Transmigrated into the villain? Watch my epic comeback in the ethereal fairy realm!

Chapter 121 The Secrets of the Magic Crystal, The Perilous Journey Begins Again

Dai Yao returned to the Immortal Sect with the almost transparent thin slice that had transformed from the magic crystal. Along the way, the slice emitted a faint coolness in her hand. She held it tightly, feeling both excited about this major discovery and vaguely worried.

She thought that this thing might bring unexpected changes to the immortal sect, but it might also hide unknown dangers. This contradictory thought was troubling her.

She had expected to enjoy the treatment of a triumphant hero, but as soon as she entered the immortal sect, she keenly sensed that the atmosphere was quite subtle.

The way those disciples from the immortal sects looked at her made her feel very uncomfortable, as if she were a time bomb that could explode at any moment.

They addressed her respectfully as "Senior Sister Dai," but Dai Yao could see the glint in their eyes that said, "You're definitely up to no good." Dai Yao rolled her eyes inwardly and thought to herself that this generation of immortal disciples was no good; their imaginations were bigger than black holes.

However, she still had to maintain appearances. She put on a mysterious smile, nodded slightly, and pretended to be a wise and sage.

The sect's steward greeted her personally with a beaming smile, his warm words ringing in Dai Yao's ears. His enthusiasm was like a burning fire.

But Dai Yao keenly sensed several furtive gazes from the shadows. These gazes felt like cold needles gently pricking her skin, instantly sobering her up and almost making her believe the steward's lies.

"Ha, old fox!" Dai Yao cursed inwardly, but replied calmly, "You're too kind, Steward. Serving the Immortal Sect is my duty!"

Back at her residence, Dai Yao immediately set up a protective barrier. While setting it up, she could hear a faint buzzing sound from the flow of spiritual energy, like a swarm of bees flitting around her ears. Once the barrier was in place, she carefully removed the thin piece. The almost imperceptible weight and icy touch of it made her wonder again what it was and why it had suddenly transformed from a magic crystal. She was completely baffled.

She tried infusing a wisp of spiritual energy into it, and the thin slice immediately emitted a faint glow. The glow was soft, yet somewhat dazzling, causing her to squint. The surrounding spiritual energy began to fluctuate, forming a peculiar energy flow. She could clearly feel this energy flow brushing past her like a gentle breeze on her face. Her cheat ability activated, and she clearly sensed the direction of this energy flow, which pointed directly to the forbidden area of ​​the cultivation world—the Netherworld Abyss. Dai Yao's heart trembled. It was as if she heard a faint, mysterious call emanating from the Netherworld Abyss. This magic crystal, or rather, this thin slice, was actually related to the Netherworld Abyss?

She continued her investigation, and as she studied the thin slices, she gradually learned that the magic crystal was not an ordinary energy crystal, but a fragment of a divine artifact left over from ancient times, containing a huge secret that could change the entire landscape of the cultivation world. "I'm rich!" Dai Yao couldn't help but clench her fists, her heart filled with ecstasy. She could even hear her own heart pounding, like war drums beating in her ears.

Just then, a knock on the door broke the silence and interrupted Dai Yao's thoughts. "Senior Sister Dai, the steward requests your presence." A disciple's respectful voice came from outside the door, trembling slightly as if afraid of something. Dai Yao composed herself, carefully concealed the thin piece, and then opened the door.

"What business does the steward have with me?"

"Hehe, Senior Sister Dai, please." The disciple gestured "please," his eyes gleaming meaningfully. Dai Yao sensed a hint of conspiracy in his gaze, like a tiny insect wriggling stealthily in the shadows. Dai Yao sneered inwardly: Come on, you old fox, we'll see!

She followed the disciple out of the room, and hadn't gone far when, around a corner, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure flash by... Xingchen! He lurked furtively in the shadows, his eyes filled with an unfathomable gloom, like a veil of mist. Dai Yao followed the disciple through a maze of twists and turns, inwardly complaining that this immortal sect was more complicated than a labyrinth. The surrounding buildings all looked similar, and she could only hear the echoes of her own and the disciple's footsteps reverberating in the long corridors, monotonous and dull.

Having finally arrived at the Hall of Deacons, the atmosphere inside was so heavy it seemed to drip water, the oppressive feeling like a heavy stone weighing on Dai Yao's heart. Several elders sat on either side, their faces increasingly grim, like dark clouds before a storm. The deacons of the Immortal Sect sat in the main seat, their faces ashen, holding a shattered magic crystal in their hands.

"Dai Yao," the steward said coldly, his voice like a sharp sword piercing Dai Yao, "Do you know your crime?" Dai Yao's heart skipped a beat, as if an invisible hand had squeezed her heart: Oh no, this old fox is really up to no good! But she remained calm on the surface and asked innocently, "This disciple does not know, please enlighten me, Steward."

