Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Over the past two days, Su Xiao took advantage of his trips down the mountain to buy supplies to carefully gather information about the market. The situation was far more serious than the few bits of information Sun Xiaohou had brought back.

"Sect Leader Brother," Su Xiao reported solemnly to Shen Mo, who was sitting quietly beside the Spirit Eye, after everyone had left in the evening.

"The news has been confirmed. There are indeed unusual movements near Ghost Cry Gorge in Yunmengze. The ground is cracking and water is gushing out, revealing the outline of an ancient ruin. The light of the restriction is appearing and disappearing. It should be the 'Flowing Cloud Water Mansion' without a doubt."

Shen Mo slowly opened his eyes, looking at her calmly, signaling her to continue.

"It's a complete mess over there now." Su Xiao spoke quickly, her voice filled with worry. "The Heavenly Sword Sect and the Profound Ice Pavilion have sealed off the core area, preventing rogue cultivators from getting close."

"The people from Dan Ding Pavilion are also running around inside. There are no fewer than several hundred rogue cultivators and people from small sects gathered outside, and there are conflicts every day. It is said that quite a few people have already died."

"I heard... yesterday, two rogue cultivators at the late stage of Qi Refining got into a fight over a broken jade slip that washed out of the water, and they both perished."

The bloody and cruel reality, as described by Su Xiao, is palpable. This is not some treasure hunt game at all, but a naked killing field where the strong prey on the weak!

Shen Mo remained silent, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on his knees.

He recalled that in the market town, a down-on-his-luck rogue cultivator named Wang Yuan had mysteriously mentioned to him that there might be a "water-cultivation cave" deep within the Yunmeng Marsh. At the time, he had dismissed it as mere rumor and hadn't taken it seriously. Little did he expect that his words would come true.

"Sect Leader Brother," Su Xiao couldn't help but voice her opinion when she saw Shen Mo remain silent.

"The situation over there is too chaotic, teeming with experts and fraught with danger. Our sect's foundation is too weak, and our disciples' cultivation is still shallow. If we rashly get involved, I'm afraid... the odds are against us. Perhaps... we should consider this carefully?"

Her words were tactful, but the meaning was clear: It's too dangerous, don't go.

At this moment, Shi Tie also came over after hearing the commotion. He overheard the second half of Su Xiao's sentence and immediately became anxious: "Junior Sister Su! How can you say that! A tremendous opportunity is right in front of us, how can you hide at home just because you're afraid of danger?"

"Aren't we cultivators supposed to be fighting against fate? Sect Leader! I think we should go! Be careful, we might just reap some benefits! I'm willing to lead the charge!"

"Senior Brother Tie! That's not something you can handle just by being careful!" Su Xiao frowned and retorted. "Are the restrictions on the Golden Core Cave a joke? Do you think those elite disciples from major sects are easy to deal with?"

"With so few people and such low cultivation levels, what can we possibly do? What if..."

She didn't continue, but her worry was evident.

"I'm not afraid of death!" Shi Tie insisted, his neck stiff. "There's no such thing as 100% safety on the path of cultivation! Can you become an immortal by hiding in the mountains your whole life?"

The two immediately argued back, each sticking to their own version of events, until their faces were flushed. Zhang Daniu, Wang Lie, and others also gathered around, their faces filled with conflict, both longing for the opportunity and fearing the danger.

Li Xiaocao and Zhao Qingyan looked at Shen Mo nervously. A Yuan, on the other hand, tugged at Li Xiaocao's clothes in fear.

Shen Mo looked at the group of disciples before him, who were divided in their opinions and agitated, but he felt little emotion. He had anticipated this situation.

"Quiet down, everyone." His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly suppressed all the arguments.

Everyone immediately fell silent, their eyes all focused on him.

Shen Mo stood up, his gaze slowly sweeping over each young face.

"Su Xiao's concerns are not without merit." He first affirmed Su Xiao's judgment, "The Golden Core Cave is no ordinary place. Restrictions, battles, and the unpredictability of human nature make it a place fraught with danger."

"With the current strength of my Qingyun Sect, trying to compete for the core treasure is tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock, and will only lead to our own destruction."

Su Xiao breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Shi Tieze stamped his feet anxiously, "Sect Leader! Then... then we'll just leave it at that?"

"However," Shen Mo's tone shifted, his gaze instantly sharpening, "Shi Tie is not wrong either. The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current, fighting against people and against the heavens; it is inherently defying fate."

Opportunities don't fall from the sky. While working in isolation may be safe, it also means giving up the possibility of rapid growth.

