Trial of Inner Demons: Love Aids the Breakthrough
Hu Feng returned to the sect to recuperate after his successful mission to retrieve the treasure from the mysterious ruins. Though his body gradually healed, he fell into a bottleneck in his cultivation.
Every day at the peak of Rosy Clouds Peak, he sat in secluded meditation, absorbing spiritual energy and circulating his technique as he attempted to break through to the tenth stage of the Qi Condensation stage. Yet that invisible barrier remained as unyielding as a wall of bronze and iron; no matter how turbulent his spiritual power surged or how fierce his sword formula was, he could never break through.
On this day, Hu Feng sat cross-legged in the quiet chamber, beams of spiritual light flashing around his body like a nimble, encircling river of stars.
He clenched his teeth tightly, veins bulging on his forehead and sweat pouring down like rain as he fully unleashed the Ethereal Sword Formula and the Astral Spirit Formula. His spiritual power transformed into tangible sword shadows and dazzling stars, frantically battering the spiritual barriers within his body.
Yet in an instant, a dark demonic energy surged from the depths of his heart, taking the form of the bloody scenes of his parents' tragic deaths and the massacre at Daoxiang Village. It whispered like an inner demon: "You couldn't save them. With your mere abilities, you still expect to eradicate the evil in this world?"
Hu Feng abruptly opened his eyes, bloodshot and filled with a ferocious, agonizing expression, and roared: "Shut up!" His spiritual power instantly fell into chaos, and a mouthful of stagnant blood spewed out, staining his robes.
Right at that moment, Yuji Zi pushed open the door and stepped inside. Startled by the sight, he hurried forward to support him: "Feng'er, is it the inner demons acting up?"
With his spiritual breath unstable, Hu Feng nodded and said: "Master, my heart is filled with hatred, and the inner demons have seized this opportunity to invade. I have been stuck at the tenth stage of the Qi Condensation stage for so long, what should I do?" A look of deep worry crossed Yuji Zi's face as he said in a solemn voice: "Inner demons stem from obsession. Your obsession is too deep; the more anxious you are to break through, the stronger the inner demons become. Stop forcing your closed-door meditation—go outside for a walk and clear your mind."
Though reluctant, Hu Feng could not disobey his master and had no choice but to get up and head down the mountain. When he reached the sect's garden, it was the height of spring, with blooming flowers like brocade and fluttering butterflies.
Yet Hu Feng had no heart to enjoy the scenery, consumed entirely by anxiety. While he was thus vexed, a peal of silver-bell-like laughter reached his ears. Turning his head, he saw Lin Yao holding a flower basket, darting back and forth among the blossoms to gather spiritual flowers. A light pink dress danced with the wind, her dark hair draped over her shoulders, and she smiled as prettily as a spring sprite.
Seeing the desolate expression on Hu Feng's face, Lin Yao hurried over and asked with concern: "Senior Brother Hu, why is your complexion so terrible? Are you feeling unwell?"
Hu Feng forced a smile: "Thank you for your concern, Junior Sister Lin. I have simply encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation and feel somewhat vexed."
Lin Yao tilted her head, blinking her lively eyes: "Senior Brother, cultivation is like sailing against the current—it cannot be rushed. The spiritual energy in this garden is rich, and all the flowers and plants possess spiritual charm. Perhaps they will help Senior Brother find an opportunity for a breakthrough. Let me walk with you."
Unable to refuse, Hu Feng strolled side by side with her.
Lin Yao bent down to lightly sniff a stalk of spiritual orchid, then turned to Hu Feng and said: "Senior Brother, look at this spiritual orchid. It grows in the crack of a stone, enduring wind and rain, yet it strives to bloom with a rich fragrance. Cultivation is just the same; adversity is merely tempering."
Lost in thought, Hu Feng let his gaze fall upon the spiritual orchid, and a faint glimmer seemed to flash across his heart.
