Stealth in the Dark: Foreign Plots
Inside the cave, candlelight flickered, casting swaying shadows across the stone walls that illuminated the exhausted and despairing faces of everyone present.
Hu Feng clutched the intelligence report sent by the scout. His hands trembled, his knuckles turned white, his eye rims reddened, and his voice was hoarse and dry:
"The Sect Master and our three Golden Core ancestors died in battle, and thirty-nine Foundation Establishment uncles and seniors did not survive... The Rosy Clouds Sect, perhaps truly now consists of only us."
With that, the letter fluttered down, and he leaned weakly against the cave wall, his gaze hollow as if his soul had been ripped away.
His junior brother, Chen Xuan, dropped to his knees with a thud, slamming his fists into the ground as tears burst from his eyes, roaring:
"How could this happen? With the cultivation levels of the Sect Master and the others, how could they... It's all our fault for being useless! If I had been a bit stronger and killed a few more enemy troops, things might have been different!"
Nearby, his junior sister, Lin Yao, was already weeping uncontrollably. She bit her lower lip so hard it bled, her body trembling slightly as she clutched the Rosy Clouds Sect's sect jade pendant in her hand as if grasping a final shred of hope, murmuring: "The sect is gone. What are we going to do from now on..."
Hu Feng took a deep breath, forcing down his grief, swept his gaze across everyone, and said resolutely:
"Crying won't solve anything! With revenge out of the question now, if we stay here, the coalition forces and the Dark Spirit Pavilion will surely hunt us down and exterminate us. I have decided to lead everyone to flee the State of Qi, seek survival and development in another country, and when our strength is sufficient, we will fight our way back!"
Everyone looked at each other in dismay, their expressions hesitant.
One junior brother muttered quietly: "Flee the State of Qi? But we won't know anyone or the territory. What if..."
Hu Feng's gaze was piercing as he interrupted him: "If we stay, we will undoubtedly die; if we leave, there is still a glimmer of hope! We cannot let the inheritance of the Rosy Clouds Sect be completely cut off! I know everyone has concerns, but rather than sitting here waiting to die, we might as well fight to the death. Though foreign lands are unfamiliar, they also harbor opportunities—perhaps famous masters, magical treasures, and heavenly materials and earthly treasures that can help us exact our revenge!"
Lin Yao was the first to stand up, wiping away her tears as she said firmly: "Senior Brother is right, I will go with you! As long as we can revitalize the Rosy Clouds Sect, I will go to the ends of the earth!"
Seeing Lin Yao make her stance, the others stood up one after another in agreement. Chen Xuan's eyes were red: "Good! We'll listen to Senior Brother's arrangements. Even if it's a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, we'll charge through it!"
Hu Feng nodded slightly, saying in a deep voice: "Since we've decided, we must immediately take stock of our supplies and spirit stones and make preparations. We need to purchase healing medicinal pills, spirit liquid to boost cultivation, and magical treasures for concealing our presence and breaking restrictions to guard against the unexpected."
Everyone grew busy, pulling items out of their Storage Pouches one after another. Hu Feng was the first to empty his Storage Pouch. With a "swish" and a flash of light, several bottles of medicinal pills tumbled out. He picked up one bottle and introduced it: "This is the 'Blood-Coagulating Soul-Returning Pill', obtained from a secret realm previously. It's a miraculous medicine for healing injuries that can reconnect broken bones and reassemble shattered spiritual power, and it can save your life at a critical moment. There is also this 'Spirit-Gathering Powder', which assists in absorbing spiritual energy and accelerates cultivation."
Lin Yao also opened her palm and summoned her magical treasure, the Spirit Rhinoceros Bracelet: "This bracelet integrates offense and defense. It previously helped us break through the encirclement, can block a fatal blow in a crisis, and can also release a spiritual power cage to trap enemies."
The junior brothers successively displayed their assets.
Chen Xuan pulled out several "Wind-Walking Spirit Talismans", grinning as he said: "These spirit talismans can enhance speed, covering a hundred miles in an instant. They're great for escaping or launching a surprise attack!"
Another person produced an "Invisibility Cloak", shook it open, and with a flash of light, the wearer's figure was concealed, leaving only a faint outline: "With this, concealing our tracks and avoiding pursuit will be much safer."
Everyone neatly arranged their supplies, piling spirit stones into a small mountain while various magical treasures and medicinal pills dazzlingly filled the space.
After finishing the inventory, Hu Feng frowned deeply: "We have enough spirit stones, but we are still lacking in medicinal pills and magical treasures. In particular, magical treasures capable of concealing the presence of multiple people and defending against the divine sense probes of high-level cultivators are absolutely essential. We must go to the market to purchase them, but with the situation so tense right now, everyone must disguise yourselves and be extremely cautious."
