Night was black as ink, and the Demonic Qi deep within the Otherworldly Demon Lair grew ever denser.
The defensive formation's light barrier rippled pale blue around the natural stone chamber, shutting out the howls and blood-reeking wind.
Xiao Yan sat cross-legged in the center of the chamber. Mysterious Yellow Flame circulated slowly within his dantian, and with every flicker of its golden flames, a wisp of Demonic Qi was purified into pure Dou Qi.
"Phew..."
He exhaled a breath of stale air. The wound on his chest had already healed by seventy percent.
After his bloody battle with the Seven-Eyed Demon Snake King, his circulation of the Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record had grown smoother, and the Mysterious Yellow Flame's purification power had improved considerably.
He looked at Yun Yun beside him. Green Dou Qi flowed over her body, and a little color had returned to her once-pale cheeks.
"You recover so quickly."
Yun Yun opened her eyes and lightly brushed the hilt of her sword with her fingertips. "An ordinary Dou Ling expert would need at least half a month to recover from injuries this severe."
Xiao Yan smiled, condensing the Mysterious Yellow Flame into a tiny flame at his fingertips.
"This flame doesn't just purify Demonic Qi. It's quite good at healing injuries, too."
A faint sound came from the corner of the chamber. Lin Xiu braced himself against the stone wall and stood, working his stiff neck.
"The defensive formation has enough energy left for six hours. I'll go reinforce it."
He walked to the chamber entrance, took three soul crystals from his Storage Ring, and fitted them into grooves in the rock wall.
The pale blue barrier immediately solidified, sealing out the Demonic Qi even more completely.
The other four Spirit Gatherers were still unconscious. Two had suffered internal injuries, and their Dou Qi vortices were in disarray, requiring quiet recuperation. After examining their injuries, Xiao Yan frowned slightly.
"The Demon Snake King's energy attacks carried soul-devouring power. Ordinary healing pills won't do much."
He took a small jade bottle from his robes and poured out four translucent pills.
"These are Soul-Clearing Pills. They can temporarily suppress the Demonic Qi's corrosion."
Yun Yun took the pills and carefully fed them to the unconscious Spirit Gatherers.
"You're skilled in alchemy, too?"
Xiao Yan put the jade bottle away.
"I've only scratched the surface."
After reinforcing the defensive formation, Lin Xiu came over and sat down.
"According to ancient records, there's an Ancient Altar at the heart of the Otherworldly Demon Lair, where the source of the Otherworldly Demon is sealed. If we destroy the altar, most of the Demonic Qi in the Black-Corner Region will dissipate."
He took out a Jade Slip and infused it with Dou Qi, projecting a simple map.
"We're still fifty li from the altar, but the Corpse Marsh and Demonflame Canyon lie in between. Both are extremely dangerous."
Xiao Yan stared at the red dot marked on the map, the Mysterious Yellow Flame flickering faintly in his palm.
"The energy fluctuations from this altar are very similar to those of the seal in the Flame Spirit Clan Ruins."
Yun Yun touched the canyon's location on the map.
"The temperature in Demonflame Canyon is extremely high. Ordinary Dou Qi can hardly withstand it, but my wind Dou Qi might be able to open a path."
Just then, violent ripples suddenly spread across the defensive formation.
Countless black claw marks appeared on the pale blue barrier, as though something outside was scratching frantically at it. Lin Xiu's expression changed, and he immediately raised his staff.
"This is bad! Something's attacking the defensive formation!"
Xiao Yan and Yun Yun rose at the same time, staring warily at the chamber entrance.
A teeth-grating scraping came from beyond the defensive formation, like metal grinding against stone. The sound made their scalps prickle.
Mysterious Yellow Flame blazed in Xiao Yan's palm, illuminating his grave expression.
"Those claws are sharp. The defensive formation won't hold for long."
"Roar-"
A piercing howl rang out from outside, carrying an eerie penetrating power that struck directly at everyone's souls.
The unconscious Spirit Gatherers suddenly began convulsing, their brows knitted tightly and their faces twisted in pain.
Yun Yun's expression shifted slightly.
