The days of training passed day by day, and before long, it was the end of August by the lunar calendar.

Living in the Demon Cave was harsh and extraordinarily dangerous.

Although the trainees didn't constantly complain, most of them silently endured.

However, one of them was addicted to it, unable to extricate themselves.

Just like the believer trainees who never wanted to leave the path lined with torches.

Yet a certain little lamb always roamed in the pitch-black wilderness and deep forests, alone merging with the darkness.

Of course, Lu Ran was human and couldn't possibly like this place.

The main thing was...

The gains here were too damn huge!

Every day Lu Ran fought here, the Soul-splitting Demon Evil Sculpture in his God Demon Sculpture Garden grew significantly!

Its growth rate was visible to the naked eye, clear and trackable.

This "progress bar"-like existence provided Lu Ran with constant positive feedback!

Who wouldn't love feeling so accomplished?

"Heh..."

Once more, Lu Ran stood in the pitch-black wilderness and sighed deeply.

That sigh even trembled a little.

Clearly, Lu Ran was very comfortable.

Off in the distance where the path was lit by torches, the battle was nearing its end; his comrades had killed the last two Evil Demons.

Both souls were captured by Lu Ran.

At the same time, his garden's Soul-splitting Demon Evil Sculpture upgraded dramatically to Stream Realm Third Rank!

Finally, Lu Ran equipped the Evil Technique·Soul Prison.

However, he was currently at Stream Realm Second Rank and was not yet able to use this Evil Technique.

Over the past week, Lu Ran had equipped himself with Evil Technique·Soul-splitting Demon Horn, as well as Evil Technique Splitting Demon Hoof.

Regarding the Soul-splitting Demon Horn, Lu Ran dared not use it in front of others.

Naturally, sheep horns differ from ox horns.

Lu Ran always thought about whether he could change the shape of the ox horns and hide them inside the sheep horns for use.

He didn't believe this was fantastical—after all, the two types of beast horns he summoned were both formed from mist.

Wouldn't combining the two techniques make for an even more explosive force?

But this idea would have to wait until Lu Ran got home and could delve deeper into his research.

Or perhaps he could ask Lord Immortal Goat for help to see if a fusion could be achieved.

Regarding the Evil Technique·Soul-splitting Demon Hoof, Lu Ran also held back from activating it, not even experimenting once.

The Soul-splitting Demon Hoof wasn't formed from mist into an ox leg.

Lu Ran had studied this Evil Technique carefully—it burst forth terrifying energy from the sole of the foot, flinging enemies away.

Yet, he still dared not use it.

How should one put it...

It felt like guilt by association.

You've trained in the Soul-splitting Demon Cave, and then your Immortal Hoof is equipped with the "War Trample" attribute?

Isn't that a bit fantastical?

So, Lu Ran was waiting for an opportunity.

If nothing unexpected occurred, he should be able to advance to Stream Realm Third Rank by the 15th of next month.

At this rank, believers from all sects in the world could learn a new Divine Technique.

This was a perfect chance!

Why not attribute everything to Divine·Immortal Goat, claiming that Lord Immortal Goat adores his disciple and, in imparting Divine Technique, gave me some extra guidance?

Plus, with his own exceptional talents, far beyond the reach of ordinary believers, along with a particularly unique understanding of Divine Techniques and inspired by the Soul-splitting Demon Clan, so...

The modified "Immortal Hoof" was born!

Right...sounds reasonable!

Quite reasonable!

"Where's my brother?" A pleasant female voice called from afar.

"Coming, coming." Lu Ran quickly gathered his wits and headed toward the torch-lit path.

His comrades were clearing the battlefield, and Lu Ran also took off his Divine Power Pearl and approached one of the bodies.

It was what he deserved, as he hadn't refrained from "baa baa baa" during the recent fight.

But it must be admitted, during this training period, Lu Ran was carried by Sword One believer Guan Yiren.

Ever since the team identified the main attacker, Guan Yiren, the "killing machine," had been fully operational.