Lin Yao nodded, pulling several human-skin masks from her bosom and distributing them: "Put these on, change your attire, and leave no trace."
Having completed their disguises to pass as ordinary merchants, the group set off for the nearest market.
The market was bustling and noisy with chaotic spiritual power fluctuations. Hu Feng cast a vigilant gaze and instructed in a low voice: "Don't clump together. Separate for your purchases and rendezvous at the city gate in two hours. If you encounter danger, fire a signal flare."
With that, his figure flickered and merged into the crowd.
Lin Yao headed straight for a pill shop. Inside, the shop was fragrant with medicinal scents, and the shelves were lined with jars and bottles. The shopkeeper hurried over with a shrewd look: "Miss, what would you like to buy? Our shop has a complete selection of medicinal pills of superior quality."
Lin Yao lowered her voice: "Do you have high-level aura-concealing pills? The effect must be long-lasting and capable of evading the probe of a Golden Core cultivator."
The shopkeeper's eyes flashed as he chuckled: "We do have them, but the price is not cheap. Can you afford it, Miss?"
Lin Yao took out her spirit stone pouch and shook it: "Spirit stones are not a problem. Hand over the medicine!"
The shopkeeper led her into the inner chamber, produced a box of "Nine-Turn Concealment Pills", and introduced them: "Once you take this pill, your surrounding aura will be concealed as if you were an ordinary mortal, lasting for three days. Even if a Golden Core powerhouse stands right before you, they will find it hard to detect."
After inspecting them and confirming they were correct, Lin Yao paid the spirit stones and left in a hurry.
Along the way, passing by a magical treasure pavilion, she paused in her steps, thinking that if she had a powerful defensive magical treasure, Senior Brother's safety would gain an extra layer of protection.
Entering to browse, she took a fancy to a "Hunyuan Spirit Shield". Runes flowed across the surface of the shield, and when spiritual energy was injected into it, it erupted with brilliant light, capable of blocking a full-strength strike from anyone below the Golden Core stage.
On the other side, Hu Feng searched without success for a magical treasure capable of concealing multiple people's auras, filled with anxiety.
Just as he was fretting, a roadside vendor pulled him aside: "Customer, take a look at this treasure!" The vendor produced an ancient compass and said mysteriously: "This is the 'Qiankun Aura-Concealing Compass'. It can conceal auras within a radius of a hundred zhang, and even having multiple people travel together is fine. It also comes with its own maze formation; if pursuers stumble into it, they'll fall into an illusion and find it easy to escape!"
Hu Feng's eyes lit up, but he feigned indifference: "Does it work? Don't try to fool me with fake goods."
The vendor grew anxious: "I've had a stall in this market for many years with an impeccable reputation! If you don't believe me, try it out."
Hu Feng injected his spiritual power into it, and the compass flashed with light. His surrounding aura was instantly concealed, and the chaotic noise around him seemed to recede into the distance. Overjoyed, he bought it on the spot.
Two hours passed in the blink of an eye, and the group gathered one after another at the city gate.
Chen Xuan was beaming with excitement: "Senior Brother, look what I bought!" He pulled out a bottle of "Spirit Rhinoceros Restriction-Breaking Liquid" and shook it: "This can corrode restrictions and open treasury doors. From now on, finding treasures will depend on this!"
As everyone shared their harvests and prepared to set off, suddenly, the spiritual power fluctuations in the sky became abnormal. Several streaks of light flashed across—they were actually patrol disciples of the coalition forces.
Hu Feng's expression changed: "Not good, let's go! Don't attract attention!"
The group hurriedly blended into the crowd exiting the city. However, sensing something amiss, a coalition disciple shouted: "Halt! Routine inspection!" and flashed forward to block their path.
Hu Feng's palms broke out in a sweat, but he forced a calm demeanor, cupped his fists, and smiled: "Officer, we are humble merchants in a rush to return home. We don't have any contraband."
The coalition disciple cast a suspicious gaze, walking in a circle around the group while sweeping them with a spirit tool. Fortunately, the stealth magical treasure took effect, and no anomalies were detected.
Just as they were in a deadlock, a Dark Spirit Pavilion member in a black robe materialized like a ghost, and the leader gave a ghastly laugh: "I heard that the remnants of the Rosy Clouds Sect are active in this area. Have their traces been found?"
The coalition disciple frowned: "Not yet, but these people are suspicious and I was just about to check them thoroughly." The Dark Spirit Pavilion members closed in, demonic shadows swaying and killing intent filling the air.
Hu Feng's heart hammered like a drum. He quietly clenched his fists, preparing to fight his way out to the death.
Lin Yao secretly summoned the Spirit Rhinoceros Bracelet and transmitted her voice to everyone: "Prepare to act. Listen to Senior Brother's command."
