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

They had clearly witnessed Chen Yang's strength and wanted to curry favor with him to increase their chances of survival.

Chen Yang's heart stirred. These three people were indeed quite strong. They had survived the chaos of last night and found this place. Their temperament and luck were not bad.

But he had important business to attend to tonight, so how could he bring them along? After a moment's thought, he came up with a plan.

"Feel sorry."

Chen Yang's face showed a hint of embarrassment and "frankness".

"I have other important business tonight and I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you all. I prefer to work alone, and I might feel constrained if I'm with others."

Seeing the disappointment on the three faces, he changed the subject and casually pointed out some clues.

"However, I see that the three of you have a deep bond and work together seamlessly, so you should be able to protect yourselves without worry."

If we want to be safer... I observe the terrain here. That mountain crevice in the northwest corner seems like a dead end or a dangerous path, but if a large number of demons attack the camp, it might actually offer a glimmer of hope, at least better than fighting head-on in the open. You might as well move closer to that side and familiarize yourselves with the environment beforehand.

Of course, this should not be publicized, lest everyone crowds over and cause problems.

His words were half true and half false, both dismissing the three men and subtly guiding them away from his true "entrance," while also giving them a seemingly reasonable "safety advice."

The three were taken aback at first, then a thoughtful look flashed in the eyes of the composed young man, who seemed to think that Chen Yang's words made sense. In chaotic times, guidance from a wise person is often a glimmer of hope.

They thanked Chen Yang sincerely again, and then, as he had instructed, silently moved toward the crevice in the northwest corner of the depression to begin exploring the surrounding environment.

After the three had walked away, Liu Piaopiao whispered to Chen Yang.

"You let them get so close to the area that might cause chaos in our plan. Won't they notice something? Besides, you saved them, and they remember you well. What if..."

Chen Yang said calmly.

It's alright.

They are quite strong; they must have their own methods of survival to have survived last night's pursuit. I directed them to the mountain crevice, partly to distract them, and partly to give them a possible opportunity.

As for discovering clues… when we act, the scene will inevitably be extremely chaotic. They'll be struggling to protect themselves, how could they have the energy to observe other things? Even if they feel something is amiss afterward, without evidence, they'll only attribute it to illusions in the chaos or luck.”

Liu Piaopiao thought about it and felt that Chen Yang's consideration was quite thorough, so she didn't say anything more, only offering a reminder.

"In any case, we still need to be careful."

Chen Yang nodded, his gaze returning to the depression below.

By this time, the sun had completely sunk below the horizon, and the last rays of light were rapidly fading. The number of people gathered in the depression had increased dramatically; a rough estimate put it at nearly two thousand! Campfires were lit, twinkling in the sunlight, and the sounds of voices gradually grew louder, forming a temporary, fragile camp.

"Look at the people ahead, there are more and more arriving."

Looking down at the throng of people below, Liu Piaopiao whispered.

"Yes."

A glint of light flashed in Chen Yang's eyes.

"There are so many people, at least several thousand."

If things go smoothly, we could bring in a third, or even more, tonight, which would be enough to achieve our initial goal.

Liu Piaopiao sighed softly.

"Then it depends on their luck."

Chen Yang shook his head, his tone carrying a calm scrutiny.

"It's not all luck. The fact that they managed to escape and set up camp here proves that they survived the daytime journey and that they were alert and capable of taking action."

Those who, when chased by monsters at night, manage to struggle and escape towards the entrance we've set are individuals with considerable strength and resourcefulness. We're not just 'rescuing' people, we're also 'selecting' them.

Liu Piaopiao suddenly realized.

"No wonder you chose this place and deliberately placed monster corpses to increase 'attractiveness.' You've been scheming from the beginning, both to attract enough people to become the 'target pool' and to create conditions for the 'screening' at night!"

Chen Yang smiled noncommittally.

"Survival of the fittest."

This is true in this trial ground, and it will be true in my blessed land in the future. All we can offer is a platform and an opportunity; whether they can seize it, whether they can survive and become stronger, ultimately depends on themselves.

Liu Piaopiao gave Chen Yang a deep look, feeling that this newly recognized "realm master" and companion was far more shrewd and far-sighted than she had imagined.

She said no more, but silently reminded herself that she needed to be more cautious and thorough in her actions in the future.

"Look at the sky."

Chen Yang suddenly said.

Liu Piaopiao looked up and saw that the last ray of light had been swallowed by the night, and stars began to appear on the deep blue sky.

The campfire in the depression stood out starkly in the darkness, and the voices of people were lowered considerably as night fell, creating a tense and oppressive atmosphere in the air.

