Chapter 42 Second Layer Mutation, Beast Horde Encircled
After entering the second layer of the secret realm, it was a deep forest. The Spiritual Qi here was also very strange, mixed with other energies, making it extremely difficult to Refine and Absorb. Carelessness could lead to Qi Deviation.
The first layer was mainly plains, scattered with ore piles, with occasional herbs and ordinary Demon Beasts.
But the second layer was different. This was a very large forest with numerous Demon Beasts, but accompanied by more spiritual herbs. The randomness of the second layer was still quite significant. In the past, someone had found herbs in the second layer that could be used to refine Nascent Formation Pills.
In previous years, various forces would leave a batch of disciples active in the second layer. But as time passed and more people entered, the chances of finding high-grade spiritual herbs became fewer and fewer. Generally, only those small forces with insufficient strength would linger in the second layer.
Clearly, the second layer was not Qin Xiao's destination either. Yun Man checked the direction with the map and continued flying towards the entrance of the third layer.
"Disciple, pay attention to Spiritual Qi replenishment. I always feel something strange about this second layer. Maintain optimal condition at all times."
Although Yun Man was already at the Nascent Soul stage, there shouldn't be any problems in this Foundation Establishment second layer. But Qin Xiao still reminded her.
"Master, disciple knows. The Spiritual Qi here cannot be absorbed directly, so I rely on Pills and Spirit Stones to replenish."
Yun Man's perception of Spiritual Qi was much stronger than Qin Xiao's. She had already sensed the abnormal Spiritual Qi and had long been prepared.
Meanwhile, the three forces that entered first were also encountering major trouble.
"This is only the second layer, why are there such powerful Demon Beasts?"
"And not just one, what exactly is going on?"
"Don't just stand there, quickly form the Formation."
Ling Wushuang quickly took out a set of Formation Flags, then deployed them. Everyone began pouring Spiritual Qi into them.
Immediately, a huge protective Formation formed, blocking all the Demon Beasts outside.
The three forces totaling over two hundred people were now surrounded by the Demon Beast horde.
"What exactly is happening? There has never been such a thing before, what's going on?"
Ling Wushuang was also frowning deeply at this moment. Although he was at the late Nascent Soul stage cultivation, the three leading Demon Beasts were all at peak Nascent Soul stage strength. Fortunately, they were encircling but not attacking. If they suddenly attacked, these over two hundred people would likely suffer heavy casualties.
"In previous secret realm openings, many disciples lingered in the second layer. The strongest Demon Beasts encountered were only at Foundation Establishment peak. Why after just three years, has the second layer produced peak Nascent Soul stage Demon Beasts?"
The team leader of Pure Yang Sect, Cang Xing, asked somewhat puzzled.
Cang Xing was one of the geniuses of Pure Yang Sect's generation, with cultivation already reaching mid Nascent Soul stage. But now facing peak Nascent Soul stage Demon Beasts, winning against the same level wasn't certain, let alone being two minor realms weaker.
"There must have been some change in the second layer, or some treasure appeared that could help these Demon Beasts quickly improve. Although this is a calamity, it's also a rare opportunity. Do you two dare to give it a try?"
The team leader of Profound Yin Sect, Su Lin, wasn't too worried but rather excited.
Su Lin was also one of the geniuses of Profound Yin Sect's generation, with cultivation also at mid Nascent Soul stage. Moreover, for genius disciples like them, the Sect must have given many life-saving methods. In a life-or-death battle, they wouldn't necessarily lose.
"Don't act impulsively. I suspect these three Demon Beasts aren't the strongest. There should be a Soul Formation stage Demon Beast behind them. We might be able to fight Nascent Soul stage, but what about Soul Formation stage?"
Ling Wushuang remained relatively calm. He observed these three Demon Beasts hadn't launched attacks, which meant there was a stronger one behind them. It hadn't given orders, so they didn't dare attack. Otherwise, given Demon Beasts' nature, they would have already charged over.
"What? There's a Soul Formation stage one? Brother Ling, don't scare me."
Cang Xing's face changed. If it were only the Demon Beasts before them, they might still have a chance to win. But if a Soul Formation stage was added, then probably except for the three team leaders, none of the others could escape.
