Beneath the Demon Den

In the pitch-black demon den, demonic qi gathered from time to time, giving birth to new Demonic Beasts.

Within the underground demon den, thousands of fathoms beneath the surface, vast open spaces had been carved out and divided into several cave dwellings, where hundreds of cultivators had gathered.

Here, demonic qi arose everywhere at all times. Only by circulating spiritual energy and operating their cultivation techniques could they resist its corruption.

"Sect Master, more disciples have had their heart meridians struck by demonic qi and fallen unconscious."

"Cough, cough..."

Yue Lingzheng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes heavy with worry.

"Bring them here. I will purge the demonic qi from them."

"But, Sect Master, your condition..."

"It is nothing. I know the state of my own injuries. Bring them here."

More than a dozen Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators were brought over. After Yue Lingzheng had purged the demonic qi from their bodies, his aura suddenly plummeted, falling from Golden Core Layer Seven to Golden Core Layer Six.

"Sect Master, your cultivation..."

Yue Lingzheng waved a hand, signaling that there was no need to say more. Though the disciple was uneasy, he tactfully withdrew.

After the disciple left, Yue Lingzheng sat in meditation for a long while. Once the demonic qi within him had settled, he walked toward a small door.

He knocked on it. "Martial Uncle, how are your injuries?"

Sheng Qingyun's voice came from beyond the stone door.

"Much better."

Yue Lingzheng wanted to speak but hesitated. He stood silently beside the stone door for a long time.

At last, Sheng Qingyun inside the stone door spoke first, breaking the deathly silence.

"The sect's disciples... how many remain?"

"Twenty-three Golden Core cultivators and three hundred sixty-seven Foundation Establishment cultivators, three hundred ninety in total."