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Yellow Maple Valley, Welcoming Immortal Pavilion.

Zhang Tie touched the rosewood table and chairs, his eyes wide with surprise: "How many spirit stones would this set be worth?"

Li Feiyu sipped his spiritual tea and smiled upon hearing this, "Junior Brother Zhang likes it? I'll have someone send a set to your cave later."

He was now dressed in a moon-white robe, with a jade pendant bestowed by the patriarch Linghu hanging at his waist, and every gesture he made exuded the air of an elite disciple.

"No, no!" Zhang Tie waved his hands repeatedly, his bronze face turning bright red. "I'm just a rough man, I don't need such precious things."

Han Li took out a jar of spirit wine from his storage bag: "Try this, it's brewed with century-old vermilion fruit."

He poured a cup for everyone, and only then did it come to himself.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zhang Tie started talking: "Senior Brother Li is now the Ancestor's disciple, and Senior Brother Han and Senior Brother Su have both reached the Foundation Establishment stage, while I am still... sigh!"

He patted his metallic-looking arm. "But the Body Refining Technique is indeed powerful. Yesterday, a senior brother in the early Foundation Establishment stage challenged me to a duel, and he couldn't break through my defenses!"

“The path of physical cultivation is arduous, but at its highest level, it is no less than that of magical cultivation.” Su Ning raised his glass in a gesture of respect. “Junior Brother Zhang is fortunate to have this opportunity.”

As they were talking, the cave's protective barrier suddenly fluctuated.

Li Feiyu frowned. His status was different now, and he was most afraid of being disturbed.

But when he saw who it was, his dissatisfaction immediately turned into a playful smile.

"Senior Brother Su, it seems we have distinguished guests."

Chen Qiaoqian, dressed in a pale yellow silk dress, stood outside the door. She was visibly taken aback when she saw the room full of people, but then regained her composure and bowed to everyone.

But those eyes were glued to Su Ning from the moment she entered.

"Senior Sister Chen, your arrival is just in time." Han Li calmly added a set of chopsticks and a bowl. "It's a small gathering of old friends from the Seven Mysteries Sect, and Senior Sister is practically an old acquaintance of ours."

Zhang Tie looked at Chen Qiaoqian and then at Su Ning, and suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "This must be my sister-in-law, right?"

"Pfft—" Li Feiyu spat out a mouthful of spirit wine.

Chen Qiaoqian blushed slightly but did not deny it. Su Ning shook his head helplessly: "Junior Brother Zhang, don't talk nonsense. Senior Sister Chen just... came to collect the pills."

“Yes, yes, get the pills.” Li Feiyu winked. “Senior Brother Su’s ‘Yin-Yang Harmony Pill’ is the most famous.”

Amidst the laughter of the crowd, Chen Qiaoqian actually accepted a bottle of pills from Su Ning's hand, and then gracefully took her leave.

As he turned around, he lightly hooked his fingertip in Suning's palm, the implication being self-evident.

After she walked away, Zhang Tie scratched the back of his head and sighed, "Cultivating immortality is great! So many fairies are surrounding you."

"Hmph! You think this is a good thing?" Li Feiyu sneered. "This girl is named Chen Qiaoqian! She is the only daughter of the Chen family, a family of cultivators, and the Chen family has considerable influence in Huangfeng Valley. Elder Chen has long said that he will find a good Daoist partner for his niece. I feel that Senior Brother Su is walking on the edge of a knife."

Han Li silently drank his wine, offering no comment.

He knew better than anyone that Su Ning, though seemingly frivolous, was actually very sensible.

Most of those women were simply taking what they needed.

It was past midnight, inside Suning's cave.

Chen Qiaoqian, her hair disheveled and covered in sweat, lay on Su Ning's chest, her fingertips tracing circles on his heart: "Senior Brother Su, my uncle said that as long as you nod, he will immediately hold a dual cultivation ceremony for us."

Su Ning played with a strand of her hair, smiling without saying a word.

"Don't play dumb." Chen Qiaoqian propped herself up, the brocade quilt slipping down to reveal a large expanse of snow-white skin. "My Chen family's 'Plain Maiden's Heart-Questioning Technique' requires a true Daoist partner to break through its bottleneck. If you don't marry me, I will never be able to form my Golden Core in this lifetime!"

