Lin Yu and Murong Xue, harboring the secret of the Nine-Color Nascent Soul, set out with eager anticipation on their journey toward the Vast Firmament Continent. However, the Divine Mystery Sect relied on a mysterious art of divination to precisely calculate their travel route, leaking the news to the Seven Sects of the Void Heaven. Hearing that the clues to the Nine-Color Nascent Soul were in the hands of these two, the seven sects were instantly consumed by greed and resolved to set an ambush to intercept and kill them along the way.
As Lin Yu and Murong Xue reached a deep ravine, countless figures suddenly surged from all directions, surrounding them tightly. At the head were experts from the Seven Sects of the Void Heaven, their gazes icy and gleaming with greed. Cursing inwardly, Lin Yu instantly drew his long sword and pulled Murong Xue behind him. Murong Xue rapidly circulated the Ice Phoenix Formula, her entire body radiating with overflowing cold qi.
The battle erupted in an instant. The experts of the seven sects unleashed their ultimate techniques, the powerful glow of spells illuminating the entire valley as if it were midday. Lin Yu deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, coordinating it with the Nine-Palaces Maze Array. For a time, the valley was filled with overlapping illusions, causing the enemy attacks to miss their marks one after another. Yet the seven-sect experts were numerous and formidable, and they gradually broke through Lin Yu's defense.
Amid the chaos, Murong Xue was carelessly struck by a hidden weapon from the Hundred Flowers Sect. Coated in a lethal poison, her face instantly turned pale. Seeing this, Lin Yu was frantic with anxiety and rushed recklessly toward Murong Xue, only to be struck by an enemy spell and severely injured.
Seeing the perilous situation, Lin Yu gritted his teeth against the pain and pulled a precious teleportation talisman from his robes. Knowing this was their only chance at survival, he mustered his very last ounce of strength, activating the Nine-Palaces Maze Array and the illusion pupils to draw the enemies' attention and buy time to cast the teleportation talisman. Just as the enemy encirclement was about to close, Lin Yu tightly embraced Murong Xue and activated the talisman. With a flash of light, the two vanished from the spot, leaving the seven-sect experts to fail at the very last moment and roar in fury.
Chapter 321: Healing in a Cave, Crisis Descends Again
Lin Yu and Murong Xue were carried by the teleportation talisman to a secluded cave. By this time, Lin Yu had suffered such severe injuries for the first time; multiple wounds across his body were bleeding profusely, and both his physical stamina and spiritual power were completely exhausted. Murong Xue was in an even more precarious state, hanging on the brink of death. Not only was she poisoned, but due to the Hundred Flowers Sect's special "Cloud-Rain Hundred Flowers Bloom" aphrodisiac pill, her face was flushed, her whole body burned with heat, and her consciousness was gradually blurring.
Bracing his body, Lin Yu rummaged through his storage ring for healing pills. After swallowing one himself, he tremblingly fed a detoxification pill to Murong Xue. Yet the antidote seemed to have no effect whatsoever on the peculiar poison afflicting her; her symptoms grew increasingly severe, her gaze became hazy, and her body began to writhe uncontrollably.
Watching Murong Xue's condition, Lin Yu felt overwhelming anxiety while realizing the trickery behind this poison. It suddenly struck him that this was likely an aphrodisiac poison used by the Hundred Flowers Sect to enslave male rogue cultivators, known as "Cloud-Rain Hundred Flowers Bloom." This drug not only stirred a person's desires but also allowed the poisoner to control the victim during dual cultivation.
Outside, thunder rolled and torrential rain poured down, heavy raindrops hammering against the cave entrance like the prelude to the end of the world. Inside the cave, Lin Yu's own consciousness was beginning to blur, but he knew that if he took no action, Murong Xue would plunge into eternal damnation. Amid extreme pain and inner conflict, Lin Yu ultimately made his decision, and he pulled Murong Xue tightly into his arms...
Within the cramped cave, driven by the potency of the drug, the two engaged in intimate union. As time passed, the color of their eyes gradually returned to normal, and the fires of desire within them slowly subsided. Finally, drained of all physical strength, the two collapsed in exhaustion upon the bed, sleeping in each other's arms.
Chapter 322: Waking at Dawn, a Surprising Discovery
The next morning, gentle sunlight streamed through the cracks of the cave entrance, scattering across the interior. Lin Yu slowly opened his eyes, the first sight greeting him being Murong Xue's bare body lying in his arms. He froze instantly, flashes of last night's various scenes flickering through his mind, leaving him momentarily unable to laugh or cry. Yet looking at Murong Xue's serene sleeping face, all the bitterness in his heart melted into sweetness.
Lin Yu shifted his body slightly and began to circulate his spiritual power, only to discover with pleasant surprise that he had unwittingly advanced to the Late Golden Core stage. This night of dual cultivation had not only improved his injuries but also granted him a massive breakthrough in cultivation, benefiting him immensely.
At that moment, Murong Xue also fluttered her eyes open. The instant she opened them and saw the naked Lin Yu and herself, her face flushed red with embarrassment. Screaming, she quickly pulled the quilt over herself to wrap up tightly, and scolded coquettishly, "Lin Yu, hurry up and put on your clothes, and turn around!" Watching Murong Xue's bashful appearance, Lin Yu found her utterly adorable and smiled as he complied.
Once Lin Yu had dressed and turned around, Murong Xue quickly tidied herself up as well. After the two exchanged some playful banter, Murong Xue began circulating the Ice Phoenix Formula, only to discover that her Ice Phoenix Formula had broken through to the eighth stage, her strength increasing by another huge margin. She was both startled and overjoyed, while also feeling shy because of her intimate relationship with Lin Yu.
Chapter 323: Exploring Ancient Texts, the Secret of the Nine-Color Nascent Soul
After Lin Yu and Murong Xue had slightly calmed their emotions, Lin Yu remembered the ancient text concerning the Nine-Color Nascent Soul that they had risked their lives to protect. Impatiently, he pulled out the ancient book and began studying it closely, eager to figure out what secrets the Nine-Color Nascent Soul truly held—especially since they had barely escaped death for it.
The writing on the ancient scroll was old and scrawled, as if it had traversed a long stretch of time. Reading word by word, Lin Yu finally discovered two methods for achieving the Nine-Color Nascent Soul. The first method involved a mighty expert digging out someone else's Nascent Soul possessing all nine attributes, then forcibly fusing it using supreme divine abilities and driving it into the target's body, thereby achieving the Nine-Color Nascent Soul. However, this method had a colossal flaw: once the Nine-Color Nascent Soul was achieved, one would remain forever trapped at the Nascent Soul realm, unable to advance any further.
The second method was to gather nine types of heavenly lotuses, combine them with eighty-one rare natural treasures, and refine the Primordial Nine-Color Pill. This pill could assist a mighty expert who possessed the nine attributes in fusing the Nine-Color Nascent Soul, on the precondition that the user must possess a Nine-Fold Spiritual Root. Lin Yu deduced that the rest of the ancient book should record the medicinal formula and refining techniques for the Primordial Nine-Color Pill.
Upon finishing, Lin Yu was overjoyed, and he impatiently shared this secret with Murong Xue. Hearing this, Murong Xue's eyes flashed with excitement as well. Looking at her affectionately, Lin Yu said, "Xue'er, this trip to the Void Heaven Continent has been so worthwhile! Are you willing to accompany me in gathering the materials and helping me achieve this peerless, primordial-defying Nascent Soul?" Without a moment's hesitation, Murong Xue nodded, leaned into Lin Yu's embrace, and whispered softly, "Wherever you go, I will go."
Chapter 324: Embarking on the Expedition, Initial Crisis
After resting briefly in the cave, Lin Yu and Murong Xue decided to immediately set out on the expedition to gather materials. They were well aware that the materials for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul were precious, rare, and scattered across various mystical realms; the gathering process was bound to be fraught with difficulty.
Their first destination was the Misty Forest, rumored to be home to a certain type of heavenly lotus. Stepping into the forest, thick fog permeated the surroundings, severely limiting visibility; every step forward was fraught with unknown danger. Lin Yu gripped Murong Xue's hand tightly, activating his Immortal Eye in an attempt to pierce the fog and search for traces of the lotus.
However, they had not walked far before a low roar echoed out. A massively built Misty Fog Bear slowly emerged from the mist, its body wreathed in fog as it exuded a powerful aura. Catching sight of Lin Yu and Murong Xue, the Misty Fog Bear was instantly provoked, swinging its enormous paws as it lunged toward them.
