In the early morning, Chu Sheng stood before a desolate ancient mine, reflecting on the events of the previous day's tri-party meeting. The intelligence provided by Wang Wang indicated that there had been unusual energy fluctuations in this area, likely related to the Evil God. The mine loomed darkly before him, resembling a monstrous creature with its mouth wide open, as if it were ready to swallow everything whole. The morning mist hung thickly in the air, adding an eerie atmosphere.
"Is everyone here?" Lin Yue's voice rang clear and crisp, cutting through the silence of the morning. She scanned the thirteen individuals present, ensuring each one was accounted for. Besides herself and Chu Sheng, there were three elite disciples led by elder Li from Tian Yun Sect, along with members of Shang Ye sect led by Wang Wang. Each person wore a serious expression, akin to soldiers preparing for battle.
"Let’s confirm everything one more time before we set off," elder Li said, his face stern as he donned the distinctive blue robe of Tian Yun Sect. "Once we enter the secret realm, communication devices may fail. Everyone must be cautious. What lies within is not to be trifled with." His tone was steady, carrying a hint of warning.
Wang Wang waved his hand dismissively. "We’re all seasoned veterans; there's no need for such fuss. Let’s get moving already—stop dragging your feet like a bunch of women." His expression was one of disdain, seemingly unimpressed by elder Li's caution.
Chu Sheng remained silent, quietly observing the entrance to the mine. A sinister aura wafted out from the cave, carrying a scent of decay as if something had rotted within. The Merit Book at his chest pulsed gently, as if reminding him of the dangers that lay ahead. He furrowed his brow slightly, a sense of vigilance rising within him.
"Be careful," Lin Yue whispered, her grip tightening around her Ice Sword as she eyed the mine's entrance warily. "The energy fluctuations here are very abnormal; it feels ominous, as if something foul is lurking."
The group slowly entered the mine. As they delved deeper, the air grew increasingly cold and damp, reminiscent of falling into an ice cellar. The interior of the mine was far more spacious than anticipated; winding passages stretched out like a spider's web into the dark depths, resembling a vast labyrinth. The walls were etched with strange runes that flickered with an eerie glow under their flashlight beams, as if whispering ancient secrets.
"These runes..." elder Li leaned closer to examine them with his flashlight, his brow furrowed in concentration. "They seem to be some form of ancient script but altered in some way." His voice carried a note of confusion as he grappled with their meaning.
"Blood Stench," Chu Sheng suddenly interjected, his nostrils flaring slightly. "It's faint but definitely present—like something from long ago." His sharp gaze swept around them as he sought the source of the scent.
No sooner had he spoken than a piercing shriek echoed from the darkness ahead, reverberating through the mine. Instantly, everyone fell into a combat stance; abilities flared to life in the shadows like stars twinkling in the night sky.
"They're coming!" Wang Wang hissed under his breath as a black dagger appeared in his hand, excitement gleaming in his eyes.
Dozens of creatures resembling lizards but sporting bat-like wings lunged from the darkness. Each was about the size of an adult human, with fearsome fangs and eyes glowing blood-red—like a horde of evil spirits risen from hell. Their skin was covered in black scales that radiated an unsettling energy wave, sending chills down their spines.
"Be careful of their venom!" elder Li warned as he unleashed his ability, a streak of azure light cutting through the darkness like a bolt of lightning, sending the two creatures at the front flying.
The battle erupted in an instant. Chu Sheng and Lin Yue stood back to back, moving in perfect harmony like a finely tuned machine. Lin Yue's Ice Ability froze several creatures, the icy blue glow shining brilliantly in the dark. Seizing the opportunity, Chu Sheng lunged forward, his sword gleaming coldly like a silver dragon, piercing precisely into the vital points of the beasts.
"Aah!" A scream pierced the air as a disciple from the Tian Yun Sect was struck by the creature's venom, his face turning pale as if drained of all color.
"Damn it!" Chu Sheng's expression hardened as the Merit Book trembled violently, warning him of impending danger. He dashed forward, his sword slashing like a dragon, and with three swift strikes, he reduced the creature to fragments.
"This is bad." elder Li assessed the injured disciple's condition, his expression grave. "This toxin is unusual; ordinary Antidote Pills are completely ineffective. It seems specifically designed to target Ability users."
"Let's split up." Wang Wang suggested. "One team continues to explore while another escorts the injured to find a way out. This will be more efficient and help avoid greater casualties."
After a brief discussion, the group divided into two teams. Chu Sheng, Lin Yue, and Wang Wang continued deeper into the lair while elder Li led the others to escort the injured.
"We'll regroup at the entrance in two hours." Before they parted ways, elder Li instructed firmly, "If anything seems off, retreat immediately; do not linger in battle."
Chu Sheng's team advanced along a hidden passage. As they delved deeper, the energy fluctuations in the air intensified, as if something was calling out to them. Suddenly, they reached a vast stone chamber at the end of the passage, where an ancient altar stood at its center, exuding an aura of age and mystery.
"This is..." Lin Yue gasped in shock at the sight before her.
Suspended above the altar was an Ability Orb about the size of a fist, radiating powerful energy waves like a miniature sun. Even more astonishing were the ancient inscriptions covering the walls around the altar, resembling an epic tale that recorded an incredible secret.
"This can't be..." Wang Wang's voice trembled as if he had witnessed something unfathomable. "Could it be that Zheng Shen and Evil God..." He seemed to have stumbled upon a shocking revelation but struggled to believe it.
At that moment, a tremendous explosion echoed from the direction they had come, rumbling like a landslide. It was followed by a chorus of anguished screams, the chilling sounds reverberating through the mine.
Chu Sheng abruptly turned around, an ominous premonition swelling within him, as if a massive stone were pressing down on his heart. The Merit Book shook violently, as if warning of impending disaster.
"They...," Lin Yue began to speak, but before he could finish, the ground suddenly trembled violently, reminiscent of an earthquake. A cascade of debris fell from above with a crackling sound, like hailstones raining down. To make matters worse, countless blood-red eyes flickered to life in the darkness, resembling ghostly lights in the night sky. Approaching them were figures even larger than the strange beasts they had encountered before, looming like a horde of colossal monsters, exuding an aura of destruction.
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