After passing through the corridor, what came into view was a continuous expanse of primeval forest.
Around them towered giant trees intersecting with each other, casting layers upon layers of shadows. The forest was filled with a heavy concentration of Yin spirits and evil Qi, with miasma looming everywhere and a thick black fog encircling them, bringing forth a foul stench.
"Young Master, are we truly heading towards the Central Area?"
Ding Hao, who had previously entered this place, had a rough idea of the direction they were taking, and knowing that they were bound for the secret realm's Central Area, he couldn't help but raise the question.
"What's the matter, little Ding? Are you scared now that you've heard about beings in the Life Prohibition Zone that devour essence blood?" Ji Huo'er was full of Divine Qi, brimming with energy. She squinted her eyes and laughed, her mouth revealing a row of sharp teeth, playful and lively as her bright eyes sparkled, adorable and vivacious.
"If you're scared, you can always turn back the way we came," Ji Huo'er teased and continued, "Anyway, this miss is eager to see for herself what this so-called ancient deity is all about. The ancients have passed away an era ago, and even if their divine demon flesh has rotted away and their souls have dissipated, I'd like to see what kind of ghost is playing tricks here."
With that, Ji Huo'er pulled a funny face and stuck out her tongue before following behind Ling Xian'er.
Qinchuan also gave Ding Hao a sideward glance and said indifferently, "You have already completed your mission entering the secret realm. According to our agreement, our debts and grudges are now settled. If you do not wish to go any further, you are free to turn back at any time.
The Yin spirits of the plains and mountain ranges have dissipated and won't regroup for a while. If you turn around now, you can safely make it out."
At these words, Ding Hao was startled, and a strange, awkward expression flashed across his face.
Qinchuan had healed his wife and allowed him to follow into the Spirit Martial Great Tomb, utilizing the karma Qi on his body to attract karma.
Previously, he had thought to help Qinchuan obtain karma, after which he would hurry back to reunite with his wife.
However, after spending a few days together, he began to see the immense potential in Qinchuan. Unconsciously, he had submitted to Qinchuan's methods, and for every matter, he sought Qinchuan's opinion.
Ding Hao's expression changed several times before he finally spoke up, "Ding Hao wishes to follow Young Master Qin, to be your sharp sword at your side, clearing away obstacles and banishing demons. Please allow me, Young Master Qin."
In the past few days, he had witnessed the strength and potential of Qinchuan. During their time in the Divine Cave, a few casual comments from Qinchuan had greatly improved his strength, fueling his admiration for Qinchuan. Now, he unexpectedly found himself wanting to follow.
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"Follow me?"
Qinchuan was taken aback, looking at Ding Hao with astonishment.
Then Qinchuan shook his head, denying Ding Hao's request, "This young master does not take followers lightly."
In his former glory, he was invincible in the world, and his followers were all exceptional against Heaven, with talents bright enough to stand atop the Divine Wilderness; the least among them possessed bodies as sacred as treasures.
Though young, Ding Hao had already reached the limits of a Martial Artist, with only a step away from becoming a Cultivator. His talents were acceptable, but still far from catching Qinchuan's Dharma Eye.
Ding Hao's countenance fell.
He knew that Qinchuan's future achievements would be boundless, and at present, they were on an equal footing.
But judging by Qinchuan's cultivation speed, he had only been at the Meridian Opening Realm when Ding Hao first met him. Now, in just one short month, he had broken through to the Ninth Layer Realm of Spirit Martial.
In the future, the gap between him and Qinchuan would only widen further and further. He would definitely be unable to keep pace with Qinchuan. With realms separating them, how could he talk of being a follower?
However, at that moment, Qinchuan's tone shifted, and he said with a faint smile, "If you do not wish to leave, what I said earlier still stands. In this Spirit Martial Great Tomb, you may temporarily follow me, and I can provide you with guidance. Once we leave, if you are willing, you can seek out the Eldest Prince."
