These bones bore no trace of decay. They were still fresh.
They were clearly the remains of disciples from the Seven Emotions Sect, the Thousand Demons Gate, and other sects.
"So many fellow cultivators have died here."
The Guest Elder turned pale and hurried back to the others.
If Yao Lanqin had not intervened, he would have met much the same fate.
Yao Lanqin's expression was cold as she pulverized the Demon Vine, sparing not even its finest roots.
She warned them, "This isn't Azure Cloud Vine. It's Ghost Scale Vine, which excels at disguise. Stay alert, all of you. Don't let your guard down."
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison.
Over the next half day of exploration, they encountered more than a dozen Demonic Plants adept at disguise.
Fortunately, they were all Tier 3 Demonic Plants. The Guest Elders could handle them without Yao Lanqin's help.
"This place really is fraught with danger. We've collected the remains of over a hundred disciples from affiliated sects along the way."
"At least we haven't run into a Tier 4 Demonic Plant..."
Everyone looked grave.
As they spoke, a Black Tower ahead suddenly shattered, and a Tier 4 aura shot into the sky.
"Look out!"
Yao Shichen, Ye Qianqing, and the others took out their Tier 4 trump cards and shielded everyone behind them.
Inside the Black Tower was a Demon Vine at Early-Tier 4.
Its entire body was scarlet, as though formed from congealed blood. Hundreds of vines lashed about it as it radiated greed, like a hunter who had spotted prey.
"Everyone, fall back!"
Yao Lanqin looked solemn. She used a stream of Mana to protect Li Chang'an and the Guest Elders.
Spiritual Light flashed before her, and an antique seven-stringed Ancient Zither appeared. She seemed ready to face the enemy