Feng Xi noticed that the vegetation on the East Peak was significantly sparser than on the Center Peak. Most of it was barren mountain, with only a few patches of greenery.
Jun Wen explained, "The East Peak used to be the cash cow of our Xuantian Sect because there was a Spirit Stone mine beneath it. Unfortunately, three thousand years ago, the mine was exhausted, and our sect turned into a bunch of paupers. Since it’s a depleted mine, the soil isn't suitable for plant growth, which is why there’s so little vegetation here."
Feng Xi thought to herself that the Xuantian Sect had truly illustrated the meaning of... living off one's savings until nothing remains.
Acting a bit cheeky, she said, "Fifth Senior Brother, I’ve never seen a Spirit Stone mine before. Why don't you take me to see one so I can broaden my horizons?"
Jun Wen curled his lip. "What’s there to see in a depleted mine? But fine, if you want to see it, I'll take you."
The two circled to the back of the East Peak and, after making several turns, found an entrance about a person's height.
"There, that’s the entrance to the abandoned Spirit Stone mine. I heard it used to be quite grand, but after years of wind and sun without any maintenance, it's ended up like this."
As he spoke, Jun Wen took out a fire starter and led the way into the tunnel. Feng Xi followed him inside.
"Little Junior Sister, it’s pitch black in here and there’s nothing to see. Let's just take a look around the entrance and call it a day."
Feng Xi nodded. Indeed, there was nothing to see—just stone walls on both sides and a tunnel beneath their feet. Because no one had stepped here for a long time, green moss had grown in abundance, and the temperature inside was noticeably lower than outside.
After walking a short distance, Feng Xi found it boring and said, "Fifth Senior Brother, let's head out."
"Sure..."
Before Jun Wen’s "sure" could even finish, the ground began to shake violently. His expression changed instantly, and he grabbed Feng Xi, trying to run toward the exit. They hadn’t taken two steps before a roar echoed ahead—the entrance had collapsed. Not only that, but large and small stones began to tumble from the ceiling.
Jun Wen was frantic. He summoned his Qingtian Sword to strike at the boulders blocking their path. Although he cleared the rocks in front, the impact caused the stone ceiling above them to collapse as well. If Feng Xi hadn't reacted quickly and yanked him backward, both of them would have been crushed into meat paste.
The walls of the entire tunnel began to cave in one after another. Jun Wen and Feng Xi were forced to keep retreating. Finally, they reached a relatively spacious open area with a circular platform about two zhang in diameter in the middle. Seeing that the stone walls here were relatively stable, Jun Wen let out a slight sigh of relief and took out his identity jade token to call for help.
To his dismay, he found that the message couldn't be sent at all. He tried a communication talisman, but the message still wouldn't go through. Jun Wen's heart sank, but he forced a calm expression to comfort Feng Xi.
"Little Junior Sister, don't be afraid. Once Master and the others notice the disturbance, they will definitely come to save us."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a rock fell from the ceiling, followed by a torrent of boulders large and small. Jun Wen felt like crying! To hell with staying calm!
"Little Junior Sister, we’re probably going to be buried alive in here!"
***
Feng Xi pointed to the circular platform not far away. "Fifth Senior Brother, is that platform a teleportation array? Quick! Take out all the Spirit Stones you have and see if we can activate it!"
Though Jun Wen felt that an array left idle for thousands of years was likely broken, it was the only straw he had to grab onto, so he did as she said. Poor guy, he had only a little over a thousand Spirit Stones, and he shoved them all into the slots.
A dazzling white light flashed, and the two vanished from the platform. Almost at the same time, the entire mine collapsed.
Such a large disturbance naturally caught the attention of the Xuantian Sect. At first, no one paid much mind to it; after all, it was an abandoned mine, and collapsing wasn't a major affair. However, soon after, a disciple from the East Peak reported that before the collapse, they had seen Jun Wen and Feng Xi heading in that direction.
Xiao Baidao’s head buzzed. At first, he held onto a sliver of hope, but after being unable to contact them and searching everywhere to no avail, he fell into a full-blown panic. His two disciples were likely buried alive! He immediately led people to excavate the mine.
After half a day of work, they finally cleared the ruins, but there was no sign of Jun Wen or Feng Xi. Peak Master Gu of the East Peak immediately suggested, "Sect Leader, perhaps they didn't enter the mine."