"It's Soul-Eating Demon Sound! Hurry, protect your minds with Dou Qi!"
She drew her longsword, and green Dou Qi formed a sound barrier that enveloped the entire chamber.
The howling was shut out, and the unconscious Spirit Gatherers gradually calmed. But the defensive barrier grew even more unstable, its black claw marks multiplying until it seemed ready to shatter.
"I'll see what's out there."
Azure Luan Wings spread behind Xiao Yan, golden flames clinging to them and illuminating his resolute face.
Yun Yun caught his arm.
"Be careful. We don't know what's outside."
Xiao Yan nodded. His Azure Luan Wings beat, stirring a current of air as he cautiously approached the entrance.
Through the defensive barrier, Xiao Yan saw dozens of slender Otherworldly Demons standing outside.
They were pitch-black, with no eyes and only mouths filled with fangs. Sharp claws covered their limbs as they frantically scratched at the defensive formation.
These Otherworldly Demons were extraordinarily fast and agile, roaming around the chamber like phantoms.
"They're Shadow Demons!"
A note of gravity entered Lin Xiu's voice.
"They feed on souls and specialize in concealment and soul devouring. They're extremely troublesome."
He struck the ground with his staff, pouring blue soul power into the defensive formation.
"Shadow Demon claws can tear through soul barriers. Everyone, protect your sea of consciousness with Dou Qi!"
Xiao Yan withdrew to the center of the chamber, circulating the Mysterious Yellow Flame rapidly through his body to protect his sea of consciousness.
"There are too many Shadow Demons. A head-on fight puts us at a disadvantage."
Yun Yun swept her longsword, laying several wind blades around the chamber with her green Dou Qi.
"Once they break through the formation, we'll concentrate our attacks and force our way out. Getting out comes first."
Lin Xiu shook his head.
"No. There are at least fifty Shadow Demons outside, and they're incredibly fast. We won't get far carrying the wounded."
He took a yellow paper talisman from his Storage Ring. Once infused with Dou Qi, it became a yellow light barrier that enveloped the unconscious Spirit Gatherers.
"This is a Soul-Stabilizing Talisman. It can temporarily protect their souls from corrosion. We must find a way to drive the Shadow Demons back quickly, or everyone will be in danger once the defensive formation breaks."
Xiao Yan stared at the cracks spreading across the defensive formation, his mind racing for a solution.
"Shadow Demons feed on souls, so they must fear purification power. President Lin, can your soul power lock onto their positions?"
Lin Xiu nodded.
"My soul power is stronger than theirs. I can just manage it, but only for a moment."
"That's enough."
A sharp gleam flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes.
"Sect Master Yun, can your wind Dou Qi restrict their speed?"
Yun Yun smiled confidently.
"No problem. My Wind Bind can slow their movements."
Xiao Yan tightened his grip on his heavy sword, Mysterious Yellow Flame blazing along its edge.
"Then let's catch them completely off guard!"
The three exchanged glances, reaching an instant understanding.
Lin Xiu raised his staff high, and blue soul power surged out like a tide, pouring into the defensive formation.
Dozens of red dots appeared on the pale blue barrier, marking the Shadow Demons' positions.
Yun Yun swept her longsword, turning her green Dou Qi into countless threads of wind that wound around the defensive formation, awaiting their moment.
Xiao Yan drew a deep breath and spread his Azure Luan Wings to their fullest. Golden flames blazed over his body, lighting the entire chamber as brightly as day.
He gripped his heavy sword, wrapped in Mysterious Yellow Flame, and fixed his gaze on the section of the defensive formation about to shatter, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Crack!
With a sharp snap, the defensive barrier finally shattered.
Dozens of Shadow Demons flooded into the chamber like a black tide. Their claws glimmered ominously, and they opened their fang-filled mouths to unleash piercing howls.
Lin Xiu swept his staff, transforming blue soul power into several chains that wrapped precisely around the foremost Shadow Demons.
"Now!"
Yun Yun pointed her longsword, and the green wind threads instantly tightened, binding the Shadow Demons caught in the soul chains.
