Chapter 1016
Attempt to Escape
The black phoenix's wails grew increasingly mournful, cracks began to appear on its body, and wisps of black smoke seeped from the cracks, as if its very essence was being eroded.
Seeing this, a resolute look flashed in Yang Ling's eyes. "The opportunity has come! Bai Wei, let's attack with all our might!"
Bai Wei gripped the silver snake whip tightly and nodded emphatically. The two unleashed their ultimate killing moves once more, golden and silver light merging in the air, transforming into a massive meteor that hurtled straight at Hei Feng.
The black phoenix seemed to sense a life-or-death crisis, frantically twisting its body in an attempt to escape. However, the cultivators had already laid a net that could not leave it any opening.
Finally, with a deafening roar, the black phoenix's body exploded into countless black fragments, scattering across the sky. The entire city seemed to have been baptized by a hurricane, but as the black phoenix vanished, the storm gradually subsided.
Yang Ling and Bai Wei, panting, smiled with relief upon seeing Hei Feng defeated. The old man Baiyun strolled over and gently patted their shoulders, saying, "Very good, you did a wonderful job."
The cultivators in the city gathered around, expressing their admiration and gratitude to Yang Ling and Bai Wei. Bai Wei responded with a faint smile, but inwardly she was on high alert: "Although the Black Phoenix has been eliminated, the shadow of the old man in black robes still lingers. We cannot let our guard down."
Yang Ling shared the same sentiment. He looked into the distance, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "We must find the old man in black robes and put an end to this calamity."
At this moment, the wise Master Liu Mei from the city walked slowly in, his brows filled with wisdom and composure. "Yang Ling, Bai Wei, you have performed exceptionally well. However, the road ahead is long, and you still need more help."
Master Liu Mei's words made the two men's hearts tighten; they understood that what this wise man said often foreshadowed greater challenges.
"Master Liu Mei, I humbly request your guidance." Yang Ling bowed respectfully.
Master Liu Mei smiled calmly: "The old man in black robes has a far-reaching plan. His true intention is not just to create chaos with the Black Phoenix. In my opinion, he may be searching for some kind of ancient forbidden technique, which is powerful enough to overturn the world."
Upon hearing this, Yang Ling and Bai Wei couldn't help but gasp – if the black-robed elder were to gain this power, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"How can we stop them?" Bai Wei asked urgently.
Master Liu Mei pondered for a long time before saying, "We need to find the 'Record of Heaven and Earth', an ancient book that records endless mysteries of heaven and earth. Only with this book can we find a way to fight against the old man in black robes."
"The Record of Heaven and Earth?" Yang Ling and Bai Wei exchanged a glance, their eyes blazing with determination.
"We will find it as soon as possible," Yang Ling said firmly.
Master Liu Mei nodded: "I will assist in investigating the clues. In addition, the two of you also need to improve your cultivation. Facing the old man in black robes, brute force alone is far from enough."
Yang Ling and Bai Wei solemnly agreed, knowing that the road ahead would be increasingly difficult, but they were prepared to meet the challenge.
Bai Wei and Yang Ling left the square, embarking on their journey to find the "Record of Heaven and Earth". They traveled along the ancient mountain range, each step fraught with unknown dangers. Clouds and mist swirled among the mountains, ancient trees reached for the sky, and waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs with a thunderous roar.
"Yang Ling, does this road really lead to the location of the 'Records of Heaven and Earth'?" Bai Wei asked as she walked, her eyes full of curiosity.
Yang Ling's gaze was deep as he stared at the mountain road ahead: "Master Liu Mei once said that every inch of this land is secretly laid out by ancient sages. We must be extremely careful."
As the two ventured deeper, a beam of light suddenly descended from the sky, enveloping them. Within the halo appeared a fairy in purple robes, her black hair cascading like a waterfall, her eyes like autumn waters, as if she were a celestial being from a painting.
"Have you come for the 'Records of Heaven and Earth'?" The fairy's voice was like jade beads falling onto a plate, clear and moving.
Yang Ling and Bai Wei exchanged a glance and nodded. The latter then politely inquired, "Indeed, may I ask your honorable title, Fairy?"
