World Devourer Vanguard

The Black Vortex kept expanding. More than half of the enormous, spike-covered claw had emerged, revealing the horrifying body behind it, covered in eyes. The World Devourer vanguard—this was knowledge Ning Xiaochuan had obtained through the Sacred Source Inheritance. They were the most basic combat units in the World Devourer army, yet even a single one was comparable to a Source Sect expert from the Open Source Continent!

"Fall back!" Ning Xiaochuan shoved Star Radiance aside. Sacred Source Power formed a golden barrier before him. "This isn't an opponent you can handle!"

Star Radiance staggered back several steps but did not leave. "Your Highness, the trial grounds have been contaminated, and the teleportation talismans have failed! We must find another way out!"

Su Linger had already condensed her Ice Crystal Longsword again, the Mysterious Ice Phoenix Source Soul spreading its wings behind her. "Let's deal with this monster first!"

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew high into the air, spreading its wings as Dragon Breath brewed in its throat. After evolving its second pair of wings, its body had grown more than twice as large as before, and the icy-blue patterns on its scales flickered with an uncanny glow.

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

"Cough!" Ning Xiaochuan spat out blood, his chest burning with pain. This monster was far stronger than expected. A single blow had already injured him internally.

Star Radiance struggled to his feet and pointed his staff at a small door near the edge of the arena. "There! An emergency passage leading to the Sacred Source Ancient Path!"

"You go first!" Ning Xiaochuan gritted his teeth and rose, Sacred Source Power gathering once more. "We'll hold it back!"

"No!" Star Radiance shouted sharply. "Without the bloodline of the Sacred Source Royal Family, no one can open that door!"

The monster in the vortex had fully emerged—a humanoid creature more than three meters tall, its entire body covered in black bone armor. Sharp bone blades extended from the ends of its six arms. Its head had no facial features, only a massive mouth full of fangs and three blood-red eyes on its forehead.

"A World Devourer Hunter..." Ning Xiaochuan recognized the monster from his inherited memories. "Watch out for its bone blades. They can tear through space!"

As if to confirm his words, the Hunter suddenly vanished. The next instant, it appeared directly behind Su Linger! Six bone blades stabbed down at once!

"Ling'er!" Ning Xiaochuan's heart nearly stopped.

At the critical moment, the Sacred Spirit Dragon dove down and bit one of the Hunter's arms, forcibly yanking it aside! The bone blades grazed Su Linger's shoulder, sending blood spraying.

"Ah!" Su Linger cried out in pain and thrust her sword backward at the Hunter's abdomen. The Ice Crystal Longsword left a white mark on the black bone armor but failed to pierce it.

The Hunter howled in pain, grabbed the Sacred Spirit Dragon by the tail, and viciously smashed it into the ground!

"Little One!" Ning Xiaochuan's eyes turned bloodshot as Sacred Source Power transformed into a long whip and lashed at the Hunter's eyes.

The Hunter dodged nimbly. At the same time, three of its arms suddenly elongated, their bone blades shooting straight for Ning Xiaochuan's throat! Ning Xiaochuan hastily leaned back, but a bloody cut was still carved across him.

"Its weak point is its eyes!" Star Radiance shouted from afar. "But all three must be struck at the same time!"

Hearing this, Su Linger immediately changed her strategy. Rather than attacking head-on, she circled and maneuvered, searching for an opening. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also climbed back up from the ground. Though many of its scales had been damaged, its fighting spirit remained undiminished.

"I'll take the left, you take the right, Little One takes the top!" Ning Xiaochuan conveyed the tactic through the Soul Link. "Three, two, one!"

The three attacked simultaneously! Ning Xiaochuan's Sacred Source Spear shot toward the left eye; Su Linger's icy sword energy targeted the right; while the Sacred Spirit Dragon spat condensed Dragon Breath from above, blasting toward the central eye!

The Hunter seemed to sense the danger and suddenly curled into a ball. Its bone armor protruded outward, forming a perfect defense. Every attack was deflected!

