Inside the Sacred Source Tower's council hall, the atmosphere was heavy as iron. Ning Xiaochuan stood before the sand table, recounting his experiences in Shadow Valley in detail. When he mentioned the Black Vortex, several of the Twelve Elders visibly grew restless.
"World Devourer Teleportation Gate?!" The Red Robe Elder slammed the table and rose to his feet. "This is even worse than we expected!"
High Priest Star Radiance's expression darkened. "Shadow Valley is only three hundred li from the Sacred Source Tower. If the gate continues to expand..."
He did not finish, but everyone understood the consequences. Ning Xiaochuan swept his gaze across the room and noticed that several elders had flickering eyes, as though they were concealing something.
"Everyone," he asked directly, "are there any other World Devourer strongholds within the Sacred Source Land?"
After an awkward silence, the Gray-haired Elder sighed. "Yes... at least three. They are located in Lava Rift Valley, Silent Forest, and... Below Sacred Source Tower."
"What?!" Su Linger cried out. "There's a World Devourer stronghold beneath the tower?"
Star Radiance gave a bitter smile. "Not a stronghold, but a seal. The Sacred Source Tower was built upon an ancient battlefield. Beneath it, the World Devourer Commander captured during the great war has been suppressed all this time."
Ning Xiaochuan's heart shook. "So that was 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 early enough."
The doors to the council hall were suddenly pushed open, and Yun Yi rushed inside. "Report! A violent energy fluctuation has come from the direction of Shadow Valley!"
Everyone immediately headed for the Star Gazing Platform. From there, even without a telescope, they could see the anomaly in the northern sky—a mass of ever-expanding black clouds, their edges stained with ominous blood-red light like a festering wound.
"The teleportation gate is accelerating its expansion." Star Radiance looked deeply worried. "At this rate, it will fully open before the Night of the Blood-Soaked Double Moons."
Ning Xiaochuan turned to the elders. "How is the seal below the tower now?"
"Temporarily stable," the Gray-haired Elder replied. "But it requires at least three elders to guard it day and night."
"Starting today, increase that number to six." Ning Xiaochuan gave the order decisively. "The other two locations must also be placed under heavier guard."
He paused for a moment and looked at Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon. "The three of us will investigate Lava Rift Valley and Silent Forest to make sure there are no other teleportation gates."
Star Radiance wanted to object. "Your Highness, your condition..."
"I've already recovered." Ning Xiaochuan showed the Sacred Source Power flowing over his arm. "And time is running out."
After the meeting, Ning Xiaochuan went alone to the Sacred Source Spring. The Five Primal Fragments within the spring water rotated slowly, connected by fine threads of energy. Ever since returning from Shadow Valley, he had noticed that the 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 did not turn around, merely nodding lightly. "The World Devourers are far stronger than we expected. If the teleportation gate opens ahead of time..."
A warm hand rested on his shoulder. "We'll stop it."
The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew over as well and affectionately rubbed against his cheek. Ning Xiaochuan stroked Little One's newly grown scales. The injuries it had suffered in Shadow Valley had already healed, and its scales were tougher now, gleaming with a metallic luster.
"Little One has recovered quite well." Su Linger smiled. "Much better than certain people who insist on overexerting themselves."
Ning Xiaochuan gave her a helpless glance. "I'm fine, really."
"Are you?" Su Linger suddenly pressed her hand against his chest, and a thread of Profound Ice Power seeped into him. "Then why are the source energy pathways here still obstructed?"
Ning Xiaochuan was speechless. Indeed, the aftermath of the battle in Shadow Valley was more serious than he had admitted. Although most of his Sacred Source Power had recovered, the core pathways were still damaged. Whenever he pushed his strength to the limit, a dull pain would rise within him.
"I can't hide it from you." He gave a bitter smile. "But there's no time to recover slowly."
Su Linger sighed and took out a small jade bottle from her robes. "Take this. I had the healers prepare it specially. One pill a day will speed up the repair of your pathways."
Ning Xiaochuan accepted the jade bottle, and his fingertips accidentally brushed against her hand. Both of them trembled slightly. Since that kiss on the forehead last time, it felt as if something had changed between them—and yet, perhaps nothing had.
