As Chu Xuan and his companions approached, they saw that the mountain peak ahead had been flattened, creating a spacious training ground. This site, nestled among several surrounding peaks, was ideal as a communal area for the disciples of Extreme Yin Cave to spar and communicate.
A gust of wind swept through as Wan Wuying materialized in front of them. Chu Xuan and his fellow disciples bowed and addressed him as Master.
Wan Wuying nodded slightly, "This area contains the densest Spiritual Qi within thousands of li. I have already notified the Heavenly Seal Sect, and this training ground, spanning three thousand li, will be Extreme Yin Cave's territory."
"You four establish your own cave dwelling within this three-thousand-li radius," Wan Wuying continued with a slight smile. "From now on, we will cultivate this land well. As long as we live and our lineage continues, a resurgence is more than possible!"
"Yes!" Chu Xuan and his companions nodded solemnly.
Wan Wuying went on, "Start by establishing your cave dwellings. I will negotiate with the Heavenly Seal Sect for the various cultivation resources you need. They need our strength and dare not refuse. Once we're settled, we'll begin relocating mortals here and incorporate these barbaric lands beyond civilization into Extreme Yin Cave's domain. Only then will we truly be established."
Chu Xuan nodded deeply in agreement. This strategy mirrored the old ways of the Infinite Sect. Once one became an inner disciple, hundreds of mortal servants were always at hand, their sole purpose to prepare meals, clean dwellings, and so forth for the sect's disciples. Cultivators were essential, but these servants were also indispensable.
Furthermore, many of the ingredients needed for pill concoctions and materials required for crafting were gathered by mortals. Only the most precious resources demanded the personal attention of cultivators. Also crucial were the spirit seeds — mortals born with spiritual roots, who would be tested and then join the sect to train and potentially become its new disciples. Those with lesser talents might leave the sect to start families, whose offspring were more likely to become spirit seeds themselves, creating a beneficial cycle that would ensure the sect's prosperity and growth.
Behind every thriving sect was an immense support system of countless mortals, a fact Chu Xuan never overlooked.
"I'll go over there," Li Xuanming pointed north. Liu Zhenxiong and Wu Teng also began to search for suitable locations to establish their dwellings.
Chu Xuan, however, chose to go alone to the south. He had no special requirements for his dwelling, seeking only tranquility and solitude, crucial for when he needed to travel to the zombie planet, away from the mundane affairs of this realm.
Chu Xuan circled the area on his flying sword for quite some time before finally choosing a secluded valley. Inside the valley, a waterfall cascaded down, creating a small lake teeming with unknown fish and shrimp. The lake was surrounded by bamboo and various unnamed trees, making the environment tranquil and picturesque—perfect for Chu Xuan's preference.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"This will be the place," Chu Xuan decided, somewhat whimsically choosing to situate his cave dwelling behind the waterfall.
He took out the Evil Soul Chain and with a forceful swing, struck the rocky mountainside.
The solid rock was blasted open. The Evil Soul Chain, likely never anticipating it would be used as a tool for smashing rocks, sent shards flying in all directions, startling the fish in the lake. Despite their frantic attempts to escape, the fish could not leave the confines of the lake, much like the inescapable bonds of one's life.
Soon, a rough cave dwelling was carved out. To smooth the uneven rocks inside, Chu Xuan employed a few 'Transmute Rock to Mud' spells, easily handling the smaller rocks. This spell could only transform rocks up to the size of a fist, which was why Chu Xuan initially needed to use the Evil Soul Chain for the larger task of excavation.
Finally, Chu Xuan conjured a sphere of water to wash away the mud and debris, officially completing the construction of the dwelling. Next, he set about laying down various formations around the cave—concealment, warding, alarm, and spirit gathering arrays.
These were tasks Chu Xuan was adept at; within an hour, he had secured the valley with these defensive and utility formations. Unless a Golden Core cultivator intervened, no Foundation Establishment stage cultivator could breach these defenses in a short time.
"Pity I still lack a Formation Soul to guard the place," Chu Xuan thought. "With a Formation Soul, even in my absence, the safety of the cave dwelling could be ensured."
He made a mental note of this requirement before heading back inside. The cave dwelling itself was simple, comprising only a cultivation room, an alchemy room, a tool forging room, and a spirit plant room—currently all quite sparse. Chu Xuan did not plan to store anything valuable here; it was more about maintaining appearances.
Just then, a voice echoed from outside. "Junior Brother Chu, where are you?"
It was Liu Zhenxiong's voice.
Chu Xuan mounted his Heavenly Star flying sword and flew to the entrance of the cave. Sure enough, he saw Liu Zhenxiong and the other two approaching together.
"Have all three Senior Brothers successfully established their cave dwellings?" Chu Xuan asked with a smile as he bowed courteously.
Liu Zhenxiong laughed heartily, "What difficulty could there possibly be in establishing a dwelling? It is naturally straightforward."
Wu Teng looked down at the valley below and remarked, "Junior Brother Chu, you chose this place? Quite splendid indeed, a scene of remarkable beauty."
Li Xuanming smiled, "What name have you given to your cave dwelling, Junior Brother Chu?"
After a moment's thought, Chu Xuan replied with a smile, "The Water Curtain Cave."
All three brightened at the name, "An excellent name, carrying a touch of ancient charm!"
The four conversed freely, and through this exchange, Chu Xuan also learned about the locations and names of their respective dwellings. As dusk fell, they finally parted ways.
Chu Xuan returned once more to the Water Curtain Cave. This time, he activated all the formations.
Seated on a stone bed, he reflected on recent events. "This time, my gains have been substantial. Most importantly, I have pledged allegiance under Wan Wuying and successfully cleansed my identity, transforming into a disciple of the Heavenly Seal Sect. Henceforth, I am no longer a demonic cultivator pursued by all. Additionally, the Evil Soul Chain now possesses a soul, adding significantly to my arsenal with Huikong's fierce spirit. Next, there is the second transformation of the Gangsi; I will need to spend more time nurturing it into my lifebound Gu insect. Finally, I have also acquired several Foundation Establishment cultivators' storage bags, including those of Sun Shi and Huikong. I have perused those of Sun Shi and others but have yet to examine Huikong's."