You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

His fingertips flashed with spiritual light, and his movements were as fast as a phantom. One by one, spirit stones and materials, each inscribed with runes, were precisely driven into specific locations on the rock walls around the cave entrance, or buried deep underground.

Gradually, a complex array of restrictions centered on the cave entrance and covering an area of ​​several dozen feet in radius began to take shape.

This formation combines the functions of "concealment," "protection," "warning," and "a certain degree of counterattack." The concealment formation will distort and dilute the abnormal energy fluctuations and scenery in and around the cave entrance, making it blend into the surrounding mountain environment and difficult to detect by divine sense or ordinary detection methods.

The protective array can withstand physical and energy attacks of a certain intensity. The warning array has a slight connection with Chen Yang's mind; if anyone touches or damages this place, he can sense it as long as the distance is not too far.

The counterattack formation is relatively simple. It mainly uses the residual earth vein energy in this place to trigger some illusions or obstacles to delay the intruders.

Setting up such a complex formation was quite taxing for Chen Yang, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. However, he strived for absolute certainty, making sure the place was completely hidden.

Just as Chen Yang was nearing the end of his formation, Gu Jinghui and Uncle Li returned.

The two of them worked together to bring down several huge bluestones weighing several thousand kilograms from the nearby cliff. Judging by their weight and sharp edges, they were more than enough to block the cave entrance.

"Chen Yang, how's it going? Is the formation set up?"

Gu Jinghui put down the boulder, took a breath, and asked.

Chen Yang wiped his sweat and nodded.

"It's almost done, just the final activation is needed. You guys can block up the stones, but be careful not to damage the array bases I just laid."

"okay!"

Gu Jinghui and Uncle Li put in their efforts again, carefully moving the huge bluestones one by one to the cave entrance and stacking them together seamlessly.

Their strength far exceeds that of ordinary people, so although doing this is strenuous, it is not too difficult.

Soon, a "stone wall" made of huge rocks, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountain walls, completely sealed off the cave entrance. From the outside, it would be extremely difficult to discover that there was once an entrance to the mysterious cave.

Seeing this, Chen Yang walked to the stone wall, formed hand seals again, and sent the last few spiritual incantations into the underground array eye.

"Om..."

A soft, low hum, like ripples on water, caused the space around the cave entrance to distort slightly for a moment before returning to calm. However, in Chen Yang's perception, the concealment formation had already taken effect, perfectly masking the anomaly, and the protective formations had entered standby mode.

"Okay, you're done!"

Chen Yang breathed a long sigh of relief.

"Unless someone who is proficient in formations and far more powerful than me comes here to search every inch, they should not be able to discover the secret here."

Gu Jinghui dusted off his hands and looked with satisfaction at the sealed "stone wall".

"Now we can rest assured! Our 'secret base' is safely hidden for now. Once Chen Yang has figured out how to use that World Spirit, we'll come back to 'take it over'!"

Uncle Li also showed a relieved smile.

The three exchanged a smile, then, without further delay, tidied their belongings and used their movement techniques to quickly descend the mountain, heading towards the mountain god temple.

Before long, the familiar outline of the temple came into view. The three of them quietly climbed over the back wall and landed directly in the backyard.

In the courtyard, Ali was tending a small patch of medicinal herbs with Song Jingxuan, while Fat Cat and Big Head frolicked nearby, and several weasels stood guard on the walls and rooftops. When they saw Chen Yang and his companions suddenly appear, Ali and Song Jingxuan were initially startled, but their faces quickly lit up with joy.

"Chen Yang! Uncle Li! Gu Jinghui! You're finally back!"

Ali quickly came to greet her, her beautiful eyes full of concern.

"How are you? Did you encounter any danger? We were all worried sick about you for so long."

Song Jingxuan also came over and smiled gently.

"It's good that you're back. Judging from your appearance, you must have had quite a successful trip?"

Back in the familiar and safe environment, the three of them relaxed. Chen Yang smiled and said to the two women.

"Yes, I'm back. There were some hiccups, but thankfully we made it through without any real danger. As for the gains... they were quite substantial."

He downplayed the seriousness of the matter, omitting the detailed account of the encounter between the Spirit of the Realm and the Liyue Ghost, and only gave a general overview.

"We found some ancient ruins, obtained a lot of elixirs, rare and precious materials, as well as some cultivation manuals, weapons, and armor. This trip was worthwhile."

Regarding the secrets of the Realm Spirit and the core of the Mysterious Netherworld Cave, the three had already reconciled their stories on the way.

It will never be leaked to anyone, not even to the closest of friends and family.

