Chapter 33: The Emergence of the Black Lotus (Part 2)

Chapter 33: The Emergence of the Black Lotus (Part 3)

Radiance shimmered, and a deafening roar shook the heavens. In the night, the explosion of various colors created a spectacular and dazzling scene, scattering in all directions. Jian Wuchen's fierce strike against the black pillar resulted in a violent explosion, causing the Yellow River's waters to surge into the air. Surprisingly, Jian Wuchen's powerful strike failed to shatter the black pillar; instead, he was pushed back several zhang, suffering a bit of a setback. Similarly, Cangyue's strike yielded the same result, leaving everyone present in shock.

The black pillar swayed slightly after the intense impact but quickly stabilized. Nine lotus flowers on the water's surface, resembling stone columns, stood firm, mysterious and eerie. At this moment, black demonic energy formed two giant black dragons around the pillar, swirling incessantly. Everything was mysterious and unpredictable.

Jian Wuchen steadied himself, gazing at the black pillar with a hint of surprise and confusion in his eyes. Glancing at Cangyue and Zhang Aoxue, Jian Wuchen inquired, "Have you two junior sisters encountered this mysterious pillar before? Do you know its origin? It's quite unusual, even unafraid of our divine weapons. What could it be, strange?"

Cangyue looked at the standing Lu Yun by the cliff, then turned her attention back to the pillar, saying calmly, "This is the first time I've encountered such a monster. I didn't expect it to be so formidable. For now, let's observe its movements. Once our sect masters arrive, we can make a decision."

Zhang Aoxue looked at Lu Yun and whispered, "Lu Yun, step back a bit, be cautious. We don't know what this monster is, and we need to be careful."

Since Jian Wuchen's attack, Lu Yun had been carefully investigating the origin of the black pillar. He had sent out seven consecutive waves of divine thoughts, but the black pillar possessed a corrosive power that devoured all Yin energy, swallowing all of his divine thoughts. Unable to use divine thoughts freely, Lu Yun had to resort to other methods to analyze the nature and origin of the black pillar.

At this moment, Lu Yun was pleasantly surprised by Aoxue's words. Stepping back three zhang, he looked at her and said with a faint smile, "If Yun Feng were here, he might have a way to find out more about this monster. Unfortunately, he's not here. It's okay; the experts from the other academies have arrived." As he spoke, several flashes of light streaked across the sky, and instantly, eight figures appeared before the four.

Apart from the six sect masters, there were also Wumang from Dao Yuan and Benyi from Pu Ti Academy. Facing the black pillar, the six sect masters' expressions changed slightly, exchanging glances. Li Changchun of Tian Jian Academy spoke softly, "I didn't expect the reappearance of the Black Lotus from the Hundred Beasts Demonic Domain. It seems that chaos is truly brewing in the world."

The Grandmaster of Pu Ti Academy, Fa Guo, added, "Legend has it that the Black Lotus appeared more than a thousand years ago and has not been seen since. Unexpectedly, it resurfaces during our inter-academy martial arts competition at Tai Xuan Mountain. This is truly extraordinary. The signs of unrest among demons and monsters throughout the world are becoming more apparent. Chaos may be imminent."

Dao Yuan's Seven Profounds True Man said, "According to legends, the last time the Black Lotus appeared, it was a fleeting phenomenon, and soon after, chaos engulfed the world. This time, will it lead to the same outcome? Dealing with this thing is not easy; it's not something easily destroyed. The Black Lotus is renowned as one of the three treasures of the Hundred Beasts Demonic Domain, and it is said to possess an indestructible body lasting for thousands of years, making it immune to any known method of destruction."

Li Changchun looked at everyone, speaking in a solemn tone, "We have records of this legend in our Tian Jian Academy. According to ancient books, there seems to be an object in the world that can destroy the Black Lotus, but nobody knows what it is. For now, let's observe the situation and refrain from confronting it unless it shows any signs of aggression."

On the other side, Xuan Yu True Man called Zhang Aoxue and Lu Yun over, asking about the situation. After listening to their words, Xuan Yu True Man sighed softly, "I didn't expect the three major divine swords from the legends to gather at Tai Xuan Mountain. If even divine swords can't restrain this black pillar, our six combined might not be of much use."

Lu Yun looked at the black pillar, recalling that when he first arrived, True Man Ziyang mentioned a mysterious and unpredictable Xuan Tian Sword Formation on Tai Xuan Mountain. Why was there no movement at all now? Could

 something have gone wrong? Lu Yun looked at Xuan Yu True Man and asked in a low voice, "Senior Martial Uncle, when we ascended the mountain, Master mentioned a mysterious and unpredictable Xuan Tian Sword Formation on Tai Xuan Mountain. Why is there no movement at all? And what about the legendary divine bird Peng, why hasn't it appeared?"

Xuan Yu True Man glanced at the others and spoke softly, "The Xuan Tian Sword Formation does exist, but during this inter-academy martial arts competition, Tian Jian Academy was concerned about inadvertently harming disciples from the other five academies. Therefore, the sword formation was temporarily closed. As for the legendary divine bird, it is difficult to appear unless Tian Jian Academy faces a great danger, a matter of life and death where the divine bird might intervene."

