Lin Yu and his companions had just survived a desperate, life-or-death battle against a group of assassins. The assassins were well-trained, moved with flawless coordination, and struck with lethal intent, backing Lin Yu's group into a corner. Although Lin Yu fought back with stubborn determination and agile combat techniques, the assassins' relentless attacks left him with numerous wounds, his clothes stained with blood. His companions were in equally battered states, their combat effectiveness steadily waning.
"This is bad! If we keep going like this, we're all going to die here!" Lin Yu thought, anxiety surging through him as he desperately searched for a way out.
At that exact moment, an assassin spotted an opening. The cold light of a blade flashed, thrusting straight toward Lin Yu's throat. On the precipice of life and death, Lin Yu suddenly felt an unprecedented pressure, which ignited the dormant power deep within him. His Immortal Eye opened instantly, and a strange flash of light swept across his vision. In the nick of time, he comprehended an entirely new combat rhythm.
With a sudden shift of his body, he skillfully evaded the assassin's fatal strike while simultaneously swinging his sword. Delivering an eerie yet fierce sword technique, he instantly cut down the assassin. The remaining assassins froze for a split second before surging forward once again.
By this point, however, Lin Yu seemed like a completely different person. He wielded his Immortal Eye with increasing fluency, every attack striking precisely at the enemy's vital spots, and every dodge executed with absolute perfection. Under his leadership, his companions rallied, and together they successfully exterminated all the assassins.
When the battle ended, Lin Yu looked out over the corpses littering the ground, yet felt not a shred of victory's joy. He knew full well that had it not been for that split-second breakthrough, he and his friends would already be dead. This sensation of teetering on the edge of life and death made him acutely aware of his own insufficient strength. Thus, he hastily bid farewell to his companions, hurried back to the sect, and resolved into closed-door secluded cultivation.
Upon returning to the sect, Lin Yu headed straight for his personal dwelling. He set up defensive arrays within the cave to isolate himself from outside interference, then sat cross-legged and began his seclusion. In the dim space, he quieted his breath and stilled his mind, replaying every detail of the battle over and over. Controlled by his will, his Immortal Eye opened and closed repeatedly; every cycle of activation deepened his comprehension of combat by another fraction.
Unbeknownst to him, after a long period of time, his Immortal Eye fell into a wondrous resonance with the crucial array pattern he had inadvertently unraveled. From this, a brand-new pupil technique was born: the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique. Once unleashed, this pupil technique could forge illusions realistic enough to pass for truth, trapping enemies within them and causing them to lose themselves in their deepest fears or sweetest fantasies.
When Lin Yu finally emerged from seclusion, he stretched his limbs. The aura surging around his entire body made him seem like an entirely different person. While organizing the spoils he had gathered from the Celestial Demon Secret Realm, a mysterious black jade slip caught his eye. Cool to the touch, the jade slip was carved with archaic, obscure patterns and radiated an aura of stern slaughter.
Curious, Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye and slowly probed the jade slip with his divine sense. As his reading went deeper, his eyes grew wider and wider. His expression shifted from confusion to shock, and finally culminated in wild elation. As it turned out, this jade slip was actually an ancient manual of talismans—the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*. It recorded astonishing talismanic arts, with every single talisman containing world-shattering power.
"Ha, Heaven helps me! With this *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*, my strength is bound to reach the next level!" Lin Yu could not help laughing out loud, his heart brimming with anticipation for the future.
Chapter 222: Exploring an Esoteric Book, the Soul-Stirring Power of Talismans
Unable to wait a moment longer, Lin Yu eagerly studied the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*. The records within regarding the Nine-fold Spiritual Root talismans were like opening the door to an entirely new world. Every single page radiated a mysterious and powerful aura, utterly captivating him and making it impossible to tear himself away.
He first opened the Metal-element talisman chapter. The description of the "Cleft-Void Star-Shattering Golden Radiance Curse Talisman" instantly grabbed his attention. This talisman was based on extremely rare extraterrestrial meteorite gold, which had traversed the vast starry sky over long stretches of time and descended into the world carrying the mysterious power of the deep universe. When drawing it, one had to precisely fuse the power of the Metal Law, requiring the creator to possess extraordinary control over Metal-element spiritual energy.
When the talisman was activated, a blinding, scorching light burst forth in an instant, resembling a newly born sun so fierce that it was impossible to look at directly. Immediately afterward, countless sharp, star-like metal blades howled out from the light. Carrying the majestic momentum of a collapsing mountain and a churning sea, they tore through the void and emitted a bone-chilling, shrill scream. These metal blades were not only sharp enough to easily slice through any magical treasure or protective spiritual energy in the world, but even more terrifyingly, the Geng-metal power hidden within them acted like a deadly viper lurking in the dark. Once it touched an enemy, it would rapidly corrode their meridians and bones. Those struck would feel as though their bodies were being pierced by ten thousand arrows; their tendons and bones would shatter in agonizing pain, as if their entire bodies were being ground apart inch by inch by countless tiny blades. When facing a group of enemies, the metal blades acted as if they possessed independent consciousness, automatically locking onto targets and unleashing an all-out slaughter from every direction. Wherever they passed, the void seemed to be torn apart by an invisible giant hand, shattering into countless fragments, with even the stars appearing frail and on the verge of collapse before this power.
Flipping to the Wood-element talismans, Lin Yu gasped in continuous admiration at the introduction of the "Forest of Myriad Phenomena Spirit Wood Divine Talisman." This talisman used the marrow of spirit wood that had grown for ten thousand years as the ink for its creation. The spirit wood marrow condensed the essence of ten thousand years of growth, containing endless vitality and mysterious power. The talisman paper, meanwhile, was crafted from ancient sacred wood; after weathering the baptism of time, this sacred wood possessed a tough texture and a unique spirituality.
The instant the talisman was stimulated, it felt as though countless slumbering dragons beneath the earth had been awakened, causing countless emerald-green vines to burst through the ground. They grew at a terrifying speed, wrapping around the enemy with lightning-like swiftness. The vines were covered in sharp barbs; as these barbs pierced the enemy's body, they released Wood-element spiritual energy containing a dual power of vitality and corrosion. The vitality power acted like wildly growing weeds, causing the tissues inside the enemy's body to grow uncontrollably. Within a mere instant, their meridians would burst, reducing their flesh and blood to a mangled mess. Meanwhile, the corrosive power acted like a ruthless blade of decay, rapidly rotting the enemy's bones, leaving even magical treasures unable to escape their fate as they gradually dissolved into a pool of pus under the effects of the corrosion.
