Chapter 24: Shadow Surge

    After discovering the secret room and the literature within, Li Yunfan and Feng Wuhen realized the seriousness of the situation. They jointly studied these ancient documents with the elders of the academy, trying to uncover the true purpose of the dark forces.

    "These documents mention an ancient prophecy that a person who can control the power of stars will appear, breaking the existing balance," said a wise elder with a serious expression.

    Li Yunfan's heart stirred with a sense of connection. He recalled the 'Star Decision' he cultivated and the celestial power flowing through his body. Could this prophecy be referring to him?

    "We must be on high alert, the dark forces may have set their sights on you, Yunfan," Feng Wuhen said with concern.

    Li Yunfan nodded, realizing that he had become a key figure and needed to be more careful.

    A few days later, a sudden announcement rocked the academy: a powerful dark practitioner was on his way to challenge all young practitioners. The news caused a great stir.

    "This is a provocation against us; we can't show weakness!" a passionate young practitioner exclaimed loudly.

    Li Yunfan and Feng Wuhen also realized that this could be a test by the dark forces. They decided to accept the challenge and prepare to face this mysterious dark cultivator.

    The day of the challenge arrived, and all practitioners from the academy gathered in the cultivation arena. A cultivator wearing a black robe and bearing a stern visage slowly made his way to the center of the field.

    "I am Night Trace, I have come to learn from all of you." The dark cultivator's voice was cold, devoid of any emotion.

    One by one, young cultivators stepped forward, but all fell to Night Trace's hands. His techniques were ruthless, and every strike was filled with dark power.

    Finally, Li Yunfan stepped forward. He knew that this battle was not just about personal honor, but also the dignity of the entire academy.

    "Let me see your skills," Li Yunfan said, holding his long sword as the celestial power flickered at the tip.

    Night Trace coldly looked at him and said, "You are Li Yunfan? I want to see if you have the qualifications to become the person predicted in the prophecy."

    Their battle was about to begin, with sword energy and dark power clashing on the cultivation field. Li Yunfan's sword techniques were agile and swift, each strike imbued with the power of celestial bodies; in contrast, Night Trace's moves were filled with malevolence and treachery, each blow aiming to send his opponent to their doom.

    The battle was exceptionally intense, with each clash between the two causing those around to hold their breath. Eventually, after a fierce collision, Li Yunfan successfully found a flaw in Night Trace's defenses and struck him at a vital point with a single sword.

    Night Trace retreated, but his eyes did not show the disappointment of defeat. Instead, a sinister smile appeared on his face, "Yunfan Li, this is only the beginning. We will meet again."

    After the battle, although Li Yunfan emerged victorious, his heart was filled with doubts. Night Trace's words left him unsettled, and he couldn't fathom what dark forces were planning.

    In the following days, Li Yunfan worked even harder at his cultivation, knowing that only by becoming stronger could he protect himself and the peace of the academy. At the same time, he sought out more information about the dark forces, trying to uncover their true intentions.

    However, he was unaware that a greater storm was brewing in the shadows, waiting for him...