World Devourer Vanguard

The black vortex continued to expand, and the giant claw covered in spikes had already emerged halfway, revealing a terrifying body covered in eyes behind it. 'Seek Book Help! Original Content. World Devourer Vanguard—this was knowledge Ning Xiaochuan obtained through the Sacred Source Inheritance. They were the most basic combat units of the World Devourer army, but even so, a single one was comparable to a Source Sect expert on the Open Source Continent!

"Retreat!" Ning Xiaochuan pushed Xing Hui away, forming a golden barrier with Sacred Source Power in front of him. "This is not an opponent you can handle!"

Xing Hui stumbled back a few steps but didn't leave. "Your Highness, the trial grounds have been contaminated, and the teleportation talisman is invalid! We must find another way out!"

Su Linger had already reformed her ice crystal longsword, with the Mysterious Ice Phoenix Source Soul spreading its wings behind her. "Let's deal with this monster first!"

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew into the sky, spreading its wings, and dragon breath brewed in its throat. After evolving a second pair of wings, its size had more than doubled, and the ice-blue patterns on its scales shimmered with a strange luster.

The giant claw slammed down fiercely, and Ning Xiaochuan's barrier shattered! The shockwave sent all four of them flying, crashing heavily against the arena walls.

"Cough!" Ning Xiaochuan spat out a mouthful of blood, his chest burning with pain. The monster's strength far exceeded expectations; it had inflicted internal injuries with just one blow.

Xing Hui struggled to get up, pointing his staff at a small door by the edge of the field. "There! It's an emergency passage to the Sacred Source Ancient Path!"

"You guys go first!" Ning Xiaochuan gritted his teeth and stood up, Sacred Source Power condensing again. "We'll hold it off!"

"No!" Xing Hui said sternly. "Without Sacred Source Royal Family blood, no one can open that door!"

The monster in the vortex had fully revealed itself—a humanoid creature over three meters tall, covered in black bone armor. Its six arms ended in sharp bone blades. Its head had no facial features, only a giant mouth filled with sharp teeth and three blood-red eyes on its forehead.

"World Devourer Hunter..." Ning Xiaochuan recognized the monster from his inherited memories. "Be careful of its bone blades; they have spatial tearing properties!"

As if to confirm his words, the hunter suddenly disappeared, and the next second, it appeared directly behind Su Linger! All six bone blades stabbed down simultaneously!

"Linger!" Ning Xiaochuan's heart nearly stopped.

At the critical moment, the Sacred Spirit Dragon swooped down, biting one of the hunter's arms and forcefully pulling it aside! The bone blade grazed Su Linger's shoulder, drawing a spray of blood.

"Ah!" Su Linger cried out in pain and counterattacked with her sword, stabbing at the hunter's abdomen. The ice crystal longsword left a white mark on the black bone armor but failed to penetrate it.

The hunter cried out in pain, grabbed the Sacred Spirit Dragon's tail, and smashed it fiercely onto the ground!

"Little guy!" Ning Xiaochuan's eyes were bloodshot. Sacred Source Power transformed into a long whip, lashing towards the hunter's eyes.

The hunter dodged agilely, and at the same time, three of its arms suddenly elongated, bone blades aiming directly for Ning Xiaochuan's throat! Ning Xiaochuan hastily leaned back but was still cut, drawing blood.

"Its weakness is its eyes!" Xing Hui shouted from afar. "But all three must be hit simultaneously!"

Hearing this, Su Linger immediately changed her strategy. She stopped attacking head-on and instead moved around, looking for an opportunity. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also got up from the ground. Although its scales were damaged in several places, its fighting spirit remained undiminished.

"I'll take the left, you take the right, and Little Guy from above!" Ning Xiaochuan transmitted the tactic through their soul link. "Three, two, one!"

The three attacked simultaneously! Ning Xiaochuan's Sacred Source Spear aimed directly at the left eye; Su Linger's ice crystal sword energy targeted the right; the Sacred Spirit Dragon sprayed concentrated dragon breath from above, blasting towards the central main eye!

The hunter seemed to sense the danger and suddenly curled into a ball, its bone armor protruding outwards, forming a perfect defense. All attacks were repelled!

"Damn it!" Ning Xiaochuan cursed. This monster was smarter than he had imagined.

The hunter seized the opportunity to counterattack, spinning its body at high speed like a bladed top, charging towards Xing Hui! The old man's hastily erected protective shield shattered like paper. He was about to be minced into meat paste—

"No!" Ning Xiaochuan unleashed his full speed and pushed Xing Hui away at the last moment, only to be cut across the chest by a bone blade, his blood instantly soaking his clothes!

"Ning Xiaochuan!" Su Linger's voice changed drastically, and she rushed over regardless of everything.

