At Xia Wantang's words, Qu Zhuowen looked somewhat puzzled:
"Sister Tang, why do you say that?"
Yan Wen, however, had already perceived the reason and explained:
"Fire foxes are different from ordinary demonic foxes. They are pack demonic beasts; when they appear, there are at least two. Yet this three-tailed fire fox appeared alone."
"Therefore, there is only one possibility. Its companions are all dead."
Hearing this, Xia Wantang couldn't help raising an eyebrow:
She hadn't expected Yan Wen to be quite so knowledgeable and actually understand the habits of demonic beasts.
Qu Shengwen analyzed:
"If that's really the case, then in this Demonic Beast Forest, a huge conspiracy might be hidden."
"Not only do human cultivators mysteriously go missing and fall, but even demonic beasts are being slaughtered on a massive scale."
In the immortal cultivation world, the relationship between humans and demonic beasts was actually very complicated.
On one hand, they harmed each other. Some human cultivators hunted demonic beasts to grow stronger or earn spirit stones, while demonic beasts also actively hunted humans who entered their territory.
On the other hand, humans and demonic beasts could also become companions, such as signing an equality contract or a master-servant contract.
But all in all, humans and demonic beasts were not irreconcilable and could reach temporary cooperation, like right now.
Xia Wantang said straightforwardly:
"This fire fox should know something. How about we let it lead the way?"
Qu Zhuowen nodded:
"That's a pretty good idea, but we can't communicate with it."
Hearing this, Xia Wantang said patiently:
"Demonic beasts are very spiritual. I believe it can understand what we mean."
As she spoke, she patted the three-tailed fire fox on the head and pointed at the charcoal on the ground.
The three-tailed fire fox quickly understood her meaning and began to run in one direction.
Seeing this, the five of them exchanged a glance and immediately followed.
The three-tailed fire fox made a few twists and turns and finally stopped in front of a cave.
Judging by its intent, the secret was hidden inside the cave.
Ling Xuan used his spiritual power to probe around to no avail, and couldn't help frowning:
"There is no spiritual power fluctuation at all inside the cave. It doesn't look like there are cultivators around."
Xia Wantang had studied formations and could see the clue within:
"The entrance to this cave is set up with a Shielding Formation and a Defense Formation, which is why we couldn't sense any spiritual power fluctuations."
Hearing this, Qu Zhuowen widened her eyes:
"Sister Tang, you even understand formations?! Then do you have a way to break it?"
"I just know a thing or two."
As she spoke, Xia Wantang extended her right hand, a cluster of blue light slowly spreading from the tip of her index finger. With another point into the void, two walls of light gradually materialized.
Seeing this, Qu Shengwen was somewhat excited:
"These are the Shielding Formation and Defense Formation?"
"I've heard of the wonders of formations before, but this is the first time I've seen such a profound formation!"
Ling Xuan, at the side, crossed his arms and analyzed:
"I know a Formation Master and understand a thing or two about formations as well."
"This is not a simple primary formation, but an intermediate formation. Breaking it is not easy. Allow me to observe first."
However, the moment his voice fell, the two walls of light shattered into tiny pieces like cracking ice.
Xia Wantang withdrew her hand, her tone apologetic:
"Emmmm, sorry, I didn't listen to you finish before... My apologies, my hands were just too fast."
Everyone:??? Is this your "knowing a thing or two"??
Regardless, being able to break the formation was a good thing.
Ling Xuan gave a light cough, forcibly trying to save face:
"Ahem, Fellow Daoist Tang is being far too modest. I see you are at least an intermediate Formation Master!"
Of course, this was also his true thought.
If anyone only knew a thing or two, he was the one who truly only knew a thing or two!
Qu Zhuowen held back a smile:
"Sister Tang, you're way too amazing! Not only is your cultivation high, but you also have such profound attainments in formations!"
Yan Wen smoothed things over with a smile:
"Alright, since the formation has been resolved, let's go in."
Tang Wan gained 5 favorability from Yan Wen, current favorability 35, exchanged for 50 faith points.
People naturally admired the strong, especially those who cultivated immortality.
Formation Masters were already rare, and leveling up was even more difficult, so most Formation Masters were quite arrogant.
Xia Wantang hadn't mentioned at all that she knew formations, yet she effortlessly broke two intermediate formations, flexing hard in an invisible way. Naturally, Yan Wen appreciated her even more.
As a side note, the other three's favorability toward her wasn't low either, basically ranging between 40 and 60, but because the faith point exchange ratio was lower, the system hadn't broadcasted it.
Sensing the spiritual power inside the cave, the three-tailed fire fox directly raised its tail and bared its teeth inside.
Seeing this, Qu Zhuowen tilted her head:
"What's wrong with this little fellow? Why is it suddenly showing its claws and baring its teeth?"
Xia Wantang pursed her lips and said in a low voice:
"Maybe its enemies are inside."
With that, she walked straight to the front of the four people and one fox:
"I don't know what dangers lie within. Fellow daoists, be careful. I'll take the vanguard."
When Xia Wantang said this, she was completely unintentional.
She was the highest in cultivation among the five, already at the Spirit Sovereign Realm Early-stage.
Furthermore, originally the four of them would never have encountered the Heavenly Demon Cult without the three-tailed fire fox leading the way. This was a plotline that didn't exist in the novel.
She didn't want her appearance to cause trouble for the other four; this behavior was simply an instinctive protection and compensation for them.
Hearing this, the other four exchanged glances, their expressions somewhat between tears and laughter.
Qu Zhuowen said in a moved tone:
"Sister Tang, you don't have to rush to the very front. We are partners."
While moved, Qu Shengwen also felt a bit frustrated:
What was going on? He, the proud direct disciple of Asking Dao Valley, was actually being protected by a female cultivator younger than him, and a girl he had feelings for at that!
Ling Xuan averted his gaze to the side and awkwardly coughed out loud.
On the contrary, Yan Wen had an expressionless, calm demeanor and was the most composed, but the favorability broadcast betrayed him:
Tang Wan gained 5 favorability from Yan Wen, current favorability 40, exchanged for 50 faith points.
!Yan Wen actually caught up from behind, unwittingly pushing his favorability to 40!
Xia Wantang hadn't expected that the Ascetic and Reserved Holy Son, whom she originally thought would be the hardest to crack, was actually repressed and slick to this extent.
He showed nothing on the surface, but secretly increased this much favorability behind the scenes.
A favorability of 40—if it were Xiao Rui or Ye Xing, they would have started counter-flirting with her long ago.
Yan Wen, on the other hand, hardly ever spoke to her actively, and his expression showed no ripples.
If favorability values couldn't lie, she would have thought she was just a passerby in his heart.
"Alright, then protect yourselves."
That said, she still walked at the very front, her slender back giving people a sense of reassurance.
Upon entering the cave, after walking through a deep, secluded tunnel, it grew bright.
Seeing this, Qu Shengwen blurted out:
"It's artificially paved Glowstone. There really are human cultivators in here!"
Xia Wantang placed a finger on her lips, signaling him to keep quiet, and transmitted her voice to the four:
"The people inside haven't noticed that the formation was destroyed yet. Don't startle the snake."
She had studied the two formations set up at the entrance, which was why she could dissolve them silently.
If she had directly and violently destroyed the formation, the members of the Heavenly Demon Cult would definitely have rushed over long ago.
Hearing this, Qu Shengwen swallowed hard and nodded to show he understood.
Right at that moment, everyone acutely sensed strange spiritual power fluctuations appearing ahead, and the smell of blood could even be smelled in the air.
The few of them exchanged glances and immediately rushed toward the source of the spiritual power--
Before you continue