Lu Yun stared at the black pillar, which had now been enveloped entirely, making the original Black Lotus invisible. Quietly watching the towering light pillar, Lu Yun suddenly said, "This powerful demonic energy appearing at this time, is it indicating something or perhaps demonstrating its power to our cultivation world?"

Lu Yun's words, though spoken softly, caused a subtle change in the expressions of the others. What he said seemed to carry some truth. The Black Lotus chose this particular moment to appear, and it was hard to believe there wasn't a hint of disdain towards the cultivation world in its actions. Yet, even if it did hold some contempt for the six academies, dealing with it now seemed impossible. It would be quite embarrassing if they failed.

Li Changchun, the head of Tian Jian Academy, glanced at the others, his face slightly serious. "Since this matter has arisen on our Tai Xuan Mountain, it can be considered a contempt toward our six academies. Now that the elites of all six academies are gathered here, if we can't handle it together, how can we establish ourselves in the cultivation world? With the three legendary divine swords assembled, I believe that combining their powers might suppress the Black Lotus. Let them give it a try. With three swords united, the power will multiply, offering a glimmer of hope. Unclean, consult with the two junior sisters on the side. To achieve the unity of the three swords, the three of you must coordinate and have a chance. Discuss it and be ready for a trial after an incense stick burns." He signaled to Jian Wuchen with a glance.

Jian Wuchen, upon hearing this, revealed a hint of joy in his eyes and nodded in agreement. Looking at the two extraordinary women, he said in a melodious voice, "Two junior sisters, let's discuss it on the side. We'll join forces later to try to eliminate this monster." With that, he looked at Cangyue and Zhang Aoxue with a radiant expression.

Cangyue glanced at her master, and seeing the slight nod, she said nothing and walked slowly toward Jian Wuchen. On the other hand, Xuan Yu True Man also nodded in agreement, and seeing Zhang Aoxue's response, he couldn't help but glance at Lu Yun before turning to join Jian Wuchen. Soon, the three of them walked a few zhang away and began a low conversation.

Li Changchun looked at the other sect masters and smiled. "I didn't expect the three divine swords to finally meet this time. Perhaps it's fate. Perhaps the heavens want to use them to prevent a catastrophe. Look at the three of them; don't you think they are a perfect match? The divine swords are heaven-sent, and their destinies are intertwined. Isn't it so? What do you think, Xuan Yu Brother and Jade Master?"

Li Changchun's words caused a slight change in the expressions of Xuan Yu True Man and Jade Master Yu, unexpectedly bringing up this matter. Watching the three people not far away, a handsome man and two beautiful women, it was indeed a rare and perfect match. However, answering this question was not easy, as agreeing might offend the other five academies. Yet, refusing would be unwelcome for both Yi Garden and Phoenix Academy. After all, Cangyue and Zhang Aoxue were outstanding disciples of both academies. Once they agreed, these matters, including the two divine swords, would all belong to Tian Jian Academy. At that time, it would be challenging for the other five academies to challenge the top position of Tian Jian Academy.

Jade Master Yu smiled faintly, carrying a charm that was hard to describe. She spoke softly, "Nowadays, such matters are beyond the control of us elders. For these disciples, our words may not be opposed, but there is a risk of them harboring resentment in the future. Therefore, the best approach in such matters is to let them choose for themselves. We should only observe and not let them blame us in the future. What does Brother Xuan Yu think?" She finished, giving Xuan Yu True Man a glance.

Xuan Yu True Man responded calmly, "My thoughts align exactly with Jade Master's. Cultivators shouldn't delve into matters of the heart, but no matter what, cultivators are still human, subject to the Seven Emotions and Six Desires. They need to traverse the path of love. For them, it's a tribulation in the mortal world, beneficial for their cultivation. But since we, as elders, can only suggest and not force, they should choose for themselves. The path of cultivation is most difficult at the emotional stage, so it needs to be approached with great caution. We, as elders, can advise but should not coerce. What does Long Chun Brother think?" He looked at Li Changchun after finishing his words.

Li Changchun's gaze was slightly cold, but he quickly resumed his calm demeanor. With a smiling face, he said, "Brother Xuan Yu speaks the truth. I'm indeed overly concerned. Let it be, let everything go with the flow. If they have obtained the divine swords, perhaps some things are already destined. Why bother worrying for them? Now, let's think about whether there is a better way to deal with this Black Lotus."

The group fell into contemplation. Lu Yun watched Zhang Aoxue not far away, feeling a slight sense of unease. Perhaps Li Changchun's words had instilled this unease in him. He couldn't help but be afraid that if Zhang Aoxue ended up with Jian Wuchen, he might never have a chance.

Time passed in their contemplation. Soon, Jian Wuchen, Zhang Aoxue, and Cangyue returned. Staring at the black pillar and sensing its formidable demonic energy, the three exchanged glances and prepared themselves fully. The three divine swords emitted different radiance, hovering above their heads and gradually releasing powerful auras. As time passed, the three auras slowly converged above them, forming a vast and unparalleled force that instantly filled the entire Tai Xuan Mountain.

Under the moonlight, on Tai Xuan Mountain, by the banks of the Yellow River, a battle between righteousness and evil was about to unfold. What would be the final outcome? What did the appearance of the Black Lotus imply?