Daoist Competition-Chapter 292 - 13: Nine Breaths of Nether River_2

This murky Netherworld Qi is formed by the condensed mixed energies expelled from the Nether River. The first layer, known as "Dust-contaminated air," is harmless to cultivators but can render mortals weak-limbed and unconscious with a single breath.

Mu Hongchen had visited this place no fewer than twenty times, and thus navigated its mountain crevices with ease. Twisting left and right, she swiftly covered dozens of miles, while the three behind her followed closely, not falling behind in the slightest.

After passing another curve, the path ahead suddenly widened, bringing them to the second layer.

This layer’s Netherworld Qi is called "Yin Gathering Miasma." Though slightly more potent than the first layer’s Qi, the four regarded it indifferently, breezing through in less than an hour.

Starting from the third layer, however, things began to complicate. Known as "Tonghe Huiqi," this layer’s Qi could make even cultivators short of breath and disrupt the circulation of spiritual energy throughout the body.

The terrain here was labyrinthine, with the entry to the deeper levels exceedingly difficult to locate. Despite Mu Hongchen’s seemingly effortless speed with her tunneling light, it was the fruit of years of meticulous exploration. For newcomers without a guide, reaching this point in one attempt was simply impossible.

Yet they cleared this layer swiftly, descending to the fourth level in less than fifteen minutes. The Qi here, named "Rootless Filth Qi," could disorient cultivators by causing dizziness, weakening limbs, and subtly draining spiritual energy. A single careless misstep could lead to death.

Thus, upon reaching this level, the group no longer remained as composed as before. Each person released their mystical light to shield themselves, revealing the differences in their capabilities.

Mu Hongchen shone with fierce crimson light, resembling a newborn sun dispelling the Netherworld Qi in her path. freewebnσvel.cøm

Qi Yelan’s mystical light was like a delicate flower bud tinged with pale purple, releasing a fragrant aroma that repelled the Qi meticulously, allowing none of it to penetrate.

Hu Jue’s mystical light behaved like countless long whips striking out to scatter the Qi. Despite its impressive display of aggression, her cultivation clearly lagged behind her two senior sisters.

Qi Yelan glanced enviously at Mu Hongchen, who moved unhindered across rugged terrains ahead. She silently mused, "Senior Sister’s cultivation is becoming ever more refined. How unfortunate that Chenxiang’s Mystical Skill is restricted to the Sect Leader’s senior disciple. However, once I acquire the Demon Storage, even greater Dharma techniques will surely open up for me."

Turning her gaze back, she cast a glance at Zhang Yan. Enveloped within a faintly glowing bluish mist, he appeared at ease, yet his mystical light lacked the striking radiance and divine fragrances hers and Mu Hongchen’s emitted. She thought to herself, "I had expected the disciples of Mingcang Sect to be unique, but it turns out they’re rather mediocre."

At that moment, Mu Hongchen’s voice rang out from the front, her tone heavy, "Ahead lies the fifth layer—the ’Acupoint Extinguishing Death Qi.’ Everyone, remain alert."

Qi Yelan’s heart tightened, and she swiftly focused her spirit, channeling her mystical light to its fullest.

The "Acupoint Extinguishing Death Qi," unlike the preceding layers, could obstruct the seven orifices and close off Yin and Yang. Once contaminated, it clung relentlessly, impairing sight, hearing, and smell. Ordinary Ming Qi cultivators without the protection of a Dharma Treasure would perish within moments here.

Leading the group, Mu Hongchen let out a clear cry, dispersing the Death Qi slightly before raising her wrist to summon an exquisitely crafted oil lamp.

As soon as the lamp appeared, it banished much of the dark thread-like Death Qi, clearing the area within a ten-foot radius and illuminating the cavern walls in intricate detail.

With a flick of her wrist, Mu Hongchen released vibrant halos of light from the lamp.

"This lamp is named the ’Heart Protecting Lamp,’ a creation of my master. It can pierce through darkness and withstand evil filth. The lamp oil can burn continuously for three days and nights, so you can now speak freely. However, this fifth layer harbors numerous Yin Demons. Daoist Zhang, Junior Sisters, please be cautious."

Zhang Yan responded with a faint smile and waved his sleeve, tossing an elixir bottle toward each of the three women. "These are Soul Calming Pills to aid you in resisting the Demons."

Mu Hongchen caught the elixir bottle, initially puzzled, but upon hearing Zhang Yan’s words, she was overjoyed. Courteously, she gave him a bold and sincere bow, saying, "Thank you, Daoist Zhang!"

Inwardly, she thought, "I truly invited the right person this time. These Soul Calming Pills can fend off Heart Demons, allowing me to focus entirely on my efforts. Even if faced with Demons ahead blocking the path, I can utilize my full strength without distraction. These pills are truly rare treasures; during cultivation, they even prevent one from falling into the demon realm due to mishaps. Ordinary cultivators would hoard such pills, reluctant to part with even a single one. To think this Daoist Zhang would casually offer three bottles—truly worthy of being a Great Sect disciple!"

These bottles of Soul Calming Pills, however, weren’t specially prepared by Zhang Yan but happened to be leftover from his previous journey to the Demon Cave.

To him, the mere Yin Demons ahead posed no threat. Even when faced with more formidable Demons, these pills were of limited efficacy. Hence, he decided to use them to curry favor.

At this point, Mu Hongchen paused her advance. Instead, she held up the Heart Protecting Lamp and began inspecting the surroundings. After a moment, she pointed at a mark along the cavern wall, declaring, "This is the spot. Last time, the Demon Storage was seen floating among the Netherworld Qi here." Turning back, she said, "Daoist Zhang, please release the Zhi Ma to locate the Demon Storage’s current whereabouts."

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Nether River, two figures had also appeared—it was Ni Qianying and the young girl in pink.

Ni Qianying stared downward and said gravely, "Jiaojiao, stay here on guard. I must descend. If I can seize the Demon Storage before Hongchen, it will be a grand achievement."

The pink-clad girl expressed concern, "Master, if you leave, Chenxiang Hall will be undefended. What should we do if a formidable enemy arrives?"

Ni Qianying snorted coldly, "Chenxiang Hall has been peaceful for a century. Who would bother with such a remote place? Besides, those meager assets are hardly comparable to the Ancient Demon Storage. Once I claim it, if Hongchen willingly steps down from the position of Acting Sect Leader, I’ll spare her. If not, I’ll eliminate her here and now!"

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

This content is taken from free web nov𝒆l.com