At this moment, Yun Fan returned to the Medicine King Valley and informed Mo Yun of Yin Hu's destruction.
The entire Medicine King Valley breathed a sigh of relief.
Yin Hu was a formidable existence, and when Yun Fan proposed to deal with them, a wave of sorrow swept through the Medicine King Valley.
After all, they could not imagine Yun Fan possessing such strength to resolve the Yin Hu threat.
To their surprise, Yun Fan had ultimately succeeded. Had he perished at the hands of Yin Hu, they wouldn't have known how to face Jiang Xueyan.
Now, the Medicine King Valley was filled with joy.
Upon returning to his secluded chamber, Yun Fan tended to his wounds. With the full cooperation of the Medicine King Valley, his injuries were no longer a concern.
Just then, Zhao Lingyue arrived.
"Brother Yun, are you feeling better?"
"Much better!"
Yun Fan smiled, knowing that Zhao Lingyue had wept profusely while he was dealing with Yin Hu.
This girl was not one for many words, but Zhao Lingyue's heart was truly pure.
At this point, Zhao Lingyue said to him, "Brother Yun, I want to stay with you tonight!"
"This isn't quite right!"
Due to his relationship with Senior Sister, Yun Fan felt a sense of hesitation. If he were to take Zhao Lingyue, wouldn't Senior Sister become his sister-in-law?
However, Zhao Lingyue pouted and said, "Brother Yun, you must be finding me disagreeable!"
"Not at all!"
Yun Fan explained.
But Zhao Lingyue retorted, "If you don't find me disagreeable, why won't you let me stay?"
"It's mainly because of you and your sister..."
Before Yun Fan could finish speaking, Zhao Lingyue suddenly gave a sly smile and then said in a seductive tone, "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law!"
It had to be said that this single phrase sent Yun Fan's heart into a frenzy.
Ultimately, he lunged forward.
After a night, Zhao Lingyue left, leaning against the wall. Tears streamed down her face, indicating she would need a long period of rest.
It wasn't that Yun Fan was too rough, but Zhao Lingyue's frequent calls of "brother-in-law" made it difficult for him to refrain from being forceful.
It wasn't Yun Fan's intention, but anyone in his shoes would have found it unbearable! He considered himself restrained.
After seeing Zhao Lingyue off, Yun Fan entered seclusion.
His sole objective during this period of seclusion was to completely refine the power of Yin Hu. Whether he could break through was an unknown.
Previously, he might have been very concerned, but now, he felt no psychological burden.
If he could breakthrough, that would be great; if not, so be it. This was his current philosophy.
However, during his seclusion, he would go all out. Therefore, for at least the next half month, he would have no contact with the outside world.
This was because he would block all sensory input to prevent the demonic path from breaching his will and turning him into a slave of demons.
...
Upon returning to the Blood Prison Forbidden Land, the Old Celestial Master entered the thatched hut alone.
He had sensed a terrifying aura, so he had sent the Yaochi Holy Lord back, citing his need for several days of seclusion.
In reality, after leaving a letter in the thatched hut, he proceeded to the deepest part of the Blood Prison Forbidden Land.
There lay a colossal tomb. Judging by its appearance, it seemed to have weathered countless years, so much so that the tomb itself had become like a small mountain.
Without looking at the epitaph in front of the tomb, no one would have guessed it was a grave.
At this moment, the Old Celestial Master stood before the tomb and said, "You should not have been born!"
Everyone believed that he had seen through the vanity of the world and had come to the Blood Prison Forbidden Land to spend his remaining days in peace.
But only he knew that his presence in the Blood Prison Forbidden Land was to suppress this tomb.
Now, the tomb was shattered, and malevolent energy emanated from it. The Old Celestial Master knew that this entity was about to emerge.
Just then, a wild laugh echoed, "Junior, my awakening is the trend of the times. I advise you not to waste your efforts any further. Why not submit to me? I'll spare your life, how about it?"
Upon hearing this, the Old Celestial Master calmly replied, "Regrettably, I do not need it. I only know that my mission is to suppress you!"
At this moment, even the Old Celestial Master did not refer to himself as "this old man," because the entity within the tomb had existed for far longer than him.
He hadn't even lived a fraction of the lifespan of the other.
Hearing this, the other party scoffed, "You refuse to appreciate my kindness. In the past, I led an uprising and overthrew that crumbling dynasty! I thought I would ascend to that position and, empowered by the strength of all living beings, achieve immortality. Unexpectedly, I was suppressed by a senior of your lineage. I never imagined that after a thousand years, a junior like you would still attempt to suppress me!"
As the other party's voice faded, the tomb began to crack, appearing on the verge of breaking free.
The Old Celestial Master did not hesitate and unleashed his full power, attempting to suppress it. However, the ten-thousand-year-old cold iron that bound the entity shattered at this moment.
Dust and smoke billowed everywhere. Standing amidst the haze, the Old Celestial Master's eyes betrayed a hint of foreboding.
Because he knew precisely who this person was. A thousand years ago, during the decline of that once-revered dynasty, this individual had risen to prominence and overthrown the weakened regime.
