The view suddenly opened up into a massive cavern. The ceiling, a mottled dark brown, loomed about eleven meters above the ground, which was also dark brown, paved with what looked like rock, punctuated here and there by protrusions resembling colossal spikes. Eerie, flickering green light periodically emanated from the surrounding walls—the illumination provided by a substance known as Glowstone.

Glowstone possessed potent magical aggregation and conduction properties, somewhat akin to modern phosphorescent powder, capable of absorbing the dense surrounding Necromantic magic and converting it into bright light. This provided more than adequate lighting, having been installed specifically to facilitate the training of the Rangers. This type of Glowstone was commonplace across the Marfa Continent, nothing rare, functioning much like modern streetlights. It was scattered in every corner of the Bone Demon Cave, and what was more, it required no electricity—truly a convenient and practical asset.

The air was thick with a somewhat sour, fetid, and damp odor. We could still detect it even while wearing the Taoist Helmets. It was hard to imagine how potent the stench would be if we removed them—that smell alone could knock a person out cold. Occasionally, we heard faint, peculiar crackling sounds, seemingly traveling from a great distance.

This place was absolutely perfect for filming a horror movie; it even saved on set design costs. Long Xin and Jin Hong shivered involuntarily. "This place is truly unsettling."

"Why else would it be called the Kingdom of the Undead?" Long Qi stated sincerely.

Indeed, the Ranger's Manual referred to the Bone Demon Cave as the Necropolis because it harbored the greatest concentration of Undead creatures on the continent.

After re-examining our gear to ensure nothing was forgotten, our small group, distinct from the main contingent, pressed deeper into the cavern. Perhaps due to our proximity to the entrance, we hadn't encountered the expected Undead beings yet.

The majority of those accompanying us were organized into formations of dozens, sometimes hundreds, advancing cautiously. Our small party stood out starkly, drawing curious, probing glances from many fellow Rangers along the path.

Of course, our configuration wasn't unique, but it was rare. Most small groups consisted of exceptionally skilled top-tier masters or elite combinations showcasing superb teamwork. Only such individuals dared venture here in small numbers for training.

Consequently, we were mistaken for one of these elite groups, and the looks we received were tinged with surprise and deference. This brought a secret smirk to our faces.

Thankfully, before setting out, we had all donned our Taoist Helmets; they couldn't clearly see our faces. Otherwise, discovering we were merely a few teenagers might have elicited quite a different reaction.

After walking for about twenty minutes, we finally spotted a tall skeleton frame blocking the passage ahead. Its entire structure was a hazy, ghastly white. Its skull and upper torso were disproportionately large, and the skeleton seemed draped in remnants of tattered armor. Its dry, skeletal hands clutched a spear over two meters long, the tip broken, with a faded, yellowish-brown tassel tied near the spearhead.

This had to be a Skeleton Spearman, legendary to be the weakest member of the Skeleton Legion.

In contrast to its upper body, its lower limbs were strikingly slender. However, upon seeing its feet, I was greatly astonished. Had this Skeleton Spearman been alive, was it some kind of giant? Those feet were impossibly large, and even as dry bones, they were jarring to behold. If this creature were fully fleshed out, it would certainly be a hunchbacked, deformed individual.

But before we had a chance to examine it further—

Boom! In the blink of an eye, dozens of Lightning Spells slammed into the Skeleton Spearman. It was the main contingent attacking in unison. The result was immediate: the poor Skeleton Spearman was blasted into dust, not even a bone remaining after one volley.

From that point on, the Skeleton Spearmen encountered along the route became more frequent. However, it seemed everyone was unwilling to let them close in. As soon as a Skeleton Spearman was sighted, all the mages launched coordinated attacks without consultation—a genuinely peculiar sight.

Many side passages branched off the main path, with groups of Rangers pouring into them. Most of those who remained on the main thoroughfare were heading toward the second level of the Bone Demon Cave, and without exception, they were all small groups composed of powerful individuals.

Ahead, a dense formation of Skeleton Spearmen appeared once more. They charged toward us from a distance. Though they were mere skeletons, dozens grouped together, swarming like agitated ants, charging with a desperate ferocity that was still quite terrifying.

The entire ground thundered beneath the impact of their massive feet.

