Becoming an immortal and ancestor begins with the golden toad spitting out money.

Chapter 164 Group Leader, Immense Crisis

The most important aspect of the Path of Profound Mystery is the "root method" of profound skills.

The emphasis of the term "root method" is on the word "root." Just as plants need to take root, with the right root method, one can advance to a higher level in profound skills.

Without the [root method], it is virtually impossible to break through to the next level. If you try rashly, at best your cultivation will regress, and at worst all your efforts will be in vain.

Su Ji's "Minor Yin-Yang Method" emphasizes "harmony," "transformation," and "mutual assistance," and what is lacking now is precisely "mutual assistance."

Although the Earth God has only been a high-level cultivator of the Cave Profound Realm for a few years, he still has some experience and once expounded on the cultivation path of "Yin and Yang in Harmony".

However, the prerequisite for the Earth God to comprehend the "harmony of Yin and Yang" was that he had experienced seventeen years of the cycle of the four seasons. This was normal for other cultivators, but for Su Ji, who had only been cultivating for half a year, time was the biggest problem.

Mo Linglong wouldn't have this problem, and Zhang Xiaolian probably wouldn't either, since they were both reincarnations of immortals, and the blessings from their previous lives were enough to ensure a smooth path before they became immortals.

Su Ji was an exception. He was neither a reincarnation of a Xuanxian nor a Dao seed nurtured with preferential resources by the Xuanmen. He was simply a cultivator who increased his cultivation speed to thirty-six times by relying on the Dao of Deflection.

When Su Ji's cultivation speed was thirty times that of an ordinary person, Yan Tianchou once analyzed that it would take seven months to cultivate to the point of becoming a fully accomplished Dharma Master.

Later, Su Ji not only accelerated his cultivation speed, but also borrowed the power of the Earth Yang Stone and Earth Yin Stone to greatly increase his cultivation speed.

Now, Su Ji has reached the stage of transforming Yin and Yang into the Great Yin and Yang Cycle. The only thing he lacks is the fundamental method of "Yin and Yang in Harmony".

The concept of "yin and yang in harmony" requires the cycle of the four seasons. Su Ji did not want to wait that long, so he had no choice but to risk entering the dilapidated fairyland of the Golden Cave Sect.

For various reasons, the upper limit of the Jin Ku Sect's dilapidated fairyland is only the level of divine weapons. In addition, the wisdom of the original inhabitants of the fairyland, who were corrupted by Yin Sha, has been reduced, which has greatly reduced the danger.

Moreover, the rescue operation in Jinfeng Canyon involved more than just Su Ji; it also included six elders from Longshan Sect, divine cultivators from Jiuxiang County and Jinfeng County, and a total of twenty-four high-level cultivators, including Su Ji.

The weakest among them was still of decent strength, while the strongest were several cultivators who could be considered invincible, including a white-robed high-ranking cultivator from the Taibai Dragon Clan, the third elder of the Longshan Sect, and Su Ji, who was not yet known to the public.

"Gentlemen, our opponents this time are the Ice and Snow Evil Spirits. Since we alerted them last time, we are very likely to encounter their attack when we enter the Golden Wind Canyon Cave."

"Because the cave is too cramped, it's difficult for so many cultivators like us to move around freely, so we need to divide into groups first..."

The one who spoke was the Shackled Spirit General of Jiuxiang County. Although his position seemed ordinary, he actually possessed top-notch combat power. In addition, he also represented the City God Temple of Jiuxiang County, so he was elected by the cultivators to be the person in charge.

Among so many cultivators, some were good at attacking, some were good at defending, and some were good at escaping... Soon, under the command of the Shackled Spirit General of Jiuxiang County, the entire rescue team was divided into three groups.

The first group, led by the Shackled Spirit General of Jiuxiang County, consisted of seven of the strongest defensive experts, including the Third Elder of Longshan Sect, the Day-Roaming Spirit General of Jinfeng County, and the local deities Zhang Gong and Zhao Gong.

The second group mainly consists of high-ranking cultivators in white robes from the Taibai Dragon Clan. They are all experts with the strongest attack power. Once an encounter begins, they will attack freely after the first group has blocked the attack.

The third group was originally led by the Ninth Elder of the Dragon Mountain Sect, but after Su Ji arrived, everyone gave him face, and the position of group leader ultimately fell to Su Ji.

Naturally, the third group, protected by the first and second groups, was the safest group. It wasn't that the cultivators in the third group had lower cultivation levels, but rather that their abilities were extremely important.

For example, an old woman with silver hair can cast spells that strip living beings of their life force and soul power;
For example, the seventh elder of the Longshan Sect, that female high cultivator, has mastered the magic that can heal injuries.
For example, the Ninth Elder of the Longshan Sect, a seemingly inconspicuous old man, is actually a renowned array master. The array that sealed and suppressed the newly formed spiritual realm in Jushan was set up by this person...

Based solely on the combat prowess displayed in the battle of Jushan, Su Ji would find it difficult to suppress so many experts.

