Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

The dawn sun filtered through the curtains, its gentle glow gradually dispelling the gloom left by the night. Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan stood by the window, the distant mountains illuminated by the morning light, appearing unusually tranquil. However, their hearts were not so calm. While the recently concluded battle had temporarily dispelled the darkness, they both knew that the struggle was not over.

"It's finally over." Lu Lingyuan whispered, his eyes still fixed on the distance, as if the world was still full of anxiety.

Zhao Shufang's face was grim. Although she had secured victory, she knew it was only temporary. The power of darkness could not be eliminated overnight, and the true test might have just begun.

"Ling Yuan, you said... can we really keep all this forever?" Zhao Shufang turned around, her eyes firm, but her voice carried a hint of worry.

Lu Lingyuan turned and looked at her, his eyes filled with gentle concern. "Shufang, we've come this far and have overcome so many obstacles. If we're together, we won't be afraid of any difficulties."

Zhao Shufang looked at him intently, her lips curled up slightly, but her eyes weren't entirely calm. She knew Lu Lingyuan's words were full of encouragement and trust, but the responsibility they shouldered was too great, the world was intricate, and the challenges ahead might be even more brutal than they imagined.

"I'm truly happy for your victory," Yun Xiao's voice echoed from the doorway. His figure slowly appeared before the two of them, a look of relief in his eyes. "But our mission isn't over yet."

Zhao Shufang nodded. "I know the source of the darkness hasn't completely disappeared. We must find the source and eradicate it once and for all."

"Hmm." Yunxiao's expression turned serious. "These dark forces are not without roots or sources. In fact, these dark forces are not simply evil forces, but ancient curses hidden deep within the world. If their roots are not completely eradicated, they will continue to resurrect."

Lu Lingyuan frowned, "Ancient curse? What is that?"

Yunxiao walked over to the table, picked up an old map, spread it out, and pointed to a remote location. "This is our next destination. The source of the dark power comes from here—an ancient relic. It's hidden in the heart of this land, and almost no one knows of its existence."

Zhao Shufang stared at the map, her brow furrowed. It was a deep and mysterious place, far from human activity, devoid of any trace of modern civilization.

"Where are we going?" she asked, a hint of uncertainty in her tone.

"That's right," Yunxiao nodded. "This is the only way. Only by finding and destroying the source can we completely eradicate the darkness and ensure victory in this battle."

Lu Lingyuan gently held Zhao Shufang's hand and said, "Shufang, no matter how dangerous the future is, I will always be with you."

Zhao Shufang took a deep breath, her eyes determined. "We can't retreat. This is our responsibility."

Yunxiao was silent for a moment, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. "I know, and I admire your determination. But you must understand, it's not a simple place. Countless explorers have journeyed to that area, but none have returned alive."

"Then we won't be like them." Lu Lingyuan's eyes were cold, and his tone was firm, "We won't let darkness revive again."

Yunxiao nodded. "Okay, since you have made up your mind, then prepare with me. We must set off as soon as possible."

A few days later, Zhao Shufang, Lu Lingyuan, and Yunxiao prepared everything and were ready to go. They knew it would be a difficult journey, but there was no turning back.

"Before we set off, I have something to tell you." After the team was ready, Yunxiao stopped and turned to look at Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan.

They both stopped at the same time and turned to look at him.

"I've never mentioned this before, but now is the time to tell you." Yunxiao was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Regarding this relic, it's actually not just a source of darkness. It was once the birthplace of an ancient civilization, and the power of that civilization once brought about tremendous changes to the order of the world."

"An ancient civilization?" Zhao Shufang asked in surprise. "Could it be that these dark forces are related to that civilization?"

"Indeed," Yunxiao's voice was deep. "The power wielded by this civilization was immense. Their knowledge surpassed the comprehension of anyone at the time, but they also paid the price for their arrogance. Hidden within this relic is not only darkness, but also uncontrolled power. The terrifying energy they unleash could even distort the very laws of the world."

Zhao Shufang's mood grew heavy. She had originally thought it was just a simple confrontation with the forces of darkness, but she hadn't expected such a huge secret to be hidden behind it.

"Then we have to face these out-of-control forces?" Lu Lingyuan asked with a hint of uneasiness in his tone.

Yunxiao nodded. "Yes, this isn't just a battle between darkness and light, it's also a clash between ancient civilization and the modern world. You must be prepared to face not only unknown dark forces, but also those remaining, uncontrollable energies."

"We have no way out." Zhao Shufang's eyes were firm. "We must face everything, no matter how terrible it is."

Lu Lingyuan looked at her and gently held her hand, "No matter what, I will always be by your side."

Yunxiao sighed, "In that case, let's go."

The three of them set out, carrying all their responsibilities and hopes, heading towards that ancient and mysterious place. As they walked, the road ahead became more and more treacherous, but their determination was stronger than ever.

The sky gradually darkened as the three entered the unknown area. The air around them grew unusually heavy, as if every step was treading into an unknown abyss. In the distance, the dark woods exuded an ominous aura.

"Is this where we have to face?" Zhao Shufang asked in a low voice, with a hint of alertness in her eyes.

Yunxiao didn't answer, but just nodded, indicating that they should continue forward.

Suddenly, a cold wind blew, the moonlight in the night sky was obscured by dark clouds, and the surroundings fell into darkness.

"Be careful." Yunxiao warned in a low voice.

At this moment, suddenly a low roar came from the depths, as if the earth was shaking, and the whole world seemed to be shaking with their arrival.

Zhao Shufang and Lu Lingyuan looked at each other, mentally prepared for the worst - this would be a battle that could not be avoided, and they were already standing at the junction of darkness and light.