Demons and Monsters Attack

High in the sky, a large ship tore through the clouds, shredding a white bank of mist into fragments. Over twenty cultivators were aboard the vessel. Deep within the ship lay a secret chamber, guarded by two Qi Gathering Stage cultivators, its door etched with complex Forbidden Cloud Patterns.

Inside the room, a stone platform stood in the center, topped with a three-foot-square block of dark green metal. A Treasure-Seeking Mouse sat atop the metal.

Two people stood beside the stone platform: Kong Yi and Xue Qingmei. Xue Qingmei said, "Senior Brother Kong, when did Senior Brother Yan get so close to that senior? I didn't even know he was Senior Sun of the Spirit Controlling Sect until three days ago, when we set off and he came to see us off."

Kong Yi shook his head. "I am not sure either. This senior seems to harbor no ill will toward our Sea Heaven Sect; he has always been quite amiable."

Xue Qingmei remarked, "I suspect it is because of Senior Brother Yan. That is why I find it so strange—how could Yan Chihuo possibly befriend a senior from the Spirit Controlling Sect?"

Kong Yi shook his head again. "Junior Brother Yan possesses vast supernatural powers; how could we possibly know?"

No sooner had the words left his lips than the ship shuddered violently. Caught off guard, Kong Yi and Xue Qingmei stumbled, nearly falling. Kong Yi's expression shifted. "We are under attack. I will go out to investigate. Junior Sister Xue, you must stay here and protect Junior Brother Yan."

Xue Qingmei replied, "Senior Brother Kong, rest assured. As long as I draw breath, I will ensure Senior Brother Yan remains unharmed."

Kong Yi nodded, pushed open the door, and instructed the two Qi Gathering Stage cultivators, "Guard this