Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1385: 739: Request

“Amitabha, Da Leiyin Temple sincerely implores the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion for their aid!” Upon witnessing the shift at Luanyang Palace, Master Ming Kong of Da Leiyin Temple also voiced a formal request for assistance.

He observed that even a single Mid-stage Golden Corpse could significantly alleviate their burden, allowing their defensive perimeter to stabilize. It wasn’t necessarily that a Mid-stage Golden Corpse surpassed their group of Mid-stage Venerables in raw power; however, as Venerables, their Qi consumption during battle was immense, particularly within the restrictive environment of a Grotto Heaven where their combat effectiveness was hampered.

The mere necessity of dodging the Grotto Heaven Guardian's strikes made the Venerables extremely hesitant. The Guardian’s venom was catastrophic; even a minor wound would be fatal to a Venerable. No matter the intensity of their counterattacks, the Guardian remained indestructible—it could only be fended off. Over a prolonged period of defense, failure was inevitable.

Among the Venerables he led, two had already succumbed to the poison. Though they still breathed, it was clear their time was running out. If this continued, the Venerables from Da Leiyin Temple who entered this place would likely never return.

“Yuan Ba, I believe we should assist Da Leiyin Temple!” Wu Qi stated his position. Having already discussed their strategy with Li Yuanba, there was no need for further explanation.

With a wave of Li Yuanba’s hand, one Mid-stage Golden Corpse shifted toward the Da Leiyin Temple camp. This instantly relieved the pressure on the temple's Venerables, bringing rapid stability to their front lines.

The original pact between the sects had effectively collapsed. By seeking protection from the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion, Luanyang Palace and Da Leiyin Temple had essentially chosen their side. Furthermore, the presence of Li Yuanba’s five Mid-stage Golden Corpses made enforcing the old agreement a practical impossibility.

Seeing the success of Luanyang Palace and Da Leiyin Temple, the core members of the Guiyuan Sect and Feiyu Sect—believing they maintained a decent rapport with the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion—also voiced their own pleas for help.

Following a nod from Wu Qi, two more Mid-stage Golden Corpses were dispatched to assist them.

At this stage, the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion could no longer spare the final Mid-stage Golden Corpse, even if the representatives from the Infinite Sect, Beidou Sect, and Central State Commerce wished to ask. These three powerful factions had no choice but to huddle together, forming a collaborative defensive circle.

As they shifted, their defensive footprint shrank, which forced the other five factions to expand their own lines to cover the gaps left behind.

Li Yuanba paid no mind to the Guardian’s assaults. With five Mid-stage Golden Corpses deployed, the Guardian was unable to breach the camps of the five allied forces. He was currently analyzing the Grotto Heaven's environment, discovering first that the Divine Foot Skill was suppressed here.

This was grim news; the inability to use the Divine Foot Skill meant his combat mobility was slashed and his escape options were severely limited. Fortunately, the local laws didn't seem to impose any further restrictions, which provided some small comfort.

“Yuan Ba, we cannot maintain this indefinitely. While the Golden Corpses can endure the strikes, the practitioners are burning through their Qi too quickly. In two days, everyone will be completely exhausted!” Wu Qi remarked as he directed his flying sword against the Guardian.

His tactics had shifted; he was no longer aiming for a kill, but merely trying to knock the Guardian back. No matter how fierce the strike or how sharp the Sword Intent, the Guardian could not be slain, as it was truly an undying entity.

“Indeed, a solution must be found!” Yao Feng from Luanyang Palace cut in at that moment. She understood all too well that a static defense would eventually crumble; staying here was not a long-term option.

“I have just checked the space gate, and the news is grim: we are unable to depart through the portal!” Chang Qing of the Beidou Sect announced with a look of despair. Upon realizing they couldn't hold out, he had tried to leave the Grotto Heaven, only to find the exit sealed.

“I suggest we assemble our most powerful experts to push deeper into the Grotto Heaven and find a way to destroy the Cave Heaven Core!” Yin Chang proposed, a sharp light flickering in his eyes. He glanced subtly at Li Yuanba, clearly hoping he would be the one to take the risk.

Under the current circumstances, seizing control of the Grotto Heaven seemed nearly impossible. Grotto Heavens are typically either inheritable or not; usually, when a great power dies, they set the Grotto Heaven to an inheritance state. This allows practitioners to face trials to claim the Cave Heaven Core and take command of the realm.

However, not all great powers are generous. Some choose to turn their Grotto Heaven into a tomb rather than pass it on to future generations. In such cases, any practitioner who enters is essentially a grave robber. Over time, the defensive seals weaken; had the Guardian been at full strength, Mid-stage Nascent Soul practitioners would have stood no chance.

It was now certain that the Grotto Heaven of the Langcai Great Power was likely a tomb, offering no inheritance. With the exit blocked, the danger only grew the longer they stayed.

Because the sword cultivators of the Sword Intent Chongxiao Pavilion were currently safe, Wu Qi had not yet considered a retreat. Regardless of the Grotto Heaven's true nature, the treasures gathered from exploring it were already proving to be worth the risk.