Under the soft light of the luminous pearl in the cave, her reddened eyes looked pitiful.

But Su Ning still shook his head: "Dual cultivation is fine, but a Daoist partner is not."

His tone was gentle yet unquestionable.

"Why?" Chen Qiaoqian's voice suddenly became sharp. "Because of that Mo family girl? Or Dong Xuan'er? Or..."

"Because I don't want to have a weakness." Su Ning suddenly sat up straight, a flash of purple lightning in his eyes. "The great war between the demonic and the spiritual realms is imminent, and Yan Family Fortress is just the beginning. If we become Daoist partners, and you fall into enemy hands one day, will I save you or not?"

Chen Qiaoqian was stunned.

She never thought it was for this reason.

"On the path of cultivation, loneliness is the norm." Su Ning put on his robe and got off the bed, his back to her. "If you only want to break through your cultivation technique, I can find another way. But don't mention the matter of a cultivation partner again."

After a long silence, the sound of clothes being put on came from behind.

Chen Qiaoqian walked to the cave entrance and suddenly turned around: "Su Ning, you don't understand the true meaning of the 'Su Nu Wen Xin Jue' at all."

Her voice trembled, "It doesn't want a partner in name only, but..."

Before she could finish speaking, she had already vanished in a streak of light.

Su Ning stood at the cave entrance, gazing in the direction she had disappeared, and sighed softly.

With a flick of his right hand, a pink pill appeared in his palm...

This is the "Love Devotion Pill" unique to the Hehuan Sect, which just fell from Chen Qiaoqian's sleeve.

"As expected..." He crushed the pill, his eyes growing colder.

This girl, in the end, had thoughts she shouldn't have had.

Meanwhile, Zhang Tie was studying the fourth level of the Body Refining Technique in his newly assigned cave dwelling.

Suddenly, his nose twitched, and he looked warily into the shadows in the corner: "Who's there?"

"Junior Brother Zhang has such keen senses." Dong Xuan'er appeared with a smile, carrying a food box in her hand. "I heard that Junior Brother entered the valley today, so I specially brought some spiritual food to congratulate you."

Zhang Tie dared not be negligent and quickly invited him to sit down.

Dong Xuan'er waved her hand and said, "Xuan'er won't disturb Junior Brother's cultivation."

She put down the food box and asked casually, "I heard that Senior Sister Chen went to see Senior Brother Su tonight?"

"Huh? Um..." Zhang Tie stammered, unsure how to answer.

Dong Xuan'er covered her mouth and chuckled, "Junior brother is so cute."

She leaned closer, her breath sweet as orchids, and said, "Can you do me a favor? If Senior Sister Chen shows any unusual behavior tomorrow, please send me a message immediately."

She handed Zhang Tie a pink talisman, saying, "This is very important to Senior Brother Su."

"well……"

After Dong Xuan'er left, Zhang Tie scratched the back of his head, looking completely bewildered.

The interpersonal relationships in the cultivation world seem to be far more complex than the business in Tai Nan Valley.

Outside the window, a blood moon quietly rose.

The nights in Maple Valley have never truly been peaceful.

……

Inside the Purple Thunder Cave on the back mountain of Yellow Maple Valley.

Having satisfied Chen Qiaoqian, Su Ning sat cross-legged on the jade bed, a pitch-black storage bag spread out in front of him, its opening embroidered with a ferocious ghost head pattern...

It was a trophy snatched from Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect.

"This time we really made a fortune." Su Ning's lips curled up slightly, and a wisp of lightning gathered at his fingertips as he gently wiped away the last restriction on the storage bag.

As soon as the bag was opened, a chilling aura spread out, causing the temperature inside the cave to drop sharply, and fine ice crystals to condense on the walls.

Su Ning frowned, lightning flashed in his palm, and a purple arc of electricity struck into the bag, completely dispelling the evil aura.

"You brat, you didn't even let your master know you're safe when you got back!" A loud shout came from outside the cave, accompanied by thunderous footsteps.

Su Ning quickly got up and opened the magic array barrier. Just as he reached the door, he saw an old man in purple robes striding towards him.