Even more miraculously, this talisman could summon all sorts of archaic spirit wood beasts. These beasts seemed to hail from the distant ancient era, possessing formidable spirituality and astonishing combat power. Serving as the loyal guardians of the wood world, the moment they appeared, they would obey the talisman-master's commands and launch an all-out assault on the enemy from both the sky and the ground, leaving the enemy with nowhere to hide.
The Water-element "Vast Ocean Heaven-Swallowing Profound Darkness Talisman" was equally shocking. This talisman was drawn using powdered deep-sea cold crystal. Deep-sea cold crystal was harvested from the deepest trenches of the ocean, a place where no sunlight reached year-round and the water pressure was immense. Nurtured in such an environment, the cold crystal contained boundless profound darkness water power.
Once the talisman was triggered, the serene heaven and earth instantly underwent a drastic change in wind and clouds. The originally azure sky was swiftly blanketed by dark clouds, and immediately afterward, a colossal curtain of water cascaded down from the horizon. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into towering, monstrous waves. Those giant waves seemed to concentrate the power of the entire vast ocean within them, soaring ten thousand feet high. Like an awakened heaven-swallowing beast, they carried world-destroying momentum as they charged forward to ruthlessly engulf the enemy.
Interwoven within the giant waves was a bone-chilling cold force capable of freezing the enemy's body and spiritual energy in a split second, turning them into an ice sculpture instantly. Even if the enemy were fortunate enough not to be frozen, the immense pressure of the water would crush their internal organs, making them feel as though their bodies had been placed inside an invisible, giant industrial press. Moreover, this water power also possessed the magical ability to isolate space; it could form an invisible water curtain around the enemy, sealing off their retreat and leaving them stranded like an isolated island in the middle of a vast ocean, with no road to the heavens and no door into the earth.
As for the Fire-element "Heaven-Incinerating Purgatory Crimson Flame Divine Talisman," its raw materials were extremely unique, drawn using Earth-Core Flame Marrow as a primer and fused with the essence of Solar True Fire. The Earth-Core Flame Marrow came from the deepest core of the earth, the very source of flame, which possessed extreme temperatures and contained formidable fire power. Solar True Fire, on the other hand, was the essence of the sun, possessing endless energy and blistering heat.
When the talisman was activated, the heaven and earth seemed to ignite in that very instant, shrouding the entire world in crimson flames as if the gates to purgatory had been flung open. The flames took on an amber-gold hue, their temperature so high that they could instantly vaporize everything in existence. Wherever they swept, the earth turned to scorched earth in an instant, mountains cracked under the searing heat, rivers dried up, and all life appeared utterly fragile before these blazing flames.
Any enemy touched by the flames would have their very soul burned down to nothingness, leaving not a trace behind, as though they had been completely erased from this world. Not only could this flame deal direct, destructive blows to the enemy, but it could also form a Purgatory Domain within a certain radius. Within this domain, enemies suffered continuous burning, every single second feeling like being trapped in an inescapable purgatory of endless, agonizing torment. Furthermore, inside the Purgatory Domain, the enemy's movements would become sluggish, their strength drastically plummeting as if they had stepped into a quagmire, making it difficult for them to unleash their full power.
The Earth-element "Five Sacred Mountains Suppressing Prison Thick Earth Spirit Talisman" used the soil from the cores of the Five Sacred Mountains as its primary material. Having undergone the sediment of time, the soil from the hearts of the Five Sacred Mountains condensed the weight and majesty of those five peaks. When the talisman was drawn, it incorporated the heavy power deep within the earth, granting the talisman unparalleled force.
When the talisman was unleashed, the earth began to shake violently, as if a slumbering giant were being awakened. Immediately afterward, five massive mountain peaks rose from the ground, each representing the power of one of the Five Sacred Mountains. They pressed down upon the enemy with the crushing momentum of Mount Tai. Each mountain peak contained boundless gravity and solid earth power; the moment an enemy was struck by the peaks, they would be instantly crushed into fine powder, denied even the chance to resist.
Furthermore, while the Five Sacred Mountains suppressed the area, the surrounding land would rapidly transform into a sticky quagmire, firmly trapping the enemy. Sharp rock spikes would continuously erupt from the swamp, piercing the enemy from every direction and leaving them with nowhere to hide. At the same time, the Thick Earth power could bolster the user's own defense, forming an indestructible earth shield around the talisman-master. This earth shield could withstand all kinds of attacks, easily blocking everything from the bombardment of magical treasures to the shockwaves of spiritual energy.
The Wind-element "Storm Vortex Nine Heavens Wind Talisman" was condensed and drawn from the essence of gales originating from above the nine heavens. High above the nine heavens, the gales were biting and filled with berserk power.
When the talisman was activated, the originally calm sky instantly surged with howling winds, roaring like countless fierce beasts. In the blink of an eye, a massive storm vortex formed between heaven and earth. The suction force at the center of the vortex was strong enough to tear everything apart; whether it was hard rock or sturdy magical treasures, once pulled into the vortex, they would be riddled with holes by the high-speed rotating airflow in an instant. At the same time, the powerful wind pressure would scramble the spiritual energy within the enemy's body, causing a backlash of spiritual energy and making the enemy suffer the consequences of their own power.
Moreover, this storm vortex could move at extreme speeds, reducing everything in its path to a flat plain. Continuous mountain ranges, dense forests, and sturdy city walls were all as fragile as ants before the storm vortex, easily destroyed. Additionally, the wind talisman could grant the talisman-master the ability to fly at speeds far surpassing ordinary flying magical treasures. In combat, the user could leverage the power of the wind talisman to execute rapid surprise attacks and flexible evasions, making themselves entirely unpredictable to the enemy.
The Thunder-element "Chaos Purple Thunder Illuminating Heaven Talisman" used the purple thunder essence from the Chaos Thunder Pool as its raw material, fusing the purest thunder law between heaven and earth. The Chaos Thunder Pool was a mysterious place that had existed since the creation of heaven and earth, and the purple thunder essence was its core, containing the terrifying might of creation.
When the talisman was triggered, a pillar of Chaos Purple Thunder the thickness of a water barrel crashed down from the nine heavens with a deafening roar. Carrying the power of chaos, the purple thunder resembled a divine sword of judgment from the heavens, laden with endless majesty and might. Wherever the purple thunder struck, space shattered instantly, forming a massive, black-hole-like zone that sucked in all surrounding matter and spiritual energy before thoroughly pulverizing them.
