77: The demonic cultivators arrive, a new crisis looms.

Outside the Tianling Academy mountain gate at You Shi (5-7 PM), the setting sun was like blood, staining the battlefield's desolation with even greater bleakness. The Alliance Disciples had just finished clearing the battlefield and hadn't even had a chance to catch their breath when a dense black Devilish Qi surged from the distant horizon, rapidly approaching like dark clouds obscuring the sun. Wherever it passed, the Spiritual Qi between Heaven and Earth became extremely chaotic, and even the air exuded an icy chill and corrosiveness, making people's hearts heavy.

"The Demonic Cultivator Alliance has arrived!" Elder Li Ping's expression changed dramatically. He loudly warned everyone, waving his whisk. His Late Stage Foundation Establishment Spiritual Light continuously surged out, preparing for battle. Elder Feng, Lu Chen, and others immediately tensed their nerves, circulating their Spiritual Qi to adjust their status to the best possible condition. Even though they were exhausted from the previous battle, they dared not slack off in the slightest.

The black Devilish Qi quickly enveloped the entire area outside the Tianling Academy mountain gate. Within the Devilish Qi, black figures slowly emerged, densely arranged in formation, exuding a suffocating pressure. The leading Demonic Cultivator was tall and imposing, dressed in a black robe embroidered with eerie black patterns. A pale neck was visible at the collar of his black robe. His face was stern, his eyes as dark as ink, devoid of ripples. The Devilish Qi swirling around him was so dense it was almost inseparable, forming a faint black armor. His aura was steady and vast, far surpassing any enemy encountered before, having clearly reached the Golden Core Stage Realm. He was none other than the Demonic Lord of the Demonic Cultivator Alliance.

Beside the Demonic Lord were several powerful Demonic Cultivator Elders, all at the Late Stage Foundation Establishment. Devilish Qi surged around them, their eyes were sinister, and they held various bizarre demonic artifacts, exuding intense killing intent. The other Demonic Cultivator Disciples were also dressed in black robes, with Devilish Qi swirling around them. Their strength was at least Late Stage Qi Refining, forming an extremely formidable lineup, far superior to the combined forces of the Zhao family and the Blood Shadow Sect.

"I didn't expect the Zhao family and the Blood Shadow Sect to be so useless, easily annihilated by you juniors." The Demonic Lord spoke slowly, his voice flat but carrying an unquestionable authority. As he spoke, the Devilish Qi slowly spread, causing a bone-chilling cold to envelop the surrounding Alliance Disciples, making the circulation of their Spiritual Qi sluggish.

Elder Li Ping stepped forward, looking at the Demonic Lord with a solemn expression, and said in a deep voice, "The Demonic Cultivator Alliance colludes with evil Cultivators, bringing disaster to the Cultivation World. Today, our Anti-Zhao Alliance shall act on behalf of the Heavens and completely eradicate you!"

The Demonic Lord's lips curled into a mocking smile. He said indifferently, "Act on behalf of the Heavens? With you remnants, exhausted after a great battle? Today, not only will the yin-yang twin pearls belong to me, but Tianling Academy will also completely become a vassal of the Demonic Domain. All of you will become sacrifices for my Demonic Cultivator Alliance!"

As his voice fell, the Demonic Lord raised his hand and waved. The Devilish Qi around him surged, and a huge black demonic palm condensed, carrying vast destructive power, and slammed towards the Tianling Academy's Mountain-Protecting Formation. Wherever the demonic palm passed, the air was torn apart, the ground was shaken with deep cracks, and dense Devilish Qi surged like a tide, causing the protective shield of the Mountain-Protecting Formation to fluctuate violently in an instant.

"Activate the Mountain-Protecting Formation!" Elder Li Ping ordered loudly. Lu Chen and Yu Lan immediately ran towards the formation core control room, wanting to use the power of the yin-yang twin pearls to stabilize the protective shield. However, the Demonic Lord's strength was truly too formidable. The Golden Core Stage's pressure and power were simply not something Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators could withstand. As soon as the demonic palm touched the protective shield, a deafening roar erupted. The red and blue Spiritual Light on the protective shield instantly dimmed, and countless cracks rapidly spread. The originally stable protective shield became precarious after just one strike.

"Pfft!" Elder Li Ping and Elder Feng simultaneously spat out a mouthful of blood, being shaken back repeatedly by the residual power of the demonic palm, their faces as pale as paper. They fully circulated their Spiritual Qi into the protective shield, but they were simply unable to resist the Demonic Lord's attack, only able to watch helplessly as the cracks in the protective shield grew larger and larger.

"How is this possible? The strength of the Golden Core Stage is actually so terrifying!" Seeing this, the Alliance Disciples all showed expressions of fear. The morale from defeating the Zhao family's allied army instantly dissipated, and their hearts were enveloped by a deep sense of powerlessness. After the great battle, their Spiritual Qi was already severely depleted, and facing the Demonic Cultivator Alliance, whose strength far surpassed their own, they had no chance of winning.

