Chapter 1040
We Must Not Let Our Guard Down
After the final bolt of lightning dissipated, the crack in the sky completely closed. The entire sky returned to tranquility, with only wispy clouds floating by.
Yun Feiyang withdrew his spiritual energy and collapsed wearily to the ground. He gazed at the fading altar and crystal ball in the Netherworld Fire Mirror, his heart filled with complex emotions. He understood that although the crisis was temporarily averted, many more challenges awaited him on the road ahead.
Yang Ling and the envoy landed back on the ground and walked to Yun Feiyang's side to thank him. "Senior Yun, thanks to your timely intervention, otherwise we would have been unable to withstand such violent power."
Yun Feiyang waved his hand, "This is our duty. As fellow disciples, we should overcome this difficulty together."
Dan Yan also stepped down from the high platform. Looking at the exhausted Yun Feiyang and the wounded Yang Ling and the envoy, she was filled with gratitude. "It was truly thanks to everyone's concerted efforts that we were able to overcome this calamity."
The envoy nodded. "That is indeed the case. However, we must not let our guard down. This matter is clearly not accidental; we need to find out the cause and strengthen our sect's defenses."
Yang Ling agreed, saying, "That's absolutely right. I will organize my disciples to strengthen patrols and security to prevent similar incidents from happening again."
Dan Yan then suggested, "Could we use the Netherworld Mystic Fire Mirror to investigate future crises? This might allow us to plan ahead."
Yun Feiyang pondered for a moment and said, "Using the Netherworld Mystic Fire Mirror to glimpse the future is indeed a method, but we must be extremely cautious. The power within the mirror should not be underestimated; the slightest carelessness could trigger an even greater calamity."
Yang Ling nodded in agreement: "Senior Yun is absolutely right. I can first study how to safely use this mirror to explore the future."
The envoy added, "At the same time, we can also seek help from the Northern Dark Cloud Hidden Sect, who may have more experience and knowledge to assist us."
As the group discussed the matter, the Black Fiend Sect gradually returned to its former order. Although the crisis was temporarily averted, everyone knew that the road ahead was still long and that greater unity and hard work were needed to meet the challenges to come.
Several days later, inside the Black Fiend Sect.
Yun Feiyang, Yang Ling, Dan Yan, and the envoys of the Beiming Yunyin Sect gathered in the main hall to discuss how to further explore the mysteries of the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror and strengthen the sect's defenses.
“After this incident, I deeply feel that there is still much room for improvement in our sect’s protective formations,” Yang Ling said first, his expression solemn.
Dan Yan nodded in agreement: "Exactly, we should use the power of the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror to improve our defense system."
Yun Feiyang stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before saying, "Using the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror can indeed help us strengthen our defenses, but we must proceed with caution. This mirror contains immense power, and the slightest carelessness could bring disaster."
The envoy also expressed his concern: "Master Yun is right. Our Beiming Yunyin Sect has learned a similar lesson before. We must be extremely careful in our pursuit of mysterious powers."
"In your opinion, what should we do?" Yang Ling asked.
Yun Feiyang suggested, "We can start by studying the usage of the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror to gradually understand its characteristics and limitations. At the same time, we can also draw on the experience of the Northern Dark Cloud Hidden Sect to explore how to use this power safely and effectively."
The messenger nodded in agreement: "Master Yun's words are absolutely correct. I will certainly report this experience to the sect leader and ask the elders of the sect for guidance and assistance."
Dan Yan also suggested: "While studying the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror, you should also strengthen your internal cultivation and martial arts training to improve your overall strength. Only by becoming strong can you better cope with future challenges."
Yang Ling concluded, “Very well, then let’s split up. Senior Yun and the envoy will be responsible for exploring the mysteries of the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror; Dan Yan, you will be responsible for organizing internal cultivation and martial arts training; and I will be in charge of strengthening the sect’s defensive facilities and external liaison matters.”
Everyone nodded in agreement and then got to work.