But the Rangers, having been prepared, reacted instantly. The Warriors moved to the front, standing ready, while the Mages immediately began unleashing long-range offensive spells. Ice Roar, Lightning Spell, Exploding Flame, Fire Wall—nearly instantly, these barrages struck the dense Spearman formation. Perhaps because the number of mages was so great, or the magic released was too concentrated, these dozens of charging Skeleton Spearmen were pulverized before they could even cross the thirty-meter mark toward the main body of troops. It was quite gruesome to witness. These people clearly weren't from the same guild, yet their coordination was so flawless. If training was done this way, I couldn't guess how fast their progress would be.

However, it did demonstrate the terrifying power of concentrated firepower to me. I recalled the battle at ZUMA Temple under the command of Tiger Roar Mountain Wild, where numerous Rangers utilized the advantage of focused firepower to defeat the overwhelming numbers of ZUMA Guards.

Perhaps they had gathered together simply to reach their destination as quickly as possible—that was the only explanation I could settle on.

As the side passages increased, the tightly packed main force began to disperse into various routes, and we deliberately separated from the main body, choosing a more complex path.

In most cases, if people weren't part of the same guild, they would avoid others to prevent unnecessary conflict while training. Seeing us turn into a side passage, other guilds wisely chose different routes. Long Qi then flipped the signpost at the intersection.

The implication was that the area accessed by this passage was already occupied, and anyone following should find another way. This was an unwritten rule among the Rangers of the Cangyue Continent, as recorded in the Ranger's Manual. Generally, no one would intentionally break this rule or seek trouble, as the Bone Demon Cave was vast enough that finding a training spot wasn't difficult; there was no need to crowd others and invite misunderstandings.

We proceeded deeper into the cave along the side passage. After about five minutes, we spotted a tall shadow pacing back and forth ahead. The only Undead creatures known to appear on the first level of the Bone Demon Cave were Skeleton Spearmen, and we wanted to personally test just how formidable they were.

Boom! Long Xin’s Lightning Spell struck the Skeleton Spearman's massive head accurately. It paused only briefly before reacting immediately and charging toward us with menacing intent.

"Let me go first!" Long Zhan roared, charging toward the Skeleton Spearman.

The battle commenced!

Long Zhan VS Skeleton Spearman

The rest of us watched with wide eyes, gripping our weapons tensely.

Swish! The lightning-fast spear thrust was too quick to follow. In an instant, the sharp spear tip was aimed at Long Zhan’s chest!

Long Zhan hadn't expected the spear's speed and quickly ducked sideways. The spear narrowly missed, grazing his shoulder, but the Skeleton Spearman, having missed its mark, violently whipped its dry wrists. The spear tip, now level, flashed toward Long Zhan’s throat like lightning.

"Ah." Long Zhan was caught off guard and immediately leaned back to avoid the blade. But the subsequent maneuver was even more astonishing. The speartip, having missed the slash, retracted like a lively viper before stabbing toward Long Zhan’s chest again.

"So fast!" I exclaimed, shocked.

"Incredible spear work!" Jin Hong muttered nervously.

"This looks bad," Long Qi and Long Xin also perceived that Long Zhan’s speed could not match the Skeleton Spearman’s.

"Damn it!" Frustrated by being repeatedly thwarted, Long Zhan suddenly executed a sharp sidestep, moving past the spear and instantly closing the distance to the Skeleton Spearman. His Purgatory Battle Axe swept out in a horizontal arc aimed at the waist. This axe swing was immensely powerful, perfectly executed in terms of speed, force, positioning, and angle. If it had connected, I imagined the Skeleton Spearman would have been shattered.

Swish! A white shadow flashed by, and Long Zhan’s Purgatory struck nothing. In that brief moment, the Skeleton Spearman had executed an ‘Electric Step’ backward, dodging Long Zhan’s seemingly decisive axe swing with astonishing speed. Moreover, while creating distance, it casually thrust its spear forward again—this thrust was truly lightning fast. Long Zhan didn't even have time to evade.

This move was surprisingly similar to my own fencing techniques, utilizing a gap in speed and distance.

"Hmph! You brat!" Long Zhan, enraged, violently spun the Purgatory Battle Axe around. The massive flat surface of the axe head slammed against the tip of the Skeleton Spearman’s spear.

