Golden Light of the Sacred Cauldron

In the heart of the battlefield, a brilliant golden light suddenly rose, radiating like the sun through the secret realm. Instantly, it drew the attention of every cultivator in the midst of combat. The golden light gathered in mid-air, forming a massive, golden cauldron—ancient and majestic—with intricate runes carved along its surface. Thick spiritual energy surrounded it, giving the impression that this cauldron was the core of the entire realm.

All fighting ceased as every gaze locked onto the enormous cauldron in awe.

"Is that... the Mountain King Cauldron?" Wu Heng muttered, wiping blood from his lip as a mix of shock and delight crossed his face. He remembered descriptions from his sect's records about this legendary treasure—rumored to be the possession of a Nascent Soul cultivator from thirty years ago, capable of shifting mountains and leveling plains. Whoever controlled it could wield nearly unstoppable power across vast lands.

"The Mountain King Cauldron… here in the secret realm?" Shen Gu said, his eyes filled with fervor. As one of Xuanshao Sect's elite disciples, he understood the cauldron's capabilities well. Anyone who could refine it would possess matchless power, making it nearly impossible for other cultivators to escape his reach. Even if he couldn't wield it himself, turning it over to his sect would bring immense rewards.

Disciples from both Tianque and Xuanshao Sects looked longingly at the golden cauldron, no longer concerned with their current fights. They exchanged glances, halted their battle, and bolted toward the cauldron's source.

Li Cang and You stood beside Wang Quan, just as stunned by the golden light. Even for cultivators at the Foundation Establishment level, the allure of a Nascent Soul cultivator's treasure was overwhelming. Li Cang's eyes gleamed with ambition as he muttered, "With the Mountain King Cauldron, Yunxiao Sect would rise undefeated in this realm."

You nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed, even if we cannot refine it ourselves, taking it from this realm would have monumental value. With all three sects converging, we must be prepared for an intense struggle."

Wang Quan narrowed his eyes, knowing that alongside the treasure's power, great danger lay ahead. Yet the tense relations between the three sects could work in Yunxiao Sect's favor.

"Senior Brother Zhang, should we proceed?" Wang Quan asked, his gaze steady.

Zhang Qiu's eyes gleamed with resolve as he nodded. "With so much at stake, we cannot allow this to fall to another sect. Even if we don't seize it ourselves, we need a clear view of the situation. Let's go!"

Without further hesitation, they advanced toward the golden light's source.

Traveling carefully, the Yunxiao disciples collaborated to avoid traps and barriers along the way. As they moved forward, the spiritual energy grew denser, and their surroundings grew increasingly unusual. Blue-tinged trees towered above rare spirit herbs on the ground, and phantasmal beasts dashed in and out of sight, their energies heightened by the surge of spiritual power from the cauldron.

Shen Gu, leading the Xuanshao disciples, was the first to reach the Mountain King Cauldron, his eyes gleaming with greed as he took in its presence.

"A treasure of this scale… with the Mountain King Cauldron, Xuanshao Sect would surely win dominion over this realm!"

He raised his spiritual power to claim it. But just as he was about to act, the Tianque disciples arrived. Wu Heng blocked Shen Gu's path, raising his blue flame sword defensively, the fire dancing along the blade.

"Shen Gu! Do you believe your sect alone can possess this treasure? Whoever dares to seize it will face us!" Wu Heng's defiant gaze burned, his own intentions clear.

Shen Gu narrowed his eyes. "Wu Heng, it appears your sect has a death wish!" He swung his Soul-Snatcher Blade, sending waves of chilling spiritual energy toward Wu Heng's group with killing intent. The Tianque disciples retaliated instantly, filling the air with blazing flames and dark mist, clashing in thunderous explosions.

Meanwhile, the Yunxiao disciples observed from their hidden spot. They were grateful they had held back, watching as the cauldron's brilliance captivated all attention. It was the perfect opportunity to evaluate the situation.

"Brother Zhang, should we act now?" Li Cang whispered, impatience in his tone.

Zhang Qiu's expression was calm as he shook his head. "Let them exhaust themselves first. If we move too soon, we'll just become their next target."

You nodded in agreement. "Exactly. When they've weakened one another, we can make a decisive move."

Wang Quan agreed with the strategy. The Mountain King Cauldron was a daunting prize, but with the right timing, Yunxiao Sect could claim an advantage in this chaotic battle.

Amid the fierce exchange, Shen Gu suddenly activated a Xuanshao Sect secret technique. A thick, dark mist materialized in front of him, hiding his figure. Using this cover, he concentrated his energy into the Soul-Snatcher Blade, launching a deadly arc of shadow straight for Wu Heng's heart.

Though Wu Heng sensed the strike, he reacted too slowly. His sword's flame shield blocked part of the attack, but the dark arc pierced through, shattering his sword and forcing him to retreat, coughing blood. He was clearly nearing his limit.

"Shen Gu… you…" Wu Heng muttered, pale with sweat and glaring in defiance.

Shen Gu's lips curled in a smirk. "Back down now, and I might let you live."

Seeing Wu Heng's defeat, the Tianque disciples hesitated, unwilling to face Shen Gu's fearsome power. Buoyed by his success, Shen Gu prepared to deliver the final blow, unaware of the Yunxiao disciples concealed nearby.

Zhang Qiu knew the moment had arrived. In a low voice, he said, "Now's our chance! With their forces weakened, we must take the Mountain King Cauldron!"

Wang Quan nodded instantly, and the others' eyes lit with resolve.

Following Zhang Qiu's signal, the Yunxiao disciples dispersed. Zhang himself channeled his spiritual energy into a crackling bolt of lightning, aiming straight for the cauldron.