Low enough to freeze the Primordial Spirit, the cold and a host of terrifying curses filled the boundless darkness. The austere vastness of the starry universe was undiminished by the existence of the Nine-Headed Worm's former residence. Instead, it steadily corroded it, "weathering" it away.
Jiuli quickly recalled the videos she had watched and her parents' teachings, striving to stay calm and composed, with everything under control. Then she imitated the composure of the leader and the stern authority her parents usually displayed, and said:
"Don't rush to try opening the residence. First, search the mountain thoroughly and make sure nothing has been left behind and no other arrangements have been made. Also observe the flow of the natural Aura and the changes in Dao patterns."
The first instruction was meant to guard against hidden mysteries or treacherous traps. The second was to gather useful details for deducing the secrets of the cave abode's gate restrictions, so they could prepare to break the seal and open the door.
"Good!" Although Ao Qin had always acted arrogantly and looked down on ordinary members of the Demon Race with no distinguished background, he had been chosen by Beiji Little Sage for this important task. Aside from being a less-valued descendant whose conduct was unlikely to draw attention, he must also have possessed some notable abilities. At a critical moment, he knew how to put the bigger picture first.
As soon as he finished speaking, a layer of icy light, like frozen ice crystals, rose around him and enveloped his two subordinates, who were also at Demon Venerable level. They flew out of the flying vessel, plunging into the boundless, dark, freezing universe. Surrounded by layer upon layer of curses, they descended onto the mountaintop where the Nine-Headed Worm's cave abode lay.
Within