At this moment, the fierce battle in front of the valley was raging, with one side already teetering on the brink of defeat. Only three or so individuals remained, barely holding their ground, and it seemed that defeat was imminent. On the opposing side, the leader was a Daoist dressed in a purple robe, watching the fight from the sidelines. His attention suddenly shifted to Zhang Yan and Master Shi, and he immediately cast a wary glance in their direction.
He gave a signal to someone nearby, prompting a gray-robed Daoist, treading on a copper bird, to cautiously approach.
The gray-robed Daoist clasped his hands toward Zhang Yan and Master Shi and respectfully said, "Fellow Daoists, if you have also come to this valley in search of Zhi, I humbly ask you to hold your jade footsteps. My sect is currently locked in battle with the Di Clan here, with the victor yet undecided. Please depart swiftly to avoid any unintended harm—it would be most undesirable."
Though his words seemed courteous, they carried an undertone of veiled warning, especially as he noticed Zhang Yan's imposing presence, accompanied by clouds and winds when he flew—an unmistakable sign of a formidable cultivator. Considering his faction had yet to eliminate several major opponents, he thought it wise not to provoke trouble unnecessarily.
Zhang Yan replied indifferently, "I have my own reasons for being here; they are of no relevance to you."
The gray-robed Daoist, with a temper to match his confidence in their superior numbers, snorted coldly. With a gesture, he summoned a Dharma Sword before him, transforming it into a flickering rainbow light that gleamed ominously. He spoke with a chilling tone, "I ask this one last time: leave now. If you recklessly intrude, hmph, you risk losing your lives."
Observing the man, Zhang Yan noted his cultivation amounted to merely the Xuan Guang First Realm, with an aura that was chaotic and impure—evidence of inferior techniques. He found the dispute beneath him and disinclined to waste time arguing. He firmly grasped Master Shi's arm and said in a deep voice, "Master Shi, come with me."
He vaulted forward in a flash, stirring a swirling tempest that swept through the valley, carrying Master Shi deeper within.
The gray-robed Daoist, foolish and unyielding, sneered and executed a spell, instantly commanding the sword rainbow to slash downward.
But the rainbow light cut into the turbulent winds with no significant effect—not even a ripple. Instead, the Daoist suddenly felt an overwhelming pressure strike his chest, as if crushed by a massive siege pillar. He involuntarily let out a pained "Wah!" and spewed blood as his body fell heavily from the sky.
Meanwhile, the purple-robed cultivator had encircled the final remaining member of the Di Clan disciples. Behind him, his comrades floated mid-air with sword lights and magical artifacts aimed downward, prepared to deliver the killing blow.
Yet at that precise moment, Zhang Yan stormed onto the scene, catching everyone off guard. One of them instinctively swung their sword toward him.
This single attack seemed to set a chain reaction in motion, as the others also launched their flying swords and magical artifacts at Zhang Yan.
A cacophony of metallic clashes erupted, and sparks flew wildly. But Zhang Yan seemed entirely unfazed, forging ahead. Anyone blocking his path was instantly struck down, their bodies contorted grotesquely, never to rise again.
The remaining group members, realizing the impending doom, hastily scattered. The ferocious winds roared toward the rear of the valley, toppling giant trees and scattering leaves in its wake, forcing open a path. The onlookers stared in shock, mouths agape and faces filled with terror.
The Di Clan disciple, ready to meet death, suddenly discovered that those encircling him had dispersed. Overjoyed, he bit his tongue to spur his mana and transformed into a streak of rainbow light, desperately fleeing.
The purple-robed Daoist cursed under his breath; their mission to intercept the Di Clan member had been entrusted by someone else. Letting one escape spelled disaster, so he shouted urgently, "My sect brothers, follow me in pursuit—under no circumstances can we allow him to get away!"
As he prepared to leap into action, someone rushed up to tug at his sleeve, panting heavily and saying, "Senior Brother, allow me to deal with that troublemaker."
The purple-robed Daoist glared at him and scolded, "Scoundrel! Do you have a death wish? If you have the strength for this nonsense, you'd better use it to help me catch that Di Clan disciple instead!"
Having witnessed Zhang Yan injure several individuals in the blink of an eye, the purple-robed Daoist felt a shiver of apprehension. He thought it fortunate that Zhang Yan wasn't after them—provoking him now would surely be suicidal.
By this time, the Di Clan disciple had already fled far away. The Daoist had no time for further reprimands; he hastily activated his tunneling light and plunged into the clouds. Several scattered beams of light followed him into the sky, disappearing after a moment.
Zhang Yan proceeded deeper into the valley until he arrived beneath a massive boulder. There, he halted his movement and landed steadily on the ground, but upon closer inspection, he found himself surprised.
Surrounding him was a barren expanse, filled with jagged rocks, scarcely a blade of grass in sight. Where could there possibly be a cave mansion?
Master Shi patted his sleeve and spoke warmly, "You can come out now. Take a look—does this spot match?"
Out of his sleeve emerged Zhi Tong, his bright eyes scanning the surroundings. Moments later, they lit up as he pointed downward and exclaimed, "Indeed, this is the spot. Master, behold—the entrance to the cave mansion lies here."
The two looked down and discovered, at their feet, a hole no larger than the tip of a chopstick.
It seemed impossibly small, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary cultivators to enter.
Zhi Tong leapt from Master Shi's shoulder and stood upright, saying, "Masters, the cave mansion's passages are winding, with countless bends extending a thousand feet deep beneath the earth. Please wait here while I explore within. If the remains of the old ancestor are found, I will inform you immediately."
Master Shi gently patted his head and said, "If you encounter any danger, do not take risks. Come back quickly, and we will consider other ways to enter."
Zhi Tong gave a quick nod and transformed into a strand of Clear Qi, slipping into the hole.
Master Shi stroked his beard and sighed, "Without Zhi Tong's help, even if we located this place, we'd face endless difficulties attempting to enter."
Zhang Yan nodded slightly, agreeing with the sentiment.
After waiting for about an hour, faint Clear Qi emerged from the hole—Zhi Tong was returning.
Master Shi hurriedly asked, "Child, what did you find?"
Zhi Tong puffed his chest out proudly and chirped, "Masters, I've thoroughly explored it. The remains of the old ancestor lie beneath."
Master Shi's face lit up with joy, "Truly?"
The child nodded vigorously and replied, "Absolutely correct, but the two masters must hurry."
Zhang Yan raised his brow, "Why do you say this?"
Zhi Tong frowned slightly, biting his finger, and explained, "While I was exploring the earth cave, I heard someone on the other side of the mountain wall manipulating an Exotic Beast to dig into the mountain's depths. It won't be long before they discover this cave mansion."

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