Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

"It seems... the path ahead is quite clear." Shen Mo's gaze hardened. He must make the most of the remaining time in his seclusion!

He first focused his attention back on his own cultivation. The faint stellar energy he had obtained from the meteor shower, though thin, was of extremely high quality.

He tried circulating the "Azure Cloud Qi Refining Technique" to guide the wisp of star power through his meridians. He discovered that it had unexpected effects on refining spiritual power and nourishing the divine consciousness.

He even vaguely sensed that this star power seemed to resonate with certain obscure and difficult-to-understand parts of the "Azure Cloud Qi Refining Technique"!

"Could it be... that this cultivation technique is truly related to the stars?" Shen Mo's heart stirred. He recalled the phrase in the cultivation technique's general outline that he had always used as a metaphor:

"Qi circulates throughout the heavens, spirit unites with starlight"... I used to think it only described the wide range of qi cultivation, but now it seems... it might have something else in mind?

This discovery greatly boosted his spirits! If he could use the power of the stars to comprehend the cultivation technique, he might be able to greatly accelerate his cultivation speed, or even... find an opportunity to break through the bottleneck of the third level of Qi Refining!

He immediately immersed himself in a renewed understanding of the cultivation technique. At the same time, he did not forget to guide his disciples in their cultivation.

In response to Shi Tie's strength but lack of skill, Shen Mo extracted several power-generating techniques from the "Giant Spirit Shaking Mountain Technique" and had him practice them repeatedly, striving to achieve effortless mastery.

As for Su Xiao and Zhao Qingyan, they were encouraged to continue to deepen their research on escape techniques and formations, and the simplified version of the "Water Mist Tracing" technique was officially included in the compulsory courses for outer disciples.

Li Xiaocao was given a heavier responsibility. Not only did she have to take care of the medicinal garden, but she also had to start learning more complex cultivation techniques for spiritual plants. In particular, the care of the main root of the Vermilion Fruit was given the highest priority.

Under Shen Mo's leadership, the entire Qingyun Sect operated like a precise machine, functioning efficiently and systematically. The noise and restlessness of the outside world had vanished, leaving only the steadfast focus on cultivation and…hope.

Time slipped away quietly in this tense and fulfilling atmosphere.

In the blink of an eye, my month-long retreat is about to end.

"We must...find more real resources as soon as possible!" Shen Mo finally landed deep in the back mountain, a place that had always been a forbidden zone and shrouded in mist all year round.

The Qingyun Sect has been established for hundreds of years. Even if it has declined, is it really possible that it has left no secrets at all?

The vague records in the Ancestral Hall, the daunting restrictions on the back mountain... perhaps, the sect's true past is hidden there?

"Junior Brother Tie! Junior Sister Xiao!" Shen Mo turned around and called out in a steady voice.

The two men who had been waiting nearby immediately stepped forward: "Sect Leader (Senior Brother)! What are your orders?"

"Get ready," Shen Mo ordered sharply. "Tomorrow morning, come with me to explore the depths of the back mountain."

"Deep in the back mountains?" Shi Tie's eyes lit up, and he excitedly rubbed his hands together. "I've been wanting to go in and take a look for ages! I've heard there are powerful monsters inside, perfect for practicing my skills!"

Su Xiao was much more cautious, her delicate brows furrowing slightly as she asked worriedly, "Sect Leader, the depths of the back mountain have always been a forbidden area. It's said that there are powerful restrictions set up by our ancestor, and the terrain is complex and fraught with danger... Would it be too risky for just the three of us to go?"

"It is precisely because of the danger that elite troops are needed."

Shen Mo explained, "With more people, it's easier to become hesitant. Junior Brother Tie is brave and can be the vanguard; you are meticulous and have keen senses, so you can be responsible for vigilance and reconnaissance. I will provide support from the center. As for the restrictions..."

He paused, a strange light flashing in his eyes. "I've recently been studying cultivation techniques and have gained some insights into the formations passed down in my sect. Perhaps... I can find some patterns."

"Moreover, the sect is now surrounded by powerful enemies outside and under the watchful eye of the Immortal Dynasty inside. If we cannot improve our strength as soon as possible and find a true foothold, I'm afraid... disaster is not far away."

Upon hearing the words "disaster is not far off," Su Xiao's expression turned serious. Without further hesitation, she nodded solemnly, "Xiao'er understands! I will certainly do my utmost to assist Senior Brother Sect Leader!"

"Hehe, don't worry, Junior Sister Su!" Shi Tie patted his chest and said, "With me and the sect leader here, everything will be fine!"

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, three figures quietly left the sect's residence and headed towards the secluded area behind the mountain.

Unlike the relatively gentle terrain at the front of the mountain, the environment suddenly becomes treacherous once you enter the back mountain area.

Towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, and thick vines coiled and hung down like monstrous pythons, covering the ground with a thick layer of fallen leaves that exuded a putrid smell.

The air was filled with a damp, musty smell, mixed with a faint miasma.

What's even more unsettling is the invisible pressure that seems to envelop the entire world, making people feel palpitations involuntarily.

"Be careful, everyone." Shen Mo walked at the front, spreading his divine sense to the fullest extent, carefully sensing everything around him.

He could sense that the spiritual energy here was abnormally chaotic, as if some residual array power was interfering with everything.

He held a "barrier-breaking talisman" obtained from the Water Palace in his hand, ready to activate it at any time.

Shi Tie, holding a heavy iron rod, walked on the left, his tiger-like eyes scanning the surrounding shadows warily.

Su Xiao followed behind Shen Mo on the right, holding several warning talismans in her hand, her divine sense meticulously probing every inch of land and space in front of her like a spider web.

"Crack!" The soft sound of a dry branch breaking was particularly jarring in the silent mountain forest!

"Watch out!" Su Xiao whispered.

Whoosh! A dark shadow suddenly swooped down from the treetop beside them, heading straight for Shen Mo in the middle of the group! It was a strange snake as thick as an arm, entirely green, with fleshy wings, spewing foul-smelling poisonous mist from its mouth!

"You beast, how dare you!" Shi Tie roared, his iron rod carrying a fierce wind, striking the snake's head with pinpoint accuracy!

"Bang!" The strange snake reacted extremely quickly. With a flap of its fleshy wings, it twisted its body in mid-air to avoid the iron rod, and its tail lashed out at Shi Tie's wrist like a steel whip!

"So fast!" Shi Tie was startled. It was too late to change his move, so he could only hold the iron rod horizontally to take the blow head-on!

"Clang!" The sound of metal clashing rang out! Shi Tie felt an immense force surge through him, his wrist went numb, and he staggered back three steps! The power of this strange snake was truly astounding!

"It's the 'Winged Viper'! Be careful of its poisonous mist and speed!" Su Xiao hurriedly warned, while simultaneously raising his hand to activate a "Gentle Breeze Talisman," which transformed into a whirlwind that dispersed the poisonous mist that was spreading over.