124: Outside the Cave of Ten Thousand Evils, the evil race patrols.

In the outskirts of Myriad Evil Grotto at Hai Shi (9-11 PM), the world was enveloped in thick black Evil Mist. There were no stars or moon, only occasional flickering ghostly green Evil Flames, appearing and disappearing in the fog, illuminating grotesque black rocks and withered bones. The extreme Evil Energy contained within the Evil Mist, like maggots clinging to bones, continuously eroded Cultivators' Meridians and Divine Soul. Even Alliance Disciples wearing evil suppressing jade pendants and having consumed anti-cold pills could feel a nauseating, putrid stench, and the circulation of their spiritual power became sluggish.

"Alliance Leader, this Evil Mist is several times denser than the one inside the Evil Suppressing Pagoda. If we go any further, the effect of the evil suppressing jade pendant might be greatly diminished." Yu Lan frowned, the green light of the evil suppressing jade pendant on her neck flickering, barely resisting the erosion of the Evil Energy. She could clearly feel that the Evil Mist not only contained pure Evil Energy but also countless wailing vengeful spirits, attempting to disturb the Cultivators' minds.

Lu Chen nodded, took out the holy spirit token, and a golden-green spiritual light burst forth, forming a small light screen that enveloped the Core Disciples. "Everyone, tighten your Formation, centered on the Holy Spirit Formation. Do not leave the protective range without authorization. Chu Feng, lead the vanguard to scout ahead and watch out for Evil Clan ambushes."

"Understood!" Chu Feng responded, stepping forward. The azure cloud sword glowed with intertwining azure spiritual light and Ice God Power. His Sword Domain expanded, forcibly dispelling the Evil Mist in front of him to create a path. His spiritual perception was highly concentrated, and his Nascent Soul Stage Divine Sense swept through the surrounding darkness like radar, allowing no abnormal movement to escape his notice.

After leaving the Ice God Ruins, the Alliance Grand Army trekked for another day and night across the Eternal Night Ice Plain before reaching the outskirts of Myriad Evil Grotto. According to the intelligence previously sent back by the reconnaissance team, there should have only been a small number of Evil Clan patrol teams stationed here, but the Evil Energy fluctuations everyone felt at this moment far exceeded expectations.

"Something's not right. The density of this Evil Mist is at least three times that of the Western Wasteland Evil Clan gathering place. The number of patrol teams is probably much higher than we anticipated," Lu Chen said in a deep voice, a hint of wariness rising in his heart. He turned to the Hundred Herbs Valley Elder beside him and said, "Have the Disciples take another heart-clearing pill to prevent their minds from being disturbed by the vengeful spirits in the Evil Mist."

The Hundred Herbs Valley Elder immediately relayed the order, and the Disciples promptly took out heart-clearing pills and consumed them. A refreshing sensation rose from their Dantian, dispelling the restlessness and distracting thoughts in their hearts, and their spirits were considerably uplifted.

Just then, Chu Feng's voice came from the front: "Alliance Leader, Evil Clan patrol team spotted! Approximately fifty members, all Evil Knights, riding Evil Beasts, and their strength is not weak!"

Lu Chen's heart tightened. He quickly stepped forward and looked in the direction Chu Feng indicated. In the dark Evil Mist, fifty Evil Knights clad in black Evil Armor slowly approached. The Evil Beasts they rode resembled wolves but had three eyes, were covered in scales, and emanated a Nascent Soul Stage aura. The Evil Knights held black long spears, their tips wreathed in ghostly green Evil Flames, and their Evil Armor was inscribed with grotesque evil runes, emitting dense Evil Energy. Each step caused the ground to tremble slightly.

"Fifty Early Nascent Soul Stage Evil Knights, with Evil Beast mounts. This configuration far exceeds that of a normal patrol team," Chu Feng's eyes flashed with solemnity. "It seems Myriad Evil Grotto has strengthened its outer defenses. We must proceed cautiously and not alert them prematurely."

