The Mysterious Abyss of Nine Hells
Yang Fan's sudden departure from Wuliu Town was known to only a select few. Shortly after he left, Lin Zhong ascended from the peak of the Qi Refining Stage to the later phase of Qi Refinement, experiencing significant growth in his cultivation and acquiring numerous supernatural abilities. From that moment on, his name spread widely among the nearby rogue cultivators.
While safeguarding the medical clinic, he also delved into the art of alchemy, making notable advancements in his medical skills. As for Zheng Xiaoman, she spent the majority of her free time studying a jade slip left behind by Yang Fan. This slip, clearly a recent copy made by him, contained medical techniques and insights that left her utterly astonished. It dawned on her that despite studying medicine for over a decade, she had been but a frog in a well. Naturally, Zheng Xiaoman adhered to Yang Fan's wishes; while she devoted herself to the study of medicine, she also did not neglect her cultivation, striving to discover a path that could lead her to eternal life through medical knowledge.
During the month following Yang Fan's departure, another event transpired in Wuliu Town: the town mayor's son, Jin, set out to seek immortality and left behind a letter that rendered Mayor Liu utterly distraught. The true circumstances were known only to the parties involved and a select few.
"Manxiang… why are you so stubborn?" Upon hearing of this, Lin Zhong couldn't help but look up at the sky and let out a heavy sigh. He had previously advised Liu Manxiang, even offering her some cultivation techniques. However, the unfortunate truth was that she possessed a wasted spiritual root, making it almost impossible for her to walk the path of immortality.
Consequently, Lin Zhong began to mobilize the nearby rogue cultivators, searching for Liu Manxiang's whereabouts, but to no avail.
On one particular day, near the Qiang River region, the area was notorious for its treacherous waters, filled with scattered rocks and turbulent undercurrents. The cliffs on either side were steep and adorned with strange rock formations.
**Whoosh!**
A young man clad in black robes descended, riding a flying sword shrouded in demonic energy. After flying for a while, he paused and murmured, "That day on the 'Sky Voyager,' I accidentally entered a realm of transcendence, allowing my soul's realm to greatly enhance. It's a pity I can no longer enter that elusive 'Human Mode.'"
With that, he sheathed his sword and landed at the cliff's edge. Closing his eyes, the demonic energy enveloping him suddenly vanished, giving way to an infinitely vibrant state of nature. At that moment, he was attuned to every blade of grass, every rock, every fish in the river, and every strand of aquatic weed around him. His focus was unprecedented; at his current realm of the Concentration Stage, he could effortlessly perceive the movements within a radius of two to three miles, doubling the range of his spiritual sense.
Thus, within the Concentration Stage, none could compare to him in sensory perception.
After a long while, Yang Fan finally withdrew from this state of enlightenment, exhaling softly as he spoke, "It seems this kind of sudden insight cannot be forced. However, if I succeed even once, my cultivation will surely advance…" Realizing he could not re-enter 'Human Mode,' Yang Fan decided not to linger. He summoned his sword and soared toward a specific direction.
His destination was the fearsome "Nameless Abyss." Now that Yang Fan's cultivation had progressed significantly, and he possessed several life-preserving techniques, he boldly approached this location to investigate.
After flying for half a day and weaving through the vicinity of Xiu Yu Pavilion, he encountered several cultivators of similar rank, resulting in a peaceful encounter.
Under normal circumstances, when ordinary cultivators spotted demonic practitioners, they would instinctively maintain their distance, their minds tense and alert. This inadvertently saved Yang Fan considerable trouble.
Finally, as night fell, Yang Fan retraced his previous route, entering the Abyss and gradually slowing his speed. He unleashed his senses fully, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
This time, before approaching the "Nameless Abyss," Yang Fan discovered numerous cultivators. These practitioners were mostly of high rank, many being at the Concentration Stage or above, stationed near the Nameless Abyss for unknown reasons.
Strangely, he noted that there seemed to be more demonic cultivators here than righteous ones. Thus, as he approached, his presence attracted little attention.
From a distance, Yang Fan beheld a shadowy figure brimming with demonic energy, resembling a black hole. "Is this still the Nameless Abyss?" he thought, a wave of alarm sweeping over him.
It felt as if a subtle call connected with the Nine Hells demonic energy within him. At that moment, the shadowy entity had expanded to a radius of a hundred miles, engulfing the surrounding hills, forests, and rivers.
Within the domain of this shadowy abyss, no living being dared to venture close; even the nearby Concentration Stage and Foundation Establishment cultivators could only observe from a distance.
"What kind of entity is this Nameless Abyss, that it draws so many powerful beings?" Yang Fan pondered, his confusion deepening. Meanwhile, the Nine Hells energy within him began to stir uncontrollably, as the inexplicable connection grew more intense.
In a moment of realization, Yang Fan exclaimed softly, "Isn't that the territory of the Yang Family from Kyoto?"
In his all-seeing mode, he spotted a mysterious figure, Mr. Xu, along with a dignified middle-aged man who bore a slight resemblance to Yang Yu. Even within this heightened perception, Yang Fan couldn't discern the cultivation level of either man.