How could the hunter let go of this opportunity? Three arms shot out like poisonous snakes, bone blades aiming directly for Su Linger's back!

The Sacred Spirit Dragon cried out anxiously, spraying dragon breath to block, but it only scorched one arm. The remaining two still stabbed mercilessly at Su Linger!

At this moment of life and death, an unprecedented power surged within Ning Xiaochuan. The world in his eyes seemed to slow down, and he could clearly see the trajectory of the bone blades approaching Su Linger inch by inch.

"No!" he roared in his heart. Sacred Source Power flowed in a way it never had before, and his body reacted automatically—he instantly appeared behind Su Linger and grabbed two bone blades with his bare hands!

"Crack!"

The bone blades snapped in his palms, and black blood splattered! The hunter let out a piercing shriek, its remaining arms flailing wildly but unable to break through Ning Xiaochuan's suddenly enhanced defense.

"This is..." Xing Hui's eyes widened in shock. "Sacred Source Awakening! The true royal bloodline has awakened!"

Ning Xiaochuan felt every drop of blood within him boiling. Sacred Source Power was no longer an external energy but perfectly fused with his soul. He looked at Su Linger and found that her eyes also flashed with the same golden light—the Primal Covenant had reached an unprecedentedly deep resonance at this moment!

"Let's go together!" Ning Xiaochuan extended his hand.

Su Linger grasped it without hesitation, their powers merging through the link. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also flew over to join them, and the three powers became perfectly unified on a soul level.

The hunter seemed to sense the threat and suddenly abandoned its attack, attempting to retreat back into the black vortex. But it was too late—

"Sacred Source Judgment!"

A beam of light intertwined with gold and blue descended from the sky, accurately hitting the hunter's three eyes! The monster let out a non-human scream, its body melting like wax, finally turning into a pool of black water.

The black vortex also collapsed and vanished without a trace.

Ning Xiaochuan knelt on one knee, the intense energy consumption making him dizzy. Su Linger also slumped to the side, her face as pale as paper. Only the Sacred Spirit Dragon remained vigilant, circling in the air.

"Incredible..." Xing Hui walked over, trembling. "We haven't seen such a perfect Primal Resonance in a thousand years."

Ning Xiaochuan managed a weak smile. "Can we... leave now?"

Xing Hui pointed to the small door. "Of course, Your Highness. Please follow me."

Passing through the narrow passage, the four of them arrived in a circular stone chamber. The walls were covered with ancient murals, recording the glorious deeds of past Sacred Origin Tribe powerhouses. In the center was a small altar, with a transparent crystal suspended above it.

"Sacred Source Inheritance Crystal," Xing Hui said respectfully. "Only royal family members who pass the trial can activate it."

Ning Xiaochuan looked at Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon. "Let's do it together."

The three placed their hands on the crystal and injected their respective powers. The crystal gradually lit up, projecting countless light spots that formed complex three-dimensional patterns in the air.

"This... is a Sacred Source Secret Technique?" Ning Xiaochuan asked in surprise.

Star Radiance nodded. "Every royal family member receives an exclusive Sacred Source Secret Technique after passing a trial. Yours seems to be..."

The pattern finally took shape, displaying three intertwined halos, each with unique markings.

"Trinity!" Star Radiance exclaimed. "The supreme secret technique legend says only the Sacred Source Progenitor ever mastered!"

Ning Xiaochuan could feel the information of the secret technique flowing directly into his mind—it was a technique that perfectly fused the power of three people, allowing them to unleash several times their normal combat strength in a short period.

"What's the price?" Su Linger asked sharply. "Such a powerful secret technique can't be without limitations."

Star Radiance's expression grew serious. "It consumes life force. Each use shortens your lifespan, depending on the duration and intensity."

Ning Xiaochuan frowned. "Then we can't use it lightly."

"But it can save our lives at critical moments," Su Linger said, taking his hand. "It's worth it."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon also let out a "gu jiu" in agreement, patting the crystal with its small paws as if eager to try out its new ability.

Star Radiance walked to the other side of the stone chamber and pressed a mechanism on the wall. A hidden door slid open, revealing a spiral staircase behind it. "This way leads to the top floor of the Sacred Source Tower. You need to rest; there are still three final trials tomorrow."

The four of them ascended the stairs, none of them noticing that the pool of black water, which should have disappeared, was quietly seeping into the cracks in the stone, flowing towards the depths of the Sacred Source Land...

The room on the top floor of the Sacred Source Tower was spacious and comfortable, with a panoramic view of the entire city through the curved floor-to-ceiling windows. Two moons hung high in the night sky, casting a soft silver glow.

Ning Xiaochuan stood by the window, gazing at the flickering lights in the distance. The wound on his chest had already been treated by the healers of the Sacred Source Spring, leaving only a faint scar.

