Lin Yu successfully condensed the Nine-Color Nascent Soul, achieving a qualitative leap in his strength. The entire Qingyun Sect was immersed in his glory. However, Lin Yu knew deeply that this was merely a new starting point on his long path of cultivation. One day, Li Shubao hurried over, his expression tinged with a mix of gratification and anticipation. He handed an exquisite storage ring to Lin Yu and said solemnly, "Child, these are the cultivation resources prepared for you by the sect, along with some high-tier martial arts techniques. I hope they will help you advance further on your upcoming journey."
Lin Yu took the ring, a warm current welling up in his heart. He knew this was the sect's trust and expectations. He bowed slightly and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Li Shubao, and thank you to the sect." Checking the contents of the ring, he found spiritual crystals piled up like mountains, exuding dense spiritual energy, along with a few martial arts manuals with mysterious runes flashing on their covers.
Lin Yu subsequently found Murong Xue and Su Yao, and said with a firm gaze, "I plan to head to the Wind-Rending Continent. If my body-refining technique is to advance, I must undergo windstorm tempering there. Moreover, I have obtained a holy-tier body-refining technique, the *Underworld Heaven-Suppressing Art*. Although the cultivation process is extremely torturous, I have no other choice if I wish to wield the dao weapon, the Asura Underworld Saber. I want to take you both with me; I can no longer let the people around me suffer harm."
Murong Xue and Su Yao exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with firmness and support. Murong Xue nodded softly, "Brother Yu, wherever you go, we will accompany you." Su Yao also smiled and chimed in, "Right, we will face it together."
The three of them began to get busy, collecting various types of pills—pills for healing wounds and restoring spiritual energy, all of them incomparably precious. Lin Yu also carefully crafted many talismans, including offensive talismans and defensive talismans, each imbued with powerful spiritual energy. With everything ready, they embarked on their journey to the Wind-Rending Continent.
When passing through the spatial rift, powerful spatial turbulence constantly battered them. Lin Yu deployed the Ice-Fire Shield, tightly protecting the three of them within it. Murong Xue and Su Yao also channeled their spiritual energy to assist Lin Yu in resisting the force. Finally, they successfully arrived at the Wind-Rending Continent. The moment they stepped onto this land, fierce winds howled, cutting against their faces like sharp blades. In the distance, huge storm pillars rose straight up, connecting heaven and earth in a scene that was both shocking and dangerous.
Chapter 432: Entering the Danger Zone, Baptized by the Storm
Looking at the raging storm before them, the three of them felt not the slightest bit of retreat. Lin Yu took a deep breath, circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, and took the lead by walking toward the center of the storm. Murong Xue and Su Yao followed closely behind. Murong Xue cast an ice-style spell, forming an ice shield around them to resist the erosion of the fierce wind; Su Yao activated the defense of the *Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon*, and flames danced around her, echoing the ice shield.
As they went deeper, the power of the storm grew stronger and stronger. The fierce wind was mixed with sharp stones and metal fragments, shooting toward them like hidden projectiles. Lin Yu waved his long sword, swatting away the incoming foreign objects one after another. Suddenly, a huge hurricane pillar swept horizontally toward them. Lin Yu shouted, "Watch out!" He executed the Space Folding skill, instantly transferring himself, Murong Xue, and Su Yao dozens of meters away.
However, the lingering momentum of the hurricane pillar still shook them so hard that their blood churned. Looking at the two in pain, Lin Yu's heart filled with aching tenderness, but he knew that only by persisting here could they enhance their strength. He settled Murong Xue and Su Yao in a relatively safe cave and instructed, "Wait for me here. I am going to the center of the storm to temper myself."
Lin Yu stepped alone into the storm core area, where the fierce wind acted like countless hands trying to tear him apart. He clenched his teeth and circulated the *Underworld Heaven-Suppressing Art*, letting his body endure the impact of the storm. Every lash of the fierce wind felt like a whip striking his body fiercely; his skin was lacerated and blood flowed freely, but his gaze grew increasingly resolute.
Meanwhile, Murong Xue and Su Yao were not idle in the cave. Murong Xue continuously practiced her ice-style spells, attempting to find a breakthrough in this harsh environment; Su Yao immersed herself in the cultivation of the *Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon*, the power of flames constantly refining within her body.
Chapter 433: Difficult Breakthrough, First Gleam of Dawn
At the core of the storm, Lin Yu's body endured unprecedented torture. The cultivation of the *Underworld Heaven-Suppressing Art* required him not only to withstand the storm head-on, but also to guide the storm's power into his body to temper his meridians and bones. The fierce wind acted like knives, cutting open his skin, while a bone-chilling cold invaded his body through the wounds, violently clashing with the spiritual energy inside him.
Lin Yu circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, struggling to balance the chaotic spiritual energy within his body. His consciousness gradually blurred amidst the pain, but the firm belief in his heart constantly sustained him. Suddenly, he felt a loosening in the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula within him, as if a shackle were about to be unlocked.
Seizing this opportunity, Lin Yu circulated his technique with all his might, frantically absorbing the surrounding storm's power. The storm's power rushed into his meridians like a surging tide, causing his meridians to emit "crack-crack" sounds under the impact of the powerful force, as if they would snap at any moment. Lin Yu's face turned as pale as paper, and cold sweat poured down like rain, but he bit his teeth hard, refusing to let himself pass out.
Time ticked by second by second, and Lin Yu's body flickered in and out of view within the storm. Finally, a crisp "crack" sounded within his body, and the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula successfully broke through to the fifth tier. A powerful force erupted from within him, pushing the surrounding storm back by several meters.
At the moment of the breakthrough, Lin Yu felt a wondrous change in the surrounding wind elements. He felt as if he had merged with the wind, comprehending the true meaning of "the wind passes through all things, returning destruction to the void." Amidst this wondrous insight, he created a new wind-style martial art—the Void-Returning Blade. He condensed a wind blade in his hand, surrounded by destructive power; with a gentle wave, a huge gash was cut into the storm pillar ahead.
Carrying his exhaustion and joy, Lin Yu returned to the cave. Seeing him, Murong Xue and Su Yao's eyes were filled with pleasant surprise and heartache. Lin Yu smiled and said, "I've successfully broken through and even created a new martial art." The three of them embraced and laughed. At this moment, they felt the deep affection between them and the strength of striving together.
Chapter 434: Exploring the Continent, A Mysterious Ruin Appears
After a period of recuperation, Lin Yu's injuries gradually healed, and his strength grew increasingly stable. He, Murong Xue, and Su Yao decided to explore the Wind-Rending Continent in search of more opportunities and challenges. Along the way, they saw many bizarre sights; huge rocks carved by the storm into various peculiar shapes—some resembling giant eagles spreading their wings to fly, others like ancient giants.
Suddenly, Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye and discovered exceptionally intense spiritual energy fluctuations in the distance. Excitedly, he said to Murong Xue and Su Yao, "There might be treasures over there. Let's go take a look." The three of them walked toward the direction of the spiritual energy fluctuations, and an ancient ruin appeared before their eyes. The gates of the ruin were tightly closed, carved all over with mysterious runes, exuding an ancient and vicissitudinous aura.
Observing the runes closely, Lin Yu found that they bore some similarity to the ones he had seen in the Penglai Secret Realm. He attempted to channel his spiritual energy into the runes; the runes flashed with light, and the gates slowly opened. A stale aura rushed toward them; inside was dim and gloomy, with faint flashes of light.
They cautiously walked into the ruin. The walls of the passageway were carved with various patterns—ancient battle scenes and mysterious sacrificial rituals. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to decipher the information behind these patterns. Suddenly, a low roar came from the passageway, and a huge demonic beast rushed out from the darkness. The beast resembled a lion, but its entire body was covered in sharp spikes, and it spat green venom from its mouth, exuding a nauseating stench.
Chapter 435: Fierce Battle with the Demonic Beast, Ruin Crisis
Clawing and baring its fangs, the demonic beast lunged at the three of them. Its eyes flashed with a bloodthirsty gleam, clearly treating them as prey. Lin Yu quickly drew his long sword and channeled the ice-fire power. Flames instantly ignited on the blade, simultaneously covered by a thin layer of ice. Murong Xue cast an ice-style spell, summoning countless ice ridges that shot toward the demonic beast like a rainstorm. Su Yao activated the *Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon*, sending a fiery giant dragon flying from her hands, roaring as it charged at the beast.
