Three days later, outside the Netherworld Cave.
An icy wind howled, sweeping black sand along with it. Vines twisted like ghostly claws around the entrance, and rank blood qi seeped from within, staining the rocks for a hundred zhang around.
Cultivators from the Righteous Path Alliance's four factions assembled three li from the cave: Star Palace disciples formed the Star-Magnetic Demon-Trapping Formation, silver-patterned formation flags covering the hillside as magnetic essence spiritual power flowed through the formation like a net; Covering Moon Sect disciples hid in the darkness, their moon-white robes blending into the shadows, leaving only their eyes glinting in the gloom; Giant Sword Sect disciples from the Ten Thousand Sword Mound arranged themselves in the Sword Grove Formation, their sword qi soaring skyward and forcing even the icy wind several zhang back; Yellow Maple Valley and Seven Mysteries Sect disciples wielded weapons for the Improved Blood Fiend Battle Art, a murderous chill hanging amid the flashing blades.
Han Li stood on a high slope before the formation, his Water-Magnetic Sword pointing obliquely toward the Netherworld Cave, Grand Void spiritual power flowing through the star patterns on its blade. Beside him, Mo Chenzi stood with his hands behind his back, his Nascent Soul spiritual power enveloping the battlefield like a cold pool and suppressing even the demonic qi within the cave. Nangong Wan and Lu Yun stood to either side, moonlight swirling around her fingertips while sword essence gathered in his palm, both ready to strike.
"Report!" External Affairs Hall disciple Li Qing rushed out of the cave, delight on his face. "There are approximately three hundred demon cultivators inside, holding three routes. Two Nascent Soul stage demon cultivators are hiding deep within the Blood Soul Hall!"
"Proceed according to the original plan." Han Li's voice rang like a