The old man had white hair and beard, but a ruddy complexion, with faint lightning flowing around him. He was none other than his master, Lei Wanhe, the leader of the Thunder Magic lineage of Huangfeng Valley.

"Master." Su Ning bowed respectfully, but his face was filled with an undisguised smile. "This disciple was just about to pay my respects to you after I finished counting the spoils of war."

Lei Wanhe snorted, but his gaze had already fallen on the open storage bag inside the cave.

"I heard you stripped that little bastard from the Ghost Spirit Sect naked?"

"Just lucky," Su Ning said modestly, stepping aside to let his master enter the cave.

"Why didn't you just kill him?"

"Uh? Master, I feel that Yellow Maple Valley wouldn't dare to provoke the Ghost Spirit Sect, so I..."

Lei Wanhe strode to the jade bed, his eyes widening as he looked at the treasures covering it: "Good heavens, have you emptied the Ghost Spirit Sect's treasury?"

Su Ning smiled and shook his head, picking up a tattered black banner: "This is a replica of the Netherworld Ghost King Banner, but unfortunately, my lightning magic shattered the banner, leaving only 30% of its power."

Lei Wanhe took the small banner, and lightning flashed across its surface as he examined its structure.

"Tsk tsk, the Ghost Spirit Sect certainly spares no expense. This replica may not even be one percent as good as the real thing, but the materials are top-notch." He pointed to the inscriptions on the banner pole, "Ten thousand souls devour the heart, the Netherworld reigns supreme? Hmph, what a boastful tone!"

"It can also summon twelve Foundation Establishment stage vengeful ghosts," Su Ning added.

Lei Wanhe frowned: "A heretical and unorthodox method!"

He was about to unleash his lightning magic to destroy it.

"Master, wait!" Su Ning hurriedly stopped him, her voice filled with concern. "Although this item is an evil artifact, if it can be refined with lightning magic, it might be able to be used for good. Besides..."

He lowered his voice, "When fighting against the demonic path, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory."

Lei Wanhe pondered for a moment, then tossed the small banner back to Su Ning: "Do as you please! But remember not to become addicted to it. Thunder magic is extremely yang and strong, and it is most vulnerable to the invasion of yin and evil spirits."

"Disciple understands." Su Ning nodded solemnly and carefully put away the Netherworld Ghost King Banner.

Next, Su Ning took out a three-inch-long blood-red jade shuttle: "This is the Blood Shadow Escape Shuttle. Originally, its escape speed was comparable to that of a cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation, but it contained hidden blood-fiend energy. I have already refined it with lightning magic, and now it is just an ordinary top-level flying magic weapon."

Lei Wanhe took the jade shuttle, infused it with a trace of spiritual power, and the jade shuttle immediately transformed into a red light that spun around in the cave.

"Not bad, the speed is indeed amazing." He nodded in satisfaction. "It's just that your lightning magic has become more and more refined, and you've managed to purify such an evil artifact so thoroughly."

Su Ning then took out a set of jet-black bone swords. When the swords were drawn from their sheaths, they emitted a piercing baby cry that sent chills down one's spine.

"The Nine-Child Mother Yin Soul Sword is made from the bones of a Nascent Soul cultivator and is specifically designed to break through protective spiritual light."

Lei Wanhe's expression changed drastically: "What a horrible thing! To use the corpses of fellow cultivators to forge weapons!"

With a wave of his hand, a bolt of purple lightning struck the sword, instantly turning the baby's cry into a shrill scream.

"These evil things must be destroyed immediately!"

Su Ning objected again: "Master, the vengeful spirits within these swords have not yet been released. If we destroy them directly, they will never be able to be reborn. It would be better for me to use thunder magic to slowly purify them and help them find liberation."

Lei Wanhe stared at his disciple for a long time before finally sighing, "Your heart is pure and kind, which pleases me. But remember, the salvation of vengeful spirits must be done step by step. Do not rush it, or you will suffer the consequences."

"Thank you for your guidance, Master," Su Ning replied respectfully, carefully putting away the bone sword.

Next, the master and apprentice began to examine the rare materials.

Su Ning picked up a fist-sized crimson crystal with blood-like spiritual veins flowing inside: "Millennial Blood Marrow Jade, a treasure of Ghost Path cultivators, is useless to me. Does Master know any fellow cultivators who need this? I would like to exchange it for some lightning-attribute materials."

