Chapter 1136
A Black Crack
Lin Bai quickly set up a magic array to block the Ghost King's attack. Xia Xuan seized the opportunity and launched an attack from the flank. Her sword light streaked across the sky like a meteor, aiming straight for the Ghost King's vitals.
Shi Ji did not directly participate in the attack on Ghost King, but his heart was closely connected with the battlefield. He knew that although Lin Bai and Xia Xuan's strength was formidable, it was still insufficient to completely defeat a top expert of the demon realm like Ghost King. Shi Ji understood that he had to make some changes and find a way to enhance his power so that he could deliver a fatal blow to the enemy at the crucial moment.
Just as Lin Bai and Xia Xuan were locked in fierce combat with the Ghost King, the battle at a stalemate, Shi Ji suddenly closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He tried to calm himself, clearing his mind of all distractions and focusing all his energy on his heart meridian. He remembered that ancient texts in the cultivation world recorded an extremely profound cultivation method called the "Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra." This method was said to greatly enhance a cultivator's inner strength, even unleashing astonishing combat power in a short period. However, this method was extremely difficult to cultivate, requiring exceptional comprehension and unwavering willpower, thus very few could truly master it.
But Shi Ji had no time to worry about that now; he knew he had to try. He began silently reciting the mantra of the "Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra," attempting to guide his heart meridians according to the instructions. Initially, his attempts were not successful; the flow of his heart meridians always seemed to clash with the requirements of the mantra, as if an invisible force was hindering him. However, Shi Ji did not give up; he firmly believed that he could master this mental technique.
As time passed, Shi Ji's heart meridian gradually merged with the requirements of the incantation, and he began to feel an unprecedented power surging within his body. This power was like a clear stream, constantly cleansing his heart meridian, allowing his cultivation to improve without him even realizing it.
Just then, the situation on the battlefield suddenly changed. Ghost King seemed to sense Shi Ji's change, and he suddenly swung his demonic sword, launching a fierce attack in Shi Ji's direction. Wherever the demonic sword passed, space seemed to be torn apart, forming a black rift.
However, just as the crack was about to engulf Shi Ji, he suddenly opened his eyes, a resolute light flashing within them. He abruptly flicked his sleeve, and a dazzling light shot from his palm, colliding with Ghost King's demonic sword in mid-air.
"boom!"
After a deafening roar, the very space seemed to tremble. The Ghost King's attack was firmly blocked by Shi Ji's light, unable to advance even an inch further.
"Is this... the power of the 'Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra'?" Qing Xuanzi exclaimed in surprise. He could sense the powerful aura emanating from Shi Ji, which was completely different from the power he had displayed before.
"That's right, I have finally mastered the 'Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra'!" Shi Ji said with a smile. Although his voice was calm, it contained boundless confidence and power. He knew that he was no longer the same person he had been before; he now possessed the strength to fight the Ghost King.
"Well done, Shiji!" Qing Xuanzi cheered loudly from the side. He could see the determination and confidence in Shiji's eyes, and he could also feel the powerful aura emanating from her. He knew that Shiji had become a true powerhouse.
"Let's all charge together and utterly defeat these villains from the demon realm!" Shi Ji shouted, encouraging everyone. His voice, like thunder, resounded throughout the battlefield, filling his disciples with courage and determination.
Under the leadership of Lin Bai, Xia Xuan, and Shi Ji, the disciples of the cultivation world unleashed astonishing combat power. Their immortal techniques and swordsmanship complemented each other perfectly, forcing the demon realm experts into retreat. Even the Ghost King, facing Shi Ji's "Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra," no longer appeared so invincible. While his attacks remained fierce, they no longer posed a fatal threat to the disciples of the cultivation world.
Ghost King's face darkened. He hadn't expected Shi Ji to master the power of the "Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra" so quickly. This power not only withstood his attack but also brought boundless morale and hope to the cultivation world.
Ghost King roared, gathering all his demonic energy into his demonic sword, intending to unleash his strongest attack and completely turn the tide of the battle. His demonic sword swung down again, as if the heavens and earth were torn in two, and an even larger black rift swept towards Shi Ji.
"Shiji, be careful!" Qingxuanzi tried to rush forward to help, but it was too late.
However, Shi Ji appeared unusually calm at this moment.
