Chapter 62: Mid-Air Rift

Light surged frantically within the formation, and the Samsara Mirror seemed to have transformed into a bottomless abyss, continuously devouring the surrounding energy.

Liu Lang closed his eyes, standing at the center of the array to feel the mysterious power gradually drawing near. His body trembled slightly, his forehead beaded with sweat, and the power of the Spirit-Governing Holy Derivation Art seemed to stir within him, creating a subtle resonance with the external energy.

Suddenly, the Samsara Mirror emitted a dazzling ray of light, shooting straight toward Liu Lang.

Liu Lang felt a powerful force instantly rush into his body, and countless bizarre visions flashed through his mind—vague scenes from ancient ruins, where ancient runes and a mysterious aura rushed over him.

However, this power was too overwhelming. Liu Lang's body began to fail to bear it, and trails of blood appeared across his skin.

"Liu Lang!" Seeing this, Liu Fei'er was frantic with worry and tried to rush forward, only to be blocked by the barrier of the array. Xiao Rong also furrowed her brow deeply. She knew very well that Liu Lang was at a crucial moment right now, and any interference could plunge him into eternal damnation.

Bai Meng wore a solemn expression as she increased the output of her secret technique, attempting to stabilize the violent surge of energy. "Hold on, Liu Lang! This is the key to mastering your power!" she shouted aloud.

Gritting his teeth and enduring the excruciating pain in his body, Liu Lang struggled to guide that power to merge with the Spirit-Governing Holy Derivation Art. Deep within his consciousness, the pathways of the technique gradually became clear, and those lines that had once been tangled like hemp began to arrange themselves in an orderly fashion.

He felt as though he were touching the core mysteries of the Spirit-Governing Holy Derivation Art; just a step further, and he would completely master this formidable power.

Just as Liu Lang was on the verge of success, a dark aura suddenly surged from within him. This aura was cold and evil, instantly swallowing up more than half of the surrounding light.

"Oh no, what is happening?" Bai Meng cried out in alarm.

Liu Lang's gaze began to blur, and a look of agony appeared on his face.

"Liu Lang, wake up!" Liu Fei'er's voice carried a sob as she repeatedly called out Liu Lang's name, hoping to rouse him.

After a moment of deep thought, Xiao Rong suddenly said, "This dark power is likely the lingering effect from the ghost bride earlier. We must find a way to purge it."

Bai Meng nodded. "I will do my utmost to suppress this power. You two find the source and eradicate it completely." With that, she rapidly changed hand seals, and bolts of light surged toward Liu Lang, attempting to suppress the dark aura.

Liu Fei'er and Xiao Rong exchanged glances and began searching for clues around Liu Lang's body. They discovered that the dark aura was emanating from between Liu Lang's legs, where a faint, shadowy black mark seemed to linger.

"Could this be the key?" Xiao Rong reached out to touch the mark, but the moment she made contact, a powerful rebound force repelled her.

"Be careful!" Liu Fei'er hurriedly steadied Xiao Rong. "This power is too evil; how can we possibly eliminate it?"

At this moment, Liu Lang's condition grew increasingly perilous. His body began to spasm uncontrollably, and the dark aura practically enveloped his entire person. Although Bai Meng had exerted her utmost strength, she was gradually starting to feel overwhelmed.

Just as everyone began to despair, a warm surge of power suddenly welled up from within Liu Lang.

It was alien spiritual energy!

Nourished by this warm current, Liu Lang's consciousness gradually regained clarity.

"I cannot be defeated like this!" Liu Lang roared internally. Concentrating his spirit, he mobilized the power of the Spirit-Governing Holy Derivation Art and the alien spiritual energy within him, launching a counterattack against the dark aura.

Under Liu Lang's efforts, the dark aura began to recede gradually, and the black mark slowly faded. Seeing this, Bai Meng immediately intensified her suppression, forming a pincer movement from the inside and outside together with Liu Lang.

After a fierce struggle, the dark aura was finally completely purged. Liu Lang collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, his clothes drenched in sweat. Yet, his eyes were filled with firmness and joy, for he had successfully mastered the power of the Spirit-Governing Holy Derivation Art and conquered the evil force within him.

"Liu Lang, I am so glad you are all right!" Liu Fei'er rushed over immediately, helping Liu Lang up with eyes full of concern.

Xiao Rong also stepped forward and said with a relieved smile, "Congratulations, Liu Lang, you succeeded."

Bai Meng put away the Samsara Mirror, a hint of a satisfied smile appearing on her face. "It seems you are even stronger than I imagined. I hope you will put this power to good use."

Liu Lang stood up and looked at everyone gratefully. "Thank you all. Without you, I could never have succeeded."

In the days that followed, Liu Lang set about consolidating his newly acquired strength. He practiced diligently every day, continuously exploring the mysteries of the Spirit-Governing Holy Derivation Art. In the process, he discovered that this technique still held many hidden abilities waiting for him to uncover.

Liu Fei'er, Xiao Rong, and Bai Meng were not idle either. Each of them cultivated to enhance their own strength. Bai Meng even imparted some unique techniques learned from the Joy Sect to everyone, helping them better cope with future challenges.

However, the peaceful days did not last long. One day, a massive rift suddenly appeared in the sky, and a powerful, evil aura poured out from it. The entire world began to plunge into panic, and people guessed wildly at the source of this aura.

Sensing the anomaly, Liu Lang and the others gathered immediately. "This aura feels so familiar. Could it be..." Liu Lang furrowed his brow, harboring an ominous premonition in his heart.

"No matter what it is, we cannot just sit by and do nothing," Xiao Rong said firmly.

They decided to head to the source of the aura to investigate. Traversing mountains and rivers, they finally arrived at the location of the rift. They saw that the surroundings of the rift were shrouded in black mist, striking awe and dread into anyone who looked upon it.

"Be careful. There might be immense danger hidden inside," Liu Lang warned.

Walking cautiously into the rift, they found themselves in a mysterious space. Within this space stood a massive black castle, surrounded by countless evil creatures. These beings varied in form and exuded a spine-chilling aura.

"It seems we have found the source of the trouble," Bai Meng said, her expression turning grave as she looked at the scene before her.

Liu Lang clenched his fists. "No matter who the enemy is, we must put a stop to their conspiracy." With that, he charged toward the castle first, and the rest closely followed.

A fierce battle erupted on the spot. Utilizing the power of the Spirit-Governing Holy Derivation Art, Liu Lang engaged in a life-or-death struggle with those evil creatures. His figure darted swiftly across the battlefield, beating back enemies with every strike.

Liu Fei'er played her special role by providing support and protection for the group. Relying on her exquisite martial arts, Xiao Rong carved a bloody path among the foes. Bai Meng also unleashed the unique arts of the Joy Sect to bewilder and attack the adversaries.

However, the enemies within the castle seemed endless. Pouring out continuously, they surrounded the group tightly. Although Liu Lang and his companions were formidable, facing such a vast multitude of foes, they gradually began to feel strained.

Just then, the gates of the castle slowly opened, and a figure walked out from within. This figure exuded a powerful aura, several times more formidable than the previous enemies.

"You arrogant fools, how dare you trespass into my domain," the figure said coldly.

Liu Lang stared intently, a shock running through his heart. "Tu Ning? How could it be you?"

"You didn't expect this, did you? I have returned. This time, I can finally master my own destiny," Tu Ning said, the aura around him growing even more violent.

Liu Lang took a deep breath. "No matter how strong you have become, we will not back down." With that, he exchanged glances with the others, preparing to face this even more arduous battle...