The Shadow Demons struggled frantically within the wind threads, letting out shrill howls, but they could not break free no matter how hard they tried.
Xiao Yan seized that fleeting opportunity. His Azure Luan Wings beat, raising a golden firestorm, and he shot toward the bound Shadow Demons like a golden meteor.
"Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record, second form-Flame Spirit Thrust!"
Xiao Yan roared, driving his heavy sword, wreathed in golden flames, precisely into the Shadow Demons' skulls.
The Mysterious Yellow Flame's purification power erupted instantly. Golden fire spread wildly through the Shadow Demons, burning their bodies to ash.
Several Shadow Demons vanished amid screams, leaving a scorched smell hanging in the air.
But more Shadow Demons continued pouring into the chamber. They dodged the soul chains and wind threads, lunging like phantoms toward the unconscious Spirit Gatherers.
Xiao Yan's heart tightened. His Azure Luan Wings beat again, and he placed himself before the Spirit Gatherers. His heavy sword swept across, forming a wall of golden fire that temporarily halted the Shadow Demons' assault.
"President Lin, reinforce the Soul-Stabilizing Talisman's defenses!"
Xiao Yan shouted while swinging his heavy sword, relentlessly cutting down the Shadow Demons that lunged at him.
Lin Xiu reacted at once, hurriedly channeling Dou Qi into the yellow barrier covering the Spirit Gatherers.
Yun Yun joined the battle as well. Her green Dou Qi became a sky-filling rain of swords, reaping the Shadow Demons' lives without pause.
The battle was extraordinarily fierce. There were simply too many Shadow Demons, and their movements were exceptionally agile. They darted around the chamber, searching for openings to attack.
Xiao Yan, Yun Yun, and Lin Xiu stood back-to-back in a defensive circle, struggling to withstand the Shadow Demons' encirclement.
Xiao Yan's Mysterious Yellow Flame countered the Shadow Demons. Wherever the golden fire swept, they were reduced to ash.
But it consumed his Dou Qi at a tremendous rate, and the Mysterious Yellow Flame gradually dimmed.
Although Yun Yun's wind Dou Qi could restrict the Shadow Demons' speed, she, too, was beginning to falter against such overwhelming numbers.
Lin Xiu's soul power was formidable, but using it continuously took a heavy mental toll. Beads of sweat already covered his forehead.
"This can't go on! We're consuming Dou Qi too quickly!"
Yun Yun shouted as she swung her longsword.
"We have to find a way to reduce the number of Shadow Demons!"
Xiao Yan cut down the Shadow Demon before him and stole a glance around.
"These Shadow Demons seem to fear something. They don't dare approach the demonic crystals in the center of the chamber!"
Following his gaze, the others saw several faintly glowing demonic crystals embedded in the floor at the center of the chamber. Though the Shadow Demons roamed everywhere, they never dared come within three feet of the crystals.
A spark of realization flashed in Lin Xiu's eyes.
"I understand! Shadow Demons fear crystals containing energy! Let's move the Spirit Gatherers beside the demonic crystals. That will take some pressure off us!"
Xiao Yan understood immediately. His Azure Luan Wings beat, propelling him toward the unconscious Spirit Gatherers.
He carefully lifted the Spirit Gatherers one by one and moved them beside the demonic crystals. Meanwhile, Yun Yun and Lin Xiu fought desperately against the Shadow Demons, buying him time. By the time the last Spirit Gatherer was moved to safety, all three were panting, more than half their Dou Qi spent.
"What now?"
Yun Yun leaned against the stone wall, breathing rapidly, green Dou Qi flickering faintly over her body.
Xiao Yan stared at the Shadow Demons eyeing them like tigers watching their prey, his brows tightly knitted.
"There are too many Shadow Demons. We won't gain anything by fighting head-on. And they seem to be waiting for something. They haven't attacked with their full strength."
Lin Xiu planted his staff on the ground, blue soul power circulating slowly around him.
"I can sense an even stronger presence approaching outside. These Shadow Demons may only be the vanguard."
No sooner had he spoken than a powerful aura surged from the chamber entrance. A Shadow Demon a size larger than the ordinary ones slowly walked in.
