Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 271 Tracing the Origins of the Crisis: A Mysterious Place

Zhang Peng relayed his findings to everyone, and the hall fell into a heavy silence once more. Lingxiao Sect Leader Li Yifeng frowned and asked, "Could it be that the Shadow Palace is just a front, and there's an even more powerful force controlling things behind the scenes?" The others exchanged glances, all seeing unease in each other's eyes.

Zhang Peng took a deep breath and said, "No matter who is behind this, we must find the source of the abnormal spiritual energy and completely resolve this crisis." Elder Li Ming nodded in agreement: "Zhang Peng is absolutely right, but where exactly is the source?"

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment, then activated his "Spiritual Eye," attempting to once again detect the trace of that dark power. With the aid of the power of chaos, his perception range expanded continuously, and finally, in the distant northwest, he detected a faint yet familiar dark aura.

"I think I've found my way, in the northwest." Zhang Peng raised his head, his gaze fixed firmly on the distance. Elder Li Ming looked worried: "That place is extremely remote, and it's rumored to be fraught with danger. Zhang Peng, you must be careful on your journey."

Zhang Peng nodded his thanks, then discussed the matter with the others and decided to go explore alone. He knew the mission was arduous and couldn't let more people take risks. After bidding farewell to his family and sect members, Zhang Peng used the "Phantom Step" and transformed into a streak of light, speeding off towards the northwest.

Along the way, Zhang Peng endured wind and rain, traveling day and night. The closer he got to the northwest, the more he could feel the oppressive atmosphere in the air, and the more chaotic the fluctuations of his spiritual energy became. Finally, he arrived at a valley shrouded in black mist.

The trees surrounding the valley were withered and fallen, the ground was covered with cracks, and the air was filled with a putrid stench. Zhang Peng activated the Chaos Spirit Technique, forming a five-colored shield around himself to ward off any potential dangers in the mist, and cautiously stepped into the valley.

As soon as he entered the valley, Zhang Peng felt a powerful dark force rushing towards him. He looked around warily and found a huge black altar standing in the valley. The altar was covered with mysterious runes, which flickered with an eerie red light, echoing the purple mist in the sky.

Zhang Peng slowly approached the altar, and when his gaze fell upon the center of the altar, his heart trembled. There, in the center of the altar, sat a black crystal emitting a ghostly light. Within the crystal, countless dark creatures seemed to surge and churn. It was this crystal that continuously emitted dark power, causing the abnormal spiritual energy in the cultivation world.

"So that's how it is, you were the one causing trouble." Zhang Peng muttered to himself, a cold glint in his eyes. He gathered his chaotic power, preparing to destroy the crystal. However, just as he was about to make his move, suddenly, a powerful force attacked from behind.

Zhang Peng reacted quickly, dodging the attack in a flash. He turned around and saw an old man in a black robe appear behind him. The old man wore a silver mask, revealing only a pair of cold eyes.

"Hmph, brat, how dare you ruin my plans?" the old man said coldly, his voice carrying a chill.

Zhang Peng looked at the old man warily: "Who are you? Why are you manipulating this crystal and disrupting the spiritual energy of the cultivation world?"

The old man sneered, "Who I am is not important. What is important is that you will not be able to leave this valley today." With that, the old man quickly formed hand seals, and the surrounding dark power rapidly gathered towards him.

Zhang Peng knew that a fierce battle was inevitable. He unleashed the Chaos Spirit Technique, his five-colored spiritual power flowing around him, creating a stark contrast with the dark power released by the old man.

"Then let's give it a try!" Zhang Peng shouted, unleashing the "Chaos Sky-Shattering Fist" towards the old man. The old man remained calm, raising his right hand, and a black light screen instantly rose up, blocking Zhang Peng's attack.

"With your meager skills, you think you can defeat me?" the old man sneered. With a wave of his hands, countless black blades shot out from the darkness, heading towards Zhang Peng. Zhang Peng's figure flashed, using the "Phantom Step" to nimbly weave through the blades. At the same time, he gathered spiritual power, forming a five-colored spiritual power longsword in his hand, and unleashed the "Chaos Sky-Splitting Sword," slashing towards the old man.