Xian has been cultivating

Chapter 186 Prominence

Yet, Lin Fan's worries remained. Although the Dark Devil had been sealed once more, and its reserve forces temporarily contained, he knew this was merely a minor bout in the long struggle against the forces of darkness. While the world of immortal cultivation seemed to have returned to peace, the danger lurking in the shadows, like a venomous snake waiting in the wings, could erupt again at any moment, bringing devastating disaster to the entire world.

During his time in Wuzong, besides teaching his disciples, Lin Fan devoted even more time to in-depth research on the forces of darkness. He often spent his time alone in the ancient book library, leafing through dusty tomes, attempting to uncover more information about the Dark Devil and similar dark forces. Each ancient tome was like a treasure trove, yet also a vast maze. Lin Fan painstakingly explored it, hoping to find a clue that would secure the future of the immortal cultivation world.

Meanwhile, Ye Yu, Leng Feng, Yan Yi, and others were also busy. They traveled extensively throughout the world of immortal cultivation, strengthening connections and collaboration with various sects. They knew that facing such a powerful and mysterious dark force, the strength of a single sect was far from enough. Only by uniting the entire immortal cultivation community could there be a glimmer of hope in the coming crisis. Thanks to their efforts, exchanges between the various sects became increasingly frequent, and collaborative activities such as resource sharing and spell research were gradually increasing. The immortal cultivation community seemed to have formed a cohesive whole, collectively vigilant against the resurgence of the dark forces.

However, the peaceful days did not last long. During a routine patrol, a small sect on the edge of the immortal cultivation world discovered some unusual phenomena. Several disciples, while cultivating in the mountains near the sect, were suddenly disturbed by a mysterious force, causing their spiritual energy to become disrupted, and several even fell into comas. This news quickly spread throughout the immortal cultivation world, and upon hearing it, Lin Fan and his companions immediately realized that it might be the work of dark forces again.

Lin Fan quickly summoned Ye Yu, Leng Feng, Yan Yi, and other masters from various sects to investigate the scene. As they reached the mountain range, a familiar dark aura greeted them. Lin Fan frowned, a surge of unease welling up within him. They cautiously searched the mountain range and discovered a cave hidden deep within the valley. A strong dark aura emanated from the cave, and the entrance was covered in strange runes. These runes bore similarities to the dark runes they had encountered previously, yet there seemed to be subtle differences.

Lin Fan decided to personally explore the cave. He activated his spiritual shield and cautiously entered. The cavern was dark and damp, with eerie lights flickering on the walls. As he went deeper, the darkness grew stronger. Suddenly, a swarm of shadowy creatures emerged from all directions and attacked him. These shadowy creatures were different from those he had encountered in the Shadow Realm: they were more powerful, and their attacks were more bizarre. Lin Fan, undeterred, immediately unleashed his Phantom Spirit Killing Step, brandishing his spiritual sword like the wind, engaging the shadowy creatures in a fierce battle.

Ye Yu, Leng Feng, and the others outside the cave noticed the intense fighting within and rushed in to support Lin Fan. Each unleashed their unique skills in a desperate battle against the shadow creatures. Ye Yu manipulated the Holy Light Lotus to unleash boundless holy light, temporarily suppressing the shadow creatures' dark aura. Leng Feng and Yan Yi led the other masters, utilizing tacit coordination and powerful spells to gradually destroy the shadow creatures.

After a grueling battle, they finally annihilated the shadow creatures within the cave. However, Lin Fan discovered a vast dark magic circle deep within the cave. This circle bore a striking resemblance to the one they had seen in the secret chamber beneath the mysterious island castle, though on a much larger scale and possessing a far more sinister aura. A faint dark figure swayed within the magic circle. Lin Fan and the others, upon closer inspection, discovered a being with an aura resembling that of a dark demon.

"What is going on? Does the Dark Demon have other clones or successors?" Ye Yu asked in horror.

Lin Fan pondered for a moment and said, "Whatever this is, we can't let it continue to exist. This magic circle must be the source of its power. We must find a way to destroy it."