This Shadow Demon was pitch-black, its body covered in fine scales. Eerie green light gleamed where its eyes should have been, and it radiated an aura that made their hearts tremble.
Its arrival silenced the surrounding Shadow Demons. They retreated behind it, making it clear that this was their leader.
"It's a Shadow Demon Lord!"
Lin Xiu's expression turned grave.
"Its strength rivals a Dou Wang expert's, and it specializes in soul-devouring techniques. It's extremely dangerous!"
The Shadow Demon Lord let out a low howl. His eerie green gaze swept over everyone in the chamber before settling on Xiao Yan, seemingly filled with wariness toward the Mysterious Yellow Flame covering him.
Xiao Yan tightened his grip on his heavy sword, Mysterious Yellow Flame blazing along its edge.
"Leave him to me. You handle the other Shadow Demons!"
Yun Yun and Lin Xiu exchanged a glance and nodded. Yun Yun swept her longsword, her green Dou Qi becoming a sky full of sword shadows as she engaged the ordinary Shadow Demons again.
Lin Xiu raised his staff, turning blue soul power into several barriers that protected the unconscious Spirit Gatherers.
Xiao Yan drew a deep breath and spread his Azure Luan Wings, stirring up a golden firestorm.
He shot toward the Shadow Demon Lord like a golden meteor. Refusing to yield, the Shadow Demon Lord unleashed a piercing howl and flickered aside like a phantom, evading Xiao Yan's attack while reaching his sharp claws toward Xiao Yan's chest.
Xiao Yan reacted swiftly, bringing his heavy sword across to block the Shadow Demon Lord's attack.
Clang!
At the sharp ring, Xiao Yan felt his arm go numb. The Shadow Demon Lord's strength far exceeded his expectations.
He used the force of the impact to retreat, putting distance between them as he watched the Shadow Demon Lord warily.
A flicker of surprise crossed the Shadow Demon Lord's eerie green gaze, as though he had not expected Xiao Yan to block his attack.
He howled again, becoming a black shadow that appeared behind Xiao Yan in an instant. His claws slashed toward Xiao Yan's back, carrying a fierce rush of wind.
Xiao Yan was prepared. His Azure Luan Wings beat, and he twisted nimbly in midair, avoiding the Shadow Demon Lord's attack.
At the same time, he delivered a backhand slash, Mysterious Yellow Flame sweeping toward the Shadow Demon Lord's body in golden fire. Seemingly wary of the flame's power, the Shadow Demon Lord did not dare take it head-on and flickered aside again.
Man and demon became locked in a fierce battle within the chamber.
Xiao Yan was exceptionally fast. His Azure Luan Wings allowed him to move freely and nimbly through the air, while the Mysterious Yellow Flame's purification power countered the Shadow Demon Lord.
But the Shadow Demon Lord was no slower. He drifted unpredictably like a phantom, and his immense strength sent fierce gusts of wind surging with every attack.
The battle continued for an hour, and Xiao Yan gradually began to falter. The Mysterious Yellow Flame grew dimmer and dimmer, while the beats of his Azure Luan Wings slowed.
His Dou Qi had been heavily depleted, and his body was tiring. Yet the Shadow Demon Lord remained full of energy, excitement gleaming in his eerie green gaze as though he were enjoying the hunt.
This can't go on. I have to end this quickly! Xiao Yan thought.
He drew a deep breath and poured all his remaining Dou Qi into his heavy sword. The mysterious yellow flame erupted with dazzling light along its edge.
"Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record, third form: Flame Spirit Purification!"
Xiao Yan roared and slashed at the Shadow Demon Lord, his heavy sword trailing a golden pillar of light.
Sensing danger, the Shadow Demon Lord let out a piercing shriek. Countless clouds of black mist appeared around its body, forming a sturdy defense.
The golden pillar collided with the black mist with a deafening crash.
The golden pillar steadily dissolved the black mist, but the Shadow Demon Lord was immensely powerful and kept replenishing it.
Just as the two reached a stalemate, the Shadow Demon Lord suddenly let out an agonized shriek, and the black mist around its body instantly dissipated.
