Night of the Double Moons Descends

Inside the Sacred Source Tower's council hall, the atmosphere was as heavy as iron. Ning Xiaochuan stood before the sand table, detailing his encounter in Shadow Valley. When he mentioned the black vortex, several of the twelve elders became visibly restless.

"World Devourer Teleportation Gate?!" the Red Robe Elder slammed his hand on the table. "This is worse than we anticipated!"

Star Radiance, the High Priest, had a grim expression. "Shadow Valley is only three hundred miles from the Sacred Source Tower. If the gate continues to expand..."

He didn't finish, but everyone understood the consequences. Ning Xiaochuan surveyed the room, noticing several elders whose eyes flickered, as if they were hiding something.

"Everyone," he asked directly, "are there any other World Devourer strongholds in the Sacred Source Land?"

After an awkward silence, the Gray-haired Elder sighed. "Yes... at least three more. They are located in Lava Rift Valley, Silent Forest, and... below the Sacred Source Tower."

"What?!" Su Linger exclaimed. "There's a World Devourer stronghold beneath the tower?"

Star Radiance gave a wry smile. "It's not a stronghold, it's a seal. The Sacred Source Tower was built upon an ancient battlefield, and at its base, we've suppressed a World Devourer Commander captured during the great war."

Ning Xiaochuan's heart skipped a beat. "So that's why the Gray Robe Elder chose to make his move inside the tower..."

"Precisely, to destroy the seal," Star Radiance nodded. "Fortunately, we discovered it in time."

The council hall door was suddenly pushed open, and Yun Yi rushed in. "Report! Intense energy fluctuations are coming from the direction of Shadow Valley!"

Everyone immediately moved to the Star Gazing Platform. From here, even without a telescope, they could see the anomaly in the northern sky – a constantly expanding black cloud, its edges tinged with an ominous blood-red, like a festering wound.

"The teleportation gate is accelerating its expansion," Star Radiance said worriedly. "At this rate, it will be fully open before the Night of the Blood-Soaked Double Moons."

Ning Xiaochuan turned to the elders. "What is the status of the seal beneath the tower?"

"It's temporarily stable," the Gray-haired Elder replied. "But it requires at least three elders to guard it day and night."

"From today onwards, increase it to six," Ning Xiaochuan ordered decisively. "We must also strengthen the defenses at the other two strongholds."

He paused for a moment, then looked at Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon. "The three of us will go to Lava Rift Valley and Silent Forest to investigate and ensure there are no other teleportation gates."

Star Radiance tried to object. "Your Highness, your body..."

"I've recovered," Ning Xiaochuan said, showing the Sacred Source Power flowing through his arm. "And time is of the essence."

After the meeting, Ning Xiaochuan went alone to the Sacred Source Spring. The five Primal Fragments in the spring rotated slowly, connected by subtle threads of energy. Since returning from Shadow Valley, he had noticed that these fragments seemed to react to the black vortex; whenever the energy fluctuations in the north intensified, the fragments would spin faster.

"Are you worried?" Su Linger's voice came from behind him.

Ning Xiaochuan didn't turn around, merely nodding slightly. "The World Devourers' power far exceeds our expectations. If the teleportation gate opens early..."

A warm hand rested on his shoulder. "We will stop it."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon also flew over, affectionately nuzzling his cheek. Ning Xiaochuan stroked the little creature's newly grown scales. The injuries he sustained in Shadow Valley had already healed, and the scales were now harder, with a metallic sheen.

"The little one has recovered well," Su Linger said with a smile. "Much better than some people who are trying to act tough."

Ning Xiaochuan gave her a helpless look. "I'm fine, really."

"Are you?" Su Linger suddenly reached out and placed her hand on his chest, a trace of Profound Ice Power seeping in. "Then why are the Source Qi meridians here still blocked?"

Ning Xiaochuan was speechless. Indeed, the after-effects of the battle in Shadow Valley were more severe than he had admitted. Although his Sacred Source Power had mostly recovered, his core meridians were still damaged, causing a dull ache whenever he circulated his power to its fullest.

"I can't hide it from you," he said with a wry smile. "But there's no time to slowly heal."

Su Linger sighed and took out a small jade bottle from her embrace. "Take this. I had the alchemist specially make it. One pill a day will accelerate meridian repair."

Ning Xiaochuan took the jade bottle. His fingertip accidentally brushed against her hand, and both of them trembled slightly. Ever since that kiss on his forehead last time, something seemed to have changed between them, yet at the same time, nothing seemed to have changed.

"Thank you," he said softly, his gaze involuntarily falling on her lips.

Su Linger blushed and quickly averted her eyes. "We'll leave first thing tomorrow. I'll go prepare some necessities."

As she turned to leave, Ning Xiaochuan suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Wait."

"What is it?" Su Linger turned back, her silver hair shimmering in the reflection of the spring water.

Ning Xiaochuan wanted to say something, but in the end, he just tightened his grip on her hand. "Prepare carefully."

Su Linger seemed a little disappointed, but she still nodded and left. The Sacred Spirit Dragon tilted its head, looking at Ning Xiaochuan, then at Su Linger's retreating back, letting out a confused "Chirp."

