Night dark as ink, deep within a hidden bamboo grove behind Qingxu Temple, Tang Xiao Qi followed Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, stepping on dew-soaked stone steps, heading toward deeper darkness. Night wind passed through bamboo leaves, making soft rustling sounds, rendering everything around utterly silent. Xiao Qi could feel his heart within his chest uncontrollably accelerating—both nervous about meeting this unknown force, and with a trace of anticipation about finally being able to more proactively oppose Shadow Snake Pavilion.
Since returning from the secret realm, news of his purification arts spread widely. Though his status within the sect rose, he deeply knew that the invisible thread of destiny between himself and Shadow Snake Pavilion was being pulled tighter. Aunt Su's left-behind warning echoed in his ears. Though the demonic entity'sremnant soul whispers were suppressed by the jade pendant, they were like attached bones and maggot—constantly reminding him of imminent danger. Several days ago, Senior Brother secretly sought him, only saying he found "like-minded allies" who might provide help. Tonight was the introduction.
At the bamboo grove's end was a seemingly natural rock wall, vines hanging down, concealing a narrow opening only one person could pass through. Mu Qingfeng stopped, turned to look at Xiao Qi. His gaze was steady with a trace of gravity: "Xiao Qi, inside is a contact point of the 'Shadow Breaking Alliance.' This alliance is composed of many cultivators withblood feud against Shadow Snake Pavilion. They act secretly, ambiguous between good and evil. Once inside, watch more, listen more, speak less. Whether you can gain their trust depends on yourself."
Xiao Qi took a deep breath, nodded forcefully: "I understand, Senior Brother."
Mu Qingfeng said no more. He raised his hand, sending out a unique technique seal. Spiritual power fluctuation was like a stone dropped into still water, rippling an almost imperceptibleripples at the cave entrance. He bent and entered first; Xiao Qi followed closely.
Inside the cave was extremely narrow at first, only allowing one person through. After several dozen steps, suddenly opened up. Not the imagined gloomy underground cavern, but a stone hall cleverly shrouded by formations. The dome was inlaid withglowstone emitting soft white light, making the hall bright as day. The hall's furnishings were simple—only several stone tables and stools. Currently, five or six figures stood within.
The moment Mu Qingfeng and Xiao Qi entered, all these people's gazes simultaneously shot over. Those gazes held no curiosity, no welcome—only scrutiny, vigilance, and a bone-deep coldness seemingly honed by time and hatred. Xiao Qi could even sense several powerful divine sensesnot at allnotpoliteground sweeping over him, carrying the flavor of probing and assessment.
The leader was a middle-aged man wearing faded gray combat clothes. His face was ordinary, only his eyes—sharp as hawk's, seemingly able to penetrate skin and directdirectly reachdeep within the soul. At his waist hung an ancient-style long sword. Though not drawn, it naturally emanated a chilling aura of sharpness. Xiao Qi's pupilsslightshrink—this aura was from a Golden Core stage cultivator, certainly not newly entered Golden Core. The condensation level of his spiritual power even exceeded several Qingxu Temple elders Xiao Qi had seen—mid Golden Core without doubt. This person must be the Shadow Breaking Alliance's leader the Senior Brother mentioned.
"Mu Daoist friend, long time no see." The gray-clothed man's voice was low and hoarse, like stone grinding, he slightly nodded to Mu Qingfeng in greeting. His gaze then fell on Xiao Qi: "This is the Tang Xiao Qi you mentioned in your letter?"
"Indeed." Mu Qingfeng stepped aside, presenting Xiao Qi: "Alliance Master Feng, this is my Junior Brother, Tang Xiao Qi. Xiao Qi, this is the Shadow Breaking Alliance's Feng Wuji, Alliance Master Feng."
Xiao Qi stepped forward one pace, neither servile nor overbearing, bowing in greeting: "Qingxu Temple disciple Tang Xiao Qi, greets Alliance Master Feng, greets all Daoist friends."
Feng Wuji's gaze lingered on Xiao Qi for several breaths. That gaze was like substantial matter, carrying heavy pressure. Xiao Qi could feel the jade pendant at his chest transmitting a trace of warmth, helping stabilize his slightly fluctuating heart. He maintained calm expression, his gazecalmly meeting Feng Wuji's scrutiny.
