Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 233 Aftermath Unabated, Truth Gradually Emerging

Inside the cave, the dust gradually settled, and the lingering smoke slowly dissipated, revealing a scene of utter devastation. Cao Long lay on the ground, barely breathing, his black robe soaked in blood, a picture of wretched disarray. Wang Yongli dragged his wounded body to his side, his sword pointed directly at Cao Long's throat, his eyes filled with rage and contempt: "Cao Long, you have committed countless evils; today is your retribution!"

Blood trickled from the corner of Cao Long's mouth, yet he still let out a weak but arrogant laugh: "Haha... You think you can win by defeating me? You're too naive... You haven't even seen the shadow of the real mastermind yet."

Zhang Peng and Xia Lijuan helped each other to their feet. Hearing Cao Long's words, Zhang Peng frowned and stepped forward: "Cao Long, if you reveal who's behind this now, perhaps I can spare your life."

Cao Long raised his head, looking at Zhang Peng with eyes full of resentment: "Hmph, Zhang Peng, don't even dream about it. Even if I die, I won't say a word. Just you wait, when the real mastermind makes his move, the entire cultivation world will tremble under his feet!"

Zhang Peng wanted to ask more, but Cao Long suddenly spat out a mouthful of black blood, closed his eyes, and breathed his last. Zhang Peng sighed helplessly: "It seems he was prepared to die and refused to reveal any information."

Xia Lijuan walked to Zhang Peng's side and gently patted his shoulder: "Zhang Peng, don't be discouraged. We are very close to the truth. Although Cao Long is dead, his appearance is definitely related to the mysterious force's plan. We will definitely be able to find the mastermind from the clues he left behind."

Wang Yongli and the other Qingyun Sect disciples gathered around. After treating their wounds briefly, they began searching for clues inside the cave. In a secluded corner of the cave, they discovered a tattered ancient book containing records of mysterious spells and rituals, as well as fragments of information about a mysterious force.

“Patriarch, look here.” Wang Yongli pointed to a passage in the ancient book and said, “It mentions that a mysterious force is preparing a ritual called the ‘Spirit Abyss Sacrifice,’ which seems to be related to the spiritual stone mines and the balance of spiritual energy in the entire cultivation world.”

Zhang Peng took the ancient book and began to study it carefully. His expression grew increasingly solemn: "If what is recorded here is true, then the mysterious force's goal is probably to control the spiritual power of the entire cultivation world through the 'Spirit Abyss Sacrifice,' thereby achieving their goal of dominating the world."

Xia Lijuan also came over to take a look, her eyes full of worry: "Then what should we do? This 'Spirit Abyss Sacrifice' sounds extremely dangerous, we must stop them as soon as possible."

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment and said, "Let's return to Qingyun Sect first and inform the other sects of this news so we can discuss countermeasures together. At the same time, we must continue to intensify our investigation into the mysterious forces and find their hiding place before they hold their ceremony."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Upon returning to the Qingyun Sect, Zhang Peng immediately summoned representatives from various sects of the Cultivation Alliance and explained in detail the discovery of Lingwu Valley and the contents of the ancient texts. The crowd erupted in an uproar, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

"This mysterious force's ambition is too great! If their 'Spirit Abyss Sacrifice' succeeds, our cultivation world will likely face annihilation," an elder said solemnly.

The Valley Master of Qingfeng Valley nodded and said, "That's right, we must act as soon as possible. During this time, our various sects have also been secretly investigating the mysterious force. Although we haven't gained much, we have discovered some clues. Perhaps we can put these clues together and maybe find their lair."

After discussion, the Cultivation Alliance decided to establish a special investigation team, with Zhang Peng as the team leader, responsible for integrating clues from various sects and conducting an in-depth investigation of the mysterious force. At the same time, each sect strengthened its own defenses to guard against a sudden attack from the mysterious force.

Zhang Peng led the investigation team, studying the clues provided by various sects day and night. They discovered that the mysterious force's activities were mainly concentrated near several large spirit stone mines, and strange spiritual energy fluctuations and mysterious runes frequently appeared around these mines.

"It seems that the mysterious force's 'Spirit Abyss Sacrifice' is closely related to the spirit stone mines. We must find their strongholds near these mines as soon as possible and stop their plans." Zhang Peng looked at the mine locations marked on the map, his eyes gleaming with determination.