As Honglan’s final strike arrived, a flash of azure light burst forth from the depths.

A peculiar structure was revealed beneath the last chunk of Spirit Stone.

Countless intricate symbols were engraved across the ground, radiating a faint blue glow as they linked together to form a vast formation.

At its center floated a star-shaped crystal, pulsing in the same rhythm as the surrounding light.

Chen Xuan had never seen anything like it before.

Though he could guess its purpose based on Honglan’s earlier explanation, he was still filled with curiosity.

Noticing his expression, Honglan lifted her chin proudly and took the initiative to explain as the two descended beside the formation.

"This is a Cross-Domain Teleportation Array. I never imagined I’d find one hidden in a remote Domain like this," she said with a sigh.

"Just as the name suggests, it allows cultivators to travel between Domains."

"These arrays usually act as space anchors, forming a thorough teleportation network."

Saying this, her gaze swept across the formation.

Her expression grew serious.

"I can sense that it has been activated just recently."

Leaning down, she gently touched the runes.

"The energy within it is nearly gone. I can still sense some residual fluctuations, however. It appears that something triggered its dormant power and caused it to activate on its own."

Hearing this, Chen Xuan immediately understood. He had a rough idea regarding what had happened.

Most likely, the explosion in the Spirit Stone mine had disrupted the formation and activated its remaining energy.

His disciples had probably been unfortunate, swept into the teleportation process.

It was highly likely that the two were already in the other anchor points Honglan had mentioned.

This realization eased some of his worries. At least he knew where his disciples had gone.

Still, he couldn’t relax completely. The System’s warnings still lingered in his mind.

If it had gone so far as to issue a mission, then the two girls would likely be in danger on the other side.

Without wasting any more time, Chen Xuan turned toward Honglan. He asked the crucial question in his mind.

"How do I activate this array? Is there anything special I need to do?"

Honglan instinctively shook her head before pausing and nodding.

She patted her hands and explained.

"The Cross-Domain Teleportation Array has existed for a very long time. Most of its power has already dissipated due to the passing years."

"The last activation exhausted its final energy reserves."

"If you want to use it again, you’ll need to..."

--

While Honglan was explaining how to reactivate the formation, Chen Xuan’s two disciples were fighting for their lives.

"Die!" Huo Ling’er let out a furious roar.

Her hands turned into fists and smashed forward, crushing the hundreds of tiny spiders rushing toward her.

Her cultivation was still sealed.

Fortunately, the Holy Body granted her extraordinary physical strength, far surpassing that of a mortal.

Combined with the protection of the panda suit, she was barely able to hold back the swarm.

On the other hand, Chi Yao’s situation was far less favorable.

Not only was she an ordinary Mortal Body, but she also lacked any magic weapons.

Forced to remain behind Huo Ling’er, she could only intervene occasionally, helping relieve some of the pressure from time to time.

Her actions, however, did little to improve Huo Ling’er’s mood.

"Damn it!" she cursed while crushing another wave of spiders.

"Is this the brilliant plan you were bragging about with a smug smile? Who told you to blow up the Spirit Stone mine?" she said, watching as the number of spiders grew bigger.

Faced with her accusations, Chi Yao remained silent.

Unlike Huo Ling’er, she understood the gravity of their situation way better.

’Damn it!’ 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

’Who could have predicted that a teleportation array was hidden beneath the mine? I only planned to kill the spider demon!’

She wanted to scream those words aloud, but she forced herself to remain calm.

Huo Ling’er still hadn’t realized they were no longer in the Tianxuan Domain and was thus protecting her in fear of Chen Xuan.

If Chi Yao were to reveal this fact now, Huo Ling’er might not attack her, but she would very well leave her to fend for herself.

Without Huo Ling’er’s help, Chi Yao knew she wouldn’t survive for long.

The thought left her feeling aggrieved.

’Who would’ve thought that one day, I, the Demon Empress, would have to rely on a lunatic to stay alive? If I survive this, I swear I’ll never involve myself with this madwoman in the future!’

Huo Ling’er blamed Chi Yao for everything that happened, convinced that she possessed some sort of Misfortune-Bringing Spirit Body.

On the other side, however, Chi Yao blamed her too!

If Huo Ling’er hadn’t insisted on dragging her into that "spar", none of this would’ve taken place in the first place.

The individual spiders were weak, feeble enough that even mortals could kill them.

Yet, their number appeared to be infinite.

Countless spiders poured from cracks and tunnels throughout the underground cave, rushing at them with bloodshot eyes filled with hunger.

Combined with the lack of any exit, the situation grew increasingly dire.

But the worst had yet to come.

"Skrrchh!"

Suddenly, a piercing screech echoed.

The familiar trembling of the ground occurred, followed by a deafening explosion.

Boom!

The next moment, the wall to their left shattered apart.

Stone fragments and dust scattered in every direction as a massive black limb pierced through the rock and aimed at them.

A gigantic furry head emerged from the gap and peeked at the pair.

The creature’s appearance was instantly reflected in the two women’s eyes.

It closely resembled the spider demon they had encountered earlier.

Yet, its appearance was even more terrifying.

More than twenty feet tall and with countless razor-sharp fangs, it looked even more menacing than their previous opponent.

"A Nascent Soul demon!" Chi Yao whispered as the color of her face drained away.

Despair appeared in her eyes.

She knew their fate was sealed!

Even if their Master somehow arrived right now, it wouldn’t change the outcome!

Facing a Nascent Soul demon, there was only one ending. They would all die!