Lin Yu rapidly drew his long sword, channeled his spiritual power, and unleashed a sword technique blending ice and fire. Murong Xue likewise deployed the Ice Phoenix Formula, the freezing cold qi coordinating with Lin Yu's flame power in an attempt to suppress the Misty Fog Bear. Yet the beast's defense was formidable, and their attacks seemed to have little effect on it.
With an angry roar, the Misty Fog Bear exhaled a mouthful of dense fog, instantly enshrouding Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Within the mist, their vision was entirely blocked, and the fog seemed to carry a paralyzing effect that made their movements sluggish. Lin Yu's heart tightened, knowing that continuing this way was no solution; he had to find a countermeasure as soon as possible, or they would plunge into a desperate plight.
Chapter 325: Fierce Battle in the Fog, A Narrow Escape
Closing his eyes within the fog, Lin Yu concentrated fully, relying on his Immortal Eye's perceptual abilities and his acute capture of surrounding spiritual power fluctuations to judge the Misty Fog Bear's position. Beside him, Murong Xue poured her all into circulating the Ice Phoenix Formula, pushing her freezing cold qi to the absolute limit in an attempt to disperse the surrounding mist.
The Misty Fog Bear's silhouette flickered in and out of view within the haze. Suddenly, it swung a massive paw, slashing toward Lin Yu. Sensing a powerful wave of wind pressure bearing down on him, Lin Yu rapidly side-stepped to dodge while executing the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, creating multiple phantoms to confuse the beast. Distracted by the illusions, the Misty Fog Bear's attack suffered a brief pause.
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu gathered the power of ice and fire onto his long sword, executing a fierce sword strike thrust straight at the beast's vital spot. Yet the Misty Fog Bear reacted swiftly, swinging its other paw to bat Lin Yu's sword flying. With his hand empty, Lin Yu cursed inwardly as the beast's giant paw struck at him once more, threatening to hit him.
In the nick of time, Murong Xue cast an ice spell, instantly erecting an ice wall before Lin Yu to block the Misty Fog Bear's assault. Under the impact, cracks spider-webbed across the ice wall, but it bought Lin Yu precious time. Swiftly picking up his sword, Lin Yu exchanged a glance with Murong Xue, and the two decided to change tactics.
They began moving rapidly around the Misty Fog Bear. Lin Yu used his sword to constantly harass the beast and draw its attention, while Murong Xue searched for an opening on the side, casting ice spells to attack the creature's vulnerable spots. Amid the intense combat, they gradually discovered that the Misty Fog Bear's abdomen was relatively fragile, so the two coordinated to target this area.
Chapter 326: Defeating the Demon Bear, Harvesting the Lotus
Circling the Misty Fog Bear, Lin Yu and Murong Xue constantly maneuvered to find an opening to attack its abdomen. Lin Yu unleashed exquisite sword techniques, his flashing sword shadows dazzling the beast. Catching her moment, Murong Xue unleashed an ice spell, sending a flurry of ice prisms shooting like sharp arrows straight toward the creature's belly.
Driven frantic by the pair's attacks, the Misty Fog Bear roared repeatedly, trying to grab Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Yet the two maintained tacit coordination, cleverly evading its assaults every time. After Lin Yu successfully drew the beast's attention once more, Murong Xue unleashed her full strength: a giant ice cone carrying immense power stabbed straight into the Misty Fog Bear's abdomen.
With a muffled "thud," the ice cone pierced the Misty Fog Bear's belly, and blood instantly gushed forth. Letting out a painful roar, the beast staggered a few times before finally collapsing heavily to the ground.
Breathing sighs of relief, Lin Yu and Murong Xue walked over to the Misty Fog Bear and confirmed it was dead. At that moment, Lin Yu noticed the beast's lair was close by. Inside the lair, a lotus emitting a gentle glow blossomed quietly—it was precisely one of the heavenly lotuses they had been desperately searching for.
Carefully plucking the lotus, Lin Yu placed it into his storage ring. Looking at Lin Yu, Murong Xue's eyes were filled with joy. "Brother Yu, we succeeded! We found the first heavenly lotus!" Lin Yu smiled and nodded. "Indeed. This is only the beginning; more challenges await us ahead. But as long as we are together, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome." Exchanging a smile, the two continued onward toward their next target.
Chapter 327: Mysterious Valley, Five Elements Sect Ambush
After leaving the Misty Forest, Lin Yu and Murong Xue followed the clues in the ancient book to arrive at a mysterious valley. The ravine was permeated with dense Five Elements energy, and various strange minerals and plants radiated unique glows. They knew that rare natural treasures were likely hidden here.
However, no sooner had they stepped into the valley than they felt a powerful aura lock onto them. Immediately afterward, experts from the Five Elements Sect surged from all directions, surrounding them. The leader of the Five Elements Sect sneered, "Who would have thought you two brats would actually be gathering materials for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul? Hand over the lotus you've obtained today, and perhaps we can spare your lives."
Lin Yu's face darkened. Pulling Murong Xue behind him, he said, "If you want the lotus, come and take it with your skills!" With that, he circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, fusing the powers of ice and fire as he prepared to meet the battle. Murong Xue likewise deployed the Ice Phoenix Formula, chilling qi swirling around her as she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Lin Yu.
The Five Elements Sect experts unleashed their Five Elements spells, the five forces of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth intertwining to form wave upon wave of powerful attacks hurtling toward Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Lin Yu wielded his sword technique, blocking the incoming spells one by one. Murong Xue cast ice spells to disrupt the attacks of the Five Elements Sect experts.
The battle was exceptionally fierce. Although Lin Yu and Murong Xue were not weak, the Five Elements Sect had many experts, and their synchronized Five Elements spells possessed tremendous might. During the fight, Lin Yu discovered that the sect's spells seemed to follow a certain cyclical and complementary rule; if that rule could be broken, perhaps a breakthrough point could be found.
Chapter 328: Fierce Battle with the Five Elements Sect, Breaking the Deadlock
While fending off the attacks of the Five Elements Sect experts, Lin Yu closely observed the operating rules of their Five Elements spells. He found that the experts deployed their spells in a specific positioning and sequence, forming a powerful Five Elements cyclical array. As long as this array remained unbroken, their attacks would be endless, growing increasingly powerful with every wave.
Sharing this discovery with Murong Xue, the two resolved to find an opening to shatter the Five Elements Sect's array. Murong Xue released vast amounts of freezing cold qi through her ice spells, attempting to freeze the movements of the sect experts. Lin Yu deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, generating multiple phantoms to disrupt their line of sight.
Amid the chaos, Lin Yu spotted a crucial node in the Five Elements array: an expert manipulating earth-type spells. Defeating him would break the spell cycle. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu unleashed his full strength, fusing the ice and fire energies to their absolute limit as a massive sword qi surged toward the earth-type expert.
Sensing danger, the earth-type expert hastily cast a defensive earth spell to block the sword qi. Yet the might of Lin Yu's sword qi was overwhelming, directly shattering his defense and wounding him. As the earth-type expert was injured, flaws appeared in the Five Elements Sect's array, and the cycle of their spells was broken.
Seizing the chance, Lin Yu and Murong Xue launched an offensive, executing their strongest spells to counterattack the sect experts. Seeing their array broken, the Five Elements Sect members fell into complete disarray and gradually found themselves on the defensive. After a fierce battle, Lin Yu and Murong Xue finally succeeded in repelling the ambush, continuing their exploration of the valley for rare treasures.
Chapter 329: Treasure Hunting in the Valley, A Mysterious Ruin Appears
Having repulsed the ambush by the Five Elements Sect, Lin Yu and Murong Xue continued their exploration within the mystical valley. Following the valley path, they discovered numerous strange minerals and rare plants along the way. Drawing upon his rich knowledge and the insight of his Immortal Eye, Lin Yu identified several of them as natural treasures required for gathering their Nine-Color Nascent Soul materials, excitedly storing these treasures one by one into his storage ring.
As they walked, they arrived at the depths of the valley. Before a concealed cliff wall, Lin Yu spotted some strange runes and patterns. Activating his Immortal Eye for a closer look, he realized these runes and patterns seemed connected to an ancient ruin. A thought stirred in Lin Yu's mind: he guessed that even more precious treasures might be hidden within this ruin, potentially offering immense help in their quest to gather materials for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul.