This is not due to distrust, but rather a deep understanding of the importance of this matter. The fewer people who know about it, the safer the secret will be, and it also serves as a form of protection for them.

Gu Jinghui added with a grin.

"Yes, yes, yes, we've had a great haul! Ali, Jingxuan, don't worry, I brought you all gifts! I'll share them with you later, everyone gets one!"

Uncle Li stroked his beard and smiled.

"I also picked up some trinkets along the way. I'll show them to you later and see if they're useful."

Upon hearing this, Song Jingxuan and Ali both felt a little embarrassed. Song Jingxuan said...

"How could I accept this... something you risked your life to obtain..."

Ali quickly waved his hand.

"That's right, that's right. It's good that you're back safe and sound. The stuff or not is not important."

Chen Yang gently interrupted them.

"Don't be shy, we're all family, let's share the good times. I've already prepared everything for you here."

As he spoke, he took out two small storage bags that had already been divided into two smaller ones from his storage bag and handed them to Ali and Song Jingxuan respectively.

"Inside are some pills and spirit stones suitable for your current cultivation level, as well as a few small protective magic items and a few jade slips recording auxiliary cultivation techniques. Take them and improve your strength as soon as possible. In this era, personal strength is fundamental."

Seeing Chen Yang's resolute attitude and sincere tone, the two women no longer refused and accepted the storage bag. Their hearts were filled with warmth, and they thanked the three of them in unison.

Seeing that the atmosphere was harmonious, Gu Jinghui asked.

"Chen Yang, what are your plans now? Are you going back to your Qingwei Sect, or are you staying here for a few days so we can properly discuss what we've gained this time?"

Chen Yang thought for a moment and then said.

"I plan to go back to Qingwei Sect first. I've been away for quite a while now. The sect is newly established and there are many things to do. Although Master Huang and the others are here to oversee things, it's not appropriate for me, the sect leader, to be away for so long."

Go back and assess the situation, make the necessary arrangements, and that will lighten their burden a bit, giving them more time to cultivate and improve. After all, in this era of spiritual energy revival, individual and sect strength is the foundation for survival.

Uncle Li nodded in understanding, then looked at Ali and asked.

"Miss Ali, what about you? Are you planning to stay here, or go with Chen Shuai to Qingwei Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Ali glanced at Chen Yang, then at Song Jingxuan and Gu Jinghui, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes, but he quickly made a decision.

she whispered.

"I...I think I'll stay here. Qingwei Sect is Chen Yang's sect. I'm unfamiliar with the place and might cause trouble if I go there. Besides, it's good here. I have Sister Jingxuan, Uncle Li, and Gu Jinghui."

I also have many friends, and we can look after each other, which allows me to focus on my cultivation. Chen Yang, as the sect leader, has many things to handle; if I'm at the Qingwei Sect, he might have to take care of me as well…”

Upon hearing this, Song Jingxuan couldn't help but grab Ali's hand and exclaimed in admiration, "Ali, you are so considerate! You always think of Chen Yang. I admire you so much!"

Ali blushed slightly and lowered her head somewhat embarrassed.

Chen Yang looked at Ali, feeling moved but also a little guilty.

He walked up to Ali and said earnestly.

“Ali, I’m grateful that you think that way. Actually… I also hope you can stay here for a while.”

He paused, his tone becoming serious.

"To be honest, not long after I returned to the Qingwei Sect, I was ambushed and killed by men in black."

"what?!"

Ali and Song Jingxuan exclaimed in surprise at the same time, their faces showing worry and lingering fear.

Gu Jinghui's expression also darkened.

"These persistent bastards! They actually managed to infiltrate the sect? Have they caught them yet?"

Chen Yang shook his head.

"We killed a few, and some escaped. The enemy came prepared, they are quite strong, and their methods are unpredictable. The Qingwei Sect may seem stable now, but there are undercurrents and it's not absolutely safe. If you come back with me, you'll become an even bigger target."

We might get caught up in unnecessary danger. Staying here, with the mountain god's protection and Uncle Li and everyone else's support, is more secluded and safer.

When Ali heard Chen Yang say this, all her hesitation vanished, and she nodded vigorously.

"Yes, I understand. I'll stay here as you say. You... please be very careful!"

Chen Yang gave her a reassuring look.

"Don't worry, I will. Those men in black..."

A cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Let them be arrogant for a few more days. Once the Special Administration Bureau has thoroughly studied their armor technology and cracked their gene serum, that's when we'll retaliate. At that time, we'll settle all our old and new scores!"

Uncle Li patted Chen Yang on the shoulder, his tone steady and firm.

