chance to receive guidance from senior experts. You might even get the opportunity to train under the Wind and Thunder Elder himself, boosting your strength considerably."

With that, the elder pulled out a glowing stone from his sleeve and handed it to Wang Quan.

"This is a Wind Thunder Stone, unique to our cave. It contains potent wind and thunder spiritual energy and can help strengthen your cultivation. Consider this a token of our gratitude for your help in dealing with Yunlan Mountain."

Wang Quan accepted the Wind Thunder Stone, sensing the intense energy swirling within it. His interest piqued—this type of energy was outside the five elements he practiced, and he wondered if it could be integrated with his Five Elements Secret Technique. He recognized that Wind and Thunder Cave offered more than just safety; it provided a valuable opportunity to further his cultivation, especially given the presence of a Golden Core stage protector.

Considering the lingering threat of Yunlan Mountain, Wang Quan saw the benefits of temporarily aligning with Wind and Thunder Cave. It would provide him with both protection and the resources needed to enhance his power and perhaps even find an opportunity to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Senior, I am honored by your invitation. I will gladly accept."

Wang Quan responded with a polite bow and a smile.

Seeing Wang Quan agree, the elder's face lit up with satisfaction. "Haha, excellent! With a talented young cultivator like you joining us, Wind and Thunder Cave will grow even stronger!"

The elder then continued leading Wang Quan deeper into the cave, arranging a place for him to stay. Along the way, Wang Quan saw many rogue cultivators engaged in their cultivation. Some sat cross-legged, circulating spiritual energy, while others practiced techniques or sparred on stone platforms. The environment inside Wind and Thunder Cave was organized and structured, more like a small sect than a loose gathering of rogue cultivators.

"It seems Wind and Thunder Cave is far more organized than I imagined…"

Wang Quan mused to himself, recognizing the strength and potential within this base. The presence of the Wind and Thunder Elder, in particular, filled him with anticipation.

He resolved to stay at Wind and Thunder Cave for the time being, taking advantage of the resources and the rich environment to seek out opportunities for a breakthrough to Foundation Establishment. As the elder mentioned, the cave's resources, including the Wind Thunder Stones and spirit herbs, would undoubtedly help him solidify his cultivation and improve his strength.