Lei Wanhe's eyes lit up: "Perfect! Old Mo from Tiangongfang is currently refining a lightning-attribute magic weapon, and what he lacks is this kind of material that can harmonize yin and yang. I'll make a trip for you, and I can at least get three catties of lightning essence iron."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Master." Su Ning smiled and handed the Blood Marrow Jade to Lei Wanhe.

Next was a jade box, which, when opened, revealed a deep blue crystal that exuded a chilling aura.

“The Profound Yin Ice Soul can neutralize the violent energy of lightning magic,” Su Ning explained. “This disciple plans to integrate it into the Thunder Dragon Armor to enhance its resilience.”

Lei Wanhe nodded approvingly: "A wise move. The Purple Heaven Divine Thunder Technique you cultivate is powerful but lacks resilience. This Profound Yin Ice Soul can make up for the deficiency."

Finally, there was a complete, golden-yellow insect molt, as light as a feather yet with a metallic sheen.

“The Five Poison Golden Cicada Molt, which Wang Chan prepared for refining the ‘Golden Body of Ten Thousand Poisons’,” Su Ning said with a smile. “Junior Brother Zhang Tie’s Body Refining Technique is currently stuck at a bottleneck, so this item is the perfect gift for him.”

Lei Wanhe stroked his beard and smiled: "You're quite nostalgic. I think Zhang Tie is an honest and simple fellow, and he's definitely worth cultivating."

After taking stock of the materials, Suning took out several secret manuals.

The fragments of the Blood Demon Art were covered in bloodstains and exuded an unsettling aura.

Lei Wanhe frowned after just one glance: "What's the point of keeping such an evil technique?"

Su Ning was prepared: "Master, please take a look."

He flipped to a few pages, where the original text had been erased by Lei Fa, and new annotations had been added by Suning.

"I have removed the evil arts such as possession and blood sacrifice from it, and only retained practical skills such as the Blood Escape Technique. I have also tried to integrate the 'Blood Shield' technique into lightning magic, and created this."

With his palm facing upwards, a crimson lightning bolt appeared, quickly expanding into a semi-transparent red and purple shield.

The shield surface is covered with flowing lightning patterns, possessing both the indestructible power of lightning and the resilience of blood.

Lei Wanhe reached out and touched the shield in surprise, sensing the exquisite balance of spiritual energy within it.

"What a magnificent 'Blood Lightning Shield'!" he couldn't help but exclaim. "To be able to reverse evil magic into righteous law, your comprehension is far superior to mine back then."

Suning smiled shyly: "It's all thanks to my master's excellent teaching."

The last book, "The Refining Method of the Netherworld Ghost Eye," was burned on the spot by Su Ning.

"This technique is too insidious; keeping it will be of no use."

As the inventory neared its end, Su Ning took out a bronze token, which was engraved with complex spatial runes, but it was already incomplete.

“This is a counterfeit Great Teleportation Token. It can only be used once, and…” He activated his lightning magic, and an almost invisible blood-red mark appeared on the token, “...concealing a tracking mark.”

Lei Wanhe sneered: "A trick by the Ghost Spirit Sect!"

He took the token, and lightning crackled in his palm, completely erasing the mark. "You're safe now. Although it's just a replica, it could save your life in a critical moment. Keep it safe."

"Thank you, Master."

After all the spoils of war were counted, Lei Wanhe looked at the treasures covering the bed and couldn't help but sigh, "Your harvest on this trip is more abundant than all the possessions I had before I formed my core."

He patted his disciple on the shoulder, his eyes full of satisfaction, "But remember, external things are ultimately just external things. The path of cultivation ultimately lies in one's own cultivation."

Su Ning solemnly replied, "This disciple will remember Master's teachings."

Lei Wanhe laughed heartily: "Alright, I'll go and get you some Thunder Refined Iron. Three days from now is the night of the new moon, which will be the perfect time to reforge your Thunder Dragon Armor."

After saying that, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and fled from the cave.

After watching his master leave, Su Ning packed up all his belongings, leaving only the Nine-Child Mother Yin Soul Sword.

