Hidden Assault and the Might of the Mountain King Cauldron

From within the cover of trees, Zhang Qiu led the Yunxiao Sect disciples, launching concentrated spiritual energy strikes toward Shen Gu. However, before the attacks could even approach, Shen Gu raised his head, his expression twisted in a sly smile, as though he had anticipated their every move.

"I knew you cowardly rats would try an ambush," he sneered, his voice cold. Suddenly, he produced a talisman, hurling it into the air. A radiant yellow light burst from the talisman, forming a thick barrier that absorbed the Yunxiao Sect's combined assault.

Zhang Qiu's gaze hardened as he realized Shen Gu had set a trap. This talisman was a Xuanshao Sect defensive treasure, able to project a shield of protection over several meters, almost impossible to penetrate.

Li Cang growled in frustration, "He planned this all along. Are we really going to let him get away with it?"

Just then, Shen Gu let out a chilling laugh. Shielded by the light barrier, he sat down cross-legged, chanting incantations as he cast beams of spiritual light toward the Mountain King Cauldron.

Suddenly, the cauldron's golden glow intensified, humming as Shen Gu's influence took hold. Ancient symbols on its surface illuminated, casting a golden light over Shen Gu as his aura merged with the cauldron's. His power surged as the cauldron's Nascent Soul energy, heavy and oppressive, filled the air.

Wu Heng's face blanched with dread, realizing that with Shen Gu in control of the cauldron, they were hopelessly outmatched. The Tianque Sect disciples, terrified by the raw power emanating from Shen Gu, began retreating from what was about to become a death zone.

"Retreat!" Wu Heng shouted, rallying his disciples to fall back, his face strained with urgency. But as they moved, Shen Gu sneered and extended his arms, unleashing a massive burst of power from the cauldron. The cauldron's might flooded the area, a force like an unstoppable tidal wave, crashing down upon the fleeing Tianque Sect disciples.

The pressure was overwhelming, forcing the disciples to stagger back, their spiritual energy faltering. Wu Heng gritted his teeth, raising his fiery sword in a desperate defense, but he couldn't withstand the crushing force; blood sprayed from his mouth as his body gave way.

Li Cang, You, and the other Yunxiao Sect disciples found themselves under intense pressure, helpless as Shen Gu wielded the cauldron's power to push them into a corner.

"We're finished—he has full control over the Mountain King Cauldron!" Zhang Qiu's face drained of color as he poured his remaining spiritual energy into a protective stance. But Shen Gu's gaze had already shifted toward them. With a flick of his finger, the cauldron responded, unleashing a suffocating wave of energy to encircle the Yunxiao Sect disciples completely.

Already gravely injured, Li Yuan was unable to withstand the power of the spirit treasure. His meridians shattered under the force; blood gushed from his mouth as he fell lifeless to the ground, his expression twisted with pain and regret.

"Li Yuan!" Wang Quan's eyes blazed with sorrow and anger as he watched his companion fall. He poured his Five Elements energy into his sword, fighting to hold back the cauldron's force, but he too was pushed back, blood staining his clothes.

Seeing their dire predicament, Zhang Qiu gritted his teeth and barked, "Everyone, scatter and retreat! We can't risk any more lives here!"

Supporting one another, Wang Quan, Li Cang, and You staggered off the battlefield, the remaining Yunxiao Sect disciples close behind. But Shen Gu was not about to let them escape so easily. Commanding the cauldron, he redirected its devastating power toward the fleeing Tianque Sect disciples, filling the sky with crushing waves of spiritual energy.

Wu Heng turned pale, frantically signaling his sect to retreat. Meanwhile, Xuanshao Sect disciples seized the chance to pursue, striking down Tianque Sect members as they scattered, screams echoing as heavy casualties mounted.

Wang Quan and his allies eventually reached the cover of the dense forest, gasping for breath. Even as they heard Xuanshao Sect's pursuit behind them, they dared not linger, pressing deeper to find shelter.

You cursed under his breath, "Shen Gu is absolutely ruthless. If he hadn't been prepared in advance, we would never have survived that ambush!"

Zhang Qiu's expression was grim as he murmured, "We have to hold out until the secret realm closes in three days. Only then will we have any chance of survival. Now's not the time to think of revenge—only survival."

Li Cang's face was dark, his hands clenched as he struggled to suppress his fury and frustration. His voice shook with anger, "Shen Gu, laugh while you can. One day, I'll repay this debt a hundredfold!"