Everyone nodded and began to study the magic circle. They discovered that the magic circle's defenses were extremely strong, and ordinary attacks could not cause any damage to it. Moreover, the magic circle would continuously release shadow creatures to attack them, making their work of cracking it extremely difficult.

After numerous failed attempts, Lin Fan decided to venture once again into the magic circle, searching for its center. He was well aware of the dangers involved, but for the sake of the peace of the immortal world, he unhesitatingly activated his spiritual shield and stepped into the magic circle. The dark forces within surged toward him like a surging tide, constantly battering his shield. Lin Fan gritted his teeth, relying on his powerful spiritual power and agility to navigate the circle with difficulty.

Meanwhile, Ye Yu, Leng Feng, and the others fought tooth and nail outside the magic circle, trying to buy Lin Fan time by fending off the shadow creatures it released. They unleashed a variety of powerful spells, repelling wave after wave of the shadow creatures. However, the shadow creatures seemed endless, and the pressure on them grew.

Within the magic circle, Lin Fan finally found the center. This center was a massive dark magic crystal, imbued with a powerful dark force. It was the very core of the magic circle. Lin Fan attempted to destroy the magic crystal with his spiritual power, but the crystal was too powerful, and his attack barely left a trace on its surface.

Just as Lin Fan was in trouble, he suddenly recalled the time he sealed the Dark Demon in the Shadow Realm. He realized that he couldn't destroy the Demon Crystal on his own and needed the help of everyone. So, he used his spiritual sense to contact Ye Yu and the others and told them his plan.

Upon learning of this, Ye Yu and the others immediately organized everyone to channel their spiritual energy into a special artifact in Lin Fan's possession—the Lingxu Ding. Lin Fan slowly brought the Lingxu Ding closer to the Dark Magic Crystal, muttering a powerful spell that combined sealing and attack. The Lingxu Ding released a dazzling light, counteracting the Dark Magic Crystal's dark power. As everyone's spiritual energy continued to flow, the Lingxu Ding's light grew stronger, gradually enveloping the Dark Magic Crystal.

Under the combined force of their attacks, the dark magic crystal finally succumbed to the pressure and began to crack. However, just as the magic crystal was about to shatter, it suddenly unleashed a powerful dark shock, attempting to break through the seal. Lin Fan and the others gritted their teeth, exerting all their might to maintain the seal's power. Ye Yu channeled all the power of the Holy Light Lotus into the Lingxu Cauldron, while Leng Feng and Yan Yi led the disciples in burning their own spiritual energy to strengthen the seal's stability.

After a thrilling battle, they finally succeeded in destroying the Dark Magic Crystal. As the magic crystal shattered, the power of the magic circle instantly dissipated, and the dark figure vanished with an angry roar.

Although they had successfully destroyed the dark magic circle, Lin Fan and the others grew increasingly worried. They realized that the Dark Devil's power was far more complex and powerful than they had imagined. These crises were merely the tip of the iceberg of the Dark Devil's might. To completely eliminate the Dark Devil's threat, they must delve deeper into the nature of the dark forces and find a permanent solution.

Lin Fan decided to once again journey to the mysterious lands of the Immortal Cultivation Realm, searching for clues to the forces of darkness. He bid farewell to Ye Yu, Leng Feng, and the others, embarking on a long and dangerous journey alone. He first arrived at a place known as the "Demon Abyss Valley." Legend has it that this was once the home of demons from ancient times. Though the demons have long since vanished, a strong evil aura still lingers.

Upon entering the Demonic Abyss Valley, Lin Fan immediately felt a powerful pressure. The valley was filled with a black mist, hiding dangerous traps and sinister creatures. Cautiously exploring the valley, Lin Fan discovered strange patterns and runes carved into the walls. These patterns and runes seemed to be connected to the Dark Demon and the dark forces he created.

Lin Fan paused and carefully studied the patterns and runes. He discovered that they seemed to tell an ancient story, a tale of the origin and development of dark forces. Overjoyed, he immediately activated his spiritual perception, attempting to memorize the information contained in the patterns and runes. However, as he concentrated on his study, a sinister laugh suddenly echoed from within the valley.

