Before Burial Demon Valley

The news brought by Senior Uncle Qian He was like a massive boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirring up waves in Mo Yuan's heart.

Burial Demon Valley, ancient battlefield, sealed ancient demons, the Black Fiend Sect colluding with the Netherworld… these words combined foretold that this journey would be far from smooth, fraught with hidden dangers.

Yet, he felt no fear; instead, a sense of eager anticipation bubbled within him.

While secluded cultivation could undoubtedly improve his realm, true sharpness could only be forged in the crucible of blood and fire.

He had recently gained much from the Scripture Pavilion and was in need of a suitable whetstone.

"Burial Demon Valley is exceptionally perilous. Even its outskirts are often frequented by strange demons, and spatial rifts are unpredictable," Uncle Nine (Lin Jiu) said with a grave expression, cautioning him, "Junior Uncle Xuan Ji's cultivation is profound, and he handles matters meticulously. You must follow his arrangements and not act rashly. Consider things carefully and prioritize your own safety."

"Master, rest assured, your disciple understands the gravity of the situation," Mo Yuan replied solemnly.

Three days later, at dawn. At the entrance of Stone Bamboo Shoot Mountain, a group of seven people assembled.

The leader was none other than the stern-faced Junior Uncle Xuan Ji, responsible for discipline and assessments.

He wore his usual immaculate Daoist robe, his aura as steady as a mountain. He was in the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and his gaze swept over the assembled disciples with unquestionable authority.

Apart from Mo Yuan, the other five were all elite inner disciples.

Mo Yuan recognized two of them: Zhao Gan, whom he had faced in the martial arts tournament, and another senior brother at the ninth level of Qi Refining named Chen Feng, who specialized in metal-element sword arts.

The remaining three, two men and one woman, all had auras between the eighth and ninth levels of Qi Refining, clearly chosen as skilled individuals by the sect.

Upon seeing Mo Yuan, Zhao Gan's expression was complex, revealing not only the lingering resentment from his previous defeat but also a trace of unspoken awe. He eventually gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

Chen Feng, however, cupped his hands and smiled at Mo Yuan, his attitude friendly. The other three curiously sized up their renowned junior brother.

"Everyone is here," Junior Uncle Xuan Ji's voice was sharp and devoid of pleasantries. "Our destination is the outskirts of Burial Demon Valley to the southwest. The mission is to investigate the movements of the Black Fiend Sect and the Netherworld organization, gather intelligence, and eliminate small enemy groups if the situation permits. Remember, do not venture into the inner reaches of Burial Demon Valley. Violators will be dealt with according to sect rules!"

"Yes! Junior Uncle (Senior Uncle) Xuan Ji!" the disciples responded in unison.

"Depart!"

Junior Uncle Xuan Ji flicked his sleeve, tossing a palm-sized, azure spiritual boat into the air. It grew rapidly upon contact with the wind, transforming into a flying vessel capable of holding ten people. Runes flowed across its hull, exuding an aura of lightness and speed.

This was a standard sect flying artifact—the Azure Wood Boat.

The disciples boarded the flying boat in succession.

Junior Uncle Xuan Ji stood at the bow, manipulating a Dharma spell. The Azure Wood Boat transformed into a streak of azure light, piercing the clouds and speeding towards the southwest.

Aboard the flying boat, the atmosphere was somewhat subdued. Junior Uncle Xuan Ji meditated with his eyes closed, remaining silent.

The other disciples sat in meditation, adjusting their breathing, or quietly observing the rapidly passing mountains and land below.

Mo Yuan sat at the stern, gazing down at the vast expanse of land.

This was his first time traveling far on a flying artifact. Feeling the whistling wind in his ears and the scenery rushing backward beneath his feet, a sense of emotion welled up within him. The path of cultivation was about breaking free from the earth's constraints and soaring through the heavens.

He focused his mind, not wasting the opportunity. He circulated his cultivation technique, absorbing the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, which was much denser than on the ground, while simultaneously continuing to deduce the combined application of the Nine Heavens Thunder Talisman Grand Codex and Heavenly Thunder Pacing the Stars in his mind.

"System, sign in."

[Ding! Sign-in successful! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Medium-Grade Spirit Stone x30, Illusion Breaking Talisman (Enhanced) x5, Aura Concealment and Shape Hiding Art (Advanced) Comprehension x1, Remnant Aura of the Primordial World: A wisp of Ethereal Flowing Wind's Intent!]

[Illusion Breaking Talisman (Enhanced)]: A specialized talisman designed for illusion arrays and techniques, its effect far surpasses ordinary Illusion Breaking Talismans.

[Aura Concealment and Shape Hiding Art (Advanced) Comprehension]: Insights from a senior on the application of the advanced Aura Concealment Art, containing various practical techniques.