At the critical moment, a beast tide suddenly erupted in the mountains outside the city, shaking the heavens with roars. A group of Tier 2 Monster Beasts, "Blazing Frenzied Lions", came stampeding forward with blazing fire, sending fleeing citizens into a panic and plunging the scene into chaos.
The coalition forces and the Dark Spirit Pavilion had no time to spare for the group and hurriedly moved to meet the enemy.
Taking advantage of the moment, Hu Feng gave a low shout: "Let's go!" The group deployed their Wind-Walking Spirit Talismans, transforming into streaks of light as they escaped out of the city.
Running wildly all the way until nightfall, they finally rested in the deep mountains and old forests. Everyone collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily.
Hu Feng wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "That was close! We almost got exposed. We'll have to act even more carefully from now on."
Lin Yao leaned against his shoulder and said softly: "Senior Brother, we emerged safely from danger. It must be the protection of our sect's predecessors. Where are we heading next?"
Hu Feng spread out a map, locked his gaze on the neighboring "State of Canglan", and said in a deep voice: "We're going to the State of Canglan. I've heard that this country has a strong atmosphere of immortal cultivation, numerous sects, and mysterious ruins making appearances with plenty of opportunities. Let's try our luck."
After resting for the night, the group set off the next day.
When they reached the border between the two countries, towering mountains wreathed in clouds and mist were heavily guarded at the checkpoints.
Hu Feng frowned: "The checkpoint inspections are strict. Trying to force our way through won't work. We need to find another way out."
Hiding in the mountain forest and observing for a long time, the group discovered a secluded valley that seemed unguarded, yet it was covered in flashing restrictions and brimming with danger.
Hu Feng summoned the Qiankun Aura-Concealing Compass, activated the maze formation, and took the lead in stepping inside.
Just as they entered the valley, they triggered a rune trap underfoot. Spikes burst out of the ground, and the group narrowly dodged them.
Chen Xuan muttered: "These restrictions are troublesome. When will this ever end?"
Hu Feng stared intently at the runes, racking his brains for a method to break them, when suddenly inspiration struck: "Use the Spirit Rhinoceros Restriction-Breaking Liquid!"
Understanding, Lin Yao pulled out the restriction-breaking liquid and splashed it onto the runes. Amidst a sound of corrosion, the light of the restrictions gradually dimmed.
Moving with extreme caution step by step, the group successively broke several restrictions and finally passed through the valley.
Before them, the view suddenly opened up—they were already within the territory of the State of Canglan. Stepping onto this unfamiliar land, Hu Feng encouraged them: "A new life begins! Everyone perk up, find a place to settle, gather news about this place, and integrate as soon as possible."
Everyone nodded, heading toward the town filled with anticipation.
The town was prosperous, far surpassing the State of Qi.
The streets teemed with cultivators, and the magical treasure shops were grand and luxurious.
Hu Feng found an inn to settle down in and instructed everyone: "Don't show off your edge. Keep a low profile, figure out the situation in the State of Canglan and the distribution of its sects first, and then make further plans."
At night, Hu Feng sat alone by the window, gazing at the unfamiliar moonlight with a complex mix of emotions: "Sect Master, fellow disciples, I will definitely not live up to your expectations. I will revitalize the Rosy Clouds Sect in this foreign land, and when I return, I will surely make the enemies pay in blood!"
Lin Yao quietly entered the room, handing over a cup of hot tea: "Senior Brother, it's late. Don't dwell on it too much; the road ahead is still long."
Hu Feng grasped her hand, his gaze both tender and resolute: "With you here, I'm not afraid of any hardship. Working together, we will definitely carve out our own world!"
Over the next few days, the group disguised themselves as rogue cultivators, frequenting markets and teahouses to gather intelligence.
Word reached them that the State of Canglan was about to hold a grand auction where numerous magical treasures, cultivation manuals, secret texts, and rare spirit plants would be put up for auction.
Hu Feng was deeply tempted: "This is a heaven-sent opportunity! If we can win key items at the auction, our strength will surely surge greatly."
Lin Yao, however, was somewhat worried: "But our spirit stones are limited. I'm afraid we won't be able to compete with the major sects."
Hu Feng's gaze was resolute: "It's fine, we'll give it a fight! If all else fails, we'll seek cooperation or make trades; in short, we cannot miss this."
On the day of the auction, the venue was buzzing with voices, packed with high-level cultivators.
Hu Feng and his companions took their seats in a low-profile manner, their gazes locked onto the auction stage. The first lot was a thousand-year-old spirit ginseng, rich in spiritual energy and wreathed in rosy light.
Bidding from the audience was fierce, and the price soared all the way up.
Gritting his teeth, Hu Feng raised his bidding plaque: "Five hundred spirit stones!" This drew sideways glances from the crowd.
