Chapter 50: Battle at Kong sang mountain (1)

The cave loomed ahead, its entrance jagged and foreboding, like a gaping maw waiting to swallow them whole.As the group entered, the air grew noticeably colder, each breath forming faint white puffs in the murky darkness.The flickering torchlight struggled against the overwhelming gloom, casting jittery shadows that seemed to dance and twist with a life of their own.It was as if the walls themselves were watching, holding secrets from an age long past.Qi Hao led the way, his expression serious as he navigated the cave's labyrinthine passages.He moved with a steady, purposeful stride, every step resonating with confidence. "This was once the settlement of the Blood Refining Hall," he announced, his voice carrying through the narrow space, slightly distorted by the echoes."We need to stay alert. This place is notorious for its traps and hidden dangers."Grey, walking side-by-side with Lu Xueqi, scanned their surroundings with a keen, cautious gaze.The atmosphere felt heavy, the dark aura pervading the cave thick and suffocating, like an invisible fog pressing down on his senses.To most, it would've been unnerving—claustrophobic even—but to Grey, it was barely a blip on his radar compared to his own Demonic Qi.The swirling shadows felt almost tame, like a lazy mist rather than a true threat. Still, he kept his guard up; complacency had a way of biting back at the worst moments."Brother Grey, I didn't expect you to be so young," Monk Fa Xing commented suddenly, his gentle voice breaking the silence.He walked a few paces behind Grey, his eyes filled with both curiosity and admiration. "To carry such strength at your age… it's truly remarkable."Grey turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow at the monk. "Am I famous or something?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.He'd spent most of his time within the Azure Cloud Sect, focused on training and honing his skills. The idea that he had a reputation outside of it was unexpected, if not a little baffling.Fa Xing chuckled softly, the sound somehow managing to ease a bit of the tension in the cave."Your deeds at the Seven Branches Contest are known to all, Brother Grey. Among the younger generation, you may very well be the strongest."Grey's expression softened at the compliment, though he tried to keep his humility intact."Thank you for your kind words, Brother Fa Xing, but my fellow disciples are also strong."His gaze shifted briefly to Xiao Fan, Lu Xueqi, and the others, who were navigating the treacherous terrain beside him.Fa Xing's smile grew, genuine warmth in his eyes. "Brother, you're modest. It's rare to find someone of your strength without arrogance. You truly embody the spirit of a cultivator."Grey felt a wry smile tug at his lips.If only you knew the kinds of things I actually think about, he mused, knowing that if the monk saw his more mischievous, less-than-serious side, he might take back that "embody the spirit of a cultivator" part.Still, it was nice to be appreciated, even if it was based on a slightly skewed impression.Their lighthearted exchange was cut short as Grey's instincts flared without warning. His senses sharpened, and a faint, prickling sensation ran down his spine.Something wasn't right. He slowed his pace, his gaze narrowing as he scanned the murky passage ahead. "Hold up," he murmured, his voice low but commanding enough that the others immediately came to a stop."What is it?" Qi Hao asked, already drawing his sword in anticipation.Grey's eyes darkened, his focus intense. "Enemies. They're close."No sooner had the words left his mouth than the air around them rippled.From deep within the cave, a series of crimson lights flared to life, the malicious energy flooding the passage like the first drops of a storm.Within seconds, a barrage of attacks filled with ominous red Qi shot toward them, cutting through the dim light like streaks of blood."Defensive positions!" Qi Hao shouted, his voice crisp and authoritative.Each of the group members reacted instantly. Their movements were a testament to their training and experience.Swords were unsheathed, barriers erected, and spells cast. The cave erupting into a chaotic symphony of clashing energies.Grey moved almost lazily, raising his hand to conjure a shimmering Qi barrier around Lu Xueqi and himself, the translucent shield absorbing the incoming strikes effortlessly.As the dust settled, five figures emerged from the shadows, their silhouettes sharp and menacing against the cave's jagged walls.They wore dark, tattered robes, each embroidered with strange black lines that seemed to pulse and writhe of their own accord.Their faces, illuminated by the crimson glow of their own sinister Qi, were twisted into expressions of malevolent glee."Well, well, what do we have here?" sneered one of the attackers, his voice a guttural rasp.He stepped forward, his bat-like ears twitching as if sensing the flow of Qi around them. His grin widened, revealing unnaturally sharp teeth."Azure Cloud Sect