Unfazed, the demonic beast swung its huge claws, swatting away the ice ridges and the fire dragon. Then, it leaped fiercely, lunging straight at Lin Yu. Executing the Space Folding skill, Lin Yu instantly appeared behind the beast and thrust his sword into its back. However, the beast's skin was as hard as iron, and the sword left only a shallow mark upon it.
Roaring in anger, the demonic beast turned around and spat a large amount of green venom. Wherever the venom landed, the ground was instantly corroded into large pits. Lin Yu deployed the Ice-Fire Shield, blocking the venom outside. Seizing the opportunity, Murong Xue unleashed her strongest ice-style attack—the Ice Explosion Technique. A huge ice ball exploded near the beast, and the powerful shockwave knocked it back several steps.
Su Yao compressed her flame power to the limit, forming a massive fiery meteor that smashed toward the demonic beast. Despite sustaining some injuries from everyone's attacks, the beast possessed overwhelming strength and still attacked crazily. Suddenly, it spotted Murong Xue as a relatively weaker target and charged toward her regardless of everything else. Shocked, Lin Yu executed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, creating multiple phantoms to confuse the beast while rapidly rushing toward Murong Xue.
Chapter 436: Turning Danger into Safety, Exploring the Ruin
Lin Yu's phantoms successfully confused the demonic beast, causing it to lose its bearings among the many illusions and experience a brief pause in its attacks. Seizing the moment, Lin Yu unleashed his full strength, fusing the ice-fire power to the limit, and stabbed his sword straight into the beast's eye. Imbued with powerful force, this strike directly penetrated the beast's defense and pierced into its eye. The demonic beast let out a shrill, miserable screech, twisting its body wildly in an attempt to shake Lin Yu off.
Grasping his long sword tightly, Lin Yu continuously poured spiritual energy into it, intensifying the damage inflicted on the beast. Murong Xue and Su Yao also seized the chance to unleash their strongest attacks. Under their combined assault, the demonic beast finally collapsed with a loud crash. Looking at the fallen beast, the three of them heaved a sigh of relief. They stepped forward to inspect the carcass and found a glowing crystal core inside its body. Lin Yu extracted the core and placed it into his storage ring; this core might contain powerful energy and come in handy at a critical moment.
Having resolved the demonic beast, they ventured deeper into the ruin. The interior layout was intricate and complex, and they shuttled through the passageways, occasionally encountering mechanism traps. Relying on the insight of his Immortal Eye, Lin Yu discovered and disarmed many mechanisms in advance. Murong Xue and Su Yao assisted him from the side, using their respective spells to clear away obstacles.
As they walked, they arrived at a huge stone chamber. In the center of the chamber stood a stone platform, upon which rested an ancient book emitting a faint glow. Lin Yu stepped forward and cautiously picked up the ancient book. Mysterious runes were carved on its cover, and he activated his Immortal Eye in an attempt to decipher their meaning. Suddenly, a beam of light shot out from the book, enveloping Lin Yu within it. Lin Yu felt a powerful force surge into his body, and information regarding ancient spells appeared in his mind.
Chapter 437: Mysterious Spells, Enhancement of Strength
The light enveloped Lin Yu, and information regarding ancient spells surged into his mind like a tidal wave. These spells were extremely profound and imbued with powerful force. Lin Yu immersed himself in the comprehension of the spells. Spiritual energy fluctuations raged around his body, as ice-fire power, wind-style power, and the newly acquired mysterious power intertwined with one another.
Murong Xue and Su Yao watched Lin Yu anxiously from the side; they could feel that Lin Yu was undergoing a major transformation. Time ticked by second by second; Lin Yu's aura grew increasingly powerful, and his skin flashed with a peculiar radiance, as if covered by a layer of mysterious armor.
Finally, the light gradually dissipated, and Lin Yu slowly opened his eyes, which flashed with the light of wisdom. He felt that his strength had achieved a new elevation; not only did he have a deeper understanding of his previous martial arts and spells, but he had also mastered several powerful mysterious spells. One of these spells could summon ancient elemental spirits to fight for him; another could temporarily boost his speed and strength, giving him the upper hand in combat.
Lin Yu shared the secrets of these spells with Murong Xue and Su Yao, and the three of them discussed cultivation together. Under Lin Yu's explanation, Murong Xue and Su Yao also gained an initial understanding of these spells, and their strength improved to a certain extent.
Subsequently, they continued to explore the stone chamber. On the walls of the chamber, they discovered a huge map marked with several mysterious locations on the Wind-Rending Continent. Lin Yu guessed that these locations might hide more opportunities and secrets. They decided to follow the guidance of the map to head to their next destination and continue their adventurous journey.
Chapter 438: Mysterious Place, Powerful Faction
Guided by the map, the three of them arrived at a valley shrouded in mist. A mysterious aura permeated the valley, causing a sense of unease. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to pierce through the mist and see the situation within the valley. However, some powerful force seemed to be hidden within the mist, and the vision of his Immortal Eye was greatly restricted.
They walked cautiously into the valley; the surrounding trees were tall and twisted, and their branches flickered with eerie light. Suddenly, a melodious flute tune drifted over, imbued with a mysterious power that made their minds tremble. Lin Yu gripped his long sword vigilantly, while Murong Xue and Su Yao also channeled their spiritual energy, preparing to deal with any potential danger.
As the flute sound drew closer, a woman dressed in white robes slowly walked out of the mist. She possessed an exquisite face, yet her eyes revealed a hint of coldness. Looking at the three of them, she asked softly, "Outlanders, why have you trespassed into my Spirit Sound Valley?" Lin Yu cupped his fists and said, "Lady, we meant no offense; we simply followed the guidance of the map to arrive here, hoping to find some opportunities."
The woman frowned slightly. "A map? Where did you get that map? Spirit Sound Valley is not a place just anyone can enter." Lin Yu briefly explained the situation, and upon hearing it, a flash of surprise crossed the woman's eyes. "So that's how it is. Since you were able to come here, it can be considered fate. However, if you wish to obtain opportunities in Spirit Sound Valley, you must still pass my test."
As her voice fell, the woman waved her fair hand, and the surrounding space instantly changed. Countless sound waves assailed the three of them. The sound waves acted like sharp blades, cutting through the surrounding air and emitting buzzing sounds. Lin Yu deployed the Ice-Fire Shield, blocking the sound waves outside, but under their impact, cracks began to appear on the shield.
Chapter 439: Passing the Test, Secrets of Spirit Sound
Lin Yu's Ice-Fire Shield was on the verge of collapse under the impact of the sound waves, and Murong Xue and Su Yao were also resisting the attacks with all their might. Murong Xue cast an ice-style spell, attempting to use an ice wall to block the sound waves, but the sound waves easily pierced right through it. Su Yao channeled her flame power, attempting to burn and dissipate the sound waves, but the effect was not obvious.
Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, observing the pattern of the sound waves closely. He discovered that the frequency and rhythm of the sound waves seemed related to a certain ancient melody. Concentrating his mind, he circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula, fusing his spiritual energy with the surrounding environment in an attempt to find the flaws in the sound waves.
Amidst the fierce resistance, Lin Yu gradually discerned the pattern of the sound waves. Executing the Space Folding skill, he instantly appeared before the woman and thrust his sword toward her. Taken slightly aback, the woman had not expected Lin Yu to break through the defense of her sound waves. She quickly swung the flute in her hand, and a powerful sound wave pushed Lin Yu back.
Steadying his stance, Lin Yu said, "Lady, we harbor no ill intentions; we merely hope to pass the test and obtain opportunities." Seeing the determination in Lin Yu's eyes, the woman nodded slightly. "Very well, you have passed the test." With that, she waved her fair hand, and the surrounding space returned to normal.
The woman led the three of them deep into the valley, where an ancient palace stood. The gates of the palace were tightly closed, carved all over with mysterious runes. The woman channeled her spiritual energy into the runes, and the gates slowly opened. A powerful rush of spiritual energy swept over them. Inside the palace were placed many precious treasures, alongside a glowing manual.
The woman introduced, "This manual is the supreme treasure of my Spirit Sound Valley, recording the essence of Spirit Sound spells. Since you have passed the test, I will present it to you." Taking the manual, Lin Yu felt filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Lady." The woman smiled slightly. "I hope you will make good use of this manual and bring some changes to this continent."
