The stone door slowly opened and an ancient, weighty aura rushed toward them.

The interior of the cave dwelling was even more spacious than expected. High-quality luminous pearls were embedded in the surrounding stone walls, illuminating the entire space brightly. Several ancient books lay atop a stone table and rows of jade slips were neatly arranged on the shelves.

“The concentration of spiritual energy here is at least ten times that of the outside world.”

Lin Xi took a deep breath and the circulation speed of spiritual energy within her body noticeably accelerated. With this environment, her Body-Refining Ninth Heaven technique ran far more smoothly and she could clearly feel subtle changes in her muscles and bones.

Luo Bingning walked to the stone table and carefully flipped open an ancient book.

“As expected, these are cultivation insights from the ancient era.”

A flash of excitement passed through her eyes.

“These technique records will be extremely beneficial for my cultivation recovery.”

[Detected that the surrounding environment is suitable for cultivation]

[Recommended that the host formulate a recovery plan for Luo Bingning here]

[Current task: Help Luo Bingning recover to Nascent Soul mid-stage]

Lin Xi responded to the system’s prompt in her mind while observing the layout of the cave dwelling. Not only were there abundant texts here, but deeper within the stone chamber there was also a natural spirit spring, its waters containing dense heaven-and-earth spiritual energy.

“Bingning-jie, you should study these techniques first.”

Lin Xi walked to a corner of the cave dwelling and began thinking about the next steps.

“I have a feeling the Blood Slaughter Ancestor won’t let this go easily. We must make thorough preparations.”

Luo Bingning lifted her head and a trace of worry flashed through her eyes.

“Xi’er is right. Xiao Xuesha’s death will only make the Blood Shadow Sect even angrier.”

She set down the ancient book and walked over to Lin Xi.

“The Blood Slaughter Ancestor is ruthless and cruel. He will never let us off.”

Lin Xi nodded, already constructing a detailed response plan in her mind.

[Activating advanced detection mode]

[Scanning the Blood Shadow Sect’s main headquarters location…]

[Scan complete]

[Blood Shadow Sect headquarters location: 3000 li northwest of this place, deep within the Luoxia Mountain Range]

[Defensive formation: Nine Nether Blood-Fiend Grand Formation (Heaven-tier, mid-grade)]

[Power distribution: Blood Slaughter Ancestor (Nascent Soul late-stage peak), three elders (Nascent Soul early-stage), numerous disciples]

[Special discovery: Strong demonic energy fluctuations detected, suspected involvement of demonic-path forces]

The detailed intelligence transmitted by the system made Lin Xi’s heart tremble. The Blood Shadow Sect was far stronger than she had anticipated and there truly were traces of demonic forces behind it.

“Bingning-jie, I just sensed some unusual spiritual energy fluctuations.”

Lin Xi spoke as if thinking aloud.

“The Blood Shadow Sect’s headquarters seems to be deep within the Luoxia Mountain Range and the demonic energy fluctuations there are extremely strong.”

Luo Bingning frowned.

“The Luoxia Mountain Range? That place is indeed easy to defend and hard to attack.”

She paced back and forth inside the cave dwelling.

“And if demonic-path forces are really involved, then this revenge operation cannot be handled rashly.”

Lin Xi secretly opened the system shop and began searching for strategic items.

[System Shop]

[Search: Strategic deployment]

[Thousand-Li Sound Transmission Talisman: 100 points]

[Illusion Formation Blueprint (Earth-tier, high-grade): 800 points]

[Formation-Breaking Pearl (Heaven-tier, low-grade): 1500 points]

[Ice-Attribute Law Amplification Stone: 1200 points]

[Demonic Energy Purification Array Plate: 2000 points]

Looking at the various items in the shop, Lin Xi formed an initial battle plan in her heart.

“Bingning-jie, I think we can’t fight them head-on.”

Lin Xi walked to Luo Bingning’s side and spoke softly.

“The Blood Slaughter Ancestor’s strength is unfathomable and he also has demonic forces backing him. We need a meticulous plan.”

Luo Bingning stopped and looked at Lin Xi seriously.

“What ideas does Xi’er have?”

Lin Xi took a deep breath and began explaining her strategic concept.

“First, we need to avoid the Blood Shadow Sect’s main defensive force. The Nine Nether Blood-Fiend Grand Formation is powerful, but it must have weak points.”

She drew a simple diagram on the ground with her hand.

“We can infiltrate from the flank and avoid a frontal clash.”

A flash of surprise crossed Luo Bingning’s eyes.

“How does Xi’er know the Blood Shadow Sect deployed the Nine Nether Blood-Fiend Grand Formation?”

Lin Xi’s heart jumped and she quickly explained.

“I saw related records in ancient texts before. The Blood Shadow Sect is famous for blood-path evil techniques, so the formation they use must involve blood-fiend power.”

Luo Bingning nodded and did not pursue the matter further.

“Then how do we break this formation?”

“We don’t need to fully break it.”

Lin Xi continued drawing the diagram.

“We only need to find the formation’s weak point and create a gap.”

She looked up at Luo Bingning.

“Bingning-jie’s Cold Law naturally restrains blood-fiend power. As long as we seize the right moment, we can definitely tear open an opening.”

Hearing this analysis, fighting intent reignited in Luo Bingning’s eyes.

“Xi’er is right. The Cold Law can indeed purify blood-fiend qi.”

She extended her hand and a mass of pure ice crystal condensed in her palm.

“And cultivating in this cave dwelling, my comprehension of the laws is continuously deepening.”

Lin Xi secretly exchanged for an Ice-Attribute Law Amplification Stone.

[Exchange successful]

[Current points: 1300]

[Item placed into storage ring]

“Bingning-jie, I have something good here.”

