C21 The Invasion of the Enemy!

Feng Yi and Tian Ji exchanged glances, each detecting a flicker of defiance in the other's eyes, yet what prevailed was a shared sense of bitterness. Without even pausing to watch the Inner Sect Disciple Competition, they hastened directly to Elder Xuanfeng's cave dwelling.

"Disciple Feng Yi (Tian Ji) pays respects to Elder Xuanfeng!" they called out upon reaching the entrance.

"Enter," came the voice of Elder Xuanfeng, beckoning them inside. They stepped into the cave and found Elder Xuanfeng busily engaged in pill refinement.

"I want the two of you to tidy up my cave. It must be absolutely immaculate," he instructed.

The word 'laborer' echoed in their minds. They vividly remembered Elder Xuanfeng's words from the day before, promising that after the competition, they would serve as laborers. They hadn't anticipated their servitude would commence so abruptly.

"Clear Water Technique!" they both exclaimed in unison, invoking the spell.

"Damn it, do you want to flood my cave?" Elder Xuanfeng bellowed, startling them into misdirecting the Clear Water Technique onto each other.

"Feng Yi, you're asking for trouble!" one challenged.

"As if I'm scared of you!" the other retorted, their frustration igniting into aggression.

"You're the ones flirting with death," Elder Xuanfeng declared, and a formidable pressure suddenly bore down upon them.

They both grunted as the overwhelming force pinned them to the ground, leaving them struggling for breath. It was only after several agonizing moments, as they teetered on the brink of unconsciousness, that the pressure relented.

"Do that again, and you're dead," Elder Xuanfeng threatened, his voice laced with a chilling intent that sent shivers down their spines.

"Elder, without the Clear Water Technique, how are we to clean your cave?" Tian Ji asked, his face etched with frustration.

"Have you no hands?" Elder Xuanfeng retorted sharply.

The pair were taken aback, their faces registering surprise.

"By hand?"

But no sooner had they spoken than the chilling aura of danger resurfaced. They both shuddered and promptly set to work cleaning the cave dwelling.

Days later, the Grand Competition had concluded, and the top three of the Inner Sect had been determined. Yet there, halfway up Sky Peak, two weary figures were covered in dust and drenched in sweat, tirelessly toiling away.

After three days, Feng Yi and Tian Ji had thoroughly cleaned out Elder Xuanfeng's cave. It was undeniable; the cave was filthy, with a thick layer of dust that measured half an inch deep.

"Phew, finally finished. I've lived for decades, but this is the first time I've encountered such a filthy cave."

"Indeed. The elder probably hasn't cleaned this place in centuries."

Feng Yi and Tian Ji exchanged a knowing smile. Despite their frequent bickering over the past several days, they had come to realize they were cut from the same cloth: both had fiery tempers and were stubborn to the core.

"Junior Brother Feng, I hope to learn from you again someday."

"Senior Brother Tian, you flatter me. I'm hardly your equal."

"Hahaha, don't sell yourself short. I vividly remember our battle. Your eyes, so fiercely determined to win, I'll never forget them."

"It's you, Senior Brother, who impressed me. Even when you fainted, your sword formation continued its assault. I won't forget that. I must learn some of your techniques someday."

Though Feng Yi and Tian Ji hadn't quite reached the point of complete camaraderie, their bond had certainly grown stronger, particularly in these past days.

In that instant, an overwhelming force bore down on them. They exchanged a glance and immediately unleashed their most powerful auras in defense. Astonishingly, their energies merged, jointly countering the oppressive force.

Just days before, such pressure would have flattened them. But now, they managed to step forward in unison before collapsing to the ground, utterly spent.

As they lay there, struggling to catch their breath, the oppressive force vanished as if to make a point, leaving them with a stark reminder of its power.

Inside the cave, Elder Xuanfeng, who was in the midst of refining pills, wore a look of satisfaction on his face.

"Well done. In just a few days, you've learned to work together in combat. You've shown progress and an understanding of the bond between fellow disciples."

Elder Xuanfeng had brought the two here to labor with two goals in mind: to foster a sense of camaraderie and unity among them. A sect can only grow strong when its members share these bonds.

Now, they had grasped the concept of fellowship. What remained was to develop their sense of unity, which Elder Xuanfeng was intent on teaching them.

Time flew, and before they knew it, a month had passed. During this time, they did more than just clean the cave; they also assisted Elder Xuanfeng with some basic aspects of pill refining.

With time on their hands, they began to delve into the knowledge of herbs. Over the month, they became familiar with over a thousand different herbs.

Feng Yi, in particular, had prior experience assisting the master with pill refining at the Taoist temple, making him even more adept at the task than Tian Ji.

"Phew, I can finally take a break!"

At midnight, Feng Yi and Tian Ji lay on their stone beds, releasing a long, heavy sigh.

"Indeed, it's been a whole month of nothing but cleaning and pill refining. I'm itching for some action," Tian Ji said, his eyes flashing with a cold light as he looked at Feng Yi.

Feng Yi responded with a flick of his finger, sending a strong gust of wind straight at Tian Ji.

"Bring it on!"

Tian Ji let out a low shout, leaping to his feet and launching a punch.

A robust Spiritual Force surged forth, clashing with the energy from Feng Yi's finger.

Pop!

The crisp sound of the impact echoed, sending ripples of air in all directions.

Just then, the solemn tolling of a bell reached their ears, startling them both as they leaped out of the cave.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sonorous bell continued to toll, resounding five times consecutively.

"Trouble, we're under attack!"

Tian Ji's urgent shout cut through the air as he dashed toward the mountain gate. Feng Yi, facing such a crisis for the first time, felt the gravity of the situation upon hearing Tian Ji's call.

He quickly followed in Tian Ji's footsteps, racing towards the mountain gate.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

The air was filled with the sound of invaders in black uniforms streaking towards the various peaks of Heavenly Capital Mountain. The disciples who were supposed to be guarding were already down, lying unconscious on the ground.

Shocked, Tian Ji and Feng Yi immediately turned and made a beeline for Heavenly Capital Peak.

"All disciples, heed my command! Those below Qi Condensation Stage Level Seven, remain in your caves. Those Level Seven and above, engage the enemy at once."

A commanding roar echoed, followed by a humming sound as a light barrier swiftly enveloped Heavenly Capital Mountain with the Sect Protecting Great Array of the Profound Heaven Sect.

"The Sect Protecting Great Array!"

Shock etched across Tian Ji's face as he let out a low shout. The activation of the Sect Protecting Great Array underscored the direness of the situation.

"Feng Yi, you're going to need all the luck you can get!"

Realizing the full extent of the danger, Tian Ji quickly cautioned Feng Yi.

Just then, a cold snort pierced the air: "Hmph, kid, you're struggling to save yourself and yet you find time to worry about others? Prepare to meet your end!"