Chapter 242: The Two Paths of Martial Arts
"So this is the Abyss of the Demonic Spirits," Ling Yi said as she suddenly appeared beside Lin Langtian, her voice taking on a rare note of seriousness as she gazed at the bottomless pit radiating an endless stream of demonic energy.
"These demonic energies were left behind by the Demonic Spirit Elder himself. According to what we know from the remnants of Mu Shi's memories, his inheritance is likely hidden somewhere within this abyss," she continued.
Hearing this, Lin Langtian nodded, his expression brightening with excitement. But then, remembering something, he spoke in a low voice. "This demonic energy is indeed powerful and sinister. Even if I do manage to find the Demonic Spirit Elder's inheritance, fusing the demonic energy with the higher-level energies within the small world of my mirror won't be easy."
Lin Langtian's face grew solemn. When he had merged with the Nine Nether Fire, it had taken every ounce of his focus. Attempting to merge with the powers of the Outer Demons would be even more challenging and could be incredibly dangerous.
"But if you succeed, your yuan energy will gain the unique properties of the demonic spirits. Such a power would be beyond ordinary yuan energy," Ling Yi added with a smile. "That said, true strength doesn't always come from having multiple energies. Some of the most formidable beings hone just a single type of energy—like ice, fire, or lightning—and still reach invincible heights."
Lin Langtian considered her words. Indeed, warriors who focused on a single path could reach terrifying levels of mastery. Thinking of Xiao Yan, the Flame Emperor of the Endless Fire Domain in the Great Thousand World, Langtian nodded. If anyone embodied the mastery of fire, it was Xiao Yan; he commanded all the flames of heaven and earth with unparalleled authority.
"Yes, mastering one path does have its own power," Lin Langtian mused, appreciating the example of Xiao Yan, who had perfected his fire techniques. With such dedication, other forms of energy hardly tempted him anymore.
Ling Yi went on. "True, but that's not the only way. Many warriors develop powers that blend various attributes, allowing them to adapt their techniques to different situations. These martial artists, too, are exceptionally powerful."
Lin Langtian reflected on her words. Indeed, another figure came to mind—Lin Dong. Not the current Nirvana-stage Lin Dong, but the future Martial Ancestor of the Great Thousand World, a man renowned for his mastery of diverse energies. Having inherited the Eight Ancestral Symbols, Lin Dong's powers would someday span various elements. His command over thunder, fire, and even ice, when he entered the Ice Spirit Tribe, was so absolute that even the ancient ice spirit tribesmen were powerless against him.
Ling Yi's smile widened, seeing that Lin Langtian grasped her point. "In this world, there is no single 'strongest' path, only the path that best suits each individual. As long as you find your own path, one day you might rival the greatest in the Great Thousand World."
Lin Langtian nodded, smiling a little himself. "For now, though, such talk is far off. I need to focus on finding the Demonic Spirit Elder's legacy."
If he had to choose between these two paths, he felt more drawn to Lin Dong's. He was human, not an Outer Demon. He wasn't interested in losing himself to the demonic powers, even if they were formidable. While the powers of the Outer Demons were indeed enticing, he intended to merge them into his own yuan energy, rather than letting their force control him. It was for this reason that he'd journeyed so far in search of the Demonic Spirit Elder's legacy.
"So the demonic energy in the small world of the mirror will simply be one of the powers I command, not the one that controls me," he concluded silently.
Ling Yi nodded approvingly. "As long as you hold to that resolve, I'm confident you won't lose sight of yourself." With that, her figure faded and returned to his dantian.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Langtian gazed down into the abyss, then turned to Jinwu. "Stay here and wait for me. I'll go in alone."
"But, big brother…" Jinwu began, only to see Lin Langtian wave a hand to stop him.
"Don't worry about me. The demonic energy down there is too dangerous, so it's better if you wait here safely," Lin Langtian said with a reassuring smile. Then, with a pat on Jinwu's shoulder, he transformed into a streak of light and dove straight into the abyss. With a whooshing sound, he vanished into the depths, swallowed by the demonic energy.
Watching his brother's fading silhouette, Jinwu felt a surge of worry. He took a step forward, then stopped, remembering Langtian's orders. With a sigh, he finally settled down nearby, preparing himself for a long wait.
Echoing through the darkness, a low whistling sound signaled Lin Langtian's rapid descent. Within mere seconds, he had plunged deep into the abyss, slowing only as the violent energy around him began to intensify.
As his descent slowed, he summoned a faint red flame on his fingertips, gradually expanding it until its bright glow illuminated the bottom of the Abyss of the Demonic Spirits. The darkness retreated, revealing the scene around him, and Langtian's eyes narrowed in shock.
The walls of the chasm were covered in countless black serpents, each about a meter long. Dark energy flowed through them, giving the air a chilling feel. Thankfully, these serpents showed no intention of attacking him. If they had, even with his strength, it would've been a difficult fight.
"Look below!" Ling Yi's voice echoed in his mind.
Following her advice, Lin Langtian flicked a fireball down into the chasm. As the fireball burst, the area was briefly illuminated, revealing a vast, pitch-black sea of demonic energy churning below.
He couldn't help but draw a sharp breath. The entire floor of the abyss was submerged in this ocean of dark demonic energy, as if it were a passage to an unknown world. A terrifying sight.
"Such intense demonic energy… Even if the Demonic Spirit Elder didn't reach the Samsara Stage, he must've come close in his time," he murmured to himself, feeling both awe and trepidation.
Turning his focus back to the swirling sea of darkness, he steeled himself. If he wanted the Demonic Spirit Elder's legacy, then this risk was unavoidable.
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