Chapter 440: Cultivating the Manual, A New Crisis
Carrying the Spirit Sound manual, the three of them left Spirit Sound Valley. They found a safe place and began cultivating the Spirit Sound spells within the manual. The Spirit Sound spells were extremely unique; performed through sounds such as flute and zither tunes, they could manipulate sound waves to inflict dual damage on an enemy's soul and flesh.
Relying on his powerful comprehension, Lin Yu quickly mastered the basics of the Spirit Sound spells. He played the flute he carried with him; the melodious tune was imbued with powerful force, and the surrounding air rippled along with the notes. Murong Xue and Su Yao were also working hard at cultivation, fusing their ice-style and fire-style spells with the Spirit Sound spells to create even more powerful attack methods.
However, their cultivation attracted the attention of certain factions. In a dark corner of the Wind-Rending Continent, the leader of a mysterious organization received a report from his subordinate: "Leader, three outlanders obtained the Spirit Sound manual in Spirit Sound Valley, and their strength is rapidly increasing." The leader sneered, "The Spirit Sound manual is something I have always wanted to acquire; I must not let them master it. Send our elite assassins to take back the manual and incidentally eliminate them."
Soon after, a group of assassins dressed in black robes appeared around the cultivation ground of the three. Hiding in the darkness, the assassins' eyes flashed with a cold murderous intent. The weapons in their hands gleamed with a chilling light, ready to launch a fatal strike at any moment. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, perceiving the abnormality around them, and said vigilantly to Murong Xue and Su Yao, "Careful, enemies are coming."
Chapter 441: Encountering Assassins, Fierce Battle
The moment Lin Yu's voice fell, a group of black figures rushed out from all directions. Nimble in movement and with weapons gleaming with chilling light, the assassins lunged at the three of them like phantoms. Lin Yu quickly drew his long sword, channeled the ice-fire power, and unleashed a fierce swordsmanship. As his sword swept through, flames and frost intertwined, sending the approaching assassins reeling back.
Murong Xue cast an ice-style spell, summoning a massive ice wall to block the assassins outside. Sharp ice ridges condensed on the ice wall, and assassins crashing against it emitted miserable cries of pain. Su Yao activated the *Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon*, igniting the surrounding air with the power of flames to form a sea of fire, attempting to trap the assassins within it.
Although numerous in number, the assassins found it difficult to break through the defense for the time being when facing the formidable strength of the three. However, these assassins were well-trained; they quickly adjusted their tactics, dividing into several squads to launch attacks from different directions. One of the squads executed a bizarre movement technique, bypassing the ice wall to attack Murong Xue.
Shocked by the sight, Lin Yu executed the Space Folding skill, instantly appearing by Murong Xue's side and repelling the assassins. At the same time, he activated his Immortal Eye and executed the Soul Scorching skill, shooting a beam of soul light at the assassins. Struck by the light, the assassins clutched their heads and let out miserable shrieks, their souls feeling as if they were being burned by raging fires, their combat effectiveness plummeting.
Seizing the opportunity, Su Yao manipulated the flames to envelop this group of assassins. The flames licked at their bodies, and their black robes were quickly ignited as they struggled in the sea of fire. Seeing this, the other assassins paused their offense for a moment, but under the commander's orders, they quickly reorganized their assault. The assassin leader stood in the distance, waving a black banner embroidered with eerie runes that seemed to manipulate the actions of the assassins.
Chapter 442: Assassin Leader, Eerie Means
Waving the black banner, the assassin leader chanted incantations under his breath. Following his movements, a layer of black mist suddenly welled up over the assassins, greatly boosting their speed and strength. The already tricky assassins now grew even more frantic, launching attacks on the three of them regardless of everything else.
Sensing the change in the assassins, Lin Yu grew vigilant. He executed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, creating multiple phantoms to confuse the assassins' sight while searching for the leader's flaw. Murong Xue increased the output of her ice-style spells, and a chilling frost permeated the air, dropping the surrounding temperature to the extreme. Affected by the freezing cold, the assassins' movements slowed down, and part of the black mist on their bodies froze.
Su Yao combined her flame power with the Spirit Sound spells and began playing her flute. The flute notes mixed with scorching flame power, forming waves of sonic flames that swept toward the assassins. Wherever the sonic flames passed, assassins fell to the ground one after another, their bodies scorched by fire and their souls battered by the shockwaves of sound.
Seeing his subordinates suffer heavy losses, the assassin leader grew furious. He slammed the black banner fiercely into the ground and rapidly formed hand seals with both hands. The ground suddenly split open, and black tentacles drilled out from beneath, grabbing toward the three of them. The surfaces of the tentacles were covered with sharp barbs, exuding a nauseating stench. Lin Yu deployed the Ice-Fire Shield to block the black tentacles outside, but their force was formidable, and cracks began to appear on the shield under the continuous impacts.
Chapter 443: Escalating Crisis, Breaking Through with All Might
The black tentacles attacked Lin Yu's Ice-Fire Shield frantically, the cracks multiplying and threatening to shatter it at any second. Murong Xue and Su Yao had also fallen into a difficult plight; although their spells could temporarily halt the enemy's advance, the endless wave of assassins drained their spiritual energy enormously.
Looking at the crisis before him, Lin Yu pondered countermeasures in his heart. Suddenly, he thought of his newly created wind-style martial art—the Void-Returning Blade. Concentrating his mind, he mobilized the wind-style power within his body, condensing a wind blade in his hand surrounded by destructive might. Wielding the wind blade, Lin Yu chopped toward the black tentacles. As the wind blade swept past, the black tentacles snapped one after another, spraying black liquid from their severed ends.
Seeing this, the assassin leader waved the black banner once again, and the assassins quickly closed in, surrounding Lin Yu and the other two tightly. Knowing that they had to break through as quickly as possible or the consequences would be unimaginable, Lin Yu shouted to Murong Xue and Su Yao, "Let's all break through together with full force, I'll clear the way!" With that, he executed the Space Folding skill, instantly appearing on one side of the assassins' encirclement, his longsword flashing with ice and fire as he slashed wildly.
Murong Xue unleashed the ultimate attack of her ice magic—Ice-Breaking Firmament. A massive icicle carrying formidable power shot toward the assassins. Wherever the icicle passed, assassins were sent flying. Su Yao pushed her fire-element power and spirit-sound magic to their absolute limits, intertwining flames and sonic waves to form a powerful zone of attack, creating the conditions for their breakout.
Under the full-force attacks of the three, a gap finally appeared in the assassins' encirclement. Lin Yu led Murong Xue and Su Yao, quickly charging toward the gap. However, how could the assassin leader let them escape so easily? He pursued them personally, waving his black banner to hurl a beam of black light directly at Lin Yu.
Chapter 444: Desperate Counterattack, Mysterious Reinforcement
The black light shot toward Lin Yu like lightning with extreme speed. Too late to dodge, Lin Yu could only block with his longsword. The light struck the sword with a deafening crash, the tremendous impact driving Lin Yu back several steps and leaving his arm slightly numb. Seeing this, Murong Xue and Su Yao immediately moved to Lin Yu's side, preparing to fight the assassin leader to the death.
Just at that moment, a clear whistle echoed through the sky, and a white beam of light descended from above. Within the light stood a man in white robes, holding a white longsword and radiating a formidable aura. Looking at the assassins, the man said coldly, "You lack the qualifications to run wild in my territory."
The assassin leader's expression shifted; he had not expected anyone to suddenly step in and interfere. He let out a cold snort. "What kind of person are you? Stop meddling in other people's business." Without answering, the man waved his longsword, executing an exquisite set of sword techniques. The techniques contained powerful spiritual energy, and crisscrossing sword qi instantly beat back the surrounding assassins.
Lin Yu looked at the suddenly appearing man with a heart full of doubt. Turning his head, the man said to the three of them, "My name is Feng Yichen, the guardian of this region. Just now, I sensed intense combat here and rushed over." Lin Yu cupped his fists in gratitude. "Many thanks for Brother Feng's assistance. If you hadn't arrived in time, we would likely have fallen into a desperate situation today."
Feng Yichen smiled faintly. "Think nothing of it. Judging by your appearance, you are not people from the Raging Wind Continent. What are you doing here?" Lin Yu briefly explained the situation, and upon hearing it, a trace of surprise flashed in Feng Yichen's eyes. "So that's how it is. It is quite a fate that you were able to obtain the Spirit Sound Manual in the Spirit Sound Valley. However, this manual is far too precious and will inevitably attract a great deal of trouble."