Even as she spoke, the sky suddenly turned gloomy, dark clouds rolling across it as an illusion of the inner demon materialized out of thin air. It was precisely the tragic scene from the day his parents died, the stench of blood rushing toward them.
The inner demon laughed wildly: "Hu Feng, you cannot escape! This pain will accompany you for the rest of your life!" Instantly turning pale, Hu Feng clutched his head with both hands as his spiritual power raged violently, on the verge of spinning out of control.
Seeing this, Lin Yao turned pale with fright, yet she quickly steadied herself, grabbed Hu Feng's arm, and channeled her spiritual power into him as she said softly: "Senior Brother, don't be afraid! This is an illusion created by the inner demon, it isn't real!"
With a hazy gaze as if sinking into an abyss, Hu Feng murmured: "Father, Mother... I couldn't save you..."
Burning with anxiety, Lin Yao cupped Hu Feng's cheeks in both hands, stared straight into his eyes, and shouted loudly: "Hu Feng! Look at me! Your parents would certainly not wish to see you devoured by the inner demons. You shoulder the great righteousness of all living beings, and there are still many unfinished tasks waiting for you!"
Fine beads of sweat broke out on her forehead as she poured all her own spiritual power into suppressing Hu Feng's inner demon. A gentle curtain of light spread out from her palms, enveloping Hu Feng.
Hu Feng's body trembled, and focus gradually returned to his eyes. Looking at Lin Yao's resolute expression and the beads of sweat on her brow, a wave of warmth surged from the bottom of his heart, like the warm spring sun scattering the gloom.
He took a deep breath and circulated his spiritual power, cooperating with Lin Yao to banish the inner demon.
After a moment, the inner demon illusion dissipated, and the spiritual power around Hu Feng grew calm, his breathing long and steady.
He cupped his fists in gratitude: "Junior Sister Lin, thank you. If not for your timely aid, I fear I would have fallen into the demonic path."
A blush suffused Lin Yao's cheeks as she shook her head and smiled lightly: "Senior Brother is too polite. Since we belong to the same sect, we naturally ought to support one another. Besides, being able to help Senior Brother makes me happy too."
With a burning gaze, Hu Feng seemed to have made up his mind as he said: "Junior Sister, through this ordeal, I have realized that inner demons must be broken through state of mind. In the past, my eyes were blinded by hatred; from now on, I shall keep hope in my heart and cherish the present. This opportunity for a breakthrough was given to me by you, Junior Sister."
Before Lin Yao could reply, the sect's warning bell rang out sharply and lingeringly. The two exchanged a glance, their expressions turning grave as they hurried straight to the grand hall.
Inside the hall, everyone wore solemn expressions. With a stern look on his face, the Sect Master said in a loud voice: "Scouts report that the Blood Demon Palace has colluded with the extraterritorial demon caves, opening an ancient demonic formation to draw upon the evil qi of heaven and earth. The surrounding living creatures are plunged into misery and the common people suffer terribly. We must set out immediately to stop them!"
A chilling murderous intent pervaded Hu Feng's body as he clasped his fists and requested: "Sect Master, this disciple is willing to lead the vanguard! This time we shall thoroughly shatter their conspiracy!"
Many disciples responded in succession. The Sect Master nodded: "Good! Hu Feng, this mission is arduous. Elder Yuji Zi will accompany you, leading the elite to attack the demonic formation from the direct south, while the other elders provide support from all sides. Go quickly!"
Flying on their swords, the group reached the valley where the demonic formation was located in no time at all.
Pitch-black demonic clouds filled the field of vision like the gaping maw of a demonic beast swallowing the heavens. The demonic formation flickered with light, overflowing with evil qi, while the surrounding earth was cracked and parched with withered vegetation.
The cultists of the Blood Demon Palace and the extraterritorial demons were shrouded in demonic qi, guarding the front of the formation. Seeing the arrival of the Rosy Clouds Sect members, the leading Blood Demon Palace hall master laughed wildly: "You've come just in time! Obediently become sacrifices for this demonic formation!"
