From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 26 The Storm Returns

“Black Wind…” I murmured, a chill running from the soles of my feet to the top of my head. Li Yan’s expression also changed; she naturally understood what this meant. “He’s not dead? And he recovered so quickly!”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "It seems the 'extra' intelligence for this mission refers to Black Wind. Boss Lin knew he was still alive all along, but he didn't tell us..." I gripped the storage bag in my hand, a surge of anger rising within me, but I quickly suppressed it. Now is not the time to dwell on that; the most urgent task is to figure out Black Wind's intentions.

"The intelligence says that Black Wind is treacherous and cunning, and vindictive. He's suffered such a huge loss this time, he definitely won't let it go easily." I quickly analyzed, "Since he dared to show his face, it means he has made thorough preparations, and he may have even joined forces with other helpers."

Li Yan nodded in agreement with a serious expression. "Then what should we do? Just wait and see?"

"No, we absolutely cannot sit idly by and wait to die," I said decisively. "Black Wind is cunning and treacherous. If we let him gain the upper hand, we'll be at a huge disadvantage. We must take the initiative and disrupt his plans!"

For the next few days, we didn't take on any more missions, instead devoting ourselves entirely to cultivation and intelligence gathering. The information provided by Boss Lin was limited, but better than nothing. Through various inquiries, we finally obtained news about Black Wind.

"As expected, he has united with the rogue cultivators we defeated before, and even recruited a few powerful evil cultivators to form a force called 'Black Wind Stronghold'." I told Li Yan the latest news. "It seems that this time he is going to completely break ties with us."

"Hmph, they think they can fight us?" A hint of disdain flashed in Li Yan's eyes. "We are no longer what we used to be. It's a good opportunity to use them to test the power of our new magic weapon!"

We decided to strike first and eliminate this threat completely. According to intelligence, Black Wind Stronghold's stronghold is located deep in the Sunset Mountains, a place with treacherous terrain that is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

"It looks like this is going to be a fierce battle..." I looked at Black Wind Stronghold marked on the map, and a sense of unease rose in my heart.

"Let's go, let's finish them off as soon as possible so we can cultivate in peace." Li Yan said, gripping her longsword, her eyes gleaming with determination.

We set off, heading towards the Sunset Mountains, each step firm and resolute. But for some reason, a lingering shadow hung in my heart… as if something was about to happen…

As night fell, we lay in ambush in a dense forest on the outskirts of Black Wind Stronghold, observing the activity within. Suddenly, I sensed a fluctuation of spiritual energy emanating from nearby. I pulled Li Yan back, who was about to speak, gesturing for her to be quiet, and then pointed in the direction from which the energy fluctuation was coming…

"Be careful!" I whispered a warning, gripping the Falling Star Bow tightly. Li Yan also drew her longsword, warily scanning her surroundings.

The spiritual energy fluctuations grew closer, and accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps, a group of figures emerged from the dense forest. By the dim moonlight, I recognized the leader at a glance—it was Black Wind! He wore a ferocious smile, and his eyes flashed with the flames of revenge.

"Xiao Yao, Li Yan, we meet again!" Black Wind said sinisterly, his voice as piercing as the hooting of an owl. "This time, I will make you pay a terrible price!"

Before he finished speaking, his henchmen swarmed forward and surrounded us. A battle was about to break out.

I swiftly drew back the bowstring, and an arrow, imbued with spiritual energy, shot towards Black Wind with a whooshing sound. However, he was prepared; he dodged my attack with a swift movement.

"A mere trick!" Black Wind sneered, and a black curved blade suddenly appeared in his hand, its blade radiating a chilling light.

"Li Yan, be careful!" I shouted a warning, while releasing my protective spiritual energy to fend off the attacks from the surrounding henchmen.

Li Yan, wielding a longsword, moved nimbly through the crowd. With each flash of her sword, several henchmen fell to the ground. However, even the strongest can be overwhelmed by a powerful opponent like Black Wind.

I kept firing arrows of spiritual energy, trying to suppress Black Wind's attacks, but his strength far exceeded my expectations. With each clash, I felt a powerful force shake me, causing my blood to surge.

"Haha, is this the power you have after obtaining the magic weapon? You've really disappointed me!" Black Wind laughed wildly, his scimitar swinging faster and faster, and I gradually felt my strength waning.

