txolops Chapter 211 The Abyss of Demonic Energy! Negotiation! The Crucial Role of the Evil-Repelling Divine
Chapter 211 The Abyss of Demonic Energy! Negotiation! The Crucial Role of the Evil-Repelling Divine
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need to beat around the bush with me any longer,"
Lin Chuan's gaze swept over the three—Hehuan Old Demon, Zhiyang Shangren, and Wei Wuyai—his expression calm, and he directly pointed out the core issue.
"The spiritual energy vortex that suddenly appeared in the boundless sea is probably not just a matter of a few spiritual islands appearing in the world. The hidden dangers must be quite troublesome."
The Old Demon of Hehuan exchanged a glance with the Venerable Zhiyang and Wei Wuyai. Seeing Lin Chuan's directness, they no longer tried to hide anything.
A hint of seriousness flashed in the old demon Hehuan's copper bell-like eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Lin speaks frankly. That's right, if it were just an extra spiritual energy vortex and seven islands with top-grade spiritual veins appearing out of thin air, it would be an immense opportunity for Tiannan. Why would we three need to gather together, and why would we need to trouble Fellow Daoist Lin to come in person?"
He paused, then continued, "The trouble lies in the fact that, after extensive investigation, especially after Fellow Daoist Zhiyang perused the ancient texts treasured by the Tai Zhen Sect, we have finally confirmed that these seven seemingly independent spirit islands, along with the enormous spiritual energy vortex at their center, were not formed naturally, but are part of a colossal ancient sealing formation!"
"An ancient sealing formation?" Lin Chuan feigned surprise.
"Indeed," Venerable Zhiyang replied, his tone unusually heavy, his whisk unconsciously swaying slightly. "According to scattered records in ancient texts and the deductions made over the past few months, the bottom of that vortex is not connected to any spiritual vein source at all, but to an unfathomable, almost tangible, boundless demonic energy! Its depth and its total amount are simply immeasurable! The reason it hasn't erupted yet is entirely due to this ancient grand formation using the ten thousand feet of pure spiritual energy spewing from the vortex as a conduit, transforming it into a sealing force, firmly suppressing that terrifying demonic energy beneath the abyss!"
Wei Wuyai added, his face also grim: "However, whether it is due to the passage of time or the tampering of the escaped ancient demon's fragmented soul, a key node of this ancient formation seems to have been damaged."
This caused the suppressed spiritual energy to leak out uncontrollably, forming the vortex eruption we see.
What appears to be an auspicious sign of surging spiritual energy is actually an ominous sign of instability in the grand formation!
Once too much spiritual energy leaks out, the suppressive power of the great formation will continue to weaken. When the vast demonic energy that has accumulated for countless millennia beneath the surface is completely unrestrained, it will surge into the sky…
He didn't finish his sentence, but the faces of all three were so gloomy they looked like they could drip water.
Lin Chuan gasped and said in a deep voice, "At that time, demonic energy will erupt, sweeping across the south, polluting spiritual energy, causing widespread suffering, shaking the foundation of the cultivation world, and war and calamity... will probably be inevitable."
"Exactly!" The Old Demon of Hehuan nodded emphatically, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. "That ancient demon's divided soul chose this place to destroy the grand formation, probably with this very intention! By taking advantage of the demonic energy eruption, it aims to disrupt or even destroy the cultivation world of Tiannan, hoping to fish in troubled waters, and may even be trying to use this overwhelming demonic energy to restore its ancient demonic power!"
Lin Chuan remained silent for a moment, his gaze returning to calm as he looked at the three: "Since you three invited me here and specifically mentioned that I possess the Evil-Repelling Divine Thunder, you must... have already devised a solution, and this solution requires the assistance of my Evil-Repelling Divine Thunder?"
"Fellow Daoist Lin is smart."
