Zhang Zhi and Lin Wan'er were so startled by the sharp cry outside the cave that they shuddered all over, looking at each other with eyes full of terror and confusion.
"What on earth is that sound?" Lin Wan'er asked in a trembling voice, clutching the corner of Zhang Zhi's robe tightly. Her face, already slightly pale from tension, was now completely devoid of color, and her beautiful eyes were brimming with fear, as if that dread could turn into tears and burst forth at any moment.
Zhang Zhi forced himself to look calm, took a deep breath, and comforted her: "Don't be afraid, Wan'er, I'm here." Yet his own heartbeat was racing, his palms were full of sweat, and his mind was a complete tangle: "This cry is so bizarre, could some other unknown danger be approaching? I mustn't show weakness in front of Wan'er."
The two of them cautiously inched toward the cave entrance, every step feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds. Outside the cave, the howling wind roared like a mad beast. Branches creaked as if they would snap at any moment, and fallen leaves danced frantically through the air like directionless ghosts.
"Zhang Zhi, I'm scared." Lin Wan'er's voice carried a sob as her body involuntarily pressed closer to Zhang Zhi.
"Don't be afraid, Wan'er, maybe it's just the wind playing tricks." Though Zhang Zhi said this, he had no confidence inside. While soothing Lin Wan'er, he vigilantly watched his surroundings.
As they gradually neared the cave entrance, every step was like walking on the edge of a knife, and their hearts were in their throats. Zhang Zhi led the way with Lin Wan'er closely following behind, their breathing rapid and heavy.
The wind at the mouth of the cave grew increasingly shrill, sounding like countless wronged souls wailing. They cautiously poked their heads out to look, only to see a group of people dressed in bizarre attire walking toward them. The figures of these people flickered in and out of view amidst the hazy mist, looking both mysterious and terrifying.
Their pace was steady and heavy, each falling step seeming to make the earth tremble slightly. The surrounding scenery turned eerie as well; the sparse grass now seemed to hide countless traps, and an occasional unknown bird was startled into flight, emitting a spine-chilling screech.
Zhang Zhi's eyes remained fixed on the gradually approaching figures, his hand involuntarily gripping the rocks at the cave entrance until his fingertips turned white from the force. Lin Wan'er hid behind Zhang Zhi, not daring to take a full breath, her heartbeat sounding exceptionally clear in the silence.
Suddenly, a gust of wind whipped up a sky full of dust, instantly obscuring their vision. Zhang Zhi and Lin Wan'er were blinded by the wind-blown sand and could only slam their eyes shut, their inner fear intensifying. When the dust storm passed and they opened their eyes again, those figures seemed to have vanished completely.
"Where did they go?" Lin Wan'er asked in a trembling voice.
Zhang Zhi did not answer, merely observing his surroundings with heightened vigilance. Just then, those people reappeared out of nowhere not far away, moving at a tongue-clashing speed. Their bizarre garments fluttered in the wind, making a strange rustling sound.
Zhang Zhi and Lin Wan'er were so terrified by this sudden development that they shivered all over, cold sweat breaking out on their foreheads. They did not know the intentions of these mysterious people, nor what terrible things might happen next. When they finally neared the cave entrance again and looked outside, they saw a group of people in bizarre attire walking toward them. Every single one of these people wore a solemn expression and a cold gaze. Their garments were brightly colored and embroidered with intricate patterns, as if recounting some mysterious tale.
"Who are they?" Lin Wan'er asked softly, her voice so light it seemed as though a breath of wind would disperse it.
Zhang Zhi shook his head. "Not sure, but they don't look friendly." His gaze locked onto the group, and his hand instinctively tightened around his sword hilt.
The group quickly reached the cave, led by a middle-aged man. He was tall with a resolute face and sharp, hawk-like eyes that seemed capable of piercing straight through a person's thoughts. He looked Zhang Zhi and Lin Wan'er up and down, a hard-to-read expression on his face.
"What are you doing in this cave?" the middle-aged man asked in a low, authoritative voice that echoed through the air like a dull drumbeat.
Zhang Zhi straightened his chest, forcing his voice to sound firm and strong as he replied, "We are exploring here. What business is it of yours?"
The middle-aged man sneered. "Hmph, this cave is not a place you can just wander into at will. This is our territory, and your actions have broken the rules."
Zhang Zhi did not back down. "So what? We've already come in, and we've discovered something unusual. This is our stroke of fortune—are you planning to seize it?" Stubbornness and defiance burned in his eyes.
A trace of surprise flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes. "Unusual things? Could it be..."
Lin Wan'er couldn't help chiming in, "We've created a photolithography machine. Do you know what that is?" Her voice carried a hint of expectation, hoping to draw their attention.
A young man behind the middle-aged man scoffed, "A photolithography machine? Never even heard of it. Around here, such things are completely useless—just some bizarre trinkets cooked up by you outsiders." His face was full of disdain, and his eyes revealed utter contempt.
Glaring angrily, Zhang Zhi shouted, "What do you know? This is the power of technology! Although you cultivators possess magical spells, this photolithography machine represents another possibility—it is the crystallization of our wisdom."
The middle-aged man raised a hand to halt the young man's mockery. "No need to argue for now. Take us to see this so-called photolithography machine of yours." His tone carried a hint of curiosity and doubt.
After a brief hesitation, Zhang Zhi and Lin Wan'er led them into the cave. Inside, the photolithography machine emitted a faint glow, its complex circuits and parts looking exceptionally mysterious amidst the play of light and shadow.
Upon seeing the photolithography machine, the middle-aged man wore a complex expression. He walked around it a few times, frowning and deep in thought by turns.
"This... while this thing is novel, in our realm of cultivation, I'm afraid it can't serve any major purpose," the middle-aged man said, his tone tinged with a degree of pity.
Unconvinced, Zhang Zhi retorted, "How can you say it's useless? This is the power of technology. In our world, technology can create countless miracles. Perhaps it's simply that you don't understand how to use it."
Right at that moment, a muffled rumble of thunder rolled across the sky, followed instantly by a flash of lightning that illuminated the entire cave as bright as day.
"Not good, something's happening!" The middle-aged man's expression changed drastically, his eyes filled with tension and alertness.
Everyone grew tense, unaware of what they were about to face.
"Everyone, be careful!" the middle-aged man shouted loudly.
The hearts of Zhang Zhi and Lin Wan'er leaped straight to their throats.
What on earth was the cause of this sudden turn of events? Was it a natural disaster, or was a more powerful enemy attacking? And how should Zhang Zhi and the others respond? Question after question hung in the air, leaving an endless suspense at the story's end.