Studying the cliff face together, Lin Yu and Murong Xue discovered that the runes were an ancient script recording the method to open the ruin. Relying on his study of ancient texts and his own intelligence, Lin Yu gradually deciphered the meaning of the runes: spiritual power had to be injected into several recesses on the cliff wall in a specific sequence to unlock the ruin's gates.
Following the instructions of the runes, Lin Yu and Murong Xue slowly channeled their spiritual power into the recesses. As the power poured in, the cliff wall began to vibrate, emitting a muffled rumble. Immediately afterward, the cliff face slowly split apart, revealing a deep passageway from which an ancient, mysterious aura washed over them. Exchanging a glance, their eyes filled with anticipation and tension as they slowly stepped into the passageway, preparing to explore the secrets hidden within the ruin.
Chapter 330: Exploring the Ruins, Perils Abound
Stepping into the ruin's passageway, Lin Yu and Murong Xue found the interior dim and gloomy, with faint light flickering along the walls to illuminate their path forward. They proceeded cautiously, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air, and countless sharp arrows shot out from the walls on both sides, hurtling straight toward them.
Reacting swiftly, Lin Yu drew his long sword and executed an exquisite sword technique, batting the incoming arrows flying one after another. Murong Xue also cast an ice spell, forming an ice shield before her to block a portion of the projectiles. Coordinating seamlessly, the two forged ahead with difficulty amidst the barrage of arrows.
Having finally crossed the arrow zone, they arrived at a massive stone chamber. In the center of the chamber stood a huge stone platform radiating a mysterious glow. Stepping forward, Lin Yu and Murong Xue discovered a recess on the platform, its edges carved full of runes. Just as they were studying the recess and runes, the floor of the stone chamber suddenly began to vibrate, and countless giant pythons burrowed up from the ground, surrounding them tightly.
An eerie aura emanated from these pythons, and venom spat from their jaws, making one's hair stand on end. Quickly assuming combat stances, Lin Yu and Murong Xue prepared to meet the pythons' attack. Lin Yu unleashed his ice-and-fire blending sword technique, his moves carrying formidable power as he hacked at the snakes. Murong Xue deployed the Ice Phoenix Formula, freezing the surrounding pythons with chilling qi. Yet the pythons were numerous, and their attacks seemed unable to completely beat back the horde, rendering the situation perilous in the extreme.
Chapter 331: Perilous Surroundings, Mysterious Power Aids
Under the siege of the pythons, Lin Yu and Murong Xue fell into a bitter struggle. The snakes launched relentless attacks; their bodies were nimble, and their venom possessed strong corrosive properties, worsening the plight of Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Though Lin Yu's sword technique was sharp, facing such a multitude of pythons, he gradually felt his strength falling short. While Murong Xue's ice spells could temporarily freeze some pythons, they were quickly broken through by the others.
Just as they neared despair, Lin Yu suddenly sensed a mysterious power surging from the recess on the stone platform. This force seemed to exert a powerful deterrent effect on the pythons; under its influence, the snakes began to panic, and their attacking rhythm was disrupted.
A flash of inspiration struck Lin Yu, and he circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, attempting to guide this mysterious force. Under his efforts, the mysterious energy gradually obeyed his command, forming a powerful shield that protected both him and Murong Xue. The pythons repeatedly charged against the shield, but none could break through.
Seizing the opportunity to observe the pythons' behavior, Lin Yu noticed they seemed to harbor an instinctive fear of the recess on the stone platform. He guessed that the key to countering the pythons might be hidden within that recess. Concentrating his focus, he poured more spiritual power into the recess, making the mysterious power even stronger. The pythons began retreating one after another, ultimately vanishing back into the ground.
Breathing sighs of relief, Lin Yu and Murong Xue stepped forward to examine the stone platform closely. From the recess, a bead emitting a gentle glow slowly rose, its surface swirling with strange runes and seemingly containing endless mysteries. The moment Lin Yu picked up the bead, the entire stone chamber suddenly shook violently, the light on the walls began to flicker erratically, and an even greater crisis seemed imminent.
Chapter 332: Ruin Collapse, A Thrilling Escape
As the bead was lifted by Lin Yu, the tremors within the ruins grew increasingly violent. Boulders constantly fell from overhead, and huge cracks began to spread across the walls. Realizing the ruin was about to collapse, Lin Yu gripped Murong Xue's hand tightly and shouted, "Xue'er, we need to get out of here right now!" Murong Xue's face was pale, but her gaze was resolute as she nodded vigorously.
The two sprinted wildly toward the exit of the passageway, accompanied by the continuous roaring din of collapsing rocks behind them. Suddenly, a massive stone slab hurtled straight toward Murong Xue. Quick-witted, Lin Yu shoved Murong Xue out of the way, only to be grazed by the slab himself, leaving a long, bleeding gash across his arm. Murong Xue cried out in alarm, "Brother Yu, you're hurt!" Gritting his teeth, Lin Yu urged, "Never mind me, run!"
Smoke filled the passageway, blocking their vision; they could only rely on memory and instinct to find the exit. At that moment, the ground suddenly caved in, revealing a bottomless pit. Sweeping Murong Xue up in his arms, Lin Yu used his movement technique to leap off the rubble at the edge, narrowly clearing the abyss.
Finally, they caught sight of the light at the end of the passageway. However, the exit was more than half-blocked by a tumbled boulder. Lin Yu placed the bead from his hand into a recess; the bead glowed, resonating with the runes of the recess, and the boulder slowly shifted. Seizing the moment when the gap became wide enough, they squeezed through with all their might. No sooner had they emerged than the ruins behind them collapsed with a deafening crash, kicking up a sky-full of dust.
Chapter 333: Town Rest, News Spreads
After escaping the ruins, Lin Yu and Murong Xue arrived at a nearby small town. The town was peaceful and serene, forming a sharp contrast to the thrilling ordeal they had just survived. Though Lin Yu's wound had been briefly treated and had stopped bleeding, it still throbbed with dull pain. Overwhelmed with worry, Murong Xue insisted on finding a proper place for Lin Yu to recuperate.
They checked into an inn within the town, where Lin Yu swallowed healing pills and cultivated to mend his injuries. Murong Xue attended to him meticulously on the side, her gaze never leaving Lin Yu. After a few days of recuperation, Lin Yu's injuries gradually improved.
However, for reasons unknown, news of their harvest within the ruins and the secret of the Nine-Color Nascent Soul had spread across the town. People with ill intentions began lingering around the inn, attempting to sniff out their whereabouts and the location of the treasures. Sensing something amiss, Lin Yu knew they could not stay here long; they had to leave as soon as possible to continue searching for the materials of the Nine-Color Nascent Soul.
Chapter 334: Mysterious Merchant, Bizarre Transaction
Just as Lin Yu and Murong Xue were preparing to leave the town, a mysterious black-robed merchant sought them out. With a profound gaze carrying a mysterious aura, the merchant proposed trading some precious natural treasures for the bead Lin Yu had obtained from the ruins. Guarded in his heart and unaware of the merchant's true purpose or background, Lin Yu refused the proposal.
The black-robed merchant was not discouraged. With a slight smile, he drew a brocade box from his robe and opened it to reveal a flower emitting a strange fragrance—precisely one of the materials needed for gathering the Nine-Color Nascent Soul. A flash of pleasant surprise crossed Murong Xue's eyes at the sight of the flower, but Lin Yu maintained his calm. Seeing this, the black-robed merchant produced several more precious materials, all of which the pair had been searching for bitterly.
"Well, young man, this is quite a fair trade, isn't it?" said the black-robed merchant. Lin Yu pondered for a moment and asked, "Who on earth are you? Why do you know so much about our affairs?" The black-robed merchant smiled mysteriously. "I'm just an ordinary merchant who happened to hear that you were looking for these materials. As it turns out, I happen to have them in my possession. Everyone simply takes what they need."
Hesitation filled Lin Yu's heart. On the one hand, these materials were of vital importance to them; on the other hand, he remained full of suspicion toward the black-robed merchant. Murong Xue gently tugged at Lin Yu's sleeve. "Brother Yu, materials like these are hard to come by. Perhaps we should consider it." Looking at Murong Xue's eager eyes and then down at the materials in the merchant's hands, Lin Yu ultimately decided to take the risk.
Lin Yu and the black-robed merchant completed their transaction. After securing the precious materials, however, a lingering sense of unease filled their hearts. They hurried away from the town, preparing to head toward their next destination. Yet no sooner had they stepped out of the town than a group of masked men surged out from all directions, surrounding them.