He sat cross-legged, his palms gently enveloping the mother sword with lightning, beginning to purify the resentment within it little by little.

Outside the cave, Lei Wanhe had not gone far. He was hidden in the clouds, watching his disciple's focused back, and stroked his beard with satisfaction, smiling: "This boy has both excellent temperament and talent. Our Lei Fa lineage has a worthy successor."

……

As the saying goes, "The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease."

Not long after Su Ning and Han Li returned to Huangfeng Valley, the demonic path launched an attack on the righteous path.

Judging from the fact that Tai Nan Valley was not safe, Su Ning personally went to Tai Nan Valley to bring Yan Shi and Mo Caihuan to Huang Feng Valley, where he could definitely protect their safety in his cave.

Above Huangfeng Valley, the light barrier of the mountain-protecting formation was more than three times thicker than usual.

Su Ning stood on the edge of the cliff in front of the cave, watching the streaks of light that occasionally flashed by in the distance.

Since the Demonic Path officially declared war, the borders of the seven factions have been engulfed in flames.

He turned to look at Mo Caihuan, who was busy in the herb garden; the girl's belly was already slightly protruding.

"Are you really leaving?" Mo Caihuan put down the hoe, her eyes filled with reluctance.

"The mission to guard the spirit mine cannot be refused." Su Ning handed over a jade pendant with thunder patterns. "If there is any danger, crush it."

Madam Yan emerged from the side room, carrying freshly dried medicinal herbs in her arms: "Master Su, rest assured, I will take good care of Caihuan."

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "I heard that many Foundation Establishment cultivators have died on the front lines..."

Su Ning didn't answer, but simply patted the storage pouch at his waist. Inside were thirty-six newly crafted lightning-patterned puppets, each infused with the divine imprint of the "Great Evolution Technique".

Since receiving the conscription order, he has not slept for seven days, spending all his time cultivating and refining weapons.

"Senior Brother Han is here." Mo Caihuan suddenly pointed to the sky.

A streak of azure light swept across the clouds, and Han Li steered the flying boat to a steady landing.

Compared to six months ago, his aura was more restrained, and he now carried a bulging spirit beast pouch at his waist.

"Senior brother, let's go." Han Li said succinctly, "My master has already led a group ahead."

"it is good."

As the flying boat took off, Su Ning took one last look at his cave dwelling.

Mo Caihuan stood on the edge of the cliff and waved vigorously. The mountain wind blew up her skirt, making it sway like a small flower.

Three thousand miles northwest of Huangfeng Valley lies the Qingyu Spirit Mine.

This mine, which produces mid-grade spirit stones, is an important source of wealth for Yellow Maple Valley, but now it has become a frontline fortress.

When Su Ning accompanied Li Huayuan on an inspection of the fortifications, he discovered that the rock walls of the mine were covered with newly carved array patterns.

“These ‘Golden罡 Demon-Slaying Arrays’ were personally set up by Nascent Soul stage cultivators.” Li Huayuan pointed to the intricate patterns. “Once activated, any demonic cultivator below the Core Formation stage who enters will die.”

Han Li pondered, "Master, why is the demonic path so determined to attack this spirit mine? Logically speaking..."

"Because of this." Li Huayuan suddenly punched the rock wall beside him.

After the rubble flew away, a faint purple crystalline light was revealed inside.

"The bottom layer of the Qingyu mine contains 'Purple Mansion Mystic Crystal,' which is the main material for refining magic treasures for the Core Formation stage."

Suning's pupils constricted slightly.

No wonder the sect values ​​it so much; a fist-sized piece of Purple Mansion Mystic Crystal is worth tens of thousands of spirit stones!
After assigning the guard areas, Suning went straight to the abandoned mine shaft at the bottom.

The spiritual energy here is scarce, but it is a rare and tranquil place.

He took out three mid-grade spirit stones, arranged them in a triangular formation, and sat cross-legged within them to begin his cultivation for the day.

As the Great Wilderness Technique was activated, the true essence within his body surged like magma.

This ancient martial art is exceptionally domineering; each practice feels like being sliced ​​into a thousand pieces.

Large beads of sweat appeared on Suning's forehead, and a faint golden light flowed beneath his skin.