"Don't look at me," Ning Xiaochuan said, flicking the little creature's dragon horn. "Some things... are harder than dealing with World Devourers."

At dawn, three Cloud Wing Beasts waited outside the tower. Star Radiance had specifically chosen the three strongest ones this time, each equipped with light armor capable of resisting a certain degree of spatial tearing.

"Let's go to Lava Rift Valley first, it's closer," Ning Xiaochuan said, checking his equipment. "If you detect any signs of a teleportation gate, retreat immediately and report. Don't engage."

Su Linger nodded and strapped her Ice Crystal Longsword to her back. The Sacred Spirit Dragon excitedly flew between the three Cloud Wing Beasts, seemingly full of anticipation for the upcoming adventure.

"Your Highness," Star Radiance said as a final instruction, "no matter what you discover, you must return before sunset. As the Double Moons approach, the nights are becoming increasingly dangerous."

Ning Xiaochuan acknowledged him. He, Su Linger, and the Sacred Spirit Dragon each mounted their steeds. The Cloud Wing Beasts let out a long cry, flapped their wings, and soared into the sky, quickly leaving the Sacred Source Tower behind.

Lava Rift Valley was located in the southwest of the Sacred Source Land, an active volcanic region. Even before getting close, they could see towering plumes of smoke and occasional bursts of fire in the distance. The smell of sulfur in the air grew stronger, and the temperature gradually rose.

"It's said that a Lava Behemoth is sealed here," Su Linger transmitted through their soul link. "It's a native creature modified by the World Devourers back then."

Ning Xiaochuan nodded. The Sacred Source Inheritance contained relevant memories. That behemoth was defeated by the combined efforts of the twelve warriors of the Sacred Origin Tribe and sealed in the deepest part of the rift valley.

The Cloud Wing Beasts landed at the edge of the rift valley, and the three cautiously approached the cliff. Below them was a lake of boiling magma, and waves of heat washed over them, making them sweat profusely even with their Source Qi protecting them.

"Look there!" Su Linger pointed to a small island in the center of the lake.

A black obelisk stood on the island, its body covered in sealing runes. But at that moment, those runes were fading at a visible rate, and cracks had already appeared at the base of the monument!

"The seal is weakening!" Ning Xiaochuan's heart tightened. "We need to get closer and see."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon volunteered to fly towards the island, but as it approached, it was repelled by an invisible force! The little creature tumbled in the air for a few rounds before stabilizing itself, letting out a few aggrieved "gurgles."

"There's a barrier," Su Linger frowned. "And it repels Sacred Source Power."

Ning Xiaochuan tried to observe with his Sacred Source Vision and found that the entire island was enveloped by a faint red light shield, extremely similar to the suppressive field around the ancient castle in Shadow Valley.

"The work of the World Devourers," he said in a deep voice. "Someone has tampered with this place."

As they were speaking, the lava lake suddenly churned violently! A giant bubble burst, revealing a faintly visible black crystal beneath—identical to the one in Shadow Valley, only half the size!

"Another teleportation gate!" Su Linger gasped, taking in a sharp breath. "And it's already activated!"

The lava around the crystal began to turn black, spreading like a contaminated body of water. Even more terrifying, the cracks on the obelisk were increasing, and the seal could collapse at any moment!

"We must report this to Star Radiance immediately," Ning Xiaochuan decided decisively. "This is no longer something we can handle alone."

The three quickly retreated from the cliff edge, preparing to return to where the Cloud Wing Beast was. Just then, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly bristled its scales, letting out a warning hiss!

"Someone's here!" Su Linger instantly drew her sword.

Over a dozen people in red robes emerged from behind the rock face, surrounding them. These people all had flame emblems embroidered on their chests; they were the "Flame Guards" who guarded the Lava Rift Valley.

"Stop!" the leading Flame Guard bellowed. "Trespassers in forbidden territory die!"

Ning Xiaochuan revealed the Sacred Source King Emblem. "I am Ning Xiaochuan, Son of Sacred Source. The lava seal is failing, we must immediately..."

"We know," the Flame Guard leader interrupted with a cold laugh. "This is precisely what we've been waiting for."

He abruptly tore open his red robe, revealing his chest—a flame-shaped Black Crystal was embedded in his flesh, just like Han Li and the Gray Robe Elder!

"Another traitor!" Su Linger pointed her sword tip at the enemy's throat.

The Flame Guard leader didn't dodge. "Not a traitor, an Awakened One! The Sacred Origin Tribe has been stagnant for too long; it's time to embrace new power!"

With his command, all the Flame Guards simultaneously tore open their robes, each with a small Black Crystal embedded in their chests! The lava lake sensed the presence of the Black Crystals and boiled even more violently, the black area rapidly expanding.

"Are you insane?" Ning Xiaochuan couldn't believe it. "Releasing the Lava Behemoth will destroy half of the Sacred Source Land!"

"It's part of the plan," the Flame Guard leader laughed maniacally. "To clear the path for the World Devourers!"