The leader of the masked men said coldly, "Hand over the items you obtained from the ruins and the materials you just traded for, and we'll spare your lives!" Lin Yu understood immediately that this was undoubtedly connected to the black-robed merchant—they had been set up. Murong Xue said angrily, "You despicable villains!"
Lin Yu swiftly drew his long sword, shielding Murong Xue behind him as he channeled his spiritual energy in preparation for battle. The masked men swarmed forward. Lin Yu unleashed his sword technique of fused ice and fire; his blade flashed fiercely, and for a moment, chilling glares flickered all around. Murong Xue also cast the Ice Phoenix Formula, her frigid aura beating back the approaching masked men.
Yet the masked men were numerous and coordinated seamlessly, gradually forming a tight encirclement. During the fight, Lin Yu discovered that the attackers' combat style was extremely bizarre, as though they had undergone specialized training. He realized that they could not win through brute force alone and had to find a way to break through.
Lin Yu and Murong Xue fought desperately against the encirclement of masked men. Lin Yu deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, creating multiple phantoms to confuse the enemy while searching for an opportunity to break through. However, the masked men remained unfazed, their tightening perimeter growing smaller by the moment.
Although Murong Xue's ice-type spells possessed formidable power, under the onslaught of so many enemies, she gradually began to flag. New wounds appeared on Lin Yu's body, his blood staining his clothes red. Just as despair seemed imminent, a beam of golden light descended from the heavens, and an Old Man clad in golden robes materialized before them.
The Old Man's gaze was piercing, and a powerful aura emanated from his body. With a gentle sweep of his sleeve, a mighty force repelled the masked men several paces. Seeing this, the masked men wore looks of fear, yet the leader remained unwilling to give up, shouting, "Old man, don't meddle in other people's business, or you'll regret it!" The Old Man let out a cold snort. "With just the likes of you, you dare act presumptuously before me?"
With that, the Old Man unleashed a formidable spell. Brilliant golden light flashed, engulfing the masked men. Struggling in agony within the radiance, the masked men ultimately collapsed to the ground one after another. Lin Yu and Murong Xue stared at the Old Man in astonishment, their hearts filled with gratitude. Turning to them, the Old Man said, "You two little ones still act far too rashly; you must be careful in the future." Lin Yu hastily cupped his fists in salute and expressed his thanks, asking, "Thank you, Senior, for saving our lives. May I ask why you have helped us repeatedly?" The Old Man smiled mysteriously. "This is fate, and also a mission. Continue on your journey, and remember: the secret of the Nine-Color Nascent Soul is of the utmost importance. Never let it fall into the hands of those with ill intentions." Having spoken, the Old Man transformed into a streak of golden light and vanished.
Carrying feelings of profound gratitude, Lin Yu and Murong Xue resumed their journey to find the materials for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul. Following their clues, they arrived at a mysterious spiritual plant valley. The valley teemed with all manner of rare spiritual plants, emanating dense spiritual power fluctuations. They stepped cautiously into the valley, searching for the heavenly treasures they required.
Yet this valley was not without a guardian. As they approached a spiritual plant radiating five-colored light, the ground beneath it suddenly began to tremor, and a massive spiritual plant guardian beast burst forth from the earth. The beast resembled a pangolin, but its entire body was covered in scales composed of spiritual plants, and a crystal-clear single horn sprouted from the crown of its head, radiating a powerful aura.
The spiritual plant guardian beast let out a roar, swung its massive claws, and lunged toward Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Lin Yu swiftly deployed his sword technique in an attempt to block the beast's attack. Murong Xue unleashed an ice-type spell, trying to freeze the creature's movements. However, the guardian beast possessed formidable defense, and their attacks had virtually no effect upon it.
The beast's assaults grew increasingly ferocious, plunging Lin Yu and Murong Xue into a difficult predicament. Lin Yu noticed that the creature seemed exceedingly protective of the five-colored spiritual plant; whenever they drew near, the beast would fly into a frenzied attack. An idea flashed through his mind, and he decided to use this to discover the beast's weakness.
While fending off the attacks of the spiritual plant guardian beast, Lin Yu observed its movement patterns. He discovered that whenever the beast attacked, the single horn upon its head would flash with light, seemingly acting as the source of its power. Moreover, when it turned around, temporary gaps would appear among the spiritual plant scales along its back.
Lin Yu shared these findings with Murong Xue, and the two formulated a new battle plan. Murong Xue unleashed an ice-type spell, releasing a vast wave of frigid cold qi in an attempt to slow the beast's speed. Meanwhile, Lin Yu activated the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, generating multiple phantoms to befuddle the creature's vision.
Taking advantage of the beast's confusion, Lin Yu swiftly swept around behind it. Spotting his moment, he fused his ice and fire energies to their absolute limit and thrust his sword straight into a gap between the scales on the beast's back. With a soft *pu* sound, the long sword plunged into the creature's body, and the beast let out an agonizing roar as it writhered wildly.
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu withdrew his sword and launched another strike. Murong Xue also unleashed a full-power attack, sending a massive ice spike hurtling toward the single horn on the beast's head. The ice spike struck the horn, fracturing it and seemingly crippling the beast's power to a great degree.
Pressing their advantage, Lin Yu and Murong Xue unleashed their strongest spells for a final assault on the guardian beast. Unable to hold out any longer under their combined offensive, the creature crashed heavily to the ground. Breathing sighs of relief, Lin Yu and Murong Xue walked up to the five-colored spiritual plant, carefully harvested it, and stored it inside their spatial ring.
Having successfully secured the five-colored spiritual plant, Lin Yu and Murong Xue continued their exploration of the mysterious valley. They discovered a massive pool deep within the valley; its water displayed five distinct colors, each radiating spiritual power fluctuations belonging to the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—this was none other than the legendary Five-Element Spiritual Spring.
Overjoyed, Lin Yu and Murong Xue realized that this Five-Element Spiritual Spring was likewise one of the materials for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul. No sooner had they approached the pool than massive splashes erupted from the water, and five giant dragons formed from the condensed power of the five elements burst forth, surrounding them.
Representing metal, wood, water, fire, and earth respectively, the five giant dragons possessed formidable, mutually supporting powers. The metal dragon lashed its golden claws, carrying sharp sword qi; the wood dragon spewed green vines in an attempt to bind them; the water dragon spat a column of freezing water of astonishing power; the fire dragon breathed raging flames that ignited the surrounding air; and the earth dragon assaulted them with massive boulders.
Lin Yu and Murong Xue quickly assumed battle stances. Lin Yu channeled the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, fusing his ice and fire powers to execute powerful sword strikes that parried the dragons' attacks. Murong Xue deployed the Ice Phoenix Formula, her frigid aura clashing against the water dragon's column of water. Enduring the siege of the five giant dragons, they held on tenaciously while searching for a counterattack opportunity.
Amidst the combat against the five-element dragons, Lin Yu gradually discerned the operating patterns of the five elemental forces. He recalled the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula he had studied and realized he might be able to use this cultivation technique to fuse the five elemental forces and find a way to break the dragons' offensive.
Focusing his mind, Lin Yu circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula and attempted to guide the five elemental forces. Little by little, he drew the piercing sword qi of the metal dragon, the vital energy of the wood dragon, the nourishing water of the water dragon, the searing heat of the fire dragon, and the heavy weight of the earth dragon into his own body. Initially, the five elemental forces clashed fiercely within him, causing him excruciating agony, yet relying on his indomitable willpower, he continuously adjusted his spiritual energy circulation paths.
Seeing Lin Yu's strange condition from the side, Murong Xue felt a surge of worry, yet she continued to fend off the dragons' assaults with all her might to buy time for him. Through his efforts, the five elemental forces gradually fused within his body, engendering a brand-new, formidable power.
Opening his eyes, which now flashed with brilliance, Lin Yu executed a sword technique imbued with the fused power of the five elements, sending a five-colored beam of sword qi surging toward the five-element dragons. Wherever the sword qi passed, the dragons' attacks were instantly neutralized, and the beasts themselves suffered heavy injuries, letting out choruses of agonizing roars.
Seizing the chance, Lin Yu and Murong Xue launched an offensive, unleashing their strongest spells for a final counterattack against the five-element dragons. Faced with this overwhelming power, the five-element dragons were ultimately defeated, dissipating into the air. Lin Yu and Murong Xue walked to the edge of the Five-Element Spiritual Spring and carefully gathered the spring water using the jade bottles they had prepared.