Wei Wuyai sighed, "The three of us, along with our sect's array masters, have spent months painstakingly devising a potentially feasible remedy. The damaged node is located deep within the vortex, in the area where demonic energy is most concentrated. Ordinary cultivators, even us, would not only have to endure the terrifying pressure that increases with depth, but also constantly resist the pervasive erosion of demonic energy. Our divine sense would be corrupted, and our magical power would be stagnant, making it impossible to even reach the node, let alone repair it. But Fellow Daoist Lin is different!"
Master Zhiyang looked intently at Lin Chuan: "Fellow Daoist's Evil-Repelling Divine Thunder possesses the power of supreme Yang and the strength to ward off all evil. It is the ultimate weapon to suppress demonic energy! With this thunder protecting you, you will have a great chance of penetrating deep into the core of demonic energy! We have already crafted a specially made 'Spirit-Stabilizing and Demon-Suppressing Plate.' By simply embedding this plate into the damaged array node, we can temporarily stabilize the array, prevent the spiritual energy from leaking out, and buy time for a thorough repair later."
The Old Demon of Hehuan was straightforward: "This matter concerns the survival of Tiannan, and only Fellow Daoist Lin can help. If Fellow Daoist Lin is willing to lend a hand, please speak freely about your requirements. As long as the three of us can do it, we will not hesitate to do so!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Chuan did not immediately agree, but instead paced back and forth for a couple of steps, seemingly deep in thought.
The stone chamber fell silent for a moment, with only the mournful sound of the sea breeze whistling through the cracks in the rocks.
After a moment, Lin Chuan stopped, turned to look at the three, and slowly said, "Since you three are so frank, I will not be pretentious. There are indeed two things that I need your permission to do."
"Please speak, Fellow Daoist Lin," Wei Wuyai said.
"Firstly," Lin Chuan said calmly, yet with an undeniable air, "after this battle, regardless of victory or defeat, my Huangfeng Valley must take control of a country as the foundation of our sect, to recuperate and preserve our lineage. This country will be Yue."
"The Kingdom of Yue?"
The Old Demon of Hehuan raised an eyebrow.
The Yue Kingdom is now exclusively controlled by the Ghost Spirit Sect, one of the six major sects of the demonic path. Although its strength has been greatly diminished due to the deaths of the brothers Wang Tiansheng and Wang Tiangu, it is still the foundation of a nation.
"Indeed, Yue Kingdom." Lin Chuan nodded. "More than a hundred years ago, the demonic path invaded, and the seven sects of Yue Kingdom fell apart. My Huangfeng Valley was forced to relocate to Beiliang Kingdom. Now, it's time to go back."
His tone was calm, yet it carried an air of self-righteousness.
Given his current status and strength, it is perfectly reasonable for him to fight for a country for his sect.
Wei Wuyai and the Venerable Zhiyang looked at the Old Demon Hehuan, for this matter required the approval of the leader of the demonic path.
The Old Demon of Hehuan pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, then decisively waved his hand: "Agreed! Since the fall of the Wang Tiansheng brothers, the Ghost Spirit Sect no longer possesses the strength to single-handedly govern a nation. Fellow Daoist Lin's resolution of this monstrous disaster is a meritorious deed for posterity, and it is only right that he secures a safe haven for Huangfeng Valley. I hereby decree that once this matter is settled, the Ghost Spirit Sect will withdraw from Yue Kingdom, and the entire territory of Yue Kingdom will be placed under the jurisdiction of Huangfeng Valley!"
He agreed so readily because the matter was indeed of great importance and could not be delayed.
Secondly, the Ghost Spirit Sect suffered heavy losses of its top combat power in the Battle of Fallen Demon Valley, and was no longer worthy of its status as a single country. This was a good opportunity to make adjustments.
Thirdly, it was also to do Lin Chuan a huge favor and befriend this promising young talent.
"Secondly," Lin Chuan continued, seeing that the first condition had been agreed to, "I want one of the seven newly discovered spirit islands in the boundless sea."
"To monopolize an entire island?"
