Chapter 40: As If the Demon King Descended
As they approached the valley, the spiritual energy was dense, and even the ordinary grass and trees had a certain shimmering luster, looking quite extraordinary and outstanding. This was the result of being nurtured by the abundant spiritual energy over a long time—benefits that even mortals could gain greatly from.
This valley was formed by a range of mountains, each peak towering high, flickering with spiritual light, and occasionally one could see spiritual herbs and medicines on some cliffs, exuding strands of dawn light, the spiritual energy within dense and bubbling, it was clear to anyone with a discerning eye that this was a rare treasure land.
Within the valley, there was also a small field of medicinal herbs, where some spiritual flowers grew, their entire bodies shining with a translucent luster.
Of course, what truly astounded everyone in this place was that in the deepest part of the valley, there was an Altar, just sitting there in full view, and atop the Altar, was a weapon like a demon-subduing pestle, radiating a blazing light throughout its body.
"Top-grade magical weapon!"
After arriving here, every person's gaze was fervently hot as they looked at the treasure pestle, wishing they could seize it for themselves.
It was known that it was a top-grade magical weapon, extremely valuable, a possession exclusive to the powerful practitioners of the Huanxu Realm, and even those at the peak of the Earth Realm!
In normal days, they couldn't even see or touch it, and even the hearts of the Red Cloud Sect's Cave Heaven Realm cultivators were thumping wildly.
"Senior Brother, why not let this person take the lead and be the first to enter?" A man from the Red Cloud Sect suggested maliciously.
As soon as these words came out, many people's gazes turned towards Gu Chen with ill intentions, including the three Cave Heaven Realm cultivators.
This valley seemed quiet and serene, but everyone knew that beneath the calm, there must be some sort of tempestuous undercurrent—a top-grade magical weapon couldn't possibly just be placed there, available for them to take at will.
Furthermore, this Cave Heaven was a trial ground left by a certain power in the previous era for their disciples. Since it was a trial, it was naturally fraught with dangers; otherwise, it would lose its purpose.
"Forget it." At that moment, the three Cave Heaven Realm cultivators from the Red Cloud Sect glanced at Gu Chen before shaking their heads and rejecting the suggestion.
The man who had spoken was somewhat puzzled.
Immediately afterwards, the three explained further, "He is quite capable. Let's keep him for later use, he might be very useful."
Such brazenness, stating their intentions openly in front of everyone, demonstrated that the people of the Red Cloud Sect really did not take the others seriously, disregarding them.
"You, go scout ahead." Having said that, a Cave Heaven Realm cultivator casually pointed his finger, and the warrior he pointed to immediately changed color.
"What, you're not willing?"
Seeing this, the Cave Heaven Realm cultivator from the Red Cloud Sect immediately grew cold in the eyes, his powerful mana ready to be unleashed. The air around them solidified, and those warriors felt a deep sense of dread in the depths of their hearts.
"I..."
The man began to speak, seemingly about to say something, but in the next moment, he no longer had the chance—as with a boom, his body suddenly exploded into a cloud of blood mist.
This abrupt turn of events made many onlookers jump, their complexions turning pale in an instant.
"Disobedience means death!" The three Cave Heaven Realm cultivators from the Red Cloud Sect looked around coldly, intimidating everyone present.
The crowd's faces turned ugly, fists clenched, filled with indignation and unwillingness, yet knowing the gap between themselves and the Cave Heaven Realm powerhouses, they dared not make a move.
"You, go!" Then, they nonchalantly pointed at another warrior.
The warrior who was pointed at had a bitter expression, wanting to refuse but not daring to, only able to suppress the fear in his heart and step forward.
Gu Chen stood in the back, his expression utterly calm. He silently used his Heavenly Eye ability and saw, not far ahead in the valley, the ground covered with changing runes, dense as tadpoles.
"Formation." Gu Chen's eyes flickered slightly, discerning the mystery within.
The seemingly peaceful valley actually contained a powerful array; without adequate strength, one would truly meet their death upon entering.
"Ah..."
As expected, the moment the scout approached the valley and had only taken one step, a stream of light flashed by, like a dagger, it penetrated his brow, killing him instantly, his body collapsing into a pool of blood.
Witnessing this scene, the three Cave Heaven Realm cultivators from the Red Cloud Sect couldn't help but frown; everything happened too quickly, like lightning, and they hadn't seen it clearly.
"You go!" After that, they randomly selected another person, and that warrior's face showed alarm.
Gu Chen stood behind, with enigmatic runes flickering deep within his pupils, as he analyzed the grand formation within the valley through the Heavenly Eye.
This formation was no ordinary challenge; after all, associated with a top-grade magical weapon, if one were to rely solely on brute strength, even Gu Chen would face significant trouble.
Thus, he took this opportunity to utilize the Heavenly Eye for analysis.
In the end, the chosen person's face was wooden as they accepted their fate. They approached the valley and took a step—miraculously unharmed.
"Eh?!"
This turn of events instantly caused everyone behind to feel an odd sense of wonder, watching intently.
Spurt!
However, in the next instant, as he took his second step, the force of the wind in the void condensed, turning into dozens of chaotic blades, slicing the person into pieces right there, leaving nothing but bits of flesh scattered around—a sight too gruesome to behold.
"Hiss!"
Shock surged among the onlookers at this spectacle, their faces filled with intense fear, including those of the Red Cloud Sect.
"Senior Brother, this place is too dangerous, perhaps we should..." One of the Red Cloud Sect warriors suggested a retreat.