This is a sign that the second level of the Great Wilderness Technique is about to be completed.

"boom!"

A bolt of lightning struck his head; this was Lei Wanhe's unique "Heavenly Thunder Body Forging Technique".

Su Ning trembled violently, blood spilling from all seven orifices, but he gritted his teeth and persisted in circulating his internal energy.

The power of thunder surged through the meridians, eventually being channeled into the dantian and transformed into part of the liquid true essence.

Three hours later, Su Ning collapsed to the ground, the stone slab beneath him soaked with sweat, leaving a human-shaped watermark.

But when he looked inward at his dantian, he found that the true essence vortex had expanded again, and he was only one step away from the late stage of foundation building.

“Not enough…” He struggled to sit up, took out the jade slip of the Great Evolution Technique and stuck it to his forehead.

The cultivation of spiritual consciousness is relatively gentle, so it's perfect to do it during breaks in physical cultivation.

The transformation of divine consciousness into silk threads is the hallmark of the third level of the Great Evolution Technique.

Su Ning divided his divine sense into thirty-six strands, simultaneously controlling all the lightning-patterned puppets to practice battle formations.

Lightning flashed in the mine, and the puppets changed formations as if guided by their own limbs.

This multitasking cultivation method is extremely mentally taxing, but it can rapidly increase the strength of one's spiritual sense.

"Senior Brother Su," Han Li's voice came from outside the cave, "it's time for the shift change."

Suning finished his work and stood up, realizing that another day had passed.

In the mines, work and rest were conducted day and night, entirely dependent on the water clock for timing.

During the handover, Han Li handed over a jade box: "A newly refined 'Spirit Nourishing Pill,' which will help with the depletion of spiritual consciousness."

The pills in the box had a pale blue sheen, indicating they were rare and of superior quality.

Su Ning raised an eyebrow: "Junior Brother Han's alchemy skills have improved again."

Han Li rarely showed a smile: "Hehe, it's all thanks to that Senior Brother Ye who provided the 'Great Evolution Technique'."

The days on guard duty were tedious and tense.

……

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. On this day, Su Ning was refining the thirty-seventh puppet when suddenly the entire mine shook violently!

"Enemy attack! All disciples, take your positions!"

The alarm bells rang throughout the mine.

Suning put away the unfinished puppet and rushed to the ground like lightning.

As soon as they emerged from the mine, they saw a dark, oppressive mass of light looming over the horizon, like dark clouds pressing down.

The dozen or so streaks of blood-red light at the very front were particularly dazzling—they were Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Blood Fiend Sect!
"Golden罡 Extinguish Demon Formation, activate!" Li Huayuan's roar echoed through the valley.

The array patterns on the rock face lit up one by one, weaving together to form a large golden net that covered the entire mining area.

The three demonic cultivators at the forefront crashed into the golden net, screamed in agony, and turned into a bloody mist.

But the demonic path was clearly prepared.

Behind them, a black-robed elder in the Core Formation stage grinned and threw out a white bone banner. Thousands of wronged souls roared out and frantically devoured the array's light barrier.

The gold mesh dimmed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"A Core Formation expert!" a disciple cried out in terror.

Li Huayuan, also at the Core Formation stage, cautiously summoned his natal flying sword, because he discovered that this demonic attack involved more than just one Core Formation cultivator. "All Foundation Establishment disciples, form a defensive formation! Qi Refining disciples, retreat to the mine!"

A melee broke out instantly.

Su Ning manipulated thirty-six lightning-patterned puppets to form a "Small Heavenly Thunder Array," trapping five early-stage Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators within it.

The puppets wielded thunder spears, each thrust accompanied by blinding flashes of electricity.

Two demonic cultivators were accidentally pierced by the lightning spears, and immediately collapsed to the ground, their bodies charred black.

"You're asking for death!" A mid-Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator broke through the lightning array, his blood-red flying knife aimed straight for Su Ning's throat.

Su Ning neither dodged nor evaded; his right hand suddenly gleamed with a metallic sheen as he grabbed the throwing knife.

With a "crack," the mid-grade magic weapon was crushed!

At the same time, he made a hand seal with his left hand, and a bolt of purple lightning descended from the sky, scorching the opponent until he was charred inside and out.