Master Zhiyang frowned slightly.
The seven spirit islands have been divided up by the seven major sects. Giving up one of them would involve significant interests.
"Not a permanent exclusive."
Lin Chuan explained, "This island is rich in spiritual energy, making it perfect as a separate residence for me and my disciples to cultivate spiritual herbs. I only require jurisdiction and usage rights for a thousand years."
A thousand years from now, whether to stay or leave will be discussed again. After all, if the great formation is unstable and demonic energy truly erupts, this sea area will be the first to suffer, and even the best spirit island will be meaningless. Repairing the great formation will also be a safeguard for the families who own the spirit island.
The Old Demon of Hehuan exchanged a glance with Zhiyang and Wei Wuyai.
Moreover, Lin Chuan's words make sense; without repairing the formation, everything else is just empty talk.
"Very well! Of the seven islands, aside from those chosen by the three major cultivation sects, Fellow Daoist Lin may choose any one of the remaining four islands. The thousand-year jurisdiction over them shall belong to Yellow Maple Valley!"
The Old Demon of Hehuan made the decision once again.
Master Zhiyang and Wei Wuyai nodded slightly in agreement.
"Excellent!" Lin Chuan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. "In that case, I, Lin, will certainly do my utmost to make this trek to the bottom of the vortex!"
With the terms agreed upon, the atmosphere eased considerably. The four then discussed in detail the operation, the method for activating the Spirit-Stabilizing and Demon-Suppressing Disc, potential dangers, and backup arrangements.
A few days later, everything was ready.
The four left the stone chamber, transforming into four streaks of light, and flew towards the enormous vortex of spiritual energy deep within the boundless sea.
Hundreds of miles can be covered in the blink of an eye.
Upon closer inspection, the vortex was even more spectacular and breathtaking.
On the sea surface, which is more than a hundred miles in diameter, the seawater rotates inward in a funnel shape, and the center is so deep that it seems to lead straight to the deepest hell.
A rich, milky-white spiritual energy gushed forth from the center of the vortex like a fountain, shooting straight into the sky and illuminating half of the sky with a misty, spiritual aura.
The seawater around the whirlpool was stirred by the spiritual energy and became much clearer, forming a stark contrast with the lifeless, inky black seawater in the distance.
However, amidst the magnificent spectacle of surging spiritual energy, Lin Chuan's powerful divine sense could vaguely sense that deep within the unfathomable vortex, a profound, obscure, and ominous cold demonic energy, like a lurking ferocious beast, was slowly flowing.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, be careful. If things become unbearable, retreat immediately and take care of yourself!" Wei Wuyai solemnly instructed.
Master Zhiyang and the Old Demon Hehuan also nodded solemnly.
"Rest assured, fellow Daoists, I know what I'm doing."
Lin Chuan said no more, took a deep breath, and a flash of spiritual light appeared around him, transforming into a streak of azure light, which he threw without hesitation into the center of the huge vortex!
Upon entering the vortex, one immediately feels a powerful tearing force coming from all directions, along with pure spiritual energy mixed with wisps of chilling aura rushing towards them.
Lin Chuan activated his protective spiritual light, steadied himself, and began to slowly descend.
At first it was okay, although the pressure was great, it was still bearable.
After descending about a thousand feet, the surrounding light became extremely dim, and the pressure of the seawater increased sharply, as if countless mountains were pressing down on my shoulders.
What's more troublesome is that the originally faint, chilling aura has begun to thicken, and the wisps of black energy, like living tentacles, have started to try to erode Lin Chuan's protective spiritual light.
"Hiss..."
The protective aura made a slight corrosive sound upon contact with the black energy. Lin Chuan felt his mana being consumed at an accelerated rate.
"This is demonic energy..." Lin Chuan thought to himself, and several condensed divine lightning bolts flowed out from his body, like golden snakes coiling around the surface of his protective aura.
"Sizzle!"
