Underground Cavern

The Soul Hunting Squad carefully searched along the eastern shore of the lake for an entire morning, but the Earth Net Spirit Root had seemingly vanished without a trace.

Disappointment gradually appeared on the team members' faces, and their steps grew heavier and heavier.

Just then, Sun Lao San abruptly stopped, slowly squatted down, and lightly touched the ground with a focused expression.

After a moment, he lowered his voice and said, "The soil here is unusually soft. There's most likely a passage hidden underground."

Hearing this, Liu Qing quickly stepped forward and bent down to inspect the ground carefully. He then nodded in confirmation. "That's right. The condition of the soil is indeed abnormal. Brother Sun, can you find the entrance to the passage?"

The corner of Sun Lao San's mouth curled up into a confident smile as he patted his chest. "Leave it to me!"

After speaking, he slowly closed his eyes. Soul Power surged around him as he let out a low shout, "Martial Soul Possession!"

In the blink of an eye, Sun Lao San's body began to undergo a startling transformation.

The first to change were his hands. His fingers seemed to be pulled forcefully by an invisible power, rapidly becoming long and sharp. At the same time, his nails grew wildly, turning into Metal Claws that glinted with cold light.

Fine gray fur spread across his arms in layers, while his muscles tensed, brimming with explosive power.

Next, his back arched slightly, and his vertebrae protruded one by one, as though a nimble rat tail were about to take shape.

His legs also became thicker and stronger, his feet broader, with webbed structures growing between his toes. At a glance, they were clearly made for digging and moving underground.

The greatest change was in his head. His ears became long and pointed, covered with a thin layer of soft fur, as if they could catch even the faintest sounds around him.

His eyes also became narrow and long, their pupils shrinking into dark green slits, as though they could pierce the darkness and see through everything.

At that moment, a faint layer of gray Soul Power enveloped him. The flowing Soul Power formed an indistinct halo around his body, and his aura became sharp and agile, just like a Gold Devouring Rat ready to go.

Sun Lao San then shouted again, "Second Soul Skill—Metal Claw!"

As his shout fell, his hands dug rapidly into the ground like illusions.

Before long, a narrow tunnel entrance about two meters tall appeared before everyone.

The tunnel was pitch-black, and the silence was occasionally broken by faint dripping sounds, as though calling everyone to explore deeper within.

Zhang Niu furrowed his brows, worry written across his face. "This tunnel looks dangerous. Are we really going in?"

Liu Qing pondered for a moment, his gaze firm. "The Earth Net Spirit Root prefers warm, damp places. The Underground Cavern is highly likely to be its habitat. Since we came all this way, how can we return empty-handed?"

Sun Lao San laughed carelessly. "Rest assured. Once we're underground, it'll be like entering my home turf!"

Everyone lit torches and cautiously stepped into the tunnel one after another.

The tunnel was cramped, its walls covered in wet moss, while a nauseating musty smell filled the air.

Liu Feng followed closely behind his father, the torch in his hand struggling to drive away the darkness and illuminate the path ahead.

Under Sun Lao San's guidance, everyone felt their way through the underground passage.

Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma bent slightly as they struggled through the narrow passage.

Suddenly, Zhang Niu stopped and pointed at claw marks on one side of the tunnel. "These claw marks don't look like they were left by a Plant Soul Beast. They look more like they were dug out by a large animal Soul Beast. What do you think?"

Sun Lao San leaned closer to inspect them, then explained, "This tunnel was most likely originally dug by a thousand-year Crystal Earth Armor Dragon. I heard that Soul Masters hunted its Soul Ring around here before. Later, it was probably occupied by a group of Drill Mice. Look, these tiny claw marks below are completely different from the ones above. These are traces left by rat-type Soul Beasts. Since the environment here is suitable for the Earth Net Spirit Root's survival, I suggested we try our luck here first."

After hearing this, no one spoke, but they silently accepted his deduction.

The passage was dark and damp, filled with an oppressive atmosphere.

Zhang Niu tightly gripped the Double-sided Axe in his hand and warned vigilantly, "There's too much moisture here. Everyone be careful."