At this moment, the two were engaged in a hushed conversation, the subject revolving around the term "Nine Hells."
"Nine Hells? What could that possibly be? The surrounding cultivators appear both fearful and eager regarding this…" Yang Fan thought, utterly baffled.
"Who is it?!" Suddenly, Mr. Xu barked, a powerful pressure emanating from him, causing Yang Fan's heart to jolt and forcing him to withdraw from his all-seeing state.
"This Mr. Xu is terrifying; he could sense my probing!" Yang Fan thought, alarmed, yet he maintained the outward appearance of a demonic practitioner, exuding no trace of unease or fear.
Within a nearby wooden cabin, Mr. Xu's voice echoed, "Did you just sense something, Mr. Xu?" inquired the dignified middle-aged man.
Mr. Xu's eyes flickered with intrigue as he replied in a low voice, "I felt as if someone was peering in, but I couldn't be sure."
"Given the number of Concentration Stage cultivators nearby, it might just be the casual probing of a Foundation Establishment practitioner," the dignified middle-aged man chuckled.
"No, it felt very peculiar, almost like surveillance. With my cultivation, there shouldn't be anyone among the Foundation Establishment who could easily pry into our conversation, especially since it seems we have set up layers of barriers around us." Mr. Xu sighed, "Let's hope it's just my imagination…"
He then expanded his spiritual sense, scanning the surroundings for a moment but finding nothing amiss.
Soon, the two resumed their discussion, but their vigilance increased as they strengthened the barriers surrounding the cabin.
Yang Fan meandered near the Nameless Abyss for a while, discovering a multitude of demonic cultivators.
At one point, he encountered a mid-Concentration Stage demonic practitioner who approached him with a hearty laugh: "You must be new here, brother! I don't recognize your face."
The man wore a blue long robe, his complexion fair, with a prominent nose and an air of youthful vigor, appearing to be in his thirties yet exuding a certain charm.
"I am merely a wandering cultivator, who caught wind of some news and decided to come," Yang Fan replied, unflappable, allowing his latent demonic energy to surge just slightly.
"Ah, you are a wandering cultivator! What a pleasure to meet you. I am Ling Yuanshan. May I ask your esteemed name?"
The demonic practitioner appeared genuinely intrigued by Yang Fan, initiating the conversation.
"I am Shi Qianhan," Yang Fan replied, adopting a cool and aloof demeanor.
"Ah, Shi brother! Why not join our ranks among the rogue demonic practitioners? When the 'Nine Hells' resurfaces, we can all make plans together. Alone, even a couple of rogue cultivators won't suffice against the mighty forces," Ling Yuanshan suggested amicably, lacking the usual arrogance of a demonic practitioner.
"It's worth considering. However, I recently just ascended to the Concentration Stage and am not very familiar with the affairs of the 'Nine Hells.' I hope Ling Dao friend can enlighten me," Yang Fan feigned ignorance, keen to mingle among the ranks of demonic practitioners to gauge the situation.
"Of course, that's easy. Let me take you to our territory, and we can discuss as we go," Ling Yuanshan replied warmly, leading Yang Fan to ride their swords through the air, circling around the vast, invisible black hole, heading in a particular direction.
Through their conversation, Yang Fan finally gleaned some preliminary understanding of the Nine Hells.
According to legend, in ancient times on the vast expanse of Dongsheng Continent, there appeared an unparalleled demon lord known as the "Nine Hells Demon Monarch."
This individual practiced a terrifying
demonic art called the "Nine Hells," drawing forth endless souls to develop unparalleled powers.
As he forged ahead, he obliterated many sects and factions, leaving countless cultivators dead in his wake. The fear he instilled in people's hearts led to an unprecedented alliance of several major sects in the land, attempting to vanquish the Nine Hells.
However, as the battle raged, the demon lord vanished without a trace, leading to speculation that he might have established his own dimension, known as the "Nine Hells."
Countless treasures, resources, and even ancient relics were hidden within that realm, yet ever since the demon lord's disappearance, there had been no news or traces of the Nine Hells.
Yet, the appearance of the Abyss and the recent cultivation developments hinted that perhaps the Nine Hells had made a return.
"Brother Shi, what do you think? Would you be interested in entering the Nine Hells?" Ling Yuanshan asked with a chuckle, seemingly as if waiting for a specific answer.
Yang Fan remained silent, contemplating the nature of this "Nine Hells." According to the information he gathered, it seemed to act like a test ground for powerful beings, drawing in practitioners from the entire region.
Moreover, Yang Fan knew deep down that with his current capabilities and acquired demonic energy, entering the Nine Hells would likely be an arduous challenge.
"I suppose I will join you, and let's see what the Nine Hells has in store for us!"
This time, his heart surged with anticipation, eager to uncover the secrets of the Nine Hells, while also wary of the power struggles that lay ahead.
He had just ascended to the Concentration Stage, so he had to tread carefully.
Finally, as they neared the swirling entrance of the Nameless Abyss, Yang Fan's heart raced. The demons surrounding them displayed fear, respect, and an air of unexplainable awe.
What had once seemed like a simple exploration now felt like stepping into a new realm of danger.
"I must be cautious and prepare to navigate this chaotic labyrinth."