Su Luo asked a few more questions, but Fan Tian couldn't explain clearly. No matter how she threatened or coaxed him, he knew nothing.
"Eldest Senior Brother, what do we do now?"
"The Life and Death Chasm is one of the Four Forbidden Zones, and it's fraught with peril."
Li Tianjue pondered deeply, his brow furrowed as he said, "Master has been gone for over four years. If he was truly tricked by the Demonic Sect and trapped in the Life and Death Chasm, it's not impossible. We must go and investigate as soon as possible."
Immediately, Li Tianjue and Su Luo found the Grand Elder and shared this crucial clue.
The Grand Elder was also moved, "Is the Sect Leader really in the Life and Death Chasm? This is trouble!"
The Xuanhuang Continent had many dangerous places, but only the Four Forbidden Zones were the most fearsome. For instance, the Mire of Netherfire was one of them. The other three were the Abyssal Soul Burial, the Nightmare Cold Pool, and the Life and Death Chasm.
And the Life and Death Chasm was the most dangerous, for no one had ever emerged alive from it!
Soon, all the inner disciples of Qingxu Heaven arrived.
Bai Qi was the most worried. His father was in trouble, no wonder he hadn't returned for so many years.
"Father is actually in the Life and Death Chasm? Grand Elder, you must save my father..." He was anxious.
Chu Tianshu also said with concern, "Yes, no matter how dangerous it is, we must go and find Master immediately! Perhaps Master needs our help. If we don't go soon, and Master truly meets with misfortune, it will be terrible."
Tang Xiaoguo clenched her fists and said urgently, "Since Fan Tian said there are still a few years, it means Master is fine for now. We must hurry."
"Everyone, don't panic. I have a different perspective."
It was Lu Jixing who spoke. He frowned in thought, "Master's cultivation is among the best on the continent. Although he is indifferent to fame and fortune, he has great foresight. How could he easily fall into the Demonic Sect's trap and go to a place like the Life and Death Chasm? I suspect it might be a ploy by the Demonic Sect to deceive us."
Zhan Li moved his lips, his face showing worry, but he still said nothing.
The Grand Elder stroked his beard and said solemnly, "Everyone's speculation is possible. It's just that the Sect Leader has been missing for a long time. We previously thought Master had gone to find medicine for Qi'er, which is why he hadn't returned. But it's been over four years now. Knowing that Qi'er is gravely ill, how could Master not care and not return? This indicates that he must have been delayed by something!"
"Regardless, this news must absolutely not be spread!" Su Luo said immediately.
Everyone understood her meaning.
The fact that the Sect Leader of Qingxu Heaven was in trouble would not only damage Qingxu Heaven's reputation but also cause unrest within the sect. Someone would surely seize the opportunity to cause trouble, fish in troubled waters, and even the entire continent's situation would change drastically.
The Grand Elder's gaze fell on Li Tianjue, "Tianjue, what are your thoughts?"
Others also looked at him, as if waiting for him to make the decision.
This was a consensus formed by the disciples of Qingxu Heaven through long-term interaction and experience. No matter what happened, as long as Li Tianjue made a decision, it would be the most correct. They only needed to follow Eldest Senior Brother and assist him, and they would ultimately succeed.
This also represented everyone's trust in Li Tianjue.
"There is one more thing I think we should all be told."
At this moment, Su Luo spoke, "Actually, from the personal jade pendant I received from Master last time, I discovered another piece of information. It contained a map, precisely of the Life and Death Chasm."
As soon as she finished speaking, even the Grand Elder was moved, "Su girl, are you serious?"
Li Tianjue also looked at Su Luo, "Luoluo, how do you know?"
This was the part she couldn't explain clearly, so she was forced to confess now.
Su Luo said with some difficulty, "Great Grandfather, Eldest Senior Brother, I don't know how to explain this, but I can guarantee it's true. Based on the current clues, there is a ninety percent chance that Master is in the Life and Death Chasm."
"Then we must go!"
Although Su Luo couldn't explain clearly, Li Tianjue didn't press her. He said in a deep voice, "Master's safety is paramount. We must go. Luoluo, do you still remember that map?"
Su Luo nodded, "I remember."
What was detected by the Divine Eye Mirror could be reviewed repeatedly. Even if the jade pendant was lost now, she could still see it.
Li Tianjue said, "That's good. Although the Life and Death Chasm is within the territory of the Dark Demon Ridge, as long as we are well-prepared and have Fan Tian with us, we should be able to manage if we're careful."
The Grand Elder finally made the decision, "Alright, it's settled. Tianjue, this matter is entrusted to you. Depart as soon as possible."
Immediately, everyone expressed their willingness to go, except for Jun Mubai, who was too weak to help.
On the map, the territory of the Dark Demon Ridge was larger than the borders of the Northern Underworld Empire.
After passing the desolate Serpent Desert, they officially entered the dangerous lands. There were demonic sects built in remote and barren mountains, or demons cultivating in hidden caves and abysses, all of whom were ferocious and practiced sinister methods. They even slaughtered each other at times.
Of course, within the territory of the Dark Demon Ridge, there were also some low-level countries that were enslaved or controlled. The people in these countries lived miserable lives and could not escape. They generally did not live past forty years old.
Ordinary cultivators, even those who frequently undertook black market missions, would not easily cross the Serpent Desert.
The only exception was Li Tianjue, who would travel thousands of miles to hunt down certain demons and take their heads. It was precisely his fearless decisiveness and super strength that forced the demonic organizations to restrain themselves and made them hate him to the bone.
The group discussed the travel route and would set off in three days.
This was a secret expedition. Although many people were going, not a single outer disciple of Qingxu Heaven knew about it.
After the discussion, everyone returned to their rooms to pack.
Su Luo followed Li Tianjue back to Mo Xiang Ju.
"Luoluo, do you have something to tell me privately?" Li Tianjue looked at her gently, a trace of affection he himself didn't notice in his eyes. He also had servants bring tea, snacks, and fruit.
"This trip is very dangerous. I have something good to give Eldest Senior Brother. I guarantee you'll like it," Su Luo smiled.
She could finally give away the divine artifact she obtained from King Yi's treasure vault.
Li Tianjue was a little surprised. This girl was going to give him a gift?
Su Luo took out the divine artifact she had carefully selected for Li Tianjue from her storage ring, a long sword, and placed it on the table.
A ferocious exotic beast coiled around the black scabbard, lifelike, exuding an aura of black flames. As soon as it was taken out, the entire room turned cold, and all the objects vibrated noisily, making Li Tianjue's eyes sharpen.
"Divine artifact?!" He was shocked.
"Yes, this sword is a divine artifact, called the Zhuzhao Sword. Its power is heaven-defying, capable of cleaving the void," Su Luo said with a smile, a hint of pride on her face. "I obtained this with great effort and am giving it to you, Eldest Senior Brother. Do you like it?"
Even Li Tianjue had never seen a divine artifact before.
No matter how composed he was, he couldn't suppress his excitement at this moment. He then realized something, "Luoluo, is this a thank-you gift from Queen Yi for saving her? It's too precious!"
Su Luo was waiting to see Li Tianjue's shocked and grateful expression. It was too rare.
"Eldest Senior Brother, why don't you try it?"
Li Tianjue's breath deepened. He reached out and grasped the scabbard, then drew out the sword with a clang.
Instantly, a strong heat emanated from the black sword, and rolling black flames swept out, engulfing the entire room. Even though he was careful, he was still caught off guard. The flammable items in the room all caught fire, licked by the black flames.