Chapter 445: Traveling Together, Exploring Secrets Together
After understanding the situation of Lin Yu and his companions, Feng Yichen developed a strong interest in their experiences. Looking at the Spirit Sound Manual in Lin Yu's hand, he said, "It is said that this Spirit Sound Manual conceals a major secret of the Raging Wind Continent, and perhaps we can explore it together. I am quite familiar with this continent and can help you avoid certain dangers."
The three of them exchanged glances, feeling that Feng Yichen's proposal was a good one. Lin Yu nodded and said, "Very well, then I must thank Brother Feng. Having you travel with us adds a measure of security to our adventure." Thus, the four of them journeyed together, continuing to explore the mysterious places of the Raging Wind Continent according to the map's guidance.
Along the way, Feng Yichen introduced Lin Yu and his companions to the distribution of various factions and dangerous areas on the Raging Wind Continent. He told them that there were several powerful sects on the continent that frequently clashed over resources and territory. There were also mysterious ruins concealing powerful magical treasures and cultivation techniques, though they were accompanied by immense dangers.
Under Feng Yichen's guidance, they bypassed several hazardous zones and smoothly arrived at a valley. The valley was permeated with a rich concentration of spiritual energy, and the surrounding flowers, plants, and trees emitted a strange glow. Activating his Immortal Eye, Lin Yu discovered that the flow of spiritual energy within the valley was extremely peculiar, seeming to guard something.
They proceeded along the path in the valley until a massive stone gate suddenly appeared ahead. Carved all over with runes, the stone gate radiated an ancient aura. Lin Yu stepped forward, attempting to channel his spiritual energy into the runes to open the gate. However, the runes remained completely unresponsive, as though a specific method were required to open them.
Chapter 446: Mystery of the Stone Gate, Difficult Exploration
Lin Yu tried various methods, channeling his spiritual energy into the runes on the stone gate in different ways, yet the gate remained tightly shut without the slightest sign of opening. Feng Yichen also stepped forward to observe the runes closely, discovering that their arrangement was extremely complex, seemingly forming a unique array.
"This stone gate likely cannot be opened simply by channeling spiritual energy; we must find the key to the array," Feng Yichen said with a frown. Lin Yu, Murong Xue, and Su Yao also gathered around the stone gate to inspect it thoroughly, leaving no detail unchecked. Suddenly, Su Yao pointed to a corner at the base of the stone gate and said, "Look, the runes here seem a bit different."
The others looked over and saw that the runes in that corner were slightly darker in color and differed somewhat in shape from the rest. Activating his Immortal Eye for a closer look, Lin Yu discovered that these runes seemed to be faintly flickering, as if transmitting some kind of message. Concentrating his mind, he attempted to decode the meaning of the runes, and a series of hazy images flashed through his mind, seemingly concerning the method to open this stone gate.
Lin Yu shared his discovery with the others and then, following the guidance in his mind, channeled his spiritual energy into those special runes in a specific sequence and rhythm. As the spiritual energy poured in, the runes gradually lit up, and the stone gate began to tremble slightly. However, just at the moment when the gate was about to open, a powerful backlash of energy struck, driving Lin Yu back several steps.
Murong Xue and Su Yao hurriedly supported Lin Yu, while Feng Yichen kept a vigilant watch on the stone gate, preparing to deal with any danger that might emerge. Wiping the trace of blood from the corner of his mouth, Lin Yu said firmly, "I can feel that the stone gate is about to open. Let's try once more." This time, Feng Yichen, Murong Xue, and Su Yao simultaneously transmitted their spiritual energy to Lin Yu. Gathering the power of all four, Lin Yu once again channeled spiritual energy into the runes on the stone gate.
Chapter 447: The Stone Gate Opens, Mysterious Space
Under the influx of the four people's formidable spiritual energy, the runes on the stone gate blazed with brilliant light, and the entire structure shook violently. Accompanied by a muffled roar, the stone gate slowly opened, and a powerful, ancient aura rushed out to meet them. Beyond the gate lay a vast space filled with multicolored light, and various exotic treasures floated in mid-air, exuding an enticing aura.
The four of them stepped cautiously into this mysterious space, marveling at everything around them. Among the floating treasures were spirit crystals radiating a gentle glow—these crystals were of extremely high quality, containing boundless spiritual energy—along with ancient magical treasures covered in mysterious runes that seemed to possess great power.
Excitement flashed in Feng Yichen's eyes. "This place is simply a treasury; we've truly struck it lucky this time." Lin Yu, however, remained vigilant. Activating his Immortal Eye, he carefully observed the surrounding environment, sensing that some kind of danger was hidden within this space. Murong Xue and Su Yao did not dare to lower their guard either, each channeling their spiritual energy in readiness for any sudden situations.
As they continued forward through the space, a massive stone platform suddenly appeared ahead, upon which rested an ancient text emitting a golden glow. Lin Yu stepped forward, and just as he reached out to pick up the ancient text, a golden barrier of light suddenly rose around the stone platform, enclosing him within it. Within the barrier appeared an illusory figure, which looked at Lin Yu and slowly spoke, "If you wish to obtain this ancient text, you must pass my test."
Chapter 448: The Test Arrives, Difficult Coping
No sooner had the illusory figure finished speaking than the environment within the golden light barrier instantly transformed. Lin Yu found himself in a barren desert where scorching sunlight baked the earth, and not a single trace of water or life existed around him. Howling winds carrying stinging sand swept across like sharp blades; Lin Yu had to circulate his spiritual energy to form a protective shield just to barely withstand it.
The voice of the illusory figure echoed across the desert: "This is a test of your willpower and adaptability to the environment. If you cannot persist in this harsh environment, you are not worthy of obtaining the ancient text." Lin Yu clenched his teeth. Knowing that this ancient text might conceal a major secret vital to their exploration of the Raging Wind Continent, he resolved that he could not give up.
He circulated the Myriad Phenomena Unification Formula to regulate the spiritual energy within his body, resisting the erosion of the high temperature and sandstorms. At the same time, he activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to find a way out of his predicament. Through the observation of the Immortal Eye, he discovered an abnormal fluctuation of spiritual energy deep within the desert, which might hide the key to leaving.
braving the howling wind and scorching sun, Lin Yu trudged forward toward the direction of the spiritual energy fluctuation. Every step sank deep into the yellow sand, constantly draining his physical strength and spiritual energy. Meanwhile, outside the light barrier, Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen waited anxiously. They could see Lin Yu's arduous situation within the barrier yet were unable to offer direct help, so they could only silently cheer him on.
Feng Yichen comforted them, saying, "Brother Lin has extraordinary strength and firm willpower; he will certainly pass the test." Murong Xue and Su Yao nodded, their eyes filled with worry and anticipation. By this time, Lin Yu was utterly exhausted in the desert, but the conviction in his heart grew ever stronger. Just as he was about to collapse, he finally reached the source of the spiritual energy fluctuation and discovered a teleportation array hidden beneath the sand.
Chapter 449: Successfully Passing, Mysteries of the Ancient Text
Lin Yu stepped into the teleportation array with difficulty. With a flash of light, he instantly left the barren desert and returned to the golden light barrier. Looking at Lin Yu, the illusory figure nodded slightly. "You have passed the test, and the ancient text is yours." With those words, the figure vanished, and the golden light barrier dissipated as well.
Lin Yu stepped forward and picked up the golden ancient text from the stone platform. The moment he touched it, a powerful stream of information flooded into his mind. The ancient text recorded a formidable divine ability—the Chaotic Astral Art. This ability could summon and harness astral power with devastating might. Immersed in his comprehension of the divine ability, spiritual energy rushed madly into Lin Yu's body, causing his aura to climb steadily.
Seeing that Lin Yu had successfully passed the test, Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen were overjoyed. They gathered around him, waiting for him to awaken from his state of comprehension. After a long while, Lin Yu slowly opened his eyes, excitement flashing within them. He shared the mysteries of the Chaotic Astral Art with the others, who gasped in amazement upon hearing it.
Feng Yichen sighed with emotion, "Brother Lin is truly blessed with great fortune to obtain such a powerful divine ability." Lin Yu smiled and said, "This is also everyone's shared opportunity. If not for your support on the outside, I would have found it difficult to persist." Afterwards, they gathered some precious treasures and spirit crystals within this mysterious space before preparing to leave to continue exploring the Raging Wind Continent.