"Qi Refining stage... no, looking at your spiritual power's solidity, there's a sign of breakthrough—should be Qi Refining peak, half-step to Foundation Establishment." Feng Wuji slowly spoke, tone revealing neither pleasure nor anger: "Young age, yet having such cultivation, also considered quite good within Qingxu Temple. But, merely with this, does Mu Daoist friend think he qualifies to cooperate with us, jointly oppose Shadow Snake Pavilion? Perhaps... somewhat childish." At his words' end cameundisguised'squestion.
The other Shadow Breaking Alliance members in the hall, though not speaking, their eyes heldarmsdoubtanddisdain, nearly forming substantial matter. They were all people who had experienced life-and-death hardships, with unbridgeable blood feuds against Shadow Snake Pavilion. A seemingly inexperienced sect disciple—in their eyes, indeed lacked sufficient weight.
Mu Qingfeng started to speak, but Xiao Qi preempted. He knew any verbal explanation would be pale. Only by displaying sufficient value could he win serious attention from these people who licked blood from blade tips.
He subtly moved his mind. Not fully activating, but carefully inducing the purification source from within the jade pendant. A cool, pure, carrying vibrant lifeaura, like a spring thawed by earlyspring, slowly spread from within his body. This aura wasn't overbearing, yet carried an indescribable holiness and restrained power, forming sharp contrast with the hall's originally somewhatmuffledsuppressed atmosphere.
Hum—
The moment this auradiffused, every Shadow Breaking Alliance member's face changed. Those several members originally bearingdisdain, suddenly wide-eyed, faces full of shock and disbelief. They had dealt with Shadow Snake Pavilion for years, were extremely familiar with demonic qi andyin evilenergy, equally understood how rare and precious aura that could restrain these forces was!
Feng Wuji's impassive face, for the first time, clearly showedmovementallow. His hawk-like gaze instantly became extremely sharp,staring fixedly at Xiao Qi, as if wanting to see him completely inside and out. The ancient sword at his waist even emitted a nearly inaudiblechant—instinctresonance when sensing same-level power.
"This is..." Feng Wuji's voice carried unnoticeable tremor: "Purification power?! So pure...far superior to ordinary exorcism!"
Xiao Qi timelysuppressed aura. The hall returned to calm, but everyone's hearts hadheaven overturninggroundcover. He met Feng Wuji's shocked gaze, speaking deeply: "The juniorcasually obtained an inheritance, bearing some purification power. It indeed has restraining effect on Shadow Snake Pavilion's demonic arts and qi. In the secret realm, I used this power to save fellow disciples, also clashed with Shadow Snake Pavilion demonic cultivators, with some gains."
He didn't mention the jade pendant, only vaguely calling it "inheritance." TheDaoreason of treasure causing misfortune, he had deeply understood from Master and Senior Brother's warnings.
Mu Qingfeng then interjected: "Alliance Master Feng, do you now think my Junior Brother qualifies to discuss cooperation with your honored Alliance?"
Feng Wuji didn't immediately answer. He silently paused. The scrutiny in his gaze remained, but thatdisdainandquestion had vanished, replaced by a mixture of shock, exploration, even a trace of... hope.
He slowly walked to a stone table and sat. Signaling Mu Qingfeng and Xiao Qi to also be seated. The other Shadow Breaking Alliance members exchanged glances, also quietly gathering around. The atmosphereobviously slowandmany.
"Young Friend Tang possessing such power indeedunexpected." Feng Wuji spoke, voice still low but with less initial coldness: "My Shadow Breaking Alliance since founding has gathered all those harmed by Shadow Snake Pavilion, with irreconcilable feuds. There are orphans whose families were slaughtered, surviving only by luck; wandering cultivators whose sects were destroyed; also like me—those with spouses and friends all killed by them, leaving me alone." His tone was calm, but the blood, tears, and hatred within his words moved listeners.
"We hide in darkness, waiting for opportunity. Over many years we have given Shadow Snake Pavilion some strikes, yetcan never harm its foundation. Because Shadow Snake Pavilion's demonic arts are bizarre, especially that demonic qi erodes treasures, pollutes spiritual power—people defend against it with difficulty. Many comrades didn't lack strength, but lost to this demonic qi." Feng Wuji's gaze again fell on Xiao Qi. This time,with undisguised eagerness: "Young friend's this purification power is precisely what we have dreamed of, the key to opposing Shadow Snake Pavilion's demonic qi!"