The battle erupted instantly. The Flame Guards' strength surged due to the Black Crystals, each strike carrying lava-like heat and corrosive black energy. Worse still, they seemed unaffected by the barrier, able to move freely on the lava!

"Retreat to higher ground!" Ning Xiaochuan commanded while fighting. "Use the terrain!"

The three backed against the rock wall, barely holding off the assault. The Sacred Spirit Dragon unleashed its dragon breath, scorching two Flame Guards, but more enemies poured in. Su Linger's Ice Crystal Longsword's power was greatly reduced in the high-temperature environment, only allowing her to barely defend herself.

"Primal Covenant!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted, and the three immediately activated their soul link.

The fusion was smoother than ever, the energy flow as natural as their own limbs. Ning Xiaochuan felt Su Linger's Profound Ice Power and the Sacred Spirit Dragon's dragon breath coexist harmoniously within him, mutually enhancing each other.

"Ice Fire Combined Attack!"

A beam of interweaving blue and gold light shot from Ning Xiaochuan's palm. Wherever it passed, Flame Guards fell, their Black Crystals instantly frozen and then shattered! The Flame Guard leader dodged frantically but was still grazed on the shoulder, his entire arm turning into ice shards.

"Retreat!" he roared in pain. "Report to the master!"

The remaining Flame Guards jumped into the lava and, unharmed, swam towards the small island in the center of the lake. Ning Xiaochuan wanted to pursue, but his path was blocked by erupting lava.

"The seal is about to break!" Su Linger pointed at the obelisk.

The cracks on the monument had spread all over its surface. With a deafening roar, it collapsed! The lava lake churned violently, and a massive figure slowly rose—first, claws covered in lava, then a spiky back, and finally, three ferocious heads!

"Lava Behemoth..." Ning Xiaochuan's voice was dry. "It has awakened."

The beast's three heads roared in unison, the sound waves cracking the cliff face. Its six eyes locked onto the trio as it strode forward, each step causing a minor earthquake!

"Run!" Ning Xiaochuan grabbed Su Linger and dashed towards the Cloud Wing Beast.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew overhead to provide cover, but its dragon breath was like a tickle to the behemoth. Worse, the black crystal in the center of the lake suddenly shot out a beam of black light, striking the forehead of the behemoth's central head!

The behemoth roared in pain as its body began to mutate—Black Crystals grew from within, covering its entire body and transforming it into an even more terrifying form!

"The World Devourers are strengthening it!" Su Linger looked back, her face pale.

The three ran desperately. Behind them, the behemoth had completed its mutation and was chasing them at an astonishing speed. Wherever it passed, rock walls melted, and the ground collapsed!

"Cloud Wing Beast!" Ning Xiaochuan saw his mount just ahead, but the behemoth was already closing in!

At the critical moment, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly swooped down, its size expanding to its limit. Its four wings flapped with all their might, creating a gust of wind that temporarily blocked the behemoth's advance. These precious few seconds allowed the three to leap onto the Cloud Wing Beast's back.

"Little guy, get up here quickly!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted.

Just as the Sacred Spirit Dragon was about to take off, the behemoth's tail swept down, slamming it hard into the rock face!

"No!" Ning Xiaochuan tried to jump down to rescue it but was held back tightly by Su Linger.

"I'll go!" She leaped down, her Ice Crystal Longsword thrusting directly at the behemoth's eyes.

The behemoth roared in pain, temporarily abandoning the Sacred Spirit Dragon to turn its attention to Su Linger. This gave the little dragon a chance to breathe. It struggled out from the rubble and flew towards Ning Xiaochuan.

"Linger!" Ning Xiaochuan was frantic with worry, but the Cloud Wing Beast, terrified, dared not land.

Su Linger maneuvered agilely around the behemoth's feet but was soon cornered. Just as a giant claw was about to strike, Ning Xiaochuan activated the remote connection of the Primal Covenant, disregarding everything else!

"Trinity!"

Although the distance was too great and the fusion wasn't perfect, it was enough to grant Su Linger a burst of speed. She narrowly dodged the fatal blow, and at the same time, the Sacred Spirit Dragon swooped down, grabbed her by the shoulders, and pulled her out of danger.

"Let's go!" The three reunited, and the Cloud Wing Beast immediately flapped its wings and soared into the sky.

The giant beast roared below, throwing molten rocks, but ultimately unable to fly, it could only watch as its prey escaped.

Ning Xiaochuan, high in the sky, held Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon tightly, his heart pounding like thunder. Below, the Lava Behemoth was moving towards the Sacred Source Tower, each step shaking the earth...

"We have to get back before it does," Ning Xiaochuan said, his voice hoarse. "The Sacred Source Land is about to face an unprecedented crisis!"

As if sensing its master's anxiety, the Cloud Wing Beast let out a long cry, increasing its speed. In the distance, the silhouette of the Sacred Source Tower was faintly visible, and further away, the black vortex in the direction of Shadow Valley seemed to have expanded a bit more.

The Night of the Blood-Soaked Double Moons was fast approaching.