Lu Chen observed the Evil Knights' patrol route, noticing they were following a fixed trajectory, maintaining a certain distance from each other, forming a tight defensive line. "A direct confrontation will alert more Evil Clan members. We'll use a trap to lure and kill them." He quickly made a decision and whispered to everyone, "Chu Feng, lead ten Golden Core Stage Disciples. Disguise yourselves as Loose Cultivators, deliberately expose your whereabouts, and lure the Evil Knights towards the valley on the left. Li Yue (replacing Zhao Feng after he remained in the Western Wasteland), lead the Disciples to set up Holy Spirit Traps and Rune Formations on both sides of the valley. Yu Lan and I will ambush at the end of the valley. Once they enter the trap, we will launch a full assault!"

"Yes, sir!" Everyone responded in unison, immediately splitting up.

Chu Feng led ten Disciples, concealing their auras, and deliberately leaked a trace of spiritual power as they approached the Evil Knights. As expected, the Evil Knights quickly noticed the anomaly. The leading Evil Knight Commander raised his long spear and sternly shouted, "What human Cultivators dare to trespass into the territory of Myriad Evil Grotto?"

Chu Feng deliberately feigned panic, turned, and ran. "We are just passing Loose Cultivators who stumbled in here by mistake. We hope for your mercy, sir!" His speed appeared swift, yet it was just enough for the Evil Knights to keep up, step by step leading them towards the pre-arranged valley.

A hint of greed and cruelty flashed in the Evil Knight Commander's eyes. "The Souls of human Cultivators are the best nourishment! Chase them, don't let a single one escape!"

Fifty Evil Knights urged their Evil Beasts, chasing after Chu Feng and the others. The Evil Beasts were extremely fast, their four hooves thudding on the ground, kicking up black dust and Evil Energy fluctuations. Their three eyes could penetrate the Evil Mist, firmly locking onto Chu Feng and the others' figures, completely oblivious to the approaching danger.

Soon, Chu Feng led the Evil Knights into the valley. The valley sides were steep black rocks, with only a narrow passage in the middle, making it an excellent spot for setting traps.

"Now!" Lu Chen commanded, and from behind the rocks on both sides of the valley, countless Holy Spirit Power bursts erupted, instantly activating the Holy Spirit Traps. Golden light screens rose from the ground, sealing both ends of the valley, forming an enclosed space. Simultaneously, countless demon breaking runes shot out from the rocks, raining down like meteors on the Evil Knights.

"Oh no, it's a trap!" The Evil Knight Commander's face changed dramatically, and he shouted sternly, "Break the Formation with all your might!"

The Evil Knights all raised their long spears, and ghostly green Evil Flames erupted, fiercely stabbing at the Holy Spirit light screen. However, these traps were laid with Holy Spirit Power and demon breaking Materials, specifically designed to counter Evil Energy. The Evil Flames collided with the light screen, instantly purified and dissipating into wisps of black smoke. The demon breaking runes landed on the Evil Knights' Evil Armor, emitting sizzling sounds. The evil runes on the Evil Armor rapidly dimmed, and the Evil Energy was continuously purified.

"Kill!" Lu Chen, wielding the demon breaking sword, flashed like a phantom behind an Evil Knight. The demon breaking sword, radiating golden-green spiritual light, fiercely struck the Evil Knight's Evil Armor. With a loud clang, though the Evil Armor was tough, it could not withstand the dual assault of Holy Spirit Power and the demon breaking sword. A crack instantly appeared, and the Evil Knight inside let out a scream as his body was torn apart by the Sword Qi.

Yu Lan also attacked simultaneously, her Evil Suppression Domain expanding. The azure purifying power spread, and the Evil Energy within the Evil Knights rapidly dissipated, slowing their movements. She conjured demon breaking runes in her hand, accurately striking the Evil Beasts' three eyes. The Evil Beasts let out pained roars, losing their vision and struggling wildly.

Chu Feng turned and charged back, his azure cloud sword intertwining with Ice God Power and Holy Spirit Sword Intent. A Sword Qi shot out, instantly freezing three Evil Knights and their Evil Beasts. His sword techniques were not only sharp but also capable of freezing Evil Energy, preventing the Evil Knights from circulating their power and leaving them defenseless.

The Alliance Disciples also rushed out, forming the Holy Spirit Formation. Holy Spirit Power condensed into streams of Sword Qi and fist winds, attacking the Evil Knights. Although the Evil Knights' Evil Armor had astonishing defense, it was still difficult to resist under the combined assault of the demon breaking sword and Holy Spirit Power. Screams, metallic clashes, and the roars of Evil Beasts intertwined, echoing throughout the valley.

