Dongping Province, Dongdao Prefecture, Donglu County. The recent downpour had kept most people indoors, even the constables of the county yamen were reluctant to venture out. However, a recent spate of over a dozen disappearances in the county had forced the constables into action.

“Damned weather,” one muttered. “Over a dozen disappearances on a day like this—such bad luck,” complained another constable. “Chief, a dozen disappearances all at once.

This doesn't feel like the work of a mortal. Chief, do you think it could be demons?” suggested one constable. The constable addressed as ‘Chief’ shrugged.

“We’ve already reported it. We’re just waiting for reinforcements from above. We’re just going through the motions right now.” Amidst the torrential rain, at the Hua Family Rice Shop.

In the rear courtyard of the Hua Family Rice Shop. The maidservants had already cleared the dishes, and a charming young maid brought in fresh tea. Now that everyone had eaten their fill, it was time to discuss matters.

Although the Ninth Generation Elder of the North Peak, Flying Sword Chu Fei, and the Ninth Generation Elder of the South Peak, Wild Goose Sword Gu Fei, harbored considerable friction between them. But friction was friction; ultimately, they belonged to the same sect. Both Chu Fei and Gu Fei were figures who understood the bigger picture.

If they weren't capable of seeing the broader context, they wouldn't have climbed so high on the North and South Peaks, respectively. A major immortal cultivation sect entrusts important responsibilities based on various metrics. Strength is certainly a key indicator, but elements like leadership and coordination skills are also assessed, and sometimes, these latter abilities are even valued above individual combat prowess.

A sect cannot truly grow into something vast by relying solely on endless slaughter. In the world of cultivation, there is a saying: "Understanding the ways of the world constitutes cultivation; mastering human relations is swordplay." Worldly affairs and interpersonal dynamics are as crucial as any sword technique. If Chu Fei and Gu Fei were to start fighting now, the Moon Demon Sect would undoubtedly profit from the discord, much to the amusement of the earthbound fiends.

Now, the time had come to execute the mission. “This time, only a minor faction of the earthbound fiends, the Moon Demon Sect, has emerged. It’s not a major affair,” Chu Fei stated.

“This operation is not considered a great matter; its primary purpose is to give you disciples experience. We have ascertained that there are about five passages leading to the underground world within the county. You may divide into teams to investigate.” “However, every one of you must take a protective talisman,” Chu Fei continued.

“This talisman will offer defense for a period if you encounter danger, and both your Martial Uncle Gu and I will be able to sense it. Both your Martial Uncle Gu and I are Sword Immortals renowned for our speed; we can reach you on our swords in a flash to help you escape and avoid being trapped inside.” This was intended to be a rigorous training session for the core disciples to engage with the earthbound fiends. It was true that one cannot grow into a mighty tree without weathering storms.

Yet, every single core disciple represented countless hours of painstaking cultivation, invested with immense effort. Nurturing one was no easy feat. Therefore, the goal was to avoid any loss of life if at all possible.

This was the standard for cultivating elite disciples within an immortal sect. Sects of the Demonic Path were far simpler: internal strife and indifference to missions. As long as you survived, you were strong; if you died, you were weak.

While the absolute survivors of such a brutal culling would indeed be formidable, the method of elimination was far too cruel. Thus, as early as descending the mountain, Venerable Yuanyuan had already provided Chu Fei with over ten protective talismans. And now, Chu Fei distributed these talismans to his disciples.

Simultaneously, the Ninth Generation Elder of the South Peak, Gu Fei, was also distributing more than ten protective talismans of his own. Lu Yuan accepted the protective talisman. It was slightly smaller than half his palm, a vibrant emerald green, etched with a large character for 'Protect' ().

While swordplay was the mainstream path in the cultivation world, there were also those who followed unorthodox paths, like Talisman Masters. For instance, the Great Jin Dynasty supported quite a few Talisman Masters who could use charms to seal the passages between the underground world and the surface. In addition, Talisman Masters could craft charms, such as these very protective talismans.

It had been determined that there were five entrances to the underground world. Consequently, the fifteen core disciples from both the North and South Peaks were to form teams and proceed to confront the earthbound fiends. Team formation was not strictly mandated; they were allowed to organize themselves freely, as better camaraderie often resulted in better coordination.

Soon, these core disciples departed. Naturally, only Chu Fei and Gu Fei, the two Ninth Generation Sword Immortals, remained seated at the Hua Family Rice Shop. They would remain stationary, ready to draw their swords and fly to any disciple in peril the moment a distress signal was sensed.

Gu Fei then turned to Chu Fei. “Junior Brother Chu, sitting here is rather tedious. How about this: let us make a wager.

Let’s see which of our respective disciples performs better in this endeavor.” Chu Fei nodded. “Martial Brother Gu, very well, let us place such a wager.” Since the challenge had been issued, there was no reason to refuse. This time, he would observe Lu Yuan’s performance closely.

Among the eight core disciples he had brought, Lu Yuan was by far the most prodigious; the others did not come close. Chu Fei found that the more he looked at this disciple, Lu Yuan, the more pleasing he seemed. —————— The underground world.

About to enter the subterranean realm. Lu Yuan felt a stirring of interest. Although he had previously slain a sixth-level Qi Condensation Asura on Mount Guangye in the nearby Dongye County, he had never actually set foot in the underground world.

Ever since joining the Huashan Immortal Sect, he had been constantly educated about the underground world, yet he had never seen it. Today, he would finally have the chance to witness it, filling him with a slight, excited anticipation. Legend spoke of the underground world being bizarre and incredibly perilous—a true spectacle for the eyes.

His two companions nearby were naturally Ye Fang and Ye Yuan. The three of them generally got along well and naturally formed a team. However, Ye Fang and Ye Yuan were not as composed as Lu Yuan.

Amidst their excitement, there was a trace of fear, as neither of them had ever encountered the underground world or fought its demons before. Nervousness was natural. Lu Yuan, Ye Fang, and Ye Yuan arrived before a small Mountain God Temple.

Inside the temple, behind the statue of the deity, was a massive, dark aperture. This great black hole emitted almost no light, pointing straight down into the earth—the entrance to the underground world. “Alright, come on in,” Lu Yuan said, stepping first into the subterranean world.

He held a torch as he entered. The underground world was utterly pitch black. While most earthbound fiends could see in the dark, cultivators could not; they couldn't see clearly without a light source.

Ye Fang and Ye Yuan jumped down one after the other. Finally, the first step into the underground world was taken. They were about to enter the shadowy domain, the world of the fiends.

(During the launch of a new book, readers are asked to collect it. Also, regarding updates: because this is classical Xianxia, the writing pace is slow; writing too fast destroys the feeling. Furthermore, since there will be an update burst next Monday, only two chapters are released today.

Apologies, and recommendations are appreciated.)