Xiao Baidao shook his head. "I checked with the mountain gate guards. They haven't left the sect, and little Xiao is a sensible child—she wouldn't leave the sect without permission."
At this moment, Hall Master Luo of the Dharma Hall said, "Sect Leader, there are traces of the teleportation array being activated. They must have been teleported to the second level of the mine."
Xiao Baidao and the others rushed to check. Indeed, just as Hall Master Luo said, there were faint remnants of spiritual energy on the platform, indicating it had been used recently. The group fell into a dilemma: there were two ways to reach the second level—activate the teleportation array or dig.
However, the platform was now smashed and required time to repair. And it wouldn't be a one or two-day job; since this was an ancient teleportation array, they would have to figure out how to fix it, which might take months. Digging was even less feasible! The mine’s structure was extremely unstable after the collapse; if they dug recklessly, the second level might collapse too. That wouldn't be saving them; it would be burying them!
Xiao Baidao gritted his teeth and sent a message to Baili Muchen of the Hunyuan Sect. The gist of it was a request for the Hunyuan Sect to send an elder proficient in arrays to help repair the teleportation platform. As long as it could be fixed in a short time, any conditions would be met. Among the Four Great Sects, the Hunyuan Sect had the strongest array expertise.
Baili Muchen actually agreed, but he put forward a very harsh condition: for the upcoming Tianlv Secret Realm, the Xuantian Sect would cede the vast majority of their slots to the Hunyuan Sect, keeping only two for themselves. Xiao Baidao gritted his teeth and agreed. Although the other high-ranking members of the Xuantian Sect felt the sting, no one raised an objection. As long as there were people, there was everything.
Xiao Baidao felt the pain too, inwardly cursing: *Little Xiao is such a sensible child, she wouldn't stir up this kind of trouble. It must have been that little bastard Jun Wen's rotten idea!*
"Achoo! Achoo!"
Jun Wen, bound like a zongzi, sneezed twice. "If you have the guts, let me go! I’ll fight you for three hundred rounds!"
Feng Xi, lying on the ground like a corpse, said weakly, "Fifth Senior Brother, you should save your energy. Even if they let you go, you can't beat them."
Jun Wen felt a stab to the heart.
When they were teleported to the second level, they were beaten to the ground before they could even open their eyes.
The Demon race.
Who would have thought there would be members of the Demon race on the second level of an abandoned mine?! And this was the Xuantian Sect, one of the Four Great Sects!
Just then, someone let out a cackling laugh. "You little human waste are quite sensible, unlike this stubborn duck!" As he spoke, he waved his hand, and a strand of black demonic energy wrapped around Jun Wen. "A talented disciple of the Human race? Heh, if you’re tainted with demonic energy, tell me, will your people kill you as a traitor? I love watching you humans kill each other..."
Jun Wen was about to scream curses when he heard Feng Xi look up with her small face and say:
"My lord, you think just like me! I also love watching humans kill each other, especially those hypocrites who pride themselves on being righteous. Seeing them tear each other apart is the most satisfying thing! But your method is too merciful; at most, only my senior brother would die. Why don't you turn us both into spies for your Demon race? We can sow discord among the Four Great Sects and make them butcher one another. When rivers of blood flow and the land is covered in corpses, wouldn't that be a thrill?"
The old man wearing a black mask stared at Feng Xi. "Little girl, you think you can fool me with these cheap tricks? Aren't you just pretending to surrender so you can find a chance to escape?"
Feng Xi sighed. "It's normal for you to suspect me. After all, there’s a saying: 'Those who are not of my race have different hearts.' But everything I said is true. Do you know how my dantian cracked? It was harmed by Shen Zhilan, a core disciple of the Hunyuan Sect! That old turtle Baili Muchen didn't stand up for me; he even demoted me to a menial servant. His second disciple even wanted to kill me! How could I not hate them?! I finally arrived at the Xuantian Sect, only to find it's a poverty-stricken sect. The food is terrible, the clothes are rags, not to mention the lack of cultivation resources! Xiao Baidao even sets rules for me, making me go to the dining hall before dawn to cook breakfast for him. Poor me, I’ve lost over ten pounds in just half a month! So I hate them! Why is everyone else's dantian fine while mine is cracked? Why do they get to eat and drink well while I have to eat chaff? I want to make everyone else miserable..."