"Thank you," he said softly, his eyes unconsciously falling upon her lips.
Su Linger's face flushed, and she quickly looked away. "We leave at dawn tomorrow. I'll go prepare the necessities."
She turned to leave, but Ning Xiaochuan suddenly caught her wrist. "Wait."
"What is it?" Su Linger looked back, her silver hair glowing faintly in the spring's reflection.
Ning Xiaochuan wanted to say something, but in the end, he only tightened his grip on her hand. "Be careful while preparing."
Su Linger seemed a little disappointed, but she still nodded and left. The Sacred Spirit Dragon tilted its head, looking from Ning Xiaochuan to Su Linger's retreating figure, then let out a puzzled "Goo Chu."
"Don't look at me." Ning Xiaochuan flicked Little One's dragon horn. "Some things... are harder than dealing with World Devourers."
At dawn, three Cloud Wing Beasts waited outside the tower. This time, Star Radiance had specifically selected the strongest three. Each was equipped with light armor capable of resisting a certain degree of spatial tearing.
"Lava Rift Valley first. It's closer." Ning Xiaochuan checked his equipment. "If we find any sign of a teleportation gate, retreat immediately and report it. Don't try to fight head-on."
Su Linger nodded and strapped the Ice Crystal Longsword to her back. The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew excitedly between the three Cloud Wing Beasts, apparently full of anticipation for the coming adventure.
"Your Highness." Star Radiance gave his final warning. "No matter what you find, you must return before sunset. With the double moons approaching, the nights are becoming increasingly dangerous."
Ning Xiaochuan agreed, and he, Su Linger, and the Sacred Spirit Dragon each leaped onto a mount. The Cloud Wing Beasts gave a long cry and soared into the sky, quickly leaving the Sacred Source Tower behind.
Lava Rift Valley lay in the southwestern region of the Sacred Source Land, an active volcanic area. Before they even approached, they could see towering columns of smoke and occasional bursts of fire in the distance. The scent of sulfur in the air grew stronger, and the temperature steadily rose.
"I heard a Lava Behemoth is sealed here," Su Linger transmitted through their Soul Link. "It was a native creature altered by the World Devourers during the war."
Ning Xiaochuan nodded. There were related memories in the Sacred Source Inheritance. That behemoth had been defeated by the combined efforts of twelve Sacred Origin Tribe warriors 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 lay a boiling lake of magma. Heat waves crashed against them, making them sweat profusely even with source energy protecting their bodies.
"Look there!" Su Linger pointed toward an island in the middle of the lake.
A Black Obelisk stood upon the island, its surface covered in sealing runes. But at that moment, the runes were visibly fading, 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 take a look."
The Sacred Spirit Dragon volunteered to fly toward the island, but the moment it drew near, an invisible force knocked it away! Little One tumbled through the air several times before stabilizing itself, letting out several aggrieved "Goo Chu" cries.
"There's a barrier." Su Linger frowned. "And it repels Sacred Source Power."
Ning Xiaochuan tried observing with Sacred Source Vision and found the entire island shrouded in a faint red barrier, extremely similar to the suppression field around the ancient castle in Shadow Valley.
"The World Devourers' handiwork," he said in a low voice. "Someone has tampered with this place."
As he spoke, the magma lake suddenly began to churn violently! A massive bubble burst, revealing a Black Crystal beneath the surface—identical to the one in Shadow Valley, only half its size!
"Another teleportation gate!" Su Linger sucked in a breath. "And it's already activated!"
The magma around the crystal began turning black, spreading like polluted water. Even more terrifyingly, more cracks were spreading across the obelisk. The seal could collapse at any moment!
"We must report to Star Radiance immediately." Ning Xiaochuan made the decision at once. "This is no longer something we can handle on our own."
The three quickly retreated from the cliff edge, preparing to return to where the Cloud Wing Beasts were waiting. At that moment, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly raised its scales and let out a warning hiss!
"Someone's here!" Su Linger instantly drew her sword.
More than a dozen people in red robes emerged from behind the rock walls, surrounding them from every direction. Flame emblems were embroidered over their chests. They were the Flame Guards tasked with protecting Lava Rift Valley.
