Despair and a Glimmer of Hope

Deep within the forest, the remaining Yunxiao Sect disciples stumbled through the trees, breathing heavily and covered in wounds. They were close to breaking, but after countless battles, they had forged a bond through life and death. Alertly scanning their surroundings, they feared Xuanshao Sect disciples might suddenly appear and eliminate them completely.

Wang Quan, panting and helping You along, was closely followed by Li Cang, who spoke in a low voice, "The depths of this dense forest should help conceal our presence. Maybe we can evade the Xuanshao Sect's pursuit." Though he looked exhausted, his gaze remained sharp; he knew that staying calm was their only chance in this deadly situation.

The group found a well-hidden cave where Zhang Qiu gestured for them to pause. Looking around at the weary faces, he said in a steady voice, "We have only one objective now—to survive until the secret realm closes in three days. Then we'll see if we can make a way out."

The disciples nodded silently, their expressions somber. Each one bore wounds, and without Zhang Qiu's guidance, they knew they would have broken already. Wang Quan glanced at his companions with a determined gaze, silently vowing that even in this desperate situation, they could not give up.

Li Cang wiped blood from the corner of his mouth, frowning. "Zhang Qiu, the Xuanshao Sect controls the Mountain King Cauldron. If we show ourselves, we're walking to our deaths."

Zhang Qiu nodded, his face grim. "Indeed, Shen Gu now wields a Nascent Soul-level spirit treasure. Just one strike could obliterate us. And knowing him, he won't rest until we're found; we'd never have a chance to escape."

You sighed softly, his gaze cold. "That Shen Gu is ruthless, clearly calculating everything from the start. If we hadn't retreated in time, we'd be dead by now." Clenching his fists, his eyes showed restrained hatred. "But given the chance, I'll have my revenge."

Just then, faint movements came from outside the cave, with unfamiliar spiritual energy approaching. The group tensed, gripping their weapons in readiness for a surprise attack.

After a moment, two figures entered cautiously. Pausing upon seeing the Yunxiao Sect disciples, one of them cupped his hands and whispered, "Fellow disciples, don't be alarmed. We're from Tianque Sect, sent by Senior Brother Wu Heng to search for any survivors."

Wang Quan exchanged a look with Zhang Qiu. Seeing no hostility, they slightly relaxed, but kept a wary stance. Zhang Qiu returned the greeting with a polite nod. "Where is Wu Heng now?"

One of the Tianque disciples gave a bitter smile, shaking his head. "Wu Heng is severely injured and hiding with the others in the forest. Both our sects are being targeted by Xuanshao Sect, so he sent us to propose an alliance to survive these final three days."

After a thoughtful pause, Zhang Qiu nodded. He understood the necessity of the alliance; facing Xuanshao Sect alone was suicide.

Seeing Zhang Qiu's acceptance, Wang Quan asked, "What's Xuanshao Sect's current movement? If Shen Gu is still hunting, we may need to relocate quickly."

The Tianque disciple's face grew solemn. "With the Mountain King Cauldron's power, Xuanshao Sect has nearly swept through the entire realm. Shen Gu ordered his disciples to fan out, tracking down and capturing any resistors."

The disciples' expressions grew heavier. Zhang Qiu thought for a moment, then raised his head. "In that case, we should meet up with the Tianque Sect disciples and plan together."

Making a quick decision, they left the cave and followed hidden paths toward Wu Heng's position. Moving silently, they coordinated in unspoken unity, each driven by the same belief—to make it out of the realm alive.

Before long, they reached a secluded mountain hollow, where they found Wu Heng and the few remaining Tianque disciples, all pale and visibly wounded. Wu Heng nodded upon seeing Zhang Qiu, returning his salute with a weary smile of shared desperation.

"Brother Zhang, things are dire… I fear that none of us will make it out unscathed." Wu Heng's tone was heavy with despair. The cauldron's power was overwhelming, leaving Xuanshao Sect with insurmountable strength.

Drawing a deep breath, Zhang Qiu replied steadily, "As long as we live, there's hope. Though Shen Gu controls the Mountain King Cauldron, this realm's rich spiritual energy might give us a chance to hold out until it closes."

Wu Heng's face grew solemn as he nodded. "Indeed, we need to avoid confrontation for the next three days. If Xuanshao Sect presses too hard, we'll have no choice but to fight with everything we have."

A silence fell over the group, each disciple knowing the gravity of their situation. Yunxiao and Tianque disciples rested briefly, trying to regain their strength and prepare for Xuanshao Sect's next onslaught.

Wang Quan sat cross-legged, circulating his five-element energy to repair his damaged meridians. He reminded himself that if they could just endure these three days, they might find a way to turn the tables on Xuanshao Sect.

As they rested, a faint ripple of spiritual energy came from the forest. Wang Quan opened his eyes, alert. "Something's coming—Xuanshao Sect must be near!"

Zhang Qiu jumped to his feet, his face hardening. "Everyone, prepare for battle! Remember to avoid direct confrontation; fight in separate groups!"

Before his words faded, shadows appeared in the forest. Xuanshao Sect disciples closed in, their faces twisted in cruel smiles, spiritual energy crackling around them as they prepared to finish off the remnants of Yunxiao and Tianque Sects.

Leading them, a Xuanshao disciple sneered, "So you're hiding here? Surrender now and spare yourselves needless pain."

Zhang Qiu responded with a cold snort, brandishing his thunder spear as a bolt of lightning surged toward the Xuanshao disciple. Wu Heng, unwilling to fall behind, raised his flame sword, sending a fierce wave of fire toward the enemy.

Another furious battle broke out. Yunxiao and Tianque disciples covered one another, straining to resist Xuanshao Sect's overwhelming power. But their wounds left them barely holding the line.

Gritting his teeth, Wang Quan swung his sword, his blade glowing with five-element energy as it flashed between flames and gold. Yet his opponent was relentless, each strike meant to kill. Bleeding and exhausted, he struggled to fend them off.

Realizing they couldn't hold out much longer, and that they'd be doomed if Shen Gu arrived, Wu Heng shouted, "Brother Zhang, everyone scatter and retreat! Survive these three days!"

Responding without hesitation, they scattered, each group disappearing into the forest, using the terrain to evade pursuit.