Carrying the precious Five-Element Spiritual Spring water, Lin Yu and Murong Xue arrived at a small town to rest briefly. The town was bustling and lively, with an endless stream of people coming and going. They secured a room at an inn, intending to enjoy a good meal and recover their physical strength.
However, no sooner had they seated themselves in the inn than they sensed several ill-intentioned gazes falling upon them. As it turned out, these were rogue cultivators who had caught wind of their search for Nine-Color Nascent Soul materials and sought to plunder their treasures. Striding arrogantly over to Lin Yu and Murong Xue, a burly man accompanied by several subordinates blocked their way.
"Brat, I hear you've got quite a few good things on you. Hand them over if you know what's good for you, or you'll regret it!" the big man threatened viciously. Lin Yu frowned and was about to flare up when Murong Xue stepped ahead of him, stood up, and snapped coquettishly, "Who do you think you are, daring to act presumptuously before us?" Enraged by this, the big man flew into a fury. "Little wench, since you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeiture—brothers, get them and seize their belongings!"
Lin Yu swiftly drew his long sword, shielding Murong Xue behind him. Channeling his spiritual energy, he executed exquisite sword techniques to drive back the small fry who rushed forward. Seeing this, the big man personally stepped into the fray, unleashing a fierce set of fist techniques accompanied by rushing gales as he attacked Lin Yu. Unflustered, Lin Yu employed his sword technique of fused ice and fire to engage the big man in a fierce duel.
Just as the battle reached a white-hot pitch, a woman attired in luxurious garments walked into the inn from outside. Her gaze was icy as she surveyed the scene before her, and she let out a cold snort. "A bunch of trash who can't even handle two brats."
The appearance of the mysterious woman heightened the tense atmosphere within the inn. Although the big man and his cohorts felt angered by her words, they also harbored misgivings about her strength and dared not act out. Lin Yu watched the woman vigilantly, noting that the powerful aura radiating from her body made it clear she was no ordinary person.
Slowly approaching Lin Yu and Murong Xue, the woman fixed her gaze on their spatial rings, a hint of greed flashing in her eyes. "Hand over the Nine-Color Nascent Soul materials you've collected, and I might spare your lives." Her heart sinking, Lin Yu tightened his grip on his sword and declared, "If you want the materials, come and take them with your own ability!" Murong Xue also activated the Ice Phoenix Formula, chilling cold qi swirling around her as she prepared for combat.
The mysterious woman sneered, swiftly forming hand seals with both hands to cast a bizarre spell. Tables, chairs, and other objects within the inn abruptly rose into the air, transforming into sharp weapons that shot toward Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Lin Yu deployed his sword technique, deflecting the incoming projectiles one by one, while Murong Xue cast ice-type spells in an attempt to freeze the objects solid.
Yet the woman's spell was extraordinarily strange; even after being deflected or frozen, the objects quickly restored themselves and resumed their attacks. Lin Yu and Murong Xue gradually found themselves in a difficult bind, their spiritual energy consumption escalating rapidly. Lin Yu understood that continuing this way was no solution; he had to find the flaw in the woman's spell as quickly as possible.
While fending off the objects controlled by the mysterious woman's spell, Lin Yu carefully observed for flaws in her technique. He noticed that every time the woman formed a hand seal, the little finger of her left hand twitched slightly—apparently a crucial node of her spell.
Sharing this discovery with Murong Xue, the two resolved to seize an opportunity to strike that very flaw. Murong Xue unleashed an ice-type spell, releasing a massive wave of frigid cold qi to interfere with the woman's magic, while Lin Yu deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, creating multiple phantoms to obscure her vision.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Lin Yu dashed swiftly toward her. Exerting a full-power strike that fused his ice and fire energies to their peak, he thrust his sword straight at the woman's left hand. Reacting with agility, the woman side-stepped to dodge, yet Lin Yu's blade still grazed and cut her arm.
A flash of anger crossed the woman's eyes as she escalated the power of her spell, sending a greater volume of objects into a frenzied assault against Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Fighting desperately, the two sustained numerous fresh wounds. Yet they refused to retreat, continuing their fierce battle against the woman.
During the exchange, Lin Yu noticed that although the woman's spell was formidable, her consumption of physical stamina and spiritual energy was likewise immense. If they could hold out, they might just snatch victory from defeat. Consequently, coordinating seamlessly, Lin Yu and Murong Xue unleashed their strongest spells to wage a life-or-death struggle against her.
The battle between Lin Yu, Murong Xue, and the mysterious woman reached its white-hot climax. Both sides were utterly exhausted, yet neither was willing to relent. Launching her ultimate kill-move, the mysterious woman unleashed a powerful force that enveloped Lin Yu and Murong Xue, placing them in perilous jeopardy.
At that very moment, a familiar streak of golden light flashed by, and the golden-robed Old Man reappeared. With a gaze like lightning, he gave a gentle wave of his hand, and the mysterious woman's spell was instantly neutralized. Her expression changed drastically at the sight; staring in terror at the Old Man, she stammered, "You... who are you? Why must you meddle in my affairs?"
The Old Man let out a cold snort. "You little wench, resorting to any means necessary for treasures—I shall give you a lesson today." With those words, the Old Man unleashed a formidable spell, the golden radiance enveloping the mysterious woman. Struggling in agony within the light, the woman ultimately collapsed to the ground, losing all capacity to resist.
Gazing at the sudden reappearance of the Old Man, Lin Yu and Murong Xue were filled with gratitude. They stepped up to him and bowed deeply. "Senior, once again, thank you for saving our lives."
Looking at Lin Yu and Murong Xue, the Old Man wore a gentle smile and waved his hand to signal that they need not stand on ceremony. Slowly, he spoke, "Your courage in pursuing the Nine-Color Nascent Soul is commendable, but this path is fraught with danger; a single misstep and you will be damned for eternity."
With an earnest expression, Lin Yu asked, "Senior, why do you know so much about our affairs, and why have you stepped in to help us repeatedly?" Gazing deep into the distance with profound eyes, the Old Man said leisurely, "The secret of the Nine-Color Nascent Soul concerns the balance and order of this world. I once received guidance from an eminent person, learning that should the Nine-Color Nascent Soul fall into the hands of those with malicious intent, it will inevitably trigger a catastrophic disaster. The two of you possess exceptional innate bone structure and kind hearts; you are the destined ones I have chosen to help the Nine-Color Nascent Soul fulfill its positive purpose."
Subsequently, the Old Man glanced at the spatial ring in Lin Yu's hand—which held the materials they had gathered through so much toil—and said, "Although the materials you have collected thus far are precious, there remains a considerable gap before you reach the eighty-nine seventy-two kinds of heavenly treasures required to refine the Primordial Nine-Color Pill. Next, you must head to the Flame Volcano Range in the southernmost region. There grows a heavenly lotus named the 'Flame Spirit Red Lotus,' which is one of the key materials for refining the pill. However, the Flame Volcano Range is fraught with peril, overflowing with magma, and guarded by powerful fire-attribute demonic beasts."
Exchanging glances, Lin Yu and Murong Xue saw firm determination in each other's eyes and spoke in unison, "Thank you, Senior, for letting us know. No matter how dangerous it is, we will go." The Old Man nodded slightly, imparted to Lin Yu some cultivation insights on dealing with fire-attribute power, and instructed Murong Xue on techniques for combining ice-type spells with the environment of the Flame Volcano Range, before transforming into a streak of golden light and disappearing.
Following the Old Man's guidance, Lin Yu and Murong Xue embarked on the road to the Flame Volcano Range in the southern extremities. After journeying for several days, they finally arrived at the edge of the range. The moment they approached, a searing wave of heat rushed toward them, making them feel as though they had stepped into a giant furnace.
Looking out, the entire mountain range was covered in rolling magma. Red magma surged restlessly like rivers, and massive volcanic rocks occasionally tumbled down from mountain peaks, crashing into the lava and sending high sprays of sparks flying. The air was permeated with a pungent smell of sulfur that made breathing difficult.
They advanced cautiously toward the interior of the range. The ground beneath their feet was scorching hot; a single careless step would plunge them into the blazing magma. Suddenly, a gigantic fire lizard lunged out from the lava. Its entire body burned with raging flames, and the fire spewed from its maw could instantly melt giant boulders. Opening its cavernous mouth, the fire lizard lunged at Murong Xue. Her expression shifting slightly, Murong Xue swiftly cast the Ice Phoenix Formula; an ice wall materialized instantly before her, blocking the lizard's assault. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu drew his long sword, channeled his ice-fire energy, and unleashed a fierce sword technique. The blade, laden with frigid cold qi, clashed against the lizard's flames with a sizzling din.