The black energy that tried to approach melted and evaporated instantly upon contact with the golden lightning arc, like ice and snow meeting fire, emitting a soft popping sound. The pressure on the protective aura immediately eased.
"It worked!" Lin Chuan felt reassured and continued to descend.
He descended several hundred feet further, and the surroundings were now completely dark, with only the golden lightning arcs on his protective aura emitting a faint glow.
The demonic energy here was as thick as ink. Even with the protection of the exorcising divine thunder, Lin Chuan felt as if his divine sense was trapped in a quagmire, making it extremely difficult to project it outwards. Moreover, he felt a faint stinging sensation of being polluted and pulled.
"Divine sense cannot be easily released outwards, otherwise it will be easily corrupted by demonic energy and damage the soul."
Lin Chuan decisively withdrew most of his divine sense, retaining only a trace to sense the danger around him, relying mainly on his eyesight and intuition about the flow of spiritual energy and demonic energy to determine the direction.
He tried to descend a little further and felt that the pressure and concentration of demonic energy had reached a critical point. If it weren't for the protection of the evil-repelling divine thunder, an ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator would probably not be able to hold on for more than a short while before being eroded by the demonic energy, exhausting his magic power, and perishing here.
Even for someone in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, it would be extremely difficult.
"That's about right. At this depth, with my Evil-Repelling Divine Thunder and cultivation, I should be able to reach the core node of the array."
Lin Chuan stopped venturing deeper and began to slowly rise along the inner wall of the vortex, resisting the enormous rotating and tearing force.
After a long while, the sea broke open, and Lin Chuan, looking slightly tired, flew back into the air and landed in front of the three people who were waiting.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, how is it?" Venerable Zhiyang asked with concern.
"The demonic energy below is indeed exceptionally dense and has the ability to erode divine consciousness."
Lin Chuan paused briefly to catch his breath, then nodded and said, "However, with the protective divine thunder, I am 80% confident that I can reach the predetermined node. It's just that the Spirit-Stabilizing and Demon-Suppressing Disc needs to be handed over to me as soon as possible."
"Great!" Wei Wuyai was overjoyed.
"The array plate is almost finished and will be delivered in three to five days at most!" Master Zhiyang breathed a sigh of relief.
Three days later, an elder from the righteous Tai Zhen Sect, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, arrived at Seven Spirits Island in a flurry of travel and solemnly handed Lin Chuan a square array plate, neither gold nor jade, with its surface covered in ancient silver runes.
There is a groove in the center of the array plate, which requires several high-grade spirit stones to be embedded in in order to activate it.
"This is the 'Spirit-Stabilizing and Demon-Suppressing Plate.' Once activated, it will automatically sense the spiritual energy fluctuations at the damaged parts of the great array, absorb them, and temporarily stabilize the array's foundation. Fellow Daoist Lin only needs to send it to the place where demonic energy and spiritual energy are most intensely intertwined and where spatial fluctuations are abnormal."
The elders of the Tai Zhen Sect explained the usage techniques in detail.
Lin Chuan noted it down, took a short rest, adjusted himself to his best condition, and then came to the edge of the vortex again.
This time, he had a clear goal.
Holding the Spirit-Stabilizing and Demon-Suppressing Disc, with golden lightning arcs swirling around him, as if he were wearing a thunderous battle armor, he once again leaped into the bottomless vortex!
With the experience from the first time, Lin Chuan descended more smoothly.
Following his keen perception of the flow of spiritual and demonic energy, he constantly adjusted his direction amidst endless darkness and immense pressure.
They approached the core area where they sensed an unusual disorder in spiritual energy.
The deeper you go, the greater the pressure and the denser the demonic energy.
The protective shield formed by the exorcising divine thunder flashed continuously, purifying and repelling the viscous demonic energy that was trying to surge in.
Lin Chuan could feel his internal magical power being consumed at a considerable rate.
But he was prepared, with a drop of millennia-old spiritual milk in his mouth, ready to replenish himself at any time.