Chapter 11: The Shadows of the Outer Realm Begin to Surface
After a period of reorganization, the Qingxuan Sect grew increasingly united and stable, and Lin Yu's standing within the sect solidified day by day. However, the peace of the Immortality Cultivation World was often merely the calm before the storm.
One day, Lin Yu was in his immortal cave in secluded cultivation, practicing the Chaos Spirit Flame Formula in an attempt to break through his current realm. Suddenly, a violent fluctuation of Spiritual Power came from outside the Qingxuan Sect, disrupting his practice. Startled, Lin Yu immediately ended his cultivation and flew out of the cave.
When he arrived in the skies above the Qingxuan Sect, he discovered a bizarre patch of black clouds rolling across the sky, with demonic shadows faintly weaving through them. The disciples below had also noticed the anomaly and were gathering in the square, gazing up at the sky with nervous expressions.
"What is going on? Why would such a bizarre phenomenon appear?" Lin Yu frowned, a wave of ominous foreboding surging in his heart.
At that moment, the sect master and other elders also rushed over. The sect master looked at the black clouds in the sky with a grave expression and said, "This aura is filled with the evil power of the demonic path. I'm afraid an Outer Realm Demonic Path faction has invaded."
Everyone was struck with terror. The Outer Realm Demonic Path factions had always been mysterious and powerful; once they invaded, they would inevitably bring a massive catastrophe to the Immortality Cultivation World. Clenching his fists with a resolute gaze, Lin Yu said, "Sect Master, no matter who comes, we must protect the Qingxuan Sect and safeguard the Immortality Cultivation World!" The other disciples responded one after another, their morale soaring.
The sect master nodded and immediately gave the order to activate the sect's grand defensive array, while arranging for the elders and disciples to take their respective positions and prepare to meet the enemy. As the defensive array activated, a layer of transparent light materialized around the Qingxuan Sect, enveloping the entire sect within it.
However, the black clouds in the sky did not launch an immediate attack, merely hovering above the Qingxuan Sect as if waiting for something. Lin Yu keenly sensed that this demonic faction was apparently testing the strength of the Qingxuan Sect.
To figure out the opponent's background, Lin Yu took the initiative to request an assignment from the sect master: "Sect Master, let me go out and scout. Perhaps I can find their flaws."
The sect master hesitated somewhat; after all, the Outer Realm Demonic Path forces were an unknown entity, and rushing out rashly was extremely dangerous. But seeing Lin Yu's firm gaze, the sect master ultimately agreed: "Proceed with caution. The moment there is danger, return immediately."
Employing his movement technique, Lin Yu passed through the defensive light barrier and flew toward the black clouds. As he drew close to the black clouds, a dense demonic Qi rushed toward him, forcing him to circulate his Spiritual Power in defense. Suddenly, several demonic shadows darted out from the black clouds and lunged at Lin Yu. These demonic shadows resembled humans, but their entire bodies emitted black Flames, and their expressions were ferocious.
Without a shred of fear, Lin Yu unleashed the Shattered Star Sword Art, his blade coated in Chaos Spirit Flame as he engaged the demonic shadows in fierce combat. The strength of the demonic shadows was around the Foundation Establishment Early-stage; although they posed no fatal threat to Lin Yu, their sheer numbers kept him momentarily overwhelmed.
During the battle, Lin Yu discovered that these demonic shadows seemed to be manipulated by some kind of force—though agile in their movements, they lacked independent consciousness. An idea struck him, and he decided to capture a demonic shadow to bring back for study.
Deliberately leaving an opening, Lin Yu lured one of the demonic shadows into a trap. Seizing the opportunity, the demonic shadow lunged fiercely at him. Lin Yu caught the shadow's arm at the exact right moment while channeling his Chaos Spirit Flame to restrict its movements. The other demonic shadows swarmed forward to rescue it. While parrying their attacks, Lin Yu rapidly retreated back into the Qingxuan Sect with the captured demonic shadow in tow.
Upon returning to the sect, Lin Yu handed the demonic shadow over to the sect master and several elders well-versed in demonic path research. After a thorough investigation, they discovered that a special demonic seed had been planted within the demonic shadow, and it was precisely this seed that controlled its actions.
"It seems this Outer Realm Demonic Path faction is no simple matter. They appear to be plotting an even greater conspiracy," the sect master said gravely as he looked at the subdued demonic shadow. Lin Yu and the other elders fell into deep contemplation as well, understanding that a massive crisis was quietly descending, and the Qingxuan Sect would bear the brunt of it.