The Hunt for Evil Spirits

After hearing about recent events in the Wind and Thunder Cave, Wang Quan started formulating a plan. The cultivation world was becoming increasingly tumultuous, with evil spirits becoming coveted treasures. Major sects and rogue cultivators alike had begun competing to capture the spirits' essence, turning the situation even more chaotic. Although the tensions between the rogue cultivators' alliance and Cloudy Mountain hadn't fully erupted, Wang Quan knew this fragile balance could break at any moment.

"The essence of evil spirits can enhance spiritual power. This presents a rare opportunity for me," Wang Quan murmured, his gaze determined. Now that he had reached the peak of Qi Condensation stage nine, the next step was to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Although his Five Elements Secret Art was powerful, achieving Foundation Establishment required not only ample spiritual energy but also an elevation of the soul's strength.

"If evil spirits can enhance soul power, I can't afford to miss this opportunity."

In his plan, after solidifying his cultivation in the Wind and Thunder Cave, he would venture to areas where evil spirits were known to roam and seize the chance to hunt them. By collecting enough soul power, he could build a firm foundation for his future breakthrough into Foundation Establishment.

However, Wang Quan was well aware that evil spirits were not easy prey. Particularly powerful ones were unpredictable and dangerous—one misstep could lead to disaster. The competition for these spirits would undoubtedly be fraught with peril, with sects and rogue cultivators all vying for them.

Just as Wang Quan was preparing to embark on his journey, an elder from the Wind and Thunder Cave approached him with an invitation.

"Young brother, I've heard you've recently broken through to the ninth level of Qi Condensation. Impressive, indeed! Your talent truly is exceptional," the elder said with a broad smile, clearly pleased with Wang Quan's progress.

Wang Quan humbly replied, "Elder, you're too kind. It was just the right opportunity."

The elder nodded approvingly, his eyes showing admiration before his expression grew serious. "I've come to you today because we've received concrete information. A group of evil spirits has gathered in a valley near Cloudy Mountain. To prevent the spirits from spreading further, the senior Wind and Thunder Elder has decided to dispatch a team to hunt them down and harvest their spirit essences."

"Spirit essences from evil spirits?" Wang Quan's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected the Wind and Thunder Cave to act so swiftly. It was clear that, with the news of the spirits' essences spreading, even the rogue cultivators' alliance didn't want to fall behind, swiftly mobilizing for the contest over these powerful resources.

The elder smiled. "I've noticed that your cultivation has reached the ninth level of Qi Condensation, and you possess formidable skills with your Five Elements Secret Art. The cave would like to include you in the team, along with a few other Qi Condensation stage cultivators, to hunt the evil spirits. Are you willing to join us?"

Without hesitation, Wang Quan agreed. He had already intended to seek out spirit essences to enhance his soul power, and now that the Wind and Thunder Cave had organized a well-prepared expedition, this was the perfect opportunity.

"Since you've invited me, I am honored to participate," Wang Quan said with a respectful bow, while mentally planning for the journey ahead.

The elder, pleased with Wang Quan's decision, continued, "Excellent! The mission will be led by our fellow cultivator, Daoist Feng Ming, who is at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. With him in charge, you'll have nothing to worry about. You will also be joined by a few other Qi Condensation cultivators. The Wind and Thunder Cave has prepared ample supplies of pills and talismans to ensure you're well equipped to face the evil spirits."

He added, "Regarding the spirit essences, you're free to collect as many as you can during the hunt. Our alliance will only claim half of what you gather; the rest is yours to keep, based on your abilities. Elder Wind and Thunder has also promised additional rewards upon successful completion of the mission."

Wang Quan nodded inwardly, recognizing the fortunate circumstances. Not only could he hunt evil spirits and collect their essences to strengthen his soul, but he could also acquire valuable resources in the process.

"If this mission goes smoothly, it will be a significant step forward in both my cultivation and experience."

Wang Quan returned to his chamber, where he began preparing for the journey. He meticulously checked his supply of pills and talismans, ensuring he had enough to deal with any unexpected dangers the evil spirits might pose. In the days leading up to the mission, he stabilized his cultivation and honed his mastery over the fusion of Wind and Thunder with his Five Elements Secret Art.

A few days later, the hunting party from the Wind and Thunder Cave was assembled.

Wang Quan joined four other Qi Condensation stage cultivators. Among them was a familiar face: Lei Feng, a powerful cultivator at the ninth level of Qi Condensation who specialized in thunder magic. His strength was formidable. The other three were rogue cultivators at the seventh and eighth levels of Qi Condensation, all of them wearing serious expressions, aware of the dangers ahead.

Daoist Feng Ming stood at the forefront, his hand resting on a long, cyan-colored sword, his aura calm but commanding. His eyes swept over the group as he addressed them in a firm tone: "Our target is the group of evil spirits near Cloudy Mountain. Our mission is to exterminate them and harvest their spirit essences. However, these spirits are cunning and dangerous, especially the higher-level ones. We must proceed with caution and avoid underestimating them."

The group nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the mission. Under Daoist Feng Ming's command, they took to the skies, heading toward Cloudy Mountain.

As they flew, Wang Quan quietly circulated his spiritual energy, formulating strategies for the upcoming battles. Although spirit essences were valuable, hunting evil spirits was unpredictable and fraught with challenges. Furthermore, with so many competing forces involved, it was likely that other sects—possibly even Cloudy Mountain itself—would intervene. Additionally, there was a chance that rogue cultivators or other unknown factions would also appear in the area.