Angered by Lin Yu's attack, the fire lizard writhered frantically, spewing even more ferocious flames from its maw in an attempt to engulf Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Murong Xue continuously manipulated the ice wall to withstand the impact of the flames while seeking an opportunity to counterattack the creature. She cast the Ice Ridge Spell, sending countless sharp ice crystals raining down upon the fire lizard. However, the lizard's skin was exceptionally tough, and the ice spikes left only shallow marks upon its body.
Seeing this, Lin Yu focused his mind, pushing his ice-fire power to its absolute limit. He deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to generate multiple phantoms that confused the lizard's vision, then seized the moment to sweep around behind the creature and thrust his sword into its tail. Smarting from the pain, the fire lizard whirled around violently, swinging its massive claws to strike at Lin Yu. Dodging nimbly, Lin Yu continued to assail the creature's weak points with his blade. Amidst the fierce combat, Lin Yu discovered that the fire lizard's belly was relatively vulnerable, so he exchanged a knowing glance with Murong Xue, and the two coordinated tacitly. Murong Xue cast an ice-type spell to temporarily freeze the lizard's movements, while Lin Yu unleashed a full-power strike, driving his long sword straight into its belly. Letting out an agonizing roar, the fire lizard collapsed to the ground, its breath gradually fading.
After a brief rest, Lin Yu and Murong Xue pressed onward into the depths of the Flame Volcano Range. Along the way, they encountered assaults from various fire-attribute demonic beasts, such as flame bats and magma pythons, yet relying on their tacit coordination and formidable strength, they successfully beat back every enemy. Nonetheless, as they penetrated deeper into the range, the dangers multiplied, and they had no inkling of what even greater challenges awaited them ahead.
Deep within the Flame Volcano Range, Lin Yu and Murong Xue finally discovered the Flame Spirit Red Lotus emitting its peculiar radiance. The red lotus grew in the center of a massive magma pool, surrounded by churning lava as if protected by a natural barrier. Its petals resembled burning flames, every single one flashing with mysterious runes and radiating powerful spiritual power fluctuations.
Just as they prepared to approach the lotus, violent waves suddenly surged within the magma pool, and a colossal fire dragon burst forth from the water. Enveloped entirely in flames, the fire dragon unfurled massive wings that blotted out the sky. Its eyes flashed with red light, exuding endless majesty and fury—undoubtedly the guardian beast of the Flame Spirit Red Lotus.
Letting out a deafening roar, the fire dragon spewed a massive pillar of fire that surged toward Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Lin Yu swiftly cast an ice-fire barrier, protecting the two of them within it. The fire pillar crashed against the barrier with a violent roar, spiderweb cracks spreading across its surface. Murong Xue cast ice-type spells, attempting to use frigid cold qi to counteract the fire dragon's blazing power, but the dragon's strength was simply too formidable; the effect of her spells was negligible.
Knowing the fire dragon's might, Lin Yu understood they could not brute-force their way through and had to find an opening. Activating his Immortal Eye, he observed the fire dragon's movements closely and discovered that prior to unleashing each pillar of fire, the dragon's head would dip slightly—this was likely the prelude to its attack. Sharing this discovery with Murong Xue, the two resolved to launch a counterattack the moment the dragon struck again.
With another roar, the fire dragon dipped its head slightly, preparing to spew a pillar of fire. Timing their move precisely, Murong Xue cast an ice-type spell, gathering a massive amount of frigid cold qi directly in front of the fire dragon to dull the power of the fire pillar. Meanwhile, Lin Yu activated the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to create multiple phantoms that confused the dragon's vision, while fusing his ice and fire energies to their peak to execute his strongest sword technique, thrusting straight toward the fire dragon's eyes.
Befuddled by the phantoms and unable to distinguish real from false, the fire dragon's fire pillar deviated in trajectory, missing Lin Yu and Murong Xue entirely. Imbued with immense power, Lin Yu's sword technique struck true, piercing the dragon's eye. The fire dragon let out an agonizing roar and thrashed its wings madly, whipping up tidal waves of surrounding magma dozens of feet high.
Struggling to maintain their balance amidst the towering waves, Lin Yu and Murong Xue pressed their attack against the fire dragon. Murong Xue cast the Ice Spike Spell, sending countless ice spikes hurtling into the dragon's body, while Lin Yu relentlessly hacked at its wounds. Under their combined onslaught, the fire dragon gradually fell into a desperate plight; its power began to wane, and its attacks grew sluggish.
After a fierce battle, the Flame Dragon finally could no longer hold on and crashed to the ground. Looking at the fallen beast, Lin Yu and Murong Xue felt a wave of exhaustion, but even more so, the joy of victory. They cautiously walked over to the Flame Spirit Red Lotus, and Lin Yu reached out, gently picking the precious celestial lotus and placing it inside his storage ring. At that moment, they were one step closer to gathering all the materials needed for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul.
Chapter 350: A Fruitless Return? No, A Wealth of Spoils and a New Journey
Carrying the Flame Spirit Red Lotus, Lin Yu and Murong Xue left the Flame Volcano Range. They found a safe spot nearby and rested for several days to recover their physical strength and spiritual power. Seeing the growing collection of materials for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul in their storage rings, both of them felt a surge of anticipation.
Murong Xue leaned against Lin Yu's embrace and said, "Brother Yu, we've gathered so many materials already. We're getting closer and closer to refining the Hundun Nine-Color Pill." Lin Yu gently stroked Murong Xue's hair and smiled, "Indeed, Xue-er. Although this journey has been arduous, having you by my side makes everything worthwhile. Next, we must continue searching for the remaining materials. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together."
After resting, they once again set out on their journey. According to the Old Man's hints and clues from ancient texts, their next crucial material was located in a mysterious sea area. Known as the Sea of Spirit Illusions, it was filled with all sorts of exotic creatures and mystical powers. Lin Yu and Murong Xue felt not an ounce of fear. Armed with unwavering conviction and mutual trust, they pressed on toward the Sea of Spirit Illusions. They knew that more challenges awaited them on the road ahead, but they firmly believed that as long as they walked hand in hand, they would overcome all obstacles, ultimately forging the Nine-Color Nascent Soul and creating their own legend.
Chapter 351: First Arrival at the Sea of Spirit Illusions, A Mysterious Aura
After a long and arduous trek, Lin Yu and Murong Xue finally reached the edge of the Sea of Spirit Illusions. Looking out across the waters, this sea was vastly different from ordinary oceans; the surface shimmered with a brilliant, multicolored radiance, as if countless gems had been scattered across it. A mystical aura permeated the air, making one feel as though they had stepped into a dreamlike realm.
Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to pierce through the secrets of this sea, yet all that met his eyes were layers of mist and faint, shifting lights and shadows. Murong Xue tightly grasped Lin Yu's hand, her eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and lingering tension. "Brother Yu, this Sea of Spirit Illusions looks so mysterious. Can we really find the materials we need here?" Lin Yu smiled reassuringly, "Xue-er, we've weathered so many hardships and dangers to make it this far. Mysterious as this sea may be, I believe we will certainly find what we are looking for."
They walked along the coastline, searching for the optimal spot to enter the sea. Suddenly, a flock of strange creatures resembling birds but possessing fish tails leaped from the surface. Their bodies glowed with a soft blue light as they chirped and flew toward Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Though these creatures appeared harmless, Lin Yu did not dare let his guard down. He gently shielded Murong Xue behind him, circulating his spiritual power in preparation for any potential attack.
As the creatures drew closer, however, they launched no assault. Instead, they circled around the pair, seemingly inspecting the two outsiders out of curiosity. One of the larger creatures slowly landed before Lin Yu and gently nuzzled his hand with its head, as if expressing friendliness. A thought stirred in Lin Yu's heart; he guessed these creatures might be intimately familiar with this sea and perhaps could offer them assistance.
Chapter 352: Befriending the Spirit Fish, Seeking Clues
Lin Yu squatted down, gently petting the strange creature before him. Through establishing a mental connection with it, he learned that these beings were called Spirit Fish of the Illusory Sea, the native inhabitants of the Sea of Spirit Illusions. The Spirit Fish informed Lin Yu that countless treasures and dangers were hidden within this sea, and the Nine-Color Nascent Soul material they sought was very likely located inside a mysterious ruin deep on the ocean floor.
