The pair of disciples entered the cave.
Inside the cave, it was not that aesthetic compared to the outside. Still, it was aesthetic in its own way, like how the vein-like roots spread like a carpet and occasionally pulsated. And the big altar formed from countless flower-like skulls. More importantly, human souls floated like butterflies, searching for the flowers, and their mesmerizing wails reached their ears like a song.
"How enchanting! I still feel the same when I guard this cave. It's a pity. If only I hadn't gone into seclusion. I would not have left this place to some fool." Gui Ling's face was filled with nostalgia.
"You are very harsh on me, Senior Brother. I managed this cave within my capability. Moreover, there is no way all people are as talented as you, my Senior Brother." Hei Qin said innocently to Gui Ling, who was still in a tranquil state.
The Pure Yin Cave—it is one of the formation techniques possessed by the Blood Phantom Sect. It is used for converting soul energy into Yin Qi. And it is very useful for cultivation. This cave was managed by Gui Ling before, and now it is managed by Hei Qin.
There are more Pure Yin Caves all over this branch. They are all managed by the highest-ranked disciples in this branch.
The system in the sub-branch is simple. First is the master of the branch; he has the highest authority within the branch. And he has disciples. The disciples' status is divided into three: first, second, and third-class disciples. The first-class disciple status is only given to five people, and the second-class disciple status is given to five people, while the remaining are third-class disciples.
Gui Ling came out of his tranquil state and decided to act. He breathed deeply, not wanting to part with this deathly fragrance.
'Something is amiss!'
Gui Ling noticed something weird. He began to circulate Qi. Yet before he could act, his junior behind him acted.
A series of green lights enveloped the cave and formed a formation, and in the center of it all was Gui Ling.
"How dare you scheme against me!" Gui Ling began to circulate his Qi and looked at Hei Qin hatefully.
A sturdy barrier enveloped Gui Ling, protecting him.
"Do you think you can kill me with this formation and your stage-three cultivation base?" Gui Ling smirked and added, "And for your information, I have already reached stage five, the peak sub-stage in cultivation."
In this cultivation world, one's cultivation stage is very important.
The cultivation stages that everybody knows are divided into twelve stages. The initial six stages are categorized as the Disciple of Foundation, while the concluding six are recognized as the Master of Foundation. Every stage is divided into three sub-stages—initial, advanced, and peak.
And there is an even bigger realm compared to these twelve stages. However, not many people know that.
The formation was specially made by Hei Qin for blocking Gui Ling's Qi circulation. Contrary to his expectation, his senior's strength far exceeded it, but what could he do? It was the limit of his ability in formations. Nevertheless, it was showing its effect, slowing Gui Ling.
"Senior, what are you saying! Me...scheming against you? This was all because of the small problem in the formation." That said, his hands began to form a sign, and another formation rose above the already existing formation. "It had nothing to do with me."
A series of chains materialized and tenaciously held Gui Ling, the barrier slightly damaged.
"Do you think I was born yesterday?" He couldn't use most of his techniques because of the formation, and he could only use his most powerful and, at the same time, dangerous forbidden technique. 'What is he thinking? Doesn't he care about our master?'
Another series of chains flew toward Gui Ling.
"Even though our sect allows infighting among disciples, our master temporarily ordered us not to fight because there is something big going to happen outside, and we have to strengthen our foundation!" Gui Ling screamed. "Do you want to climb to a higher rank even if you are violating our master's order?"
He didn't answer anything; instead, he ran around the formation which held Gui Ling in the center. As he activated another set of formations, he was seemingly taking measures for the forbidden technique of his senior.
'I can't delay it anymore. If I delay it, I will be in trouble.' Gui Ling took out a talisman and shouted, "Release!"
His words echoed through the cave.
However, after that, the echoes faded, and a dead silence enveloped the cave. Hei Qin's face slightly changed; his eyes turned sharper and more cautious.
Gui Ling closed his eyes, and slowly, a dead aura enveloped him.
Suddenly, his hunched neck slowly began to straighten. Behind his grey hair, something grotesque was slowly revealed. On the hidden side of Gui Ling's neck was a mouth—literally—that was very unsightly, and it slowly gnashed its teeth. Furthermore, some parts of Gui Ling's body were enveloped in thick flesh.
Soon, the formation broke down with the might of Gui Ling. His fully red eyes eerily looked at Hei Qin.
Without any delay, Gui Ling attacked Hei Qin. Hei Qin swiftly dodged the attack. Gui Ling continued to attack Hei Qin with a prideful smirk on his face. 'You are just a tiny imp. What can you do?'
Hei Qin struggled to defend himself, and finally a lethal attack landed on Hei Qin. His entire body was tossed away and landed on the floor of the cave.
Hei Qin let out a painful cry.
He slowly struggled to stand up. However, his senior didn't give him time to get up. With lightning speed, he arrived at the place where Hei Qin landed and crushed his backbone with his foot.
"Know your place," Gui Ling said, his foot trampling Hei Qin. "Even though the master ordered it, I can't let you live when you dare to attack me. What do you think?"
"Cough, cough!"
Hei Qin coughed up some blood and, in a split second, activated another formation that was already set.
A chill air spread all over the cave, and a series of wails could be heard throughout the cave.