Chapter 45: The Decisive Moment of Exorcism

The Nether Abyss—the name alone was enough to send a chill down one's spine.

Yun Yao took a deep breath, sensing the damp, bone-chilling cold that permeated the air, along with the faint, lingering scent of blood.

She tightened her grip on the spiritual sword in her hand, the blade letting out a clear, resonant ring as if responding to its master's unwavering resolve.

The surrounding trees were twisted and grotesque, their branches withered and stark like the grasping claws of evil spirits, making a rustling sound in the gloomy wind.

Beneath her feet was slippery mud, and every step felt as though she were treading upon decaying corpses, producing a sickening squelch.

In the silent forest, the sound of Yun Yao's heartbeat was exceptionally clear. She held her breath, trying hard to catch any movement around her.

She knew that the Nether Patriarch would not easily show himself; he must be lurking in the shadows, waiting to deliver a fatal blow.

Yun Yao's expression was solemn, her gaze resolute, without a trace of fear.

She had prepared herself to burn her boats. To safeguard this land and protect those dear to her, she had to defeat this evil force.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, a clearing appeared ahead.

In the center of the clearing stood an ancient altar, covered in bizarre runes that emanated a heart-stopping black light.

Yun Yao's heart skipped a beat.

Suddenly, the runes on the altar began to flicker, and a powerful surge of energy gushed forth from it, transforming into a massive black vortex.

At the center of the vortex, a figure slowly materialized.

The figure was tall and imposing, entirely shrouded in black robes, revealing only a pair of crimson eyes that radiated a chilling, murderous intent.

"Yun Yao, you've finally come." The Nether Patriarch's voice was deep and hoarse, like a demon crawling straight out of hell.

Before his voice had even faded, the Nether Patriarch launched his attack.

He formed hand seals, gathering black energy in his palms, which transformed into bolts of black lightning that rained down fiercely upon Yun Yao.

Daring not to be careless, Yun Yao immediately swung her sword in defense.

The spiritual sword collided with the black lightning, producing a piercing metallic screech as sparks flew in all directions.

While blocking the Nether Patriarch's assault, Yun Yao observed his weaknesses.

Although the Nether Patriarch's attacks were formidable, they lacked variation, and his speed appeared somewhat sluggish.

A thought sparked in Yun Yao's mind, and a bold plan took shape.

At that very moment, the figure of Jun Mohan appeared by Yun Yao's side.

Wielding a long sword, his eyes sharp and his aura formidable,

"Yao'er, I've come to help you!" Jun Mohan said in a deep voice.

Warmth bloomed in Yun Yao's chest. With Jun Mohan's assistance, her chances of victory were even greater.

Fighting side by side, the two engaged in a fierce battle against the Nether Patriarch.

As the Nether Patriarch's attacks grew increasingly ferocious, Yun Yao and Jun Mohan gradually began to feel the strain.

Suddenly, Yun Yao noticed a momentary pause in the Nether Patriarch's onslaught.

Now is the chance!

Yun Yao thought to herself.

"Mohan, cover me!" Yun Yao shouted...

With a sharp cry, Yun Yao's figure flickered like a ghost, the spiritual sword in her hand transforming into a streak of silver light that thrust straight toward the Nether Patriarch's chest.

Seemingly caught off guard by Yun Yao's sudden burst of power, the Nether Patriarch failed to dodge in time and was pierced by the spiritual sword.

Black blood spewed from the wound, and the Nether Patriarch let out an agonized roar.

"Ah! You damned wench!" Clutching his chest, the Nether Patriarch could hardly believe that this seemingly frail woman possessed such formidable strength.

Moving like lightning, Yun Yao danced her spiritual sword like the wind, unleashing wave after wave of fierce sword Qi that swept toward the Nether Patriarch.

Caught completely off guard, the Nether Patriarch could only manage clumsy parries.

The black robe draped over him was shredded by the sword Qi, revealing his withered and unsightly skin.

"Mohan, right now!" Yun Yao yelled.

Understanding instantly, Jun Mohan's long sword let out a dragon-like roar, and a golden beam of sword Qi surged forth like a roaring dragon, heading straight for the Nether Patriarch.

His expression changing drastically, the Nether Patriarch sensed the terrifying might of the sword Qi and dared not take it head-on.

He hurriedly channeled all his spiritual power, forming a black barrier before him.

"Boom!"

The golden sword Qi collided with the black barrier, producing a deafening crash.

The black barrier shattered instantly, and the remaining force of the golden sword Qi slammed mercilessly into the Nether Patriarch.

With a miserable shriek, the Nether Patriarch was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the ground.