The Evil Knight Commander watched his subordinates fall one by one, a hint of fear and rage flashing in his eyes. He channeled all his Evil Energy, and the evil runes on his Evil Armor burst forth with dazzling ghostly green light. The long spear in his hand became colossal, fiercely thrusting towards Lu Chen. "Human Cultivator, I will tear you to pieces!"

Lu Chen sneered, advancing instead of retreating. The holy spirit token floated above his head, and the golden-green spiritual light surged. He circulated the Holy Spirit Myriad Manifestations Art, fusing Holy Spirit Power with the power of the heart of the ice god. The demon breaking sword simultaneously ignited with raging flames and freezing cold Qi, and a Sword Qi containing both ice and fire met the incoming attack.

"Clang!"

The spear and sword collided, and a massive energy shockwave spread out, shattering the rocks on both sides of the valley. The Evil Knight Commander was sent staggering backward by the Reflection force (recoil force), black blood spurting from his mouth, his eyes filled with disbelief. "How can you possess both Holy Spirit Power and Ice God Power at the same time?"

"The power to take your dog's life!" Lu Chen roared, his figure flashing again, appearing before the Evil Knight Commander as if teleporting, the demon breaking sword pointing directly at his glabella.

The Evil Knight Commander tried to dodge but found his body locked by an invisible force, a joint confinement formed by Yu Lan's Evil Suppression Domain and Chu Feng's Sword Domain. He could only watch as the demon breaking sword pierced his glabella, and Holy Spirit Power instantly surged into his body, completely purifying his Divine Soul.

With the death of the Evil Knight Commander, the last few remaining Evil Knights were also slain by the Alliance Disciples. The Evil Mist in the valley was largely purified by Holy Spirit Power, and the ground was littered with the corpses of Evil Knights, the remains of Evil Beasts, and shattered Evil Armor and long spears.

"Clear the battlefield, collect the spoils, especially the Evil Knights' Storage Pouches!" Lu Chen ordered.

The Disciples immediately set to work, collecting the Evil Knights' Storage Pouches one by one. A Disciple found a map made of beast hide in the Evil Knight Commander's Storage Pouch, with the defense layout of Myriad Evil Grotto marked in Evil Clan script. "Alliance Leader, we found a defense map of Myriad Evil Grotto!"

Lu Chen took the defense map and, using the Evil Rune Deciphering Art (an extension of the previous Ice Rune Deciphering Art), quickly deciphered its contents. The map clearly marked the outer, middle, and core areas of Myriad Evil Grotto, as well as the patrol routes and troop deployments in each area. Most notably, in the core area of Myriad Evil Grotto, there were nine towering Evil Towers arranged in a circle, with the words "Myriad Evil Spirit Locking Formation" marked in the center.

"Nine Evil Towers forming the Myriad Evil Spirit Locking Formation. It seems this is the key Formation protecting the core of Myriad Evil Grotto," Lu Chen said gravely, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes. "To enter the core of Myriad Evil Grotto, we must first destroy these nine Evil Towers and break the Myriad Evil Spirit Locking Formation."

Chu Feng leaned in, looking at the defense map. "The nine Evil Towers are evenly distributed. They are clearly the Formation eyes of the Formation, and destroying them simultaneously will be quite difficult. Moreover, each Evil Tower must have powerful Evil Clan members guarding it, especially the central main tower, which will undoubtedly be the strongest."

Yu Lan nodded. "The defense map indicates different heights and Evil Energy concentrations for the Evil Towers. The central main tower is the tallest, and its Evil Energy concentration is the densest, so it should be the core Formation eye of the Formation. Only by destroying all Formation eyes simultaneously can the Formation be completely disabled. Otherwise, as long as one Evil Tower remains, the Formation can quickly repair itself."

Lu Chen carefully put away the defense map, a preliminary plan already forming in his mind. "This defense map is too important to us. With it, we can formulate a precise plan to break the Formation. For now, let's find a hidden place to rest and discuss the method to break the Formation in detail."