Hu Feng shouted angrily: "Delusional!" Taking the lead, he brandished his sword and charged forward. The Red Sun Sword was wreathed in roaring flames as the "Astral Illusion-Breaking Formula" erupted, the sword shadows flashing like lightning as they thrust straight for the hall master's throat.
The hall master sidestepped and raised his hand to deploy a demonic banner. The banner flapped violently, billowing out thick black smoke that transformed into several writhing, clawing demonic snakes rushing toward them.
Hu Feng moved with agility, executing the Ethereal Sword Formula as smoothly as flowing water. His sword followed his turns, precisely picking off the heads of the demonic snakes.
Yuji Zi led his fellow sect members in slaughtering their way in from the flank, their sword formations unleashing a brilliant array of light as they clashed with the demonic army in a chaotic melee.
For a time, spiritual power collided with demonic energy, and the roar of battle echoed through the valley as earth and rocks flew.
Amidst the fierce battle, Hu Feng caught sight out of the corner of his eye as a junior brother was struck by a demonic arts technique and collapsed in a mouthful of blood. Burning with anxiety, he shouted loudly: "Protect Junior Brother!" He extricated himself and dashed over, casting the "Nine Yang True Formula" several times in succession along the way, the scorching high temperature forcing the surrounding enemies back.
Lifting his junior brother up and feeding him a medicinal pill, Hu Feng was filled with self-blame: "It's all my fault for failing to protect you."
The junior brother offered a weak smile: "Senior Brother, it's not your fault. These little demons are simply too craft."
Rousing their spirits, the group launched another fierce attack.
Hu Feng locked onto the core of the demonic formation, attempting to destroy it with all his might, only to be blocked by a strange demonic artifact belonging to the extraterritorial demons.
The light of the demonic artifact was obscure, releasing an invisible force field that bounced back all of his spiritual power attacks.
Frowning, Hu Feng exchanged a glance with Yuji Zi and transmitted his voice: "Master, this demonic artifact is bizarre. We must find its flaw."
Yuji Zi nodded, forming seals with both hands as a net of spiritual light descended like a blanket over the demonic artifact, disrupting its force field.
Seizing the opportunity, Hu Feng lunged forward, unleashing the Spirit Abyss Mirror. Mirror light spilled forth, shattering the demonic obstacles.
Yet just as he touched the demonic formation, a powerful shockwave of demonic energy struck him. Hu Feng swayed, spewing a mouthful of fresh blood.
Lin Yao cried out in alarm: "Senior Brother Hu!" Disregarding the danger, she flew to stand in front of Hu Feng, deploying her own magical artifact—the Spirit Feather Shield. The shield's light flared brilliantly, barely blocking the impact of the demonic energy.
Hu Feng stared wide-eyed: "Junior Sister Lin, why have you come? It's dangerous here!"
Turning her head, Lin Yao's gaze was resolute: "Senior Brother, I said I would share the wind and rain with you—how could I back down at a time like this?"
Warmth stirred in Hu Feng's heart, yet it only deepened his worry.
At that moment, the demonic army's offensive grew even fiercer, and our side gradually lost ground.
Gritting his teeth, Hu Feng said: "We cannot lose!" He gripped the Spirit Abyss Mirror tightly and silently chanted in his heart: "If you truly possess divine power, help me break this formation!" As if understanding his plea, the mirror's body flared with a sudden, intense brilliance, shooting out a pristine pillar of light that illuminated the demonic formation directly.
The light of the demonic formation dimmed somewhat, but the extraterritorial demons fought desperately to maintain it, continuously pouring demonic energy into it.