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

The Hunter took the opportunity to counterattack, spinning its body at high speed and charging at Star Radiance like a bladed top! The protective shield the old man hastily raised shattered like paper, and he was about to be ground into pulp—

"No!" Ning Xiaochuan exploded forward at full speed. At the last moment, he shoved Star Radiance away, but the bone blades slashed open his chest, blood instantly soaking through his clothes!

"Ning Xiaochuan!" Su Linger's voice rose in panic as she charged over without regard for herself.

How could the Hunter let this opportunity pass? Three arms shot out like venomous snakes, their bone blades aimed straight at Su Linger's back!

The Sacred Spirit Dragon shrieked "Goo Chu" in panic and spat Dragon Breath to stop them, but it only burned one arm. The remaining two continued stabbing mercilessly toward Su Linger!

At that moment of life and death, an unprecedented power suddenly surged from within Ning Xiaochuan. The world before his eyes seemed to slow down, and he could clearly see the path of the bone blades inching toward Su Linger.

"No!" he roared inwardly. Sacred Source Power flowed in an unprecedented manner, and his body reacted on its own—he instantly appeared behind Su Linger and caught the two bone blades with his bare hands!

Crack!

The bone blades snapped in his palms, Black Blood spraying everywhere! The Hunter released a piercing shriek, its remaining arms flailing wildly, yet they could not break through Ning Xiaochuan's suddenly strengthened defense.

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

Ning Xiaochuan felt every drop of blood in his body boiling. Sacred Source Power was no longer foreign energy; it had perfectly merged with his soul. He looked at Su Linger and saw the same golden light gleaming in her eyes—the Primal Covenant had reached an unprecedented depth of resonance at this moment!

"Together!" Ning Xiaochuan held out 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 forces became perfectly unified on the level of their souls.

The Hunter seemed to sense the threat and suddenly abandoned its attack, trying to dive back into the Black Vortex. But it was too late—

Sacred Source Judgment!

A pillar of intertwined gold and blue light descended from the heavens, striking the Hunter's three eyes with perfect accuracy! The monster let out an inhuman scream as its body melted like wax, eventually turning into a puddle of black water.

The Black Vortex collapsed along with it and vanished without a trace.

Ning Xiaochuan dropped to one knee, the immense energy consumption leaving him dizzy and disoriented. Su Linger also slumped to the side, her face pale as paper. Only the Sacred Spirit Dragon remained alert, circling overhead and keeping watch.

"Unbelievable..." Star Radiance trembled as he approached. "Such perfect Primal Resonance has not been seen in a thousand years."

Ning Xiaochuan forced a smile. "Can we... leave now?"

Star Radiance pointed toward the small door. "Of course, Your Highness. Please follow me."

After passing through the narrow corridor, the four arrived in a Circular Stone Chamber. Ancient murals covered the walls, recording the great achievements of generations of Sacred Origin Tribe experts. A small altar stood in the center, with a transparent crystal floating above it.

"The Sacred Source Inheritance Crystal." Star Radiance spoke respectfully. "Only royals who have passed the trial can activate it."

Ning Xiaochuan looked at Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon. "Together."

The three placed their hands upon the crystal and poured in their respective powers. The crystal gradually lit up, projecting countless light spots that formed a complex three-dimensional pattern in the air.

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

Star Radiance nodded. "Every royal who passes the trial receives a unique Sacred Source Secret Technique. Yours appears to be..."

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

"Trinity!" Star Radiance cried out. "The supreme secret technique that, according to legend, only the Sacred Source Progenitor ever mastered!"

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

"What is the cost?" Su Linger asked sharply. "Such a powerful secret technique cannot be without limits."

Star Radiance's expression turned grave. "It consumes life force. Every use shortens one's lifespan. The exact amount depends on the duration and intensity."

Ning Xiaochuan frowned. "Then we cannot use it lightly."

"But it can save lives at critical moments." Su Linger took his hand. "It's worth it."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon also gave a "Goo Chu" of agreement, patting the crystal with its little claws as though it could not wait to try its new ability.

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

The four made their way up the stairs. None of them noticed that the puddle of black water, which should have disappeared, was quietly seeping into the cracks between the stones and flowing toward the depths of the Sacred Source Land...