"Hmph! Still playing dumb!" an elder roared, his angry shout echoing through the hall, making Dai Yao's ears ring. "What are you trying to do by researching magic crystals without permission?" Dai Yao sneered inwardly: Here it comes! This accusation is higher than Mount Everest! She took a deep breath and was about to explain when she heard a commotion outside the hall.

"Dai Yao harbors wolfish ambitions and intends to overthrow the Immortal Sect!" A sharp voice rang out outside the hall; it was Xingchen. The sharp voice was like an awl piercing Dai Yao's ears, making her very uncomfortable.

“Senior Brother Xingchen, you can eat whatever you want, but you can’t say whatever you want!” Dai Yao retorted, her voice calm but carrying a hint of barely perceptible anger.

Xingchen sneered and strode into the hall, each step feeling like a blow to Dai Yao's heart. Pointing at her, he said, "I saw it with my own eyes! She was researching magic crystals to gain immense power and dominate the cultivation world! She even said..." Xingchen embellished his fabricated lies, causing an uproar in the hall. The elders' gazes towards Dai Yao grew even more hostile, as if their stares were tangible arrows piercing her. She felt like a small animal isolated in the darkness. Dai Yao cursed inwardly: This kid, he's wasting his talent not writing novels! But she maintained her composure. She knew that further explanation was useless now; she needed concrete evidence.

"Hehe," Dai Yao chuckled softly, her laughter ringing out clearly in the quiet hall. "Senior Brother Xingchen, your storytelling skills are getting better and better. It's a real shame you're not a storyteller. But do you think you can slander me with just a random fabricated story?" As she spoke, she flipped her wrist, and a jade slip appeared in her hand. The jade slip felt warm and slightly cool to the touch.

“This is…” an elder asked in confusion.

“This is the information I deciphered from the magic crystal,” Dai Yao said calmly, her voice carrying an invisible power. “It records the true purpose of the magic crystal, and…” She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone, like a searchlight scanning each face, “…a secret about the Netherworld Abyss.” Upon hearing this, everyone’s expression changed, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

Just then, a petite figure silently appeared behind Dai Yao. Dai Yao heard no footsteps, only felt her sleeve being gently tugged, and then heard a low voice in her ear: "Everything is ready." Dai Yao smiled, then gently waved her hand. The light released from the jade slip, like tangible threads, wove into a huge picture in the air. The light was dazzling. Dai Yao squinted as she watched the picture unfold little by little. The origin and function of the magic crystal, as well as the scenery of the Netherworld Abyss, were vividly displayed. Everyone felt as if they were there, able to see the original appearance of the magic crystal, hear the faint, terrifying roars coming from the depths of the Netherworld Abyss, and feel the dangerous aura rushing towards them. Dai Yao stood in the light, like a goddess descending to earth. Her voice was firm and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer striking everyone's hearts. Especially when she exposed Xingchen's lies, her gaze was like torches, staring straight at Xingchen. That gaze was like flames that wanted to devour Xingchen, making Xingchen tremble under her gaze. Those who had been deceived by Xingchen apologized to Dai Yao. Dai Yao stood in the center of the hall, enjoying the admiring gazes of the crowd. These gazes made her feel warm, like the warm sun shining on her in winter.

A hush fell over the hall; everyone was stunned by the sudden information. Xingchen's face was deathly pale, his lips trembling, but he couldn't utter a single word. He could only hear his own heart pounding wildly in his ears, as if mocking his defeat. He never imagined that Dai Yao would actually decipher such crucial information from the magic crystal!

Some disciples of the immortal sects began to whisper among themselves, their low murmurs like the buzzing of insects, and their gazes towards Dai Yao changed. Previously deceived by Xingchen's lies, now that the truth was out, they began to reconsider their judgment.

The sect leader frowned, staring intently at the beam of light in the sky, his eyes unblinking as he fell into deep thought. Although stubborn and suspicious, he wasn't incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. Dai Yao's explanation was reasonable, and the evidence she presented was quite conclusive.

“Netherworld Abyss…” the deacon murmured to himself. The name seemed to carry an ancient and mysterious power, making him feel a chill. His voice trembled slightly, as if the name had magic.

Dai Yao pressed her advantage, continuing, "With the magic crystal shattered and the seal loosened, the demons of the Netherworld Abyss are stirring. We must repair the seal as soon as possible, or the consequences will be unimaginable!" Her voice echoed in the hall, carrying a sense of urgency.