Enemies struck by the purple thunder would have their souls instantly obliterated by the thunder's might, their physical bodies reduced to fine powder drifting away between heaven and earth. Even powerful enemies would suffer heavy injuries under this Chaos Purple Thunder, their meridians snapping inch by inch, their spiritual energy dissipating, and their combat capability entirely lost as they were left looking like empty shells drained of life.
The Light-element "Divine Judgment Radiant Light Talisman" used the sap of the Divine Light Tree as ink, drawn upon talisman paper enshrouded in sacred brilliance. The Divine Light Tree was a legendary divine object, and its sap contained formidable Light Power and a sacred aura. Under the long-term enshrouding of sacred radiance, the talisman paper itself had also acquired the ability of purification and judgment.
When the talisman took effect, an incomparably dazzling, holy light bloomed, resembling the descent of a sun into the world. Wherever the light shone, darkness and evil had nowhere to hide and were instantly purified. Once an enemy was enveloped by the light, the evil power within them was forcibly stripped away, and their souls were subjected to the judgment of the sacred power, suffering excruciating torture as if cast into an endless abyss of agony.
At the same time, this light possessed magical healing abilities, capable of repairing the wounds of the user and their teammates while boosting their spiritual energy and combat strength, restoring them to peak condition. In group combat, this light of divine judgment could dispel the enemy's dark spells, creating a favorable combat environment for their own side and serving as a solid backing for the team.
This chapter is not yet finished, please click the next page to continue reading the exciting content that follows!
The Dark-element "Netherworld Ghost Prison Dark Erosion Curse Talisman" used the dark Demon Qi of the Netherworld Abyss as a primer, fusing the endless power of death and decay. The Netherworld Abyss was the gathering place of darkness and evil, and the dark Demon Qi bred within it was filled with a destructive aura.
When the talisman was unleashed, a pitch-black power of the Netherworld Ghost Prison rapidly spread. Wherever it went, all life was extinguished, as if the entire world had been swallowed by darkness. Within the darkness, countless ghostly hands reached out from the ground, scratching and clawing as they lunged toward the enemy, dragging them down into the Netherworld Abyss.
Enemies caught by the ghost hands would have their bodies rapidly eroded by the dark erosion power; their muscles would begin to rot and their bones would gradually dissolve, making it feel as though their bodies were slowly being broken down by an invisible force. At the same time, the dark erosion curse talisman could release a powerful soul shock, disrupting the enemy's mind and plunging them into fear and despair, inducing hallucinations and even making them turn on and slaughter each other. Shrouded in this Netherworld Ghost Prison power, the enemies were like beings placed in a true hell, suffering endless torment, exhausted both physically and mentally.
The more Lin Yu looked, the more alarmed he became. Talismans, which he had always overlooked, actually contained such formidable power. A strong desire burned within him, making him eager to handcraft these talismans himself, transforming the power within the book into his own strength so that he could carve out a sphere of influence of his own in this world where the strong ruled, all through the aid of these magical talismans.
Chapter 223: Sect Exchange, Material Shortages Lead to Predicaments
Brimming with passion for drawing talismans, Lin Yu hurried toward the sect's Talisman Hall. Located in the core area of the sect, the Talisman Hall was an archaic yet magnificent structure, surrounded by fluctuating mysterious spiritual energy.
Stepping into the Talisman Hall, Lin Yu saw that the interior was spacious, bright, and neatly lined with all kinds of rare materials. Hanging on the walls were beautifully drawn talisman samples that emitted a faint glow, inspiring involuntary awe.
Lin Yu walked straight toward the deacon in charge of material exchanges. The deacon was a white-haired Old Man whose eyes revealed wisdom and composure. Seeing Lin Yu approach, he smiled and asked, "Little friend, are you here to exchange for materials?"
Lin Yu hurriedly bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, Elder. I'd like to exchange for some materials needed for drawing talismans." With that, he handed over a slip of paper detailing a list of materials.
The deacon took the list, looked it over carefully, and a trace of surprise crossed his face. "These materials are no simple matter. It seems the little friend has quite deep research into the Dao of Talismans." Afterward, he began searching through the storage shelves, and before long, he took out all the materials required for the five-element talismans, placing them before Lin Yu.
These materials radiated their own unique glows: the Metal-element materials shimmered with metallic luster, the Wood-element materials exuded fresh greenery, the Water-element materials were crystal clear, the Fire-element materials radiated a searing temperature, and the Earth-element materials appeared heavy and unpretentious.
However, when the deacon saw the four special talisman materials listed at the end, his brow furrowed slightly. "These four categories of materials are extremely rare," the deacon shook his head helplessly. "The sect's inventory is zero, and while we've always kept an eye out to acquire them, we've never been able to find any. Little friend, you'll likely have to think of another way."
Lin Yu's heart sank. He knew very well that the functions of these four special talismans were far more tyrannical than those of the five-element talismans; lacking the materials meant he could not fully grasp the power of the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*. Yet, the stubbornness deep within his bones was ignited, and he secretly vowed that he must find these materials. Suppressing his disappointment, he said to the deacon, "Many thanks for informing me, Elder. I will find a way."
Having exchanged for the available materials, Lin Yu turned and left the Talisman Hall. At that moment, his mind was already turning; perhaps he could try his luck at the market. It was a mixed bag of people there, so he might just stumble upon some rare materials. Alternatively, he could inquire among some traveling elders; they were well-traveled and broad-visioned, and perhaps they knew the whereabouts of the materials. Difficulties notwithstanding, Lin Yu's inner conviction grew only firmer. He believed that as long as he persevered, he would surely gather the materials and draw those astonishingly powerful talismans.
Just as Lin Yu walked a short distance away from the Talisman Hall, a sweet voice called out from behind him, "Senior Brother Lin Yu, wait a moment!"
Lin Yu looked back and saw a young girl wearing a pink long dress walking toward him briskly. The girl had a pretty face and lively eyes; she was none of other than Su Yao, a well-known beautiful disciple within the sect.
"Junior Sister Su Yao, is something the matter?" Lin Yu asked with a puzzled look.
Su Yao walked up to Lin Yu, catching her breath slightly, and said, "I heard you were looking for special talisman materials. I happen to know a clue that might help you."
Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise immediately crossed Lin Yu's eyes. "Really? That's fantastic! Do tell, Junior sister!"
Su Yao smiled mysteriously. "However, you have to agree to one condition..."
Chapter 224: Mysterious Transaction, First Step into Danger
Su Yao blinked playfully and said, "Accompany me on a trip to the Misty Forest. I discovered some peculiar phenomena there and always felt they were related to rare materials, but I'm too scared to go alone."