Clang! Almost simultaneously, the roar of the spear meeting the axe erupted, and dazzling sparks of electric light flared. Yet, Long Zhan’s massive frame was actually knocked a considerable distance back by the Skeleton Spearman's lightning thrust. This attack possessed not only incredible speed but also astonishing force; seeing Long Zhan—with his strength—thrown back was quite unexpected.

Everyone involuntarily gasped. Only now did we understand why the large group hadn't allowed the Skeleton Spearmen to get close, opting instead to blast them with magic immediately. Their spear work was terrifying. Speed, power, and technique all far exceeded normal expectations. Even with Long Zhan’s skill level, he couldn't gain any advantage in close combat. Everyone looked incredulous and subconsciously glanced toward me, realizing that even if Long Zhan could win a one-on-one fight, it wouldn't be easy.

Though it was just a single exchange, I observed that the Skeleton Spearman’s spear techniques subtly countered Long Zhan’s Purgatory. It explained why the Ranger's Manual rated the Skeleton Spearman’s strength at the initial stage of the Crimson Moon level; this assessment was clearly not exaggerated.

"Let me try!" I drew my Dragon Shadow Sword and swiftly rushed in front of Long Zhan.

Almost at the exact moment, the Spearman’s white spear flashed toward me.

Unfortunately for it, its opponent was me, someone equally renowned for speed. Since my debut, I had never lost a speed contest. Using my fencing footwork, I executed an ‘Electric Step’ backward in near synchronization, narrowly evading the fatal thrust. As the Skeleton Spearman’s thrust missed, it seamlessly transitioned into a horizontal slash, the entire sequence flowing like water, utterly unimpeded.

But if it was fast, I was faster. With a light swing of the Dragon Shadow Sword—

A flash of blue light appeared! Slash!

The Skeleton Spearman’s spear, halfway through its slash, suddenly halted, freezing just to the left of my neck.

Then, with a crack, the Spearman’s massive head crashed heavily to the ground—I had severed its neck before it could react further.

"Hah!" Long Zhan finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Impressive spear work."

"Indeed," I nodded involuntarily. "If there were many more like this, I wouldn't be able to handle them either."

"We need to be careful," Long Qi stated. "Good thing we came prepared."

"Prepared?" I asked curiously. "I heard you guys have been practicing a very unusual formation, right?"

"That’s right," Long Xin boasted. "Did you think we spent the last six months goofing off at the Alliance Heavy Academy?"

"Heh, I’d like to see it," I said.

"You’ll see it soon enough," Long Zhan replied with confidence. He sheathed his Purgatory Battle Axe and pulled a large Frost Sword from his spatial pouch. Its snow-white blade shimmered with a cold, bewitching light. The sword felt strange; a vague dark shadow seemed to surround it, as if it were consuming the surrounding space. It reminded me vaguely of my Dragon Shadow Sword. Instinctively, I knew this was no ordinary enlarged and lengthened Frost Sword, but I couldn't discern its specific properties.

"Say, Big Guy, when did you switch to a sword?" Long Zhan’s new weapon completely confused me. Swordplay and axe techniques are vastly different; it’s difficult for a typical Warrior to master the skills of two distinct weapons.

"I had no choice," Long Zhan admitted. "As you saw, if I used Purgatory, I simply couldn't keep up with the Spearman’s speed."

This reminded me of the expert who ambushed me previously; he also mastered both sword and axe techniques to counter different fighting styles. I realized Long Zhan was following a similar path. Thinking it over, Long Zhan really had no alternative but to change weapons. While Purgatory’s power was immense, its slow speed was an insurmountable weakness. The Skeleton Spearman’s spear excelled in speed, and its attack range was longer than Purgatory's. Coupled with the Spearman’s superb spear techniques and extreme strength, continuing to use Purgatory would yield little advantage.

With Long Zhan’s current strength, even if he could defeat a Skeleton Spearman, it would require an extraordinary performance, like when he dealt with the Ultimate Tranny—but Shen Yi wasn't here now, making a Super Saiyan-like transformation unlikely.

