Carrying the power of the Star Spirit Crystals and brimming with anticipation for more secrets hidden deep within the ruins, Lin Yu and his three companions resolutely left the spiritual energy-filled cave and continued their exploration. The passage outside the cave wound and turned, its walls glowing with a faint fluorescent light as if whispering ancient tales.
They advanced with extreme caution until, suddenly, a low roar echoed from ahead, shaking the passage and making their eardrums ache. Lin Yu swiftly drew his longsword, the blade interlaced with shimmering ice and fire energies that radiated blazing heat and chilling frost. Murong Xue was wreathed in surging frigid Qi, the power of the ninth stage of the Ice Phoenix Formula poised for release as a hazy ice phoenix phantom hovered behind her. Flames erupted from Su Yao's hands, the power of the *Dragon Flame Burning Heaven Sacred Scripture* igniting the surrounding air. Feng Yichen gripped his sword tightly, his gaze as sharp as a falcon's, constantly vigilant against unknown dangers.
As the roar grew closer, a massive beastly silhouette slowly emerged from the darkness. The colossal beast was mountain-sized, its entire body covered in a thick layer of heavy scales that gleamed with a metallic sheen. Its eyes resembled two burning flames, exuding a bloodthirsty light. The beast opened its cavernous maw to reveal sharp fangs, and a wave of putrid stench hit them head-on.
Chapter 16