Chapter 240: Thirteenth Purification Stronghold

When Li Luo opened his eyes again, what entered his field of vision was a gray and dim world. In the sky, inexplicable black mist flowed like viscous black water, giving people an extremely oppressive feeling.

Looking into the distance, visibility was also extremely low. The world in the distance was likewise filled with faint black mist. The mist surged, as if inexplicable whispers were emanating from within, ringing directly in the depths of the soul, making one feel suddenly restless and agitated.

However, at this moment, the "Green Wood Heart-Protecting Plate" worn on his chest suddenly emitted bursts of warm, cool energy, which passed into his body and gradually suppressed that sense of agitation.

*Hoo.

Li Luo quickly sobered up. He turned his head to look around, only to see rays of light flickering continuously in the surroundings, followed by figures appearing out of thin air one after another.

It was only then that he discovered they were seemingly located within a stronghold. Stone towers of varying heights rose from the ground within the stronghold. Their location happened to be the center of the stronghold, where there was a tallest stone tower overlooking the entire place. The top of the stone tower emitted a faint light screen that covered down, completely shrouding this stronghold.

The eerie black mist in the distance would be rapidly purified and vanish into nothingness upon approaching the light screen.

Clearly, this stronghold was the "Purification Stronghold" that Jiang Qing'e had mentioned earlier.

And this place where they were was Purification Stronghold No. 13, their... shelter within the Dark Cave for the time being.

"How do you feel?"

Jiang Qing'e's voice came from the side. Li Luo turned his head and saw her walking over leisurely with Qiu Bai, Tian Tian, Bai Mengmeng, and Xin Fu.

"Very uncomfortable," Li Luo said truthfully.

This kind of place always gave him an eerie and oppressive feeling. It was as if something twisted existed within those surging black mists, capable of eroding the human heart.

And this was only because they were inside the "Purification Stronghold." One could imagine that once they stepped out of the stronghold, that feeling would inevitably become even more intense.

"You are entering the Dark Cave for the first time after all, and there are indeed some flaws in your strength. It should get better once you get used to it," Jiang Qing'e comforted.

Qiu Bai and Tian Tian also nodded, not mocking him, because this was likely the first time in many years that the Astral Sage College had directly allowed students from the First Star Hall to enter the Dark Cave.

If they had entered the Dark Cave when they were in the First Star Hall, their performance would likely have been even more unbearable.

Li Luo took a deep breath. He glanced at the messy crowd around him. A rough count suggested there were hundreds of people; that was quite a lot.

"What do we do now? Start the purification mission directly?" Li Luo asked.

"No rush. The purification mission cannot be completed in just a few days. We will first find a place to rest as a temporary residence, and then make some plans for the subsequent tasks."

Jiang Qing'e pointed to the high tower behind her and said, "This tower is the core hub of the Purification Stronghold. Its essence is crafted from the branches of a Phase Power Tree, which is why we were able to teleport in through it. However, this type of teleportation can only be activated once a day. From now on, the college will send in some supplies every day."

"It seems this purification mission is a protracted war," Li Luo sighed.

"No need to be so pessimistic. Actually, this Dark Cave is not entirely without benefits. Cultivating in the Dark Cave not only yields faster speed, but the probability of breaking through bottlenecks is also higher," Jiang Qing'e said.

Li Luo, Xin Fu, and Bai Mengmeng, the three little rookies, looked over in astonishment: "It can have this kind of effect?"

"It is said that this is because of the change in the laws of heaven and earth... The location of the Dark Cave is considered the intersection of our world and the Dark World. This is where the two worlds connect, so certain rules and certain constraints are greatly reduced here."

Jiang Qing'e pondered slightly and said, "Remember the 'King-Marquis Battlefield'? Actually, it has similar effects, even stronger than the Dark Cave. The King-Marquis experts who enter it do indeed have a higher probability of breaking through bottlenecks than in our world. Therefore, there is no lack of experts whose strength has been stagnant for a long time who ultimately choose to enter the King-Marquis Battlefield voluntarily, just to seek that probability of a breakthrough."

"Moreover, although the Dark Cave is oppressive and eerie, it is also a tempering for one's state of mind. So, in a sense, the Dark Cave can also be considered an excellent place for cultivation."

"I think if it weren't for the 'Black Tide,' many people with firm minds would likely stay here to cultivate for a long time."

As Jiang Qing'e spoke, her golden eyes held a look of eagerness. Clearly, she was likely the type of person she described.

"Captain, I suggest you remove the word 'many.' Not everyone has your kind of courage," Qiu Bai smiled helplessly.

"As soon as the purification mission is completed, I will be the first to leave the Dark Cave. I don't want to stay here for even a moment longer," Tian Tian also spread her hands. This place was too oppressive, and those Otherkind were extremely terrifying; she had absolutely no desire to have too much contact with them.

Hearing this, Jiang Qing'e smiled as well, not minding it. After all, everyone had their own choices.

And while the group was talking, a team walked out from the side. The person leading them was none other than Duze Honglian.

Following by her side was Ye Qiuding's "Mountain-Water Tripod Team."

The two sides bumped into each other. With people coming and going, it felt a bit like a narrow-road encounter.

Duze Honglian had a tall figure and bright red lips, appearing exceptionally sexy, not inferior to the one of the Seven Star Pillars, Ye Chengying, whom they had seen earlier.

At this moment, Duze Honglian had her arms crossed, and a look of provocation appeared on her beautiful face: "Jiang Qing'e, I'm afraid you won't be able to keep the top spot in this purification mission."

However, there was no ripple on Jiang Qing'e's exquisite, jade-like beautiful face. Her gaze glanced at Ye Qiuding, who was following Duze Honglian, but she didn't say anything, instead walking straight ahead and brushing past them.

Duze Honglian had witnessed Jiang Qing'e's cold and arrogant posture many times, but every time, it made her so angry she gritted her teeth.

Of course, the most critical thing was that the other party had enough capital for such arrogance...

However, for this Dark Cave purification mission, their side had the advantage in strength, so there was a high possibility of surpassing Jiang Qing'e. Although this occasional surpassing did not mean she could truly transcend the latter, at the very least, being able to dampen Jiang Qing'e's spirit would be good.

Li Luo followed Jiang Qing'e and also brushed past Duze Honglian's group. As they passed Ye Qiuding, the latter tilted his head slightly, and a faint voice came over.

"Li Luo, I will use the final result to let Senior Sister Jiang know that her choice this time was wrong."

Li Luo was startled, then earnestly encouraged: "Good luck. It's just that she said I must accompany her for all future Dark Cave purification missions, and I have a headache about that too. If your efforts can slightly alleviate my distress, I will also be grateful to you."

After saying that, he walked away.

Ye Qiuding stood frozen on the spot, as if struck by lightning, as if he had received a transcendent, crushing attack. His teammates beside him also looked at him with some sympathy.

At this moment, Ye Qiuding almost had the urge to perish together with Li Luo.

This bastard, he really doesn't act like a human!