Killing all the way as they went!

The might of a Sword Cultivator was truly frightening!

"Thud thud thud~"

A black crow flew down, landing in the center of the chaotic battlefield, speaking human language:

"You've already ventured deep into the Demon Cave."

Jiang Ruyi turned her head to look and inquired, "Does the instructor not want us to head further south?"

"Oh no," the crow replied as it took flight, choosing the biggest head to land on—Niu Zhengzheng.

Cai Yunfei: "I've seen your strength; you can kill River Realm Soul-splitting Demons as long as their numbers aren't too great.

I wanted to remind you, you've ventured too far already, and it's already the end of August.

You need to leave the Demon Cave before the 10th of September in the lunar calendar."

The downside of Demon Cave training is the time limit.

Every month, the cities where humans live unlock on the 19th of the lunar calendar.

And military-controlled Demon Caves are sealed on the 10th of every month.

That means, even if believers rush into the Demon Cave, they can only stay for about twenty-one or twenty-two days at a time.

"Shall we head back?" Qiao Yuansi's eyes lit up immediately.

Clearly, Qiao Yuansi was a normal person; while she endured training, she couldn't possibly enjoy wandering in this perpetual darkness of the Demon Cave.

"That's a good idea," Jiang Ruyi thoughtfully nodded. "The frequency of River Realm Evil Demons in this area seems to have increased."

"There they come again," Lu Ran's voice suddenly erupted.

He raised his long knife, pointing straight ahead, "Probably drawn by the noise, I guess."

Everyone looked in the direction he indicated; the torch-lit path stretched all the way into a vast black forest.

Perhaps Cai Yunfei chose this point to remind everyone because he didn't want the students venturing into the mountains.

The torch-lit path was typically set in the wilderness, surrounded by openness.

They had continuously kept their distance from the Black Soul Wood forest along their journey.

But just here, the path extended into the forest...

Fortunately, Black Soul Woods are extremely resistant to flames; otherwise, the entire forest might have burnt down long ago.

The military setting up this path was also a kind of reminder:

Trainees, know your limits!

If you're not exceptionally skilled, don't even think about crossing this forest.

"It seems there are quite a few!" Qiao Yuansi's expression turned grave as she saw shadows flickering at the edge of the deep forest.

She reached out, and a lantern swiftly floated forward.

As the herd of demons approached, some torches in the forest were damaged.

However, the Soul-splitting Demon Clan did not have strong night vision.

They also needed light to assist their movement, so they didn't cause extensive damage.

"River Realm Soul-splitting Demons, one, two… three?" Qiao Yuansi was taken aback.

This enemy force was not small in number, likely numbering around 20.

For Stream Realm and Mist Realm Evil Demons, they weren't too worried.

The real issue was encountering those over three meters tall—genuine River Realm Evil Demons!

If there were only one or two River Realm Evil Demons, they might manage.

But three River Realm Soul-splitting Demons?

"Tactical Maneuver Three!" Jiang Ruyi promptly shouted, everyone realizing the gravity of the situation.

Since entering the Demon Cave, this was the strongest group of Evil Demons they had faced.

Jiang Ruyi: "Lu Ran!"

"Present."

"Go, lure some of the Evil Demons away!" Jiang Ruyi's voice was urgent.

"I'll try to lure away all the River Realm Soul-splitting Demons," Lu Ran twirled his knife, "You guys hurry up and kill."

"There's no need to force it, just lure some of them away," Jiang Ruyi commanded seriously, "Also, you're not allowed to engage enemies in close combat."

"Listen to Sister Ruyi!" Qiao Yuansi hurriedly patted Lu Ran's arm.

Lu Ran: "..."

Alright.

"Hiss—"

Mist burst forth from under Lu Ran's feet, swiftly withdrawing from the torch-lit path and merging into the darkness alone.

"Tactic Number One," Jiang Ruyi turned to Guan Yiren.

The Ice Mountain Girl didn't respond verbally, just delicately pointed her toes, and a flying sword silently emerged, cushioning under her feet.

