His voice trembling, he said, "It seems this black shadow is the remnant soul of a Demon God sealed here since ancient times. I thought the seal was foolproof, but somehow, it has been nourished and has gradually gained the power to break through it."
Mu Yanfeng furrowed his brows and asked, "Master, is there any way to deal with it?" His voice was urgent and anxious.
Master pondered for a moment and said slowly, "To completely annihilate this Demon God Remnant Soul, we must find the divine artifact that can reseal it. With the power of the artifact and our combined efforts, perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope."
"Where is that divine artifact now?" I asked urgently, my voice filled with longing and anxiety.
Upon hearing my question, Master paused slightly, then let out a long sigh. With a grave expression on his weathered face, he said, "During that cataclysmic war between gods and demons, Deity Xilan used her infinitely powerful divine artifact, the Longtao Jade Ring, to seal the Demon God Remnant Soul with all her might before she fell. However, in this world today, the only thing that can match it and unleash such power is Deity Mufeng's Thunder Wind Lock."
"It is a pity that the fall of Deity Xilan left Deity Mufeng distraught. His once-burning heart turned cold in an instant. Despairing, he resolutely abandoned his exalted divine throne and awe-inspiring divine power, willing to descend into the mortal realm to experience the cycle of life, aging, illness, and death. Furthermore, in his extreme agony, he shattered his divine artifact, the Thunder Wind Lock, causing its fragments to scatter across the Nine Provinces, where they remain missing to this day."
Hearing Master's words, my heart sank. I furrowed my brows and muttered to myself, "Is there really no hope at all?"
Master shook his head gently, his eyes filled with helplessness. "The Demon God Remnant Soul is stirring. If we cannot find the divine artifact, the world may fall into catastrophe once again. But finding the fragments of the Thunder Wind Lock is easier said than done."
After hearing this, Mu Yanfeng stepped forward with a solemn expression, knelt on one knee, cupped his hands, and said sincerely and firmly, "Master, I wish to volunteer to go and search for the divine artifact fragments. I will not fail the mission!"
His eyes were filled with determination and courage, as if he were prepared to face all obstacles and dangers.
At this moment, Qingmiao, who was standing to the side, also stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, "Sect Leader, I would like to accompany Senior Brother. This matter of the divine artifact is of great importance. One more person means one more source of strength. I am willing to do my best to assist Senior Brother in finding the fragments."
Her gaze was filled with persistence and determination, a resolution that commanded respect.
Master looked at these two passionate and courageous disciples, his expression grave. After a moment of thought, he said, "This journey is fraught with danger. You must think it through."
Mu Yanfeng answered without hesitation, "Master, my mind is made up. Even if the path ahead is filled with swords and flames, I will not retreat."
Qingmiao followed immediately, "Sect Leader, I am also fearless. I am willing to fight alongside Senior Brother."
Master nodded slightly, a trace of relief showing in his eyes. "In that case, you may go. Remember to be cautious."
"Senior Brother, take me with you!" I said urgently. "I want to contribute, too."
Mu Yanfeng furrowed his brows and looked at me sternly. "No," he said resolutely. "The journey is full of dangers, and Junior Sister, you have no experience. I cannot let you put yourself at risk."
"I am not afraid of danger," I argued hastily. "I will try my best not to hold you back. I want to do my part in searching for the artifact."
Mu Yanfeng shook his head, his gaze filled with unquestionable firmness. "This is not something you can insist on. Who knows what difficulties and obstacles we might face along the way? There might even be mortal danger. I cannot agree to this."
I felt deeply disheartened, yet I looked at him, unwilling to give up, my voice laced with pleading. "Senior Brother, just let me go. I promise I will be obedient and won't cause any trouble for you."
However, Mu Yanfeng's stance remained unmoved. He turned his head away, refusing to look at me. "Junior Sister, just listen to me and stay safely at the sect."
Filled with resentment, I turned and left in a rage, tears welling up in my eyes. Seeing this, Mu Yanfeng’s heart tightened, and he rushed out after me.
I stopped and turned around, glaring at him, and shouted, "Mu Yanfeng, why can you take Qingmiao with you, but not me? Do you truly think so little of me, that I am so useless?"
