As the sinister force emerged from the shadows, darkness seemed to devour the celestial realm.
The malevolent figure that Li Wei and his companions had faced now appeared insignificant compared to this new adversary.
The being exuded an ancient malevolence that sent shivers down their spines.
Its eyes glowed like twin orbs of obsidian, and its presence was suffocating, as though darkness itself had taken form.
"You dare defy us?" the sinister force hissed, its voice echoing with darkness.
"The artifact's power is not meant for mortals like you—it belongs to the realm of shadows!"
Li Wei and his companions stood resolute, their celestial energy intermingling in a show of unity and strength.
But even as they faced this dark force, doubt gnawed at Li Wei's heart.
The sinister force's malevolence seemed insurmountable, and he wondered if they could truly prevail.
Meng Xiu's celestial presence remained steady, and she addressed the being with unwavering authority.
"The artifact's purpose is to bridge the realms, not to be wielded as a weapon of darkness," she asserted.
The sinister force snarled, its darkness pulsating with hostility.
"The artifact's true power can only be harnessed by those who embrace darkness," it sneered.
"You are blind to its true potential."
Li Wei's mind raced, recalling the teachings of the Celestial Sages.
The artifact's true purpose lay not in darkness or light alone, but in the harmony of celestial energy—of virtue and unity.
Drawing from the strength of his companions, Li Wei sought to channel the artifact's energy once more.
But as he focused, a surge of darkness encroached on his celestial power, threatening to consume him.
In that moment of vulnerability, doubt gripped Li Wei's heart.
Could he truly withstand the darkness and embrace his celestial heritage without succumbing to its malevolence?
Zhu Jiao's voice cut through the shadows, her spirit flames blazing with determination. "Li Wei, remember who you are," she urged.
"You are the bridge between realms, and your virtue will guide you through the darkness."
Guo Xun stepped forward, his loyalty unwavering. "We stand with you," he declared.
"Together, we can overcome this darkness."
As Li Wei's resolve steadied, his celestial energy surged once more, radiant and unwavering.
He understood now that the artifact's power was not a force to be wielded but a conduit for celestial harmony.
With a newfound clarity, Li Wei and his companions channeled their celestial energy together, their unity creating a celestial radiance that pushed back against the darkness.
The sinister force roared in frustration as its malevolence waned, faltering under the brilliance of celestial energy.
But just as they seemed to gain the upper hand, a ripple of dark energy swept through the celestial realm.
The malevolent figure they had faced before emerged once more, aligned with the sinister force, their malevolence amplified by this dark alliance.
The two malevolent beings converged, their energies intertwining in a dance of darkness.
The celestial realm trembled under their combined might, and Li Wei knew that their adversaries' dark intent was far more insidious than they had ever imagined.