At the critical moment, Hu Feng looked at Lin Yao, and a flash of inspiration crossed his mind as he recalled the resilient posture of the spiritual orchid in the garden. He shouted aloud: "Fellow sect members, connect your spiritual power! Unite as one, just like the spiritual orchid taking root to break through stone!"
Understanding his intent, everyone quickly joined hands, linking their spiritual power together in a dazzling display of light.
Pouring his uttermost spiritual power into the effort alongside the combined strength of everyone present, Hu Feng transformed into a hundred-zhang projection of light. The Red Sun Sword blazed with brilliant light, slashing fiercely down upon the demonic formation.
With a resounding crash, the demonic formation shattered like brittle glass, collapsing with a thunderous roar. Evil qi poured backward, and the demonic army wailed continuously, suffering heavy casualties. The Blood Demon Palace hall master turned pale with terror, attempting to flee, but how could Hu Feng let him go? Brandishing his sword, he gave chase at top speed: "Want to run? It won't be that easy!"
Moving as swiftly as lightning, he instantly caught up and drove his sword straight into the hall master's chest. With wide eyes, the hall master collapsed and died.
Everyone let out a long breath, exhausted yet uplifted.
Lin Yao ran to Hu Feng's side to check his injuries: "Senior Brother, are your wounds heavy?"
Hu Feng shook his head with a slight smile: "With Junior Sister caring for me, it's nothing."
Yuji Zi walked over and said with gratification: "Feng'er, being able to break the demonic formation this time is entirely thanks to your adaptability, as well as the assistance of Lin Yao child. You must protect her well from now on."
Hu Feng blushed and nodded in assent.
On the way back to the sect, Hu Feng fell into deep thought.
Lin Yao asked softly: "Senior Brother, what are you thinking about?" Hu Feng turned his head, his gaze gentle: "I am thinking about today's battle. If not for you helping me break my inner demons and find my state of mind beforehand, it would have been difficult to unite everyone's strength to shatter the demonic formation. To me, Junior Sister, your significance is extraordinary."
Lin Yao's cheeks burned as she lowered her head and smiled faintly.
Just as they returned to the Rosy Clouds Sect, the Sect Master had already led everyone out to welcome them. After offering words of high praise, he spoke with solemnity: "Though we have broken the demonic formation this time, the collusion between the Blood Demon Palace and the extraterritorial forces is not yet severed, and hidden dangers still remain.
Hu Feng, this master has heard that in ancient times there existed a magical artifact called the 'Primordial Cauldron', capable of purifying evil qi and restraining demonic arts. It is hidden within the ruins of the Endless Sea. Lead some elite disciples to search for it. If we obtain this cauldron, our sect's strength will greatly increase, giving us an even better chance of keeping the evil sects in check."
Hu Feng cupped his fists in acceptance of the order: "Rest assured, Sect Master, this disciple will do his utmost!"
Lin Yao opened her mouth as if to speak, but stopped. Seeing through her thoughts, Hu Feng smiled and said: "Don't worry, Junior Sister, I will surely return safely, and then we shall enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sect together once more."
With a feigned pout, Lin Yao scolded: "Senior Brother must be careful."
Several days later, Hu Feng led his team to set off for the Endless Sea.
Howling sea winds and towering waves battered them as the group flew on their swords, advancing with difficulty.
Halfway through their journey, dark clouds gathered and lightning flashed as a group of sea monsters surged from the seabed, colossal in size and surrounded by water screens with sharp fangs and claws.
The leading Sea Monster King let out a bizarre roar: "Humans, you trespass into my domain—pay with your lives!"
Hu Feng deployed the Spirit Abyss Mirror, its light scattering the darkness as he shouted: "We have no intention of offending you; we only seek to explore the ruins and find a magical artifact to save the world. We hope the Sea Monster clan will grant us convenience!"
Yet the Sea Monster King remained unmoved, directing the horde of monsters to attack.
With no other choice, Hu Feng drew his sword to meet the enemy. He executed the Ethereal Sword Formula with effortless grace, his sword shadows weaving back and forth to strip away the sea monsters' scales.