He paused, then continued, "The matter of Yunmeng Marsh is both a crisis and an opportunity for our Qingyun Sect. The risks are enormous, but it is not without chance."

"Sect Leader, what do you mean...?" Su Xiao asked thoughtfully.

"Our goal is not to seize the most crucial treasure," Shen Mo explained in a deep voice. "That's a path to death. Our goal is to gain experience."

"Experience?" Everyone was taken aback.

"Not bad." Shen Mo nodded and said, "Let the disciples personally experience the cruelty of the true cultivation world, witness the methods of a major sect, and hone their character and skills under pressure."

"At the same time, we should wait for an opportunity to go out and see if we can find any overlooked or useful scraps on the periphery."

"Even if it's just a special spiritual herb, a valuable ore, or a useful piece of information, it's still a gain."

The enormous debt of eight hundred spirit stones owed by Black Wind Stronghold was always a heavy burden on his mind. Now that he had the opportunity of this cave dwelling, even if he could gain a little something, it would be a great relief to the sect's current predicament.

He looked at everyone and said, "We have to wade through this muddy water. But not to risk our lives, but to learn a lesson, a bloody but essential practical lesson."

This positioning is clear and pragmatic. It is neither a blindly optimistic adventure nor a retreat that throws the baby out with the bathwater.

Upon hearing this, the disciples' restless hearts gradually calmed down, and they began to think seriously.

"So," Shen Mo immediately made a decision, "we still have to go. But not everyone will go."

His gaze swept around the group, and he began to select his team: "I will personally lead the team this time. Quality over quantity is the key to success."

"Shi Tie!" Shen Mo looked at his eager eldest disciple.

"I'm here!" Shi Tie straightened his chest and answered loudly.

"Your body refinement is in its initial stages, and you possess the strongest combat power. You are responsible for scouting ahead and making on-the-spot decisions."

"Su Xiao!" Shen Mo looked at his meticulous second disciple.

"Xiao'er is here." Su Xiao stepped forward. Although she was worried, she would resolutely carry out the sect leader's decision.

"You have keen senses and a meticulous mind. You are responsible for providing support, maintaining vigilance, and gathering information."

"Zhang Daniu!" Shen Mo looked again at the incredibly strong, dark-skinned boy.

"Sect Leader! Me...me can do it too?" Zhang Daniu was both surprised and delighted, pointing to his own nose in disbelief.

"You are strong and steady, and can be a key player in critical moments. Come with me and follow Shi Tie's command."

"Zhao Qingyan!" Shen Mo finally looked at the quiet but skillful girl.

Zhao Qingyan was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting the sect leader to call on her.

"You are calm and observant, and have a talent for formations and runes. This trip may offer an opportunity to come into contact with ancient cultivation restrictions. If you accompany us and observe, you may gain something from it."

The announcement of the four-person list brought joy to some and sorrow to others.

Those chosen, Shi Tie and Zhang Daniu, were overjoyed and eager to get started. Su Xiao and Zhao Qingyan, on the other hand, felt a heavy responsibility and looked solemn.

Those who weren't called on looked disappointed. Li Xiaocao, Lin Xiaofan, and the others were somewhat dejected.

"The rest of you," Shen Mo said, looking at the disciples who remained behind, "have an equally important responsibility in guarding the mountain gate!"

"Li Xiaocao!" Shen Mo looked at the girl with outstanding talent in spiritual plants.

"The little grass is here!"

"The herb garden is the foundation of our sect, and I entrust it to you in full charge. You must take good care of it, especially those new seedlings."

"A-Yuan!" Shen Mo looked at the youngest girl.

A-Yuan timidly raised her head.

"Your intuition is exceptional. During your stay, if you experience any strong warning signs, inform Li Xiaocao or Wang Lie immediately, no matter when," Shen Mo specifically instructed.

Ah Yuan's mysterious sensory abilities might play an unexpected role in ensuring the safety of the mountain gate.

"Wang Lie, Sun Xiaohou!" Shen Mo looked at the two dejected boys.

The two perked up and quickly agreed.

"You two will be responsible for guarding and patrolling the mountain gate. Wang Lie, with your experience, you'll be in charge of setting up early warning traps. Sun Xiaohou, you're quick-witted, so you'll be responsible for maintaining contact with the market town and gathering information. Report back immediately if there's any disturbance!"

"Lin Xiaofan, Zhou Xiaoya, Qian Xiaodou, you all should focus on your cultivation and consolidate your strength. Do not slack off!"