dogs, and… oh, look, some monks too. How quaint."Grey's gaze flicked over the newcomers, assessing them with practiced efficiency. One of them had unnaturally pale skin, as if drained of all life. His eyes were sunken and cold.Another's limbs were disturbingly elongated, fingers tipped with razor-sharp claws, twitching in anticipation.Each of them looked more twisted and deranged than the last.But the one in the center, radiating a particularly dense aura of bloodlust, immediately stood out.His red hair burned like flames in the dim cave light, and his one red eye gleamed with a malicious light.His presence was oppressive, his Qi wild and unruly—a clear indicator of his power. He sneered as he swept his gaze over the group."What? The righteous sect sent these brats? Do they think a bunch of greenhorns can deal with us?"The red-haired leader's voice dripped with disdain, his crimson eyes gleaming as he looked over the group.He seemed completely unimpressed by the sight of them, sneering as if they were beneath his notice. "Pathetic. We're wasting our time here."His gaze lingered briefly on Grey, sizing him up, before turning dismissively away.Wait… Nian or something... Chief Nian? Grey squinted, trying to recall the guy's name, but quickly gave up.Does it even matter? He's just some passing-by villain. One of those nameless extras who'll barely leave a mark on the plot.He couldn't help but stifle a yawn. Whatever. This guy probably won't even get much screen time after this.For a moment, Grey almost felt bad for the red-haired cultivator. Almost.Meanwhile, the man seemed blissfully unaware of Grey's internal monologue and continued to posture with dramatic flair, his aura flaring menacingly.He crossed his arms, lips curled in a condescending smirk, as if he were a king looking down on peasants."You should all just surrender now and beg for mercy. Maybe I'll consider—""Yeah, yeah," Grey interrupted with a casual wave of his hand."We get it. You're the big bad boss, yadda yadda." He yawned openly, his expression bored."Can we skip the monologue and get to the part where you lose?"Chief Nian—or whatever his name was—stiffened, his one red eye narrowing dangerously. "You dare—""Yup," Grey cut in again, not even bothering to hide his smirk. "You've got, what, a 60% chance of surviving this fight? Actually, I'll make that 0% after I'm done."He said it so matter-of-factly, as if he were merely discussing the weather.The red-haired leader's face contorted in rage. "Impudent brat! I'll make you regret those words!"He roared, his Qi flaring up violently. Dark red energy swirled around him, a visible manifestation of his fury.One of his lackeys, a man with wild, unkempt hair and eyes like a crazed animal, cackled maniacally. "Yes, why don't we kill them and drink their blood? The perfect nourishment! I've been hungry for days!" His voice was shrill, laced with madness.The last member of their twisted crew, a short, stocky man with a permanently twisted grin, added with a sadistic laugh."Elder, let's kill them and make them nutrients for our Blood Refining Hall! We could use some fresh blood to strengthen the core!"His voice was high-pitched and grating, like nails on a chalkboard.Despite their taunts and the palpable bloodlust in the air, Grey remained calm.He felt the dark aura emanating from the demonic cultivators, but it was wild and chaotic—a far cry from the refined, controlled Demonic Qi he himself wielded.These cultivators were like stray dogs snarling at a lion. It would've been amusing if it weren't so pathetic."Since you guys are here, don't even think about leaving," Grey declared, a cold smile forming on his lips.His eyes sharpened as he zeroed in on the red-haired leader.Although, from his perspective, this Chief Nian guy wasn't exactly a powerhouse, for the others in his group, this demonic cultivator was a lot stronger.With that in mind, Grey decided to take this guy down quickly before his companions got overwhelmed."I'll handle the red hair," Grey announced confidently, stepping forward. "The rest of you, take care of his lackeys."

Qi Hao's eyes widened in surprise. "Junior Brother Grey, wait—!"

But Grey didn't wait. With a burst of speed, he launched himself at the red-haired leader, his figure blurring as he closed the distance between them in an instant.

The sheer force of his movement caused a gust of wind to ripple through the cave.

"Arrogant brat!" the red-haired leader spat, a fierce grin spreading across his face. "You think you can take me on alone?" He barked an order to his subordinates, "Deal with those others! I'll handle this fool personally!"

Lu Xueqi, Qi Hao, Shu Shu and the others reacted immediately. Swords were drawn and the atmosphere crackled with spiritual energy.

The demonic cultivators lunged forward, their twisted forms moving with inhuman speed.

Qi Hao swung his sword in a wide arc, the blade shimmering with blue light as he deflected a clawed hand aiming for his throat.

"Stay together!" he commanded sharply, his expression tense. "Don't let them separate us!"