Not Showing on the Surface, Secretly Increasing Favorability

Regarding Xia Wantang's words, Qu Zhuowen was a bit confused:

"Sister Tang, what do you mean?"

Yan Wen had already figured out the reason and explained:

"Fire foxes are different from ordinary demonic foxes; they are social demonic beasts. When they appear, there are at least two of them. But this Three-tailed Fire Fox appeared alone."

"So, there's only one possibility: its companions are all dead."

Hearing this, Xia Wantang couldn't help but raise an eyebrow:

She didn't expect Yan Wen to be so knowledgeable about demonic beasts' habits.

Qu Shengwen analyzed:

"If that's the case, then there might be a huge conspiracy hidden in this Demonic Beast Forest."

"Not only have human cultivators disappeared and perished inexplicably, but even the demonic beasts have been massacred in large numbers."

In the cultivation world, the relationship between humans and demonic beasts is actually quite complex.

On one hand, they harm each other. Some human cultivators hunt demonic beasts to become stronger or earn spirit stones, while demonic beasts also actively hunt humans who enter their territory.

On the other hand, humans and demonic beasts can also become companions, such as by signing equal or master-servant contracts.

But in any case, humans and demonic beasts are not irreconcilable enemies and can reach temporary cooperation, like now.

Xia Wantang said directly:

"This fire fox should know something. Why don't we have it lead the way?"

Qu Zhuowen nodded:

"That's a good idea, but we can't communicate with it."

Hearing this, Xia Wantang patiently said:

"Demonic beasts are very spiritual. I believe it can understand our intentions."

As she spoke, she patted the Three-tailed Fire Fox's head and then pointed to 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 people exchanged glances and immediately followed.

The Three-tailed Fire Fox weaved through twists and turns, finally stopping in front of a cave.

From its demeanor, the secret was hidden inside the cave.

Ling Xuan probed with his spiritual power but found nothing, frowning:

"There are no spiritual power fluctuations in the cave, it doesn't seem like a cultivator's place."

Xia Wantang, having studied formations, could see the clue:

"The entrance of this cave has been set up with a Shielding Formation and a Defense Formation, which is why we can't sense any spiritual power fluctuations."

Hearing this, Qu Zhuowen's eyes widened:

"Sister Tang, you even know about formations?! Do you have a way to break it?"

"I know a little bit."

As she spoke, Xia Wantang extended her right hand, and a ball of blue light slowly spread from the tip of her index finger. She then pointed into the void, and two light walls gradually appeared.

Seeing this, Qu Shengwen became a little excited:

"Are these the Shielding Formation and the Defense Formation?"

"I've heard of the wonders of formations before, but this is the first time I've seen such advanced formations!"

Ling Xuan, standing with his arms crossed, analyzed:

"I know a Formation Master, and I also have some understanding of formations."

"This is not a simple beginner formation, but an intermediate one. It won't be easy to break. Let me observe it first."

However, as soon as he finished speaking, the two light walls shattered like cracking ice.

Xia Wantang retracted her hand and apologized:

"Emmm, sorry, I didn't wait for you to finish... My apologies, I acted too quickly."

Everyone: ??? Is this your "know a little bit"??

Regardless, it was good that the formation could be broken.

Ling Xuan cleared his throat, trying to save face:

"Cough, cough, Fellow Daoist Tang is too modest. I think you are at least an intermediate Formation Master!"

Of course, this was his genuine thought.

If anyone truly knew "a little bit," it was him!

Qu Zhuowen suppressed a laugh:

"Sister Tang, you're too amazing! Not only is your cultivation high, but you also have such great attainments in formations!"

Yan Wen smiled, smoothing things over, "Alright, since the formation is resolved, let's go in."

[Tang Wan gained 5 Favorability Points from Yan Wen, current Favorability Points: 35. Exchanged for 50 Faith Points.]

People naturally admire strength, especially cultivators.

Formation Masters are already rare, and leveling up is even more difficult, which is why most Formation Masters are so arrogant.

Xia Wantang hadn't mentioned her proficiency in formations at all, yet she effortlessly broke through two intermediate formations, subtly showing off. Yan Wen naturally admired her even more.

Incidentally, the other three also had favorable impressions of her, mostly between 40 and 60 points. The System only didn't report it because the exchange rate for Faith Points was lower.

Sensing the spiritual power within the cave, the Three-tailed Fire Fox's tail immediately perked up, baring its teeth at the entrance.

Seeing this, Qu Zhuowen tilted her head, "What's wrong with this little guy? Why is it suddenly baring its teeth and claws?"

Xia Wantang pursed her lips and whispered, "Perhaps its enemy is inside."

After speaking, she walked directly to the front of the four people and the fox, "I don't know what dangers lie within, so please be careful, fellow Daoists. I'll take the lead."

Xia Wantang said this completely unintentionally.

She was the strongest among the five, already at the early stage of the Spirit Sovereign Realm.

Furthermore, without the Three-tailed Fire Fox leading the way, Yan Wen and the other three wouldn't have encountered the Heavenly Demon Cult. This was a plot point not present in the novel.

She didn't want the other four to get into trouble because of her appearance; this action was merely a subconscious act of protection and compensation for them.

Upon hearing this, the other four exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of amusement and helplessness.

Qu Zhuowen said emotionally, "Sister Tang, you don't have to rush to the front. We are partners."

While Qu Shengwen was touched, he also felt a bit frustrated. What was going on? He, the proud direct disciple of Asking Dao Valley, was being protected by a female cultivator younger than him, and it was a girl he had feelings for!

Ling Xuan turned his head away, coughing awkwardly.

In contrast, Yan Wen remained outwardly unfazed, appearing the most composed. However, the Favorability Point notification betrayed him:

[Tang Wan gained 5 Favorability Points from Yan Wen, current Favorability Points: 40. Exchanged for 50 Faith Points.]

[! Yan Wen actually caught up! His favorability has reached 40 without me even realizing it!]

Xia Wantang hadn't expected this either. She thought the most difficult one to win over would be the aloof Holy Son, but he turned out to be so subtly passionate.

He showed nothing on the surface, but secretly gained so many Favorability Points.

With 40 Favorability Points, Xiao Rui and Ye Xing would have already started flirting back with her.

Yan Wen, on the other hand, hadn't even spoken a few words to her proactively, and his expression showed little fluctuation.

If it weren't for the Favorability Points, which couldn't lie, she would have thought she was just a passerby in his eyes.

"Alright, then protect yourselves."

Despite her words, she still walked at the very front, her slender back exuding a sense of security.

After entering the cave and walking through a deep tunnel, the space opened up into a brighter area.

Seeing this, Qu Shengwen blurted out, "They're artificially laid Glowstones. There are indeed human cultivators inside!"

Xia Wantang placed a finger on her lips, signaling him to be quiet, and transmitted her voice to the four of them, "The people inside haven't noticed the formation has been broken yet. Don't alert them."

She had studied the two formations at the entrance, which was why she was able to dismantle them so silently.

If the formation had been destroyed violently, the Heavenly Demon Cult members would have already arrived.

Hearing this, Qu Shengwen swallowed and nodded in understanding.

Just then, everyone keenly sensed strange spiritual power fluctuations ahead, and the smell of blood could be detected in the air.

The group exchanged glances and immediately rushed towards the source of the spiritual power—