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Chapter 63: Returning
Meng Zhang's body flowed into the ground like fluid mud, effortlessly delving into the depths. After traveling a considerable distance underground, Meng Zhang found his target. It was an underground passage, entirely composed of compacted soil and stones, vastly different from the soft sand structure surrounding it. Entering the passage through the sand layer, Meng Zhang's form became visible.
With just a glance, Meng Zhang knew that this passage must lead to the entrance and exit of the sand monster nest. The passage was unusually tall and broad. Even the so-called small sand monsters within the sand monster colony were taller than normal humans. The main force of the sand monster colony, the soldiers at the Refining Qi stage, were like giants, capable of contending with Refining Qi stage cultivators. Therefore, the underground passage had to be constructed tall and spacious to accommodate their passage.
As for the General grade sand monsters that could contend with Foundation Building stage cultivators, they were scarce in number, and most of them possessed abilities like Earth Escape, making the need for underground passages unnecessary for their free movement. The legendary Marshal grade sand monsters were seldom seen throughout the history of the Endless Sea of Sand. However, whenever one appeared, it would cause a widespread catastrophe, and even Gold Core sects like Flying Swan Sect might be in danger of being overthrown.
The deep passage seemed endless. Meng Zhang hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should continue forward to see if he could find the sand monsters. Just as he hesitated, the sound of wind echoed from the passage's other end, and a group of sand monsters floated in the air, using the wind to swiftly rush toward Meng Zhang's location. These were soldiers of the sand monsters at the Refining Qi stage, and given their numbers, if they surrounded him, it would be difficult for Meng Zhang to escape.
Perhaps he was extremely unlucky, or maybe the sand monster nest's vigilance was too strong, as they attacked just as Meng Zhang appeared in the passage. Without any hesitation, Meng Zhang immediately threw out a white bead. This white bead was something he had salvaged from a stall in Singing Sand City, a First Rank high-grade magic tool with most of its structure intact. He had refined it using the Blood Refining Martyr Art.
The white bead landed ahead of the approaching sand monsters and exploded with a loud bang. The explosion caused chaos among the sand monsters, and accompanying the blast was a bone-chilling cold. The passage was quickly covered in thick frost, completely sealing it off. The Blood Refining Martyr Art once again proved its worth, as even an all-out attack from an ordinary Refining Qi stage cultivator would not have the same effect.
Almost simultaneously with throwing the bead, Meng Zhang activated an Earth Escape talisman, causing his entire body to leave the passage and rush towards the surface. He knew that with just this method, he wouldn't be able to stall the sand monsters for long. Just as Meng Zhang left the passage, he heard the sound of ice breaking, and a large number of sand monsters surged out, heading straight for him.
Among the Refining Qi stage sand monsters, only a few possessed abilities similar to the Earth Escape Spell. Fortunately, none of the pursuing sand monsters had such an ability. Relying solely on digging through sand and stone, it would be difficult for them to catch up to Meng Zhang.
Meng Zhang risked his life, finally escaping to the surface just before the sand monsters could catch up. As soon as he emerged, Meng Zhang shouted, "Release the signal immediately!"
Tian Zhen quickly responded. Before leaving the main camp, disciples from Twin Success Valley had distributed signal talismans to all the vassal forces. Once they encountered a large group of sand monsters, they would activate the signal talisman, and nearby fellow cultivators would rush to support them. As soon as Tian Zhen released the signal talisman, it emitted a piercing whistle and flew rapidly into the air, releasing dense black smoke.
The black smoke floated high into the sky, and with the sharp whistling sound, the commotion spread far enough to alarm nearby cultivators. After Tian Zhen released the signal talisman, Meng Zhang also released a communication talisman, which disappeared into the horizon, carrying their location information and heading directly back to the main camp.
It would take some time for the Foundation Building stage cultivators in the main camp to receive the communication and rush to their location. During this time, it was the most dangerous period for Meng Zhang and the others.
The nearest reinforcement was from Forest Mountain School. After being alerted by the signal talisman in the sky, the Sect Master, Xu Chengxian, led all his disciples to rush over at the fastest speed. Although Xu Chengxian was a crafty old man, he wouldn't delay when it came to critical matters.
Before Xu Chengxian and his disciples arrived, the ground began to shake violently, and many parts of the ground suddenly sank, revealing deep pits. A large number of sand monsters rushed out from these pits, surging towards Meng Zhang and the others.
The Confusion Bell magic tool was of little use against soulless sand monsters. With Fire Seal held high in his right hand, Meng Zhang spewed scorching flames from it, which turned into fiery serpents upon touching the ground. These fiery serpents twisted their bodies and pounced on the approaching sand monsters.
Meng Zhang exerted all his strength, maximizing the power of Fire Seal, allowing him to manifest nine fiery serpents to aid in the attack.
As Meng Zhang acted, Tian Zhen did not rush to attack; instead, he held a massive shield in front of Meng Zhang. When Tian Zhen pressed the shield against the ground, the ground rippled like water, and a powerful shockwave spread forward.
Fang Yong had the lowest cultivation base and was the most timid. Facing the incoming sand monsters, he was panicking and ended up hiding behind Meng Zhang, lacking the courage to fight. If not for the last bit of reason left in him, he might have fled the scene. Seeing Tian Zhen's actions, Meng Zhang couldn't help but scold Fang Yong angrily in his heart for his incompetence.
Meng Zhang had just engaged the sand monsters when reinforcements from Forest Mountain School arrived. Faced with the frenzied rush of sand monsters, without the need for orders, talismans were activated one after another, and numerous spells, such as Fireball Art, Golden Blade Art, and Earth Dragon Art, filled the air, rushing towards the sand monsters.
Then, several flying swords shot out, wreaking havoc among the sand monster horde.
Seeing the cultivators from Forest Mountain School, Meng Zhang finally breathed a sigh of relief. At least their lives were now secure.
As more and more sand monsters poured out from the ground, not only were there a large number of small sand monsters but also several Refining Qi stage soldiers among them. Forest Mountain School and Taiyi Sect combined their forces to form a strong defensive line, firmly holding back the sand monsters' onslaught.
When both sects started to feel somewhat overwhelmed, even more reinforcements arrived from all directions after receiving the distress signal.
Various cultivators who were searching for the sand monster nest in the surrounding areas rushed over as fast as they could.
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