Xiao Yan seized that fleeting opportunity. His Azure Luan Wings beat, whipping up a golden firestorm. Like a golden meteor, he rushed before the Shadow Demon Lord and thrust his heavy sword viciously at its head.
"Shhk!"
With a soft sound, the heavy sword pierced the Shadow Demon Lord's head with unerring precision.
The mysterious yellow flame's purification power erupted instantly, and golden flames spread wildly through the Shadow Demon Lord's body.
The Shadow Demon Lord let out an utterly wretched shriek. Its body convulsed repeatedly before finally turning into a pile of black ashes.
Having dealt with the Shadow Demon Lord, Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief. His body swayed, and he nearly fell.
He forced himself to stand steady and looked at the fighting around him.
Yun Yun and Lin Xiu were locked in fierce combat with the remaining Shadow Demons. Although few Shadow Demons remained, both had consumed considerable amounts of Dou Qi and were gradually struggling to keep up.
Xiao Yan drew a deep breath, beat his Azure Luan Wings again, and joined the battle. With his help, the fighting soon ended. The final Shadow Demon turned to ashes in the mysterious yellow flame, and peace finally returned to the stone chamber.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and slumped to the ground, panting heavily.
Xiao Yan walked over to Yun Yun and Lin Xiu and handed them two healing pills.
"Treat your injuries quickly. We don't know what dangers we'll encounter next."
Yun Yun and Lin Xiu accepted the pills and gave Xiao Yan grateful looks. They immediately sat cross-legged and began circulating their energy to heal.
Xiao Yan also found a place to sit, swallowed a healing pill, and circulated the Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record to begin restoring his Dou Qi.
The mysterious yellow flame flowed slowly through his body, purifying the demonic qi that had invaded it and nourishing his damaged meridians.
After an unknown amount of time, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes.
He felt that seventy to eighty percent of his Dou Qi had recovered, and his exhaustion had been swept away. He looked around. Yun Yun and Lin Xiu had also finished treating their injuries and were sitting with their eyes closed, resting.
The unconscious Spirit Gatherers had also awakened. Although their faces were still somewhat pale, they were in much better spirits.
"What do we do next?"
A Spirit Gatherer asked, a trace of fear in their voice. After fighting the Shadow Demons, they had gained a deeper understanding of the dangers of the Otherworldly Demon Lair.
Xiao Yan pondered for a moment before saying:
"We must leave here as soon as possible and head to the Ancient Altar. The Shadow Demon Lord's death has probably alerted the other Otherworldly Demons. Staying here is too dangerous."
Lin Xiu nodded.
"Xiao Yan is right. According to the Jade Slip, we're still fifty li from the Ancient Altar. We can reach it once we cross the Corpse Marsh and Demonflame Canyon. But both places are extremely dangerous, so we must proceed carefully."
Yun Yun stood and stretched.
"My Dou Qi has almost fully recovered. Leave the heat in Demonflame Canyon to me."
Xiao Yan stood as well, the mysterious yellow flame flickering gently in his palm.
"The demonic qi in the Corpse Marsh is bound to be extremely dense. My flame can purify it, so leave clearing the way to me."
Everyone nodded. They already had a thorough understanding of Xiao Yan's strength.
Lin Xiu took some food and water from his Storage Ring and distributed it to everyone.
"Let's rest and replenish our strength first. We'll set out in an hour."
Everyone accepted the food and water and began wolfing it down. After two fierce battles, they were all ravenous.
While resting, Xiao Yan carefully examined the stone chamber.
Many demonic crystals were embedded in its rock walls, emitting faint light. These crystals contained some energy that might be used to replenish Dou Qi.
He walked up to a larger demonic crystal, extended his palm, and circulated the Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record, beginning to absorb its energy.
The mysterious yellow flame flickered gently in his palm, wrapping the demonic crystal in golden fire.
Energy poured continuously from the demonic crystal into Xiao Yan's body. Purified by the mysterious yellow flame, it transformed into pure Dou Qi, nourishing his damaged meridians and Dou Qi vortex. Xiao Yan could feel his Dou Qi recovering slowly but steadily.