Heslightslightfrontpour, tone becoming solemn: "If young friend is willing, my Shadow Breaking AlliancewishandQingxu Temple,andyou Tang Xiao Qi, share all intelligence we have gathered over years about Shadow Snake Pavilion—including some peripheral strongholds, personnel composition, action patterns, even... some fuzzy clues about their headquarters 'Ten Thousand Poison Marsh.' Only hope at critical moments, young friend can use this purification power, help us one arm, kill demonic cultivators,Console the dead!"
Xiao Qi's heartnumerousthrobbing. Share intelligence! This was precisely what he needed most! Shadow Snake Pavilion was like a poison snake hidden in fog. He had power but didn't know where to swing it. The Shadow Breaking Alliance's existence undoubtedly opened a window for him.
He forcefully suppressedinsideheartstimulatemovement, glanced at Senior Brother. Seeing Mu Qingfengslightslightly nodded, he solemnly responded: "Shadow Snake Pavilion and I also have extermination blood feud, irreconcilable. Cooperating with like-minded predecessors, the juniorseek itnotcan. However..." He shifted: "The junior's cultivation is still shallow, this power's use not yet skilled, and identity sensitive—afraid I cannot frequently participate in actions, exposing myself would be unwise."
Hearing this, Feng Wuji was not displeased. Instead, a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes. Understandingexaminetimeassess the situation, measure ones strengthandgo, rather than blindlyrushmovement—this was the demeanor of someone who could accomplish things.
"Young friend rest assured." Feng Wuji said: "Our Alliancenot reckless people. Cooperation method can be discussed. Initially, you need not directly participate in dangerous actions. I can first provide some verified intelligence for you and Qingxu Temple as reference. Simultaneously, our Alliance will find ways to gather more information about Shadow Snake Pavilion, especially their headquarters 'Ten Thousand Poison Marsh' and 'Soul Control Jade' for you. When the time matures, or when there are critical missions needing your purification power's help, we will then contact."
This proposal could be called extremely sincere—considering both Xiao Qi's current situation and satisfying both parties' core needs.
Xiao Qi hesitated no more. He stood, faced Feng Wuji and all present, solemnly clasped fists: "Since thus, Tang Xiao QiwishandShadow-Breaking Alliance, join hands in jointly opposing Shadow Snake Pavilion!"
Feng Wuji also stood, returned the fist salute. His Shadow Breaking Alliance members behind, now looking at Xiao Qi, no longer helddisdain—instead a kind of recognition and hidden anticipation.
"Good!" Feng Wuji spoke deeply: "From today, you Tang Xiao Qi are my Shadow Breaking Alliance's friend! The path opposing Shadow Snake Pavilion, perilous beyond measure—may we... unite as one, share life and death!"
Inside the stone hall, the pearl's lightflow quietly, illuminating clearly the subtle expressions on everyone's faces. Alliance Master Feng Wuji's lingering "friend" seemed still echoing in the air, butimmediately after, a more solemn silence descended. Trust wasn't established merely through a promise—especially under the shadow of opposing a behemoth like Shadow Snake Pavilion.
Feng Wuji sat back on the stone bench, fingers unconsciously tapping the cold stone table surface, making soft "duduk" sounds. His sharp gazeagaintimesfocus on Tang Xiao Qi—this time no longer mere scrutiny, butwith an almost demanding tone of inquiry.
"Young Friend Tang," he slowly spoke, voice low, "Your purification power has shocked us all. Feng Mou isn't doubting you or Friend Mu's character, but... Shadow Snake Pavilion is cunning and ferocious. Cooperating with us is like dancing on blade tips. To ensure future actions have no errors, to avoid useless sacrifices from misjudging strength, Feng Mou has an unreasonable request."
Xiao Qi understood in his heart. The real test was coming now. His expression calm, heslightly nodded: "Alliance Master please speak."
"May... allow us towitness see exactly what level your purification power has reached? And, the 'inheritance' you mentioned—does it have other mysteries?" Feng Wuji's gazelike an eagle, tightly locking onto Xiao Qi: "Not doubting, but need to know ourselves and the enemy. We need to know, when facing what level of demonic qi erosion in the future, we can rely on your power."
Upon speaking, the other Shadow Breaking Alliance members also nodded, gazing at Xiao Qi intensely. They needed more intuitive evidence to evaluate just how much assistance this new "friend" could bring.
Mu Qingfeng stood nearby without interrupting,quietly watch. He knew this was a hurdle Xiao Qi must face alone.
Xiao Qi silently paused, seemingly weighing. Displaying power meant exposing more trump cards. But gaining deeper trust was undoubtedly the priority now. And he sensed Feng Wuji and the others weren't malicious—more cautious from harsh reality.