As soon as these words were uttered, Ding Hao's face broke into a delighted smile. Since he was destined not to become Young Master Qin's follower, being able to receive Qinchuan's guidance within the Spirit Martial Great Tomb was more than enough to satisfy him.
Listening with her ears perked up on the side, Ji Huo'er immediately chimed in upon hearing Qinchuan's words, clamoring, "Big brother, you have to give me pointers too!"
Before Ji Huo'er's words had even finished echoing, a chilling howl suddenly burst forth from the woods. Then, a group of Yin Spirits, made of condensed Yin Qi, and countless fierce beasts charged ferociously towards Qinchuan and the others from a distance.
"Perfect timing!" Ji Huo'er shouted with a delicate voice, rushing forward to meet the boundless Yin Spirits, and called out, "Big brother, quickly watch and see where I need to improve in this secret technique of mine!"
Seeing this, Ding Hao also refused to be outdone and thrust his palm towards the leader of the group of fierce beasts.
In the process of cultivation, real combat is the greatest way to enhance one's strength. It also allows one to spot many flaws and deficiencies, even on the path of the Dao which they could correct.
Qinchuan, of course, was not stingy at all. While they were eliminating the Yin Spirits, he pointed out the inadequacies and areas for improvement for both of them. This brought them considerable benefits, advancing their understanding of Dao Magic and their strength by a great margin.
This made Ling Xian'er itch to join, but she restrained herself due to her status and pride.
The more the two fought, the more valiantly they shone, a testament to their purer understanding of the Dao Magic.
Ling Xian'er spat out a breath of flame, incinerating a Yin Spirit. Her Fire Fox, which had already grown three tails, suddenly emitted a divine radiance; its light shone brilliantly, casting an intense, dazzling blaze.
Following Qinchuan's guidance, the Fire Fox that originally had three tails surprisingly sprouted a fourth tail ahead of time.
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This breakthrough finally made the once-prideful Ling Xian'er unable to hold back any longer. With a delicate shout, "Huo'er, be careful!" she soared into the sky; her hand erupted with Mysterious Techniques, joining the fray.
This left Qinchuan speechless and bemused, "This girl actually harbors such thoughts. She's clearly eager to improve her strength but plays coy..."
Ji Huo'er's breakthrough had caused quite a commotion, attracting more Yin Spirits and fierce beasts. They rushed towards the group unrestrainedly.
The two Immortal Maidens from Thousand Fox Mountain, along with Ding Hao, were already incredibly powerful. If they didn't encounter a leader-class fierce beast or Yin Spirit, they could easily deal with the threat.
With Qinchuan's guidance, it was even easier.
The three of them were in the front, drawing the attention of the Yin Spirits and fierce beasts. While battling fiercely, they pressed forward. Meanwhile, Qinchuan strolled leisurely, hands behind his back, casually giving pointers here and there, thoroughly enjoying himself.
The group had advanced some distance further when suddenly a furious roar came from afar.
"Roar——"
The roar was laced with murderous intent, boundless ferocity, brimming with a will to fight. It shook the forest and the mountains, causing the colors of the heavens and earth to change.
Under this roar, the trees rustled, the colors of the world shifted, and the winds and clouds altered. The innumerable Yin Spirits before them recoiled in terrror, trembling and cowering, not daring to launch any more attacks.
"Damn, I got too absorbed in killing these lackeys and forgot to hold back, alarming their boss," said Ji Huo'er, patting her chest with a startled expression.
After hearing that dragon-like, tiger-like roar, the Yin Spirits retreated, and the group's path suddenly became a clear thoroughfare.
Ding Hao and the others didn't dare to be careless and cautiously gathered around Qinchuan.
"It's a pair of wings condensed from Yin Spirits, the Double-Winged Demon Tiger! This is a sign of an imminent breakthrough, a prelude to flesh body condensation!" Qinchuan instantly recognized the source of the sound and the type of Yin Spirit it belonged to, and immediately deduced that its breakthrough was imminent.