Several days later, in a secret chamber within the Black Fiend Sect, Yun Feiyang and the envoy from the Northern Dark Cloud Hidden Sect were deeply studying the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror. The mirror seemed to contain another world, shrouded in clouds and mist, its mysteries unfathomable…
Yun Feiyang frowned, his hands gently stroking the mirror's surface, as if searching for some kind of opportunity. The envoy, meanwhile, meticulously recorded the data from each experiment and the mirror's reaction. "This Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror is indeed extraordinary; I sense that it contains the power of spacetime," Yun Feiyang murmured.
The envoy agreed, “Indeed, this mirror seems to be able to connect different times and spaces. If we master its method, it will greatly enhance the strength of our sect.”
Suddenly, the mirror surface rippled, and blurry images flashed by rapidly. Yun Feiyang and the envoy exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
“This is…” Yun Feiyang reached out to steady the mirror, but the images continued to change.
The messenger quickly flipped through the records, "Wait a minute, this fluctuation pattern is quite similar to a combination we tried before!"
The two began communicating rapidly, their gestures and spiritual energy intertwining as they attempted to establish a deeper connection with the Netherworld Mystic Fire Mirror. With their efforts, the image within the mirror gradually became clearer.
It was an ancient altar, surrounded by mysterious runes, with enigmatic incantations floating in the air. In the center of the altar, a large crystal ball emitted a soft glow.
"This is... that ancient sealed altar?" Yun Feiyang exclaimed in surprise.
The messenger's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Indeed, this is the altar we saw through the Netherworld Fire Mirror! It seems we have found a way to communicate with the mirror."
At this moment, Yang Ling was inspecting the newly set up protective formation outside the sect. He held a compass in his hand, silently chanting incantations, and taking each step with extreme caution.
"We need to add a spirit stone array base here to strengthen the stability of the array," Yang Ling said to his disciple, pointing to a spot on the ground.
The disciples accepted the order and immediately began making arrangements.
Dan Yan instructed her disciples in cultivation from the high platform, her graceful movements like a fairy descending to earth. Every time she swung her ice sword, a chilling aura emanated from her.
"The path of cultivation lies in one's state of mind. You must achieve a state of tranquility like still water in order to better sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth." Dan Yan's voice was melodious, like heavenly music, drawing people in effortlessly.
Just as everyone was busy with their own tasks, Yun Feiyang and the envoy emerged from the secret chamber. Both of them had excited smiles on their faces, clearly indicating that they had made a major breakthrough in their research on the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror.
"Sect Leader Yang, Elder Dan, we have made an important discovery." Yun Feiyang's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement.
Upon hearing the sound, Yang Ling and Dan Yan immediately stopped what they were doing and walked to Yun Feiyang and the envoy.
"We have found a way to communicate with the Netherworld Mystic Fire Mirror and have glimpsed that ancient sealed altar," the envoy succinctly explained.
Yang Ling's eyes lit up. "This means that I may be able to use the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror to strengthen the seal, or even unlock some ancient mysteries!"
Dan Yan was also very excited, "This is truly excellent news. Could we use this mirror to explore more time and space, and search for lost immortal techniques or spiritual treasures?"
Yun Feiyang nodded, “It’s theoretically feasible. However, it requires more time and energy to study and practice. I have taken the first step, but the road ahead is still long.”
The messenger added, "We must proceed with caution. The Netherworld Fire Mirror is powerful and dangerous; the slightest carelessness could lead to unpredictable consequences."
“That’s right.” Yang Ling pondered. “This matter is of utmost importance and must be handled with utmost care. Elder Yun, Envoy, do you have any specific plans?”
Yun Feiyang and the envoy exchanged a glance. Yun Feiyang then said, "I think we should first conduct a deeper analysis of the Netherworld Profound Fire Mirror to ensure stable communication with it. Afterward, we can try to use the mirror to explore the ancient sealing altar and see if we can find clues to strengthen the seal or unlock its secrets." (End of Chapter)