The Cavern in the Mountain

Generally, most caves and crevices were shallow enough to see all the way to the back. Only a few required a closer look. Animal bones near the entrance or the reek of urine could mean a beast had made its den there.

If a cave gave off an oppressive chill, or the Heart Calming Incantation detected agitation, there might be a Demon inside.

Whether they faced beasts or Demons, the team had ways to deal with them.

Great Demons were another matter. If they encountered one, they had to retreat at once without alerting it. Otherwise, none of them would survive.

At present, Immortal Master Liu was the only person in Mala Village who could handle a Great Demon.

"Nothing in this one," Captain Huang said after a glance into the shallow cave.

"What a strange shape," Xiaomai muttered. "It doesn't look natural."

"What does it look like to you?"

"Hmm... like a claw gouged a mark straight into the rock."

"Exactly." Huang Ting chuckled. "Spend enough time in the mountains and you'll find caves like this everywhere. I reckon Great Demons left them behind fighting over territory."

"Huh? They fight over territory too?" Stone Monkey cut in. "Just like the dog my family used to have?"

"Bah, how is that the same? Great Demons are born rulers. Their territory is their kingdom, and strength decides who gets it," Huang Ting said with a snort. "Take the Azure Dragon. It fought its way to the top among all those monsters. What's your family dog compared to that?"

"Was that dragon really so strong?"

"You came here with the second group, didn't you? Shame... you missed Immortal Master Liu slaying the Great Demon. Her sword blazed with seven-colored light. She looked every bit a True Immortal. When she stood there, even