An elder from a major sect sneered: "Mere rogue cultivators dare to bid? I bid eight hundred!"
Unwilling to be outdone, Hu Feng was about to raise his bid when Lin Yao pulled him by the side and transmitted her voice: "Senior Brother, don't be impulsive. Save the spirit stones for the key items." Hu Feng suppressed his impulse and gave up on bidding.
After several rounds, the finale magical treasure made its appearance—the Taiji Chaos Banner. Its banner face was black and white with mysterious runes, and with a gentle wave, space and time seemed to distort. It was capable of both offense and defense, boasting peerless might.
The audience instantly boiled over, and bidding sounds rose one after another. Hu Feng's heart accelerated, his fists clenched as he bid with all his might: "Five thousand spirit stones!"
The entire hall was shocked, all eyes focusing on them.
Major sects continuously raised their bids, and the price quickly broke ten thousand.
Sweat beaded on Hu Feng's forehead as his spirit stones were about to hit rock bottom.
At the critical moment, Chen Xuan had a flash of inspiration. He stood up and cupped his fists: "Senior seniors, although we are short on spirit stones, we possess rare spirit plants and magical treasures available for trade. We are willing to trade items for items!"
With that, he took out several secret realm spirit grasses and a few mid-grade magical treasures to display.
The crowd broke into discussions. A rogue cultivator magnate grew tempted and stepped forward to mediate: "Fine, seeing that you are full of sincerity, I will use this Taiji Chaos Banner to exchange for your spirit grasses and magical treasures, plus the shared benefit of a future opportunity!"
Overjoyed, Hu Feng closed the deal on the spot.
Clutching their newly acquired magical treasure, the group returned to the inn brimming with happiness.
On the way, however, they were intercepted by a band of men in black. The leader was masked, his voice chilling: "Hand over the Chaos Banner and I'll spare your lives!"
Hu Feng glared with furious eyes: "In your dreams! If you want to rob us, you'll have to get past me first!"
With that, he summoned the Red Sun Sword, and everyone drew their swords in unison, forming a sword array.
The men in black sneered, summoning demonic instruments that surged with demonic shadows and launched a fierce attack.
Hu Feng executed the "Hunyuan Heart Scripture", sword shadows flying everywhere to fend off the attacks. Lin Yao summoned the Spirit Rhinoceros Bracelet and the Hunyuan Spirit Shield to guard the rear.
As the fierce battle raged on, Hu Feng spotted a flaw, poured his entire spiritual power into twisting space and time with the Taiji Chaos Banner to trap the men in black, and shouted: "Fall back!" The group broke away and fled.
Upon returning to the inn, Hu Feng's expression was grave: "It seems the Chaos Banner has attracted covetous eyes. This place is not suitable for a long stay. Let's pack our belongings, find a secluded spot to go into closed-door seclusion to comprehend the magical treasure and cultivate our techniques, and only when our strength is stable should we plan our next moves."
Lin Yao nodded: "I'll listen to you, Senior Brother. As long as we stay united, there is no hardship we cannot overcome."
Setting off overnight, the group plunged deep into the mountains and forests, found a secluded valley, deployed formations and concealed their auras, and began their long journey of closed-door cultivation.
Inside the valley, spiritual energy was dense, tranquil, and serene. Hu Feng sat alone in a stone house, wholeheartedly comprehending the Taiji Chaos Banner day and night without stopping, his spiritual power repeatedly scouring his meridians;
Nearby, Lin Yao was in closed-door seclusion, refining the Hunyuan Spirit Shield and raising her resonance with it;
Chen Xuan and the others cultivated new techniques, cementing their foundations.
Time flew, and several months passed.
One day, the valley formation experienced abnormal fluctuations, and light flickered. Hu Feng broke out of seclusion, a brilliant aura of spiritual power blazing around him. His presence was steady and profound, his cultivation level having greatly increased as he had already touched the threshold of Foundation Establishment.
Lin Yao followed closely behind, summoning the Hunyuan Spirit Shield, which shone with dazzling light and possessed doubled might;
Chen Xuan and the others also made remarkable progress, their execution of the sword array growing increasingly proficient.
Looking at the transformed group, Hu Feng was filled with gratification: "After months of bitter cultivation, the results are striking! Our strength is not what it used to be. It's time to go out into the world, seek opportunities, gather news, and accumulate strength for our revenge!"
Full of high spirits and sharpening their blades, the group stepped out of the valley and once again plunged into the magnificent world of immortal cultivation. Carrying hatred and hope, unafraid of the thorns ahead, they awaited only the day of thunderous vengeance and the revitalization of their sect, letting the name of the Rosy Clouds Sect reignite its beacon fires and shine through the ages.