Jun Wen looked at the grimacing Feng Xi: "..."
For a moment, he couldn't tell if she was acting or speaking her heart. Rationally, he felt his little junior sister wasn't such a psycho. But she was acting too well! Even he almost believed it.
The old man in the black mask was also 80% convinced. After all, in his view, no one could lie so smoothly under his pressure. However, he still harbored two parts of doubt.
At this moment, Feng Xi added, "My lord, there's actually another reason I want to join the Demon race. My dantian is cracked, so I certainly can't practice human cultivation techniques anymore. But I've heard the Demon race has many strange techniques; perhaps one of them is suitable for me. As long as you can find me a suitable one, I, Feng Xi, swear I will work diligently and conscientiously for the Demon race! I am yours in life and yours in death..."
Jun Wen: *...You're not actually serious, are you?!*
***
Jun Wen felt uneasy because Feng Xi’s reasons were too sound! For a little waste, what could be more attractive than a suitable cultivation technique?! Not to mention the grievances she suffered at the Hunyuan Sect. Who wouldn't betray them?
The old man in the black mask was convinced. Besides the sound reasons, there was another: he was arrogant! He was certain a little girl like Feng Xi wouldn't dare deceive him!
He nodded. "You're right. Human techniques rely on the dantian, but we of the Demon race aren't so rigid; we have many ways to cultivate that would suit you. However, how do I know you have the ability to stir up trouble in the Human race?"
Feng Xi smiled triumphantly. "Just as I told you, I was demoted to a menial at the Hunyuan Sect, but my current status is a core disciple of the Xuantian Sect’s Sect Leader, Xiao Baidao. Regardless of how he tortures me, the status is real. Isn't that enough to prove my ability? Besides, I have a partner! My Fifth Senior Brother, Jun Wen, might be a bit foolish at times, but his cultivation is decent. I provide the plans, and he handles the killing and burning!"
Jun Wen: "..." *Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!*
The old man pondered for a moment and looked at Jun Wen. "What do you say?"
Under normal circumstances, Jun Wen would have chosen death over surrender, as that was the ideology he had been taught since childhood. But after seeing Feng Xi’s performance, he wavered. He thought of how Feng Xi had tricked the Golden Suanni into kneeling; his little junior sister couldn't truly be a spy, she must have a backup plan.
So, he stifled his conscience and said, "If I can live, of course I don't want to die. I’ll listen to my junior sister."
When Jun Wen said this, his face burned. Fortunately, he was wrapped in black demonic energy, so it couldn't be seen.
The old man cackled. "Humans are indeed cowards! You don't deserve such good cultivation resources. Sooner or later, it will all belong to our Demon race..."
Jun Wen was fuming, dying to stuff the old man's mouth with a stinking sock.
A moment later, the old man said, "Just in case, I must plant a divine sense mark on you both, so you don't deceive me."
Feng Xi said with a giggle, "My lord, I don't think that's necessary. It's not that I have other ideas, but it's for the sake of our Demon race. Think about it: the people of the Four Great Sects aren't fools. They wouldn't suspect anything once or twice, but if they keep falling into traps, how could they not be suspicious? If they happen to have a treasure that can identify demonic marks, wouldn't my senior brother and I be exposed? Our lives are trivial, but if we delay your great cause, that would be a disaster! Besides, who are you, and who are we? Even if you gave us ten times the courage, we wouldn't dare deceive you! Of course, if you don't feel confident, go ahead—I don't mind."
Jun Wen used up all the wit he had in his life, chiming in, "That's right, the plaque of our Xuantian Sect can identify demonic energy; it might even be able to detect the divine sense mark you leave behind."
The old man frowned and sneered, "Very well, I’ll assume you don't have the guts to deceive me!"
Feng Xi smiled sweetly. "That's why you're a person who does great things; your demeanor is truly different. My lord, since we are all one family now, can you untie us? It’s so uncomfortable being bound! Especially me—I’m as weak as a chick. If I accidentally kick the bucket, I won't be able to serve you."
The old man curled his lip and waved a hand, releasing Jun Wen and Feng Xi.
Feng Xi bowed respectfully. "Feng Xi greets you, my lord!" Then she glared at Jun Wen.
