After surviving the crisis at the ruins, Lin Qiye, Shen Qingzhu, and the Little Girl returned to the human settlement. Yet, they could not afford a moment of relaxation. Their minds remained troubled by the lingering threat of the Man in Black Robe and the dark power that seemed impossible to eradicate entirely.
Lin Qiye began searching everywhere for more information regarding the Origin Power of the World, knowing it was the key to fighting the dark power. In the ancient library of the city, he pored over countless ancient texts and documents, finally uncovering some vague clues about the world's origin.
The ancient texts recorded that the Origin Power of the World was hidden deep within the World Core, the primal point of the world's birth, which could only be approached through a special ritual by those with pure hearts. Furthermore, the Origin Power of the World was inextricably linked to the Divine Artifact; without proper guidance, the power of the Divine Artifact could spin out of control once again.
"It seems we must find the World Core to truly resolve this issue," Lin Qiye said to Shen Qingzhu.
"But the ancient texts don't say where the World Core is. How are we supposed to find it?" Shen Qingzhu asked with a hint of worry.
Just as they were at their wits' end, the Little Girl suddenly spoke up, "I think I know where the World Core is."
Lin Qiye and Shen Qingzhu looked at the Little Girl in surprise. "You know?"
The Little Girl nodded. "In my dream, I saw a place with a massive ball of light surrounded by multicolored rays of light. I feel that must be the World Core. Besides, I also saw some strange symbols, and I think I can try to draw them."
The Little Girl picked up a pen and drew the strange symbols on a piece of paper. Looking at the symbols, Lin Qiye discovered they bore a resemblance to some of the runes seen in the ruins, which might be an important clue to finding the World Core.
Guided by the symbols, they set out on their search. After a long period of exploration, they arrived at a mysterious desert. A massive sandstorm raged across the desert, and from time to time, strange rays of light flashed within the storm, forming patterns identical to the symbols drawn by the Little Girl.
"The World Core should be right beneath this desert," Lin Qiye said.
They cautiously advanced through the desert, dodging the onslaught of the sandstorm. Suddenly, the sand beneath their feet began to sink, and they plunged into a massive underground cave. The cave was filled with a soft glow, originating from a huge crystal array that housed a brilliant, multicolored ball of light—the World Core.
"We found it!" Shen Qingzhu said excitedly.
Before they could even celebrate, mysterious creatures appeared to guard the World Core. Resembling qilin, these creatures radiated a sacred glow, and their eyes were filled with vigilance, as if they regarded Lin Qiye and his companions as enemies.
"We mean no harm. We are here to seek the Origin Power of the World to fight the dark power," Lin Qiye tried to explain.
However, the mysterious creatures ignored them and launched a direct attack. Lin Qiye and Shen Qingzhu were forced to fight back. These mysterious creatures were immensely powerful; their attack speed was astonishing, and every strike carried divine force, inflicting considerable damage upon Lin Qiye and Shen Qingzhu.
Lin Qiye unleashed "Xingchen Guard Slash", creating a protective barrier around them that temporarily held off the creatures' assaults. "We need to find a way to communicate with them instead of fighting endlessly," Lin Qiye said.
The Little Girl stepped forward. She walked toward the mysterious creatures and began chanting an ancient ballad. The ballad seemed to possess a magical charm; upon hearing it, the creatures stopped their attacks, a trace of confusion in their eyes.
"What are you singing?" Lin Qiye asked the Little Girl.
The Little Girl replied, "I don't know either. I heard this song in my dream, and I feel like it helps these creatures understand our words."
Under the sound of the Little Girl's singing, the mysterious creatures seemed to understand their intent. One of them stepped forward and communicated with them in an ancient language. Though Lin Qiye and Shen Qingzhu could not understand it, the Little Girl comprehended every word.
The Little Girl told them, "It says that if we want to approach the World Core, we must pass their trial. Only by proving that we are worthy of possessing the Origin Power of the World can we enter."
"What kind of trial?" Shen Qingzhu asked.
The mysterious creature said a few more words, and the Little Girl translated, "They will create illusions in our minds. We must remain true to ourselves within the illusions and refuse to be led astray. If we pass, we may enter."
Lin Qiye and Shen Qingzhu nodded, steeling themselves. The mysterious creatures began to channel their power, and Lin Qiye and Shen Qingzhu felt their consciousness pulled into an illusion.
Within the illusion, Lin Qiye saw his loved ones and friends suffering and crying out to him for help. A sharp pain pierced his heart, but he knew this was an illusion and he could not be deceived. He fought to keep his mind clear, recalling his mission and his responsibility to the world.
Shen Qingzhu, meanwhile, saw the world once again enveloped in darkness, with people pointing fingers at him for failing to protect it. His heart was filled with guilt, but he also understood this was a test and he could not waver.
Through their arduous struggle, both of them successfully passed the illusion trial. Seeing that they had passed, the mysterious creatures cleared a path leading directly to the World Core.
They walked toward the World Core. As Lin Qiye reached out and touched the luminous sphere of the World Core, a powerful surge of energy flooded into his body. He felt the joys and sorrows of the world, and the vitality and vigor of all living things.
"We can use this power to purify the dark power and repair the Divine Artifact," Lin Qiye said.
Carrying the Origin Power of the World, they left the World Core, ready to face new challenges, completely eliminate the dark power, and safeguard the peace of the world.