Luan Hanyan lingered no longer. Taking more than a dozen core sect members in the Creator Divine Realm with her, she flew deeper inside.
Yun Che shook his head slightly and followed at an unhurried pace.
The Heavenly Dao Council members looked at Shentu Xin, who led them. "Elder Shentu, are we going in too? That place seems a little sinister!"
A ruthless look flashed through Shentu Xin's eyes. "Why wouldn't we? This is a fine opportunity to earn merit. Besides, with Luan Hanyan and Yun Che taking the brunt up front, we can quickly leave the battlefield even if something happens."
The underground passage was far more spacious than they had expected. Faint phosphorescence glimmered on its walls, dimly illuminating the way ahead. The deeper they went, the denser the sinister aura became. It had even condensed into seemingly solid black threads that slowly writhed along the stone walls.
Luan Hanyan's group walked ahead, spreading Spirit Power around themselves to keep all the approaching black threads at bay. After only a short while, everyone's breathing gradually grew labored, and their expressions became more solemn.
At the end of the passage stood an enormous stone door covered in Taotie patterns. It was half-open, and dense black energy poured continuously through the gap. The spiritual light on the key nearly illuminated the entire palm holding it, pointing straight beyond the door.
Luan Hanyan glanced back at Yun Che. Seeing that he was merely following at a leisurely pace, with no intention of rushing in first, she felt more assured and waved two disciples forward to push the door open.
The two Creator Divine Realm disciples stepped forward and pushed together. With a heavy rumble, the stone door slowly swung inward, revealing the scene beyond.
It was an underground hall a full