The fairy chuckled, "I am the guardian of this place, named Zixia. You must undergo trials before you can proceed." Yang Ling raised an eyebrow and asked, "What kind of trials?"
Zixia gently raised her hand, and countless colorful butterflies suddenly drifted down from the sky, each wing shimmering with a strange light. "Hidden among the butterflies is a clue to the 'Records of Heaven and Earth,' and you must find the special colorful butterflies before sunset."
Bai Wei and Yang Ling understood each other and immediately began searching this mysterious area. Colorful butterflies flitted among the ancient trees like lively sprites, making them extremely difficult to catch.
"Look at that!" Bai Wei suddenly pointed to a colorful butterfly with golden spots and quickly chased after it. Yang Ling followed closely behind.
They traversed dense forests and crossed streams, finally finding the extraordinary colorful butterfly amidst a lush thicket of flowers. Bai Wei gently extended her jade-like hand and captured it. The butterfly transformed into a ball of golden light in her palm, which then condensed into an ancient map.
"It's a success!" Yang Ling exclaimed joyfully.
Zixia reappeared, nodding in approval: "Excellent, you have demonstrated wisdom and courage. This map will guide you to the location of the 'Records of Heaven and Earth'."
The two thanked Zixia and continued their journey. The map's route was winding and unpredictable, traversing countless strange peaks and rocks, with every step fraught with challenges.
Suddenly, a strange gust of wind arose, and a black-robed cultivator appeared, blocking his path. A cunning glint flashed in his eyes: "Hmph, you want the 'Record of Heaven and Earth'? You'll have to get past me first!"
A jet-black longsword suddenly appeared in his hand, its blade wreathed in ghostly flames. Yang Ling and Bai Wei immediately went on alert, assuming a fighting stance.
The black-robed cultivator laughed loudly, and with a flick of his sword, countless black sword energies attacked the two. Yang Ling wielded his golden sword to parry, while Bai Wei used her silver snake whip to deflect the attacks.
The battle was exceptionally fierce. The black-robed cultivator's power seemed inexhaustible, but Yang Ling and Bai Wei, through their tacit cooperation, gradually found an opening in their opponent's defenses.
"Take this!" Bai Weiqing shouted, her silver snake whip soaring like a silver dragon, drawing out dazzling cold light and striking the black-robed cultivator's vitals.
Yang Ling was not to be outdone. His golden sword transformed into a golden meteor, intertwining with the silver light to form a powerful force that charged straight at the black-robed cultivator.
The black-robed cultivator was horrified, never expecting that the two young cultivators could unleash such power. He tried his best to counterattack, but was ultimately defeated by the two's combined strength, turning into black smoke and dissipating into the air.
"Another victory." Yang Ling sighed and looked at Bai Wei.
Bai Wei nodded with a smile, and the two followed the map to the front of an ancient temple.
The temple was magnificent and imposing, guarded by two stone lion statues at the entrance, with the four characters "天地玄黄录" (Records of Heaven and Earth) inscribed on the lintel. As they entered the temple, they saw a dazzling light flowing through it, with countless ancient books floating in mid-air, shimmering with a faint glow.
"We've finally found it," Bai Wei whispered excitedly.
Yang Ling nodded, and the two carefully searched among the ancient books. They found the *Record of Heaven and Earth*. They knew that finding this book was only the beginning; the real test was yet to come.
Yang Ling and Bai Wei stood solemnly before the massive gate of the mysterious temple, knowing that every step they took from there would be fraught with unknown dangers. Yang Ling took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy bronze door. The door creaked and groaned, as if telling a story of a thousand years of silence.
Stepping into the temple, the view suddenly opens up. The interior is exquisitely beautiful with its carved beams and painted rafters. Rays of light emanate from the jade dome, illuminating the entire room as if it were daytime. Rows of ancient books float in the air, each seemingly containing profound mysteries of the Great Dao.
“This place…is truly a wonder of a thousand years.” Bai Wei exclaimed softly, her eyes sparkling with a thirst for knowledge.
"However, we cannot let our guard down. Master Liu Mei once mentioned that the guardian spirit of this place could appear at any time," Yang Ling reminded him, lightly pressing his hand on the hilt of his sword, preparing to deal with any unexpected events. (End of Chapter)