Lin Yu shared this news with Murong Xue, and both of them were thrilled. The Spirit Fish voluntarily offered to guide them to the general vicinity of the ruins, though it warned them that they would encounter various powerful sea beasts and mystical forces along the way. Lin Yu and Murong Xue agreed without hesitation, well aware that obtaining precious materials required the courage to face challenges head-on.
Guided by the Spirit Fish, Lin Yu and Murong Xue deployed their movement techniques, stepping onto the surface of the sea as they forged deeper into the waters. Along the way, they beheld many wondrous sights: massive coral reefs flashing with strange glows, some shaped like towering ancient trees, others resembling giant castles. There were also translucent, jellyfish-like creatures whose bodies pulsed with multicolored ribbons of light as they danced gracefully through the water.
Yet the peace did not last long. Suddenly, a massive vortex churned up from beneath the surface, and a giant octopus the size of a mountain burst forth from the center. Its tentacles spanned dozens of zhang in length, covered in sharp suction cups and radiating a formidable aura. Wielding its tentacles, the giant octopus lunged at Lin Yu and Murong Xue, clearly viewing them as intruders.
Chapter 353: Fierce Battle with the Giant Octopus, Surviving Desperate Straits
The giant octopus's tentacles whipped through the air like colossal pythons, whistling as they lashed toward Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Lin Yu swiftly drew his long sword, channeling the power of ice and fire to execute a fierce sword technique in an attempt to sever the beast's tentacles. Murong Xue deployed the Ice Phoenix Formula, instantly condensing the chilling frost into arrays of ice shards that shot toward the octopus.
The octopus's tentacles were exceptionally tough; Lin Yu's strikes left only shallow marks upon them. Meanwhile, Murong Xue's ice shards merely caused the octopus to pause for a fraction of a second before it easily swatted them away. The octopus let out a low roar, and more tentacles attacked from all directions, trapping Lin Yu and Murong Xue in a tight encirclement.
Lin Yu knew in his heart that they could not remain on the defensive; they had to find the octopus's weakness. Activating his Immortal Eye, he carefully observed the creature's body and discovered that its eyes were relatively vulnerable. Sharing this discovery with Murong Xue, the two decided to concentrate their forces on attacking the octopus's eyes.
Murong Xue unleashed her full strength, gathering the freezing cold qi into a massive ice spike that hurtled toward the octopus's eye. Simultaneously, Lin Yu employed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, generating multiple illusions to confuse the octopus's vision. Under the cover of these phantoms, he swiftly dashed toward the beast's eye and drove his sword straight into it.
The octopus shrieked in agony, thrashing its body wildly and flailing its tentacles in all directions. Amidst the chaos, Lin Yu and Murong Xue narrowly dodged its onslaught while continuing their assault on its eyes. With their concerted efforts, the octopus's eyes were gradually destroyed. Its movements grew sluggish, and finally, it crashed down heavily, sinking into the ocean depths.
Watching the octopus vanish beneath the surface, Lin Yu and Murong Xue let out sighs of relief. The Spirit Fish gathered around, expressing awe and admiration for their courage and strength. After a brief rest, led once again by the Spirit Fish, they resumed their journey toward the mysterious ruins.
Chapter 354: Mysterious Lights and Shadows, The Illusory Maze
After some travel, guided by the Spirit Fish, Lin Yu and Murong Xue arrived at a peculiar sea area. The water here possessed a strange purple hue, and countless shimmering lights and shadows floated above the surface. These phantoms constantly shifted shapes—at times resembling ferocious beasts, at other times fair immortals—dazzling the eyes.
The Spirit Fish told them this was the Illusory Maze. Entering it made it extremely easy to lose one's direction, or even become bewitched by the phantoms and plunge into deadly danger. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to see through the essence of these phantoms, only to discover they were not mere illusions; rather, they were condensed from a mystical energy and possessed a certain offensive capability.
Worriedly, Murong Xue looked at Lin Yu. "Brother Yu, this maze looks so complicated. How are we going to get through?" Lin Yu pondered for a moment before answering, "Xue-er, mysterious as these phantoms may be, I believe there is a pattern to them. Let's proceed with caution—I will observe with my Immortal Eye, and you use your ice magic. If danger arises, we will look out for one another."
The two cautiously stepped into the Illusory Maze. The moment they entered, the surrounding phantoms rapidly closed in on them. A giant phantom tiger bared its bloody fangs and pounced at Murong Xue. With a crisp cry, Murong Xue executed her ice magic, instantly raising an ice wall in front of her to block the tiger's charge. Lin Yu, meanwhile, swung his sword, shattering the approaching phantoms one by one.
Yet the phantoms multiplied, and their attacks grew increasingly ferocious. Lin Yu noticed that these phantoms seemed to adapt based on their attacking methods; if met with a powerful strike, the phantoms only grew tougher. A clever idea struck him. He altered his offensive strategy, executing deft sword techniques that targeted the phantoms' weak spots. Sure enough, the resistance of the phantoms weakened considerably.
As they pressed forward through the hardship, Lin Yu suddenly spotted a pattern: the changes in these phantoms seemed linked to the fluctuations of the surrounding seawater. Concentrating his mind, he guided Murong Xue to coordinate their attacks with the rhythm of the ocean currents, gradually finding the method to pass through the maze.
Chapter 355: Breaking Through the Maze, The Undersea Ruins Appear
Following the rhythm of the ocean's fluctuations, Lin Yu and Murong Xue skillfully dealt with the ever-changing phantoms of the maze. Their cooperation grew increasingly seamless, and their advancing speed steadily accelerated. Finally, after a grueling battle, they successfully broke through the Illusory Maze.
Before them lay a tranquil stretch of sea, the water crystal-clear. Through the water, a massive ruin could be seen resting deep on the ocean floor. The architectural style of the ruins was ancient and mystical, radiating a faint glow as if whispering tales of bygone eras. Filled with excitement, Lin Yu and Murong Xue knew that the crucial material for the Nine-Color Nascent Soul was most likely hidden within this very ruin.
Accompanied by the Spirit Fish, Lin Yu and Murong Xue cast spells to dive into the ocean, swimming toward the ruins. Upon approaching the structures, they discovered that the perimeter was covered in various barriers and runes. These seals radiated powerful energy fluctuations, clearly intended to protect the secrets within the ruins.
Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye to closely study these barriers and runes, seeking a method to crack them. Murong Xue stood guard nearby, vigilantly watching the surroundings to ward off any sudden dangers. After some study, Lin Yu realized these seals were connected to an ancient formation; he needed to channel spiritual power in a specific sequence to breach them.
Sharing his findings with Murong Xue, the two began attempting to dismantle the barriers. Lin Yu meticulously channeled his spiritual power into the runes around the ruins in the sequence he had deduced. As the spiritual power poured in, the runes began to glow, and the restrictive force gradually weakened. Just as they were on the verge of success, however, a giant sea turtle swam out from the ocean depths. A formidable aura emanated from its body, marking it as the guardian of these ruins.
Chapter 356: Fierce Battle with the Turtle Guardian, Struggling to Break Defenses
The turtle guardian slowly approached Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Its colossal body, akin to a small hill, stirred up rolling waves in the water. The turtle's eyes gleamed with vigilant light as it stared down the two intruders attempting to breach the ruins. Upon its back rested a massive shell etched with mysterious runes, which seemed to share some connection with the barriers surrounding the ruins.
Taking the initiative, the turtle guardian opened its massive mouth and spewed a powerful torrent of water. The current sliced through the water like a razor-sharp blade, hurtling toward Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Murong Xue reacted swiftly, employing ice magic to freeze the torrent into an ice pillar that blocked their path. At the same time, Lin Yu shattered the ice pillar with his sword and charged at the guardian beast.
The turtle guardian swung its massive claws, engaging Lin Yu in a fierce clash. Though Lin Yu's sword techniques were sharp, the turtle's defense was exceptionally formidable; its claws and shell easily deflected his strikes. Murong Xue cast ice spells from the side, attempting to slow down the guardian's movements, but the runes inscribed upon its body seemed to possess a resistance against ice-based magic.
During the combat, Lin Yu noticed that every time the turtle guardian attacked, the runes on its back flared with different lights, seemingly channeling a certain power. Concentrating his focus, he observed the changing patterns of the runes, trying to find a flaw in its defense. After careful observation, he discovered that the instant the runes flashed, the guardian's defense suffered a brief moment of weakness.