His black robe was now torn to rags, exposing a body covered in gruesome wounds.

Standing side by side, Yun Yao and Jun Mohan looked down at the fallen Nether Patriarch.

"Yao'er, are you alright?" Jun Mohan asked with deep concern.

Shaking her head, Yun Yao smiled and said, "I'm fine. It's all thanks to you arriving in time."

Jun Mohan smiled tenderly, reaching out to gently stroke Yun Yao's cheek as he said softly, "Fool, protecting you is my duty."

As their eyes met, the surrounding air seemed to grow sweet, thick with a deep, lingering affection.

Struggling to push himself up from the ground, the Nether Patriarch glared at the intimate pair before him.

"You... don't be so smug! I... I will return!" the Nether Patriarch rasped out.

Before his words fully died away, a beam of black light violently erupted from within his body, soaring straight into the firmament.

As the black light vanished, the Nether Patriarch's physical body turned to ashes.

Witnessing this, the expressions of Yun Yao and Jun Mohan shifted slightly.

"Oh no! He actually..."

"He actually... abandoned his physical vessel and let his primordial spirit escape!" Jun Mohan's expression turned grave, a trace of anxiety coloring his tone.

Yun Yao, too, realized the gravity of the situation; the escape of the Nether Patriarch's primordial spirit meant endless future troubles.

He would inevitably make a comeback to seek his revenge.

Yet for now, the most urgent task was to relay this news back to the Immortal Sect.

The gloom hanging over the Nether Abyss seemed to dissipate alongside the disappearance of the Nether Patriarch, as a sliver of sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting its warmth upon the ravaged land.

When the news reached the Immortal Sect, jubilation erupted throughout the entire sect.

The oppressive gloom that had lingered for so long was swept away in an instant, replaced by the joy of surviving a catastrophe and deep reverence for their heroes.

Disciples ran to share the news, and cheers echoed into the heavens, as if eager to spread the joyous tidings across the entire cultivation world.

Elder Cangsong, leaning heavily on his walking stick, tremblingly approached Yun Yao, tears streaming down his aged face.

"Yun Yao, this old man wronged you! It was my failing eyesight, being deceived by scoundrels, that nearly led to a catastrophic mistake! I am here to make amends!" He bowed deeply, his voice laden with profound regret and apology.

Yun Yao accepted Elder Cangsong's apology with grace.

"Elder exaggerates. Now that the evil spirits have been eradicated, unity within the Immortal Sect is what matters most." Her tone was gentle, utterly devoid of lingering resentment.

These words won the admiration of everyone present and brought the entire Immortal Sect closer together in solidarity.

Inside the grand hall of the Immortal Sect, lanterns and colorful festoons decorated the pillars, creating a bustling and lively scene.

At the victory banquet, Yun Yao and Jun Mohan sat side by side, accepting toasts and blessings from all present.

Gazing at Yun Yao with profound affection, Jun Mohan's eyes held a warmth so intense it seemed it could melt.

"Yao'er, you've worked hard." He gently grasped Yun Yao's hand and spoke in a soft murmur.

Yun Yao returned his smile, her eyes brimming with a radiant glow of happiness.

"To safeguard the Immortal Sect alongside you is my greatest honor."

Yun Yao had successfully completed her system missions, and her favorability rating had long exceeded one hundred.

Her bond with Jun Mohan had grown even more unbreakable, and her status within the Immortal Sect was peerless.

Just when she thought she could retire in glory and return to her original world, Jun Mohan pulled her tightly into his embrace, whispering softly into her ear, "Yao'er, in this lifetime, none other than you shall be my bride."

Yun Yao's heart trembled, a wave of warmth washing over her entire being.

Lifting her gaze to meet Jun Mohan's deep, fathomless eyes, her heart swelled with sweetness and emotion.

She knew then that she had completely integrated into this world and could never bear to leave this man behind.

In the dead of night, Yun Yao and Jun Mohan stood shoulder to shoulder on the summit of the peak, overlooking the brightly lit Immortal Sect below.

A gentle breeze swept past, bringing a hint of coolness, along with a trace of unease.

Suddenly feeling a palpitation in her chest, Yun Yao looked up into the distance, her gaze locking onto the direction of the Demon Realm.

There, a powerful and turbulent force seemed to be stirring restlessly...

"Mohan, look..." Yun Yao pointed toward the Demon Realm, a trace of doubt in her voice.

Following her gaze, Jun Mohan furrowed his brow slightly.

He sensed a familiar aura—an aura that filled him with a creeping sense of unease...

"That is..."