When they stepped out of the stone gate, however, they discovered that the valley outside had been surrounded by a group of mysterious individuals. Dressed in uniform black robes with cold gazes, these people had clearly come for them.
Chapter 450: Formidable Enemy Strikes, Fierce Battle Ensues
The black-robed men surrounded Lin Yu and the four companions tightly. The leader stepped forward and said coldly, "Hand over the items you obtained inside, or none of you will leave this place alive." Shielding the ancient text and treasures behind him, Lin Yu looked at them vigilantly. "What people are you? Why do you want to seize our belongings?"
The black-robed leader let out a cold snort. "Cut the nonsense. We've had our eyes on this region for a long time, and the things inside rightfully belong to us." Feng Yichen stepped forward and said, "You bunch of robbers! You want the items? You're hardly qualified." With a wave of the black-robed leader's hand, the black-robed men instantly launched an attack, wielding various weapons with fierce momentum as they charged at the four of them.
Lin Yu quickly drew his longsword, channeling the power of ice and fire to execute a fierce sword technique. Murong Xue deployed ice magic, summoning a massive ice wall to block a portion of the black-robed men. Su Yao activated the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Scripture, sending raging flames billowing forth to envelop the surrounding black-robed men. Feng Yichen unleashed his own swordsmanship, engaging the enemies in close combat.
However, the black-robed men were numerous and possessed no weak strength. Coordinating seamlessly, they gradually compressed the four companions' defensive perimeter. Lin Yu deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, creating multiple phantoms to confuse the black-robed men, but the leader seemed able to see through the phantoms and directed his subordinates to evade the attacks.
Murong Xue's ice wall developed cracks under the onslaught of the black-robed men, and Su Yao's flames struggled to completely block the enemy. Although Feng Yichen's swordsmanship was exquisite, facing so many enemies began to stretch his limits. Lin Yu knew they had to devise a countermeasure quickly, or they would fall into a desperate situation.
Chapter 451: Desperate Outburst, Astral Power
Watching his companions fall into distress, Lin Yu felt burning anxiety in his heart. He knew full well that he had to effect a change now, or the consequences would be unthinkable. Suddenly, he recalled the Chaotic Astral Art he had just comprehended, and a thought stirred within him; he decided to take the risk.
Closing his eyes tightly, Lin Yu circulated the Chaotic Astral Art with all his might. Peculiar radiances began to appear around his body, twinkling with specks of starlight within the glow. As he circulated the technique, the bright sun hanging in the sky seemed to be veiled by a mysterious force, and the brilliance of the stars gradually emerged.
Seeing this, terror surfaced on the faces of the black-robed men. The leader shouted, "Quickly, stop him! Don't let him cast that bizarre spell!" The black-robed men rushed frantically toward Lin Yu, but by now Lin Yu had entered a marvelous state. Resonating with the astral power, an invisible barrier seemed to form around him, blocking the black-robed men at bay.
Astral power poured endlessly into Lin Yu's body, and he could feel his strength growing rapidly. At last, he opened his eyes, which flashed with starlight. Raising his hand in a sweeping gesture, he unleashed a dazzling beam of starlight toward the black-robed men. Wherever the starlight passed, space seemed to be torn apart, and the black-robed men screamed as they were swallowed by the radiance, vanishing into thin air in an instant.
Chapter 452: Mysterious Faction, Stirring Trouble Anew
Having eliminated the black-robed men, the four of them did not let down their guard. They knew that behind these individuals must lie a powerful faction pulling the strings, and that faction would not easily let them go.
In the days that followed, they continued their exploration of the Raging Wind Continent. Yet no matter where they traveled, pairs of eyes seemed to be watching them from the shadows. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye in an attempt to ferret out the enemies hiding in concealment, but each time he could only capture a few hazy auras; the adversaries were hiding with extreme cleverness.
One day, while resting in a small town, they suddenly overheard people around them discussing animatedly. As it turned out, a mysterious faction had recently been searching frantically for their whereabouts and had even placed a hefty bounty on them. A shock went through the hearts of the four companions, making them realize that the situation was growing increasingly severe.
Determined to find clues about this mysterious faction, they began inquiring everywhere. In a tavern, Lin Yu made the acquaintance of a well-informed individual. The man told them that this mysterious faction was called the Shadow Sect, an immensely evil power on the Raging Wind Continent that stopped at nothing, willing to pay any price to acquire powerful treasures and cultivation techniques.
Upon learning this, the four resolved to take the initiative, seeking out the headquarters of the Shadow Sect to completely eliminate this hidden danger. Guided by the clues provided by the tavern patron, they set off toward the Shadow Sect's suspected hiding place. Along the way, they proceeded with caution, remaining constantly vigilant of their surroundings for fear of falling into an ambush.
Chapter 453: Venturing Deep into Danger, Tracking the Shadow Sect
Following the clues, Lin Yu and his companions arrived at a gloomy valley. The valley was shrouded in black mist that exuded a foul, rotting stench enough to turn one's stomach. The cliffs on both sides of the valley were steep and rugged, studded with bizarre rocks that looked as though boulders might tumble down at any moment.
Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to pierce the mist and discern the situation within the valley. However, the mist seemed imbued with some mysterious power, severely limiting the vision of the Immortal Eye. With a deep frown, Feng Yichen drew his longsword and circulated his spiritual energy, causing a faint radiance to ripple around the blade in an attempt to disperse the mist. Murong Xue and Su Yao likewise raised their spiritual energy, preparing themselves for battle.
Moving with extreme caution, they advanced deeper into the valley step by step. Suddenly, a piercing whistle echoed from the mist, followed immediately by several black feathered arrows shooting toward them like lightning. Reacting swiftly, Lin Yu deployed an ice-fire shield to block the projectiles. The arrows struck the shield with a clattering din, scattering sparks in all directions.
Murong Xue employed ice magic to summon countless ice prisms, launching a counterattack in the direction the arrows had come from. Gleaming with a cold light within the mist, the ice prisms shot like a volley of sharp arrows toward the hidden enemies. Su Yao activated the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Scripture, sending billowing flames to clear away a portion of the surrounding mist.
As the fires burned, they caught sight of a group of figures in black robes emerging from the mist. These were none other than Shadow Sect disciples, wielding black weapons and gazing at them with murderous intent. The leader sneered, "You took the bait after all. Today will be your day of death!"
Chapter 454: Fierce Battle with Disciples, Peril on All Sides
Commanded by their leader, the Shadow Sect disciples surged toward the four companions like a tidal wave. Their weapons flickered with bizarre glows, clearly coated in deadly poisons. Wielding his longsword, Lin Yu executed ferocious swordsmanship, weaving the powers of ice and fire along the blade to beat back the approaching disciples time and again. Every sweep of his sword kicked up a storm of ice and fire, scorching and freezing the enemies' bodies.
Murong Xue cast her ice magic, letting bitter coldness spread to freeze the surrounding ground into an icy plain. Unsteady on the slick surface, the disciples slowed their movements. Seizing the opportunity, Murong Xue summoned a massive ice wall and smashed it down toward the disciples. The ice wall, resembling a small mountain, sent the disciples scattering in disorder.
Su Yao activated the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Scripture, combining her fire-element power with spirit-sound magic. She began to play her flute, the notes intermingling with scorching flames to form waves of sonic fire. Wherever the sonic fire swept, disciples screamed as their bodies were scorched by flames and their souls battered by sonic shockwaves.
Feng Yichen executed exquisite swordsmanship, moving fluidly like a flash of white lightning as he wove through the ranks of disciples. His sword moves were fierce and ruthless, striking the vital points of his enemies with pinpoint precision. However, the Shadow Sect disciples were numerous, pressing forward wave after wave as if insensible to fatigue.
The battle fell into a stalemate. While the spiritual energy of the four companions gradually depleted, the Shadow Sect disciples continued to stream in from all directions without end. Just then, the Shadow Sect leader abruptly cast a bizarre spell; the black staff in his hand flared with light, and a beam of black energy shot into the sky. Upon bursting, the light formed a massive black vortex from which eerie, gloomy auras emanated.
Chapter 455: Mysterious Vortex, Life-or-Death Crisis
Spinning at high speed in the sky, the black vortex emitted a howling sound, as though it meant to swallow everything around it. A powerful suction force poured forth from the vortex, making Lin Yu and his companions feel as though their bodies were out of control and dragging them irresistibly toward the center. Lin Yu cast his ice-fire shield in an attempt to resist the pull, but before the formidable force, the shield began to teeter on the verge of collapse.
