Chapter 307: The Disaster of the Pool Fish

A few days later, seven or eight figures emerged from a dense forest, facing a vast expanse of flat grassland.

The group was not in good shape; many bore injuries, clearly having just endured a fierce battle.

This group was none other than the members of the Nethercloud Sect.

"Elder Mei, that three-tier Nine Nether Ice Lion was truly formidable! It took all eight of us just to barely fight it to a draw! How can the strength of three-tier demonic beasts be so great in this secret realm?"

From Tianyu's expression, it was clear he was still shaken by the recent battle.

Mei Zhen said, "The secret realm forbids existences above the third tier, so these demonic beasts suppress their breakthroughs and focus all their energy on comprehending the artistic conception. Thus, though they are only third-tier beasts, their comprehension of artistic conception far surpasses even mine!"

"Demonic beasts are not as talented as humans in comprehending artistic conception, but they have the advantage of long lifespans. Accumulated bit by bit, it becomes quite considerable," Ye Yuan added.

In this secret realm, many demonic beasts must have attempted to break through to the fourth tier and been killed by the Heavenly Thunder Locking Array.

Over time, the beasts naturally gave up on breakthroughs and turned all their efforts to comprehending artistic conception.

"It seems this secret realm is truly fraught with danger. I wonder what we'll encounter next!" Tianyu said worriedly.

"This secret realm is not that simple. It will likely become even more dangerous ahead. Everyone be careful," Mei Zhen said.

Ye Yuan said nothing, but he also had a bad feeling.

Ye Yuan could avoid dangers related to heavenly treasures and earthly rarities, but he was human, not a god, and could not control unknown dangers.

For some reason, Ye Yuan always felt as if he was being watched.

But no matter how he observed, he could find no trace. This prickling sensation on his back made him very uneasy.

"Hehe, I wonder if Junior Brother Ye can break through to the Crystal Condensation stage in this secret realm. If he can, our Nethercloud Sect's strength will greatly increase!" Tianyu suddenly laughed.

"Yes, Junior Brother Ye's cultivation speed is monstrous. He just broke through three consecutive realms during the sect tournament, and now, just over ten days later, he's broken through to the eighth level of Liquid Essence!"

"If he can break through to Crystal Condensation, with the realm suppression in this secret realm, he might not even fear Sea Transformation experts."

The secret realm was rich in primal energy, and Ye Yuan had been at the bottleneck of the seventh level of Liquid Essence. After several days of battle and absorbing primal energy, he had finally broken through to the eighth level of Liquid Essence yesterday.

This was naturally good news for the Nethercloud Sect members.

Ye Yuan's greatest weakness was his cultivation level; once his level rose, the Nethercloud Sect would have much more confidence.

The group was chatting and laughing, about to head deeper into the grassland, when a sudden alert arose.

A dark mass appeared in their field of vision, surging toward them.

"Th-that... what is that?"

In the blink of an eye, the dark mass revealed itself before them, and the Nethercloud Sect members finally saw what it was.

"Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves! It's Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves! Heavens, so many Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves!" someone exclaimed.

Mei Zhen also recognized them and said gravely, "Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves are extremely ferocious; once they lock on, it's a fight to the death! We are too few; it's better not to confront them head-on. Retreat quickly!"

Just as they were about to turn, a shout rang out: "Are those friends from the Nethercloud Sect? Please lend us aid! The Purple Firmament Sect will be eternally grateful!"

"Ah!"

Almost at the same time, a Purple Firmament Sect disciple lagging behind was caught by the wolf pack, which bit into his thigh, eliciting a scream.

The wolf pack gave him no chance to resist; several more Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves bit into his limbs, and no matter how he struggled, he could not shake them off.

In just a few breaths, that Purple Firmament Sect disciple was torn to pieces, a sight that horrified the Nethercloud Sect members.

Only then did everyone realize that this pack of Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves had been tracking the Purple Firmament Sect members.

Ye Yuan smiled bitterly and said, "Too late; we can't escape!"

The Nethercloud Sect members were startled, only to find that more Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves had appeared from all sides, surrounding them!

By then, the Purple Firmament Sect disciples had joined up with the Nethercloud Sect members, and the two groups were encircled like prey by over a hundred Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves.

Mei Zhen shot a hateful glance at the man who had shouted earlier; if not for his shout, the wolf pack would not have completed the encirclement, and the Nethercloud Sect disciples would not have fallen into danger.

The man who had shouted was a young man at the eighth level of Crystal Condensation, a level higher than Mo Yuntian.

Seeming to sense Mei Zhen's hostile gaze, he said apologetically, "Elder Mei, this junior had no other choice but to resort to this! Our Purple Firmament Sect started with over a dozen members, and now only four or five remain. Even Elder Xu died under the heavenly tribulation. If Elder Mei can save us and get us out of here, I will surely repay you handsomely! If we are fortunate enough to escape this secret realm, this junior, Lin Chao, will truthfully report to the sect master, who I believe will express gratitude to the Nethercloud Sect!"

Mei Zhen's face was ashen, and he snorted coldly, "What choice do we have now? Let's deal with these Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves first!"

Lin Chao was overjoyed: "Thank you, Elder Mei, for lending a hand! This junior is deeply grateful! However, Elder Mei, when you act, do not use the strength of the Sea Transformation stage, or you will attract heavenly tribulation!"

Mei Zhen nodded slightly: "I know that well! Nethercloud Sect disciples, hear my command! Form the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation, each guard your position, and do not let the wolf pack break through. As for the Purple Firmament Sect members, enter the formation and rest for a while, then come to support us."

Mei Zhen could see at a glance that the remaining Purple Firmament Sect disciples were already at the end of their strength and could not hold out much longer.

Rather than letting them fight, it was better to let them rest before joining the battle.

The Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation was a common joint attack formation, known to most disciples of major sects.

Though its power was not great, it was very practical in such a melee, preventing the wolf pack from picking them off one by one.

Of course, how long it could hold was another matter.

After all, these Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves were all at the early third-tier level!

Over a hundred early third-tier Bloodthirsty Sky Wolves were absolutely a nightmare; otherwise, the Purple Firmament Sect disciples would not have been so routed.

At Mei Zhen's command, the Nethercloud Sect disciples each took their positions to face the enemy.

They knew they were at a critical moment and could not afford to be careless.

But Ye Yuan's attention was fixed on Lin Chao.

Though only a few words had been exchanged, Ye Yuan could sense that he was a man of deep scheming.

From the appearance of the wolf pack to the present, it seemed very coincidental, but Ye Yuan had a feeling that Lin Chao had orchestrated it all!

For no other reason than that the earlier shout had been too opportune.