Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 296 A New Crisis Rises Again

After returning from the Spirit Illusion Mountains, Zhang Peng and his group brought the Chaos Spirit Sword back to the cultivators' gathering place. The news of the Chaos Spirit Sword's appearance spread like wildfire throughout the cultivation world. Immediately, all forces were shaken; some were filled with awe, hoping this divine artifact would protect the cultivation world; others secretly coveted it, plotting how to seize it for themselves.

Zhang Peng deeply understood the importance of the Chaos Spirit Sword, realizing that it brought not only power but also a heavy responsibility. He entrusted the Chaos Spirit Sword to Ling Xuzi for safekeeping. Ling Xuzi then summoned several highly respected elders from the cultivation world to discuss how to properly dispose of this divine artifact, ensuring it would not fall into the hands of those with ill intentions.

However, just as everyone was discussing, a mysterious dark force quietly surged once again on the edge of the cultivation world. This force was more subtle than that brought by the Dark Night Monarch and the Blood Demon Palace Master, yet it was filled with an oppressive aura. Cultivators from some remote areas began to mysteriously disappear one after another; their sects were razed to the ground overnight, leaving only some mysterious black runes at the scene, exuding an ominous aura.

Upon learning this news, Zhang Peng felt a growing unease. He approached Ling Xuzi and said, "Senior, I have a feeling that there's a larger conspiracy behind this. The missing cultivators and the mysterious runes all seem to be related to this newly emerging dark force."

Ling Xuzi nodded solemnly: "I've also sensed something. This dark power is extremely mysterious, and we know very little about it. It seems we must launch an investigation as soon as possible to find out who is behind all this."

Thus, Zhang Peng, Xia Lijuan, Zhang Ziyang, and several elites of the Linghuan Clan, under Ling Xuzi's instructions, embarked on an investigation. They first arrived at Qingfeng Sect, where recent events had occurred. Qingfeng Sect was once a prosperous cultivation sect, but now only ruins remained, broken walls and rubble whispering tales of its past devastation.

Zhang Peng activated the power of chaos and opened his "Spiritual Eye," carefully searching for the surrounding spiritual energy fluctuations. He discovered that a peculiar dark spiritual energy remained in the ruins. This spiritual energy was different from any he had encountered before; it was colder and more lifeless, as if it came from an endless abyss.

"Everyone be careful, there seems to be some kind of danger hidden in this dark spiritual energy," Zhang Peng warned. Everyone immediately became alert, circulating their spiritual energy and preparing for battle.

Just then, several enormous black shadows suddenly sprang out of the ruins. These shadows were neither beasts nor animals, their bodies covered in black scales, their eyes flashing with blood-red light, and they spewed black mist from their mouths as they pounced on the group.

"What is that?" Xia Lijuan exclaimed in surprise. She unleashed "Flame Dragon Impact," and a giant fire dragon roared as it charged towards the dark figure. However, the moment the dark figure made contact with the fire dragon, it devoured the flames and continued its attack.

Zhang Ziyang unleashed his "Swift Wind Sword Technique," his sword flashing as he thrust towards the shadowy figure. However, the figure's scales were exceptionally hard, and Zhang Ziyang's sword only produced clanging sounds as it struck them, failing to inflict any real damage.

Seeing this, Zhang Peng unleashed the "Chaos Sky-Shattering Fist," his fist, imbued with the power of chaos, slamming into the shadowy figure. The shadowy figure swayed slightly after being struck, but quickly recovered and continued its attack.

“These shadowy figures are a bit troublesome,” Zhang Peng said, frowning. “They seem to have a strong resistance to ordinary spiritual energy attacks.”

An elite member of the Spirit Illusion Clan suddenly shouted, "I remember reading about similar creatures in ancient texts. They are called 'Spirit-Devouring Shadows,' evil creatures that feed on spiritual energy. Their weakness is the power of light."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Peng's heart stirred. He circulated his chaotic power, attempting to transform it into the power of light. Through his efforts, the chaotic power gradually changed, and a wisp of light condensed in his hand.

