If This Were Used to Catch Someone Off Guard

Xiao Han's eyes gleamed even brighter. This power of Return to the Ruins could not only destroy life force, but also temporarily disintegrate energy structures. If it were used on an opponent's protective spiritual power or domain... he could already imagine the horrified expression on his enemy's face.

"A Step to the Ends of the Earth"

His figure swayed slightly, leaving a faint afterimage in place, and in the next instant, he silently appeared at the other end of the cave.

The entire process was smooth and natural, with minimal spatial fluctuations.

In the past few days, he has incorporated his understanding of space from the "Shadow Void Scripture" into his footwork, which has not only increased his maximum jump distance again, but also made his perception and control of spatial nodes more refined.

He even tried to concentrate his spiritual energy at his fingertips and gently tap on empty space.

"Buzz..."

A tiny but clearly visible ripple appeared in the space in front of his fingertips, spreading out like water.

Although the scope was extremely small and the impact was very short-lived, this undoubtedly proves that he has taken a substantial step forward in his ability to interfere with space.

"If this were used to trick people... heh." Xiao Han stroked his chin, revealing a kind smile.

Not to be outdone, the Chaos Green Lotus Martial Soul, guided by its thoughts, channeled strands of pure Azure Lotus spiritual power into the sword intent of the Green Lotus Sword Song. With a flick of its fingers like a sword, it unleashed a burst of azure sword energy.

This sword energy was slightly different from the previous ones. In addition to its original sharpness and vitality, the sword also had a touch of pure purification light.

Where the sword energy swept past, the residual impurities in the air caused by cultivating the power of shadow were instantly purified.

"Breaking through evil, dispelling illusions, breaking through defenses... It should be surprisingly effective against those with energy shields or certain special constitutions."

Xiao Han was very much looking forward to this. The purifying power of the Chaos Green Lotus was the nemesis of all filth and evil spirits. When integrated into offensive martial arts techniques, its power would naturally be even greater.

The connection between his Twin Martial Souls also became increasingly close as his realm improved and his understanding of their respective powers deepened.

The boundless vitality and purifying power of the Chaos Green Lotus, and the shadowy void and devouring power of the Eternal Night Monarch, formed a wondrous balance and complement within his body.

Xiao Han now had a clearer idea of how to integrate the Chaos Domain and the Eternal Night Domain.

He vaguely sensed that the true fusion of the two domains might not just be an aggregation of power, but could give rise to a completely new and terrifying power that surpasses both of them.

"However, this can't be rushed." Xiao Han knew very well that the complete fusion of domains required a higher level of cultivation as support, as well as a deeper opportunity.

You have to eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time.

After cleaning up the traces inside the cave, Xiao Han adjusted his aura.

The Fifth Level of the Martial Master Realm receded like a tide, cleverly compressed and disguised layer by layer by him using the secret technique of the "Shadow Void Scripture", and finally stabilized at the Martial Master Realm Fourth Level Peak. He even deliberately created the illusion that his foundation was slightly unstable, as if he had just broken through not long ago.

Only after doing all this did he nod in satisfaction.

"Yes, keeping a low profile is the best approach."

The heavy stone door slowly opened, letting in blinding sunlight. Xiao Han squinted, adjusting his eyes to the light, and then strolled out of the cave.

He still looked slightly tired and weak, seemingly unchanged from when he entered the cave a few days ago.

But those eyes, which occasionally flashed with a deep, piercing light, inadvertently revealed a chilling sharpness, like a lurking beast ready to unleash its ferocious fangs at any moment.

Xia Yubing had just turned the corner of the cobblestone path when she almost bumped into someone.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be Xiao Han.

"Xiao Han? You've emerged from seclusion?"

She looked him up and down. This guy had been in seclusion for some time. In the Core Sequence, many people were whispering among themselves, saying that he must have suffered a setback in the secret realm and was too injured to get up.

Judging from his current appearance, his face was somewhat pale, and his steps were slightly unsteady.