Lin Yu hesitated for a split second. Thinking of those precious talisman materials, he gritted his teeth and agreed.
The two made brief preparations before setting off for the Misty Forest. Stepping into the forest, mist swirled everywhere, and the surroundings were eerily quiet, occasionally punctuated by the low growls of unknown beasts. Lin Yu activated his Immortal Eye, remaining constantly alert to potential dangers, while Su Yao closely followed behind him.
Not long after moving deep into the forest, they spotted a cluster of faintly glowing mist ahead, possessing a bizarre shape. Just as Su Yao excitedly rushed forward, Lin Yu grabbed her by the arm and lowered his voice, "Careful, it's a trap."
He cautiously tossed a stone to test the waters. The moment the stone touched the glowing mist, it instantly dissolved and vanished. Su Yao's face turned ashen, lingering fear gripping her heart.
Just as they were trying to figure out how to handle the situation, a group of dark shadows lunged out from the surrounding area—they were actually a pack of Shadow Mice, creatures adept at stealth. These Shadow Mice were not large, but they moved at extreme speed and possessed venomous teeth. Lin Yu swiftly drew his long sword, unleashing his newly comprehended sword techniques. Amid flashing sword shadows, several Shadow Mice were cut down. Su Yao did not fall behind either, casting spells to shoot icicles toward the pack of Shadow Mice.
Midway through the fierce battle, Lin Yu suddenly noticed that the Shadow Mice pack seemed to be moving around them in an orderly pattern, as though setting up some kind of trap. Startled, he shouted, "Su Yao, watch out, they're surrounding us!"
The moment the words left his mouth, the ground suddenly split open, and countless vines burst through the soil, attempting to bind them. Quick-witted, Lin Yu activated a Water-element talisman, instantly forming a curtain of water that blocked the vines. Yet, taking advantage of the water curtain blocking the vines, the Shadow Mice pack launched another ferocious assault.
While fending off the Shadow Mice, Lin Yu racked his brain for a way out of trouble. An idea suddenly struck him, and he shouted to Su Yao, "Junior Sister, use your ice-grade magic to freeze that cluster of glowing mist!"
Though Su Yao did not understand why, she obeyed. As the chilling frost spread, the glowing mist gradually froze, and the anomalous phenomena around them also began to weaken accordingly. Seemingly constrained by some force, the Shadow Mice pack began to scatter in a panic. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu and Su Yao broke through the encirclement and successfully escaped the danger zone.
Chapter 225: Clues Emerge, Market Disturbance
After emerging from the Misty Forest, Su Yao detailed the clues she knew to Lin Yu—she had once heard that a mysterious merchant had appeared in the market, rumored to be holding rare materials and connected in some way to that glowing mist. Lin Yu decided to head straight to the market to search for clues.
People bustled through the market, wonderfully noisy and bustling with an array of stalls offering a dazzling variety of goods. Lin Yu asked around everywhere for news of the mysterious merchant, but came up empty-handed. Just as he was growing somewhat discouraged, a sneaky figure caught his attention. With darting eyes, the man roamed between various stalls, seeming to look for something.
Lin Yu trailed behind him nonchalantly. After turning a few small alleys, the man entered a secluded courtyard. Just as Lin Yu approached, he heard sounds of an argument coming from inside.
"Is your news accurate or not? We went to great lengths to get our hands on that item, don't even think about tricking us!"
"I stake my life on it! As long as you give this material to that Lin Yu, he'll definitely pull out heavy treasures to trade with. He's carrying an ancient esoteric book, after all!"
Lin Yu was startled inwardly. Never had he expected that he would end up being the target of someone's scheme.
He kicked open the courtyard door with a single strike, throwing the figures inside into instant panic. With piercing gaze, Lin Yu stared at the man who had just spoken and demanded, "Who are you? Why did you know I was looking for materials, and why mention an ancient esoteric book?"
Terrified, the man trembled and stammered, "It's... someone offered a high price to get us to give you this material, and said you'd trade the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse* for it." With that, he pulled out a stone radiating a strange luster—precisely one of the special materials Lin Yu required.
Before Lin Yu could react, a commotion suddenly erupted outside, and a group of people charged into the courtyard. The leader turned out to be Liu Batian, the market tyrant.
With greed plastered all over his face, Liu Batian stared at the stone in Lin Yu's hand and laughed loudly, "Kid, this treasure belongs to me now! You're a bit too green to hog treasures on my turf!"
Lin Yu sneered coldly, putting the stone away and adopting a fighting stance. "If you want it, earn it with your skills!"
With a wave of Liu Batian's hand, his subordinates immediately swarmed forward, and a fierce battle broke out on the spot.
Chapter 226: Fierce Battle with the Tyrant, Talismans Display Their Might
Liu Batian's subordinates lunged toward Lin Yu like starving wolves. Differing in build and style, some wielded massive sabers while others swung heavy chains, their moves ruthless.
Lin Yu showed no fear; he knew he could not afford to back down now. Twirling his long sword into several sword flowers, he charged headfirst at the two men in the lead.
His sword techniques were fierce and swift, and amidst the flashing cold light, those two didn't even have time to react before Lin Yu precisely pierced their wrists, causing their weapons to drop as they clutched their wounds and screamed in agony. Seeing this, Liu Batian grew furious and joined the fight himself. Of a stalwart build with terrifying strength, every punch he threw whistled through the air as if trying to tear it apart.
Lin Yu nimbly dodged Liu Batian's attacks while searching for his openings. Just as Liu Batian threw another punch, Lin Yu seized the opportunity, sidestepped, and thrust his longsword straight toward Liu Batian's armpit. Liu Batian's reaction was not slow either, and he hurriedly pulled back his arm to block. However, Lin Yu's move was merely a feint; taking advantage of Liu Batian's defense, he swiftly pulled a metal-attribute talisman from his waist—the "Void-Rending Star-Shattering Golden Radiance Spell Talisman".
Chanting incantations under his breath, the talisman instantly flared with brilliant light, and countless razor-sharp, star-like golden blades roared out from the radiance, surging toward Liu Batian and his men with an overwhelming momentum. Wherever the golden blades passed, deep gullies were gouged into the ground. Liu Batian's subordinates had no time to dodge whatsoever and were instantly struck by the golden blades, collapsing to the ground one after another with wounds covering their bodies and fresh blood flowing freely.