[A wisp of Ethereal Flowing Wind's Intent]: Contains the profound Daoist principles of wind and clouds, elusive and traceless, capable of slightly enhancing movement speed and concealment effects, and assisting in comprehending wind-element spells.

The rewards once again perfectly matched his needs. The Illusion Breaking Talismans would be useful against potential illusions in Burial Demon Valley; the Aura Concealment Art comprehension would allow him to better infiltrate and investigate; and the wisp of Ethereal Flowing Wind's Intent gave him new insights into both the Ghost Shadow Footwork and Heavenly Thunder Pacing the Stars, making his movements seem even lighter and more agile.

He immediately absorbed the Ethereal Flowing Wind's Intent, carefully studied the Aura Concealment Art comprehension, and cross-referenced it with his own knowledge, feeling that his ability to conceal his aura and blend into his surroundings had improved further.

Several days later, the flying boat began to descend. The landscape below gradually became desolate. The mountains appeared an unhealthy gray-black, vegetation was sparse, and a faint smell of sulfur and a subtle stench of decay began to permeate the air.

In the distance, the outline of a vast valley shrouded in gray-black mist appeared on the horizon, like a hideous scar on the earth.

That was Burial Demon Valley.

"We are about to enter the outer area of Burial Demon Valley. Everyone, heighten your vigilance!" Junior Uncle Xuan Ji's cold voice broke the silence on the flying boat. "The spiritual energy here is chaotic, and malevolent energy permeates the air, easily giving rise to evil spirits. There may also be hidden spatial rifts, so be extremely cautious when using your divine sense to probe."

The Azure Wood Boat landed in a secluded mountain hollow several dozen miles away from Burial Demon Valley.

The group retrieved the flying boat and set foot on solid ground.

A chilling, oppressive aura washed over them, causing extreme discomfort. The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy in this place was thin and violent, mixed with dense Yin fiend and death energy. Any ordinary cultivator who stayed here for long would likely see their cultivation regress instead of advance, or even develop inner demons.

Junior Uncle Xuan Ji took out an ancient compass. After its needle spun wildly for a moment, it trembled slightly, pointing in a direction deep within Burial Demon Valley. "The source of the malevolent energy is that way. The Black Fiend Sect's activities are likely related to this. We will investigate along the outer perimeter in that direction. Chen Feng, you will be responsible for forward reconnaissance. Mo Yuan, your divine sense is keen; pay attention to any abnormal energy signatures and hidden auras around us. Zhao Gan, you will cover the rear..."

He quickly and clearly assigned tasks, demonstrating the composure of an experienced leader.

The team advanced cautiously in a defensive formation, moving towards Burial Demon Valley.

Beneath their feet lay soft, sticky black earth, occasionally revealing exposed white bones, their origin—human or beast—unknown.

The surroundings were terrifyingly silent, even the wind seemed to whimper.

Mo Yuan carefully spread his divine sense like a spiderweb, simultaneously activating his advanced Aura Concealment and Shape Hiding Art to perfectly blend his aura with the environment.

He could sense that beneath this dead silence hid many weak but malicious presences—low-level demons and spirits adapted to this place.

Suddenly, his divine sense stirred, and he whispered, "Three hundred paces to the left, behind the rocks, there's a hidden presence carrying Yin Fiend energy. It's likely a Black Fiend Sect outpost."

Uncle Nine's eyes flashed, and he nodded slightly, making a gesture.

Chen Feng and another disciple moved to flank it like stealthy cats.

Moments later, a faint muffled sound came from that direction, followed by Chen Feng's return. He carried a Black Fiend Sect disciple in black robes, who had been knocked unconscious.

"Only one, Qi Refining level six. He's subdued," Chen Feng whispered.

Uncle Nine stepped forward and placed a finger on the disciple's forehead, performing a soul-searching technique.

A moment later, he frowned deeply. "Just an outer perimeter scout, his knowledge is limited. He only knows that the sect's higher-ups have been frequently entering and exiting this area recently, seemingly searching for a place called 'Yin Fiend Spring,' but its exact location is unknown."

He casually turned the disciple into dust and said gravely, "Yin Fiend Spring... It seems their goal is indeed to refine evil objects using this extreme environment, or... to awaken something. Continue forward, be vigilant for abnormal energy fluctuations and signs of artificial activity."

The team set off again, the atmosphere even more somber.

Having encountered a Black Fiend Sect outpost just upon entering the outer perimeter showed how deeply the enemy had established themselves here.

Mo Yuan tightened his grip on the Thunder Dragon Evil-Slaying Spear, its shaft feeling cool against his palm.

He knew the real trial had only just begun. Burial Demon Valley was destined not to let them complete their mission easily.

And his Sign-In System might bring an unexpected turning point in such a perilous place.