Chapter 17: Exploration of Shadow Valley

After returning from the cave, Qin Feng and his companions had no time to rest. They knew that the threat from the Dark Cult had not been lifted, and Shadow Valley was the place they had to face next.

Vice Dean Feng Jian summoned Qin Feng and the others and provided more information about Shadow Valley: "Shadow Valley is an extremely dangerous place, shrouded by dark forces all year round. According to our intelligence, it may be the headquarters of the Dark Cult."

"This mission is extremely dangerous, but it is also an opportunity to solve the problem of the Dark Sect once and for all." Feng Jian's eyes swept over everyone, and his tone was solemn, "Are you ready?"

Qin Feng nodded firmly: "We must completely eradicate the Dark Sect and not give them a chance to make a comeback."

"Let's go." Feng Jian handed Qin Feng a detailed map with the route to Shadow Valley marked on it.

Shadow Valley is located in a remote mountain area. The road leading to Shadow Valley is full of dangers - some places are full of poisonous fog, and some terrains are rugged and steep, and you will fall into the abyss if you are not careful.

Along the way, Qin Feng and his team moved forward cautiously, always on guard. Ye Li's Frost Fox explored the way ahead, while Chu Tian and Zhang Meng were responsible for dealing with any emergencies that might arise around them.

"The place ahead is the legendary forbidden land - the Black Mist Swamp." Ye Li said, pointing to a dark area in the distance.

Qin Feng observed the surrounding environment and found that there was a thick layer of black fog floating above the Black Mist Swamp, which was filled with strong corrosive spiritual power.

"We have to find a way to get around it." Qin Feng said.

"I'm afraid this black fog swamp is not so easy to bypass." Chu Tian frowned and said, "If we delay here for too long, we may miss the best opportunity."

"We have no choice but to force our way through." Zhang Meng tightened his grip on the giant rock bear's reins, "Use your spiritual power to protect your body and quickly cross the swamp."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and they gathered their spiritual power to form a protective layer on their bodies, and then quickly crossed the black fog swamp. Although the black fog continued to erode their spiritual power shields, they relied on their strong will and teamwork to finally successfully cross the swamp.

When they reached the other side of the swamp, everyone felt exhausted, but their hearts were still full of fighting spirit.

"Shadow Valley is just ahead." Qin Feng said while looking at the map.

When Qin Feng and his team finally arrived at the entrance of Shadow Valley, the scene before them made them shudder. Shadow Valley was surrounded by towering mountains, and the valley was filled with an oppressive dark atmosphere. The surrounding vegetation withered and the air was filled with the smell of decay.

"The fluctuation of spiritual energy here is very abnormal." Ye Li closed her eyes and sensed it, frowning, "It seems that something is absorbing the spiritual energy around."

"We have to be more careful. There must be members of the dark sect lying in ambush here." Chu Tian reminded.

Qin Feng led everyone into the valley carefully. They found that the terrain in the valley was complex, like a maze, with ancient architectural ruins everywhere, as if this place was once the stronghold of a powerful force.

"These ruins seem to have a history of several hundred years." Zhang Meng said, "It seems that the secrets of Shadow Valley are not just the Dark Cult."

As they went deeper, they gradually approached the center of the valley. Suddenly, a few red lights flashed in the darkness ahead, and several huge black shadows emerged from the darkness and blocked their way.

"This is... a soul beast!" Qin Feng said vigilantly. He immediately raised the Dragon Shadow Sword and prepared to fight.

Those soul beasts were covered with black scales, their eyes flashing red light, and they had obviously been corrupted by the power of darkness.

"Everyone, be careful. These soul beasts may be more difficult to deal with than we thought." Ye Li warned.

The battle was about to start. These dark soul beasts were not only powerful, but also had strong regenerative abilities. Qin Feng's Dragon Shadow Sword chopped on their scales, making a metallic collision sound, but soon the scars on the scales healed as before.

"These soul beasts have been completely eroded by the power of darkness. We have to find their weaknesses." Qin Feng said, quickly scanning the battlefield, looking for a breakthrough.

Chu Tian's Storm Wolf kept shuttling between the soul beasts, using its speed and flexibility to find the enemy's flaws, while Ye Li released cold air through the Frost Fox, trying to slow down the soul beasts' movements.

Zhang Meng's Giant Rock Bear faced the attacks of those soul beasts head-on, and its powerful defense bought the team precious time.

Suddenly, Qin Feng noticed that the eyes of those dark soul beasts would briefly lose their red light when attacked. Ye Li quickly reacted: "Their weakness is in their eyes!"

"Everyone, concentrate on attacking their eyes!" Qin Feng shouted.

After hearing the instructions, Chu Tian and Zhang Meng immediately adjusted their attack targets. The Storm Wolf's Thunder Claw accurately hit the eye of one of the soul beasts. The red light disappeared immediately, and the soul beast fell to the ground howling in pain.

With this discovery, Qin Feng and his men quickly adjusted their tactics and defeated the dark soul beasts one by one. Although the battle was extremely difficult, they eventually succeeded in destroying all the soul beasts.

"It seems that although the power of darkness is strong, it is not invincible." Zhang Meng wiped the sweat from his forehead and said in a deep voice.

"This is just the beginning." Qin Feng stared ahead, "We are getting closer and closer to the core base of the Dark Cult."

After the battle, Qin Feng and his companions continued to move forward and finally came to the deepest part of Shadow Valley. There, they saw a huge altar, which was engraved with ancient runes and emitted a strange light.

"This is their core base." Ye Li said in a low voice, with a hint of coldness in his eyes.

There were several members of the dark sect performing some kind of ritual next to the altar, and they seemed to have not noticed the arrival of Qin Feng and his group.

"This is our best chance." Chu Tian said in a low voice.

Qin Feng nodded and signaled everyone to act carefully. They quietly approached the altar, ready to destroy the enemy's plan in one fell swoop. However, just as they were about to launch the attack, the altar suddenly emitted a strong light, and the entire valley began to shake.

"You are finally here." A gloomy voice came from the altar, and Qin Feng and the others immediately felt a strong sense of oppression coming towards them.

A tall figure in a black robe slowly walked out from behind the altar. His face was hidden under the hood, but from the powerful spiritual energy emanating from him, it could be felt that this man was far more powerful than any enemy they had encountered before.

"Welcome to Shadow Valley. I have been waiting for you for a long time." The man in black robe sneered and said, "Your journey ends here."

Qin Feng felt a chill in his heart. He knew that they were about to face a truly powerful enemy, and this battle would determine their fate.