Liu Batian's eyes widened in terror, filled with utter disbelief. Never had he imagined that Lin Yu possessed such a formidable talisman. He wanted to flee, only to find his retreat blocked by the golden blades. With no other choice, he could only bite the bullet and channel all his spiritual energy to form a thick spiritual energy shield, attempting to withstand the onslaught of the golden blades.
The golden blades slammed against the spiritual energy shield, producing a series of harsh, screeching sounds and kicking up countless sparks. Liu Batian felt a mountain-like pressure bear down upon him, his legs gradually buckling, and cracks began to appear on the spiritual energy shield. Finally, under the continuous assault of the golden blades, the spiritual energy shield shattered with a loud crash, and Liu Batian was struck by the golden blades in multiple places, collapsing to the ground on the verge of death.
Lin Yu put away the talisman, walked up to Liu Batian, and said coldly, "Don't ever plot against me again." Afterward, carrying the materials, he left the courtyard amid the awe-struck gazes of the crowd. At that moment, he had gained a deeper understanding of the talisman's power, and he looked forward even more to gathering all the materials and crafting more powerful talismans.
Chapter 227: Mysterious Invitation, Hidden Dangers
After dealing with the marketplace bully Liu Batian, Lin Yu returned to the sect with the precious materials. As soon as he stepped into the sect, a disciple hurried over and handed him a letter. Lin Yu opened it with bewilderment, and saw written inside: "Young Master Lin, hearing that you are searching for special talisman materials, I have a lead. Tomorrow at the Hour of Chen [7-9 AM], let us meet at the abandoned ancient temple outside the city. Come alone." The letter was unsigned, its handwriting neat yet exuding an air of mystery.
Lin Yu grew inwardly vigilant. This invitation had come too abruptly, and the demand to come alone undoubtedly concealed hidden dangers. Yet at the thought that it might relate to the missing materials, he found it hard to let go of this opportunity. After much deliberation, he decided to keep the appointment, though he made thorough preparations beforehand, concealing multiple powerful talismans on his person and raising the power of his Immortal Eye to its optimal state.
Early the next morning, Lin Yu arrived early at the abandoned ancient temple outside the city. The ancient temple was dilapidated, with broken walls and overgrown weeds, exuding a gloomy aura. He cautiously stepped into the temple; the surroundings were dead silent, save for a gentle breeze that blew past, causing the tattered prayer banners to rustle.
Suddenly, a dark figure flashed across the rafters. Lin Yu whirled around and activated his Immortal Eye, only to discover that the dark figure's speed was extraordinary, making its movements hard to capture. Immediately afterward, eerie laughter echoed from all directions: "Lin Yu, you really did come." Lin Yu let out a cold snort: "Hiding your head and tail, show yourself if you have the guts!"
As the words fell, a group of figures draped in black robes poured out from the shadows, surrounding Lin Yu tightly. The leader of the Black-robed Men slowly removed the hood, revealing a cold-faced woman. Looking at Lin Yu, the woman's lips curved into a sneer: "Lin Yu, hand over the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*, and I will tell you the whereabouts of the remaining materials." Lin Yu was inwardly startled; he hadn't expected the other party to know his secret and to be so direct about their objective. He retorted without showing the slightest weakness: "Insolent! If you want to take my things, you'll have to get past me first!"
The woman waved her hand, and the Black-robed Men immediately launched their attack. The weapons in their hands flashed with cold light, and their moves were vicious and bizarre. Lin Yu quickly drew his longsword and engaged them in a fierce battle. During the combat, Lin Yu discovered that these Black-robed Men's cultivation techniques seemed related to a certain Dark Power, with every attack carrying an eroding force; once struck, one's spiritual energy would be affected.
Yet Lin Yu showed no fear whatsoever, deploying the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to instantly create an illusionary realm. The Black-robed Men immediately fell into chaos, some getting lost in the illusion and others even beginning to kill each other. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu charged toward the female leader, eager to force the clue of the materials out of her mouth.
Chapter 228: Desperate Counterkill, Truth Begins to Surface
Seeing Lin Yu break through the illusion and charge in to kill, a flash of surprise crossed the woman's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. Her hands swiftly formed hand seals as she chanted an incantation, and a powerful Dark Power surged from within her body, forming a black barrier that blocked Lin Yu's attack.
Feeling the might of this Dark Power, Lin Yu understood in his heart that he could not fight it head-on. While deftly dodging the woman's attacks, he searched for flaws in the barrier. During the intense clash, Lin Yu noticed that every time the woman unleashed the Dark Power, a faint glimmer of light would flash between her brows. A thought stirred in his heart, guessing that this might well be the location of her weakness.
Lin Yu deliberately exposed a flaw, baiting the woman into launching a fatal strike. Seeing this, a ruthless glint flashed in the woman's eyes, and she lunged at Lin Yu without hesitation, the Dark Power rushing toward him like a turbulent tide. Just when the woman thought she had succeeded, Lin Yu suddenly shifted his body, evading the frontal attack while thrusting his longsword straight between the woman's brows.
The woman was struck with utter panic and tried to dodge, but it was already too late. The longsword pierced between her brows, and that faint glimmer of light instantly shattered. The woman spat a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground. Seeing their leader injured, the other Black-robed Men instantly panicked, and their offensive weakened significantly. Seizing the moment, Lin Yu launched a fierce assault, using talismans and his own martial arts to defeat the Black-robed Men one by one.
Lin Yu walked over to the woman, crouched down, and asked coldly, "Speak! Why did you know I have the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*, and where on earth are the remaining materials?" The woman's face was pale, her eyes filled with reluctance, but under Lin Yu's piercing gaze, she slowly spoke: "It... it was someone behind the scenes who directed us, saying that as long as we obtained your book, we could gain supreme power. As for the materials, I only know they are in a mysterious ruin; I don't know the exact location, and was only given a fragmented map." With that, she drew a tattered map from her bosom and handed it to Lin Yu.
Lin Yu took the map and examined it closely, discovering that some strange symbols and routes were marked upon it, but the crucial parts were missing. He wanted to ask further, but the woman had already breathed her last. Standing up and looking at the map in his hand, Lin Yu pondered inwardly: "It seems the forces behind this are not simple, stopping at nothing for the sake of the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*. Still, with this map, I at least have a lead." He decided that upon returning to the sect, he would carefully study the map to find the whereabouts of that mysterious ruin, while also remaining vigilant against another sneak attack by the hidden forces.