"Alright." Xiao Qi finally nodded. He stood, walking to the hall's more open central area.
He didn't immediately activate the jade pendant. Instead, he first raised his right hand. Moving his mind, the cool aura originating from the jade pendant's source was slowly mobilized, flowing through meridians to his palm. Initially just a tiny point of light, like firefly in the night. Then that light gradually became bright, pure, transforming into a soft yet undeniable white halo floating above his palm.
That halo wasn't glaring, yet carried an indescribable holiness and tranquility. The moment the halo appeared, the slightly impure auras from everyone's varied spiritual attributes in the hall seemed smoothed by an invisible hand, becomingabnormally clear. Several lower-cultivation Shadow Breaking Alliance members even felt their spiritual power circulate more smoothly, accumulated fatigue from days of travel also somewhat reduced.
"What pure purification meaning!" A thin man bearing a longbow couldn't help exclaiming. He constantly dealt with mountainmiasma, making him most sensitive to such auras.
Feng Wuji's eyes flashed, but he wasn't satisfied. He suddenly took out a palm-sized black jade box from hisarms. That box was completely pitch-black, its surface carved with bizarre twisting patterns. The moment it appeared, it emanated a cold, filthy aura causing all present to frown.
"This item, we obtained from ambushing a Shadow Snake Pavilion deacon last time." Feng Wuji explained, tone grave: "Inside the box is sealed a strand of his origin demonic qiforced out before death—extremely condensed and vicious. We've tried many methods, all difficult to thoroughly purify, can only barelyseal with formations."
Saying this, he carefullyuncover the jade box's corner seal.
Instantly, a dense as ink black qi, like a living creature, crawled out from the gap. Carrying nauseating stench and bone-piercing cold, it quickly spread throughout the hall. Where the demonic qi passed, even the air seemed to become thick and filthy. The pearl's light seemed dimmed. That demonic qi carried strong erosiveness, attempting todrilled into the cultivators' protective spiritual light.
Several Shadow Breaking Alliance members immediately activated techniques to resist, faces showing strain. This was only one strand ofseal weakened demonic qi!
"Young friend, please!" Feng Wuji tightly stared at Xiao Qi, speaking deeply.
Xiao Qi's expression unchanged. At that demonic qi's moment attempting to rush toward him, the white halo in his palm suddenly expanded, transforming into a pure light domain about three chi in diameter, shrouding himself. The demonic qi struck the light domain's edge—like ice meeting sun, making soft "hiss-hiss" sounds, quickly melting, evaporating, unable to intrude even a bit!
However, that strand of demonic qi seemed to possess some sentience. Sensing the path blocked, it immediately turned, like a poisonous snake attacking the nearest female Shadow Breaking Alliance member. Her face turned pale, hastily activating a bone shield artifact. The bone shield's spiritual light flickered, but the demonic qi eroded it "zizi"make noise, light quickly dimming.
At this critical moment, Xiao Qi moved. He didn't step, but pushed the halo in his hand sharply forward!
That clump of purification light, like alive, instantly left his palm, precisely catching up to that demonic qi, completely wrapping it.
"Hum—"
Pure white light and pitch-black demonic qifierce confrontation, emitting low humming. Everyone could clearly see that under the white light's illumination, that strand of condensed demonic qi, like oil thrown into flames, violently rolled, twisted, contracted. Within seemed countless tiny wretched soulsshrill cry, struggling—but ultimately, under that irresistible purification power, transformed into wisps of blue smoke, completelydissipateatinvisible.
Total time: no more than three breaths.
The stone hall returned to clarity. Thatmakes peoplesuffocating'scold and filthy feeling was completely gone, leaving only the purification light's faint fresh residual aura.
Silence.
Dead silence.
Everyone staredstunned at that halo slowly returning to Xiao Qi's palm and gradually dissipating, and that empty jade box with no trace of demonic qi remaining.
So troublesome, even Golden Core cultivators found difficult, origin demonic qi—unexpectedlyatthisthe young mans every movebetween, purified so thoroughly, so easily!
This wasn't merely restraint—this waslike a natural enemy'scrush!
Feng Wuji took a deep breath, forcefully suppressinginsideheart'sturbulent waves. His gaze at Xiao Qi had completely changed—that was a complex emotion mixing extreme shock, wild joy, even a trace ofawe.
"Good! Good! Good!" Heevensay threegoodcharacters, voice hoarse from excitement: "Having such divine power, why worry about demonic disaster not being eliminated!"