An hour later, everyone had finished resting and recovered much of their strength and Dou Qi. Lin Xiu put away the defensive formation and said, "Let's go. We'll try to cross the Corpse Marsh before dawn." Everyone nodded and followed Lin Xiu out of the natural stone chamber.
Outside, the sky was still pitch-black. Dense demonic qi filled the air, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
The roars of magical beasts came from afar, carrying a sense of danger.
Lin Xiu took out the Jade Slip and injected Dou Qi into it, projecting a map.
"The Corpse Marsh is ten li ahead. Stay close to me and don't fall behind."
Everyone followed carefully behind Lin Xiu, moving through the darkness.
Xiao Yan walked at the very front of the group. The mysterious yellow flame burned in his palm, illuminating the path ahead while purifying the surrounding demonic qi.
Yun Yun brought up the rear, watching their surroundings vigilantly to guard against surprise attacks from Otherworldly Demons.
After walking for about two hours, they came upon a marsh.
Rotting bones littered the marsh, giving off a pungent, fetid stench.
Bubbles continually rose from the black mud, releasing dense demonic qi. This was the Corpse Marsh, which they had to cross to reach the Ancient Altar.
"Be careful, everyone. The mud in this marsh is highly corrosive, and dangerous magical beasts may be hiding inside."
Lin Xiu warned them while bringing out his staff. Blue soul power formed a curtain of light beneath his feet.
"We'll walk on these light barriers. Don't touch the mud."
Everyone followed his example, forming Dou Qi light barriers beneath their feet and carefully entering the Corpse Marsh.
Xiao Yan led the way. The mysterious yellow flame formed a golden barrier before him, purifying the demonic qi rising from the marsh.
The demonic qi in the marsh was exceptionally dense. It constantly eroded everyone's Dou Qi light barriers, gradually dimming their radiance.
After they had traveled about three li, a disturbance suddenly came from the marsh.
The black mud churned, and a huge tentacle emerged, whipping toward Xiao Yan at the head of the group with a fierce rush of wind. Xiao Yan reacted instantly, sweeping his heavy sword out. The mysterious yellow flame trailed golden fire as he slashed at the enormous tentacle.
"Shhk!"
With a soft sound, Xiao Yan severed the enormous tentacle. Black blood gushed out, giving off a pungent, fetid stench.
An enraged shriek came from the marsh. More tentacles emerged from the mud and attacked the group.
"It's a Rotting Corpse Octopus!"
Lin Xiu's expression grew grave.
"This is a powerful magical beast that lives in the Corpse Marsh. Its strength rivals a Dou Ling expert's. Be careful!"
Everyone drew their weapons and prepared to fight. Xiao Yan swung his heavy sword, the mysterious yellow flame trailing golden fire as he severed every tentacle attacking him.
"Don't get bogged down in a fight! Cross the marsh as quickly as possible!"
Everyone nodded and quickened their pace.
But the Rotting Corpse Octopus clearly had no intention of letting them leave easily. More tentacles emerged from the mud, forming a huge net that surrounded them.
Xiao Yan roared. The mysterious yellow flame circulated rapidly through his body, and golden fire erupted with dazzling light. "Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record, second form: Flame Spirit Thrust!"
A golden pillar of light burst from Xiao Yan's heavy sword,
shooting out and piercing the enormous net of tentacles to open a gap.
"Quick, this way!"
Xiao Yan shouted. Everyone immediately followed him and charged through the gap.
The Rotting Corpse Octopus let out an enraged shriek and lashed out again with its enormous tentacles, but it was too late. Everyone had already escaped its attack range.
After traveling for roughly another two hours, they finally left the Corpse Marsh and reached the entrance to Demonflame Canyon.
Dense heat filled the canyon, and sparks drifted through the air. The temperature was so high that ordinary Dou Qi could not withstand it.
Yun Yun moved to the front of the group, and azure Dou Qi formed a barrier around her body.
"Stay close to me. My wind-type Dou Qi can withstand the heat."
Everyone followed Yun Yun into Demonflame Canyon.