Chapter 229: Exploring the Ruins, Fraught with Danger
Upon returning to the sect, Lin Yu spent several days studying that fragmented map. He consulted all the materials concerning ancient ruins in the sect's Library Pavilion and asked a few knowledgeable elders for guidance, finally gaining some inkling about the symbols and routes on the map. According to his deduction, that mysterious ruin was likely located in a dangerous region known as the "Death Swamp".
Despite knowing this trip was fraught with danger, in order to gather the talisman materials, Lin Yu resolutely decided to go. He prepared sufficient medicinal pills, talismans, and magical treasures, and also applied to the sect for a spirit armor with extremely strong defensive capabilities. With everything ready, Lin Yu embarked on the journey to the Death Swamp.
Stepping into the Death Swamp, a pungent, rotting stench hit him head-on. Thick fog lingered over the swamp, visibility was extremely low, and the ground beneath his feet was soft and muddy; one misstep would cause him to sink right in. Lin Yu proceeded with utmost caution, constantly alert to the movements around him.
Suddenly, a low roar came from ahead, and a gigantic swamp crocodile lunged out from the swamp. This crocodile was covered in hard scales from head to toe, its bloody maw wide open to reveal sharp fangs, exuding a chilling aura. Lin Yu showed no fear, quickly pulling out a water-attribute talisman—the "Vast Ocean Heaven-Swallowing Xuanming Talisman".
He activated the talisman, and in an instant, the water elements in the swamp surged madly, forming a massive wave that swept toward the crocodile. Struck by the wave, the crocodile's huge body tumbled in the water, but it quickly steadied itself and lunged at Lin Yu once more. Seeing this, Lin Yu produced a thunder-attribute talisman—the "Chaos Purple Lightning Heaven-Shining Talisman".
As the talisman was triggered, a barrel-thick bolt of chaotic purple lightning descended from the sky, striking the crocodile directly. The crocodile let out a miserable shriek, the part of its body struck by the purple lightning instantly turning charred black and emitting wisps of smoke. It struggled a few times before finally collapsing into the swamp, losing all signs of life.
Just as Lin Yu breathed a sigh of relief, he noticed the surrounding fog growing even denser, with countless pairs of red eyes faintly flickering in the dark. A bad premonition arose in his heart, and he realized he had fallen into the encirclement of a pack of swamp fierce beasts. These beasts varied in shape and form, but all radiated powerful auras, and an even tougher battle was about to unfold.
Chapter 230: Life-and-Death Fierce Battle, Harvest and Crisis
Those swamp fierce beasts with flickering red eyes gradually emerged from the fog: among them were nimble swamp venomous spiders, their eight long legs moving swiftly through the mud with green venom dripping from their fangs; and sturdy swamp wild oxen, radiating a berserk aura with horns as sharp as blades.
Lin Yu knew deep down that he could not panic at this moment. He quickly adjusted his state, activating his Immortal Eye to insightfully observe the movement trajectories and weaknesses of these beasts. First, he threw a fire-attribute talisman at the pack of swamp venomous spiders—the "Heaven-Incinerating Purgatory Crimson Flame Divine Talisman". The talisman was activated, and crimson-gold flames instantly ignited, forming a sea of fire that enveloped the venomous spiders. The spiders struggled and shrieked in the sea of fire, soon being burned to ashes by the flames.
However, taking advantage of the moment Lin Yu was dealing with the spiders, the swamp wild oxen had already sprinted right in front of him. The wild oxen charged with all their might, making the ground tremble. Lin Yu hurried to deploy his movement technique to dodge while pulling out a wind-attribute talisman—the "Storm Vortex Nine-Heavens Wind Talisman". A violent gale rose, instantly forming a massive storm vortex that sucked the swamp wild oxen into it. The wild oxen were lacerated all over by the high-speed rotating airflow inside the vortex, emitting painful roars.
Yet the fierce beasts were numerous, surging forth in wave after wave. During the battle, Lin Yu gradually felt his spiritual energy being consumed at a massive rate. While swallowing medicinal pills to replenish his spiritual energy, he continued to deploy talismans and martial arts. Amidst the intense combat, he spotted a particularly gigantic fierce beast that seemed to be the leader of this pack. This beast possessed formidable mental power, continuously interfering with Lin Yu's mind and causing him to experience hallucinations.
Lin Yu realized he had to eliminate this leader beast first, or else it would be difficult to extricate himself. Concentrating his mind, he forcibly resisted the interference of the hallucinations and charged toward the leader beast. The moment he closed in, he unleashed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique, creating a lifelike illusionary realm that trapped the leader beast within. Seizing this opportunity, Lin Yu pulled out his most powerful talisman, preparing to deal a fatal blow to the leader beast.
Just as he was about to activate the talisman, a powerful aura suddenly emanated from the depths of the swamp, as if some terrifying existence had been startled. The surrounding fierce beasts also seemed frightened by something, abruptly halting their attacks and beginning to flee. Lin Yu was inwardly startled; he knew this unknown, powerful entity might be even more dangerous than the beasts before him. Yet by now, most of his spiritual energy was depleted and his body was utterly exhausted; how he would handle the impending crisis became a huge suspense.
Chapter 231: Mysterious Giant Python, Narrow Escapes
Before Lin Yu could recover from the fierce battle with the fierce beasts, that powerful aura from the depths of the swamp was rapidly approaching like a turbulent tide. The thick fog was dispelled by an invisible force, and an unimaginably huge python slowly emerged. The python's body was as thick as a water barrel and reached several dozen zhang in length, its scales flickering with a gloomy luster and its eyes glowing like two blood-red lanterns, radiating a chilling intent to kill.
Lin Yu drew a sharp intake of breath, knowing deep down that this giant python was by no means comparable to those previous fierce beasts. Before he could react, the giant python opened its bloody maw, a foul stench hitting him in the face, while simultaneously spitting out a stream of black venom that shot toward Lin Yu like a sharp arrow. Lin Yu swiftly side-stepped to dodge, and the venom landed on the ground, instantly corroding a bottomless pit.
He hurriedly pulled out a "Five Sacred Mountains Suppressing Prison Thick Earth Spirit Talisman". As the talisman was deployed, the earth shook violently, and five gigantic peaks rose abruptly from the ground, pressing down toward the giant python. Sensing the threat, the giant python wriggled its body and actually smashed two of the peaks to smithereens. But the remaining three peaks still pressed heavily upon its body, causing the giant python to utter a deafening roar in pain.
Seizing this opportunity, Lin Yu prepared to deploy the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to disrupt the giant python's mind. However, the giant python seemed to possess a certain resistance to illusionary arts, merely pausing slightly before lunging at Lin Yu once more. With no other choice, Lin Yu could only dodge continuously while searching for the giant python's flaws; every narrow escape increased the depletion of his physical strength and spiritual energy.
