Chapter 1887 — 1887: Bai Zhan's Immortal Cave

Once Elder Bai made his decision, he wasted no time. Without another word, he led Yuan directly to Bai Zhan's Immortal Cave, a place that few had ever stepped foot in.

The journey took them to Immortal Peak, a sacred ground within the sect where only Core Disciples and sect elders were permitted to enter. It was a place of prestige, home to the most promising talents and the most powerful figures in the sect.

Immortal Caves were sacred cultivation grounds, naturally formed in locations where spiritual energy gathered at an accelerated rate. Nestled within mountains or hidden in secluded areas, these places brimmed with an abundance of spiritual energy, allowing cultivators to cultivate at a speed far beyond ordinary means.

Because of their immense value, Immortal Caves were considered natural treasures, reserved only for the most talented. To have access to one was not just an honor but a testament to one's potential and standing within the sect. In fact, even amongst the few Core Disciples and sect elders at the sect, only a select few had access to them.

The only reason Bai Zhan was able to enter the Immortal Peak, much less acquire an Immortal Cave of his own as an Outer Court Disciple, was because of his grandfather's status as Grand Elder.

Additionally, the number of Immortal Caves a sect possessed was directly tied to its prestige and standing in the cultivation world. These sites were rare and highly sought after, meaning that a sect's ability to control them was a testament to its influence and power.

The more Immortal Caves a sect owned, the more valuable it became, as these sites provided an unmatched advantage in cultivation speed. Powerful sects with multiple Immortal Caves often attracted the most talented disciples, further solidifying their dominance over weaker sects.

Upon reaching Bai Zhan's Immortal Cave, Elder Bai finally halted before the entrance, his gaze fixed on the sealed doors. His hands clenched at his sides as a deep breath escaped him.

"This is your final chance," he warned in a cold tone.

Despite the seriousness in Elder Bai's tone and demeanor, Yuan couldn't help but smile, "You're still able to offer me warnings? You're just as kind as I remember, Elder Bai."

"What?" Elder Bai frowned, not because he thought Yuan was mocking him.

'He's speaking as if he's known me for a long time, but this is definitely our first meeting!'

In the end, Elder Bai decided to ignore Yuan's remark and opened Bai Zhan's Immortal Cave.

Although the exterior of the Immortal Cave bore a resemblance to the Confinement Chambers, its interior was a world apart.

Stepping inside, one was immediately met with a sense of vastness—the space was far larger than one would expect from the outside. Unlike the cold, barren, and almost suffocating atmosphere of the Confinement Chambers, the Immortal Cave was a place of luxury and vitality.

Elegant furnishings filled the space, from finely crafted wooden tables and silk-draped seating to intricate jade ornaments that shimmered under the soft glow of spiritual lamps. The very air itself felt alive, so rich in spiritual energy that a thin mist naturally formed, drifting lazily across the floor like an ethereal veil. Every breath taken inside carried a surge of renewed energy, making it clear why these caves were reserved for only the most privileged cultivators.

The stark contrast between the two locations was undeniable. The Confinement Chamber was a place meant to break the spirit, to suppress and isolate, while the Immortal Cave was designed to nurture one's potential, offering an environment that could elevate a cultivator's strength at an unparalleled rate.

The moment Elder Bai stepped into the Immortal Cave, his breath hitched.

The unmistakable presence of Bai Zhan's essence within the space brought forth a wave of emotions. It was as if, for a fleeting moment, his grandson was still there—still sitting in meditation.

A sharp pain stabbed at Elder Bai's chest. The loss he had tried so hard to suppress came crashing back with brutal force.

His expression darkened, grief quickly twisting into rage. His eyes snapped toward Yuan, his killing intent erupting once more. The air turned heavy, suffused with his boundless fury.

"You…" he growled, his voice low and venomous, his entire being trembling with restraint.

To Elder Bai, this place was a painful reminder of what had been stolen from him—the grandson who had once cultivated here, who had once carried his pride and expectations. And standing before him, utterly unfazed, was the very person responsible for his loss.

The urge to strike Yuan down where he stood clawed at his mind, yet something held him back.

Yuan calmly spoke a moment later, "I won't take a step from here just in case you think I will try to do something."

He pointed at a certain object resting on a shelf and continued, "All of the evidence is inside that box."

Elder Bai's sharp gaze locked onto the wooden box that Yuan was pointing at.

At a glance, it seemed ordinary, unassuming—just a simple container resting among Bai Zhan's belongings.

However, Elder Bai could tell the box was heavily protected by several layered arrays. There was even one that prevented tampering, ensuring the contents would be destroyed if someone tried opening it by force.

A sense of unease crept into Elder Bai's heart. Why would Bai Zhan need something so heavily secured inside his own Immortal Cave, where no one but himself had access? The tamper-prevention array was especially suspicious.

'What the hell is inside that box? Not even the sect's secret techniques are that heavily guarded…' Elder Bai swallowed nervously as his heart began beating faster and faster.

"What's wrong, Elder Bai? Aren't you curious what's inside that box? Go ahead and open it," Yuan urged him.

Elder Bai gritted his teeth, his jaw tightening as he fought the overwhelming urge to strike Yuan down where he stood. With a deep breath, he forced himself forward, his steps small, unsteady, and full of uncertainty.

As he reached the wooden box, his hand hovered above it for a moment, his fingers trembling slightly. Then, with a slow, measured breath, he steeled himself, grabbing the box a second later.