However, just as everyone remainedimmerseated in the purification power's shock, Xiao Qi did something unexpected by all, including Mu Qingfeng.
He slightly pondered, seemingly making some determination. Then the jade pendant's position at his chest suddenly revealed a warm green light.immediately after, four extremely weak yet carrying indescribably ancient, vast aura phantasms flashed briefly behind him!
Those seemed to be the outlines of four divine beasts—dragon, tiger, phoenix, turtle. Though blurry, duration so brief almost an illusion, but that primordial, transcending ordinary spiritual powermajesticDao resonance, like a fleeting glimpse, deeply branded into each present person's perception!
Especially Feng Wuji. As a sword cultivator, hisqi sensation was sharpest. The moment those four phantasms appeared, his ancient sword emitted a clear,with a subservientwail! His own Golden Core trembled!
"This... this is..." Feng Wuji abruptly stood, face full of disbelief, staring at the now-calmed position of Xiao Qi's chest: "Four Symbols... origin aura?! Impossible! The ancient Four Symbol Saints have long become legend, you..."
Xiao Qi timelysuppressed all aura. His face slightly pale,seemedjust nowthatdown consumed quite a bit. He met Feng Wuji's shockedevenappalled gaze, calmly explaining: "Alliance Master has sharp eyes. This is anotheropportunity of the junior, related to this jade pendant—casually obtained a trace of Four Symbol Saints' power residue, nurtured within. This matter is of great importance—please everyonemust keep secret."
He didn't detail the jade pendant's origin or Four Symbols Soul Crystals' existence, only vaguely calling it "fortuitous encounter" and "saint power residue." But that fleeting glimpse's impact had already far exceeded the previous purification power!
Purification power was a weapon against Shadow Snake Pavilion, while this jade pendant containing Four Symbols originDao resonance represented unimaginable potential and background! Making a mid Golden Core sword cultivator react so—this value needed no explanation.
Feng Wuji stared blankly at Xiao Qi. After a long while, he slowly sat back. His excitement gradually replaced by unprecedented solemnity. He looked around at the similarly shockedallies, then gaze returned to Xiao Qi.
"Young Friend Tang... no, Daoist Tang!" Feng Wuji's voice carrieddry, yetfilled withdetermination: "It was we who were blind, muchneglect before! Bearing such divine power and fortune, you are certainly no ordinary person! My Shadow Breaking Alliance,wishexhaustallintelligenceandresources, with you, with Qingxu Temple, become the firmest allies!"
He hesitated no more. Directly from his storage ring he took out a jade slip emitting faint blood light, solemnly pushing it before Xiao Qi.
"This jade slip contains all information about Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters 'Ten Thousand Poison Marsh' that my Shadow Breaking Allianceexhaustedcountlessheartbloodandlife, gathered. Including several known peripheral spatial nodes, patrol patterns, some known demonic formation characteristics, and... about the headquarters' core 'Ten Thousand Soul Hall' some ancient legends and speculated possible entrance areas. Though still not detailed enough, this is the most core intelligence the outside world can currently possess!"
Xiao Qi's heartviolentthrobbing. He extended his slightly trembling hand, accepting that weighty jade slip. His divine senseslightly probe, could sense the massive information within and that smell of bloodshed and sacrifice.
"Many thanks, Alliance Master!" Xiao Qi tightly gripped the jade slip, speaking solemnly.
"No need for thanks." Feng Wuji waved his hand, eyes sharp as blades: "Shadow Snake Pavilion is our common enemy! They slaughtered your kin, persecuted my comrades, controlled living beings, intended to overturn this realm's peace. This revenge, irreconcilable! From today, my Shadow Breaking Alliance's intelligence network will be one-way open to you and Daoist Mu. Whenever there's Shadow Snake Pavilion's latest movement, it will beChapteratimebetween told. Hope that day, when we need Daoist's purification and saint power assistance, Daoist will also extend a helping hand!"
"Duty-bound!" Xiao Qi responded decisively.
Common hatred, complementary needs, and Xiao Qi's displayed potential sufficient to change the landscape—at this moment bound Qingxu Temple, Tang Xiao Qi, and the Shadow Breaking Alliance tightly together. A secret battle line against Shadow Snake Pavilion, in this dark stone hall, was formally established. The road aheaddangerous and unknown, but at least they were no longer fighting alone. The flames of revenge burned moreblazing with allies' joining.