However, this also led to widespread suffering among the populace, as this individual was bloodthirsty. To break through to a realm that existed only in legends, he had slaughtered countless lives.
Ultimately, he was suppressed by the Celestial Master of Guigu, but that Celestial Master, in his weakened state after the suppression, was besieged and killed by numerous powerful martial artists.
They knew that Guigu was a protector of the common people of Huaxia, and without eliminating Guigu, they could not initiate the Dark Age.
Now, a thousand years later, he had indeed awakened.
The Old Celestial Master knew clearly that once this person revived, he would once again wreak havoc upon the world, especially considering the notorious poem he had penned a millennium ago, which was still widely circulated.
"When autumn comes, the ninth day of the ninth month, after my flowers bloom, all other flowers will wither!"
The other party declared with arrogance, "Although a thousand years have passed in a blink, in this lifetime, I shall carry on my dream and complete my unfinished grand undertaking!"
Upon hearing this, the Old Celestial Master coldly retorted, "A rebel is a rebel. Why so much grand ambition!"
"Hahahaha!"
He let out a hearty laugh. "So what? You didn't flee just now, and now you have no chance. The first person I will kill is your Guigu clan, you meddlers!"
"As long as I am here, you will not take a single step forward!"
The Old Celestial Master stepped forward resolutely. Even though the opponent's strength was infinitely close to the Mahayana stage, possessing the power of those emperors of ages past, the Old Celestial Master remained undaunted. Unlike other resurgent individuals, this person was at his peak.
At his peak, even with the Old Celestial Master's cultivation reaching the peak of Nascent Soul and the Spirit Refining realm, he felt powerless.
Huang Chao's revival caused the entire minor world to tremble. His aura permeated the entire minor world.
The inhabitants of the minor world shivered, their bodies even forced to their knees by the pressure of his aura.
Subsequently, this aura broke through the minor world, reaching even the Fengchan Land.
"Not good!"
At this moment, in the Fengchan Land, the Taishang Dao Sect's two senior female cultivators, Qingming Dao Venerable and Qingxuan Dao Venerable, prepared to visit the minor world.
After all, with the arrival of the Dark Age, according to the tenets of the Taishang Dao Sect, they could not stand idly by.
However, as they were about to set off for the minor world, they were stopped by an envoy from the Chan Master's lineage.
"Two Dao Venerables, please halt!"
The envoy hurriedly said.
"What do you mean?"
Qingxuan Dao Venerable asked coldly. Although the visitor was an envoy from the Fengchan Land, she showed no pleasantries.
The envoy immediately declared, "The Chan Master has decreed that from today onwards, no one is permitted to leave the Fengchan Land!"
"What?"
The two women's expressions changed instantly. They had not expected this matter to alarm the Chan Master.
The envoy continued, "The Chan Master said that with the advent of the Dark Age, this is a historical cleansing. Our Fengchan Land must not interfere and should let it unfold naturally."
Upon hearing this, the two women's hearts sank. It was just as the records indicated: during every Dark Age, the Fengchan Land chose to remain aloof and indifferent to the suffering of the world.
Once, a senior from the Taishang Dao Sect had helped quell a Dark Age, but in return, they received punishment. They themselves did not understand why the Chan Master acted in such a manner.
However, since the Chan Master had issued the decree, they had no choice but to comply. They returned with a mixture of reluctance and resentment.
Upon returning to the Taishang Dao Sect, Qingxuan Dao Venerable was about to calm her mind when Linglong arrived.
Linglong eagerly pleaded, "Master, please help me leave the Fengchan Land!"
"What are you trying to do?"
Qingxuan Dao Venerable asked, puzzled.
Linglong explained, "The individuals reviving this time are too powerful. Junior Brother and the Old Man alone cannot stop them. I must go and help them!"
Hearing this, Qingxuan Dao Venerable was not surprised, as it was largely as she had suspected.
Therefore, she immediately stated, "The Chan Master has issued a decree. The Fengchan Land is now sealed. I cannot help you either!"
In the past, she would have undoubtedly helped her disciple's requests, but this time, she could not.
Firstly, Linglong's intervention would not change the outcome. Secondly, if they were discovered by the Chan Master's lineage, the entire Taishang Dao Sect would be implicated.
Even with the Taishang Dao Sect's stubbornness, they were far from a match for the Chan Master's lineage.
Therefore, at this juncture, she could only refuse. Although this would hurt Linglong's feelings, she had no other choice.
Although the Taishang Dao Sect was the only force in the Fengchan Land that still possessed a conscience, that conscience had now been suppressed by the Chan Master.
Hearing this, Linglong's eyes went blank.
"No, no matter what, I must go!"
At this moment, Linglong walked out resolutely. Her greatest concern was Yun Fan; this crisis was too immense.
Even if she couldn't help Yun Fan, she wanted to get him away, to prevent him from perishing in this calamity.
However, after taking just a few steps, Qingxuan Dao Venerable struck her on the neck.
"Master, you cannot..."
Before losing consciousness, Linglong shed tears. She had not expected her master to knock her unconscious at such a time.
