Chapter 12: Venturing into the Tiger's Den to Uncover the Truth
Faced with the threat from the Outer Realm Demonic Path forces, the atmosphere among the members of the Qingxuan Sect was heavy with tension. Through studying the captured demonic shadow, everyone realized that a massive conspiracy was hidden behind the scenes. To figure out the true purpose of the Outer Realm Demonic Path, Lin Yu once again volunteered to venture deep into the dark clouds where the Demonic Cultivators were based to uncover the truth.
The Sect Master knew that this trip was fraught with danger, but Lin Yu's strength and courage made him feel that Lin Yu might just be able to bring back crucial information. After some words of caution, the Sect Master eventually agreed to Lin Yu's request and arranged for several powerful elders to wait in the shadows near the Qingxuan Sect to provide backup.
Lin Yu crossed the defensive light barrier once more and flew toward the dark clouds. This time, he was much better prepared; not only had he cultivated the Chaos Spirit Flame Formula to a deeper level, but he also carried various defensive and offensive magic treasures.
As soon as he approached the dark clouds, dozens of demonic shadows swarmed toward him. Instead of engaging in a protracted battle like last time, Lin Yu employed a newly comprehended movement technique, darting like lightning and moving effortlessly through the swarm of demonic shadows. At the same time, his longsword danced in his hand, turning the Chaos Spirit Flame into streams of fiery sword Qi that beat back the approaching demonic shadows one after another.
After breaking through the interception of the demonic shadows, Lin Yu successfully entered the interior of the dark clouds. Inside the dark clouds, the demonic Qi was as dense as a physical substance, severely limiting his field of vision. Lin Yu proceeded with extreme caution, using his Spiritual Power to perceive the movements around him.
Suddenly, he heard a low chanting sound coming from ahead, seemingly some sort of evil incantation. Following the direction of the sound, Lin Yu crept closer and saw a group of Demonic Cultivators dressed in black robes surrounding a massive black magical formation in an open space, chanting incantations. At the center of the formation hovered a black crystal radiating an eerie glow, with wisps of demonic Qi constantly overflowing from around it.
Lin Yu was startled; he realized that this black crystal was very likely the key to the conspiracy of the Outer Realm Demonic Path. Just as he was preparing to investigate further, a sharp-eyed Demonic Cultivator spotted him.
"An outsider has broken in!" the Demonic Cultivator shouted. Instantly, all the Demonic Cultivators stopped chanting and swarmed toward Lin Yu. Without panicking, Lin Yu quickly produced a high-tier defense talisman and activated its power, forming a transparent barrier to protect himself.
Immediately afterward, Lin Yu unleashed a full-powered strike, his longsword wrapped in the Chaos Spirit Flame as he thrust toward the black crystal. He wanted to destroy this crucial item before the Demonic Cultivators could react. However, when the longsword touched the black crystal, a powerful counter-force surged back, forcing Lin Yu to stagger back several steps.
Seeing this, the Demonic Cultivators unleashed their demonic spells, attacking Lin Yu from all directions. While dodging the attacks, Lin Yu pondered a countermeasure. He noticed that although these Demonic Cultivators were numerous, most of them were only at the Foundation Establishment stage, with only the leader, a Black-robed Elder, having reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
Lin Yu decided to eliminate the Black-robed Elder first to throw their ranks into chaos. Spotting the elder's position, he executed his movement technique and rushed toward the elder like a ghost. Sensing Lin Yu's intent, the elder snorted coldly, produced a black saber, and engaged Lin Yu in combat.
Lin Yu perfectly fused the Shattered Star Sword Art with the Chaos Spirit Flame Formula. His sword moves were fierce and sharp, and the Chaos Spirit Flame made the elder extremely wary. In the intense exchange, Lin Yu gradually gained the upper hand. Finally, seizing the right opportunity, he stabbed the elder through the chest with a single sword strike, slaying him.
Seeing their leader killed, the rest of the Demonic Cultivators instantly fell into chaos. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu broke through the encirclement and flew toward the edge of the dark clouds. The moment he flew out of the dark clouds, he glanced back and silently swore to himself that he would definitely uncover the secret of the black crystal and thwart the conspiracy of the Outer Realm Demonic Path. Upon returning to the Qingxuan Sect, Lin Yu detailed everything he had seen and heard to the Sect Master and the other elders. As everyone began discussing countermeasures, a massive battle against the Outer Realm Demonic Path seemed unavoidable.