Nie Kong chuckled. "Generally, the center of a Spiritual Residence houses a Phantasm Array. The reason the spiritual energy elements in the 'Spirit-Sealing Marsh' are completely stagnant is due to the array's effect. Mastering the Phantasm Array means mastering the entire Spiritual Residence. As long as one doesn't encounter an exceptionally powerful enemy, one can simply utilize the array to keep them outside the residence. Judging by the current situation, that Elixir Spirit can only make minor adjustments to the Spirit-Sealing Marsh, not fight off enemies; clearly, it hasn't achieved complete mastery of the Phantasm Array."

Tai Yan was delighted. "So, you mean we still have a very good chance."

Qing Yue was so happy her small mouth could barely close. "We’re rich! We're rich! This Spiritual Residence is practically a massive medicinal garden. Nie Kong, Grandma isn't asking for much—after you establish your sect, I'll make you the garden master. Whatever herbs you want, Grandma will grow them for you."

And she called that not asking for much?

Nie Kong shot her an exasperated look, then smiled. "We'll discuss all that later. Let's first figure out how to escape this cage." As he spoke, Nie Kong's spiritual sense rapidly radiated outward, and the layout of this small space instantly became clear in his mind.

To Nie Kong's surprise, the interior of the six walls contained a potent life force; he couldn't tell what material they were made of.

"Let me try first."

Nie Kong’s tone deepened slightly. He took a step forward, and the distance between his body and the opposite wall shrank to just one meter. With a whoosh, Nie Kong threw his right fist out.

"..."

However, the instant his fist made contact with the wall, absolutely no sound was produced. Nie Kong’s punch felt as if it had landed in a pile of cotton—soft, yielding, and utterly without purchase—making him feel so stifled he wanted to spit blood.

"Again!"

Nie Kong switched to a different wall and launched his right fist once more. An instant later, the dark-green Spirit Cave burst forth, and brilliant golden light scattered as if it were tangible, slamming into the wall. Yet, the result was identical to the previous attempt; the wall remained utterly unresponsive, not even retaining a scratch.

Tai Yan and Qing Yue were both somewhat astonished. Although Nie Kong was only at the first-grade of Cave Spirit cultivation, they were perfectly aware of the power of his 'Spirit Cave.' It could force even a Heavenly Spirit Master who was integrating into the void to reveal themselves, yet it couldn't make the slightest impact on these red walls.

"Hah!"

For his third attempt, Nie Kong unleashed five War God Star Seals. They shot out from his body and rapidly contracted, resembling five overlapping millstones that hammered heavily against the third red wall.

Still, nothing happened!

"Brother, let me try too."

Tai Yan clenched her delicate, fair little fist and slammed it hard against the red wall.

She truly couldn't mobilize the hidden power within her body, but that power could be triggered through certain means. For instance, if she actively punched an enemy, the struck individual would inevitably form the thought of counterattack, and it was this very thought that could draw out the power within her. Once drawn out, that power could easily devour all the enemy's strength.

But this time, Tai Yan’s attempt had no effect whatsoever. The red wall offered no rebound force after being struck, making it impossible for her to absorb its energy.

A moment later, Tai Yan reluctantly retracted her small fist.

As for Qing Yue, who was only skilled in illusions and herb cultivation, there was no need for her to even try. While her cultivation realm was a full level higher than Nie Kong’s, the gap in actual strength was too vast. If even Nie Kong couldn't affect the walls, she certainly wouldn't be able to.

After three failed attempts, Nie Kong stopped making futile attacks and sank into contemplation, frowning.

"Force won't work, so let's try the gentle approach!" Nie Kong’s eyes lit up. He suddenly sat cross-legged opposite one wall. "Tai Yan, Qing Yue, watch closely." After the two walked over and stood beside him, Nie Kong closed his eyes and quietly circulated the 'Yin-Yang Spirit Devouring Art.'

When probing with his spiritual sense, Nie Kong had already discovered that the life force contained within these walls was different from the life force at the entrance to the Dragon Temple passage. The life force there appeared frictionless, yet it was firmly trapped by the Dragon Controlling Grass via the Dragon Pearl. Here, however, the life force was extremely active.

Based on Nie Kong’s experience over the years, the vast majority of such vibrant life force could be absorbed. The six walls—above, below, and on all four sides—could not be breached by brute force because they were sustained by this life force. Once this vitality was completely absorbed, the six walls would collapse without a fight.

However, the life force within the walls was immensely powerful, and absorbing it entirely was no easy task for Nie Kong at his current strength. But since there was no shortcut available, he had to rely on this more honest method. Fortunately, Nie Kong still had spiritual medicines and herbs in his backpack.

Even if he stayed here for half a year, Nie Kong wouldn't starve, and there was even less need to worry about Tai Yan and Qing Yue; they could go a year without eating or drinking and be perfectly fine.

"Whoosh!"

Suddenly, a faint breeze seemed to sweep through the space. Wisps of green immediately began to seep out from the red walls opposite and beneath Nie Kong, followed quickly by the four walls overhead and on the sides, as well as the one behind him. In just over ten seconds, the entire space was vibrant with green.

After two or three minutes, Nie Kong's body was completely enveloped in dense green. Tai Yan’s figure became indistinct, and Qing Yue’s small body completely vanished from sight.

"Brother, it's happening again."

Tai Yan’s voice suddenly echoed. She no longer used coded phrases like "My head hurts again"; instead, she stated her sensation clearly. Simultaneously, her body transformed into the form of the 'Remembrance Grass,' coiling around Nie Kong, while the eyeball-shaped Remembrance Flower positioned itself between Nie Kong and the red wall.

This situation was vastly different from when they were still outside in the 'Spirit-Sealing Marsh.' Back then, the Elixir Spirit seemed to struggle to manipulate the 'Spirit-Sealing Marsh' to attack Nie Kong through the Phantasm Array. But now, things were different. This Spiritual Residence was essentially the Elixir Spirit's lair; if he wished to strike, Nie Kong would have absolutely no way to defend against it.

"It really works."

Tai Yan's reminder only caused Nie Kong to pause momentarily. The spiritual apertures within his body vibrated even more fiercely, and the Spirit Cave, green on the outside and golden on the inside, spun wildly. Life force surged like a tidal wave, continuously pouring through the Spirit Cave into the Spiritual Apertures, where it rapidly fused with the Essence Qi of the Spiritual Treasure.

Since leaving Dragon Island, Nie Kong had practiced diligently without stopping. His cultivation was already at the peak of the first grade of Cave Spirit. Now, absorbing this massive influx of life force, he vaguely sensed that intangible barrier around his Spiritual Apertures. Perhaps only a few hours of absorbing this vitality would be enough to reach the second grade of Cave Spirit.

"Whoosh! Whoosh..."

The flow of life force created gusts of roaring sound within the space.

"Brother, I think he's making a move!" Tai Yan said with some urgency. Through her innate sense, she could clearly feel the Elixir Spirit's raging anger and vaguely perceived that he had already attacked, but she had no idea by what means the Elixir Spirit was striking!

... ...RO