Chapter 696: with translation of chapter title

696. Chapter 694 Spirit Stone Mine

"It seems the leader of the Demonic Sect has indeed returned." Su Liyan frowned and said.

Lu Yuan also felt a powerful aura sweeping over him; the previously calm and peaceful commercial district instantly became tense.

In this Xian Jie trading center, conflicts between cultivators and demonic cultivators are not uncommon.

Earlier, the Profound Wind family, to resist the Demonic Sect leader's oppression, proposed two options: either the Demonic Sect would build its own independent trading district, or they would establish identity-badge regulations for entry and exit.

The Demonic Sect leader pondered for a moment and then agreed to go back and discuss.

Subsequently, Azure Cloud City issued new regulations: all cultivators must register to obtain an identity badge to enter and exit, while also allowing demonic cultivators to enter.

Members of the Profound Wind family began adjusting their duties; in this turbulent period, they needed to stay vigilant and prepared at all times.

"Let's leave first."

Lu Yuan said to everyone, "Staying longer might be dangerous."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and they quickly left the small shop.

On the way back to Lei Huo Dan Ge, Lu Yuan decided to give them a brief situation update.

"Recently, Azure Cloud City has experienced many changes."

"The Profound Wind family's negotiations with the Demonic Sect leader failed, and now the city center has strengthened its security."

Su Liyan anxiously asked, "What should we do then?"

"If the turmoil spreads to the city center..."

Lu Yuan looked at her gentle and concerned gaze, lightly put his arm around her shoulders: "Don't worry, I will protect you."

"Since we've decided to act together, we won't let anyone harm us."

Lu Yuan felt worried about the turmoil in Azure Cloud City; he realized this place was no longer suitable for the team to stay.

He quickly devised a new plan, intending to take Su Liyan, Zi Xi'er, and Zi Cui Ling out of the urban area and head for the Spirit Stone Mine.

That place is relatively safe, and it is also where Hui Xin needs to go.

"We need to leave Azure Cloud City quickly." Lu Yuan decided to explain his plan to everyone.

"To the Spirit Stone Mine?"

"But that place is quite far from here." Zi Xi'er said worriedly.

Lu Yuan nodded, "We indeed have to walk a distance, but that place should be relatively safe."

At the same time, Hui Xin also received an order from the Numinous Heavens Palace to go there to search for the spirit stone vein.

Upon hearing that Hui Xin was about to leave, Su Liyan felt somewhat reluctant: "Is she really going alone?"

Lu Yuan grasped Su Liyan's warm, soft hand: "Don't worry, with the support of the Majestic Immortal Sect, she will surely be able to handle any situation."

By going to the Spirit Stone Mine together to search for the Spirit Valley, we can also protect her.

Su Liyan felt somewhat relieved; she deeply knew Lu Yuan's ability and sense of responsibility.

After the group finalized the plan, they immediately began packing their belongings.

Lu Yuan and Su Liyan took all the precious immortal herbs from Lei Huo Dan Ge, preparing for any need.

When everything was ready, they left Lei Huo Dan Ge, gazing as Azure Cloud City faded into the distance.

Together they set out on the road, heading for the Spirit Stone Mine.

On the way back, they passed through a dense forest.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves onto the ground, and a gentle breeze blew past their ears.

"Lu Yuan, this forest is so beautiful." Su Liyan exclaimed delightedly.

Lu Yuan looked up: "This is a place rich in spiritual aura."

He noticed slight movements among the trees and discovered several small wild beasts hurrying past.

"Careful!"

He suddenly grabbed Su Liyan, preventing her from stepping into a pit in the middle of the road.

Zi Xi'er and Zi Cui Ling also carefully followed behind.

Lu Yuan exerted a little force and leapt lightly out of the trap, then placed Su Liyan in a safe spot.

"Thank you."

Su Liyan looked gratefully at Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan smiled: "We are a family; helping each other is only natural."

The group continued onward, crossing the forest and traversing mountains and rivers.

Along the way they sometimes encountered enemies, sometimes spirit beasts.

Lu Yuan continually employed profound immortal arts and agile techniques to demonstrate his strength to everyone.

Su Liyan diligently studied and practiced her ice-element immortal arts, occasionally using Cold Jade Ice Shards to enhance her abilities.

Time passed quickly; after a few days they finally arrived near the Spirit Stone Mine.

This is a world of varied landscapes, full of mystery and treasure.

Hui Xin was waiting at the mine entrance; seeing Lu Yuan's group arrive, her expression eased.

"You've finally come."

Hui Xin's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Lu Yuan smiled as he walked toward her: "We haven't wasted much time; let's now explore the spirit stone vein together."

The three-person team proceeded slowly, being near the Spirit Stone Mine.

The wind on the road brushed against their bodies, scattering strands of floating hair.

Yu Ning walked hesitantly at the front of the team, having sensed that she was about to break through shortly after achieving Foundation Establishment.

However, at this critical moment, she was also fully aware that the process of breaking through was fraught with danger.

Huixin looked at Yuning, realizing she was facing a decision.

To avoid being attacked during her breakthrough, which would disturb her cultivation progress, Huixin decided to help her complete Foundation Establishment at the roadside.

Immediately afterward, they discovered several fellow sect disciples cultivating by the roadside.

"Let's act faster."

Huixin reminded, "Don't let others interfere with us."

Lu Yuan and Su Liyan nodded in agreement and quickened their pace.

Finally night fell, and under the moonlight Yuning sensed that the opportunity for a breakthrough was approaching.

Huixin hurriedly looked for a safe place and set up a protective formation to guard her cultivation process.

"Senior Sister Huixin, now is the time for my breakthrough."

Yuning said with a slightly trembling voice.

Huixin looked at Yuning, pride and nervousness flashing in her eyes, and encouraged, "Rest assured, I'm here."

But just then, two demonic cultivators suddenly appeared before them.

Their gazes were cold and cunning, clearly they had been waiting for a long time.

"Hehe, I never expected we could pick up such a great bargain."

One of the demonic cultivators sneered.

Huixin reacted immediately, striking one of the enemies with a palm.

After being hit by her profound immortal technique, that demonic cultivator was blown away.

Meanwhile the other lowered his stance and deployed the Soul Summoning Banner in an attempt to counterattack.

Huixin's eyes flashed with sharp light as she swiftly used the Heavenly Thunder Talisman to engage the enemy.

Just at the critical moment, she found an opening in the deployment of the Soul Summoning Banner and skillfully used the Heavenly Thunder Talisman to destroy it.

After the battle, they obtained spirit stones and materials from the annihilator's storage bag.

The fellow sect junior sister watched the scene, admiring Huixin's strength even more.

"Senior Sister Huixin, you're amazing!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Huixin smiled, patted her head, and said, "It's just a small matter."

"Let's hurry and make the most of our time; Yuning's breakthrough isn't over yet." (End of chapter)