Just then, the mysterious figure who had been silently standing behind Dai Yao gently grasped her hand. His warm, large hand tightly enveloped her small one, and a warm power spread throughout her body, like a hot spring flowing through her. Dai Yao turned around, and the two smiled at each other. Without a word, they understood each other perfectly.

"I know what you're saying is true." The mysterious figure's voice was deep and gentle, like a breeze brushing against Dai Yao's heart; the voice was soft, yet powerful.

The fox spirit jumped out, wagging its tail, and said in a childish voice, "Yes, yes, what the pretty sister said is true! This bad guy has been trying to harm the pretty sister!" It pointed at Xingchen, indignant, and its cute little appearance made Dai Yao want to laugh. Xingchen's face turned even uglier. He wanted to refute, but found that he had lost all support. He only felt that the air around him was as cold as ice, making his whole body cold.

After a moment of contemplation, the sect leader finally spoke, "Dai Yao, is what you say true?"

Dai Yao raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a confident smile: "Absolutely true. However..." She paused, her gaze turning towards the depths of the hall, as if exploring an unknown world, "...there are some things that we still need to verify further."

The mysterious figure exchanged a glance with Dai Yao, and both looked towards the depths of the main hall, where an even greater secret seemed to be hidden...

“Let’s go,” the mysterious figure said in a low voice, yet it was full of power.

“Okay,” Dai Yao replied.

The two walked side by side into the depths of the main hall. The light in the depths of the hall grew dimmer, and Dai Yao felt as if the darkness before her was a black curtain slowly falling. An ancient and mysterious aura permeated the air, enveloping them like a fog, making them hold their breath. It seemed as if something was secretly watching them from the darkness, a feeling that made Dai Yao's skin tingle.

"This place... feels a bit eerie," Dai Yao muttered softly, rubbing her arms. Goosebumps rose on her arms, feeling like tiny insects were crawling on them. The mysterious figure gently patted her shoulder, a touch that reassured Dai Yao. He whispered comfortingly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." A warm feeling washed over Dai Yao, and she couldn't help but smile.

This guy is always so reliable.

The two walked through a long corridor and came to a huge stone door. The stone door was carved with intricate runes and emitted a faint golden light, a light that was soft yet exuded a mysterious power.

"This door... it feels a bit like... a seal?" Dai Yao touched her chin thoughtfully, feeling the warmth of her skin as her fingers touched it. The mysterious figure nodded and said in a deep voice, "That's right, this is the entrance to the Netherworld Abyss."

Dai Yao gasped, the chill feeling like an ice blade cutting through her throat. This was too intense! She wasn't mentally prepared at all, and now she was about to face the Netherworld Abyss?

Just then, the fox suddenly darted out from Dai Yao's sleeve. As it emerged, Dai Yao could feel a slight movement inside. The fox pointed to an inconspicuous corner of the stone door and said in a childish voice, "Pretty sister, look there!"

Dai Yao looked in the direction the spirit fox pointed and saw a small groove there, shaped like a teardrop.

"This is..." Dai Yao's heart stirred, and she reached into her storage bag to take out a crystal-clear jade pendant. The jade pendant gave off a slight coolness in her hand. She tentatively placed the jade pendant into the groove, and with a "click," the sound was particularly crisp in the silent environment. Suddenly, the runes on the stone door lit up, emitting a dazzling light!

"Holy crap! What's going on?!" Dai Yao was startled by the sudden turn of events. The light stung her eyes, and she instinctively shielded them with her hand. The stone door slowly opened, and a chilling aura rushed out, like countless icy needles piercing her pores, mixed with a nauseating stench of blood—the smell of rotting corpses—almost making Dai Yao vomit. Dai Yao's expression changed, and she instinctively gripped the mysterious figure's hand tightly.

"It seems we've found the real secret." The mysterious figure's voice was deep and solemn. His gaze was fixed on the slowly opening stone door, as if trying to pierce through it and see everything inside.

"Wait..." Dai Yao suddenly thought of something and turned around sharply to look at the entrance of the main hall. Her sudden movement caused the air around her to move, and an ominous premonition welled up in her heart.

"Stardust... he won't just let this go like this, will he...?"

Meanwhile, Stardust was lurking in the shadows, a sinister smile playing on his lips, a smile like the flickering tongue of a venomous snake. He held a black talisman in his hand, emanating an eerie aura that lurked like a ghost in the darkness.

"Dai Yao, let's see how you escape this time!" he said in a low voice, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, a glint like a cold lightning bolt.

He crushed the talisman, a flash of black light appeared, and then he vanished into thin air as if merging into darkness…

"Let's go!" The mysterious figure grabbed Dai Yao's hand tightly, his grip strong, his tone urgent.

"where to?"

"leave here!"