Gateway of Immortality

Chapter 289: The Convergence

As they approached the cave’s exit, the group finally glimpsed the scenery outside. The cave was perched high on a steep and towering cliff. At the base of the cliff lay a deep abyss separating it from the open plain.

"Evade! Hold your breath!"

Yu Kong’s tone was stern as he issued the reminder, then silently employed an evading method, gliding noiselessly down toward the foot of the cliff.

Qin Sang surveyed the surroundings and then gazed down into the abyss.

Though not particularly wide, the abyss was bottomless and exuded an ominous aura, even more chilling than the Yin Malevolent Abyss of the Kuiyin Sect. While it was cloaked in sinister energy, it appeared far more tranquil than the chaotic atmosphere of the Yin Malevolent Abyss.

As they neared the edge of the abyss, Yu Kong came to a halt and lightly pushed the two corpses forward.

The corpses floated apart, drifting toward opposite edges of the abyss. They descended slowly, cun by cun, hugging the cliff walls as they sank into the darkness.

During the descent, the sigils Yu Kong had drawn on the corpses glowed faintly before the bodies vanished entirely from sight. Their presence, including any lingering traces of energy, was completely masked.

Qin Sang discreetly extended a thread of spiritual consciousness toward the area where the corpses had disappeared but found nothing unusual.

Yu Kong, seemingly wary of disturbing whatever might dwell within the abyss, moved with extraordinary caution. Only after ensuring the corpses were well concealed did he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"Follow me..."

Yu Kong’s voice resonated through their minds. Instead of flying across the abyss to harvest the spiritual herbs on the other side, he led the group to a concealed spot near the edge of the chasm, where they could remain hidden.

Though everyone was eager to obtain the spiritual herbs, Yu Kong’s actions hinted at the presence of a deeper mystery within the abyss. Reluctantly, they suppressed their impatience and followed him into hiding.

Not content with their current precautions, Yu Kong even inscribed symbols similar to those on the corpses around the group’s location for additional security.

Qin Sang couldn’t yet decipher the trap Yu Kong had set for Luo Xingnan and Sheng Yuanzi, but he knew they couldn’t wait much longer. Otherwise, Wandering Man and Ge Yuan might miss their opportunity to separate from the others. Silently, he crushed the One Heart Pendant.

Time passed as they lay in wait, with no sign of anyone emerging from the cave. Yu Kong, however, showed no sign of impatience.

After a while more.

Finally, after a long stretch, a figure appeared at the cave’s exit. Moments later, more people began to emerge one after another.

At the front were none other than Luo Xingnan and Sheng Yuanzi themselves.

The two had arrived together.

Behind them, two distinct groups followed, clearly delineated.

Qin Sang spotted Wandering Man and Ge Yuan among the group and was taken aback. When he had crushed the One Heart Pendant, he had specifically warned them about the potential dangers in the abyss and the likelihood of Luo Xingnan and Sheng Yuanzi meeting a grim fate. He hadn’t expected them to remain with the group instead of finding a chance to separate.

Without the ability to communicate, Qin Sang could only wonder whether they hadn’t had the chance to break away or if they had another plan in mind.

Despite the arrival of his two formidable adversaries, Yu Kong remained unflustered. He snorted coldly. "Both of them arrived together. That makes things easier."

Qin Sang glanced at the abyss below.

There must be unimaginable dangers hidden within the chasm, enough to give Yu Kong the confidence to take on Luo Xingnan and Sheng Yuanzi simultaneously.

Unfortunately, with the One Heart Pendant now broken, Qin Sang couldn’t send another warning to Wandering Man and Ge Yuan. He could only hope they would find a way to save themselves.

If they couldn’t escape this calamity, subsequent plans would need to be adjusted. A contingency plan was essential.

As for himself, Qin Sang had no direct conflict with Yu Kong. Ideally, they could part ways amicably.

