Meng Zhēnjūn and Zhang Xuefeng realized they were following the wrong trail and immediately turned back to Yaoguang City. After exchanging information with Jian Gui, they started investigating from the opposite direction.
"Zhēnjūn, there is a Heavenly Sword Sect mark here."
Zhang Xuefeng pointed to an inconspicuous stone where he found the sect's mark and reported back.
Meng Zhonglun's amber eyes flickered as he scanned the area with his divine sense. He found Heavenly Sword Sect marks at several locations.
Meng Zhēnjūn said to Zhang Xuefeng, "Go check those places and see if the marks are still there."
Zhang Xuefeng quickly searched the spots Jian Lu Zūnzhǔ indicated but shook his head.
"Zhēnjūn, none of these places have the sect's marks."
"Hmph! Someone deliberately erased the marks," Meng Zhonglun said.
"Zhēnjūn, according to what Jian Gui Jūnshàng said, they should have gone to Ziyu Mountain Range. Should we head straight there?"
"Let's go directly to Ziyu Mountain Range. I just want to confirm this information is correct. If we get misled again, it means we're failing. The erased marks do indeed point toward Ziyu Mountain Range."
Meng Zhonglun was chosen by the Law Enforcement Hall because his eyes were different from ordinary people's. He could see subtle energy fluctuations and track them accordingly. He was considered one of the "Tracking" Hall's top talents.
Zhang Xuefeng was skilled in tracking, thanks to generations of hunters in his family. His talent in following trails earned him a spot in the "Tracking" Hall after passing the Law Enforcement Hall's selection.
Together, they complemented each other perfectly, achieving twice the result with half the effort. They were the "Tracking" Hall's golden duo.
With the direction confirmed, the two rushed straight to Ziyu Mountain Range without delay.
Once inside the mountain range, Zhang Xuefeng led the way since the thick vegetation made flying on a sword uncommon. Traveling on the ground would leave traces.
Zhang Xuefeng carefully examined the many signs left on the mountain paths, while Meng Zhēnjūn used his amber eyes to track similar spiritual fluctuations.
Since their enemy had erased the Heavenly Sword Sect marks, it made no sense for them to leave traces in the mountains. Following this logic, the two tracked from the outer perimeter inward.
Along the way, spiritual beasts attacked them repeatedly.
This was when their true sword cultivator nature showed. Wherever their sword tips pointed, enemies fell. They fought fiercely and pushed into the inner areas.
"Zhēnjūn, the direction we're tracking seems correct. The spiritual beast attacks along the way are deliberate obstacles meant to slow us down."
"I know. That's why I re-marked the path and sent a message to Jian Gui Jūnshàng. If we get surrounded by spiritual beasts, he can come quickly."
"You really think things through, Zhēnjūn," Zhang Xuefeng felt relieved.
The deeper they went, the stronger the attacking spiritual beasts became. They had already slain some fourth-rank beasts.
But when a fifth-rank beast appeared, the two started struggling.
At that moment, a fifth-rank black panther blocked their path.
Jian Gui and the "Tracking" Hall pair had separated three days ago. They only received confirmation that their search direction was correct. No other news followed.
"Jian Gui, let's check the remaining locations. Once Zūnshàng sends reinforcements, we'll enter Ziyu Mountain Range to investigate."
At the Heavenly Sword Sect base, Yue Liang and Jian Gui had just lowered the barrier.
Yue Liang suggested they check Ziyu Mountain Range.
"Yeah, it's about time. I'm worried too. Both Golden Core teams were deliberately led into Ziyu Mountain Range. There must be a plot."
"Hopefully, they can hold on!"
The two Golden Core teams that Jian Gui and Yue Liang worried about were in bad shape.
Three seriously injured cultivators had lost their combat ability. They survived only by relying on their limited healing pills.
Daily fights to clear Purple Leaf Blood Insects outside the defense array left the survivors exhausted. Still, none gave up, pushing themselves to their limits.
Bian Qikang originally had a Golden Core Great Perfection cultivation. After days of fighting, he showed signs of breakthrough. But this was no safe place to advance, and the spirit energy was too thin to support his Nascent Soul formation.
"Senior Brother, it's been five days since the distress signal. The sect still hasn't sent help. I think the signal might be…"
Yuan Hao pulled Bian Qikang aside and whispered.
Bian Qikang had the same realization but kept silent. Since their enemies led them here, no one intended to let them live. If they wanted to survive, they had to fight their way out.
Bian Qikang's mind raced, searching for a better solution to break the current deadlock.
Others in the cave overheard Yuan Hao's words. All were late-stage Golden Core cultivators. None were foolish.
The longer they waited, the slimmer their chances of rescue. Silence filled the cave.
"Giving up now is too early. We've faced every storm so far. We've hunted insect tribes and fought evil cultivators. If we can return to the sect, forming our Yuányīng won't be a problem. The path to the Dao is right ahead."
"Senior Brother Bian is right. I still want to form my Yuányīng, Divine Transformation, and Divine Soul, and catch up to the footsteps of our predecessors."
Yuan Hao rallied everyone. Morale could not break now.
"Senior Brother Bian, Yuan Hao, we understand. We never thought of giving up. We will hold on until the last person remains. Whoever escapes will carry on the cultivation for all the others!"
"Yes."
The others nodded in agreement with Bian's words.
"Since we know sect reinforcements won't arrive soon, we cannot just defend passively. We need to find a way to call for help again or break out ourselves."
Senior Brother Bu, captain of another team, spoke firmly.
"I agree with Senior Brother Bu. Everyone, think of good ideas. Blind attacks only drain our strength and resources. That's the worst strategy."
The group began brainstorming ways to break through.
Meanwhile, Meng Zhonglun and Zhang Xuefeng were locked in a fierce battle with the fifth-rank black panther.
The vegetation around their fight was completely uprooted. Towering trees were chopped halfway. The area was a ruin.
Nearby spiritual beasts kept their distance, afraid of becoming collateral damage.
"Zhēnjūn, what should we do?"
Zhang Xuefeng, weaker in strength, barely kept up with Meng Zhēnjūn's sword strikes, trying to assist with finishing blows. They were deadlocked.
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered overhead. Thunder rumbled as a lightning tribulation formed above a dense forest in Ziyu Mountain Range. Someone was undergoing a tribulation.
Meng Zhonglun and Zhang Xuefeng retreated in sync. Seeing the tribulation site, Meng Zhonglun tapped his ink pendant on his waist and sent out their position.
"Zhēnjūn, is that them?"
"Judging by their location, they are saving themselves. Send a message to Jian Gui Jūnshàng."
"Yes, Zhēnjūn."
Jian Gui was wandering in Yaoguang City with Yue Liang when his ink pendant vibrated with the message.
Jian Gui immediately whispered to Yue Liang, "They've been found. Situation isn't good. Let's go now."
"All right!"