Lin Xi took out the amplification stone radiating pale blue light from her storage ring.

“I just found this in the cave dwelling ruins. It can enhance the power of ice-attribute laws.”

Luo Bingning accepted the amplification stone and immediately felt the immense power contained within it.

“This is… a Heaven-tier treasure?”

She looked at Lin Xi in shock.

“Xi’er, treasures of this level are extremely precious. How can you bear to give it to me?”

“Because Bingning-jie needs it more. Between us, why draw such lines?”

Lin Xi smiled gently.

“Only if you become stronger can we defeat the Blood Shadow Sect.”

Luo Bingning tightly grasped the amplification stone, her eyes filled with emotion.

“Xi’er treats me so well. I will definitely not disappoint your expectations.”

She suddenly reached out and hugged Lin Xi, burying her face against her shoulder.

“I swear that no matter how powerful the enemy is, I will protect Xi’er.”

Lin Xi lightly patted Luo Bingning’s back, her mind continuing to refine the battle plan.

“Bingning-jie, besides frontal combat, we also need to consider other possibilities.”

She spoke softly, “For example, the issue of demonic energy corrosion on the Blood Slaughter Ancestor.”

Luo Bingning loosened her embrace and a serious look flashed through her eyes.

“You mean we can use demonic energy corrosion against him?”

“That’s right.”

Lin Xi nodded.

“Demonic energy corrosion can enhance strength, but it also brings severe side effects. If we can trigger those side effects at a critical moment…”

Luo Bingning’s eyes lit up.

“Xi’er’s idea makes a lot of sense. Demonic energy corrosion really does make cultivators unstable.”

Lin Xi secretly tried to exchange for a Demonic Energy Purification Array Plate.

[Exchange failed]

[Current points: -700]

[Insufficient balance, unable to complete exchange]

The system prompt made Lin Xi frown. Points were insufficient. She would need to find a way to earn more.

[Detected insufficient points]

[Recommended completing nurturing tasks to obtain points]

[Current available task: Help Luo Bingning break through to Nascent Soul mid-stage]

[Estimated reward: 5000 points]

Lin Xi’s heart stirred. As long as Luo Bingning could break through to Nascent Soul mid-stage, her strength would greatly increase and Lin Xi would also gain a large number of points.

“Bingning-jie, I think you should focus on cultivation now.”

Lin Xi walked to the natural spirit spring.

“The spiritual energy concentration here is extremely high and the spring water contains special energy. It will definitely help with your injury recovery and might even help you reach Nascent Soul mid-stage…”

A trace of anticipation appeared in Luo Bingning’s eyes.

“Xi’er is right. My injury recovery does need a catalyst.”

She walked to the spring and reached out to feel the energy fluctuations within the water.

“This feeling… it really is helpful.”

Lin Xi continued refining her battle plan.

“Once Bingning-jie’s injuries are fully recovered, we can begin preparing for the final revenge operation.”

She silently calculated every possible scenario.

The Blood Shadow Sect’s Nine Nether Blood-Fiend Grand Formation was indeed powerful, but not flawless. As long as its weak point could be found and combined with Luo Bingning’s Cold Law, it would be entirely possible to tear open a gap.

And the demonic energy corrosion on the Blood Slaughter Ancestor was another exploitable weakness. Demonic energy could enhance power, but it also destabilized the cultivator’s state of mind. In an intense battle, that instability could easily become a fatal flaw.

“Xi’er, what are you thinking about?”

Luo Bingning noticed Lin Xi’s contemplation.

“You look so serious.”

“I’m thinking about how to increase our chances of victory. The Blood Slaughter Ancestor isn’t an ordinary opponent. We must be fully prepared.”

Luo Bingning walked over and gently held Lin Xi’s hand.

“Xi’er doesn’t need to worry. With this amplification stone, my strength will undergo a qualitative leap.”

Her eyes were filled with confidence.

“The Blood Slaughter Ancestor may be powerful, but I, Luo Bingning, am not someone to be trifled with.”

Feeling the warmth from Luo Bingning’s palm, Lin Xi felt a bit more at ease.

“Then Bingning-jie should begin closed-door cultivation now. I’ll guard you.”

Luo Bingning nodded but did not immediately start cultivating.

“Xi’er, do you think we can completely resolve the Blood Shadow Sect this time?”

There was a trace of barely perceptible worry in her voice.

“If there truly are demonic-path forces behind them, things may be more complicated than we imagine.”

Lin Xi did not hesitate.

“We definitely can.”

Her voice was filled with resolve.

“And this isn’t just for revenge. If the Blood Shadow Sect really has demonic-path forces behind it, then eradicating them is upholding justice in the cultivation world.”

Hearing this, fighting intent reignited in Luo Bingning’s eyes.

“Xi’er is right. No matter what enemy we face, I will not retreat.”

She kissed Lin Xi lightly on the forehead.

“For Xi’er, for justice, I will become stronger.”

After speaking, Luo Bingning walked to the spirit spring and sat down cross-legged to regulate her breathing. The amplification stone floated above her head, radiating a pale blue glow.

Lin Xi began setting up defensive formations around the cave dwelling. Although ancient great experts had already left protective measures here, an extra layer of insurance was always good.

[Detected Luo Bingning beginning breakthrough preparations]

[Estimated breakthrough time: three days]

[Recommended that the host make corresponding preparations]

Lin Xi responded to the system in her mind and continued refining her strategic plan. Three days was enough time to finalize a detailed deployment.

The Blood Slaughter Ancestor, the Blood Shadow Sect and the demonic-path forces behind them.

This time, she would make them completely disappear from this world.