This is a perfect combination of the Great Wilderness Manual and thunder magic...

He uses physical strength for close combat and the power of lightning for long-range attacks.

In just a quarter of an hour, seven demonic cultivators had died at the hands of Su Ning!
"Senior Brother Su!" Han Li suddenly transmitted his voice, "I've detected unusual spiritual energy fluctuations deep within the mine!"

……

Taking advantage of the chaos, Su Ning and Han Li discovered that Xuan Le and Lü Tianmeng had quietly sneaked into an abandoned mine tunnel.

The mine is deep and winding, with ancient chisel marks remaining on the rock walls.

Su Ning and Han Li concealed their auras and hung far behind Xuan Le and Lü Tianmeng.

The two moved with incredible speed, yet made no sound, like two shadows moving through the darkness.

"Those two are acting suspiciously; there must be something fishy going on," Su Ning transmitted his voice, with faint lightning crackling at his fingertips.

Han Li nodded, and the sniffing rat on his shoulder suddenly perked up its ears, its little nose twitching incessantly.

"The spiritual energy concentration is increasing," he whispered. "There's something ahead."

After turning a corner, the view ahead suddenly opened up.

Xuan Le and Lü Tianmeng stopped at a fork in the road and were having a heated argument.

By the scattered fluorescent stones on the rock face, Su Ning saw that Xuan Le was holding a yellowed ancient leather scroll.

“…We must follow the map, the teleportation array is right there—” Xuan Le’s voice stopped abruptly, and she turned sharply to look into the darkness.

Su Ning's heart tightened, and he immediately made a hand seal to conceal his figure.

Han Li also instantly activated a concealment talisman.

"Suspicious!" Lu Tianmeng waved his hand impatiently. "Hurry up, if we miss this spiritual tide, we'll have to wait another three months."

Xuan Le glanced around suspiciously, then snorted coldly and chose the left passage.

Only after the two had gone far away did Su Ning and Han Li reveal themselves.

“They know what’s inside.” Han Li narrowed his eyes. “A teleportation array?”

Su Ning smiled slightly: "Let's go and see."

The deeper you go, the denser the spiritual energy becomes, almost condensing into mist.

Strange patterns began to appear on the rock face, resembling some kind of ancient runes.

Han Li's sniffing rat was so excited that it jumped up and down, its little paws constantly pointing into the depths of the passage.

Suddenly, Xuan Le's exclamation came from ahead: "Found it!"

Su Ning and Han Li quickened their pace and soon arrived at the entrance of a huge natural cave.

The two hid behind the stalagmite and saw a circular stone platform with a diameter of three zhang (approximately 10 meters) standing in the center of the cave. It was covered with intricate array patterns and was faintly visible in the spiritual mist.

"An ancient teleportation array!" Han Li's pupils contracted slightly. "It's at least the work of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator."

Xuan Le and Lü Tianmeng were excitedly circling the teleportation array, but they didn't notice that in the shadow of the stone platform, two blood jade spiders the size of calves were slowly raising their bodies.

The scarlet compound eyes gleamed in the darkness, and the eight legs covered in barbs moved silently.

"Attack!" Su Ning suddenly roared, and a bolt of lightning struck Xuan Le's back.

Almost simultaneously, Xuan Le turned around abruptly, and a bone shield appeared out of thin air, blocking the lightning strike.

"I knew we were being followed!" He grinned maliciously and threw out three bone-piercing nails.

Han Li swayed, dodging the sneak attack, and twelve Green Bamboo Bee Cloud Swords flew out from his sleeve, forming a sword array to protect him.

Upon seeing this, Lü Tianmeng immediately summoned a blood-red banner, from which countless wronged souls roared forth.

The four fought fiercely, their magical light illuminating the entire cavern.

Just then, the two Blood Jade Spiders were finally startled, letting out a piercing hiss as they launched themselves toward the center of the battle!

"Watch out!" Su Ning threw out two purple lightning talismans, which accurately hit the spider's head.

With two loud booms, lightning exploded, and the two level-five demonic beasts were temporarily paralyzed, convulsing and falling to the ground.