Though his fellow disciples' sword formations were fierce, the sea monsters were adept in the water and vast in number, causing our side to gradually fall behind.
When a disciple was dragged down into the sea by a sea monster, Hu Feng was burning with anxiety. He dove straight down, grabbed the disciple, and shouted: "Hold on!" But the sea monsters' offensive was too ferocious, plunging the group into a bitter struggle.
At the critical moment, an inspiration struck Hu Feng. Channeling his spiritual power, he used the Spirit Abyss Mirror to gather seawater, transforming it into a water vortex that counterattacked the sea monsters. Seeing this, the Sea Monster King turned pale with fright and attempted to flee.
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How could Hu Feng let him escape? He lunged in pursuit, shouting: "Stay!" With a single sword strike, he wounded the Sea Monster King's tail. With a miserable cry, the Sea Monster King led the horde in retreating back to the seabed.
After numerous trials and tribulations, they finally reached the ruins. The gates of the ruins were tightly shut, covered in mysterious runes that resembled an ancient heavenly book.
Hu Feng stepped closer to examine them, frowning as he racked his brains to figure out a way to open the gates.
Lin Yao spoke softly: "Senior Brother, perhaps we can find a connection among these runes. I will accompany you."
The two immersed themselves in painstaking study. Relying on Hu Feng's accumulation of ancient texts and Lin Yao's meticulous mind, they gradually began to perceive the clues.
Forming hand seals at lightning speed, they injected spiritual power into the gates, which slowly opened with a dull rumble.
Brilliant light shone from behind the doors, where numerous magical artifacts floated suspended in the air. The "Primordial Cauldron" occupied the center, looking ancient and weighty with runes flowing across its surface. Just as Hu Feng stepped forward to collect it, the surrounding light flashed and several phantoms materialized out of thin air. They were the guardians of the ruins, their spiritual power raging and their attacks ferocious.
Hu Feng raised his sword to parry, but the guardian's strike made his arm go numb.
Lin Yao deployed the Spirit Feather Shield to assist Hu Feng, shouting: "Senior Brother, don't panic!"
Regaining his composure, Hu Feng coordinated closely with Lin Yao as sword shadows and shield light intertwined.
After a fierce battle, spotting a flaw in the guardian, Hu Feng poured his uttermost spiritual power into the Spirit Abyss Mirror to freeze the guardian's movements and swiftly collected the Primordial Cauldron.
The moment he grasped the Primordial Cauldron, the ruins shook violently and began to collapse.
Clutching the cauldron tightly, Hu Feng pulled Lin Yao along: "Run!" Fighting for their lives, the group narrowly escaped falling boulders and collapsing ground. Escaping the ruins and embarking on their return journey, Hu Feng looked at Lin Yao's tired yet gratified face, his heart filled with gratitude and tenderness.
Upon returning to the sect, the Sect Master was overjoyed at the sight of the Primordial Cauldron, offering endless praise: "Feng'er, the harvest of this trip is immense! With this cauldron to aid us, our Rosy Clouds Sect need fear no provocations from the evil sects."
Presenting the cauldron, Hu Feng smiled and said: "This is all thanks to the Sect Master's trust, the assistance of my fellow sect members, and Junior Sister Lin's companionship all along the way that this disciple was able to succeed." Blushing, Lin Yao stood quietly to one side.
In the days that followed, Hu Feng devoted himself to comprehending the power of the Primordial Cauldron, cultivating alongside Lin Yao and guarding the sect.
The inner demons no longer troubled him, and his cultivation progressed steadily. Although the war between righteousness and evil remained long, with his beloved companion by his side and his fellow disciples of one heart, his conviction grew ever more resolute. He feared no perils or hardships on the road ahead, waiting only for the evil sects to strike again so that he might unleash thunderous blows to protect the peace of this world to the very end.