In the distance, from the direction of the valley leading to the depression, some unusual noises could be faintly heard—a shrill scream, the sound of spells exploding, and the chilling roar of a demon, all rapidly spreading from afar!
Looking down into the valley below at the crowds fighting fiercely with demons and vying for treasures, Liu Piaopiao frowned, her voice urgent.

"Brother Yang, what do we do about this situation?"

Chen Yang's eyes were sharp as an eagle's as he quickly scanned the chaotic battle. The densest crowd was not far from the mountain pass, while on the other side, thick demonic energy was churning and gathering, clearly the gathering place of an even larger wave of demons.

His mind raced, and he pointed to the nervous girl who was being subtly surrounded by three unfriendly-looking young men, then pointed towards the mountain pass, and said in a deep voice.

"Piao Piao, keep an eye on those three young men and that girl over there. Don't let them wander off or get into any trouble. I'll go down and 'invite' a bunch of the biggest monsters over there, and force these people to retreat to the mountain exit we've chosen."

Liu Piaopiao's heart tightened upon hearing this.

"Attracting monsters? That's too dangerous! Brother Yang, please be very careful!"

She knew that although Chen Yang was strong, a horde of demons was no easy task.

Chen Yang smiled confidently and reassured her.

"Don't worry, even if I can't beat them, I can still run away. I know what I'm doing, nothing will happen."

After saying that, he no longer hesitated. His true energy surged within him, and his figure shot down from the cliff face like an arrow, aiming straight for the center of the depression where the demonic energy was churning like boiling water and the demonic shadows were most concentrated!

"Roar--!"

Chen Yang's intrusion was like a boulder thrown into a quagmire, instantly igniting a simmering terror. Sharp roars coalesced into a frenzied wave, and countless crimson and pale demons abandoned their munching on mangled limbs, their violent, chaotic eyes locking onto the audacious intruder. Claws ripped through the air, fangs dripped with saliva, and a dark, surging tide of demons rushed towards him.

"Good timing!"

With a sharp shout, Chen Yang, far from being afraid of being surrounded, found his fighting spirit soaring. The chilling black energy of the Profound Yin Soul-Seizing and Soul-Severing Technique surged forth first, freezing the souls of low-level demons in its path and instantly slowing their movements. Following closely behind, the Pure Subtle Primordial Descent Technique erupted with a vast and clear light, fiercely washing over the bodies of the demons that approached. His hands moved swiftly, the Soul-Splitting Profound Iron Fork transforming into several streaks of black light, tearing through the air with sharp whooshing sounds, piercing and sending several red-skinned demons flying towards him. At the same time, the Patrol Banner fluttered, creating ripples in space, skillfully deflecting the claws and bites coming from all directions.

Boom! The muffled sounds of colliding energy echoed continuously.

The monster's rotting blood and severed limbs violently intertwined and annihilated with the mysterious light and pure energy he unleashed.

At first, these thoroughly enraged abyssal minions were indeed ferocious, like a black tide constantly crashing against Chen Yang, the only reef, forcing him to proceed cautiously, and several claw marks appeared on his black robe.

But Chen Yang remained steadfast in his core position, his sharp gaze undiminished.

"Hmph, just a small fry!"

After a short while, he suddenly unleashed his power. The light of the Pure Subtle Primordial Descent Technique suddenly intensified, like a small sun exploding at the center of the demonic tide. The scorching and pure primordial energy instantly shattered the dense demonic creatures, sending them flying backward. "Soul Seal!"

He gave a low shout, and the profound Yin energy suddenly condensed, transforming into an invisible sharp cone that precisely pierced the depths of the souls of several noticeably robust white demons, causing them to let out bloodcurdling screams and writhe in agony. Taking advantage of this fleeting opening, the Soul-Splitting Fork and the Patrol Banner worked in perfect coordination, their dark light and spatial ripples frantically tearing a gap in the encirclement!
"go!"

Without hesitation, he immediately withdrew. Fighting as he retreated, he kept the large group of demons roaring and pursuing him from behind, yet daring not to get too close.

"Guiding" them towards the mountain pass, while also engulfing the chaotic crowd ahead, surging like a tide towards the location he and Liu Piaopiao had chosen beforehand—a narrow mountain pass hidden by several huge rocks, seemingly a dead end.

Liu Piaopiao had been observing in the shadows for a long time. Upon seeing this, she immediately revealed her graceful figure and used the power of a true immortal to enhance her clear voice, which resounded through the chaotic crowd.

"quick!

There's an exit here! Charge into this crevice!

Her voice carried a convincing calmness and strength, like a beacon in times of despair.

Many cultivators, who were only focused on fleeing for their lives and had already lost their composure, did not bother to consider whether the words were true or false. As if grasping at the last straw, they rushed towards the narrow rock crevice that Liu Piaopiao had pointed out, which was only wide enough for a few people to walk side by side.