Soon, Long Xin and the others arranged themselves in a line behind Long Zhan, flanking him left and right. Long Xin was on his left, Dong Guan on his right. Behind them were Long Qi and Jin Hong. The two small skeletons were positioned precisely in the center. Observing them closely, the five formed a very regular pentagon, with the two small skeletons situated exactly in the center of the star.

I couldn't make sense of the arrangement.

"Alright, let's move forward!" Long Zhan said gravely.

Nodding, Long Xin and the others behind him adopted equally serious expressions. Their footsteps were almost identical, seemingly forming a unified whole; even their breathing patterns matched.

There was definitely something to this. I was inwardly shocked. Just from their synchronized steps and identical breathing frequencies, I could sense that their mutual understanding had reached an astonishing level.

Long Zhan raised the Frost Sword above his right shoulder, slowly probing forward. I noticed he constantly maintained a posture most advantageous for cleaving. Soon, a Skeleton Spearman appeared ahead.

Heh! Finally, I would get to see their formation! I felt a surge of anticipation, widening my eyes.

"Heh, kid, get ready to see our Five Ring Formation," Dong Guan boasted.

"Concentrate!" Jin Hong, however, looked stern.

"Ready. Attack!" Long Zhan commanded.

As soon as Long Zhan spoke, Long Xin and Dong Guan’s Lightning Spells, along with Long Qi and Jin Hong’s Poison Spells, struck the distant Skeleton Spearman simultaneously. The precision in timing and landing point was flawless—astonishing magical control! I was stunned.

Click! The Skeleton Spearman’s sinister eye sockets instantly locked onto our location, and it charged toward us at high speed.

And Long Xin, Dong Guan, and Jin Hong unleashed their full firepower.

Lightning Spell, Soul Charm, Red Poison, Green Poison—there was no pause. Every single spell struck the Skeleton Spearman’s head without fail. Moreover, every strike hit with two Lightning Spells and two Soul Charms simultaneously impacting the skull. By the time the Skeleton Spearman staggered within ten meters, it was met by the fully charged Long Zhan.

"Roar!" With a thunderous shout, Long Zhan's giant Frost Sword slashed out a lightning-fast Assassination Sword Qi. Slash! The Skeleton Spearman, already coated in a reddish sheen from the Red Poison, was dizzy and disoriented from the continuous barrage of magic and Soul Charms. It couldn't react properly and was squarely hit by the silvery-white Assassination Sword Qi. Its head was instantly blown apart, and its tall frame crashed to the ground.

Damn! That actually worked! I was completely impressed. I finally understood the mechanism. Long Xin, Long Qi, Jin Hong, and Dong Guan were exploiting spatial gaps to maximize the advantage of long-range attacks. Their attacks were all launched simultaneously: two Lightning Spells, two Soul Charms, Jin Hong handling the Red Poison, and Long Qi applying the Green Poison—this alternating attack meant that all four struck the Skeleton Spearman’s head at the exact same moment. Even though their individual cultivation levels were only mid-Advanced Tier (with Jin Hong and Dong Guan only at mid-Intermediate Tier skill level), their synchronized pace meant their attack vectors were astonishingly identical. Every spell or Soul Charm was aimed precisely at the Skeleton Spearman’s head, and they all connected simultaneously. This subjected the Skeleton Spearman to the most violent and concentrated attack possible in a brief span. By the time it managed to stagger within ten meters, it was already tottering, utterly defenseless against Long Zhan’s fully charged final strike.

Precise aiming, unified timing, and Long Zhan's devastating final Assassination Sword Qi—this was the most potent formula for the five of them to defeat the Skeleton Spearman.

Sometimes, the simplest, most direct methods are the most effective. Long Xin’s Five Ring Formation perfectly manifested their collective strength.

"Heh! Impressive," I couldn't help but praise. "It seems your coordination over the past six months has reached a state of flawlessness."

"We had no choice," Long Zhan sighed. "Unlike you, we don't possess speed and skill far beyond the ordinary; we have to rely on this brute-force method."

"..." I was momentarily stunned. Perhaps he was right. Long Zhan and the others had found the path suitable for their own cultivation.

If so, I couldn't fall behind either. Recalling the training regimen I had formulated at the State Council, I grew impatient.

Eye of Death Desire! I must succeed in mastering it!

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