The group found a natural cave near the valley. After setting up a defensive Formation, they began to rest. The Disciples sorted through the spoils. Although the Evil Knights' Evil Armor was damaged, its special Material, after purification, could be used to refine demon breaking Magical Artifacts. The Evil Beasts' scales and bones were also excellent Artifact Refining Materials. As for the Evil Energy crystal cores in the Evil Knights' Storage Pouches, they could be converted into Cultivation resources, greatly benefiting the Alliance Disciples' Cultivation.

Lu Chen, Chu Feng, Yu Lan, and others gathered around, studying the defense map and discussing how to break the Formation. "The nine Evil Towers must be destroyed simultaneously, otherwise, all our efforts will be in vain," Lu Chen said gravely. "I plan to divide the Alliance Grand Army into nine teams, each responsible for one Evil Tower. I will lead the main force to attack the central main tower. Chu Feng, you will lead a team of elites to attack the eastern sub-tower. Yu Lan, you will lead a team of Disciples to attack the western sub-tower. The remaining six sub-towers will be handled by the various Elders leading their Disciples."

"Alliance Leader, the main tower's defenses will surely be the most stringent. How about I attack the main tower, and you oversee the overall situation?" Chu Feng suggested.

Lu Chen shook his head. "The main tower is the core Formation eye, and the Evil Clan members guarding it will definitely be the strongest. Only if I go personally can we ensure foolproof success. We will agree to act simultaneously at the third watch. All nine teams must destroy the Formation eye of their Evil Tower within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, no delays!"

Everyone nodded, understanding the importance of the matter. If the operation was delayed and any Evil Clan member in an Evil Tower raised an alarm, reinforcements from other Evil Towers would arrive, and they would be encircled, with unimaginable consequences.

"By the way, when I killed the Evil Knight Commander, I found a black token hidden inside his Evil Armor, inscribed with the characters 'Myriad Evil,'" Lu Chen said, taking out a black token and showing it to everyone. "This token might be an Evil Clan identification, or it might come in handy when breaking the Formation."

Yu Lan took the token, carefully observing the evil runes on it. "The evil runes on this token have similarities to the runes of the Myriad Evil Spirit Locking Formation. It might indeed temporarily deceive the Evil Tower's defensive Formation. We can have the captain of each team carry such a token, which might allow them to smoothly enter the Evil Tower's interior."

Chu Feng also nodded. "That's a good idea, it will save a lot of trouble. Moreover, we can use the Evil Knights' corpses to disguise ourselves as a patrol team, approach the Evil Towers, and launch a surprise attack."

After the discussion, everyone began to prepare separately. The Disciples seized the time to rest and Cultivate, recovering their physical and spiritual strength. The Elders, according to the plan, divided the Alliance Grand Army into nine teams, assigning tasks and resources. The Artifact Refining Pavilion Disciples quickly processed the captured Evil Armor and Evil Beast Materials, refining simple demon breaking Magical Artifacts and distributing them to the Disciples of each team.

As night deepened, the Evil Mist in the outskirts of Myriad Evil Grotto grew denser, and ghostly green Evil Flames flickered in the fog, like countless prying eyes. The nine teams of Alliance Disciples were ready, quietly advancing towards their respective Evil Towers.

Lu Chen led the main force towards the central main tower. The main tower's Evil Energy fluctuations were the densest. From a distance, one could see a towering black Evil Tower piercing the clouds, its body inscribed with grotesque evil runes, its top wreathed in black clouds, constantly absorbing the Evil Energy between heaven and earth.

"Everyone be careful. The Evil Energy concentration around the main tower is extremely high. Try to conceal your auras and approach under the cover of the token," Lu Chen whispered, his demon breaking sword already poised.

The Disciples all nodded, following behind Lu Chen, cautiously moving through the dense Evil Mist. They knew that the upcoming battle would be extremely difficult, but to completely eradicate the Evil Clan King's true body and for the peace of the Cultivation World, they could only press forward fearlessly.

At the third watch, the nine teams of Alliance Disciples simultaneously arrived at their respective Evil Towers. With Lu Chen's command, nine signal flares simultaneously ascended, piercing the black night sky. A raid against the Myriad Evil Spirit Locking Formation officially began. What they didn't know was that in the underground palace at the bottom of the Evil Tower, a portion of the Evil Clan King's Origin Power was hidden. This battle to break the Formation was far more perilous than they imagined.