He clasped his hands together and chanted the mantra of the "Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra" in a low voice, causing the power within his body to rise to a new level once again. His body was enveloped in a layer of golden light, as if he had transformed into a golden Arhat, as stable as a rock and unshakable.
Just as the demonic sword was about to strike Shi Ji, he suddenly opened his eyes, two beams of golden light shooting out from them. He pushed forward with both palms, and a huge golden light shield condensed in front of him, colliding fiercely with Ghost King's demonic sword.
"boom--!"
A deafening roar shook the entire battlefield once more, sending dust billowing and flashes of light intertwining. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed intently on the very center of the battlefield.
As the dust settled, Shi Ji remained standing, his golden shield of light firmly blocking the Ghost King's fatal blow. The Ghost King, however, was forced back several steps by the recoil, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
"This is impossible!" Ghost King could hardly believe his eyes. He never expected that Shi Ji would be so powerful.
"Ghost King, your era has ended," Shi Ji said coldly, his voice filled with boundless majesty and power.
At that very moment, Liu Yichen, Qing Xuanzi, Xia Xuan, and the others swiftly stepped forward to fight alongside Shi Ji. Their combined power formed an unstoppable torrent that swept towards Ghost King and his subordinates.
"For the peace of the cultivation world, let's all work together to crush the villains of the demon realm!" Shi Ji shouted loudly.
Disciples from the cultivation world responded enthusiastically, their immortal techniques and sword skills surging towards the enemy like a tidal wave. Under this powerful offensive, Ghost King and his subordinates were forced into a desperate situation and retreated step by step.
"Retreat!" Ghost King finally realized that he was powerless to reverse the situation, and he reluctantly ordered his men to retreat immediately.
However, the disciples of the cultivation world were already in high spirits and unwilling to give the demon realm any chance to breathe. They pressed their advantage, defeating Ghost King and his subordinates one by one until the last villain of the demon realm was completely wiped out.
Despite his resentment, survival was paramount. Ghost King desperately channeled all his demonic energy, attempting to tear open an escape route. However, Shi Ji and the disciples of the cultivation world had already surrounded him, with gleaming immortal swords and powerful spells emanating from all sides.
“You can’t escape, Ghost King,” Shi Ji said coldly, her golden light growing even brighter.
Ghost King roared, his demonic sword flashing with black shadows in a desperate last stand. But his attacks could no longer breach the combined defense formed by Shi Ji and the disciples of the cultivation world. Watching his men fall one by one, Ghost King was filled with despair.
"Shi Ji, do you think you can destroy me like this?" Ghost King sneered. Suddenly, his body began to tremble violently, and black demonic energy surged from within him, as if he were about to self-destruct. "Not good, he's going to self-destruct!" Qing Xuanzi hurriedly warned.
Shi Ji's expression hardened, and she immediately activated the power of the "Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra," forming hand seals to instantly create a powerful barrier around the Ghost King, firmly sealing the power of his self-destruction within. Amidst the deafening roar, the black demonic energy within the barrier scattered and exploded, but it could not break through Shi Ji's defenses.
As the power of Ghost King's self-destruction was completely sealed, his figure gradually dissipated and finally vanished into nothingness. The disciples of the cultivation world breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this, and cheers resounded through the heavens.
"We've won!"
"Peace has finally been restored to the cultivation world!"
Shi Ji slowly withdrew his power, gazing at the annihilated Ghost King, his heart filled with countless emotions. He turned to look at Liu Yichen, Qing Xuanzi, Xia Xuan, and the others, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"Everyone has worked hard. Without your efforts and unity, we could not have achieved today's victory," Shi Ji said sincerely.
Liu Yichen smiled and said, "Shiji, you are our greatest contributor. Without your leadership and the 'Heavenly Evolution Heart Sutra,' we could not have defeated Ghost King."
Qing Xuanzi nodded in agreement: "Yes, Shi Ji, your strength and wisdom have given us hope and confidence."
Xia Xuan stepped forward and patted Shi Ji on the shoulder: "Next, we must do a good job of restoring and rebuilding, so that the cultivation world can truly return to peace."
Shi Ji smiled slightly, gazing at the distant horizon, his heart filled with hope for the future. He knew that peace in the cultivation world required the efforts and protection of everyone, but as long as everyone worked together, they would surely be able to create a better tomorrow.