"Don't worry, Eldest Brother. My Green Mane Horse Martial Soul is extremely fast. If there's any danger, I'll notify everyone immediately."

As Zhang Ma spoke, he vigilantly swept his gaze over the surroundings before quickly moving ahead to scout the front.

After about the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, Zhang Ma reappeared before the group. His steps were light, and his expression carried a hint of delight.

"There's no danger. There's a cavern ahead. I inspected it carefully and found no traces of animal Soul Beasts."

As Zhang Ma spoke, he raised a hand to wipe the thin sweat from his forehead. "But it's very spacious inside, and the environment is also quite damp. It fits the Earth Net Spirit Root's habits perfectly."

Liu Qing nodded slightly, A Flash in the Eyes. "Looks like we found the right place this time. Everyone, stay alert and proceed carefully."

Everyone quickened their pace and felt their way along the passage. After roughly the time it took for an incense stick to burn, the tunnel gradually widened, and a faint glow appeared ahead.

Seeing this, Sun Lao San shouted excitedly, "There's an exit ahead! Let's pick up the speed!"

The group hurried forward and soon arrived at a vast Underground Cavern.

The moment they stepped inside, a faint, elegant fragrance rushed towards them, and the air was filled with vigorous vitality.

The cavern was dimly lit, but fortunately, the torchlight barely illuminated the surrounding scenery.

The sight inside the cavern was dreamlike, like a fairyland.

The ceiling and walls were hung full of stalactites in countless shapes. Under the torchlight, they shimmered with dazzling, multicolored radiance.

Some of these stalactites resembled Sharp Swords piercing the sky, while others looked like ribbons dancing in the wind. The sight was breathtaking.

Water droplets fell rhythmically from the ceiling, splashing onto the ground with crisp, pleasant sounds.

Stone stalagmites rose from the ground. Some resembled towering pillars, some looked like small, adorable mushrooms, while others resembled lotuses blooming layer upon layer. Their surfaces were covered by a thin Water Film that refracted brilliant colors in the firelight.

Liu Feng was deeply stunned by the beautiful sight before him and could not help but murmur, "This place is so beautiful..."

Sun Lao San smiled and reminded him, "The Underground Cavern truly is Nature's Masterpiece, but we didn't come here to sightsee. The Earth Net Spirit Root is very likely hiding nearby."

As he spoke, a flash of excitement appeared in his eyes.

Liu Qing nodded and began assigning tasks. "Alright, let's move now. Xiao Feng, follow Zhang Ma. Zhang Niu and I will form a group, while Sun Lao San, you'll act alone. Spread out and search first. Gather again once you find the target."

He then added, "The Earth Net Spirit Root likes warmth and moisture. Its root system is exceptionally developed and requires large amounts of water and nutrients. Its roots spread underground like a web, rapidly absorbing energy from the surroundings. So focus on areas with abundant groundwater."

Sun Lao San continued, "The aboveground portion of the Earth Net Spirit Root resembles a low shrub, with lush branches and leaves and a rich greenish hue. Its branches and leaves may look unremarkable, but they contain powerful Life Force and can provide healing effects to nearby creatures. However, its attack power is very weak, and it mainly relies on hiding underground to avoid Natural Enemies."

Zhang Niu could not help frowning as he asked, "If it hides underground, how are we supposed to find it?"

Sun Lao San smiled mysteriously and pointed to his nose. "Leave that to me. My Gold Devouring Rat Martial Soul is extremely sensitive to Energy Fluctuations. As long as the Earth Net Spirit Root is nearby, I'll definitely sniff it out."

Thus, the Soul Hunting Squad quickly spread out and expanded their search area, striving to find traces of the Earth Net Spirit Root as soon as possible.

Although the passages in the cavern crisscrossed and the terrain was complex, everyone swiftly began their search with their abundant experience and tacit understanding.

Liu Qing and Zhang Niu formed a group and searched along the east side of the cavern.

Liu Feng and Zhang Ma formed a group and investigated the west side.

Sun Lao San acted alone, relying on the Gold Devouring Rat Martial Soul's sharp perception of energy as he weaved through the cavern, searching for the Earth Net Spirit Root's root system.

(Liu Qing)