However, I understood clearly that without the Mandarava flower brought back from the underworld by Master, I would not have been able to break through so quickly, even if I had faced death ten times and gone into seclusion for another thirty days.
Yet, my heart held no joy.
I only knew that the responsibility on my shoulders had grown heavier.
I needed to utilize the power I now possessed to make my contribution to the war between good and evil.
I had to utterly destroy the Demonic Cult, fulfill my mission, and live up to Master's expectations.
And to avenge the souls of the deceased demons.
Standing up, I felt the flow of power within me and looked towards Black Demon Valley, murmuring to myself:
"Demonic Taoists, your days are numbered."
As I spoke, Old Mo approached with a smile.
After these days of recuperation, Old Mo's injuries had basically healed.
Seeing me, he immediately said:
"Alas! It seems the gap between us is only widening."
I smiled:
"I have fused with the power of the Underworld Flower, while you haven't."
"It's alright, I will catch up to you later. However, the Dao Alliance issued an order this morning, and we will launch a major offensive tomorrow. It's perfect timing for you to come out of seclusion."
Hearing Old Mo say this, a sharp gleam flashed in my eyes.
"Is that so! That would be wonderful."
"..."
As Old Mo and I were talking, Xia Qiuxu arrived, Wu Kehang arrived, and Huang Jie also arrived.
Before long, many familiar faces appeared.
Xiao Yao, Grandpa Jiang, Old Bai, Gu Qianyue, the Meng brothers, the Yun brothers, and others.
These people were all injured to varying degrees, especially Wu Kehang and Huang Jie, who could barely walk and had little combat capability left.
After a brief gathering with everyone, they all departed.
The order had been given; the full offensive would commence tomorrow.
Everyone needed to return and adjust themselves to their best condition.
In the afternoon, I was summoned by the Alliance Leader, True Master Cang Song.
True Master Cang Song was with many sect leaders. Seeing me arrive, they all nodded slightly in greeting.
This time, without the sacrifice of Senior Bai Daozi and our group's surprise raid on Gathering Yin Terrace, the three allied armies would have to pay a heavy price just to reach the entrance of Black Demon Valley.
Of course, it was mostly pleasantries, and I didn't take them to heart.
After returning, I went to the nearby mountains for a walk.
In the evening, I met with the Fox clan and Rat clan in the mountains. They were on full alert and prepared to attack the Demonic Valley alongside the Dao Alliance tomorrow.
Under the moonlit night, Black Demon Valley emanated waves of dark energy and soaring malevolent auras.
From time to time, roars would erupt.
Everyone knew that the battle tomorrow would be exceptionally fierce.
I had slept for days and had no hint of sleepiness, so I sat on a hill, gazing afar.
At this moment, a chill swept over me.
Turning back, I saw Qing Dai appear.
Seeing Qing Dai, I stood up:
"Qing Dai."
"Are you recovered?"
"Yes, the Mandarava Flower has healed me and increased my cultivation."
"Then let's go. Tomorrow is the final offensive."
"Precisely. We will surely succeed, sweep away the Demonic Cult, avenge the deceased demon souls, and bring clarity and righteousness to this world."
"..."
Qing Dai looked at Black Demon Valley and continued softly:
"I faintly sense his presence. This offensive might become incredibly difficult."
"Him? Who?"
I frowned, a hint of confusion in my voice.
"Wang Mang!"
Qing Dai spoke again.
My heart jolted. Outside Wudang Mountain, after killing the Crow Taoist, a dark figure had appeared.
That was Qing Dai's nemesis.
For thousands of years, Qing Dai had been fighting him.
"Why is he here? Isn't this the main altar of the Black Demon Cult?"
Qing Dai shook her head:
"Perhaps he is also part of the Netherworld Cult. Along the way, this small Black Demon Cult has displayed a power far exceeding its original strength, and many demonic Taoists and malevolent entities have gathered here.
This is not something the Black Demon forces could achieve.
Coupled with my sensing his presence, I surmise that this is very likely also a base for the New Dynasty.
Those remnants are hidden here.
For these past thousand years, I have traversed all parts of the Central Plains.
Only rarely have I come to this land of hidden Buddhas..."
Qing Dai said with a solemn expression.
Hearing her words, my heart tightened.
I looked at Black Demon Valley again, its pervasive cold aura obscuring the sky.
"Does the Dao Alliance leadership know this information?"
I pressed.
Qing Dai nodded:
"They do. That's why the Dao Alliance fully mobilized five days ago."
I took a deep breath, then said fiercely:
"If that's the case, then this is also the time for you and me to fulfill our destiny."
After speaking, I met Qing Dai's gaze.
Our eyes held determination and resolve.
Qing Dai also nodded at me heavily:
"We will succeed."
"We will."
I emphasized, and at the same time, I reached out and drew Qing Dai into my embrace.
Under the moonlit night, a man and a woman, one living and one spirit, gazed at Black Demon Valley.
There, it would be the place where our destinies would conclude...