"Watch this!" Zhang Peng shouted, slamming his fist, imbued with the power of light, towards the Soul-Devouring Demon Shadow. The moment the power of light made contact with the Soul-Devouring Demon Shadow, a dazzling light was emitted, and the Demon Shadow let out a miserable scream as its body began to dissipate.

Seeing this, everyone followed suit. Xia Lijuan unleashed "Radiant Sunlight," transforming her fiery spiritual power into the power of light, forming beams of light that shot towards the Soul-Devouring Demon Shadows. Zhang Ziyang also unleashed "Gentle Breeze and Warm Sun Sword," the sword shimmering with the power of light, repelling the approaching Soul-Devouring Demon Shadows one by one.

With the combined attack of the group, the Soul-Eating Demons dissipated. After dealing with these monsters, the group continued searching for clues in the ruins. In a collapsed hall, they discovered a mysterious stone tablet. The tablet was covered with strange symbols and patterns, which seemed to have some connection to the black runes found earlier at the scene.

Zhang Peng and the elites of the Spirit Illusion Clan began studying the inscriptions on the stone tablet. After much effort, they finally deciphered a portion of the information. It turned out that these symbols and patterns recorded an ancient legend: In ancient times, a powerful dark demon god attempted to rule the entire cultivation world. To stop him, the ancient powerful beings joined forces to seal him in a mysterious space. However, the dark demon god's power was too great, and the seal's strength gradually weakened. Now, his subordinates were attempting to break the seal and free him.

“It seems that the Dark Demon God we encountered before was just an avatar of his,” Zhang Peng said with a solemn expression. “If he is completely unsealed, the cultivation world will face annihilation.”

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines after hearing Zhang Peng's words. They realized that the situation had developed beyond their expectations, and an even more severe test was about to begin.

To prevent the Dark God from being unsealed, Zhang Peng and his group decide to travel to the legendary sealed land. Following clues on a stone tablet, they learn that the sealed land is located in a mysterious dark forest. This forest is shrouded in powerful dark energy and teems with dangerous and bizarre creatures.

After several days of trekking, they finally reached the edge of the Dark Forest. A dense aura of darkness swept over them, sending chills down their spines. Black mist filled the forest, and eerie sounds could be faintly heard from within it, as if countless eyes were watching them from the shadows.

"Be careful, everyone. This forest is full of dangers," Zhang Peng warned again. The group slowly entered the forest, taking each step cautiously. They circulated their spiritual energy around their bodies, forming a defensive barrier to guard against any unforeseen events.

Shortly after entering the forest, they were attacked by a group of dark phantoms. These phantoms were completely transparent, yet exuded a chilling aura. They could move through the darkness, making them impossible to defend against.

The dark phantoms lunged at the group, their bodies sizzling as they touched the defensive barrier, attempting to erode their spiritual power. Xia Lijuan unleashed "Fire Burst," causing flames to explode within the dark phantoms, but the flames did little damage to them.

Zhang Ziyang unleashed his "Swift Wind Sword Technique," attempting to shatter the dark phantom. However, the dark phantom moved freely through the sword shadows, making it difficult to strike.

Zhang Peng channeled the power of chaos, unleashing a "Chaos Shield" that tightly protected everyone within it. He noticed that the dark phantoms seemed to be wary of the power of chaos; their movements slowed down as they approached the Chaos Shield.

"Everyone, come closer to me! Use the power of chaos to deter the dark phantoms!" Zhang Peng shouted. The crowd quickly moved closer to Zhang Peng, and under the protection of the chaos shield, the dark phantoms' attacks gradually weakened.

Zhang Peng concentrated his mind, condensing the power of chaos into colorful stars, which he shot towards the dark phantom. Upon striking the dark phantom, the stars erupted with dazzling light, and the dark phantom let out screams before dissipating.

After defeating the dark phantom, the group continued their journey. They encountered various dangers in the forest, such as giant poisonous spiders, flowers that released hallucinogenic smoke, and tree spirits that could control trees to attack. However, through the combined efforts of Zhang Peng and the others, they overcame these difficulties one by one.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, they finally found the entrance to the sealed land. The entrance was protected by a powerful dark barrier, its surface shimmering with black runes and radiating immense power.