Next, Guan Yiren slowly ascended, palm surging with energy.

Several flying swords sprang forth, swirling around her.

Tian Tian also launched a nine-petal lotus, leaving one petal floating towards Jiang Ruyi's feet.

This so-called Tactic Number One was indeed the initial enemy engagement plan devised when Qiao Yuansi was directing.

"Moo!"

"Moo!!" The Soul-splitting Demon troop pressed closer to the forest edge, like a group of heavily armored beast warriors, baring their fangs and claws.

Upon spotting their prey, the Soul-splitting Demons visibly excited, quickening their pace!

"Deng Brother, be careful, those three River Realm are about to charge!"

"You be careful too."

Niu Zhengzheng and Deng Yutang braced themselves, their expressions more serious than ever.

The two quickly took positions, standing behind a row of lotus petals.

However, faced with the charge of the River Realm Evil Demons, those delicate lotus petals could not hold back!

Meanwhile, rapidly traversing Lu Ran, lightly touched the ground with his toes.

His figure disappeared into the Black Forest, softly calling out:

"Baa."

The Evil Demon Clan, however, showed no response.

"Baa?"

Lu Ran increased his volume, yet the Soul-splitting Demon troop still did not react.

Jiang Ruyi's Bursting Flame Talisman and Guan Yiren's flying swords had already struck the formation, preventing the Soul-splitting Demons from charging.

"Baa~~~"

Lu Ran leaned against a giant tree trunk, finally letting out a prolonged sheep call.

His voice gradually increased, until at a certain moment...

The three largest Soul-splitting Demons in the troop, all turned their heads to look to the side.

The River Realm Soul-splitting Demons, clearly more sensitive than those of the Stream and Mist Realms!

And Lu Ran's Divine Technique·Desolate Sound seemed to become a "filtering device"?

The weak,

do not deserve to hear my taunting sound!

I'm challenging, the strongest among you!

With each Divine Technique falling into Lu Ran's hands, indeed, they were utilized to their fullest potential.

Thus, amid a chaotic battlefield, the three strongest River Realm Evil Demons all "deserted the battle."

One of the River Realm Soul-splitting Demons even fiercely stomped on the ground.

"Boom!"

The earth trembled.

The powerful River Grade Evil Technique flung obstructing comrades away, the rolling waves blew away several flying swords.

"Moo!"

"Moo!!" The Soul-splitting Demons glared furiously, still hearing the faint cries of weak creatures in their ears.

A heart of tyranny could no longer be restrained.

The three ferocious Soul-splitting Demons charged toward the forest on the side.

"Lu Ran..."

Jiang Ruyi murmured softly, her expression complex.

In the end, he had indeed lured away those few River Realm Evil Demons.

Guan Yiren remained expressionless, just her gaze flickered slightly.

As a powerful Sword One disciple, at this special moment, did she perhaps feel a trace of security?

"Haha! Brother Ran, I praise you!" Niu Zhengzheng shouted excitedly.

"Be careful, Brother Lu!" Deng Yutang yelled out.

Though he didn't know where Lu Ran was, Deng Yutang was certain that Lu Ran could hear him.

The three River Realm Evil Demons leaving undoubtedly benefited Deng Yutang and Niu Zhengzheng the most.

Pressure drastically reduced!

And the person who completely changed the course of the battle...

Lu Ran slightly tilted his head, listening to the footsteps drawing closer.

"Moo!"

"Moo!!" The Soul-splitting Demons roared angrily, smashing through the giant trees along their path.

Like three terrifying war chariots, their momentum was overwhelming, rolling forward thunderously.

Lu Ran slightly leaned back, mist suddenly spraying from beneath his feet!

"Hiss—"

Lu Ran fell backward, flying backward into the forest.

The long red scarf fluttered across his cheeks, dancing lightly forward.

Amidst the increasingly uncontrollable roars, Lu Ran flew backward through the dense forest, once again speaking out:

"Baa~~~"

...

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