Murong Xue and Su Yao gripped nearby rocks tightly, yet the suction was too immense; the rocks shattered one by one, drawing them toward the vortex as well. Feng Yichen poured all his strength and spiritual energy into his longsword, attempting to carve a trench into the ground to resist the pull, but to no avail.
In this life-or-death moment, Lin Yu suddenly remembered the Chaotic Astral Art. Closing his eyes, he circulated the technique with all his might, attempting to harness astral power to combat the black vortex's suction. Specks of starlight appeared around his body as astral energy gradually gathered. Yet the power of the black vortex was simply too overwhelming; against it, the astral power appeared somewhat inadequate.
Just as the four companions were about to be sucked into the vortex, a mysterious beam of light suddenly shot in from afar. Within the radiance, a figure approached at high speed. Reaching them, the figure quickly formed hand seals and cast a powerful spell. The spell's light collided with the force of the black vortex with a thunderous crash, instantly weakening the vortex's suction.
Seizing the opportunity to steady themselves, the four companions looked toward the mysterious figure with hearts full of doubt and gratitude. The figure slowly turned around to reveal an aged yet spirited face, and with a smile, he said, "Little fellows, running into trouble, are you?"
Chapter 456: Mysterious Old Man, Lending a Helping Hand
The appearance of the mysterious old man was like a ray of light in the darkness, instantly alleviating the life-or-death crisis of Lin Yu and his companions. Dressed in grey robes with white hair, the old man possessed a gaze that revealed profound wisdom and formidable strength. Smiling as he looked at the four of them, he said, "I am a reclusive hermit of this continent. Passing by this place by chance and sensing strong energy fluctuations, I hurried over to have a look."
Lin Yu cupped his fists in salute and said gratefully, "Many thanks to senior for your timely rescue. If not for you, our lives would surely have been lost today." The old man waved a hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. I can see that you are all pillars of potential, and since you oppose this Shadow Sect, you must be people of justice. This Shadow Sect has been committing outrages across the continent for far too long; I've wanted to teach them a lesson for a long time."
At this moment, seeing the old man disrupt their leader's spell, the Shadow Sect disciples rushed angrily toward him. With a cold snort, the old man flicked his hands, and a powerful surge of spiritual energy instantly erupted. The surrounding air seemed compressed into substance, forming invisible walls that knocked the charging disciples flying in all directions.
Seeing this, the Shadow Sect leader's expression shifted drastically; he knew he had encountered a formidable adversary. Turning to flee, how could the old man let him go? With a gentle flick of the old man's finger, a beam of light shot toward the leader. Striking him instantly, the beam caused the leader to emit a single scream as his body turned to ash on the spot.
After resolving the threat from the Shadow Cult, the Old Man led Lin Yu and the other three to a safe place. Looking at the ancient golden book in Lin Yu's hand, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes. "I never expected you to obtain this Chaos Star Scripture. This is a powerful cultivation technique from the ancient era." Lin Yu briefly recounted their experiences in the Gale Continent. Hearing this, the Old Man nodded and said, "Your experiences have been quite extraordinary, but the Gale Continent hides many secrets. You must exercise caution."
Chapter 457: Guidance from the Old Man, Exploring Ancient Secrets
Hearing of Lin Yu and his companions' experiences, the Old Man's eyes showed appreciation. "It is no small feat that you have made it this far in the perilous Gale Continent. Since you have obtained the Chaos Star Scripture, you are inextricably linked to the secrets of this continent."
He raised a hand and pointed into the distance. "Deep within the Gale Continent lies a mysterious mountain range known as the Lingxiao Mountain Range. Legend has it that the ruins of ancient almighty beings are hidden there, which may be related to the answers you are seeking. However, that mountain range is fraught with danger, home to powerful guardian beasts and all manner of bizarre arrays."
Lin Yu's gaze was firm. "Thank you for the guidance, Senior. No matter how dangerous it is, we must go and explore." The Old Man nodded slightly and continued, "Although you have gained an initial grasp of the Chaos Star Scripture, to unleash its true power, you must find the corresponding Star Spirit Crystals. The Star Spirit Crystals contain pure starlight energy, which will help you better master this cultivation technique."
With that, the Old Man took a rustic jade slip from his robe and handed it to Lin Yu. "This is some information about the Gale Continent that I have gathered over the years; it may be of use to you. Inside, you will find a general map of the Lingxiao Mountain Range, as well as markings of some hazardous areas."
Lin Yu took the jade slip, overflowing with gratitude. "Senior's great kindness is something Lin Yu will never forget." The Old Man waved his hand with a smile. "There is no need for that. I simply hope that you can make a stir on this continent and disrupt the conspiracies of certain factions."
In the days that followed, the Old Man guided the four of them in their cultivation, helping them improve their strength. Under the Old Man's tutelage, Lin Yu's comprehension of the Chaos Star Scripture reached a higher level, enabling him to channel starlight energy with greater proficiency. Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen also made breakthroughs in their cultivation, rendering their spells and martial techniques even more refined.
Chapter 458: Rushing to Lingxiao, First Encounter with Peril
After a period of cultivation and preparation, Lin Yu and his three companions bid farewell to the mysterious old man and embarked on their journey toward the Lingxiao Mountain Range. Along the way, they crossed dense forests and barren deserts until they finally caught sight of the outline of the Lingxiao Mountain Range in the distance.
The peaks of the Lingxiao Mountain Range soared into the clouds, wreathed in mist and fog, appearing both mysterious and majestic. A dense spiritual Qi permeated the area around the mountains, yet it faintly emitted a dangerous aura. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to pierce through and see the situation inside the mountain range, but the mist and some mysterious force blocked his line of sight.
The moment they stepped into the mountain range's domain, a powerful pressure washed over them. The surrounding trees were tall and twisted, their branches gleaming with a strange light as if on guard against outsiders. Suddenly, a deep roar echoed from the depths of the forest, and a colossal magical beast lunged out from the trees.
This magical beast resembled a giant bear, but its entire body was covered in a layer of purple scales, radiating a formidable aura. Its eyes flashed with a ferocious glint, and flames poured from its mouth as it charged toward the four of them. Lin Yu swiftly drew his longsword, channeling the power of ice and fire as he prepared for battle. Murong Xue executed an ice-type spell, forming a layer of ice shields around them while simultaneously summoning ice shards to shoot at the magical beast. Su Yao activated the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon, causing the power of fire to blaze fiercely, echoing Murong Xue's ice-type magic. Meanwhile, Feng Yichen deployed exquisite swordsmanship, searching for the beast's weak points.
The magical beast possessed thick hide and seemed entirely unconcerned by their attacks. Wielding its massive bear paws, it batted away the ice shards and flames, then leaped fiercely toward Lin Yu. Lin Yu utilized his Space Folding skill, instantly appearing behind the beast and thrusting his sword into its back. However, the beast's scales were incomparably hard, leaving only a shallow scratch from the longsword.
Chapter 459: Fierce Battle with the Beast, Breaking the Impasse
Lin Yu's attack failed to inflict substantial damage on the magical beast, which angrily spun around and unleashed a much more violent torrent of flames from its mouth, engulfing Lin Yu. Lin Yu cast an ice-and-fire defensive shield, exerting all his strength to fend off the scorching flames. The forces of ice and fire fluctuated violently on the barrier, locking in a stalemate with the fire.
Seeing this, Murong Xue unleashed her ice-type magic's most formidable offensive technique—Ice Burst. A massive ice sphere exploded beside the magical beast, and the powerful shockwave knocked it back several steps. Seizing the opportunity, Su Yao compressed the power of fire to its absolute limit, forming a gigantic flame meteor that hurtled toward the beast. The flame meteor carried rolling waves of heat and instantly struck the beast, engulfing its body in flames and drawing a painful roar.
Capitalizing on the beast's injury, Feng Yichen executed a fierce swordsmanship technique, lunging toward its eyes. Sensing danger, the beast swung its paw to block. With a flash of his figure, Feng Yichen evaded the paw and altered his sword technique, piercing the beast's neck. The scales on the beast's neck were relatively thin, and Feng Yichen's sword successfully penetrated them, sending a jet of blood spurting out.
