Wandering Swordsman |

Seeing Shen Mo's state, Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang realized that now was the perfect opportunity to eliminate him. A resolute glint flashed in Tu Yuliang's eyes, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. Excited, he slowly approached Shen Mo, his hand tightening around the long sword at his waist.

Lu Yan's heart was racing, and his eyes narrowed slightly. He knew that as long as Tu Yuliang made a move, the Flame Demon Pavilion could simply stand by and watch, and reap the benefits.

Just as Tu Yuliang was about to make his move, a deep and long roar of a demon-refining beast suddenly came from the depths of the passage, as if it were a roar coming from the depths of hell.

The sound sent a shiver down everyone's spine, and a suffocating tension filled the air.

Upon hearing the voice, Lü Yan immediately stepped forward and placed his hand on Tu Yuliang's shoulder, stopping him. Tu Yuliang turned to look at Lü Yan, his eyes flashing with doubt and displeasure, but Lü Yan shook his head, indicating that it was not yet time to act.

"There might be something we need from Shen Mo deeper in the passage, so it's not wise to act now," Lü Yan said in a low voice, his tone revealing an undeniable determination. Tu Yuliang was unwilling, but he understood that Lü Yan's words were not without reason. After all, in this perilous Demon Refining Mountain, any rash action could lead to unpredictable consequences.

Shen Mo lay on the ground, his body extremely exhausted, yet he remained alert. He heard the roar coming from deep within the passage and noticed the movements of Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang.

"If Lü Yan and the others make a move, you should take the others and leave first. Meet up with Yue Linglong as soon as possible and explain the situation. Don't worry about me." Shen Mo forced himself to remain calm and strong despite his exhaustion.

Upon hearing this, Xie Xin shook her head, knowing that she couldn't leave Shen Mo at this moment.

She immediately signaled the other Moon Demon Pavilion disciples to surround Shen Mo, protecting him within a protective circle. These disciples were also extremely nervous; they clearly understood that if Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang attacked Shen Mo at this moment, everyone in the Moon Demon Pavilion would be doomed. Protecting Shen Mo was the most important thing right now.

Just as the atmosphere became unusually strange, a deep and drawn-out roar of a demon-refining beast echoed from the depths of the passage, as if it came from the very depths of hell. This sound drew everyone's attention, and the tension in the air grew even stronger.

Seeing the Moon Demon Pavilion members form a protective circle around Shen Mo, Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang approached. Standing outside the circle, they observed the Moon Demon Pavilion disciples, having already abandoned their plan to eliminate Shen Mo. After all, in this perilous situation, internal strife would only reduce their chances of survival. Therefore, Lü Yan shouted loudly from outside the circle, "Brother Shen, what's your situation? How long until we can continue our journey?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo whispered to Xie Xin, "Help me up and transfer some of your internal energy to me. I need to regain some strength to respond to them." Xie Xin nodded and quickly placed her palm on Shen Mo's back, slowly transferring her internal energy. With the infusion of internal energy, Shen Mo felt a trace of power return to his body. Although it was only temporary, it was enough for him to sustain himself for a while.

After being helped up by Xie Xin, Shen Mo managed to stand steadily and said to Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang, "Brother Lü, Brother Tu, the martial arts I used just now were too much for me, and I was temporarily exhausted. However, I have almost recovered now."

Shen Mo was drenched in sweat after saying this, as if he had used all his strength. Xie Xin, seeing the severe side effects of Shen Mo using the Yinming Nine Revolutions technique, became even more worried about him. She then transferred some internal energy to Shen Mo.

After sensing the internal energy transmitted by Xie Xin, Shen Mo took a breath and said, "However, judging from the commotion deep in that passage, a fierce battle is inevitable. Brother Lü, why don't you let everyone rest for another two hours to recharge before continuing?"

After hearing this, Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang exchanged a glance. They were clearly skeptical of Shen Mo's words, but they also knew the current situation. Lü Yan replied, "In that case, Brother Shen, let's do as you say."

Shen Mo nodded, letting out a moment of relief. Then, using the last of his strength, he addressed the Moon Demon Pavilion members, "Brothers, you've all worked hard, but there may be even more dangerous battles ahead. So everyone, rest well now and make the most of your time to recover your strength."

After saying that, Shen Mo had no more strength left, and Xie Xin immediately helped Shen Mo sit down.

......

As time went by, two hours quickly passed.

As everyone's strength gradually returned, Shen Mo also recovered most of his strength and his mental state improved. He stood up, looked around, and found that everyone's eyes were full of fighting spirit.

"How is everyone's rest? Does anyone need more time?" Shen Mo asked loudly, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, trying to check on everyone's condition.

Seeing that everyone's expressions were one of preparedness, and no one responded, Shen Mo added, "We don't know what we'll encounter ahead, so from now on, everyone must remain vigilant."

After saying that, Shen Mo took the lead and left the hundred-meter range of the Heavenly Demon Totem, heading deeper into the passage.

Seeing this, everyone immediately stood up, picked up their weapons, and prepared to go.

Lü Yan and Tu Yuliang led the Blood Demon Pavilion and Flame Demon Pavilion members to follow closely. Although they were still wary of each other, they had no choice but to put aside their differences and work together to deal with the unknown dangers ahead.

Continuing along the passage, the group soon arrived at a huge circular plaza.

Scattered human bones were visible in the center of the square, some broken, others frozen in strange positions, as if the deceased's final moments had been frozen in time. A nauseating stench filled the air, and all was silent except for the tense breathing of the crowd.

"This is..." Xie Xin's voice trembled slightly, her eyes widened, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Shen Mo noticed Xie Xin's condition and immediately slowed down, whispering to comfort her, "Don't be afraid, everyone is here."

Lu Yan frowned and pondered as he looked at the horrific scene before him. He turned his head and carefully examined the square, as if recalling some past events.

Looking at this scene, Tu Yuliang asked loudly, "Brother Shen, Brother Lü, where do you think these human bones came from?"

Shen Mo did not answer, but carefully observed the human bones and put forward a hypothesis: "There are no traces of decayed flesh on these human bones, it is very likely that they were eaten by something and only bones were left."