Chapter 1038
Warnings Left by Our Predecessors
The mirror was entirely black, with a smooth, jade-like surface. Ancient runes were faintly visible on its surface, giving it a profound and mysterious aura.
"The Netherworld Mystic Fire Mirror has finally revealed its true form," Yun Feiyang said in a low voice, his tone tinged with relief.
Yang Ling slowly approached the mirror, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. He reached out, intending to touch the dark surface, but stopped just before making contact. "This mirror... is truly extraordinary."
Dan Yan's eyes were also fixed on the mirror. She gently stroked the hilt of her ice sword, the icy aura spreading from its tip, creating a stark contrast with the eerie light reflected in the mirror. She asked softly, "Senior Yun, can this mirror truly reveal the mind's image?"
Yun Feiyang walked towards the mirror, his figure appearing particularly majestic in the light of the palace lanterns. He gazed at the mirror and calmly replied, "Indeed. Legend has it that this mirror can not only reflect the inner world of the viewer, but also reveal certain fragments of the past and future. However, using it requires an extremely strong spirit, and one may lose oneself if one is not careful."
The envoy from the Beiming Yunyin Sect approached, his face showing a hint of awe. He whispered, "Throughout the generations of our Beiming Yunyin Sect, there has been a saying that the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror holds a great secret, or perhaps even a warning left behind by our predecessors."
Yang Ling nodded slightly, tapping his fingers lightly on the table as he considered his next move. "We must proceed with caution. Now that the mirror has appeared, we must ensure it is not misused. Envoy, what are your plans?"
The envoy paused for a moment, then slowly spoke: "We hope to bring the mirror back to Beiming so that the higher-ups of the sect can investigate it and uncover the deeper secrets behind it. Naturally, we are also willing to share our knowledge with the Black Fiend Sect."
Dan Yan suddenly interjected, "Before that, we should first verify the mirror's authenticity and function. If it is true, as you say, that it can reveal mental images, perhaps we can gain some guidance from it."
Yun Feiyang smiled and nodded. He turned to the mirror, took a deep breath, and then slowly placed his palm on the mirror surface. The mirror surface rippled, spreading like water.
Yang Ling, Dan Yan, and the envoy all held their breath, their eyes fixed on the scene. Gradually, a picture appeared in the mirror: above a vast sea of clouds, a solitary island floated in mid-air, with ancient pavilions and towers on the island, appearing solemn and mysterious.
Yun Feiyang's voice slowly echoed in the silent night sky: "This is the location of my sect—the Cloud Peak Immortal Sect. What is reflected in the mirror should be the place I most revere in my heart."
The envoy stared intently at the image, a thoughtful look in his eyes: "This mirror is indeed extraordinary. Not only can it reflect the deepest scenes of the mind, but it seems that its power is far greater than we expected."
Yang Ling stepped forward, his eyes firm and deep: "I'm willing to give it a try too." His palm lightly touched the mirror, and the image rippled again, changing into another scene: a blazing sea of fire, in which a phoenix was being reborn from the flames, spreading its wings and soaring.
Dan Yan exclaimed in admiration, "Brother Yang, the flame and the sense of rebirth in your heart are the very symbol of the phoenix rising from the ashes. It is clear that this mirror can not only reflect the scene, but also the deep meaning of the soul."
Just as they were observing and discussing, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate. A Black Fiend Sect disciple rushed in, panting, and reported: "Sect Master, something terrible has happened! An unusual light has appeared on the eastern horizon, as if a powerful force is rapidly approaching us."
Yun Feiyang's expression changed, and he quickly withdrew his hand, causing the image in the mirror to disappear. He turned to look at Yang Ling and Dan Yan: "It seems that the appearance of the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror has attracted attention from many parties. We need to be prepared to meet the possible challenges."
Yang Ling and Dan Yan also looked solemn, knowing that they might face an unprecedented test.
Yang Ling swiftly ordered, "Send word to all disciples to prepare for battle, without fail!" Dan Yan gripped his sword hilt tightly, his eyes flashing with determination: "I will go to the high platform of the South Tower, from where I can monitor the movements in the East."
The envoy said in a deep voice, "My Cloud Hidden Sect will also provide support. Although the number of people is small, they are all carefully selected experts."
Yang Ling nodded, expressing his gratitude for the envoy's support, and then turned to Yun Feiyang: "Senior Yun, please stay here to guard the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror, just in case."
Yun Feiyang nodded slightly, knowing the mirror was of great importance. He moved lightly to the mirror, formed a hand seal, and slowly chanted an ancient protective incantation. The air around him began to fluctuate, and layers of transparent light formed around him, displaying intricate runes that surrounded the mirror.
At the same time, Dan Yan had already flown to the high platform of the South Tower, standing atop it. Her gaze, sharp as lightning, pierced through the night, looking eastward. In the sky, a strange light was gradually expanding, seemingly concealing invisible fluctuations within it. These fluctuations gave her an unprecedented sense of pressure.
She murmured to herself, "This power is extraordinary... Could it be..." She didn't finish her sentence, but she already had a guess in her mind.
Yang Ling set up a battle formation in the courtyard below. His longsword emitted clear and melodious sword sounds from time to time. Each swing brought forth bursts of sword energy, forming sword array nodes that connected with the runes on the ground, gradually forming a massive defensive array.
"The formation must be set up quickly!" Yang Ling shouted to his disciples who were following his orders, his voice carrying an unyielding severity.
The members of the Black Fiend Sect acted swiftly, each channeling their power into the formation as instructed by Yang Ling. Thick clouds gradually gathered above the Black Fiend Sect, a sign that the formation was activating. Lightning flashed and thunder roared within the clouds, foreshadowing the impending storm.
At this moment, Yun Feiyang had completed the setup around the mirror. He stood at the center of the formation, his eyes closed, sensing the flow of the surrounding天地 (heaven and earth) power, attempting to use this power to enhance his defense.
Suddenly, a voice rang in his ears; it was the messenger's voice: "Master Yun, I sense that what comes from the East is not only an enemy, but also an extremely ancient power. What we may be facing is far more severe than we anticipated."
Yun Feiyang slowly opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with wisdom: "I also have this feeling. This may be the awakening of some ancient being. We are not only protecting the Black Fiend Sect, but we may also be preventing a calamity from happening."
The envoy nodded, his gaze growing even more solemn: "I have already sent someone to Beiming to request assistance, hoping they can arrive in time."
At the same time, Dan Yan saw several figures appearing in the eastern light from the high platform. She drew her ice sword, the tip pointing to the sky, the cold air condensing into frost: "Who comes? Why do you disturb my Black Fiend Sect?"
The figures gradually became clearer. The leader was an old man in a dark blue robe, and behind him seemed to emerge a hazy landscape painting, which was a profound illusion technique.
The old man's voice echoed in the silent night: "We are from the Dragon Palace of the East Sea. We have no ill intentions here, but we sensed an ancient power awakening in this place and have come to investigate. We did not intend to disturb your esteemed household, and we hope you will understand." (End of Chapter)