Most importantly, Su Ji not only provided the Blazing Crystal Treasure, but also risked joining the rescue team, which made many cultivators take notice and made many elders of the Dragon Mountain Sect, who were already somewhat suspicious, feel guilty and grateful.

If it were Su Ji himself, he definitely wouldn't want to take on the responsibility of being the leader of the third group. Fortunately, Su Ji still has Yan Tianchou, so he doesn't have to worry about being distracted.

Moreover, the cultivators themselves have their own judgment, and the group leader only makes general adjustments; what truly matters is their initiative and autonomy.

For example, right now, without Su Ji saying a word, the Ninth Elder of the Dragon Mountain Sect casually tossed down a few array flags and began preparing for entering the cave in the canyon wall later.

However, even with the cave route left by Long Teng, it was necessary to wait for the right opportunity. Su Ji took advantage of this gap to refine the six Blazing Crystals into a secret treasure and went to Jinfeng County to infuse them with the light of the sun.

After about thirty breaths, the Ninth Elder of the Dragon Mountain Sect's eyes lit up: "Everyone, we can take action now!"

As he said this, the Ninth Elder of the Dragon Mountain Sect waved his long sleeves, and the array he had set up was instantly activated. The power of the green wood within the array flags burst forth, together forming a green dragon that was more than ten feet long.

The cultivators quickly took their positions as agreed beforehand, and then mobilized the power of heaven and earth to form the scales on the Azure Dragon's body. Instantly, the Azure Dragon transformed into a dragon that emitted various colors of spiritual light, and flew towards the cave twenty or thirty feet away.

"Qiang Qiang Qiang..."

Golden winds, sharp as blades, struck the Azure Dragon, producing a metallic clanging sound. Fortunately, there were many cultivators this time, and the Azure Dragon's formation only shattered a few scales before safely reaching its target cave.

Due to the erosion from the snow-capped mountains behind Golden Wind Canyon, a thick layer of frost has formed inside the canyon. As one walks further and further, more and more icicles hang overhead, leaving white marks on the Azure Dragon's body.

"It's only been one day, and it's gotten even colder here!"

The Broken Wonderland belongs to the Golden Cave Sect and is a private, top-level secret realm. It is opened to the public far less often than the "Autumn Cold Wonderland" of the Taibai Dragon Clan in Qili Lake, so very little information about it remains.

Fortunately, the ruined fairyland involved ancient demons, and the gods spared no effort to find some records of this ruined fairyland.

This dilapidated fairyland was originally called "Golden Frost Fairyland". The profound mysteries of immortality it contains are mainly based on the Yin attribute metal Dao [Xin Metal]. It not only gave rise to five Dao principles, but also combined with various mysteries to form countless wonders.

Golden Wind Canyon is a wondrous place formed by the mysteries of [Xin Metal] and wind. However, it is being gradually eroded by the power of the snow mountain, which clearly makes the mysteries of the snow mountain even stronger.

The file states that the snow mountain is not a snow mountain in the strict sense, but a mysterious sacred land formed by the condensation of the Dao of [Xin Metal]. The so-called ice and snow evil spirit is just a facade; the real opponent may be some kind of transformed being beneath the snow mountain.

Fortunately, the cultivators' goal this time is neither to occupy the snow mountain nor to climb it, but to rescue Long Teng and the other cultivators. The only opponent they will face is the Ice and Snow Evil Spirit.

As the Azure Dragon formation of cultivators advanced, the frost ahead intensified. The ice spikes, which initially only left white marks on the scales, were now capable of piercing them. The Ninth Elder of the Dragon Mountain Sect said gravely, "These ice spikes contain golden energy, and their hardness is no less than that of a high-grade entry-level spell. The best solution now is to clear the ice spike obstacle by manpower!"

The paths through the caves are not continuous. To get out of the Golden Wind Canyon, you need to switch and jump between the various caves. The Azure Dragon Formation cannot afford to have its power depleted by the ice spikes.

With the reminder from the Ninth Elder of the Dragon Mountain Sect, the cultivators quickly reached a consensus and began to attack the ice spikes in the cave. More than twenty cultivators took turns attacking, which did not affect their speed of progress.

Soon, the group of cultivators, maintaining the Azure Dragon formation, leaped out of the cave, crossed the Golden Phoenix Canyon cliff by seven or eight zhang, and arrived at the last cave.

Upon reaching this point, the ice spikes on the cave walls had reached the level of a high-grade minor completion spell. The densely packed ice spikes resembled a hedgehog, sending chills down one's spine.

However, Jiuxiang County Shackled Spirit General said, "This is the last section of the cave. Once you walk out, you will be in the transition zone between Golden Phoenix Canyon and the snow mountain. If we make any noise here now, it is very likely to attract more ice and snow evil spirits."

"We must maintain secrecy during this operation. To be on the safe side, we will temporarily dismantle the Azure Dragon Formation and advance in a single file. We will reassemble into formation and launch an attack only when we encounter the enemy or venture out..."