The Demonic Lord looked at the tottering protective shield, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. He raised his hand again, preparing to launch another attack to completely shatter the protective shield. Elder Li Ping and Elder Feng exchanged glances, both seeing determination in each other's eyes. They knew that to survive today, they could only fight with all their might, even if it meant sacrificing their lives.

"Elder Feng, let's join forces and resist with our lives!" Elder Li Ping said in a deep voice, waving his whisk. The Spiritual Qi in his body erupted without reservation, and a continuous stream of green Spiritual Light poured into the protective shield. Elder Feng also nodded in agreement, circulating his remaining Spiritual Qi. A golden Spiritual Light merged into the protective shield, attempting to strengthen the defense.

With their combined efforts, the Spiritual Light of the protective shield stabilized slightly, but it was still vulnerable to the Demonic Lord's impending attack. The Demonic Lord's lips curled into a cold smile, and just as he was about to make his move, his gaze suddenly fell upon the yin-yang twin pearls in Lu Chen's arms and the myriad manifestations pendant around Yu Lan's neck. A strange light flashed in his eyes, as if he was extremely interested in these two treasures.

"The yin-yang twin pearls, and that jade pendant... they are indeed good treasures, just what I need to Break through my current Realm." The Demonic Lord murmured softly, his eyes growing increasingly fervent. His desire for the twin pearls and the jade pendant far surpassed his desire to destroy Tianling Academy.

Lu Chen looked at the situation before him, his heart filled with anxiety. The Demonic Lord was too strong; Elder Li Ping and Elder Feng alone could not resist him, and the Alliance Disciples were also unable to fight further. Continuing like this would only lead to complete annihilation. He took a deep breath, his eyes becoming resolute. He turned to Chu Feng and said, "Chu Feng, immediately lead all Alliance Disciples and injured companions to evacuate through the secret passage to Qingyun Sect for temporary shelter. Yu Lan and I will stay behind to cover your retreat and buy you time!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng immediately retorted, "No! Brother Lu Chen, if we go, we go together. How can I let you stay behind alone!"

"There's no time to hesitate!" Lu Chen said sternly, looking at Chu Feng with sharp eyes. "The Demonic Lord is too strong; we are no match for him. Only if you evacuate safely can the Alliance's spark be preserved, and only then will there be a chance to make a comeback and avenge us in the future! This is an order, execute it immediately!"

Yu Lan also nodded in agreement, saying weakly but firmly, "Chu Feng, quickly take everyone and leave. Lu Chen and I have the yin-yang twin pearls and the myriad manifestations pendant; perhaps we can hold them off for a while. Hurry and go!"

Chu Feng looked at Lu Chen and Yu Lan's resolute eyes, knowing that their minds were made up, and further hesitation would only delay their retreat. His eyes were filled with reluctance and pain, but he could only grit his teeth and nod, saying loudly, "Alright! Brother Lu Chen, Miss Yu Lan, please take care of yourselves. I will wait for you at Qingyun Sect and will definitely bring people back to support you!"

With that, Chu Feng immediately turned around and loudly ordered the Alliance Disciples, "Everyone listen up, immediately follow me to evacuate through the secret passage, no delays! Injured companions, help each other and hurry!"

Although the Alliance Disciples were reluctant, they knew this was their only chance for survival. They all ran towards the secret passage behind Tianling Academy. Elder Li Ping and Elder Feng, seeing this, also fully supported the protective shield, buying time for the Disciples' retreat, their eyes filled with relief and determination.

The Demonic Lord watched the Alliance Disciples attempting to retreat, a cold light flashing in his eyes. He raised his hand and waved, speaking to the Demonic Cultivator Elders beside him, "Go, stop them, not a single one will escape!"

"Yes, Demonic Lord!" Several Demonic Cultivator Elders responded in unison, immediately leading a group of Demonic Cultivator Disciples, charging towards the secret passage to intercept the Alliance Disciples.

"You dare not harm my Alliance Disciples!" Elder Li Ping roared, disregarding the depletion of his Spiritual Qi, and attacked the Demonic Cultivator Elders. A green Spiritual Whip condensed and lashed fiercely towards the Demonic Cultivator Elders. Elder Feng also attacked simultaneously, golden Spiritual Blades whistling out, obstructing the Demonic Cultivators' pursuit.

However, Elder Li Ping and Elder Feng were already injured and their Spiritual Qi was severely depleted; they were no match for the Demonic Cultivator Elders. The Demonic Cultivator Elders easily dodged their attacks, their Devilish Qi surging as they charged towards the two, quickly entangling them and preventing them from blocking other Demonic Cultivators.