"Let us work together to continue the struggle for peace and prosperity in the cultivation world!" Shi Ji shouted, and everyone responded in unison, their voices blending together and spreading throughout the entire cultivation world.
Suddenly, a strange wind blew by, and the atmosphere in the world became heavy again. Shi Ji frowned slightly, sensing an ominous premonition.
Liu Yichen noticed Shi Ji's unusual behavior and asked, "Shi Ji, what's wrong?"
Shi Ji shook her head, about to speak, when suddenly, a bolt of lightning ripped through the sky, and an old man with white hair appeared before them. The old man held an ancient sword that gleamed with a cold light, his eyes were deep, and his aura was overwhelming.
"Heroes of the cultivation world, I am Han Fengzi, the sect leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect," the old man said, his voice as powerful as thunder. "I am not here to be your enemy, but to inform you of something extremely important."
Qing Xuanzi cupped his hands in greeting and said respectfully, "Senior Hanfengzi, please speak frankly about what you have to say."
Han Fengzi nodded and continued, "I just received a prophecy from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. The destruction of Ghost King is just the beginning; the real crisis is yet to come."
Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly shocked. Shi Ji hurriedly asked, "Senior, what exactly is going on?"
Han Fengzi took a deep breath, a hint of solemnity in his eyes. "The prophecy of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion indicates that an even more powerful evil force will rise in the world. This force will not only threaten the cultivation world, but will also shake the foundation of the entire world."
Shi Ji frowned and said in a deep voice, "Senior, where does this power come from? And how should we deal with it?"
Han Fengzi sighed softly, "According to the prophecy of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, this power comes from the Nine Nether Abyss, and is a demon god sealed in ancient times. Now the seal is loosening, and the demon god's power is gradually recovering. If it is not stopped in time, the whole world will fall into endless darkness."
Shi Ji and Liu Yichen exchanged a glance, both understanding the gravity of the situation. Qing Xuanzi frowned and said, "Senior, how long will it take us to reach the Nine Nether Abyss? It must be fraught with danger there; we must be fully prepared."
Han Fengzi nodded. "That's right. The Nine Nether Abyss is extremely dangerous, and a slight mistake could lead to death. But we can't just sit here and wait to die. I've already contacted the major sects, hoping that everyone can unite and face this crisis together."
Suddenly, an aged voice came from afar, "Hanfengzi, it seems you have also received the news." An old man dressed in purple robes appeared gracefully; he was none other than Tianjizi, the head of the Tianji Pavilion.
Tianjizi smiled slightly and nodded to everyone, "Everyone, this crisis concerns all of us. Whether it is the cultivation world or the mortal world, we must join forces to deal with it."
Tianjizi's words shocked everyone present, and the tense atmosphere intensified further. Shiji took a deep breath, steadied herself, and asked, "Senior Tianjizi, since heavenly secrets cannot be revealed, how should we proceed?"
Tianjizi smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Although heavenly secrets cannot be revealed, we can work together to deal with the impending crisis. I have formulated a strategy based on the prophecies of the Tianji Pavilion, and I hope it will be of some help to everyone."
Han Fengzi took the jade slip handed to him by Tianjizi, unfolded it, and his expression gradually became solemn. "Tianjizi is absolutely right. This strategy details the steps we need to take to deal with the Nine Nether Abyss Demon God and the necessary preparations. All the major sects must cooperate and work together."
Qing Xuanzi nodded and turned to the crowd, "Everyone, the situation is urgent, and we must act immediately. Please have the representatives of the major sects come out to discuss the specific division of labor."
Lin Yi and Shi Ji also stepped forward, expressing their willingness to shoulder this important responsibility. Representatives from other sects also responded, expressing their willingness to contribute their strength to the peace of the cultivation world.
Under the direction of Han Fengzi and Tian Jizi, the various sects quickly assigned tasks. The Tianjian Sect was responsible for leading the vanguard to investigate the situation in the Nine Nether Abyss; the Tianji Pavilion was responsible for divination and strategy formulation and adjustment; the Qingxuan Sect was responsible for logistics and resource support; and the other sects were responsible for defense and support in different areas. (End of Chapter)