"Commander Chen, you can focus on handling the Qingwei Sect matter. We'll take care of things at the Mountain God Temple. If it ever comes to a head-on confrontation with those men in black, just say the word, and we'll do everything in our power to help!"

Chen Yang felt a warmth in his heart and nodded.

"With Uncle Li's words, I feel even more confident. Thank you!"

He looked up at the sky; the afterglow of the setting sun had dyed the horizon orange-red, and then said.

"It's getting late, I'm about to head back to Qingwei Sect."

"Huh? You're leaving already?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinghui immediately began to complain.

"Hey Chen Yang, you're really not being fair! It's already evening, almost dark! We finally managed to get everyone together and come back safely, couldn't you stay one more night with the brothers? What's the rush that you had to travel through the night? The Qingwei Sect is so big, it's not like it'll collapse without you for one night, is it?"

Uncle Li stroked his beard and chuckled as he offered his advice.

"Yes, Commander Chen. Who knows when we'll meet again after this parting. The moon must be beautiful tonight. Let's sit down, old friends, drink a few cups under the moon, and chat about what we've seen and heard. Wouldn't that be wonderful? One more night won't make a difference in our cultivation."

Ali stepped forward, her eyes filled with anticipation, and said softly.

"Chen Yang, since Uncle Li and Gu Jinghui have both said so, why don't you stay? Jingxuan and I will go prepare dinner now."

Just a couple of days ago, the weasels hunted a spirit deer with exceptionally fine meat in the mountains, along with some freshly picked spirit vegetables. We'll cook some good dishes to welcome you and... also as a farewell gift."

Seeing the earnest looks of everyone trying to persuade him to stay, Chen Yang's resolve softened somewhat.

I've been on edge and constantly on the go lately, so I really need to relax a bit and have a good chat with my friends.

He smiled and nodded.

"Alright, since everyone has said so, I'll gladly accept and stay tonight. I'll be troubling you all."

"This is right!"

Gu Jinghui slapped his thigh, beaming with joy.

Big Head shook his big head and said in a simple, honest voice.

"That's great, big brother! It's been so long since we ate together!"

The fat cat also meowed, nimbly jumped to Chen Yang's feet, and rubbed against his trouser leg, looking very happy.

Seeing that Chen Yang agreed to stay, the atmosphere in the courtyard became even more cheerful. Ali and Song Jingxuan exchanged a smile and immediately turned to busy themselves in the kitchen.

Gu Jinghui and Uncle Li helped move tables and get bowls and chopsticks, setting up the table under the old locust tree in the backyard. Da Tou and Fat Cat ran around excitedly, while several weasels peered curiously from the top of the wall.

Soon, darkness fell completely, and a bright moon quietly climbed to the treetops, casting its gentle light. Under the old locust tree in the backyard, a square table was set full. In the center was a large pot of fragrant, glistening braised venison.

Beside them were several plates of stir-fried vegetables, a pot of delicious mushroom soup, and a few of Song Jingxuan and Ali's specialty home-style dishes. In one corner of the table were several jars of old wine that Gu Jinghui had somehow acquired and that had been stored in the cellar for many years.

The group sat around the table, a gentle evening breeze blowing, swaying tree shadows, and moonlight like water, creating a uniquely warm and inviting atmosphere.

Gu Jinghui took the lead, raising a rough porcelain bowl filled with wine, and said loudly.

"Here we go! The first bowl is to celebrate our adventure. Despite some setbacks, we've returned safely and with a great harvest! Cheers!"

"Done!"

Chen Yang, Uncle Li, Ali, Song Jingxuan, and even Da Tou all raised their bowls with smiles. A small dish with several pieces of the tenderest venison was also placed in front of Fatty Cat. Everyone clinked their bowls together, tilted their heads back, and drank it all in a lively atmosphere.

After setting down their bowls, everyone began to eat. Chen Yang picked up a piece of braised venison, put it in his mouth, chewed it carefully, then raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

He took another bite of the stir-fried spiritual vegetables, feeling the spiritual energy contained within them dissipate within his body.

“Ah Li, Jingxuan.”

Chen Yang put down his chopsticks and looked at the two women.

"These spirit meat and spirit vegetables... aren't they a little different?"

Upon hearing this, Song Jingxuan smiled and asked.

"Doesn't it feel like the spiritual energy is much richer than before? The meat is also more delicious and firm, and the spiritual energy it contains is easier to absorb?"

Ali nodded as well.

"Yes, Chen Yang, you noticed too, didn't you?"

Chen Yang nodded affirmatively.

"That's right, exactly. And the purity and total amount of spiritual energy have increased significantly. Did you... add spirit stone powder during cooking, or use some special technique?" (End of Chapter)