Chapter 232: Epiphany in Desperation, New Power Emerges
Amidst the intense maneuvering with the giant python, Lin Yu gradually felt unequal to the task, and his body was lacerated in multiple places by the python's scales. Yet the tenacity deep in his bones refused to let him give up, and his mind kept recalling the details of the battle, pondering a way to break the deadlock.
Suddenly, the moment he dodged an attack from the giant python, a flash of inspiration struck Lin Yu's mind. Hitherto, he had relied too heavily on talismans and the Immortal Eye, neglecting the integration of his own spiritual energy with the surrounding environment. Right now, being in the swamp, the water and earth elements were extremely dense; why shouldn't he attempt to combine his own spiritual energy with them?
Thinking of this, Lin Yu immediately calmed his mind, circulating his spiritual energy to guide the water and earth elements in the swamp to gather around him. At first, the elemental integration was not smooth, and Lin Yu narrowly avoided being struck by the giant python several times. But he gritted his teeth and persisted, finally succeeding in fusing the two elements into his own spiritual energy.
He felt his strength instantly multiply several times over. With a wave of the longsword in his hand, a sword qi mixed with the powers of water and earth whistled out, carving a deep wound on the giant python's body. The giant python felt the pain and its offensive slowed slightly. Seizing the moment, Lin Yu unleashed another attack using his newly fused power, gradually seizing the upper hand as the situation began to turn in his favor.
Chapter 233: Ruins Entrance, Difficult Opening
Having successfully inflicted heavy damage on the giant python, Lin Yu finally beat it back. Dragging its injured body, the giant python vanished into the depths of the swamp. Lin Yu collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, his heart filled with the relief of having survived a catastrophe.
After resting briefly to recover some physical strength, he continued following the map's guidance. In a secluded corner of the swamp, he discovered a huge stone slab carved all over with bizarre runes. Lin Yu studied these runes carefully and found similarities with some ancient characters he had seen in the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse*.
He attempted to channel his spiritual energy into the runes according to his own understanding. As the spiritual energy poured in, the runes began to flash with light, and the stone slab slowly vibrated. However, opening the stone slab was no easy task; Lin Yu's spiritual energy consumption was immense, and he almost interrupted the process several times. Just as he was about to reach his breaking point, he remembered his previous method of elemental fusion, and once again guided the elemental forces around him, finally succeeding in opening the stone slab.
Beneath the stone slab, a deep passage was revealed, and an ancient and mysterious aura hit him head-on. Lin Yu knew he had finally found the entrance to the mysterious ruin, and within this ruin perhaps lay the talisman materials he dreamed of. Taking a deep breath, harboring both anticipation and tension, he stepped into the passage.
Chapter 234: Strange Shadows in the Ruins, Mysterious Attack
Lin Yu proceeded cautiously along the passage, which was filled with a faint mist, while the walls flickered with weak light, illuminating the path ahead. After walking for a while, the passage suddenly opened up into a gigantic stone chamber.
The stone chamber was furnished with various ancient utensils and statues. The moment Lin Yu stepped into the chamber, he sensed an unusual aura. Suddenly, a dark figure darted out from a corner with extreme speed, instantly arriving right in front of Lin Yu. Lin Yu hurriedly drew his longsword to block, and the dark figure collided with the sword, producing a crisp, ringing sound.
Looking closely, Lin Yu discovered that the dark figure was actually a humanoid entity condensed from black mist; it lacked facial features, yet radiated intense hostility. The humanoid entity waved its arms, transforming into lashes of black whip-shadows that whipped toward Lin Yu. While dodging, Lin Yu observed the humanoid entity's attack patterns.
He discovered that the humanoid entity's attacks seemed completely erratic, yet before every attack, the mist on its body would experience a slight fluctuation. Seizing this flaw, during the humanoid entity's next attack, Lin Yu deployed the Myriad Illusions Birth Pupil Technique to create an illusionary realm. The humanoid entity fell into the illusion and its attacks stalled; taking advantage of this, Lin Yu launched an offensive, piercing the core of the humanoid entity with his longsword. With a muffled thud, the humanoid entity dissolved into a wisp of black smoke and vanished. The stone chamber returned to peace once more, but Lin Yu knew the dangers within this ruin went far beyond this.
Chapter 235: Runic Maze, Breaking the Formation to Find an Opportunity
Having dealt with the mysterious black figure, Lin Yu penetrated deeper into the stone chamber. At the far end of the chamber, he saw a gigantic runic formation that radiated mysterious light and was covered with intricate runes. Lin Yu knew this runic formation might be the key to passing into the depths of the ruin, or it might conceal immense danger.
Observing the runic formation closely, he found that these runes shared a certain connection with the ones that opened the ruins entrance, yet were far more complex. Lin Yu attempted to channel his spiritual energy into the runic formation; however, the moment it was poured in, the runic formation vibrated violently, and countless beams of light shot out from the array, transforming into a barrage of attacks that assaulted Lin Yu.
Lin Yu dodged in a hurry, silently cursing inwardly. He realized he could not blindly inject spiritual energy; he had to find the pattern of the runic formation. Therefore, he calmed his mind, activated his Immortal Eye, and carefully observed the arrangement of the runes and the flow of light. After some study, he discovered that there were several key nodes within the runic formation; as long as these nodes were activated in a specific sequence, the runic formation might be cracked.
Following his deduction with utmost caution, Lin Yu activated the nodes one by one. As the nodes were activated, the light of the runic formation gradually softened, and the attacks ceased. The runic formation slowly opened up, revealing a staircase leading downward. With a pounding heart, Lin Yu continued down the stairs, as unknown dangers and opportunities awaited him.
Chapter 236: Materials Appear, Powerful Foes Arrive Abruptly
Descending the stairs, Lin Yu arrived at a mysterious cavern. The cavern was suffused with five-colored light, and in its center stood a stone platform, radiating the familiar aura of the special talisman materials he had been searching for so bitterly.
Unable to suppress the joy in his heart, Lin Yu strode quickly toward the stone platform. Just as he reached out his hand to touch the materials, eerie laughter suddenly echoed through the cavern: "Kid, these materials are not yours to take!" With the voice, a group of men in black poured out from all directions of the cavern, surrounding Lin Yu tightly.