The room at the top of the Sacred Source Tower was spacious and comfortable. Through the curved floor-to-ceiling windows, they could overlook the entire city. Two moons hung high in the night sky, casting down soft silver light.

Ning Xiaochuan stood before the window, watching the distant flickering lights. The wound on his chest had already been treated by a healer from 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 sleeping robe, her silver hair loose around her shoulders like flowing mercury beneath the moonlight. The Sacred Spirit Dragon curled up on her shoulder, seemingly already asleep.

"Mm. I was thinking about today's battle." Ning Xiaochuan turned around and gestured for her to sit. "That World Devourer appeared far too strangely."

Su Linger sat on the bench by the window. "Star Radiance said the trial grounds had been contaminated... Could it have been a hidden danger Dark Star left behind?"

"Possibly." Ning Xiaochuan frowned. "But I still feel that something is off."

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. "You mean... someone gave the World Devourers intelligence about us?"

"Or..." Ning Xiaochuan's voice lowered. "There is a traitor in the Sacred Source Land."

Both fell silent at once. The possibility was too grave, yet it was the most reasonable explanation. For the World Devourers to precisely contaminate the most crucial part of the trial grounds, they had to have an insider helping them.

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

Ning Xiaochuan shook his head. "I'm not sure. But we must be especially careful during the final three trials tomorrow."

As they spoke, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly awoke, raising its head and staring warily toward the door.

"Someone's coming." Ning Xiaochuan immediately became alert.

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

It was Yun Yi's voice. Ning Xiaochuan relaxed slightly. "Come in."

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

"Forgive me for disturbing your rest." Yun Yi bowed. "But I found suspicious traces at the northwest corner of the city wall and felt I should report them immediately."

"What traces?" Ning Xiaochuan asked.

"Something like... black slime. It is corrosive." Yun Yi described it. "It looks very much like what that monster left behind in the trial grounds today."

Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger exchanged a glance. "Take us there."

The three quietly left the High Tower and followed Yun Yi through the silent streets. Nights in the Sacred Source Land were much warmer than on the Open Source Continent, and a faint floral fragrance drifted through the air.

The northwestern city wall was the oldest defensive structure in the Sacred Source Land. It had been built from a special kind of white stone and was exceptionally sturdy. Yun Yi pointed to an inconspicuous shadow at the base of the wall. "There."

Ning Xiaochuan crouched down, gathering Sacred Source Power at his fingertips to illuminate the area. Sure enough, several drops of black slime clung to the base of the wall, slowly corroding the stone.

"It really is residue from a World Devourer." Ning Xiaochuan's face darkened. "Which direction did it go?"

Yun Yi pointed beyond the city. "The trail vanished outside the wall. I have already strengthened patrols, but..."

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

"Watch out!" Ning Xiaochuan instinctively shoved Yun Yi away. A streak of black light shot from the darkness, grazing his arm as it flew past!

The black light struck the city wall, immediately corroding a large hole into the stone. Then, more than a dozen Black Robes emerged from all directions, surrounding them completely!

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

The Black Robes said nothing and attacked together. Ning Xiaochuan unfolded the Sacred Source Shield, blocking the first wave, but there were too many enemies. Before long, some slipped through the defense.

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

Yun Yi drew her bow and fired, accurately piercing a Black Robe's throat. "No! My duty is to protect Your Highness!"

The battle instantly reached a fever pitch. Ning Xiaochuan discovered that these Black Robes were different from those on the Open Source Continent—they had no red light in their chests. They clearly were not controlled by the Eye of the Deep Sea, but traitors who had willingly pledged allegiance to the World Devourers!

"Why have you betrayed the Sacred Source Land?" Ning Xiaochuan demanded harshly as he shattered an enemy's breastbone with a palm strike.

The Black Robes remained silent, but their attacks grew even fiercer. One of them suddenly took out a Black Crystal and crushed it, and dense 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 already too late. He had inhaled a small amount of the black mist, and dizziness instantly washed over him. Even the flow of Sacred Source Power became sluggish.