The temperature inside the canyon rose steadily. Fierce flames burned along the rock walls, and the pungent smell of sulfur filled the air.
Yun Yun's wind-type Dou Qi barrier was steadily depleted, its light gradually dimming.
Yet she gritted her teeth and persevered, opening a path for everyone.
After traveling for about four hours, they finally emerged from Demonflame Canyon and reached the vicinity of the Ancient Altar.
The altar stood atop an enormous mountain peak, surrounded by dense demonic qi and emanating an aura that made their hearts tremble.
Bizarre runes covered the altar, emitting a faint red glow, as though some evil ritual was taking place.
"We've finally arrived."
Lin Xiu breathed a sigh of relief and said,
"The Ancient Altar is just ahead. Let's rest and recover our strength and Dou Qi, then figure out how to destroy it."
Everyone nodded, found a safe place to sit, and began circulating their energy to heal.
Xiao Yan gazed at the distant Ancient Altar, the mysterious yellow flame flickering gently in his palm.
He could feel that the energy fluctuations coming from the altar resembled those of the seal in the Flame Spirit Clan Ruins, but they were far more sinister and powerful.
This was the source of the Otherworldly Demon. As long as they destroyed it, more than half the demonic qi in the Black-Corner Region would dissipate.
But he also knew that destroying the altar would be anything but smooth sailing.
Powerful Otherworldly Demons were certain to guard the altar, and the altar itself might also possess formidable defensive mechanisms.
They would have to proceed cautiously and devise a meticulous plan to destroy the altar successfully and complete their mission.
After resting for about two hours, everyone had almost fully recovered their strength and Dou Qi.
Lin Xiu stood and said, "Let's approach the altar and scout the situation first. Then we'll devise a plan to destroy it." Everyone nodded and followed him, carefully making their way toward the Ancient Altar.
The closer they came to the altar, the denser the demonic qi in the air became, making them feel oppressed.
Black markings covered the ground around the altar, emanating a sinister aura.
The shrieks of Otherworldly Demons came from afar, carrying a sense of danger.
Everyone held their breath and advanced cautiously, afraid of alerting the Otherworldly Demons guarding the altar.
At last, they reached a small hill near the altar and hid behind rocks to observe it.
Dozens of powerful Otherworldly Demons stood on the altar. Several rivaled Dou Wang experts in strength and emanated a heart-chilling aura.
At the center of the altar, a huge black crystal hovered in midair, releasing dense demonic qi. Clearly, this was the source of the Otherworldly Demon.
"The situation is even worse than we imagined."
Lin Xiu said quietly, "With so many powerful Otherworldly Demons guarding the altar, we can't get anywhere near it, let alone destroy it."
Yun Yun's brows knitted tightly.
"And the demonic qi coming from that black crystal is extremely dense. I'm afraid my wind-type Dou Qi won't be able to withstand it."
Xiao Yan gazed at the black crystal in the center of the altar, the mysterious yellow flame blazing in his palm.
"That black crystal is the source of the Otherworldly Demon. Destroy it, and the altar will stop functioning. But there are too many Otherworldly Demons around it. Forcing our way in won't work."
He pondered for a moment, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"Perhaps we can make a feint in the east and strike in the west, distracting the Otherworldly Demons and seizing the chance to destroy the black crystal."
Lin Xiu's eyes lit up.
"That's a good idea. We can split into two teams. One will draw the Otherworldly Demons' attention, while the other approaches the altar and destroys the black crystal."
Yun Yun nodded.
"Xiao Yan and I will destroy the black crystal. The rest of you can draw the Otherworldly Demons' attention."
Lin Xiu shook his head.
"No. The Otherworldly Demons around the altar are too strong. It's too dangerous for just the two of you. I'll go with you, and the other four Spirit Gatherers will distract the Otherworldly Demons."
The other four Spirit Gatherers immediately said:
"Rest assured, President. We'll definitely draw the Otherworldly Demons' attention and buy you time!"
Lin Xiu nodded.
"Good, then it's settled. Let's prepare. We'll act in an hour."
Everyone immediately began preparing, checking their weapons and pills and bringing themselves into peak condition as they awaited the moment to act.
