Chapter 15: Aftermath and Hidden Dangers Emerge
Having survived the fierce and brutal battle between righteousness and evil, the Qingxuan Sect and various other sects in the Immortality Cultivation World successfully repelled the forces of the Outer Realm Demonic Path, though not without paying a heavy price. Many structures within the sect were destroyed, and numerous disciples were injured or even lost their lives in the fighting. In the wake of the great battle, the entire Qingxuan Sect was enveloped in grief, even as recovery and rebuilding efforts immediately began.
Lin Yu had sustained severe injuries during the battle and was rushed back to his immortal cave to seclude himself and heal. Throughout his seclusion, he constantly reflected on his experiences from the battle. He couldn't shake the feeling that the recent actions of the Outer Realm Demonic Path were far too bizarre—it felt as though it had merely been a probing attack, concealing a much larger conspiracy behind the scenes.
As his injuries gradually improved, Lin Yu concluded his seclusion. Stepping out of his immortal cave, he looked upon the bustling scene of reconstruction throughout the Qingxuan Sect, filled with a myriad of emotions. He made his way to the Sect Master's residence to discuss the aftermath of the battle with him.
"Sect Master, after this great battle, I can't shake the feeling that the Outer Realm Demonic Path will not let the matter rest," Lin Yu said with a worried expression. "Their actions this time seemed to serve another purpose, and the Demon-Gathering Crystal was likely just one part of their plan."
The Sect Master nodded, his expression grave. "I share the same sentiment. Although the demonic forces were repelled, the strength they displayed cannot be underestimated. Furthermore, during the fight, I noticed that the Demon General did not seem to be using his full power; they appeared to be holding back."
As the two men were speaking, a disciple hurried over to report that while clearing the battlefield, some strange black rune fragments had been discovered. Lin Yu and the Sect Master immediately went to inspect them.
At the location where the rune fragments were stored, Lin Yu observed them closely and found that the runes carved upon them bore a resemblance to the black formation runes he had previously seen deep within the dark clouds, yet they were not entirely the same.
"These runes seem to be conveying a certain message, but we are unable to decipher it at present," Lin Yu said with a frown.
The Sect Master pondered for a moment before speaking. "Let us summon the Runes Elder of our sect to study these fragments together. Perhaps we can uncover some clues."
Consequently, the Runes Elder and other experts in runecraft within the Qingxuan Sect were summoned. After days of research and discussion, they finally made a breakthrough. When pieced together, these rune fragments appeared to form part of an ancient demonic formation, which was connected to a secret art capable of opening a passage to other realms.
"Could the forces of the Outer Realm Demonic Path be attempting to open a passage to another realm to summon even more powerful forces?" Lin Yu asked in shock, voicing his conjecture.
Upon hearing this, everyone present agreed that this hypothesis was highly probable. If this proved to be true, the crisis facing the Immortality Cultivation World would exceed all imagination.
Just then, further news arrived: several surrounding sects in the Immortality Cultivation World had also discovered similar black rune fragments, and signs indicated that the appearance of these fragments was no coincidence; someone seemed to have left them behind intentionally.
Everyone in the Qingxuan Sect realized that an even greater crisis was quietly descending upon them. They had to take action as soon as possible to thwart the conspiracy of the Outer Realm Demonic Path. However, their current knowledge of this mysterious demonic formation was sparse, and everything was fraught with the unknown and unprecedented challenges. Lin Yu knew deeply that the responsibility on his shoulders had grown even heavier, and he resolved to embark once more on the path of seeking the truth, determined to carve out a sliver of hope for the Immortality Cultivation World no matter how many hardships and obstacles lay ahead.