Western Guizhou South, Hundred Spirits Valley.
As everyone knew, this had originally been the sanctuary of Heavenly Silkworm Immortal Lady, a master of the Southwest's Gu arts. Dense woods and luxuriant foliage, ancient vines stretching across the sky, miasma everywhere, countless hidden caves and underground rivers-it was a scene of primeval wilderness, a gathering place for all manner of poisonous insects and Gu creatures. Outsiders would never dare come here.
But after Master Cheng slew Silkworm Lady with a single sword strike, the place changed both its master and its appearance. The Grand Master had no use for this gloomy, secluded wilderness and had instead promised it to Chiyou Cave. It was said that when the Grand Master sent his flying sword out to slay the demon back then, he had been sitting in Chiyou Cave drinking.
Nobody had any objections to Hundred Spirits Valley going to Chiyou Cave. First, the Grand Master himself had promised it to them and had no need to consult anyone else. Second, everyone had seen and remembered what Chiyou Cave had done after the fall of the Miao Borderlands. They had both rendered meritorious service and toiled hard; they deserved it. Although the place had changed masters, its name remained Hundred Spirits Valley. The one stationed here was Chiyou Cave's second-in-command, Red-Crest Gentleman Hong Jiawen.
Ever since this Xuanzai arrived, Hundred Spirits Valley had undergone earth-shaking changes. Ancient trees still towered into the sky, and old vines still wound through the woods, but the insects here had become much better behaved. These poisonous insects and exotic Gu no longer dared harm passing travelers at will. If they dared cause trouble, a beam of bright light would sweep over and seize them, and they would immediately end up in Xuanzai's stomach.
Moreover, after the Grand