An hour later, Lin Xiu drew a deep breath and said:
"Move!" The four Spirit Gatherers immediately rushed from their hiding place and ran away from the altar, shouting loudly to draw the Otherworldly Demons' attention. As expected, the Otherworldly Demons around the altar were drawn away and gave chase.
"Now!"
Lin Xiu shouted in a low voice. Taking advantage of the opening left by the departing Otherworldly Demons, he led Xiao Yan and Yun Yun in a swift charge toward the black crystal at the center of the altar.
They moved extremely quickly, darting across the altar like three bolts of lightning and avoiding the few remaining Otherworldly Demons.
Soon, they reached the black crystal.
The black crystal emitted dense demonic qi, which constantly eroded their Dou Qi barriers.
Lin Xiu brought out his staff, and blue soul power formed a sturdy barrier before him, resisting the demonic qi's erosion.
Yun Yun swept her longsword through the air. Azure Dou Qi transformed into countless wind blades, clearing away the surrounding Otherworldly Demons.
Xiao Yan drew a deep breath and poured all his Dou Qi into his heavy sword. The mysterious yellow flame erupted with dazzling light along its edge.
"Purifying Spirit Burning Heaven Record, third form: Flame Spirit Purification!"
A golden pillar of light shot from his heavy sword, slashing toward the black crystal.
The black crystal trembled violently and released even denser demonic qi, forming a sturdy defense.
"Push harder! Destroy it!"
Lin Xiu shouted, pouring more soul power into the barrier to sustain their defense.
Yun Yun also intensified her attacks. Azure wind blades repeatedly slashed at the black crystal's defenses, attempting to open a gap.
Xiao Yan gritted his teeth and poured the last of his Dou Qi into his heavy sword. The golden pillar shone even more brilliantly.
At last, under their combined assault, the black crystal's defenses shattered.
The golden pillar struck the black crystal squarely with an earth-shaking crash.
The black crystal shattered instantly into countless black fragments that scattered across the ground.
The runes on the altar instantly lost their glow, and the demonic qi it emitted began rapidly dissipating.
"We did it!"
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, smiles of joy spreading across their faces.
But before they could celebrate, a powerful aura suddenly surged around the altar.
An enormous Otherworldly Demon burrowed out from beneath the altar, radiating an aura that made their hearts tremble. Clearly, this was the demon chief guarding the altar.
"This is bad! It's an Otherworldly Demon Lord!"
Lin Xiu's expression changed drastically.
"It's as powerful as a Dou Huang expert! Run!"
No one dared linger to fight. They turned and fled. The Otherworldly Demon Lord let out a furious roar and slammed its massive palm toward them, bringing a fierce rush of wind.
Xiao Yan reacted in a flash, unfurling his Azure Luan Wings and carrying Lin Xiu and Yun Yun swiftly out of the path of the Otherworldly Demon Lord's attack.
They hurtled through the air, the Otherworldly Demon Lord's furious roars echoing behind them.
But they dared not stop, fleeing at full speed toward the exit of the Otherworldly Demon Lair.
After a harrowing escape, they finally emerged from the Otherworldly Demon Lair and reached the edge of the Black-Corner Region.
Looking back, they saw that calm had returned in the direction of the Otherworldly Demon Lair, and the demonic qi in the air was gradually dissipating.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and slumped to the ground, gasping for breath.
"We did it."
Xiao Yan gazed at the distant Otherworldly Demon Lair, a smile of relief spreading across his face.
Lin Xiu and Yun Yun also exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with joy and exhaustion. They had finally completed their mission, destroying the source of the Otherworldly Demon and allowing the demonic qi in the Black-Corner Region to dissipate.
But they also knew this was only a temporary victory.
The Otherworldly Demons had not been completely eradicated. They would return like a storm, kicking up dust once more.
They had to keep growing stronger if they wanted to protect themselves and those around them in the battles to come.
After resting for a short while, everyone rose to their feet and set off toward the Jia Ma Empire.
Their figures vanished into the sunset's lingering glow, leaving behind a tale of legend.
And Xiao Yan's adventure had only just begun.
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