"Can't be, right? Nascent Soul stage Demon Beasts appearing in the second layer is already abnormal enough. If there are Soul Formation stage Demon Beasts, wouldn't the second layer be comparable to the fifth layer?"
Su Lin also found it hard to believe, but he knew Ling Wushuang's speculation might be correct.
"Master, there are many auras ahead, and quite a few Demon Beasts. We need to avoid them."
Yun Man suddenly stopped. With so many auras gathered ahead, it was impossible not to notice.
"Avoid them, we need to hurry to the fourth layer quickly, otherwise all the good things will be divided up by them."
Qin Xiao naturally agreed. He couldn't be bothered getting involved in those troublesome matters.
As luck would have it, although Qin Xiao and his companion avoided the Demon Beast horde and the three forces, they hadn't flown far before being locked onto by a powerful aura.
"Master, not good, Soul Formation stage Demon Beast."
Yun Man was the first to detect it and quickly warned.
"Retreat, fly back."
Qin Xiao couldn't care about why there was a Soul Formation stage Demon Beast in the second layer anymore. Run first, survival was most important.
But they hadn't run far when a peak Nascent Soul stage Demon Beast blocked the way ahead.
Yun Man had to change direction again.
But no matter how they changed direction, they would eventually be driven back by Demon Beasts until they converged with the people of the three forces.
"Hmm? Tianyuan Sect disciples?"
Everyone was surprised by Qin Xiao's arrival. Didn't we leave people at the second layer entrance? Could these two have entered before us?
"Greetings Fellow Daoists, what a coincidence."
Seeing avoidance was impossible, Qin Xiao had to step forward and greet them.
Yun Man, afraid Ling Wushuang would recognize her, had long worn a veil.
"Hmm? A mortal? A Nascent Soul stage? What kind of combination is this?"
No one answered Qin Xiao, but curiously observed Qin Xiao's pair. It was really baffling.
"How did you get down here?"
Ling Wushuang was curious how Qin Xiao had gotten down. According to their random positions, no one should have been faster than them. After all, Tianyuan Sect was transmitted after them.
"Disciple, show him the token."
Seeing it was someone from the Immortal Dao Merchant Association asking, that made it easier.
Yun Man didn't speak, just took out the Supreme Membership Card.
"With this, I should be able to come down, right?"
Qin Xiao didn't know Ling Wushuang was Ling Ruoxue's older brother, still proudly showing off.
"My Immortal Dao Merchant Association's Supreme Membership Card? Who exactly are you? Why don't I know the Merchant Association added another Supreme Member?"
Ling Wushuang was momentarily stunned. As the successor of the Ling Family, he knew clearly who held the Merchant Association's Supreme Membership Cards, yet he didn't recognize Qin Xiao at all.
"What status are you? Who says getting a Supreme Membership Card needs to report to you? Enough, stop talking nonsense. The current situation is somewhat difficult. Let's discuss this card matter later."
Qin Xiao was speechless. What timing, still fussing over the card.
"Since you have my Immortal Dao Merchant Association's Supreme Card, then enter the Formation."
Hearing Qin Xiao say this, Ling Wushuang didn't press further. Since he was a distinguished guest of the Immortal Dao Merchant Association, naturally he needed protection, so he allowed Qin Xiao and his companion to enter the Formation.
Although Qin Xiao and his companion entered the Formation, this didn't make much difference either. It was just the difference between dying early and dying later.
"Earlier we encountered a Soul Formation stage Demon Beast, and also several Nascent Soul stage Demon Beasts, moving towards this direction. They should be clearing all cultivators in the second layer, encircling from the outside inward."
Since Qin Xiao entered the Formation, he certainly needed to provide some intelligence, so he recounted everything he had just encountered.
"What? There really is a Soul Formation stage Demon Beast?"
Cang Xing felt like the sky was collapsing. This time they might be finished.
"These Demon Beasts are so intelligent? Knowing to clear and encircle?"
Su Lin also lost his previous excitement. What exactly happened in the second layer?
"This Formation can only withstand Nascent Soul stage attacks, completely unable to stop Soul Formation stage. We need to think of a way. These Demon Beasts will likely converge soon."
Ling Wushuang forcibly calmed down and began taking charge.
"Not good, these Demon Beasts are about to attack."
Before they could devise a strategy, suddenly a disciple loudly shouted.