Chapter 141: Entering The Cavern

A collective gasp arose from the women.

"No!" Xia Qingwu's voice, normally soft-spoken, held a steely edge. "The dangers are too great!"

Wang Xiangyi chimed in, her voice laced with concern, "We need your leadership here, Li. The Alliance wouldn't be the same without you."

Even Song Jingyan, usually composed, spoke her mind. "There's strength in numbers, Wang Li. Let's send a team."

Wang Li chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. He understood their concern, their worry for his well-being. Yet, he had a bigger picture in mind.

"While that's a sound strategy for acquiring the inheritance, there's more to consider. The arrival of prominent figures from the top righteous sects presents a unique opportunity."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Think of it. All these powerful sect masters and leaders away from their sects, focused solely on the inheritance. It's the perfect chance to expand our alliance, recruit talented disciples and elders from smaller sects yearning for a stronger backing."

His words sparked a flicker of understanding in Xia Bingling's eyes. "You're right," she admitted. "With the top leaders absent, our influence in the region could grow exponentially."

"Furthermore," Wang Li continued, his voice low and urgent, "I suspect the demonic sects won't miss this opportunity. Imagine dealing a crippling blow to their forces while they're preoccupied with the inheritance!"

A resolute glint entered Song Jingyan's eyes. "Intriguing. A coordinated effort with the remaining righteous sects could severely weaken the demonic influence in the region."

A frown creased Xia Bingling's face. "But I can accompany you, Wang Li," she insisted. "My strength could be invaluable in navigating the dangers within the inheritance site."

Wang Li shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "While your strength is undeniable, Matriarch Xia, your presence here is crucial. The Alliance needs your leadership. Besides," he added, a playful glint in his eyes, "With your Soul Integration Realm cultivation, no force will dare to touch the Three Peaks Alliance. "

He turned to Xia Qingwu, Wang Xiangyi and Song Jingyan, who were also looking to join the expedition. "And you three," he said gently, "your presence here is equally important. Imagine the chaos if the Alliance's leadership suddenly vanished. It would be a disaster."

Both women understood the logic of his words, but a flicker of disappointment remained in their eyes.

Sensing their apprehension, Wang Li decided to reveal a secret weapon. "However," he began, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I've been cultivating a new technique. A way to utilize my Yin Attribute to an advanced level."

He paused, letting the anticipation build before continuing. "This technique allows me to... disappear."

Intrigue lit up the faces around the table. With a flourish, Wang Li channeled his cultivation energy. A dark mist swirled around him, momentarily obscuring his form before dissipating entirely. In his chair sat an empty space.

A gasp escaped Xia Bingling's lips. "By the heavens! Even with my Soul Integration Realm cultivation, I couldn't sense him at all!"

Wang Li reappeared with a triumphant grin. "This technique allows me to completely mask my presence. It wouldn't work for a large group, but for myself, it's perfect. I can navigate the dangers within the site unseen."

Finally, the moment Wang Li had been waiting for arrived. A wave of white robes flowed into view, heralding the arrival of the Jade Lotus Palace.

Their leader, the formidable Palace Mistress Jiu Lan, cut an imposing figure.

Even from afar, her aura radiated power and an air of unyielding control.

By her side stood Liu Xue, her personal disciple, her seductive beauty drawing curious glances. Behind them flowed a sea of female disciples, their faces a picture of unwavering devotion to their leader.

With a satisfied smirk, Wang Li activated his newly acquired Yin Attribute ability.

A wave of darkness engulfed him, effectively cloaking his physical form and spiritual aura.

This technique, honed to perfection, made him invisible not just to the naked eye, but even to the spiritual senses.

A perfect camouflage against human cultivators, but he was well aware of its limitations – it wouldn't fool beasts whose senses are attuned to something more than just spiritual presence.

In fact, the only reason that the beasts would be able to detect him was because Wang Li believed it due to their elemental affinity and terrifying sixth sense.

With a sense of renewed confidence, Wang Li knew it was time to make his move.

A ripple of anticipation surged through the assembled Jade Lotus Palace disciples as Palace Mistress Jiu Lan, her icy beauty radiating an aura of authority, led them towards the cavern entrance.

With a final, sweeping glance at the surrounding landscape, she stepped through the gaping maw, followed swiftly by her disciples and elders.

Wang Li, invisible thanks to his Yin Attribute ability, trailed close behind. The moment he crossed the threshold, a peculiar sensation washed over him.

It felt less like entering a cavern and more like stepping into another realm entirely.

He whirled around, expecting to see the familiar entrance, but it was gone. In its place, only a smooth, featureless stone wall remained. He realized that he had been teleported.

Panic threatened to rise, but Wang Li quickly quelled it.

He was a cultivator, not a fledgling scared of the dark. But the realization settled in – the entrance served as a one-way portal, dumping him somewhere deep within the labyrinth. Escaping wouldn't be a simple matter of retracing his steps.

Survival depended solely on his skill and a healthy dose of luck.

But fate, it seemed, had thrown him a small mercy. A short distance ahead, bathed in the faint glow of luminous fungi, he spotted the figures of the Jade Lotus Palace disciples.

They moved with cautious steps, their faces etched with apprehension. Unlike their usual elegant demeanor, they refrained from flying, their movements restricted to the uneven terrain.