Though the first demonic shadow assault from the Chasm of Guixu had been repelled, a deeper shadow clouded the hearts of both Eastern Emperor Taiyi and everyone at Myriad Dao Academy.
The eerie, tenacious Heart Demon Shadows, and the malicious gaze emanating from the depths of the Sea of Annihilation, all heralded that this was no ordinary calamity, but a crisis that could shake the foundations of the Primordial Era.
At the academy's rear mountain, Wanhua's gaze pierced through the void as he stared at the dark rift, temporarily suppressed by the Chaos Bell yet still faintly throbbing like a heart.
Xuanjizi stood before him, pale-faced and unsteady in breath. Clearly, his earlier all-out use of the Literary Heart Sword of Slaying Thoughts against the multitude of Heart Demon Shadows had drained him greatly and even slightly shaken his Primordial Spirit.
"Teacher, the will of that demonic sea... seems able to perceive the weaknesses in people's hearts and deliberately trigger their inner demons.
"If the Sword of Slaying Thoughts had not struck at the root, it would likely have been impossible to withstand." Xuanjizi reported in a grave voice, lingering fear still in his heart.
Wanhua nodded slightly. "The Sea of Annihilation is an abyss of negativity, where all evils return to Guixu. The demons bred within it are naturally adept at stirring the seven emotions and six desires, magnifying karmic obstacles.
"That you were able to use the sword intent you have only just comprehended to sever its power to beguile the heart is already no easy feat. This calamity is precisely the finest whetstone for tempering your Literary Hearts and honing your swords of wisdom."
Then his tone shifted, carrying a hint of deeper meaning. "Yet passive defense is never a long-term solution.
"Though the Chaos Bell is