Even if the Ice and Snow Evil Spirit has a low IQ, it will still come to investigate after hearing a noise. The best way is to approach it quietly.

Although Su Ji had some concerns, he had to acknowledge the necessity of this method and could only say to his seven team members:
"Everyone, if any unforeseen danger arises, please take shelter in my direction..."

Some nodded in agreement, while others, confident in their own strength, had no intention of seeking protection.

Su Ji didn't say much, and while having Yan Tianchou scout the surroundings, he continued to advance.

As the group walked further and further away, and the cave exit was not far away, the unexpected light did not appear in the distance.

Upon hearing this, the white-robed high-ranking cultivator from the Taibai Dragon Clan couldn't help but change his expression slightly and said, "Could it be that the path ahead has been blocked by heavy snow or ice?"

Although the dilapidated fairyland is trapped underground, it still has its own source of light: a metallic moon hanging in the sky. Even though the spiritual energy has been lost and the area is filled with yin energy, the golden moon is still quite visible.

Now, however, all that lies ahead is darkness.

A cultivator's Heavenly Soul Sensing can detect things hundreds of feet away, but it is affected by the Yin Sha and mystery of the broken immortal realm, and can only detect scenes more than ten feet away in the cave.

Led by the Shackled Spirit General, the group cautiously made their way forward.

However, at that moment, Yan Tianchou suddenly issued a warning: "This is bad. The mountain walls behind the ice cones on both sides are not inanimate objects, but spiritual objects with some kind of vitality. They are either an extremely large magic treasure, or..."

Before Yan Tianchou could finish speaking, Su Ji's expression changed drastically, and he shouted loudly, "There's something wrong with the mountain walls on both sides, retreat quickly!"

Not all cultivators believed this statement. One cultivator instinctively probed the mountain wall with his Heavenly Soul Sensing and indeed discovered a faint, eerie spirituality.

The leader of the Shackled Spirits at the forefront had a drastic change in expression and hurriedly shouted, "Quickly attack the ice spikes on the mountain wall and gather them together to maintain the Azure Dragon Formation!"

At this point, the first and second groups had already entered the danger zone, but the third group had not. If they retreated now, the third and second groups might be able to escape, but the first group would definitely fall into the trap.

Therefore, for the safety of all cultivators, the Shackled Spirit General did not allow the cultivators in the rear to retreat first, but instead gathered together to concentrate their strongest power to jointly resist the unknown danger.

As the leader of the third group, Su Ji naturally understood this principle. As he unleashed the Earth Yang Spear, which he had been holding back for a long time, towards the left front, he flew towards the second group.

The cultivators who participated in this rescue mission may have unconventional personalities, but now that they are under the control of the gods of Jiuxiang County, Jinyan Divine General, and Jinfeng County, even the most unruly among them must obey orders.

Not to mention, right now there's only a suspicion of danger, not a threat to life, so following orders is the best option.

As a result, the spells and supernatural powers of many cultivators were unleashed towards the center, and amidst the scattering of countless ice spike fragments, the cultivators flew over and converged there.

As the Ninth Elder of the Dragon Mountain Sect activated the array flags held by the cultivators at the array's core, a blue dragon quickly took shape.

Amidst a deafening roar, the mountainside suddenly began to shake even more violently, as if the entire mountainside, like the long, sharp snout of a giant serpent, was about to lunge forward and bite.

"boom……"

In an instant, most of the cultivators turned pale. It wasn't until the monster launched its attack and revealed its aura that they realized the long cave they were in was actually just the monster's mouth.

As for the ice spikes in the cave, they were probably formed from the monster's breath, which shows just how powerful this enormous monster with a mouth that was ten or twenty feet long was.

"Taibai Sword Shadow!"

The white-robed cultivator of the Taibai Dragon Clan unleashed a high-grade profound technique, aimed directly at his feet, specifically below the enormous monster's mouth.

To everyone's astonishment, even such a powerful blow only created a hole about three feet square and a little over one foot deep.

However, judging from the enormous size of the monster, its jaw alone is probably a few feet deep, and the surface of the mountain wall is probably just its flesh and blood. The bones inside must be even more difficult to blast through.

Therefore, if the cultivators want to carve out a path to survival, it will probably take them another twenty or thirty breaths.

Instantly, everyone felt as if they had fallen into an ice cellar, not just psychologically, but also from the cold, desolate wind that spewed from the enormous monster's throat.

"This is bad! The prelude to the breath attack alone is comparable to a series of high-grade, fully-developed spells. If the main body of the breath attack arrives, even the seemingly invincible Azure Dragon Formation's defenses will be gradually worn away!"

The Azure Dragon Formation maintained by so many cultivators was already invincible, but in front of such a huge monster, it was like a cotton candy in a child's hand, which could be melted by saliva... It was only a matter of time.

Of course, the cultivators could also try to attack the gap below in order to fight their way out, but the first group in front would inevitably be injured by the breath attack.

Before they could even find a way out, the first group had already been wiped out.

(End of this chapter)