"Can't sleep?" Su Linger's voice came from behind him.

She had changed into a white nightgown, her silver hair cascading down, shimmering like liquid mercury in the moonlight. The Sacred Spirit Dragon was curled up on her shoulder, seemingly asleep.

"Yeah, I was thinking about today's battle," Ning Xiaochuan turned and gestured for her to sit down. "That World Devourer appeared too suspiciously."

Su Linger sat on the long bench by the window. "Star Radiance said the trial grounds were contaminated... could it be a hidden danger left by Dark Star?"

"It's possible," Ning Xiaochuan frowned. "But I feel like something's not right."

He walked over and sat beside Su Linger. "The hunter seemed very familiar with our fighting style, especially the Primal Covenant."

Su Linger gently stroked the Sacred Spirit Dragon's scales. "Are you saying... someone leaked our information to the World Devourers?"

"Or..." Ning Xiaochuan's voice deepened, "there's a traitor in the Sacred Source Land."

They both fell silent. The thought was too heavy, but it was the most plausible explanation. For the World Devourers to be able to precisely contaminate the most critical part of the trial grounds, there must have been inside help.

"Who could it be?" Su Linger asked softly.

Ning Xiaochuan shook his head. "I'm not sure. But we need to be extremely careful in the final three trials tomorrow."

As they were speaking, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly woke up, perking its head up and looking alertly at the door.

"Someone's coming," Ning Xiaochuan immediately became vigilant.

Light footsteps stopped outside the door, followed by a polite knock. "Your Highness, are you awake?"

It was Yun Yi's voice. Ning Xiaochuan breathed a sigh of relief. "Come in."

The door opened, and the silver-haired girl entered, holding a glowing lamp. She wore light leather armor and had a short bow at her waist, clearly having just come off patrol.

"Sorry to disturb your rest," Yun Yi bowed. "But I found suspicious traces on the northwest corner of the city wall and thought I should report it immediately."

"What traces?" Ning Xiaochuan asked.

"It looked like... black slime, corrosive," Yun Yi described. "Very similar to what the monster in the trial grounds left today."

Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger exchanged glances. "Take us to see it."

The three of them quietly left the tower and followed Yun Yi through the silent streets. The night in the Sacred Source Land was much warmer than on the Open Source Continent, and a faint floral scent wafted through the air.

The northwest city wall was the oldest defensive structure in the Sacred Source Land, built from a special white stone, incredibly sturdy. Yun Yi pointed to an inconspicuous shadow at the base of the wall. "There."

Ning Xiaochuan squatted down, condensing Sacred Source Power at his fingertips to illuminate the area. Indeed, a few drops of black slime clung to the base of the wall, slowly corroding the stone.

"It is indeed residue from a World Devourer," Ning Xiaochuan's expression turned grim. "Which direction did it go?"

Yun Yi pointed outside the city. "The traces disappeared beyond the wall. I've already increased patrols, but..."

Before she could finish, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly bristled, letting out a sharp warning cry!

"Watch out!" Ning Xiaochuan instinctively pushed Yun Yi away as a black light shot out from the darkness, grazing his arm as it flew past!

The black light struck the city wall, immediately corroding a large hole in the stone. Immediately after, over a dozen black-robed figures emerged from all directions, surrounding them!

"Black Tide!" Su Linger immediately drew her sword. "How did they get in?"

The black-robed figures attacked in unison without a word. Ning Xiaochuan activated his Sacred Source Shield, blocking the first wave of attacks, but their numbers were too great, and soon some slipped through the defenses.

"Yun Yi, go back and report!" Ning Xiaochuan ordered. "We'll hold them off!"

Yun Yi drew and nocked an arrow, accurately shooting one of the black-robed figures in the throat. "No! My duty is to protect Your Highness!"

The battle instantly became intense. Ning Xiaochuan realized these black-robed figures were different from those on the Open Source Continent—they had no red light on their chests, clearly not controlled by the Eye of the Deep Sea, but traitors who willingly served the World Devourers!

"Why have you betrayed the Sacred Source Land?" Ning Xiaochuan questioned sternly, shattering an enemy's chest bone with a palm strike.

The black-robed figures remained silent, but their attacks became more ferocious. One of them suddenly pulled out a black crystal and crushed it, and thick black mist instantly enveloped the entire area!

"Soul Devouring Mist!" Su Linger cried out, "Hold your breath!"

Ning Xiaochuan immediately held his breath, but it was too late. He had already inhaled a small amount of the black mist, and instantly felt dizzy, his Sacred Source Power becoming sluggish.