Sharing this discovery with Murong Xue, the two decided to seize the opportunity to launch an attack. Murong Xue poured her full strength into gathering the freezing chill into a massive ice sword, which shot toward the turtle guardian. Simultaneously, Lin Yu deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to generate multiple phantoms, confusing the beast's vision. Taking advantage of the brief window of vulnerability, he unleashed his ultimate sword technique, driving his long blade straight into the guardian's body.
Chapter 357: Defeating the Guardian, Exploring the Ruins
Struck by the joint assault of Lin Yu and Murong Xue, the turtle guardian let out a cry of agony. Its body shuddered violently, and the glow of the runes on its back dimmed. Seizing the moment, Lin Yu and Murong Xue pressed the attack; Murong Xue continuously cast ice spells, sending a torrential storm of ice swords and shards toward the beast. Lin Yu wielded his exquisite sword technique, relentlessly seeking out and widening the wounds on the turtle's body.
Under their sustained barrage, the turtle guardian finally could hold on no longer and slowly sank to the ocean floor. Watching the fallen beast, Lin Yu and Murong Xue let out collective breaths of relief. They knew this was merely the first step toward entering the ruins, and even more arduous challenges lay ahead.
With the defeat of the guardian, the barrier surrounding the ruins completely vanished. Swimming up to the entrance, Lin Yu and Murong Xue found a massive stone gate covered in ancient patterns and text. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, carefully studying the carvings in an attempt to decipher their meaning. After some study, he realized the patterns and text recorded the method for entering the ruins along with several precautions.
Following the hints on the stone gate, Lin Yu and Murong Xue channeled their spiritual power into the gate's recesses. The stone gate shuddered, emitting a deep, rumbling sound before slowly swinging open, releasing a wave of ancient and mystical aura. Exchanging a glance filled with anticipation and tension, the two stepped cautiously into the ruins.
The interior of the ruins was dim and gloomy, with faint lights glowing along the walls to illuminate their path. They proceeded with care, their footsteps echoing through the cavernous space. Suddenly, a low growl echoed from deep within the ruins, signaling that an even greater danger awaited them.
Chapter 358: Crisis in the Ruins, A Mysterious Black Shadow
Lin Yu and Murong Xue advanced carefully through the ruins as the low growl grew increasingly close, sounding like a ferocious beast bearing down upon them. As the distance closed, a massive black shadow gradually materialized before their eyes. The shadow was huge and its outline blurred, making its specific form indistinguishable, yet the powerful aura radiating from it was palpable.
With an angry roar, the black shadow lunged at Lin Yu and Murong Xue. Lin Yu swiftly drew his sword, channeling the power of ice and fire to execute a fierce sword technique in an effort to block the shadow's charge. Murong Xue deployed the Ice Phoenix Formula, instantly spreading a freezing chill to bind the shadow's movements. However, the shadow moved at lightning speed, easily dodging their attacks before lashing out with a massive claw toward Murong Xue.
Seeing this, Lin Yu panicked. Throwing caution to the wind, he rushed toward the shadow and used his long sword to intercept its claw. The immense impact drove Lin Yu back several steps, sending a sharp jolt of pain through his arm. Enraged upon seeing Lin Yu injured, Murong Xue poured her full strength into condensing the freezing qi into a massive ice pillar, which she hurled at the shadow. Struck by the pillar, the shadow paused for a brief moment before breaking free from its restraints and renewing its assault.
Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to pierce the shadow's true form, but it seemed shrouded in a layer of mystical energy that even his eyes could not fully penetrate. Amidst the intense combat, Lin Yu noticed that while the shadow's attacks were fierce, they lacked flexibility, and each movement appeared somewhat repetitive. A clever thought struck him; exchanging a glance with Murong Xue, the two decided to adopt hit-and-run tactics, constantly shifting positions to exhaust the shadow's stamina.
Chapter 359: Unveiling the Shadow's Mystery, Awakening Mysterious Power
Employing hit-and-run tactics, Lin Yu and Murong Xue continually shifted their positions to evade the shadow's attacks while seeking opportunities to counterstrike. Frustrated by their strategy, the shadow unleashed even more ferocious strikes, which in turn created greater openings in its defense.
Spotting the right moment, Lin Yu activated the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to generate multiple phantoms that confused the shadow's sight. He then swiftly circled behind the shadow and unleashed his full power, fusing the energy of ice and fire to the absolute limit as he thrust his sword into the creature's back. Sensing danger, the shadow attempted to turn and block, but Lin Yu's blade had already pierced its body. Emitting a painful roar, the shadow began to convulse violently.
At that very moment, the mystical energy enveloping the shadow began to dissipate, and Lin Yu and Murong Xue finally caught sight of its true form. It turned out to be a giant sea beast whose body was covered in black crystals; these crystals had endowed it with immense power and a mysterious aura. As the shadow sustained injuries, the black crystals began to crack, emitting a bizarre radiance from the fissures.
Astonished, Lin Yu and Murong Xue stared at the spectacle, unaware of what the light signified. Suddenly, the radiance intensified, illuminating the entire ruin. Bathed in the glow, Lin Yu felt a surge of immense power—a force that seemed to be calling out to him. Involuntarily, he reached out his hand to touch the light. The instant his fingers made contact, a torrent of power rushed into his body, triggering miraculous changes within him as some dormant, mysterious power began to awaken.
Chapter 360: Aiding Mysterious Power, Harvesting Precious Materials
Feeling the mystical power flood into his body, Lin Yu felt as though he were wrapped in a warm current. Every meridian throughout his frame was scoured and tempered by this force, becoming vastly more resilient. His spiritual power surged rapidly, and his realm, previously at the Late Golden Core stage, showed signs of a breakthrough.
Looking on in astonishment, Murong Xue's eyes were filled with worry. "Brother Yu, how are you feeling?" Taking a deep breath, Lin Yu slowly replied, "Xue-er, I'm fine. This power is wondrous; it seems to be helping me elevate my strength." Under the influence of the mystical energy, Lin Yu circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, fusing this newfound power with his own spiritual essence. As the integration deepened, his aura grew increasingly formidable until he finally broke through into the Early Nascent Soul realm.
Following his breakthrough, Lin Yu's strength multiplied. He felt a wellspring of power within, as if he could effortlessly handle any challenge. By now, the black crystals on the defeated sea beast had completely shattered. Where the crystals had broken, a bead radiating multicolored light lay exposed—it was precisely one of the Nine-Color Nascent Soul materials they had been searching for.
Joyfully, Lin Yu picked up the bead and placed it into his storage ring. Murong Xue beamed with happiness. "Brother Yu, congratulations on your breakthrough, and we've found the precious material too." Lin Yu pulled Murong Xue into a warm embrace and smiled, "This is all thanks to you, Xue-er. Without you, I could never have progressed so smoothly." The two held each other, basking in the joy of victory.
After resting briefly in the ruins, Lin Yu and Murong Xue resumed their exploration. They discovered numerous additional chambers and passages within the ruins, likely concealing even more secrets and treasures. Filled with anticipation and excitement, they pressed deeper into the ruins, wondering what manner of surprises and trials awaited them ahead.
Chapter 361: Deep Within the Ruins, The Mysterious Altar
Venturing further into the ruins, Lin Yu and Murong Xue noticed the walls on either side of the passage were carved with various exotic patterns and runes, as if narrating a stretch of ancient history. As they advanced, the mystical aura hanging in the air grew increasingly dense. At last, they arrived at a massive stone chamber, in the center of which stood a mysterious altar.
The altar was constructed from an unknown black stone, its surface etched with complex markings that emitted a faint glow. Four huge crystal spheres sat around the perimeter of the altar, glowing in different colors to represent the five elemental attributes of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Activating his Immortal Eye, Lin Yu carefully inspected the altar and discovered that its markings were tied to an ancient formation, with the crystal spheres serving as the key nodes of the array.
Curious, Murong Xue stepped forward, intending to touch the altar, but Lin Yu pulled her back just in time. "Xue-er, be careful. This altar looks extremely mysterious; who knows what hidden dangers it holds." Just then, the altar suddenly shook violently. The glow within the crystal spheres flared brilliantly, and a powerful force surged from the altar, enveloping Lin Yu and Murong Xue.
Tightly gripping Murong Xue's hand, Lin Yu channeled his spiritual power, attempting to resist the force. Yet this power was overwhelmingly immense, rendering their spiritual energy insignificant in comparison. Under the impact of the formidable force, Lin Yu and Murong Xue found their bodies involuntarily lifting into the air, drifting slowly toward the altar.