As they emerged from the passage, the sky outside had already turned completely dark. A night wind swept through Soul Severing Valley, carrying a faint scent of blood. Firelight flickered vaguely in the direction of the altar; it was likely the Cultivators left behind standing guard.
"We need to get back quickly." Qin Fang quickened his pace, worried that something might have happened at the altar.
After rushing for three li, the three of them finally saw the outline of the altar. The five Cultivators left behind were gathered around a bonfire. Upon seeing Lin Taichu and the others return, they immediately rose to greet them.
"Young Master Qin, are you all right?" the lead cultivator asked.
Qin Fang shook his head. "We're fine. The Demon Cave has been completely sealed."
After a pause, he continued, "Stay here. Kill anyone who approaches without mercy. Brother Lin and I will inspect the altar's seal."
The five Cultivators acknowledged the order and returned to their posts.
Lin Taichu and Qin Fang walked up to the altar. The Golden Runes upon it remained stable, giving off a faint golden glow that kept the surrounding demonic qi at bay.
"The seal is very stable." After examining the Runes, Lin Taichu said to Qin Fang, "But these Demonic Scripts are, after all, Evil Arts. Prolonged exposure to the air could cause them to mutate. It would be best to seal the entire altar with a Formation."
Qin Fang nodded. "I understand. Once dawn breaks, I'll set up the Spirit Locking Formation and completely eliminate the possibility of demonic qi leaking out."
Meng Qi walked to the edge of the altar and gazed at the remaining crystal core imprint in the groove. "The Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild went to such lengths. Was it really only to