Chen Yang had already arrived at the rift ahead of everyone else, his figure blocking the way at the front. With his back to the crowd, he continued to hold off the surging monsters, buying time for those behind him.

With a thought, a void entrance, only a few feet wide and radiating a soft glow, silently unfolded at the deepest part of the crack—it was his Sumeru Cave Gate!
"Go inside quickly!"

Liu Piaopiao urged anxiously. The crowd surged forward, plunging into the halo of light and disappearing instantly.

Chen Yang was distracted by sensing the number of people entering. Seeing that it was almost time, the fastest red-eyed demons had already pounced on the crevice.

Without further hesitation, he turned around abruptly and unleashed a powerful palm strike to temporarily repel the nearest demons. At the same time, his other hand flashed out a hand seal, and the entrance to the Sumeru space, which was about ten feet wide, shrank and closed instantly like the tide!

*Pfft! Pfft!* Even with their speed, a few of the fastest red-eyed demons managed to squeeze through the closing gaps and roar as they rushed into the Sumeru Space.

But their good fortune ended there.

Before these demons could even see what was happening in front of them, they were met with Liu Piaopiao's sword light, which had been poised to strike, and Chen Yang's precise Soul-Splitting Fork.

In just a few flashes, these few fish that had slipped through the net turned into ashes in the space and disappeared completely.

Within the Sumeru space lies a hidden paradise.
The cultivators who had rushed into this place in a panic were now mostly standing there, stunned and incredulous. Above them was a clear blue sky with drifting white clouds; beneath their feet was soft, carpet-like green grass imbued with spiritual energy, stretching into the distant rolling hills and lush forests.

A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of grass and trees, along with a pure and ethereal aura so rich it's almost tangible. Taking a deep breath brings a sense of comfort, and it feels as if injuries are slowly healing.

This is hardly a treacherous battlefield or ruin; it is clearly a beautiful, spiritually rich, and spiritually vibrant sacred place for cultivation!

After a brief moment of shock, ecstasy welled up inside me.

Oh my god!
What a treasure trove this is!

"The spiritual energy is so abundant?!"

"We're saved! We're really saved!"

Exclamations erupted from all sides.

Many cultivators were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes.

Soon, the crowd began to disperse involuntarily. Some searched for water along the river, while others rushed into the depths of the forest to find a safe place to settle down. Fearing that the danger behind them would catch up, they instinctively continued to "escape" into the depths of this blessed land.

Chen Yang and Liu Piaopiao exchanged a glance but did not stop the people from dispersing.

This was their original purpose. Li Rou's figure quietly appeared beside the two of them, still shrouded in that hazy halo, her voice carrying a hint of relief.

“Well done. This time we brought in 1,347 people. Including the previous one, the total has reached 2,805. The results have far exceeded our expectations.”

Looking at the vibrant world before him, which was under his control, and feeling the sense of satisfaction that came from the increasing population, Chen Yang nodded.

"It's definitely a good deal."

Liu Piaopiao also smiled.

"If things continue like this, recovery is possible."

After a brief discussion, the three decided to continue using this method, waiting for an opportunity to strike in the following night and absorb as many survivors as possible.

Chen Yang and Liu Piaopiao meditated and regulated their breathing in the space for a whole night. Once their physical strength and mental energy had recovered to their peak, they set off again.

The next day, upon stepping out of the entrance to the Sumeru Space, the bloodshed and chaos of the previous night's battlefield had largely dissipated. The remaining ruins and scorched earth testified to the past carnage, but the "disappearance" of a large number of fresh troops had clearly altered the landscape, and the atmosphere in the air was no longer so tense and despairing.

After observing for a moment, the two ventured deeper into the ruins.

Along the way, they encountered many cultivators who seemed to be in a hurry, and the fragments of information they exchanged clearly pointed to the same goal.

"I heard that the ruins of an ancient immortal abode have been discovered!"

"Yes, it's right over there at the 'Five Elements Platform'!"

"I heard there are trials too? Maybe you can inherit some great fortune!"

Chen Yang paused, exchanging a questioning look with Liu Piaopiao.

"Trials? Ancient Immortal Abode?"

A look of curiosity flashed in Liu Piaopiao's eyes.

"Should we go take a look? Perhaps we can find something out, and it will also help us cover our tracks."

"Right on my mind."

Chen Yang nodded.

The two moved swiftly, blending into the crowd and heading towards the legendary "Five Elements Platform".

Before long, a magnificent ruin came into view. Five towering platforms at the center shone with five different colors of light—gold, cyan, blue, red, and yellow—interconnecting to form a vast and complex array. (End of Chapter)