Jun Wen: "...Jun Wen greets you, my lord!"
The old man was very satisfied. "If you two are obedient, there will be no lack of rewards for you in the future."
Feng Xi said with a fawning expression, "My lord, after talking for so long, we don't even know who you are. Could you bestow your name upon us?"
The old man looked arrogant. "I am Xue Tianjue!"
Jun Wen gasped. "You... you are Xue Tianjue? How could you be Xue Tianjue? Didn't Xue Tianjue die a hundred years ago?"
The old man cackled. "That's right. One hundred years ago, I was besieged by the Human race. To escape, I used the Demon Silkworm Nine-Transformation technique, making them mistakenly believe my soul had scattered. In reality, I infiltrated beneath the mine and went into hibernation. Under the protection of the Demon God, I discovered a top-grade Spirit Stone mine down here; otherwise, I wouldn't have recovered so quickly. Those fools in the Xuantian Sect thought the mine was exhausted, not knowing that the ordinary Spirit Stones they mined before were merely associated with the top-grade mine..."
Feng Xi: (???) *There’s an unexpected harvest?!*
This girl’s sweet talk became even more sugary. "So you are Senior Xue Tianjue? Although those hypocrites of the Human race have always pinned all sorts of crimes on you, in my heart, you have always been a towering hero! I thought I would never have the chance to behold your glory, but I didn't expect to have the honor of being your subordinate..."
Jun Wen was stunned. *Little Junior Sister, you really have no shame! How can you say such nauseating things?*
Regardless of whether it was nauseating, Xue Tianjue enjoyed it immensely. He hadn't heard such pleasant words in over a hundred years. This little girl was good!
Little did he know that Feng Xi hadn't even known who Xue Tianjue was before! She was a transmigrator, and the original owner didn't have much knowledge. She didn't even know if he was mentioned in the book, as she had skipped through it.
After finishing her sycophantic praise, Feng Xi asked, "My lord, what is your next step? Why don't my senior brother and I help you mine? We can't let those bastards of the Xuantian Sect benefit from the good stuff!"
Xue Tianjue waved his hand. "There are very few top-grade Spirit Stones left in the shallow layers. Trying to dig deeper will inevitably cause a big commotion, which is highly inappropriate. Leave it here for now; it won't be too late to take them in the future."
Feng Xi was extremely satisfied! *Take them in the future? Dream on!*
Xue Tianjue continued, "My injuries haven't fully recovered, so I need to recuperate here for a while. There is a gap in the second level of the mine near the mountain wall; you should leave through there immediately to avoid any complications."
Feng Xi looked reluctant. "My lord, I still wanted to learn more by your side. Do we have to leave now? Can we stay?"
Jun Wen: *...Careful not to overact! What if he really makes you stay!*
***
Xue Tianjue laughed. "I didn't expect such a little girl to be so loyal and righteous. Don't worry, we will meet again in the future!"
Feng Xi sighed. "Alright then. How do we contact you? And if we meet other brothers and sisters of the Demon race, how do we prove our identity?"
Xue Tianjue thought for a while and handed Feng Xi a black jade token. "This is the Blood Demon Token of our Blood Demon race. Although the rank is relatively low, it is enough to prove your identity. Also, I will teach you a technique; once activated, you can contact me."
Feng Xi solemnly received the Blood Demon Token with both hands and placed it in her storage bag. Xue Tianjue was very satisfied with her attitude, thinking: *What a pity. If this girl were of the Demon race, I could keep her. But a human? Once she has no more value, I can just send her on her way!*
After teaching her the technique, he led Feng Xi and Jun Wen to the gap he mentioned. "The rock wall here is the thinnest, only a few inches thick. You can break through it with your swords and leave."
Feng Xi hesitated. "My lord, I have a suggestion, though I don't know if I should say it?"
"Speak!"
"You just said you wanted to stay here to recover. I think the risk is too great. Think about it: once we get out, the high-ups of the Xuantian Sect, in order to eliminate potential threats, will likely collapse this place completely. Wouldn't that bury you alive?! Even if they don't, how will you leave here in the future? The Xuantian Sect, no matter how bad, is one of the Four Great Sects and has some tough characters. So, I think you might as well take us hostage and escape! That way, you can clear our names and help yourself get out! What do you think?"