Chapter 1091
Peace Returns
However, these shadowy figures were incredibly powerful. They seemed to be empowered by some mysterious force, able to quickly recover from their injuries and continue fighting no matter how Yang Ling and the others attacked. This made the battle exceptionally difficult and protracted.
Just as the two sides were locked in fierce combat, a sudden golden light, as if from outer space, pierced the night sky and struck one of the dark figures with pinpoint accuracy. The dark figure instantly collapsed under the impact of the golden light, letting out a shrill scream, before turning into a wisp of black smoke and slowly dissipating in the night sky.
Yang Ling and the others were shocked by this sudden turn of events. They all stopped what they were doing and looked in the direction from which the golden light originated. They saw an old man with flowing white hair and an air of otherworldly grace slowly descending from the sky. He wore a Taoist robe, held a long golden whip, and his eyes revealed majesty and profundity.
"What kind of demon dares to act so presumptuously here!" The old man's voice boomed like a bell, making everyone present's ears ring. Before he finished speaking, the golden whip in his hand moved like a serpent, swiftly coiling towards the remaining shadowy figures.
The shadowy figures were clearly intimidated by the old man's imposing presence. They scattered and fled, trying to avoid the golden whip that clung to them like a persistent, venomous wound. However, the old man seemed to have anticipated their movements. The whip drew golden arcs in the air, accurately crushing each and every one of the shadowy figures.
As the last shadowy figure vanished, the valley returned to silence. The old man sheathed his golden whip and turned to face Yang Ling and the others. His gaze swept over them one by one, finally settling on Yang Ling.
"You did a great job," the old man nodded in praise. "These shadowy figures are spies from the evil sect, attempting to steal the Heavenly Book Stele. Fortunately, you discovered their plot in time and fought back bravely."
Upon hearing this, Yang Ling and the others quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your help, senior." They were filled with respect, knowing that this old man must be a reclusive master, otherwise he could not have defeated those powerful shadows so easily.
The old man smiled slightly and waved his hand, saying, "No need for formalities. I am also here to protect the Heavenly Book Stele. It is truly gratifying that you are all young and promising and capable of shouldering this important responsibility."
Yang Ling stepped forward and respectfully asked, "Senior, may I ask how you are addressed? We will certainly repay your kindness in the future."
The old man stroked his beard and smiled, "A name is just a label. You only need to remember that protecting the Heavenly Book Stele is our shared responsibility. What we did today was nothing more than a small favor, no need for thanks."
After saying this, the old man turned to leave. Seeing this, Yang Ling and the others quickly bowed again and said, "Senior, please wait. We will do our best to protect the Heavenly Book Stele."
The old man paused, glanced back at Yang Ling, and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes. He nodded slightly, then transformed into a golden light and soared into the sky, disappearing into the vast night.
After the old man left, Yang Ling and the others exchanged glances, their eyes filled with undisguised shock. What they had just witnessed was undoubtedly a huge shock to them, making them truly appreciate the vastness and unfathomable depth of the cultivation world.
"That senior..." A disciple of the Kunlun Sect swallowed hard and asked with difficulty, "What is his background?"
Yang Ling shook his head, his expression solemn: "I don't know either, but to be able to defeat those shadowy figures so easily, one must be a master among masters."
"What should we do next?" Li Qing asked, frowning. "Those shadowy figures obviously won't give up easily."
Wang Ming looked around and said in a deep voice, "We must strengthen our vigilance and not relax our guard in the slightest."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere immediately became tense. They all knew that the days to come would likely not be peaceful.
Sure enough, not long after, the valley stirred again. This time, it wasn't just a shadowy figure that arrived, but also a group of mysterious figures clad in black robes. They exuded a chilling aura, clearly not benevolent. "Hmph, you bunch of greenhorns think you can protect the Heavenly Book Stele?" The leader of the black-robed figures sneered, and with a wave of his hand, the group of black-clad men pounced on Yang Ling and his companions like wolves.
Yang Ling's eyes sharpened, and he moved to meet the attack. He formed a sword incantation in his hand, his immortal power surging within him, and with a single swing, he unleashed a sharp sword aura.
Li Qing and Wang Ming were not to be outdone, each unleashing their unique skills and engaging the man in black in a fierce battle. Disciples of the Kunlun Sect also joined the fray, and for a time, sword energy crisscrossed and magic flew throughout the valley.
However, these men in black were no ordinary fighters. They seemed to have undergone special training, their teamwork was impeccable, and their attacks were fierce. Although Yang Ling and the others fought back with all their might, they still felt immense pressure.
Just then, a clear crane's cry suddenly rang out from the sky. Everyone looked up and saw a huge white crane descending from the sky, with a woman in flowing white robes sitting on its back.
The woman had a refined and elegant appearance, with a touch of heroic spirit between her brows. In her hand she held a long sword, its blade gleaming with a cold light, clearly no ordinary weapon.
"Who dares to be so insolent here!" the woman shouted, and in a flash, she joined the battle. Her swordsmanship was extremely superb; with each swing of her sword, a man in black fell.
Seeing this, Yang Ling and the others were greatly encouraged. They all unleashed their unique skills and fought alongside the woman. Under their combined attack, the man in black was forced into retreat.
Upon seeing this, the leader of the black-robed men's eyes flashed with a sinister glint. Suddenly, a black magical artifact appeared in his hand, and he launched a vicious attack at the woman.
The woman swiftly dodged the black-robed man's attack. She swung her sword backhand, aiming straight for his throat. The black-robed man was terrified and hastily retreated. But the woman's swordsmanship was incredibly sharp; with a single stroke, she slashed through his throat.
The man in black robes fell heavily to the ground, and the remaining men in black scattered and fled. The woman did not give chase, but turned to look at Yang Ling and the others.
"Thank you for your help, young lady," Yang Ling and the others said, bowing deeply in gratitude.
The woman smiled slightly and waved her hand: "No need for formalities. I am also here to protect the Heavenly Book Stele."
Upon hearing this, Yang Ling and the others all showed expressions of admiration. They knew that this woman must also be a highly skilled person.
"My name is Yunmeng, and I am a disciple of a nearby cultivation sect," the woman introduced herself. "I heard that a celestial book stele had appeared here, so I came to investigate. I didn't expect to find you fighting with the men in black."
Yang Ling and the others introduced themselves and their sects, expressing their gratitude to Yun Meng. They knew that they were able to repel the men in black thanks to Yun Meng's help.
In the days that followed, Yunmeng remained in the valley, guarding the Heavenly Book Stele alongside Yang Ling and the others. Her superb swordsmanship and profound cultivation earned the deep admiration of Yang Ling and the others. (End of Chapter)