Mu Yanfeng looked anxious. He reached out as if to soothe me, his tone filled with helplessness and worry. "Hanxi, it’s not like that. I am worried about you. The road ahead is treacherous and filled with hidden crises. Since you lost your memories, Qingmiao's cultivation has surpassed yours, and her ability to adapt is strong. I am afraid you will get hurt, and I am afraid I won't be able to protect you."
I brushed his hand away forcefully, tears streaming down my face. "That is just an excuse! You just look down on me; you think I'm a burden!"
Mu Yanfeng explained hurriedly, "Hanxi, you misunderstood. How could I ever think that? I only want you to be safe; I don't want to see you fall into danger."
But at this point, I couldn't listen to anything. Still emotionally agitated, I said, "And you say you have no personal bias? You treat Qingmiao differently! Why is she allowed to go with you, but not me? Have you been favoring her all along?"
Mu Yanfeng looked helpless and anxious, waving his hands. "Hanxi, please don't let your imagination run wild. I have no special feelings for Qingmiao."
I refused to listen to his explanation, interrupting him with an increasingly sharp voice. "Hmph, stop trying to make excuses! Whenever anything happens, you always think of her first, and this time is no exception. In your heart, I will never compare to her!"
Mu Yanfeng tried desperately to get closer, attempting to calm me down. "Hanxi, you really have misunderstood. Everything I have done is for your own safety; there is absolutely no intention to favor anyone."
However, at this moment, my mind was clouded by anger and resentment. I couldn't hear a word he said, and I continued to lash out at him with angry accusations while he stood there, full of helplessness and inner conflict.
Under the weight of my repeated questions, Mu Yanfeng remained silent for a long time. Finally, as if having made a monumental decision, he let out a long sigh.
He looked at me, his eyes filled with compromise and care, and said slowly, "Hanxi, very well. I will take you with us. But you must promise me that you will follow my arrangements throughout the journey, never act without authorization, and always keep yourself safe."
Hearing him finally agree, the anger in my heart dissipated for the most part, but I still feigned annoyance and said, "Hmph, as long as you take me, I will naturally be obedient."
Mu Yanfeng shook his head helplessly. I looked at him and asked, "Senior Brother, do you know what the characteristics of the divine artifact fragments are? We cannot just search blindly."
Mu Yanfeng frowned slightly and said, "I just heard Master mention that the fragments seem to have a radiant, colorful appearance, surrounded by an elusive, mysterious aura. It is said that there are ancient and complex patterns carved onto the fragments, which appear to be some kind of powerful seal."
I nodded thoughtfully. "And how are we supposed to retrieve it? I imagine it won't be easy to get."
Mu Yanfeng said gravely, "As far as I know, there is usually a powerful protective force where the divine artifact fragments reside. We must be extremely cautious."
"No matter what," I said with firm eyes, "we must do our best and not let Master down."
Mu Yanfeng, accompanied by Qingmiao and me, bid farewell to the sect. As we set off on our journey, the sunlight fell upon us, yet it could not warm the heavy atmosphere.
Along the way, the three of us remained silent, each lost in our own thoughts. Mu Yanfeng walked at the front, his gaze firm and vigilant, constantly keeping an eye on the surroundings. Qingmiao followed closely behind, her expression serious, her hand gripping her sword. As for me, although I forced myself to stay calm, the inner tension was hard to hide.
I don't know how long we walked before we arrived at a deserted village. The houses were dilapidated, overgrown with weeds, and filled with a scent of decay. Mu Yanfeng stopped, looked back at us, and lowered his voice. "Be careful, something is not right here."
Before he could finish, a fierce gust of wind whistled by, seemingly carrying eerie sounds within it. Qingmiao drew her sword and stood guard. I couldn't help but lean closer to Mu Yanfeng.
Suddenly, a group of black shadows emerged from the ruined houses, lunging toward us like ghosts. These shadows were distorted, radiating a sinister aura that made one's blood run cold.
Mu Yanfeng shouted, "It is demonic energy! Do not be afraid!" He moved his hands rapidly, wielding his sword, and the powerful wind-element magic infused in the blade erupted instantly, sending sharp wind blades whistling out.