The Demonic Cultivator Disciples took the opportunity to pursue in the direction of the secret passage. Seeing that they were about to catch up with the Alliance Disciples, a ruthless glint flashed in Lu Chen's eyes. He circulated his remaining Spiritual Qi, holding his rune iron sword, and charged towards the Demonic Cultivator Disciples. Golden-green Spiritual Light continuously emanated from the sword, and a sharp sword energy swept out, instantly cutting down several Demonic Cultivator Disciples.

"Want to leave? You'll have to get past me first!" Lu Chen roared loudly, his eyes coldly fixed on the remaining Demonic Cultivator Disciples, exuding an aura of unwavering determination. Yu Lan also bravely endured, circulating her Spiritual Qi, and using the power of the myriad manifestations pendant, released a green Spiritual Light, trapping several Demonic Cultivator Disciples and buying precious time for the Alliance Disciples' retreat.

The Demonic Lord looked at Lu Chen and Yu Lan's actions, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes. He leaped up, charging towards Lu Chen from mid-air. The Devilish Qi around him surged, and a black demonic blade condensed, carrying vast destructive power, aiming directly for Lu Chen's chest.

"Be careful!" Yu Lan exclaimed, wanting to help, but it was too late. Lu Chen could only barely circulate the Lightning Movement Technique, sidestepping. The demonic blade grazed his shoulder, drawing a spray of blood. A searing pain instantly shot through his shoulder, and Devilish Qi rapidly surged into his body through the wound, corroding his Meridians.

Elder Li Ping and Elder Feng, seeing this, were filled with anxiety. They wanted to support Lu Chen, but they were firmly entangled by the Demonic Cultivator Elders and couldn't break free. The Demonic Lord looked at the injured Lu Chen, a cold smile curling his lips, and attacked again. Demonic blades rained down on Lu Chen, giving him no chance to breathe.

Lu Chen gritted his teeth, enduring the pain from his wound and the corrosion of Devilish Qi in his body. He circulated the Myriad Manifestations Art, fully resisting the Demonic Lord's attacks. However, the disparity in strength between the two was too vast. Lu Chen quickly fell into a disadvantage, his wounds increasing, blood staining his black battle attire, and his aura growing weaker and weaker.

At this moment, an Alliance Disciple threw a tattered booklet in front of Lu Chen, roaring, "Captain Lu, this is the 'Golden Core Pressure Resistance Technique,' it might help you!"

Lu Chen looked down and saw "Golden Core Pressure Resistance Technique" written on the cover of the booklet. It detailed how to temporarily resist the pressure of Golden Core Stage Cultivators by using one's own Spiritual Qi and Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi. Although it couldn't increase strength, it could allow one to remain clear-headed under Golden Core pressure and barely exert combat power. He didn't have time to think much, quickly put away the booklet, and according to the method described in the book, circulated the Spiritual Qi in his body, trying to resist the Demonic Lord's Golden Core pressure.

However, the Demonic Lord's strength was truly too formidable. Even with the Golden Core Pressure Resistance Technique, Lu Chen could only barely remain clear-headed and was unable to turn the tide of the battle. The Demonic Lord looked at the disheveled Lu Chen, his eyes full of disdain. He raised his hand and condensed a huge demonic palm, slamming it towards Lu Chen, intending to completely kill him.

"Lu Chen!" Yu Lan let out a desperate cry, wanting to rush forward, but she was struck by a wave of Devilish Qi, falling to the ground and completely losing consciousness.

Lu Chen looked at the demonic palm slamming towards him, his eyes filled with despair, yet he still didn't give up. He gripped the rune iron sword in his hand, wanting to launch a final attack. At this moment, Elder Feng suddenly broke free from the entanglement of the Demonic Cultivator Elders, leaped forward, and stood in front of Lu Chen, circulating all the Spiritual Qi in his body to condense a golden defensive barrier, attempting to resist the Demonic Lord's attack.

"Boom!" The demonic palm slammed heavily onto the defensive barrier. The barrier instantly shattered, and Elder Feng spat out a large mouthful of blood, his body slumping to the ground, completely losing his combat ability.

"Elder Feng!" Lu Chen's eyes were filled with pain and anger, yet he was powerless. The Demonic Lord looked at the fallen Elder Feng and Lu Chen, his eyes filled with cold killing intent. He raised his hand again, preparing to launch another attack to completely end their lives.

The Alliance Disciples had already evacuated through the secret passage. Chu Feng stood at the exit of the secret passage, looking at the tragic scene outside the mountain gate, his eyes filled with pain and unwillingness, yet he knew he couldn't go back. He could only grit his teeth and lead the Disciples to quickly retreat in the direction of Qingyun Sect.

Lu Chen looked at the approaching Demonic Lord, his heart filled with despair. He knew that he would surely die today, but he still gripped his sword, his eyes resolute. Even if he died, he would die with dignity, and would never let the Demonic Cultivator Alliance succeed easily. A new crisis had arrived, and it was far more terrifying than any previous crisis. The fate of the Cultivation World seemed to have already plunged into darkness.