As the days passed, Feng Xiao and his friends sensed a dark energy hovering over the sect. The wind carried an unnatural chill, and shadows seemed to lengthen even in the midday sun. The disciples murmured about an impending threat, their hearts heavy with unease.
Feng Xiao was in his meditation chamber, practicing the Soul-Sealing Bind technique he'd learned from the Tome of Ancestral Shadows, when he suddenly felt a piercing wave of dark qi. It was as if the air itself pulsed with malice, vibrating with a sinister energy that left him feeling breathless.
He rushed to find Elder Yun, who was already waiting in the central hall with the other elders. His expression was grave, and the usually serene atmosphere was now thick with tension.
"Feng Xiao, it seems the Crimson Serpents have made their move," Elder Yun began, his voice calm but tinged with concern. "They are performing a powerful curse ritual—a Dark Serpent Ritual—meant to weaken our sect and drive us into despair. This curse is ancient, and it can only be countered with extreme measures."
Feng Xiao clenched his fists. "What do we need to do, Elder Yun? We can't let them destroy us."
The elder nodded, his eyes resting on Feng Xiao with a hint of pride. "There may be a way, but it is not without risk. The curse can be countered if someone who possesses immense spiritual strength and purity of qi performs a Purifying Lotus Ritual. However, this ritual requires an enormous amount of spiritual energy, and even the slightest error could endanger the person performing it."
Feng Xiao's gaze was firm. "I'll do it. I have been practicing the Soul-Sealing Bind and am familiar with suppressing dark energy."
Elder Yun hesitated, knowing the risks involved. "It's not a decision to be taken lightly, Feng Xiao. The ritual will drain you, possibly to the point where you'll be vulnerable to any attack from the Crimson Serpents."
Feng Mei, who had overheard the conversation, stepped forward. "I'll assist him, Elder Yun. With my protective formations, I can help shield him during the ritual."
Elder Yun looked at her with a thoughtful expression before nodding. "Very well. Together, you may be able to withstand the strain. But be cautious."
The entire sect was soon mobilized to prepare for the Purifying Lotus Ritual. Feng Mei worked diligently to inscribe powerful protective formations around the ritual area, while Lin Yue and Jin Hu helped Feng Xiao stabilize his qi and refine his control over the Soul-Sealing Bind technique.
As the preparations continued, Feng Xiao couldn't help but feel a strange pull toward Feng Mei. Her determination, her calm focus, and her unwavering loyalty to him were apparent in every movement. She seemed almost ethereal, her concentration so intense that it left him quietly admiring her strength and dedication.
As evening approached, Feng Mei caught him watching her and offered a small smile. "You're spacing out, Feng Xiao. Aren't you supposed to be the one focusing on the ritual?"
Feng Xiao chuckled, trying to shake off his lingering thoughts. "I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you as a friend, Feng Mei."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composure. "Then let's make sure this ritual is successful. I won't let the Crimson Serpents harm our sect or you."
As night fell, the disciples gathered in a protective circle around the ritual site, while the elders chanted mantras to enhance the protective formations. Feng Xiao took his place at the center of the formation, with Feng Mei standing beside him to support and reinforce the energy flow.
Feng Xiao closed his eyes, focusing on the Soul-Sealing Bind and channeling his qi into the formation. Slowly, he felt his spirit align with the power of the ritual, his energy merging with the ambient qi. He concentrated on purifying the dark energy emanating from the curse.
Around him, a soft glow of light began to form, radiating outward and pushing back the shadows that lingered on the edges of the sect. The glow grew brighter as Feng Xiao called upon the Lotus Heart Qi, a technique from the Purifying Lotus Ritual that focused on cleansing and purifying dark energies.
As Feng Xiao channeled his energy, Feng Mei began her part of the ritual, activating the Celestial Ward Formation she had created. Her hands moved gracefully, each gesture infusing the formation with her qi, creating an impenetrable barrier around them.
Just as they started to gain momentum, a piercing scream shattered the silence. A wave of dark qi rushed toward them, breaking through one of the outer defensive barriers. Emerging from the darkness was Lady Xu, her face twisted in fury and determination.
"Did you think the Crimson Serpents would sit back and let you cleanse our curse?" she sneered, her voice filled with venom. She raised her hands, unleashing a torrent of dark energy toward the formation.
Jin Hu and Lin Yue sprang into action, intercepting her attack. Jin Hu used his Iron Boulder Stance, his body enveloped in a powerful defensive aura, while Lin Yue activated her Ethereal Blossom Technique, her form flickering like petals caught in the wind as she moved to divert Lady Xu's attacks.
As Feng Xiao and Feng Mei focused on maintaining the ritual, the battle raged around them. Jin Hu and Lin Yue fought valiantly, keeping Lady Xu at bay, but her power was formidable, bolstered by the curse's dark energy.
Lin Yue landed a swift strike on Lady Xu's shoulder, but the wound healed almost instantly. Lady Xu laughed, her dark qi flaring. "The curse feeds my power! You cannot defeat me!"
In the midst of the battle, Feng Xiao felt the strain of the ritual intensify. He glanced at Feng Mei, who was visibly struggling to maintain the Celestial Ward Formation. Her face was pale, but her eyes remained resolute.
"Hold on, Feng Mei," he whispered. "We're almost there."
Drawing from his last reserves of qi, Feng Xiao focused on one final surge of energy, channeling it into the Lotus Heart Qi. A blinding light erupted from within him, expanding outward and purging the surrounding dark energy with incredible force.
Lady Xu screamed, feeling the effects of the light weakening her powers. She stumbled back, her aura flickering as the curse began to dissipate.
"No! This can't be happening!" Lady Xu shouted, desperately trying to summon more dark qi. But the curse had been broken, and her connection to the dark energy was severed.
Jin Hu saw his opportunity and charged forward, delivering a powerful blow that sent Lady Xu reeling. Lin Yue followed up with a swift, precise strike, finally incapacitating her.
As the dust settled, Feng Xiao collapsed to his knees, exhausted but relieved. The curse had been lifted, and Lady Xu was finally defeated.
With the curse broken and Lady Xu's threat neutralized, the sect finally found itself at peace. The disciples and elders celebrated their victory, and Feng Xiao received praise and gratitude from everyone around him.
After the ceremony, Feng Mei found him sitting alone, gazing at the stars.
"You did it, Feng Xiao," she said softly, joining him. "You broke the curse."
Feng Xiao smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and relief. "I couldn't have done it without you, Feng Mei. You kept me grounded when I thought I'd falter."
They sat together in silence, the air filled with an unspoken understanding. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but for now, they had peace, and that was enough.
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End of Chapter