In truth, Qingxuan Dao Venerable was also heartbroken at this moment. She knew that her actions would cause her disciple to never forgive her.
But it was better than losing her life in vain.
...
Within the minor world, the Holy Lands and aristocratic families had intended to seek refuge in the Fengchan Land to escape the impending disaster. After all, this calamity made even their usually aloof positions feel a sense of despair.
Only the Fengchan Land offered true sanctuary.
However, the actions of the Fengchan Land plunged them into even greater despair.
The Fengchan Land had sealed its passages, making it impossible for them to enter. In their desperation, the leaders of various Holy Lands witnessed the Old Celestial Master of the Blood Prison Forbidden Land confronting Huang Chao.
Upon seeing this scene, the leaders of the various forces prayed that the Old Celestial Master could quell the unrest.
At this moment, they had entirely forgotten how dismissive they were of Guigu in their daily lives. For several eras, when Guigu lacked a Celestial Master, they had even joined forces to suppress Guigu.
The same was true in this era. Before Yun Fan rose to prominence, they had even considered nipping him in the bud.
They had treated Yun Fan as a sinful demon and the Guigu Sect as a demonic sect. Yet, at this moment, it was the sect they considered demonic that stood at the forefront, protecting all beings.
Just then, the Yaochi Holy Lord wished to go and assist. Although she had not even reached the level of a Land Immortal, he was the man she deeply loved.
She did not want to see the man she loved fighting alone.
She gathered the leaders of the various forces, hoping they would contribute some strength. However, all the major forces trembled and refused.
They even claimed that this was Guigu's responsibility and had nothing to do with them.
Hearing these words, the Yaochi Holy Lord's heart chilled. As expected, they were all useless. She had not misjudged them.
At this moment, Yaochi hurriedly said, "Mother, you cannot go!"
"No, I must go!"
The Yaochi Holy Lord refused to listen to her. In the end, Yaochi, with tears streaming down her face, knocked her mother unconscious. She did not head towards the Fengchan Land.
Instead, she rushed towards the mortal realm.
She too was filled with grief, for that was her father! Unfortunately, even going to help would only be a futile sacrifice.
The Fengchan Land, the only entity capable of turning the tide, had chosen to be indifferent. Her father was left to bear the brunt of it.
At this moment, Huang Chao looked at the Old Celestial Master mockingly. "Did you hear that? The beings are wailing, the beings are in despair. Do you still intend to resist me?"
"It matters not. If they are in despair, then I shall give them hope anew!"
The Old Celestial Master said, "This is the destiny of my Guigu Sect!"
"Destiny?"
Huang Chao scoffed. "How laughable. Your Guigu Sect has declined with each generation. Today marks your demise!"
In fact, several years ago, he had attempted to break through the seal, but he had been suppressed by the Old Celestial Master's methods.
Therefore, he had been delayed. Fortunately, after his complete revival, his strength had returned to its peak.
Even the Old Celestial Master's techniques could no longer alter the situation.
"Even if I die, successors will emerge to destroy you villains who initiated the Dark Age!"
At this moment, the Old Celestial Master fearlessly charged towards Huang Chao. Even though his figure was solitary, he would still unleash his most brilliant radiance.
"Die!"
Huang Chao wasted no words and engaged the Old Celestial Master in a peak battle within the Blood Prison Forbidden Land.
However, the gap between them was too vast. After only a brief exchange, the Old Celestial Master fell into a disadvantageous position.
His body suffered severe injuries, yet he did not groan, and his gaze remained indifferent yet resolute.
"An easy target!"
Huang Chao, like a peerless demon god, crushed down upon the Old Celestial Master, as if the latter were an ant he could easily crush.
"Guigu Grand Array!"
The Old Celestial Master activated the array inherited by generations of the Guigu Sect. Since Yun Fan had given him the array he brought back from the Abyss Forbidden Land a few years ago, he had further refined it.
With the array's enhancement, he temporarily contained Huang Chao.
However, Huang Chao sneered, "Although your Guigu Sect's arrays are indeed peculiar and filled with killing intent, unfortunately, you are the one controlling it, and you cannot change the overall situation!"
In his view, if the one controlling the array possessed his own strength, he would undoubtedly perish. But a cultivator in the Spirit Refining realm was no match for a martial artist at the half-step Mahayana stage.
Therefore, even the Old Celestial Master could only temporarily trap him.
"Is that so?"
The Old Celestial Master snorted and activated the array. As all his power converged at a single point within the array, even Huang Chao felt a terrifying force.
"Full-power strike?"
Huang Chao naturally understood the Old Celestial Master's intentions – to merge himself with the array and unleash a full-force attack.
He had not expected that with the array's coordination, the Old Celestial Master could unleash a power comparable to his own, or perhaps even more formidable.
This was terrifying. It seemed the ancient heroes were right: to achieve great things, one must first eliminate Guigu.
At this moment, bound by the array, Huang Chao, who had intended to avoid the brunt of the attack, had no choice but to brace himself and meet this blow head-on.
"Boom!"
In an instant, a meteor streaked across the sky, and the ultimate move erupted with a dazzling array of colors.