Chapter 441: We're hurt, yet you still don't observe martial ethics?

Su Liyan frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and said: 'But the power of the Five Elements Escape Technique and the Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation requires extremely high immortal arts application and coordination; we must achieve tacit understanding in a short time, only then can the combination become perfect.'

Gu Qingwan nodded in agreement, 'Then let's start cultivating.'

'Only by exerting our strength to the utmost can we face the impending crisis.'

The four decided to focus their minds and cultivate within the Crimson Cliff Grotto.

Su Liyan closed her eyes, feeling the undulations of ice-system immortal arts surge in her heart.

Her whole body emitted a chill light, like a frozen ice sculpture.

At the same time, King Qi focused his spiritual power, feeling the power pulse brought by the divine wheel.

He constantly adjusted his breathing and state, fully concentrating to enter a cultivation state.

Gu Qingwan also began to circulate the mana of the Phoenix Fire Lotus Basin, forming a faint fiery aura around her.

Although she was indifferent to fame and fortune, facing this crisis she remained steadfast in providing support to the team.

Lu Yuan immersed himself in cultivation, the power of the Five Elements Escape Technique circulating within him like a cycle of reincarnation.

He continually refined formations and talismans, preparing for the impending battle; Su Liyan tightly gripped the Ice Crystal Long Whip, ready to fend off the Red Lotus Sect disciples' attack.

She waved the whip, and light ice and snow fluttered all around, the chill permeating.

'Everyone be careful!' she shouted loudly.

Gu Qingwan immediately stepped aside, her eyes fixed on Su Liyan's battle.

She had already felt that powerful strength from Su Liyan, her heart filled with confidence.

King Qi tightly gripped the Demon-Breaking Golden Wheel, engaging in fierce combat with the Red Lotus Sect disciples.

He mercilessly threw the golden wheel, drawing a golden arc in the air, slicing several enemies at the waist.

With the uprisings of the Blood Moon Sect and Red Lotus Sect, the battlefield became extremely chaotic.

Demonic energy and icy cold collided, emitting a piercing tearing sound.

But without Lu Yuan's participation, they felt the team's strength noticeably weakened.

'Where did Lu Yuan go?' Gu Qingwan anxiously looked around.

At the same time, Su Liyan was fully resisting the Red Lotus Sect disciples' attack.

She wielded the Ice Crystal Long Whip, each strike turning ice and snow into sharp blades, keeping enemies at bay.

But when Su Liyan turned to search for Lu Yuan, she was astonished to find he had vanished.

A surge of agitation and unease immediately filled her heart.

'Where did Lu Yuan go? How could he suddenly disappear?' Su Liyan said, full of worry.

Gu Qingwan furrowed her brows, 'We must find him immediately.'

'Perhaps he encountered danger.'

King Qi halted his combat and joined the search for Lu Yuan.

'Let's first drive these enemies temporarily out of the grotto, then examine closely.' Su Liyan anxiously looked around, trying to find Lu Yuan's traces, but no matter how she searched, she found nothing.

The worry and anxiety in her heart grew ever stronger.

Finally, she had no choice but to give up searching and return to the Crimson Cliff Grotto.

Returning to the grotto, Su Liyan was astonished to find King Qi and Gu Qingwan arguing incessantly.

The two had diverging opinions on the next course of action.

'We must leave this place!'

'Lu Yuan may have met with misfortune; we cannot waste any more time!'

King Qi said firmly, 'We can deal with the rest later.'

Gu Qingwan stood on the opposing side, worry showing in her brow: 'We cannot allow the grotto to be invaded by the evil cult.'

'This place hides a treasure of powerful immortal arts; if they seize it, the consequences would be unimaginable.'

Hearing their argument, Su Liyan stepped closer, trying to balance their emotions.

'Stay calm! We now need unity.'

She strove to stay steady, 'Lu Yuan is missing; our top priority is to find him.'

'But we cannot neglect the grotto's safety.'

King Qi knitted his brows, his eyes revealing anger and helplessness.

'Such a great crisis has arrived; we should set aside personal grudges and concern ourselves with Lu Yuan's safety.'

Gu Qingwan firmly shook her head: 'We must not act rashly; we must protect this grotto well.'

'If the Red Lotus Sect obtains immortal arts power, the consequences will be catastrophic.'

Su Liyan felt the evil aura gathering outside the grotto growing ever stronger.

She knew time was pressing, allowing no delay.

'Both of you have a point.'

Su Liyan tried to mediate, 'We can leave some people to guard the grotto and hold the fort here.'

'I will lead another group to leave and search for Lu Yuan, while preventing the Red Lotus Sect from spreading the evil cult's influence.'

King Qi and Gu Qingwan both gazed at Su Liyan, after a moment's contemplation they nodded; seeing their nods, Su Liyan felt relieved.

She knew this was only a temporary compromise, but at least the team had now reached a consensus.

She felt responsible for becoming a bridge between them, maintaining everyone's unity.

'Let's first find Lu Yuan, then talk.'

Su Liyan said, her voice firm, 'I believe he will surely be safe.'

King Qi nodded.

'Alright, let's leave this place as soon as possible to find Lu Yuan.'

He turned his head to look at Gu Qingwan, "But the safety of the grotto also cannot be neglected."

Gu Qingwan took a deep breath, letting go of the conflict in her heart.

"I will stay to guard the grotto and try to strengthen the defensive measures."

Su Liyan smiled, thanking Gu Qingwan for her decision.

"Thank you, Miss Gu."

"We will find Lu Yuan as soon as possible and bring him back."

"No need for thanks." Gu Qingwan gave a slight smile.

Thus, Su Liyan led the remaining companions in a hurried departure from the Cinnabar Cliff Grotto.

She knew time was pressing; every minute and every second was crucial.

On the brightly lit night, they quickened their pace.

Gu Qingwan watched their receding backs, a hint of worry appearing on her face.

She understood in her heart that Lu Yuan had special feelings for this grotto, and the immortal arts he had once closely collaborated on were also preserved here.

But at the same time, she also understood Su Liyan's worry—finding Lu Yuan was necessary to completely resolve the predicament. Su Liyan and the others hastily left the Cinnabar Cliff Grotto, swiftly crossing the dense forest, all hoping to find the scattered Lu Yuan as soon as possible.

The grotto behind them gradually faded away, leaving only the faint lights of the night flickering in the dim twilight.

Along the way, King Qi and Gu Qingwan both fell into contemplation.

Regarding the proposal of the Golden Rainbow Sect, they had differing opinions.

King Qi calmly analyzed, "The Golden Rainbow Sect was once our enemy; how can we trust them?"

"Moreover, the conditions they have proposed this time are simply too absurd!"

Gu Qingwan, however, remained rational and composed, "Although the Golden Rainbow Sect was once our enemy, the situation is now special."

"We are all trapped; only by finding Lu Yuan can we break the seal. (End of chapter)