"Who is it? How dare you trespass into my territory!" An evil voice echoed in the valley.

Lin Fan stood up cautiously and looked around, but he couldn't see anyone. He knew there must be some evil being watching him from the shadows.

"Come out! Stop sneaking around!" Lin Fan shouted.

Suddenly, a dark shadow emerged from the black mist and pounced at Lin Fan. Lin Fan quickly unleashed his Phantom Killing Step and dodged sideways. After the shadow landed, Lin Fan could see clearly that it was a mysterious figure shrouded in a black cloak.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" Lin Fan asked.

The mysterious man sneered, "It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that you shouldn't be here. This is the territory of darkness, not a place for a cultivator like you."

Lin Fan frowned. "I came here to look for clues about the dark forces. If you know anything, you'd better tell me, or don't blame me for being rude!"

The mysterious man sneered again: "What do you think you can get from me? You are too naive. The power of darkness is not something you can contend with. You'd better leave quickly, otherwise you will stay here forever."

Lin Fan knew there was no point in talking to this mysterious man. He decided to subdue him first, then extract information about the dark forces. He unleashed the Holy Spirit Demon-Breaking Sword and attacked the mysterious man. Not to be outdone, the mysterious man suddenly wielded a black longsword, engaging Lin Fan in a fierce battle.

During the battle, Lin Fan discovered the mysterious man's immense strength. His swordsmanship was uncanny, and his attacks imbued with a powerful dark force. Undeterred, Lin Fan unleashed his full strength, engaging the mysterious man. After a grueling battle, Lin Fan finally found his weakness. Unleashing his most powerful form, the Phantom Spirit Killing Step, he instantly reached the man's side, pressing his spiritual sword to his throat.

"Now, can you tell me about the information about the dark power?" Lin Fan said.

The mysterious man snorted coldly: "Do you think you won? You are too naive."

Suddenly, a powerful dark force erupted from the mysterious figure, knocking Lin Fan back. Lin Fan stared at the mysterious figure in surprise, only to see his black cloak ripped apart by the dark force, revealing his true form. Lin Fan peered closely and saw a creature resembling a human, yet radiating a dark aura.

"What the hell are you?" Lin Fan asked in horror.

The mysterious man laughed wildly, "I am the messenger of darkness, a follower of the Dark Devil. If you break in here today, it will be your death!"

With that, the mysterious man attacked Lin Fan again. Lin Fan knew the mysterious man was incredibly powerful, and he needed to give it his all to have any chance of survival. So, he unleashed the Holy Spirit Demon-Breaking Sword's most powerful blow, colliding head-on with the mysterious man's attack. Under the powerful impact, both Lin Fan and the mysterious man were knocked back several steps.

Lin Fan knew this wasn't the way to go. He had to quickly find the mysterious man's weakness to defeat him. So, he engaged him while observing his every move. During the battle, Lin Fan discovered a strange marking on his back, one that was somehow connected to the patterns and runes he'd seen on the walls of the Demonic Abyss Valley.

Lin Fan's mind raced, realizing that this mark might be the mysterious man's weakness. Unleashing his Phantom Spirit Killing Step, he quickly circled behind the mysterious man and thrust his spiritual sword at the mark on his back. The mysterious man sensed Lin Fan's intention and tried to dodge, but it was too late. Lin Fan's spiritual sword accurately pierced the mark on the mysterious man's back, sending him screaming as the dark energy within him began to dissipate.

Lin Fan seized the opportunity to unleash the Holy Spirit Demon-Breaking Sword, completely defeating the mysterious man. The mysterious man collapsed to the ground, barely breathing. Lin Fan walked over to the mysterious man and asked, "Now, can you tell me about the dark forces?"

The mysterious man looked at Lin Fan, his eyes filled with resentment. "Do you think you can stop the Dark Devil's resurrection? You are too naive. The Dark Devil's power is endless. Sooner or later, he will break the seal and descend upon this world once again. And you will be his first target of revenge."