Zhang Peng stepped forward, attempting to break the barrier. He channeled his chaotic energy into the barrier. However, the barrier's power was too immense; the chaotic energy was repelled the moment it made contact.

“This restriction is a bit tricky,” Zhang Peng said, frowning. “We must find a way to break it.”

The group began searching for clues in their surroundings. Zhang Ziyang discovered an ancient stone slab in a secluded spot, engraved with strange patterns and characters. Zhang Peng and the elites of the Spirit Illusion Clan gathered around, carefully studying the contents of the slab.

After some analysis, they learned that to break the barrier, they needed to find three gems containing special powers and place them in three specific locations around the barrier. These three gems were the "Heart of Light," the "Source of Life," and the "Crystal of Chaos."

“We might find clues about the Heart of Light and the Source of Life, but the Crystal of Chaos…” Zhang Peng fell into deep thought. He knew that the Crystal of Chaos was an extremely rare treasure, possessing powerful chaotic energy, and finding it would be no easy task.

Just then, Zhang Peng suddenly remembered the inheritance he had received in the mysterious space. He closed his eyes, concentrated his mind, and recalled the contents of the inheritance. Finally, he found a clue about the Chaos Crystal.

“I know where the Chaos Crystal is,” Zhang Peng said, opening his eyes. “It’s in the mysterious ruins we visited before. It seems we have to go back again.”

Although somewhat surprised by Zhang Peng's words, the group decided without hesitation to follow him to the mysterious ruins again. They knew that to prevent the Dark God from being unsealed, they had to do everything in their power, no matter how difficult it might be.

On their way back to the mysterious ruins, Zhang Peng and his companions were attacked by multiple dark forces. These forces seemed to have received intelligence that they were searching for a way to break the seal and were trying to stop them.

Once, while they were resting in a valley, they were suddenly surrounded by a group of men in black robes. These men were quite powerful, and the leader was a tall man with a black mask covering his face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes.

“Tell us what you know about the seal, or you will all die!” the man said coldly.

Zhang Peng sneered, "If you want to know, you're not qualified!" With that, he unleashed the "Chaos Sky-Shattering Fist," his fist, imbued with the power of chaos, smashing towards the man.

The man hurriedly channeled his spiritual energy to defend himself, but Zhang Peng's power was too great, and he was forced back several steps. Seeing this, the other men in black robes unleashed their respective spells, attacking Zhang Peng and the others.

Xia Lijuan unleashed "Flaming Dragon Strike," sending a giant fiery dragon weaving through the black-robed figures and deflecting their attacks one by one. Zhang Ziyang used "Swift Wind Sword Technique," his sword flashing as he engaged in a fierce battle with the black-robed men.

The elites of the Spirit Illusion Clan also unleashed their unique skills, engaging the black-robed figures in fierce combat. During the intense battle, Zhang Peng discovered that the black-robed figures' attack methods were extremely strange; they seemed to be able to coordinate with each other, forming a powerful combined attack.

"Everyone be careful, their teamwork is excellent," Zhang Peng warned. He cast a "Chaos Shield" to protect everyone while searching for the enemy's weakness.

After a fierce battle, Zhang Peng finally found the black-robed men's weakness. He unleashed the "Chaos Annihilation Slash," a sword aura imbued with the power of chaos, slashing towards the center of the black-robed men's combined attack. "Boom!" The sword aura struck its target, instantly shattering the combined power of the black-robed men's attack. They all retreated, their faces showing expressions of terror.

"Attack now!" Zhang Peng shouted. Seizing the opportunity, everyone unleashed their strongest spells, launching a fierce attack on the black-robed men. Under their combined assault, the black-robed men finally couldn't withstand the onslaught and fled.

After dealing with the man in black robes, Zhang Peng and his companions continued their journey. They knew time was of the essence; the Dark God's unsealing could occur at any moment, and they had to find the three gems as soon as possible to break the seal and save the cultivation world.