Han Li seized the opportunity, took out a silver fishing net from his pocket, and with the help of his spiritual power, the net transformed into a silver light that enveloped the spider's nest, collecting all the dozen or so crystal-clear insect eggs.

"And this!" Su Ning moved with lightning speed, rushing to the side of the nest before the spider could recover, and pulled out a bronze token from the spider silk.

The token is ancient and heavy, with the three ancient seal characters "Great Shift" engraved on it, and it feels cool to the touch.

"You're courting death!" Xuan Le's eyes were bloodshot. He bit his tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood essence. His bone shield immediately swelled up and transformed into a giant white bone claw that grabbed at Su Ning.

Su Ning remained calm and composed, forming a hand seal with one hand. A purple lightning dragon flew out from his palm and collided with the bone claw.

As the air surged, he used the force to leap backward and land steadily beside Han Li.

"Go!" Han Li shouted, and the two retreated quickly towards the cave entrance.

Just as Lü Tianmeng was about to give chase, the ground suddenly shook violently, the top of the cave began to collapse, and huge stalactites fell like rain.

"Oh no, the battle has disturbed the earth's veins!" He hurriedly summoned his protective spiritual light.

Xuan Le glanced unwillingly at the token in Su Ning's hand, gritted her teeth and said, "Let's retreat first!"

The two fled through another passage.

As soon as Su Ning and Han Li rushed out of the mine tunnel, they heard a deafening roar.

The entire vein was trembling, rocks were cracking, and dust was flying everywhere.

In the distance, Elder Li Huayuan of Huangfeng Valley, covered in blood, was shouting hoarsely, "Everyone evacuate! The mine is collapsing!"

The two dared not linger and used their escape techniques to quickly flee away.

Han Li stopped when he reached a safe area and took out the nest of insect eggs from his pocket.

The dozen or so eggs were as clear as jade, with faint traces of blood flowing inside, radiating a pure spiritual energy.

"Blood Jade Spider Eggs, a divine item for alchemy." Han Li rarely showed a smile. "This harvest is quite substantial."

Su Ning played with the bronze token, feeling the spatial power contained within it: "This Great Teleportation Token is probably the key to activating that teleportation array."

Han Li nodded: "The ancient teleportation array is extraordinary; it might lead to some secret realm. However..."

He looked toward the still-collapsed mine vein, "Xuan Le and Lü Tianmeng will not let this go."

Su Ning sneered: "Hmph! Let them come."

A flash of lightning appeared in his palm and disappeared in an instant. "Perfect timing to take care of them directly."

In the distance, Xuan Le and Lü Tianmeng stood atop the mountain, coldly watching the direction the two had left.

"We must get the token back." Xuan Le stroked the ancient scroll. "According to the ancient records, that teleportation array leads to the 'extraterrestrial cultivation world,' where we need something..."

Lu Tianmeng licked his lips: "The opportunity to form the core?"

Xuan Le did not answer, but her eyes gleamed with a determined light.

……

Three months later, at the back of Yellow Maple Valley.

A purple pillar of lightning shot into the sky, startling all the birds and beasts within a ten-mile radius into scattering and fleeing.

Inside the cave, Su Ning slowly finished his practice, his eyes gleaming.

Late stage of Foundation Establishment, done!
The second level of the Great Wilderness Technique was perfected, making the physical strength comparable to a mid-grade magic weapon; the third level of the Great Evolution Technique was completed, allowing the divine sense to be transformed into seventy-two strands; and the thunder technique was honed to perfection in a series of battles.

Today's Suning team can even put up a fight against a Foundation Establishment Peak opponent.

There was something on the table: a large relocation order.

As for the Snow Jade Spider Eggs, Su Ning gave them all to Han Li, since he had the Heavenly Bottle in his possession.

However, the two agreed that the ancient teleportation array was a secret shared by both of them.

Moreover, this was a backup plan they had prepared for the chaotic times.

If the seven factions are truly doomed...

The cave's protective barrier suddenly fluctuated, and Han Li's voice rang out: "Senior Brother, the Sect Leader has summoned all Foundation Establishment disciples. The Ghost Spirit Sect, in conjunction with the Demon Flame Sect, has breached Heavenly Palace Fortress!"

Suning packed up his belongings and strode out of the cave.

The war has just begun.

...(End of chapter)