Even if Yu Kong harbored ill intentions, it was unlikely he would target Qin Sang specifically. With the powerful artifacts at his disposal, Qin Sang had a chance to offset the disparity in strength. As long as he remained cautious and seized an opportunity, escaping wouldn’t be difficult.

If luck favored him, he might even turn the tables and eliminate Yu Kong instead.

The only real problem was Yan Wu. Whenever Yan Wu’s gaze fell upon him, Qin Sang felt a sharp, prickling sensation, as if being pierced by needles.

Remaining motionless, Qin Sang observed the figures at the cave’s exit. His expression flickered as his thoughts churned.

The two groups stood at the entrance, gazing out toward the distant mountains.

"Where’s that old geezer?"

Sheng Yuanzi squinted, scanning the surroundings. The plain was empty, and the distant mountains were shrouded in mist, obscuring whatever lay within.

Luo Xingnan stared intently at the far-off peaks, his gaze almost entranced. He muttered, "Shao Chunhui really found an extraordinary place! This must be the herb garden of the cave dwelling’s owner. These spiritual herbs are at least a thousand years old—truly dazzling! That old dog has probably already gone into the mountains. We should move before he ruins the treasures."

Sheng Yuanzi cast a sidelong glance at Luo Xingnan. "Shao Chunhui came back empty-handed last time, which proves the barriers within that mist aren’t simple. We might as well let him scout the way for us. What’s the rush? And since we’ve confirmed that he's been playing tricks, don’t you think it’s time to recall the spy you planted by my side?"

"Before now, it wasn’t clear whether it was you, or Yu the old dog. Naturally, I had to prepare for both possibilities," Luo Xingnan replied, entirely unapologetic despite the direct accusation. He withdrew his entranced gaze and gestured to a gaunt old man standing behind Sheng Yuanzi. "Daoist Gong, come back."

The elderly cultivator stepped forward and cupped his hands toward Sheng Yuanzi. "I serve my master. Please forgive me, Daoist Master."

"So it was you! Did you really think I wouldn’t dare kill you?"

Sheng Yuanzi’s cold snort carried a lethal undertone, and his oppressive aura bore down on the old man.

Under Sheng Yuanzi’s pressure, the cultivator trembled slightly, his face paling.

Luo Xingnan took a step forward to shield the man from Sheng Yuanzi’s aura. His tone was calm but carried a hint of disdain. "We’re the same, aren’t we? Old Man, since we’ve agreed to join forces against that old dog, harping on trivial matters like this is meaningless. Once we kill Yu Kong and secure the spiritual herbs, we’ll part ways, and the great path will be ours to tread separately. I’ll even light incense for your ashes after I form my Golden Core. Until then, I have no interest in scheming with you. And... don’t pretend you don’t have people planted in my ranks."

"You? Form a Golden Core? In your next life, perhaps!"

Sheng Yuanzi sneered in contempt. He pointed to a man in long robes standing behind Luo Xingnan. "Brother Chen, don’t worry. I guarantee this old man won’t dare harm you in the future."

The robed man replied calmly, "I only ask that you keep your promise."

Sheng Yuanzi chuckled and glanced back at his followers. He pointed toward the distant mountains. "Look at the radiance coming from the peaks. There are enough spiritual herbs up there for everyone to have one. But first, we need to break the barriers and deal with Yu Kong. Everyone must give their full effort. If anyone dares to slack off, don’t blame me for being merciless."

Luo Xingnan echoed a similar warning.

After ensuring their subordinates were on the same page, Luo Xingnan and Sheng Yuanzi discussed their strategy briefly and then led the group down the cliff.

"Wait..."

Just as they were about to cross the abyss, Sheng Yuanzi halted abruptly and motioned for everyone to stop.

Luo Xingnan frowned. "Did your people leave a mark?"

Sheng Yuanzi kept his gaze fixed on the abyss and shook his head. "No... they didn’t."

Luo Xingnan scoffed. "Old Geezer, you’re regressing with age. It’s just a little ravine, and it has you spooked? If there were any danger, there’d be clear signs of a fight here."