"Is the recovery... alright?" Xia Yubing asked tentatively, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Xiao Han forced a slightly tired smile and said, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister Xia. I've rested for a few days and I'm fine now."

As he spoke, his aura remained that of a peak Martial Master Realm Fourth Level, though he still showed signs of weakness, indicating that his vital energy had not yet fully recovered.

Xia Yubing gave a soft "hmm," but inwardly she felt that something was off about this guy, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Am I overthinking it?

"It's good that you're alright." She composed herself and added, "The academy has been relatively peaceful lately, but... you should still be careful."

"Thank you for your guidance, senior." Xiao Han cupped his hands in greeting, his attitude as always.

After saying goodbye to Xia Yubing, Xiao Han strolled leisurely towards his mentor Lin Qingxia's courtyard.

He still looked exhausted, staggering as if a strong wind could blow him away.

Only he himself knew that every step he took, seemingly random, actually conformed to some mysterious rhythm, and the fluctuations in the surrounding space were suppressed to the extreme.

His fingertips unconsciously traced a line in the air, creating a barely perceptible ripple that vanished instantly, like a drop of water falling into a deep pool, leaving no trace.

The concept of "Return to the Ruins" should be quite effective in dismantling those energy structures.

The power of the Chaos Green Lotus and the Eternal Night Monarch within his body had become perfectly integrated with each breath, without any further stagnation.

The sword intent of the Green Lotus Sword Song also contained something indescribable, seemingly capable of cleansing away all impurities, and perhaps having a miraculous effect against certain special individuals.

As for the "A Step to the Ends of the Earth" movement technique, after incorporating the understanding of space from the "Shadow Void Scripture," the maximum jump distance has increased significantly, and the sensitivity to spatial nodes has also become much more acute.

These things, of course, need not be told to outsiders.

He even deliberately suppressed his surging Fifth Level of the Martial Master Realm spiritual power, disguising it as the Martial Master Realm Fourth Level Peak, and even created the illusion of an unstable foundation.

Playing it safe and developing your character stealthily is the only way to succeed.

Before even reaching Lin Qingxia's courtyard, the central square of the university was already bustling with noise, the clamor reaching the heavens.

A huge light screen floated in mid-air, each word on it heavy and oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

"Top Mission: Clearance and Resource Scramble in the Red Ridge Mountain Range!"

Below, there was a dense crowd of heads, and gasps and gasps filled the air, creating chaos.

"Mission Location: Dragon Nation Border, Newly Discovered Red Ridge Mountain Range."

Mission Objective: 1. To quell the horde of monstrous beasts entrenched in the Red Ridge Mountain Range and eliminate potential threats;

Second, to explore and contest a newly discovered rare energy crystal vein in the area. Specific details will be announced separately.

Task Difficulty Rating: Extremely High!

Participants: All students in Zero Class, and some outstanding students from the Elite Class. The academy will send mentors to accompany and protect them, but the mentors will not directly participate in core area battles or resource allocation.

"Mission Rewards: A massive amount of Academy Contribution Points, access to exchange for higher-level cultivation techniques and martial arts skills in the Star Pavilion, rare elixirs and magic weapons, and even a chance to obtain mysterious rare treasures that allow you to break through your current cultivation level!"

The announcement was like a bombshell dropped on the entire Imperial Capital Academy, instantly causing an uproar.

"My goodness! The Red Ridge Mountain Range? Where did they come from? A newly discovered place?" A shrill voice cut through the noise of the crowd, filled with disbelief.

"Extremely difficult! All those monsters from Zero Class have to go out, and the instructor has to come along? What level is that beast tide? It's going to cause a huge upheaval!" Another rough voice was filled with shock and a hint of excitement.

"A reward! Look at the reward! A treasure for breaking through a major realm! Damn, if I could get my hands on this... my life would be worth it!"

Among the crowd, many students from Zero Class were already rubbing their hands together, and the air was filled with a restless fighting spirit and an irrepressible desire.

For them, this kind of mission is a high-stakes business, but also a ladder to instant success, where risk and opportunity coexist to the extreme.