Just then, I saw Li Yan being attacked by several henchmen, in grave danger. My heart tightened, and I rushed over without hesitation, wanting to help her out.

"You should worry about yourself!" Black Wind seized the moment I was distracted and swung his blade at me. I couldn't dodge in time and could only watch helplessly as the cold light hurtled towards me...

"boom!"

After a loud bang, I found myself unharmed. Looking up, I saw a familiar figure blocking my way…

As the dust settled, I was astonished to find that standing before me was none other than Windrunner! He was still dressed in white, his figure tall and imposing, like a mountain blocking my way. Behind him stood several cultivators with composed auras, clearly possessing considerable strength.

"Windrunner?!" I couldn't help but exclaim. What's he doing here? Did he sense my danger?

Windranger smiled slightly at me, offering no further explanation, but simply said in a deep voice, "I'm late, are you all alright?"

"We're alright, thanks to you." I looked at him gratefully, a glimmer of hope igniting in my heart.

Blackwind's face darkened instantly upon seeing Windrunner and his companion. He gritted his teeth and said, "Windrunner, how dare you interfere in my affairs?!"

"Black Wind, you have committed countless evils, and today I will act on behalf of Heaven to bring justice!" Windwalker said coldly, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

Before he could finish speaking, Windrunner launched the first attack. In a flash, he appeared in front of Blackwind, his longsword thrusting out like lightning.

Blackwind clearly hadn't expected Windwalker to be so powerful, and in his haste, he could only raise his sword to defend himself. With a loud clang, Blackwind was forced back several steps, his arm going numb from the impact.

"Charge!" Windrunner gave the order, and his companions behind him joined the battle.

With the arrival of Windrunner and the others, the situation instantly reversed. The minions brought by Blackwind were no match for them and were quickly routed, fleeing in disarray.

"Damn it!" Seeing that the situation was not good, Hei Feng glared at me and Li Yan and turned to run away.

"Trying to run? Not so easy!" I snorted coldly, quickly drew back the Falling Star Bow, and a spiritual arrow shot towards Black Wind's knee with a whooshing sound.

"Ah!" Black Wind screamed, staggering and nearly falling to the ground. I seized the opportunity and immediately activated the power of my magic weapon.

A dazzling golden light emanated from my body, instantly enveloping the black wind. The black wind struggled desperately, but could not break free from the golden light's grasp.

"Xiao Yao, kill him!" Li Yan also rushed over, her long sword pointing directly at Hei Feng's throat.

I slowly raised the Falling Star Bow, aiming the arrow at Black Wind's heart.

Just then, a deep and authoritative voice suddenly rang in my ears: "Stop!" Black Wind cried out in pain, his venomous eyes darting back and forth between me and Li Yan, like a wild beast driven to the brink of despair, making its last struggle. He suddenly let out a grotesque laugh, his voice hoarse as he said, "Want to kill me? You're not worthy! Even if I die, I'll take you down with me!"

After saying that, he began to frantically activate the spiritual energy in his body, attempting to self-destruct his golden core!

"Oh no! He's going to self-destruct!" Li Yan exclaimed, instinctively taking a few steps back.

I was startled. This Black Wind was truly ruthless, preferring self-destruction to surrender! Just as I was about to unleash the power of my magic weapon again to completely suppress him, a deep and authoritative voice suddenly rang in my ears:

"stop!"

The sound seemed to possess an invisible magic, instantly piercing my eardrums and reaching the depths of my soul. My hands froze, and my mind went blank.

who is it?

Who is speaking?

I turned around blankly, only to find that no one around me seemed to have heard the sound; they were still fighting fiercely. Windrunner noticed my odd behavior as well. He flashed to my side and asked with concern, "Xiao Yao, what's wrong?"

I didn't answer him, but just stared intently ahead. Because, just now, I sensed a powerful and mysterious aura rapidly approaching!

This aura is far superior to that of Black Wind and his ilk, and is even several times stronger than that of Windwalker!

"Who is it?!" Li Yan also sensed something was wrong. She gripped her longsword tightly and asked in a low voice.

However, no one answered her.

The wind and sand howled, and the world changed color.

An invisible pressure, like Mount Tai pressing down, enveloped us!