The magnetic essence crystal forest on the Rear Mountain of Magnetic Essence Mountain shimmered with a deep blue glow in the morning light. Han Li and Zi Ling wore the fitted uniforms of the Cloud-Chasing Guards, with spiritual light flickering from the Soul-Chasing Tokens and Star Palace Tokens at their waists. Behind them, ten Cloud-Chasing Guards spread out in a fan, the star patterns on their silver armor resonating with the magnetic essence crystals to keep the baleful aura in the forest at bay.
"The Grand Elder said the mole is hiding in Magnetic Fiend Cave on the rear mountain. Magnetic essence tides converge there, so ordinary disciples don't dare approach." The Star-Illusion Maze Formation Flag turned lightly between Zi Ling's fingers, its star patterns interweaving with the crystal light to form a pale silver compass. "The Cloud-Chasing Guards reported magnetic essence fluctuations inside the cave three days ago. They suspect someone was setting up Blood Lotus Cult restrictions."
Blue light flowed through the Water Essence Spirit Needle in Han Li's palm. [System notification: Water-Magnetic Unity fusion: 25%. Can detect magnetic essence anomalies within a fifty-zhang radius.] He closed his eyes and focused, slowly unfurling the star chart of the golden core in his dantian. Sure enough, he detected a faint yet impure fluctuation of spiritual power in the direction of Magnetic Fiend Cave-it carried both the magnetic essence aura of a Magnetic Essence Peak disciple and the Blood Lotus Cult's cold, sinister resentment.
"Stay close," Han Li whispered, his figure becoming a streak of silver-blue light as he raced along the magnetic essence crystal rock face. The closer he drew to Magnetic Fiend Cave, the higher the magnetic essence density became. Ordinary cultivators would have struggled to circulate their spiritual power here, but his Water-Magnetic Unity let him move