Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

As Zhao Shufang's conviction solidified, the atmosphere grew tense and oppressive. The shadow's furious roar still echoed in her ears, threatening to tear through the air and devour everything. Yet, deep within her and Lu Lingyuan's hearts, a resolute force quietly rose, gradually breaking through the darkness before them.

"You can defeat them," Yunxiao whispered, his eyes sharp as he watched the impending conflict. "Remember, your strength comes from a firm heart, not from outward strength."

Zhao Shufang took a deep breath, the energy within her instantly coalescing as if prompted by Yunxiao. She felt the long-dormant power within her begin to awaken. It was the power of the Dao she had cultivated, the innate energy of her bloodline resonating with the elements of heaven and earth. In that moment, she understood that true strength wasn't found in powerful spells or miraculous abilities bestowed by the outside world, but in her unwavering faith and determination.

Lu Lingyuan wasn't to be outdone. His eyes grew sharp, his breathing steady. The sword in his hand was no longer a mere weapon, but the embodiment of his inner will. Every swing seemed to slash away the fear and anxiety within him.

"We will never retreat." Zhao Shufang's voice was clear and firm, like a strong pillar supporting her heart. "No matter how powerful they are, they can't defeat us."

The shadows seemed provoked by her words, their angry roars intensifying as darkness surged toward them like a tide. Yunxiao stood beside them, his expression serious yet tinged with a hint of relief. He knew that only through inner resolve could this battle truly turn around.

"Are you ready?" Yunxiao asked in a low voice, his voice sounding like the final order.

Zhao Shufang nodded and closed her eyes. She could feel the fire burning within her, the energy gathering around her body like a massive beam poised to burst forth. Lu Lingyuan also raised his sword in unison, the blade slicing a streak of golden light through the air. His heart was filled with strength and determination.

"Now!" Yunxiao's voice sounded like thunder.

The next moment, Zhao Shufang's body suddenly leaned forward, her hands rapidly forming seals. The air in front of her began to violently distort, and then, a brilliant light burst out from her body. Like the first rays of sunlight at dawn, it pierced the thick darkness and illuminated the surrounding space. The interweaving of light and darkness made the entire world become extremely shocking.

"This is your power!" Zhao Shufang shouted, and the light in her hand burst out instantly, like a sharp sword, piercing into the center of the black shadow.

At the same time, Lu Lingyuan's sword also moved. He pointed the tip of his sword at the deepest part of the shadows. Suddenly, the sword light surged, and the sword energy was extremely sharp, piercing the darkness and fiercely slashing at the heart of a shadow. The sword light and the light intersected, erupting with an earth-shattering roar.

"Ah!" The shadows' roars grew even more brutal, practically tearing the air apart. They seemed to sense the powerful force coming from Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan, and began to twist violently, struggling angrily.

"They... they have become stronger!" Lu Lingyuan couldn't help but frowned as he looked at the gradually condensing black shadows.

Yunxiao's eyes became sharper, and he swung his long staff violently. A golden rune flashed in the air and instantly turned into a sharp blade of light, accurately slashing at the shadow of a black shadow.

"This is inevitable," Yunxiao said calmly. "They themselves are not purely material entities, but rather nothingness formed by fear and darkness. Your light can weaken them, but if you don't destroy their source, they will never completely disappear."

Zhao Shufang was stunned. Her hands were still gleaming with light, but confusion was evident in her eyes. "The source? Where is their source?"

"The source lies with their master." Yun Xiao's words made the air even heavier. "That ancient being is the mastermind behind controlling these shadows."

"What should we do?" Lu Lingyuan asked.

"We must find its body." Yunxiao's voice became steady. "Only by destroying its physical form can we completely cut off the source of these dark shadows."

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan exchanged a glance, a sense of urgency rising in their hearts. Although the shadows before them were still struggling, their power gradually weakened by the attacks of light and sword, they still needed to resolve the real threat behind them to completely eliminate them.

"Hurry up!" Zhao Shufang made up her mind, "We can't delay any longer."

Her voice was filled with power. She waved her hands again, and light burst out, suppressing the dark shadows around her. Lu Lingyuan followed without hesitation, swinging his sword like lightning, slicing through the surrounding dark shadows.

"Where is the source?" Zhao Shufang asked, her eyes fixed on Yunxiao.

Yunxiao looked toward the center of the darkness in the distance, his gaze growing deeper. "Its source lies in the center of that darkness. Only if we break the seal there can we find and destroy its true form."

As soon as the words fell, the shadows in the space suddenly vibrated violently, as if sensing something. Zhao Shufang felt a powerful pressure approaching them, and her heart tightened. She couldn't help but whisper, "They're about to launch a final counterattack!"

Yunxiao's eyes grew sharp. "Be careful! They're about to make their final struggle! Hurry and head to the center!"

Without hesitation, he swung his staff and rushed towards the center of the darkness with Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan. The surrounding shadows surged in like a tide, and the fierce attack almost made them unable to breathe, but they did not stop.

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan followed closely behind, with only one goal in mind - to destroy the source of the black shadow and break the ancient dark power.