"Ning Xiaochuan!" Su Linger tried to rush over to save him, but three Black Robes entangled her.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon furiously spewed Dragon Breath, burning through two enemies, but even more Black Robes surged forward. As the situation grew dire, Ning Xiaochuan suddenly thought of the secret technique he had just learned.

"Trinity!" He sent a signal to Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon through the Soul Link.

Though he knew the cost was immense, there was no other choice in this life-or-death moment. The powers of the three instantly resonated, forming a perfect cycle of energy. Ning Xiaochuan felt his life force rapidly draining away, but in return he gained unprecedented strength!

Sacred Source Judgment!

A blinding pillar of light erupted around the three of them. Every Black Robe was reduced to ash in the radiance! The black mist was also completely purified, and the night sky became clear once more.

When the secret technique ended, Ning Xiaochuan immediately dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. He felt an emptiness within him, as though he had aged ten years in an instant. Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon were no better off, both so weak they could barely remain standing.

"Your Highness!" Yun Yi hurriedly supported him. "Are you all right?"

"I'm... fine." Ning Xiaochuan forced himself upright. "Quick, take us back to the tower. Star Radiance must be informed immediately."

Yun Yi nodded and was about to help them leave when an eerie laugh suddenly came from beyond the city wall. "Heh heh heh... The Son of Sacred Source is nothing special after all."

A hunched figure emerged from the darkness, entirely wrapped in a tattered black robe, revealing only a pair of aged eyes glowing red.

"Who are you?" Ning Xiaochuan forced himself to stand straight.

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

Yun Yi sucked in a sharp breath. "The Gray Robe Elder?!"

Ning Xiaochuan remembered. Star Radiance had once mentioned that among the Twelve Elders was one who wore gray robes year-round and was responsible for guarding the entrance to the Sacred Source Ancient Path.

"Why?" Ning Xiaochuan demanded. "You are an elder of the Sacred Origin Tribe!"

The Gray Robe Elder sneered. "The Sacred Origin Tribe is destined to perish! Only by submitting to the World Devourers can we gain immortality!"

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

"Today, I will offer the Son of Sacred Source's head to the World Devourers!"

The Black Crystal erupted with blinding light. The Gray Robe Elder's body began to twist and transform, eventually becoming a World Devourer Hunter even larger than the one from the trial grounds!

"Run!" Ning Xiaochuan shoved Yun Yi away. "Find Star Radiance!"

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

"Your opponents are us!" Su Linger endured her weakness and condensed the Ice Crystal Longsword once more.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon also flew into the air. Though its wings were no longer steady, it still resolutely positioned itself before the Hunter.

The Hunter released a piercing shriek, six bone blades attacking the three at once. Ning Xiaochuan barely managed to block them, but the immense force sent him flying, smashing him heavily into the city wall!

"Pfft!" He spat out blood, feeling several ribs break.

Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon fared no better. One had her thigh slashed by a bone blade, while the other was knocked to the ground, losing great patches of scales.

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

If they used it once more, they might die of exhaustion on the spot. Yet there seemed to be no other choice...

Just as he prepared to activate the secret technique again, countless torches suddenly lit up within the city! Star Radiance arrived with a large force of Sacred Source Knights, surrounding the Hunter from every side!

"Gray Robe! You have finally revealed your true face!" Star Radiance roared. "Sacred Source Knights, form the formation!"

Twelve knights raised their longswords at the same time, forming a complex star-shaped formation. 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 in its chest suddenly exploded, releasing terrifying dark energy. The star formation shook violently and looked ready to collapse at any moment!

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

"Trinity! Ultimate Form!"

This time, the secret technique was far more powerful than before. Their bodies became nearly transparent, turning into pure forms of energy that merged into a massive giant of light!

The giant of light punched the Hunter. Darkness and light collided violently, erupting in a deafening explosion! When the radiance faded, the Hunter had been reduced to ash, leaving nothing behind.

The three returned to their original forms and collapsed to the ground. Ning Xiaochuan felt his life flickering like a candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment. Yet he still forced himself to look at Star Radiance. "Investigate... find out... whether there are... other traitors..."

After saying that, he fell into endless darkness.