### Chapter 77: Encounter
In the newly dug tunnel, the five sat cross-legged, meditating. After two hours of absorbing *Condensation Dew Pills* (suitable for Fifth to Eighth Level Qi Refinement), they'd recovered fully—ready to fight if needed.
"Keep digging," Lin Yi said. "We pick a direction and stick to it. Survival first."
Xiao Liang resumed carving through the earth. For half a day, they dug straight down—until Lin Yi froze.
"I hear wind," he said, frowning.
The others listened, shaking their heads. Even Xiao Liang, Seventh Level like Lin Yi, heard nothing.
"Strange," Lin Yi murmured. "Dig this way. Let's check it out."
Xiao Liang nodded, shifting direction. Half an hour later, he paused. "I hear it now."
Relief washed over them. The sound grew clearer as they dug—proof of an exit, or at least another space.
…
At a small mound, a dark cave gaped, wind howling from within. Four figures stood before it: Huo Bin and the three corrupted cultivators, their auras 邪恶 (fiendish).
Huo Bin stared at the cave—forbidden by the Yin Demon Lord. Behind them, faint rumblings echoed: the sound of digging.
"They're heading here," the Xuanfeng demon sneered.
"Good," Huo Bin said, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Let them come."
…
In the tunnel, Lin Yi's face paled. "Four Foundation Establishment auras—*and they're demonic*."
The others stiffened. "Demonic?"
"One of them… it's Huo Bin," Lin Yi whispered. "He's turned."
Shock rippled through the group. Huo Bin, Dianxuan's inner sect champion—now a demon? And how had he reached Foundation Establishment so fast?
"Foundation Establishment is a leap of 质变 (metamorphosis)," Peng said grimly. "Only dark magic could force it this quickly."
A voice boomed from ahead: "Is that Senior Brother Xiao? Junior Brother Lin?"
"It's him," Lin Yi said, jaw tight.
"Run?" Zhang Ziyan asked.
"Too late," Xiao Liang said. "They'd catch us in moments."
"Wait," Lin Yi decided. "See their intent."
Moments later, Huo Bin called again. "Come out. We won't harm you."
Reluctantly, Xiao Liang resumed digging. When the tunnel breached, light spilled in—revealing Huo Bin and the three demons, standing before the dark cave.
Huo Bin's eyes narrowed. "Seventh Level Peak? Impressive, Junior Brother Lin." He'd last seen Lin Yi at Fifth Level.
"More impressive than your 魔化 (demonic transformation), Senior Brother Huo," Lin Yi shot back, his voice cold.
Huo Bin's smile faded. "You noticed. Smart as ever. But why resist? Join us—power, longevity… everything you desire."
"Join demons?" Peng scoffed. "Never."
The three corrupted cultivators tensed, hands drifting to their weapons.
Huo Bin held up a hand. "Think. Your sects sent you here to die. We offer life. The Yin Demon Lord will grant you Foundation Establishment—*immediately*."
Yan Shizong paled, temptation flickering in his eyes. Foundation Establishment… a dream for most.
"Yan!" Zhang Ziyan snapped, pulling him back.
Huo Bin's smile turned sharp. "Refusal, then." He nodded to the others. "Kill them. Spare the women—Lord Luo might want them."
The demons lunged.
Lin Yi shouted, "Artifacts out!"
Swords and talismans flashed. Xiao Liang's blade clashed with a demon's claw; Peng and Zhang Ziyan teamed up against another. Yan, trembling, hurled a mid-grade artifact—*boom!*—wounding a third.
Lin Yi faced Huo Bin alone, his *Kuang Wang* sword blazing. "How could you betray Dianxuan?"
Huo Bin laughed. "Dianxuan held me back. Power is all that matters." He struck, his spiritual energy laced with 魔气 (demonic qi).
Lin Yi parried, gritting his teeth. Huo Bin's Foundation Establishment strength overwhelmed him—each blow sent shockwaves through his arms.
*碎灵诀 (Shattering Spirit Technique)*, he thought. But he'd drained too much energy in the tunnel.
"Die!" Huo Bin roared, driving Lin Yi back.
Lin Yi stumbled, nearly falling into the dark cave behind him. The wind howled, icy and 刺骨 (piercing), as if the cave itself hungered.
"Senior Brother!" Xiao Liang shouted, trying to reach him—but a demon blocked his path.
Huo Bin's fist crashed toward Lin Yi's chest.
In desperation, Lin Yi 侧身 (dodged), but Huo Bin's aura sent him sprawling—into the cave.
"Lin Yi!" Zhang Ziyan screamed.
Darkness swallowed him. The last thing he heard was Huo Bin's laughter.
…
Lin Yi tumbled through cold wind, his body slamming into stone. He gasped, looking up—only to freeze.
The cave wasn't empty.
At its center stood a 石台 (stone platform), on which rested a 玉简 (jade slip), pulsing with ancient energy. And beside it… a 身影 (figure) in white, eyes closed, as if waiting.
Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat.
The figure opened its eyes—golden, wise, 威严 (majestic).
"Finally," it said, a voice like wind through pines. "Someone worthy."