After they emerged from the mountain woods, a barren slope appeared ahead.
Su Yu glanced back. Trees had already concealed the entrance, leaving only a little gray mist visible between their branches and leaves. The sunlight outside had vanished as well. Looking up, he saw a murky gray veil over the sky, making it impossible to tell how thick the clouds were.
"The natural energy here really isn't very clean."
Xiao Yue extended a hand, gathered a faint current of air in his palm, then dispersed it.
Everyone had noticed this after entering the Ancient Grounds. They could still absorb the natural energy, but demonic auras were mixed into it. If they drew it straight into their bodies without refining it, over time it would inevitably interfere with the circulation of their true essence.
Su Yu tried circulating the Azure Profound Divine Art once.
These impure auras were not difficult to expel, but recovering his true essence was indeed slower than outside. If they really had to fight one major battle after another, they could not afford to skimp on pills.
Huo Tingchuan had already taken out the map and was looking ahead.
"Once we cross this slope, we go left."
Shen Ningshuang nodded. Just as she was about to move, Duan Lingxiao and the others emerged from the woods as well.
Seeing the five members of the Luochen Sect standing before the slope, he smiled. "What, haven't decided where to go yet?"
"We have."
Shen Ningshuang offered no further explanation.
Duan Lingxiao did not press her. He gestured to the right and led the Scarlet Firmament Sect disciples toward another stretch of mountain woods.
Zong Yan passed by afterward. After examining the terrain on either side, he chose the more open hillside ahead.
The three sects soon parted ways.