"Ning Xiaochuan!" Su Linger tried to rush over to rescue him, but was entangled by three figures in black robes.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon angrily spat dragon's breath, burning through two enemies, but more black-robed figures swarmed in. Seeing the dire situation, Ning Xiaochuan suddenly thought of a newly learned secret technique.

"Trinity!" he signaled Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon through their soul link.

Despite knowing the immense cost, there was no other choice in the face of death. The power of the three resonated instantly, forming a perfect energy cycle. Ning Xiaochuan felt his life force rapidly draining, but in exchange, he gained unprecedented power!

"Sacred Source Judgment!"

A dazzling pillar of light erupted from the center of the three, and all the black-robed figures turned to ash in the radiance! The black mist was also purified completely, and the night sky regained its clarity.

After the secret technique was dispelled, Ning Xiaochuan immediately knelt on the ground, gasping for air. He felt an emptiness within him, as if he had aged ten years in an instant. Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon were no better off, both swaying weakly.

"Your Highness!" Yun Yi quickly supported him, "Are you alright?"

"I'm... fine." Ning Xiaochuan forced himself to stand up, "Quick, take us back to the tower. We must inform Star Radiance about this immediately."

Yun Yi nodded and was about to help them leave when a strange laugh echoed from outside the city walls: "Hehehehe... the Son of Sacred Source is nothing special."

A hunched figure emerged from the darkness, completely shrouded in a tattered black robe, revealing only a pair of old eyes gleaming with red light.

"Who are you?" Ning Xiaochuan braced himself and stood straight.

The old man lifted his hood, revealing a wrinkled face: "A traitor to the Sacred Source Land, a servant of the World Devourers."

Yun Yi gasped: "Gray Robe Elder?!"

Ning Xiaochuan remembered. Star Radiance had mentioned that one of the twelve elders always wore a gray robe and was responsible for guarding the entrance to the Sacred Source Ancient Path.

"Why?" Ning Xiaochuan questioned, "You are an elder of the Sacred Origin Tribe!"

The Gray Robe Elder sneered, "The Sacred Origin Tribe is destined for extinction! Only by pledging allegiance to the World Devourers can one attain eternal life!"

He violently tore open his gray robe, revealing his chest—a black crystal was embedded there, identical to the one on the Dark Star's forehead!

"Today, I shall offer the head of the Son of Sacred Source to the World Devourers!"

The black crystal erupted with blinding light, and the Gray Robe Elder's body began to twist and contort, eventually transforming into a World Devourer Hunter even larger than the one in the trial grounds!

"Run!" Ning Xiaochuan pushed Yun Yi, "Go find Star Radiance!"

Yun Yi hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and turned, rushing into the city. The Hunter tried to pursue, but Ning Xiaochuan's Sacred Source Spear blocked its path.

"We are your opponents!" Su Linger, enduring her weakness, once again condensed an ice crystal sword.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon also flew into the air. Though its wings were unsteady, it still firmly stood in front of the Hunter.

The Hunter let out a piercing shriek, and six bone blades simultaneously attacked the three. Ning Xiaochuan barely managed to block, but was sent flying by the immense impact, crashing heavily against the city wall!

"Pfft!" He spat out a mouthful of blood, feeling several broken ribs.

Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon were no better off. One was cut on the thigh by a bone blade, and the other was slammed to the ground, losing a large patch of scales.

"Damn it..." Ning Xiaochuan struggled to stand up, "Do we have to use Trinity again?"

Another use might cause them to collapse from exhaustion. But it seemed there was no other choice...

Just as he was about to reactivate the secret technique, countless torches suddenly lit up within the city! Star Radiance arrived with a large number of Sacred Source Knights, surrounding the Hunter!

"Gray Robe! You've finally shown your true colors!" Star Radiance roared, "Sacred Source Knights, form ranks!"

Twelve knights simultaneously raised their swords, forming a complex star formation. The light intertwined into a net, trapping the Hunter in the center.

"Useless!" the Hunter roared, "The World Devourers are about to descend, you will all die!"

The black crystal on its chest suddenly exploded, releasing terrifying dark energy. The star formation vibrated violently, on the verge of collapse!

Ning Xiaochuan knew this was their last chance. He looked at Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon. Their eyes met, and without a word, they reached an understanding.

"Trinity! Ultimate Form!"

This time, the power of the secret technique far surpassed the previous one. Their bodies became almost transparent, transforming into pure energy, merging into a colossal giant of light!

The light giant punched the Hunter, and darkness and light clashed fiercely, erupting in a deafening roar! When the light dissipated, the Hunter had turned to ash, not even a speck remaining.

The three returned to their original forms, all collapsing onto the ground. Ning Xiaochuan felt his life was like a candle in the wind, ready to extinguish at any moment. But he still forced himself to look at Star Radiance: "Find... find out... if there are... any other traitors..."

After saying these words, he plunged into endless darkness.