Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

The vortex in the sky grew larger and larger, like a massive black hole, swallowing up all light. The distant mountains, trees, and everything else gradually blurred in the darkness, as if being dragged into an endless abyss. Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan stood there, staring at the vortex that gradually swallowed everything before them. Their hearts no longer held any trace of panic, only calmness and determination.

"What's going on?" Zhao Shufang asked quietly. Although her voice was calm, the tension in her heart was quietly rising. She knew that what she saw was more than just a simple natural phenomenon.

"The source of darkness." Yun Xiao's voice remained calm, yet with a hint of seriousness. "This is the true source of the dark power."

"The source?" Zhao Shufang was stunned for a moment, her eyes deep. "Could it be that this vortex... stems from the fear in our hearts?"

"Fear is only one of them." Yunxiao's gaze was profound, as if penetrating the barriers of time and space. "True darkness comes from the deepest greed, hatred, and despair in the human heart. These have no form, yet they can influence human thoughts and actions in various ways. The vortex before us is the final manifestation of these emotions."

Lu Lingyuan frowned upon hearing this, the heaviness in his heart growing even stronger. After so many battles and challenges, he had gradually come to understand that this world not only possessed unimaginable power, but also possessed a far more complex dimension than he had yet known. "So, that so-called source of darkness... is actually the sum of all human negativity?"

Yunxiao nodded. "That's right. The darkness in people's hearts not only affects the fate of individuals, but also the entire world. You have faced countless dark forces before, but the true source behind these forces has never been completely eliminated."

Zhao Shufang's eyes became sharper. "So, how should we face this vortex? Is this a force beyond our control?"

"No." Yunxiao shook his head. "This is a test that must be faced. The emergence of the Source of Darkness means that the fear and greed in the hearts of mankind have reached their peak, and the balance of the entire world is undergoing a drastic change. What you must do is learn how to dispel the shadows within your hearts and completely defeat this force."

Lu Lingyuan was silent for a moment, his clenched fists slightly loosening. "If we've already experienced so many challenges, now is the time to face our inner fears."

Zhao Shufang looked at him, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. "Aren't we always facing fear? Whether it's the darkness outside or the struggle within, it has brought us to this day."

Yunxiao's gaze swept over the two of them, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Yes, you've made it this far. You're no longer the easily swayed you were in the past. Now, the true test is for you to fully master your own power and face the challenge from the source of darkness."

The vortex in the sky continued to swirl, growing more violent, as if threatening to engulf the entire world. The power of darkness gradually spread, and the temperature in the air began to plummet. Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan stood side by side, their auras growing more solemn at this moment. Faced with such a powerful darkness, they knew that only by working together could they repel it.

"We are ready," Zhao Shufang said with a firm voice and a fearless look. "No matter what it is, we will face it."

Lu Lingyuan nodded, "We have no way to retreat, we can only move forward."

Yunxiao smiled softly, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Very good. Facing darkness without fear or avoidance is the greatest strength."

As the words fell, a dazzling light suddenly erupted from the center of the vortex, as if the entire sky were shaking. Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan felt a powerful suction coming from the vortex, and a strange energy filled the air, as if it was threatening to tear their bodies apart.

"Stay alert!" Yunxiao shouted loudly.

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan immediately grasped each other's hands tightly, feeling the strength in each other's hands. Their mutual trust at that moment became an unbreakable bond. They closed their eyes and quickly mobilized their internal strength, preparing to face the upcoming test.

However, the vortex did not attack them directly, but instead emitted a low sound, as if communicating with them. The sound was unclear, but it carried an indescribable sense of oppression, like some kind of inescapable call.

"Do you really think you can eliminate me?" The voice was full of provocation. "Do you think you can easily win against darkness?"

Zhao Shufang took a deep breath, suppressed her inner fear, and responded calmly: "We will not escape, we will not give up. No matter how strong your origin is, we will fight you to the end!"

"Resist?" The voice chuckled. "Your resistance can't shake me at all. You are nothing but ignorant ants."

"We are not ants," Zhao Shufang said with a firm gaze. "We are people of conviction. The darkness you represent is nothing but the greed and fear of the human heart. Without these, you would not be what you are today."

The voice in the vortex was stunned for a moment, as if hesitant. "Oh? You can actually see that clearly."

"Just because we see clearly doesn't mean we can easily defeat you." Lu Lingyuan's voice rang out, "But we will keep moving forward until we defeat you."

The dark vortex instantly trembled, and waves of anger spread, as if protesting the two people's determination. However, Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan did not waver. They held hands tightly, and their firm belief seemed to condense into a barrier, protecting them from being swallowed by the darkness.

Yunxiao raised his head slightly, observing the reaction in the vortex with a deep gaze. "You did a great job. True strength comes from inner belief and perseverance, not just external force."

Suddenly, a powerful light erupted from the vortex, bearing down on the two of them. Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan didn't flinch at all, but roared in unison, their powers erupting, instantly confronting the darkness.

This battle has just begun.