The magical beast struggled frantically, its power growing even more violent. Seizing the right moment, Lin Yu channeled the Chaos Star Scripture to summon starlight energy. Stars twinkled in the sky, and a brilliant beam of starlight shot toward the beast. Imbued with immense power, the starlight pierced directly through the creature's body. Swallowed instantly by the blinding light, the beast crashed heavily to the ground.
Looking at the fallen magical beast, the four of them breathed a sigh of relief. Stepping forward to examine the carcass, Lin Yu discovered a purple-glowing core within its body. He extracted the core and sensed the formidable energy contained within it, realizing it might prove useful for their cultivation.
Having dealt with the magical beast, they continued deeper into the Lingxiao Mountain Range. As they went further, the surrounding environment grew increasingly bizarre, with various strange phenomena occurring continuously. They knew not what perils still lurked ahead, but their conviction remained unwavering: they were determined to uncover the secrets hidden deep within the mountains.
Chapter 460: Mysterious Ruins, Hidden Dangers
Lin Yu and his companions pushed deeper into the Lingxiao Mountain Range, where the surrounding mist grew thicker, as if the entire world were draped in a sheer veil. They advanced with extreme caution, placing every step meticulously for fear of triggering dangers hidden in the shadows.
Suddenly, Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye and discovered an area of abnormally intense spiritual fluctuation ahead. A thought stirred in his heart, and he said to his companions, "There seems to be something ahead; let's go take a look." The others nodded and followed Lin Yu in the direction of the spiritual fluctuations.
Passing through a dense forest, an ancient ruin materialized before their eyes. The doors of the ruin were tightly shut, carved all over with mysterious runes that radiated an ancient and vicissitudinous aura. Lin Yu stepped forward to inspect the runes closely, realizing they were unlike any he had seen before and seemed imbued with a certain formidable power.
He attempted to channel his spiritual Qi into the runes; the runes flashed with light, and the doors slowly swung open. A stale, musty odor rushed out to meet them, revealing a dim and gloomy interior where lights flickered faintly. They cautiously stepped inside the ruins; the tunnel walls were covered in various carvings depicting ancient battle scenes and mysterious sacrificial rites. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye in an attempt to decipher the information behind these carvings, but the motifs were far too complex to comprehend on short notice.
As they advanced along the tunnel, a low, rumbling sound suddenly echoed from within. The ground began to shake violently, and jagged spikes erupted from beneath, thrusting toward them. Lin Yu deployed his ice-and-fire shield, sheltering everyone inside. Murong Xue executed an ice-type spell, attempting to freeze the ground and halt the growth of the spikes. Su Yao activated the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon, raising the ambient temperature with the power of fire in an attempt to melt the spikes.
However, the force behind the spikes was immense, making it difficult for the ice-and-fire shield, ice spells, and fire magic to completely block them. Lin Yu realized they had to find a way to break the mechanism as quickly as possible, or they would be wounded by the spikes. Activating his Immortal Eye, he carefully surveyed his surroundings and finally spotted a rune hidden on the wall. He guessed that this rune might well be the key to cracking the mechanism.
Seeing this, the black-robed leader's expression changed drastically, and he turned to flee. How could Lin Yu let him escape? He once again wielded starlight energy, enveloping the black-robed leader. The black-robed leader let out a despairing cry before ultimately being reduced to ashes by the starlight power.
Chapter 461: Secrets of the Runes, Respite from Danger
Gazing intently at the rune hidden on the wall, Lin Yu's heart surged, knowing full well that this might be the key to resolving the immediate crisis. He cautiously injected his spiritual Qi into the rune; the rune instantly lit up with a faint glow, yet the spike onslaught within the tunnel did not stop—instead, it grew increasingly fierce. The ground shook violently as jagged spikes erupted madly like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. Under the impact of the spikes, the ice-and-fire shield teetered on the verge of collapse, its surface covered in a dense web of cracks.
Seeing this, a flash of resolve crossed Murong Xue's beautiful eyes as she circulated the Ninefold Ice Phoenix Formula to her absolute limit. In an instant, the surrounding temperature plummeted, and the air rapidly condensed into ice crystals, forming a layer of crystal-clear ice armor around her. Murong Xue moved her hands in rapid hand seals, chanting incantations under her breath. In response to her movements, a huge illusory Ice Phoenix slowly materialized behind her. The Ice Phoenix spread its wings, blotting out the sky, and radiated a bone-chilling coldness that struck terror into the heart.
Murong Xue directed the Ice Phoenix to dive toward the ground. Wherever the Ice Phoenix passed, the ground was instantly encased in a thick layer of ice. Encased within the ice layer, the wildly erupting spikes slowed dramatically in their growth; some spikes were even frozen in place, utterly unable to move. Feeling the pressure on them instantly lessen, Lin Yu and the others felt a glimmer of hope ignite in their hearts.
Su Yao was not to be outdone either, elevating the fire power of the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon to its peak. The flames echoed and resonated with Murong Xue's icy chill, forming a wondrous balance that temporarily stabilized the situation. Seizing this opportunity, Lin Yu focused even more intently on studying the rune. Beads of fine sweat dotted his forehead, yet his gaze remained unswervingly resolute as he attempted to find a method to completely crack the mechanism from the shifts in the runes.
Chapter 462: Breaking the Runes, The Ruins Revealed
Lin Yu concentrated wholeheartedly on sensing the interaction between the rune and his own spiritual Qi, capturing every subtle change. As time passed, the glow of the rune grew increasingly intense, and its flashing rhythm gradually synchronized with the beating of his heart. Finally, he located the critical node of the rune and injected his spiritual Qi into it with a unique frequency and intensity.
With a deafening rumble, the mechanisms within the tunnel instantly ground to a halt. Those wildly protruding spikes stopped growing, and the ones that had already emerged gradually crumbled into fine dust under the dual action of Murong Xue's Ice Phoenix power and Su Yao's fire power. The trembling of the ground subsided, and a brief tranquility settled over the surroundings.
The four of them let out long sighs of relief and continued their advance along the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, a massive stone door appeared before them. Carved upon the stone door was a gigantic mural depicting a powerful figure clad in magnificent robes, holding a radiant divine artifact high as they stood above a sea of stars, seemingly in command of the entire universe.
Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye to closely examine the stone door, discovering that it was likewise covered in runes that bore a subtle connection to the mechanism runes he had just cracked. Applying the experience he had gained earlier, Lin Yu, along with Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen, simultaneously channeled their spiritual Qi into the runes on the stone door. Under the combined influence of their four spiritual energies, the stone door slowly opened, and a powerful, ancient aura rushed forth.
Chapter 463: Mysterious Hall, Danger Descends
The stone door slowly swung open, revealing a magnificent hall before their eyes. The interior of the hall was extraordinarily spacious, with various glowing gemstones embedded in the walls, illuminating the entire space as bright as day. In the center of the hall stood a massive stone platform, atop which rested a book radiating a golden glow, surrounded by mysterious runes.
Shocked by the sight before them, the four of them cautiously stepped into the hall. Just as they approached the stone platform, the doors of the hall slammed shut with a thunderous crash. Immediately afterward, a horde of illusory figures surged out from all directions. These figures resembled ancient warriors clad in heavy armor and wielding sharp weapons, exuding a formidable aura.
The leading illusory figure let out a deep roar. "Outsiders who trespass here shall undoubtedly die!" With those words, the pack of illusory warriors charged toward the four of them. Lin Yu swiftly drew his longsword, channeling the power of ice and fire to execute fierce swordsmanship. Murong Xue once again unleashed the Ninefold Ice Phoenix Formula; the illusory Ice Phoenix hovered around her, spewing gales of bone-chilling cold that froze the approaching illusory warriors solid. Su Yao activated the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon, blazing with fiery might that paired with Murong Xue's icy chill to hold back the warriors' assaults. Meanwhile, Feng Yichen deployed exquisite swordsmanship, weaving through the ranks of illusory warriors to locate their weak points.
However, these illusory warriors were numerous and possessed formidable strength. Their attacks were fierce and merciless, gradually driving Lin Yu and his companions into a tight corner. The weapons of the illusory warriors hacked against the ice-and-fire shield with deafening clashes, causing the barrier's glow to grow increasingly dim. Although Murong Xue's Ice Phoenix power froze many of the illusory warriors, new ones quickly stepped forward to take their places. Su Yao's fire power struggled to inflict fatal damage upon the foes as well.
