Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

"Moon..." Zhu Feifei murmured to herself, looking at Fairy Zixia Zhu Yue'er, her eyes filled with worry.

Although his heartfelt confession temporarily comforted her, the shadow of the "Nine Netherworld Demon Art" lingered like a persistent leech, impossible to shake off.

Since that night, Fairy Zixia Zhu Yue'er's condition has become even more unstable.

Sometimes she would fall into long silences, her eyes vacant, as if her soul had been ripped out; other times she would suddenly erupt in rage, becoming agitated and restless, and even unconsciously attacking those around her.

The atmosphere on Zixia Peak became extremely oppressive. The disciples were filled with anxiety and trained with utmost care, fearing that they might offend the capricious peak master.

"Senior sister, what happened to Master?" The young Zhao Ling'er asked timidly from behind Liu Ruyan, her eyes filled with fear.

Liu Ruyan sighed, gently stroking Zhao Ling'er's hair, and comforted her, "Master just encountered some difficulties in cultivation, I believe she will recover soon." However, she herself was also filled with worry.

The backlash from the "Nine Netherworld Demon Art" grew stronger and stronger, and Zhu Yue'er would fall into a demonic state almost every few days.

Each time, Zhu Feifei was at the forefront, trying every possible method to awaken her sanity. He tried to heal her with his inner energy, exorcise demons with Buddhist teachings, and even tempt her with delicious food, but all to little avail.

"Moon, look at me! I am Zhu Yixian! Do you remember when we fought side by side in the Ten Thousand Demon Cave? Do you remember when you healed my wounds and I blocked the Golden-Winged Thunder Roc's attack for you?" Zhu Feifei shouted hoarsely, hoping to awaken a sliver of clarity in Zhu Yue'er's heart.

However, all he received in return was Zhu Yue'er's maniacal laughter and chaotic attacks. Her eyes no longer held the gentleness and vivacity of the past, only endless darkness and madness remained.

"Get away from me! Don't bother me!" Zhu Yue'er's voice was hoarse and icy, like a demon from hell. "I want power, I want to become strong, I want to control everything!"

Seeing the once gentle and kind Zhu Yue'er transformed into this state, Zhu Feifei felt as if his heart was being torn apart. He was repeatedly knocked away by Zhu Yue'er's attacks, yet he still rushed forward relentlessly, trying to pull her back to reality.

"Little White, what should we do? Is there really no way to save Yue'er?" Zhu Feifei desperately asked the spirit Xiao Bai for help.

"You idiot, don't forget who you are! You are Marshal Tianpeng, you have vanquished countless demons and monsters, how could you not deal with a mere 'Nine Nether Demon Art'?" The spirit Xiaobai's tone was stern, but it carried a hint of encouragement.

“But…this time is different, she is Yue’er…” Zhu Feifei’s voice choked with emotion, “I…I can’t hurt her…”

"If you truly love her, you should find a way to save her, not just watch her be consumed by her inner demons!" The Ringwraith's voice turned serious. "Now is not the time for you to act on emotion. You must calm down and find a solution!"

Zhu Feifei took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew Xiaobai was right; he couldn't just sit and wait to die any longer. He had to find a way to break the "Nine Netherworld Demon Art," to save Zhu Yue'er, and to save himself.

Determined to find a way to save Zhu Yue'er, Zhu Feifei began frantically searching through the Qingyun Sect's ancient texts, hoping to find clues to break the "Nine Nether Demon Art".

During the day, he locked himself in the library, flipping through ancient scriptures one by one, trying to find clues; at night, he searched for relevant information in the information database of the Moonlight Ring, hoping to find some experience and methods left by his predecessors.

However, things didn't go as planned. The "Nine Nether Demon Art" was too evil and bizarre. The records of this forbidden technique in the Qingyun Sect's books were scarce, and most of them were vague, full of taboos and warnings. Although the Moonlight Treasure Ring's information database contained a vast amount of knowledge, it also contained no record of how to break the "Nine Nether Demon Art."

"Is there really no way out?" Zhu Feifei looked at the mountain of books in front of her, her heart filled with despair and helplessness.

"Silly pig, don't be discouraged, you haven't asked anyone else yet!" Little White's voice rang in my ears, "There are so many elders and peak masters in the Qingyun Sect, they might know something."

Zhu Feifei felt that Xiaobai's words made sense, so he decided to seek help from other high-ranking members of the Qingyun Sect.

He first sought out Master Qingxu, the head of the Qingyun Sect. Master Qingxu was a highly respected senior in the cultivation world, with unfathomable cultivation and extensive knowledge.

"Disciple Zhu Yixian greets Sect Leader." Zhu Feifei bowed respectfully.

"Get up, Yixian. What brings you here?" Master Qingxu asked gently.

Zhu Feifei told Master Qingxu about Fairy Zixia Zhu Yue'er's cultivation of the "Nine Netherworld Demon Art" and begged him for guidance.

After listening, Master Qingxu frowned, pondered for a long time, and then slowly said, "'Nine Nether Demon Art' is an ancient forbidden technique. Those who cultivate this technique will eventually be devoured by their inner demons and never be able to be reborn. I am powerless to help..."

"Is... is there really no way out?" Zhu Feifei's last hope was shattered, and he asked in a trembling voice.

Master Qingxu sighed and said, "Yixian, you must understand that the 'Nine Netherworld Demonic Art' is far too evil. Once cultivated, it's like a leech, impossible to eradicate. If you insist on saving her, I'm afraid... you'll also lose your own life..."

Zhu Feifei fell silent. He knew that Master Qingxu was telling the truth. But how could he stand by and watch Fairy Zixia walk towards destruction?

He thanked Master Qingxu, and then visited several other peak masters and elders, but received the same answer: no one could break the "Nine Nether Demon Art".

Some even advised him to give up on Fairy Zixia, Zhu Yue'er, lest he be harmed by her demonic nature. "Yixian, you are intelligent and have a bright future. Why ruin yourself for a woman who is destined to become a demon?" an elder said earnestly.

“Yes, Junior Brother Zhu, you should listen to the elders. The ‘Nine Nether Demon Art’ is too terrifying; you simply cannot control it!” another peak master advised.

Hearing this advice, Zhu Feifei felt even more pained and confused. He knew the elders were right, but he just couldn't let go of his feelings for Zhu Yue'er.

He didn't believe that Fairy Zixia would really turn into a demon; he felt there must be a way to save her.

But now, he can't find any clues and can only watch helplessly as Zhu Yue'er walks step by step toward destruction.

He wandered aimlessly along the mountain path of the Qingyun Sect, his heart filled with despair. He didn't know how to save Zhu Yue'er, nor did he know if he could defeat the mysterious and unpredictable "Nine Nether Demonic Arts".

He felt like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to escape the shackles of fate no matter how hard it struggled.

"Could it be... that I really have to give up on Yue'er?" he murmured to himself. "Could it be... that I really have to watch her head towards destruction?"