In the realm of mortals, a cave is seen as a dwelling place for immortals. However, to practitioners of the Way, it is an independent little world carved out by those powerful cultivators who are able to move mountains and fill seas, utilizing their formidable magical abilities in spiritual lands or more hidden locales. Of course, everything has two sides; the Righteous Dao Alliance and the Demon Sect jointly sealed the entrance of this cave, partly to secure the larger share for themselves, and partly to prevent less skilled practitioners from recklessly seeking their demise within.
According to the lore, in earlier times, any cultivator who reached the Integration Stage could use special spatial spells to carve out their own independent cave. But due to the interruption of eras, the study of spatial techniques in the current cultivation world is only just beginning. The tribulation lightning of heaven is no trivial matter; even those who have yet to reach the Tribulation Crossing Stage, like Huangfu Feng, would find it quite difficult to face such a test again.
Masters in the cultivation world sometimes must learn to push their disciples into perilous situations, much like an eagle pushing its chicks over a cliff. A cultivator who cannot face danger is like an eagle that cannot fly; they may live comfortably for a time, but they will eventually pay the price.
Following the battle with the Earth Immortal, the Righteous Dao Alliance and the Demon Sect cooperatively sent people to seal this entrance. However, many cultivators, feeling unaffected by this, took the opportunity to sneak past the battlefield while these two major factions battled the monsters from the Earth Immortal Ancient City for the future of the Nine Provinces and Ten Lands. They quietly slipped through the entrance.
Bai Qiuran nodded, saying, “Then it shall be as such. Does anyone oppose?”
Even though the spell to open independent worlds has long been lost in the present cultivation world, some vague records still exist in the ancient texts of major sects that have survived since before the wars against the demon tribe.
However, for this expedition from the Qinming Sword Sect, Tang Ruowei and another disciple with a Heavenly Spiritual Root were selected to join other direct disciples to explore the cave of the Earth Immortal.
“Ancestral Martial Uncle, if you wish to go, we could never oppose that,” they said.
Bai Qiuran affirmed, “Then let it be so. Everyone, gather as you will.”
But among those who could enter the cave, none could compare to the cave awakened by the Earth Immortal, with its shattered sky, swirling spatial vortex, and peaks suspended from the heavens. And that is merely the entrance.
Human nature tends to be self-serving, and similar situations have occurred many times before, despite constant prohibitions. People have already entered, and the Righteous Dao Alliance and Demon Sect are left powerless to stop it.
“No, I mean…”
Amongst their disciples, some masters must learn risky lessons, much like teaching eaglets to fly. Those who can’t face danger will eventually face consequences.
While in times of old, cultivators reaching the Integration Stage could open their caves, knowledge of spatial spells is only just beginning to regain traction today.
After the previous battle, securing this entrance became a task for the Righteous Dao Alliance and the Demon Sect. However, many cultivators, still concerned only with themselves, took advantage of the chaos to sneak around the battlefield.
“Yes, we can split into teams. How does that sound?”
Bai Qiuran resumed, “You all can arrange the rest. I will certainly be going.”
Upon returning to the Seven Stars Peak, Bai Qiuran began to prepare for this exploration. He did not have much to gather—only some tools for minor spells he could not display with his seals, and several hundred brand-new iron swords.
After the battle, much of the convened mutual agreement came from the power void left at this entrance. Even between the two factions, the relations changed as cultivators became wary of the cave's mysteries.
“Ancestral Martial Uncle will be accompanied,” said the elders, looking relieved.
“Of course,” Bai Qiuran spoke firmly. “We shall proceed now without dispute.”
Around the hall, the elders nodded in agreement, yet no one mentioned the scenario of Bai Qiuran potentially facing danger alone during his journey. They all understood his responsibility.
“Ancestral Martial Uncle will be with us; we need not worry now,” they reassured him.
“Exactly,” another elder noted, aware of the dangers yet understanding Bai Qiuran’s capabilities.
With the risks involved, only disciples of the Foundation Establishment Stage and above are allowed to approach the cave’s threshold, as they possess the necessary True Qi to fly and reach the entrance suspended miles above.
Soon, Bai Qiuran began organizing equipment necessary for the exploration—the basics and essentials only, as he thought about how to navigate the complexities of the cave once inside.
“Fine then,” the elders murmured in consensus, readying themselves for the journey ahead.
“Yes, we will split into two teams if necessary,” suggested Jue Yunzi, acknowledging the weight of the expedition.
A profound excitement surged amongst those present. They spoke of the potential hidden treasures and bounties they might claim if they explored diligently.
“And I shall take my leave then,” Bai Qiuran said, truly prepared to embark on this new chapter of cultivation.
With so many factors at play, the journey into the cave would be filled with both peril and opportunity—the hallmark of a true cultivation adventure.