Chapter 464: Plunged into Hard Battle, Outburst of Snow
Under the tidal wave of attacks from the illusory warriors, the defensive line of Lin Yu and his companions grew precarious. Struck by wave after wave, the ice-and-fire shield developed more and more cracks, threatening to shatter at any moment. Though Murong Xue's Ice Phoenix power was formidable, facing such a massive horde of illusory warriors caused her spiritual Qi to deplete rapidly, draining the color from her pretty face.
Just at this critical juncture, Murong Xue suddenly sensed a wondrous transformation occurring within the Ninefold Ice Phoenix Formula deep inside her dantian. A powerful surge of energy welled up from the depths, instantly coursing through her entire body. A flash of icy blue light crossed her eyes, and her entire aura underwent a heaven-shaking transformation.
Murong Xue let out a long cry to the heavens, pushing the power of the Ninefold Ice Phoenix Formula to its absolute limit. The illusory Ice Phoenix grew even more solid, its spread wings spanning dozens of yards while the chilling frost around its body became as tangible as reality. The Ice Phoenix let out a resounding phoenix cry imbued with boundless majesty and might, causing the entire hall to tremble.
Flapping its wings, the Ice Phoenix lunged toward the illusory warriors. Wherever it passed, freezing winds wreaked havoc, turning the illusory warriors into ice sculptures one after another. Murong Xue directed the Ice Phoenix to charge wildly through the ranks of the warriors, thoroughly disrupting their formation. Seeing this, Lin Yu's spirits lifted. He deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to generate multiple phantoms to confuse the warriors, while exerting his full strength to fuse the powers of ice and fire to the ultimate degree, launching a fierce assault upon the enemy.
Seizing the opportunity, Su Yao and Feng Yichen also stepped up their offensive. Su Yao's fire power echoed Murong Xue's icy chill, forming a potent ice-and-fire tempest that swept through the entire hall. Feng Yichen's swordsmanship grew ever more ferocious; like a fish in water within the chaotic battlefield, every sword thrust struck a vital point on an illusory warrior.
Chapter 465: Defeating the Foe and Advancing, Secrets of the Stone Platform
Under the unleashed Ice Phoenix power of Murong Xue and the concerted attacks of the group, the defensive line of the illusory warriors completely collapsed. Struck by the ice-and-fire tempest, the warriors frozen as ice sculptures shattered into fragments of sparkling ice shards. The remaining illusory warriors in the chaos were systematically eliminated by Lin Yu and his companions one by one.
Gazing at the scene before them, the four of them felt utterly exhausted, but an even greater sense of victory filled their hearts. They stepped forward and arrived beside the stone platform in the center of the hall. Lin Yu closely observed the golden book atop the platform, discovering that the runes upon it bore a tight connection to the surrounding environment. He attempted to channel his spiritual Qi into the book; it flashed with light and slowly flipped open.
Inscribed within the book was a powerful divine ability known as the Star Spirit Control Technique. This ability allowed one to manipulate starlight energy and summon star spirits to fight on one's behalf. Overjoyed, Lin Yu shared the secrets of the Star Spirit Control Technique with Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen. The four of them sat cross-legged together and began to study and cultivate this technique.
During the cultivation process, Lin Yu discovered that practicing the Star Spirit Control Technique required specific Star Spirit Crystals as a medium. Recalling that the mysterious old man had once mentioned Star Spirit Crystals, a glimmer of hope ignited in his heart. They decided to continue exploring the ruins in search of the Star Spirit Crystals to enhance the might of the Star Spirit Control Technique.
Just as they prepared to leave the hall, the floor of the hall suddenly began to vibrate violently, and cracks spread across the ground. The expressions of Lin Yu and his companions changed drastically; they realized that the danger had not been completely lifted, and a new crisis was quietly descending.
Chapter 466: Ruin Anomalies, Mysterious Power
The trembling of the hall's floor grew increasingly violent, and cracks rapidly spread like a spiderweb. The four of them sprang to their feet, observing the surrounding movements with heightened vigilance. Amidst the vibrations, the golden book on the stone platform blazed with a brilliant light as if responding to some mysterious force.
Suddenly, a dazzling beam of light shot forth from the book, piercing straight toward the ceiling of the hall. Wherever the light touched, the ceiling was instantly punctured, and a massive black hole materialized before their eyes. A powerful suction force emanated from the black hole, pulling everything around it inward. The four of them hurriedly circulated their spiritual Qi to resist the pull.
Murong Xue once again invoked the Ninefold Ice Phoenix Formula, her Ice Phoenix power forming a sturdy ice shield that enveloped the four of them, temporarily withstanding the black hole's suction. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, attempting to discern the situation within the black hole. However, a mysterious force pervaded the black hole, severely limiting the vision of his Immortal Eye.
Su Yao activated the Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Canon, causing the fire power to blaze fiercely in an attempt to dispel the mysterious force surrounding the black hole. Yet, as the flames drew near the black hole, they were instantly swallowed up without having any effect. Feng Yichen executed exquisite swordsmanship, sending slash after slash of sword Qi toward the black hole. Under the pull of the black hole, the sword Qi warped and distorted before ultimately being swallowed as well.
Just as despair began to creep in, Lin Yu suddenly noticed new runes flashing within the golden book on the stone platform. Guessing that these runes might be related to the black hole, he channeled his spiritual Qi into them. The runes flashed with light, and the suction force of the black hole seemed to weaken somewhat. Overjoyed, Lin Yu increased his spiritual Qi output, attempting to thoroughly resolve the crisis of the black hole via the runes.
Chapter 467: Runes Manifest Might, Crisis Averted
Lin Yu poured all his spiritual Qi into the runes of the golden book on the stone platform. The runes flared with intense light, engaging in a fierce contest against the mysterious force within the black hole. As the power of the runes increased, the suction of the black hole gradually waned, and the rocks and dust previously sucked into the air dropped back to the ground.
Seeing this, Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen likewise transmitted their own spiritual Qi to Lin Yu, assisting him in breaking the crisis. Under the combined influence of their four mighty spiritual energies, the power of the runes grew ever stronger, ultimately suppressing the mysterious force inside the black hole. The black hole slowly shrank until it vanished completely.
Peace returned to the hall. The four of them let out long sighs of relief and collapsed to the ground. Following this series of battles and crises, their spiritual Qi was nearly exhausted, but their gazes shone with resolute light.
They rose to their feet and surveyed their surroundings once more. Lin Yu discovered new patterns and texts appearing on the walls of the hall. Stepping forward to examine them closely, he realized they seemed to point toward a specific direction. Lin Yu shared his discovery with the others, and the four of them decided to follow the direction indicated by the patterns and texts to continue exploring the ruins.
Advancing along the passage, they arrived at a massive cavern. The cavern was filled with dense spiritual Qi, and various glowing gemstones were embedded in its walls. In the center of the cavern lay a gigantic pool of water, emanating a soft glow that seemed to hold endless mysteries.
Chapter 468: Mysteries of the Spirit Pool, Star Spirit Crystals
Approaching the pool of water in the center of the cavern, the four of them looked at the softly glowing liquid within with eyes filled with curiosity. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye to observe the pool closely, discovering that the liquid inside contained immense spiritual Qi and seemed to possess some connection to starlight energy.
He dipped his finger into the water, and a refreshing sensation instantly coursed through his entire body. At the same time, he felt the spiritual Qi within him begin to recover rapidly. Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen followed suit, experiencing for themselves the powerful healing and spiritual-enhancing effects of the pool.
At the bottom of the pool, Lin Yu spotted several crystals shimmering with starlight. A thought stirred in his heart as he realized these might be the very Star Spirit Crystals they had been searching for. Employing a spell, Lin Yu retrieved the Star Spirit Crystals from the bottom of the pool. The moment the Star Spirit Crystals emerged, the surrounding air trembled, and starlight energy permeated the space.
Lin Yu distributed the Star Spirit Crystals to Murong Xue, Su Yao, and Feng Yichen, and the four of them began to absorb the power contained within them. As the energy of the Star Spirit Crystals integrated into their bodies, their comprehension of the Star Spirit Control Technique deepened, and their strengths advanced further.
Having absorbed the power of the Star Spirit Crystals, the four of them prepared to leave the cavern and continue exploring the ruins. They knew that countless secrets and opportunities were concealed within these ruins, and they had only just scratched the surface. In their subsequent explorations, they might yet encounter more perils and challenges, but they felt no fear whatsoever, for they had each other, formidable power, and unshakeable conviction.