The leader of the Black-robed Men removed his hood—it was actually the senior brother of the woman who had fought Lin Yu at the abandoned ancient temple earlier. Looking at Lin Yu coldly, he said, "You killed my junior sister, and today is your day of death! Hand over the *Talismanic Life and Death Curse* obediently, or else you won't even have a burial place!" Lin Yu's heart sank; he hadn't expected these people to track him all the way here. Yet showing no fear, he tucked the materials into his bosom and assumed a fighting stance: "If you want the materials and the book, the likes of you are not qualified!"
The Black-robed Men waved their hands, and their subordinates immediately launched their attack. Their coordinated attacks were seamless, and their cultivation techniques were bizarre, causing Lin Yu to gradually feel immense pressure during the combat. Yet relying on his rich battle experience and powerful talismans, he managed to temporarily withstand the enemy's offensive, and a fierce life-and-death clash unfolded in the cavern.
Chapter 237: Fierce Battle Raging, Talismans Display Might
Facing the encirclement of the Black-robed Men, Lin Yu deployed all his skills. Wielding the longsword in his hand with crisscrossing sword qi, he engaged the Black-robed Men in close-quarters combat. Meanwhile, from time to time, he pulled talismans from his waist, activating them to release formidable power.
A "Void-Rending Star-Shattering Golden Radiance Spell Talisman" was activated, and countless razor-sharp golden blades shot toward the Black-robed Men like a torrential rain. The Black-robed Men hastily raised their swords to block, yet several of them were still struck by the golden blades, suffering wounds and collapsing to the ground. Seizing the moment, Lin Yu charged toward the leader of the Black-robed Men, wanting to capture the ringleader first to catch the subordinates.
The leading Black-robed Man let out a cold snort, his hands swiftly forming hand seals as a plume of black smoke surged from his hands, instantly enveloping Lin Yu. Within the smoke, Lin Yu's vision was severely impaired, and the enemy's attacks became even harder to predict. Yet he did not panic; activating his Immortal Eye, he managed to barely dodge the enemy's attacks relying on the insight of the Immortal Eye.
He pulled out a "Vast Ocean Heaven-Swallowing Xuanming Talisman", and the powerful water force erupted instantly, forming a massive sphere of water that dispersed the smoke. The water sphere rolled through the cavern, crashing into the Black-robed Men and sending them tumbling in disarray from the force of the water. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yu launched an even fiercer assault; the combination of talismans and martial arts allowed him to gradually regain the upper hand in the battle, throwing the Black-robed Men's faction into chaos.
Chapter 238: Mysterious Reinforcement, Crisis Averted
Just as Lin Yu was locked in fierce combat with the Black-robed Men, a crisp cry suddenly echoed through the cavern: "Stop!" A flash of pink light crossed the space, and Su Yao appeared in the cavern. Holding a staff in her hand that flashed with radiance, it was evidently a powerful magical treasure.
Su Yao cast spells, and icicles rained down from the sky, shooting toward the Black-robed Men. Not expecting someone to suddenly step in and aid Lin Yu, the Black-robed Men's formation was instantly thrown into utter disarray. Seeing Su Yao, Lin Yu was overjoyed, and taking advantage of the enemy's panic, he launched another attack.
Under the joint assault of Lin Yu and Su Yao, the Black-robed Men could no longer hold their ground. Sensing that the situation was turning unfavorable, the leading Black-robed Man let out a cold snort: "Kid, I'll spare you for today, let's go!" With that, he led the remaining Black-robed Men and fled the cavern in a hurry.
Lin Yu let out a sigh of relief, walked up to Su Yao, and asked, "Junior Sister Su Yao, why are you here?" Su Yao smiled slightly and said, "I saw that you hadn't returned for a long time and was worried, so I followed the clues you left behind and tracked you down. Good thing I made it in time." Lin Yu looked at Su Yao with gratitude. "Thank you, Junior Sister. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have been in big trouble today." After resting briefly, the two prepared to leave the ruins with the materials, unaware that new challenges awaited them.
Chapter 239: Collapse of the Ruins, Escape for Life
Just as Lin Yu and Su Yao were getting ready to leave the cave, the entire ruins suddenly began to shake violently. Rocks started falling from the ceiling, and cracks appeared all over the ground. Lin Yu's heart skipped a beat as he realized that their recent battle must have triggered some sort of restriction within the ruins, causing it to collapse.
He grabbed Su Yao's hand and shouted, "Run! The ruins are collapsing!" The two of them ran desperately along the passage they had come through. Behind them, the sounds of falling rocks echoed continuously as huge boulders smashed into the ground, kicking up billows of dust and smoke.
As they ran, the path ahead was suddenly blocked by a massive fallen boulder. Anxious and frantic, Lin Yu tried to hack at the rock with his longsword, but it was far too hard, and his strikes left only a few shallow marks. Su Yao also cast a spell, attempting to move the boulder, but to no avail.
Meanwhile, the shaking of the ruins grew increasingly violent, and time was running out. Lin Yu suddenly remembered that he still possessed a Storm Vortex Nine Heavens Wind Talisman. He hurriedly pulled out the talisman and activated it. A fierce wind instantly rose, forming a massive storm vortex that swept toward the boulder. Under the overwhelming power of the storm vortex, the boulder was finally shattered, clearing the passage once again. Lin Yu and Su Yao continued running forward, racing against time on the edge of life and death to escape before the ruins completely collapsed.
Chapter 240: Return to the Sect, A New Beginning
Giving it everything they had, Lin Yu and Su Yao finally escaped the Death Swamp at the very last moment before the ruins caved in. Collapsing onto the ground, they gazed back at the swamp now buried beneath the ruins, their hearts filled with the profound emotion of having cheated death.
After resting for a moment, they returned to the sect. Lin Yu handed the precious talisman materials over to the sect elders and gave a detailed account of his experiences in the ruins. The elders praised Lin Yu for his courage and his gains, while also reminding him to remain cautious of the forces lurking behind the scenes.
Returning to his own dwelling, Lin Yu began organizing his gains from this period. Not only had he obtained the talisman materials he had dreamed of, but he had also comprehended new ways to utilize his power through combat. He couldn't wait to enter seclusion so he could study how to draw those powerful talismans and enhance his strength.
Before going into seclusion, Lin Yu sought out Su Yao to express his gratitude once more. Su Yao looked at Lin Yu, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Senior Brother Lin Yu, whenever there's danger in the future, remember to bring me along." Lin Yu smiled and nodded. Back in his dwelling, Lin Yu sat cross-legged and began a new journey of cultivation. He knew that in this world where the strong reigned supreme, only by continuously improving himself could he face the greater challenges yet to come. And his legendary story had only just begun.