Chapter 1062
The Secret Cave
After saying this, the old man handed the lantern in his hand to Bai Yunzi: "This is a guiding light; it can guide you to find that power."
The four gratefully accepted the lantern, and saw that the flame burning inside had a strange color, as if it could illuminate everything in the darkness.
"Thank you, senior!" the four said in unison.
The old man smiled and shook his head: "Go, young man! Bravely face all difficulties and challenges."
Guided by the old man, the four, carrying a lantern, embarked once again on their journey to find opposing forces. They traversed a labyrinth of stone chambers, enduring countless trials and tribulations, until they finally arrived at a mysterious cave.
Strange sounds emanated from the cave, as if something was calling to them. The four exchanged a smile; they knew that the opposing forces awaited them deep within the cave.
They cautiously entered the cave, where they found it filled with all sorts of strange crystals, each radiating a different light. Deep within the cave, a crystal-clear white gem stood out prominently.
"Is this the power we've been looking for?" Dan Yan asked curiously.
Bai Yunzi nodded: "That's right, this white crystal contains pure light power, which is the nemesis of the dark power in the black-robed illusion."
The four of them cautiously approached the white crystal and placed their hands on it. Instantly, a warm power surged into their bodies, as if dispelling all darkness and cold.
The four exchanged smiles. With this power, the black-robed man's illusion was no longer a problem. They returned to the stone chamber with the white crystal, preparing for their final battle against the black-robed phantom.
The black-robed phantom saw the four return, a flicker of surprise and anger crossing his face: "You actually found a power that counters yours! But that won't change your fate!"
He waved his black robe, and the demons in the illusion lunged at the four once more. But this time, the four were prepared. They activated the power of the white crystal, and a dazzling light shot out from it, instantly dispelling the darkness in the illusion.
The black-robed phantom roared in anger, but his power seemed so fragile in the face of light. The four seized the opportunity to attack, completely defeating the black-robed phantom.
As the black-robed phantom dissipated, the illusion gradually collapsed. The four returned to the real world, only to find the stone chamber restored to its original state. The black crystal ball on the altar had also lost its light, becoming dull and lifeless.
The four stood in the restored stone chamber, looked at each other and smiled, an indescribable sense of ease and joy welling up in their hearts.
"Finally, this evil illusion has been broken." Bai Yunzi stroked his long beard, his eyes shining with relief.
Yang Ling sheathed his sword and said with great enthusiasm, "This success is largely thanks to the guidance of our seniors and the concerted efforts of everyone."
Dan Yan reached out to touch the dull black crystal ball, but a lingering chill made him pull his hand back: "This black-robed man is really cunning, using such a bizarre illusion to deceive us."
Yun Feiyang put away his staff, walked to the altar, and carefully examined the crystal ball: "Although the illusion has been broken, it seems that there is still some secret hidden in this crystal ball."
Just as the four were discussing around the altar, footsteps suddenly came from the entrance of the stone chamber. In the blink of an eye, several cultivators dressed in Taoist robes hurriedly entered. The one in the lead was an old man with a sage-like appearance, holding a whisk and with piercing eyes.
"Young friends, I am late." The old man bowed and said apologetically. Bai Yunzi and the others quickly returned the bow: "Senior, you are too kind. We were able to break through the illusion thanks to your guidance."
The old man smiled slightly, his gaze shifting to the crystal ball on the altar: "This man in black robes has committed numerous evils, and I have been tracking him for a long time. It is truly gratifying to see you young friends break through his illusion today."
Yang Ling asked curiously, "Senior, do you know the origin and purpose of this crystal ball?"
The old man stepped forward and gently touched the crystal ball: "This ball is called 'Netherworld Mystic Crystal,' a treasure obtained by the black-robed man from the Netherworld. He used this treasure to draw upon the power of the Netherworld to enhance his cultivation and create illusions."
Upon hearing this, Dan Yan couldn't help but gasp in astonishment: "The Netherworld? That's the legendary underworld!"
The old man nodded: "That's right. The man in black robes has a secret deal with certain beings in the Netherworld, and this Netherworld Crystal is the token of their deal."
Yun Feiyang frowned: "So, the man in black robes has an even greater force behind him?"
The old man sighed, "Yes, the man in black robes is just the tip of the iceberg. The power behind him is what we really need to be wary of."
At this point, the old man suddenly changed the subject: "However, my young friends need not worry too much. I have come here not only to thank you for breaking the illusion, but also to invite you to join our alliance and fight against the evil forces lurking in the shadows."
Bai Yunzi and the others exchanged smiles and replied in unison, "That's exactly what we were thinking!"
"Very good." The old man nodded in satisfaction. "The alliance needs young talents like you. By the way, my Daoist name is 'Qingyang Zhenren,' you young friends may address me by my Daoist name."
"Master Qingyang, we juniors will certainly do our utmost to contribute to the alliance," Bai Yunzi declared on behalf of everyone.
Master Qingyang nodded and smiled: "I have faith in your abilities. Next, I will take you to the Alliance headquarters to meet with the elders and fellow practitioners. But before that, I have something to tell you about this 'Netherworld Crystal'."
Everyone listened intently as Master Qingyang continued, "This Netherworld Crystal is not only the tool the black-robed man used to create illusions, but also the key to his communication with the Netherworld. Although the illusion has been broken, the crystal may still contain residual power from the Netherworld, and may even hide a secret passage to the Netherworld."
Yang Ling's eyes lit up: "Then can we use this Xuan Crystal to further explore the Netherworld, and even find the force behind the black-robed man?"
Master Qingyang pondered for a moment: "This is a bold idea, but it is also extremely risky. The Netherworld is a place of evil and yin, which is not something that we people of the mortal realm can easily set foot in. However, there are indeed predecessors in the alliance who have studied the Netherworld. We can ask them to study this Netherworld Mystic Crystal together."
Dan Yan scratched his head: "So what should we do next?"
Master Qingyang replied, "First, we must safely bring the Netherworld Crystal back to the Alliance headquarters. Then, we will gather experts within the Alliance to conduct in-depth research on it. If you young friends are interested, you may also participate in the research."
Yun Feiyang was eager to try: "This junior will do his best to lend a helping hand to the alliance."
"Alright, then let's set off for the Alliance headquarters." Master Qingyang said, taking out a magical artifact from his sleeve. "This is my flying magical artifact, the 'Azure Cloud Boat,' which can carry us quickly to the headquarters." (End of Chapter)