Black Wind Ridge lay fifty li from Yunshui City. The group used lightness techniques and traveled for two hours before reaching the foot of the ridge.
Zhao Hu signaled for everyone to stop and took out a map. "According to the intelligence, the demonic cultivators' stronghold may be in an abandoned mountain stronghold deep within Black Wind Ridge. We'll circle around via the path on the left. Keep your auras concealed."
The group spread out, maintaining a distance of fifty paces between one another as they cautiously advanced deeper into the mountains.
Lin Taichu extended his divine sense to probe the surrounding area. The trees of Black Wind Ridge were abnormally tall, blotting out the sky and sun. A faint stench hung in the air, somewhat similar to the demonic qi in Soul Severing Valley, though far less concentrated.
After traveling for roughly half an hour, Zhao Hu suddenly raised his hand to signal a halt. He pointed toward a hollow ahead. "There are signs of fighting over there."
The group approached to investigate and found several mutilated corpses on the ground. The dead wore the clothes of ordinary villagers, and obvious Claw Marks covered their bodies. Their wounds had turned black; they had clearly been killed by demonic cultivators.
"They died less than a day ago." After examining them, Zhao Hu spoke grimly. "The demonic cultivators are most likely still nearby. Stay alert."
Everyone summoned their Dharma Artifacts. Lin Taichu also gripped the long saber at his waist, while the Reincarnation Token remained hidden in his sleeve, ready for use at any moment.
After proceeding several more li, they came upon an abandoned mountain stronghold ahead. Its wooden gates had rotted away, and vines crawled over its walls. It appeared to have been deserted for a long time. Yet