"Stop!" the leading flame guard shouted. "Those who trespass in this forbidden land will die!"
Ning Xiaochuan revealed the Sacred Source King Emblem. "I am Ning Xiaochuan, the Son of Sacred Source. The lava seal is failing. We must immediately—"
"We know." The flame guard leader cut him off with a sneer. "That is exactly what we've been waiting for."
He tore open his red robe, exposing his chest—a flame-shaped Black Crystal embedded in his flesh, identical to those of Han Li and the Gray Robe Elder!
"Another traitor!" Su Linger pointed her sword directly at his throat.
The flame guard leader neither dodged nor flinched. "Not traitors. Awakened Ones! The Sacred Origin Tribe has been clinging to old ways for far too long. It's time to embrace new power!"
At his command, all the Flame Guards tore open their robes at once. A small Black Crystal was embedded in every one of their chests! Sensing the Black Crystals, the magma lake boiled even more violently, and the blackened area spread rapidly.
"Have you lost your minds?" Ning Xiaochuan could hardly believe it. "Releasing the Lava Behemoth will destroy half the Sacred Source Land!"
"That's part of the plan." The flame guard leader laughed madly. "Clearing away obstacles for the World Devourers!"
Battle erupted instantly. The Flame Guards' strength had surged because of the Black Crystals. Every strike carried lava-like heat and corrosive Black Qi. Worse still, they seemed unaffected by the barrier and could walk upon the magma as if it were solid ground!
"Fall back to higher ground!" Ning Xiaochuan directed them while fighting. "Use the terrain!"
The three stood with their backs against the rock wall, barely holding off the assault. The Sacred Spirit Dragon spewed Dragon Breath, scorching two Flame Guards, but more enemies surged forward. Su Linger's Ice Crystal Longsword was greatly weakened in the extreme heat, and she could barely protect herself.
"Primal Covenant!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted, and the three immediately activated their Soul Link.
The fusion went more smoothly than ever before, with energy flowing as naturally as moving a limb. Ning Xiaochuan felt Su Linger's Profound Ice Power and the Sacred Spirit Dragon's Dragon Breath coexisting harmoniously within him, strengthening each other.
"Ice Fire Combined Attack!"
A beam of intertwined blue and gold light shot from Ning Xiaochuan's palm. Wherever it passed, Flame Guards fell one after another, the Black Crystal within them instantly freezing before shattering! The leader of the Flame Guards dodged in panic, but his shoulder was still grazed, and his entire arm turned into icy fragments.
"Retreat!" he howled in pain. "Report to our master!"
The remaining Flame Guards leaped into the magma and swam unharmed toward the island at the center of the lake. Ning Xiaochuan wanted to pursue them, but suddenly erupting magma blocked his path.
"The seal is breaking!" Su Linger pointed at the Black Obelisk.
Cracks now covered the entire monument. With a thunderous boom, it collapsed! The magma lake churned violently as an enormous figure slowly rose—first a giant claw covered in magma, then a spiked back, and finally three savage heads!
"The Lava Behemoth..." Ning Xiaochuan's voice was dry. "It has awakened."
All three heads of the beast let out deafening roars, and the sound waves cracked the cliff walls. Its six eyes locked onto the three of them as it strode forward, every step causing a small earthquake!
"Run!" Ning Xiaochuan grabbed Su Linger and charged toward the Cloud Wing Beasts.
The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew overhead to cover them, but its Dragon Breath was little more than a tickle to the behemoth. Worse still, the Black Crystal in the lake center suddenly fired a beam of black light directly into the forehead of the behemoth's central head!
The behemoth howled in agony, its body beginning 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 glanced back, her face deathly pale.
The three ran desperately. Behind them, the behemoth had completed its mutation and was pursuing them at astonishing speed. Wherever it passed, rock walls melted and the ground collapsed!
"Cloud Wing Beasts!" Ning Xiaochuan saw their mounts ahead, but the behemoth was already right behind them!
At the critical moment, the Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly dove down. Its body expanded to its limit, and its four wings beat with all their might, stirring up a gale that temporarily halted the behemoth's advance. Those precious few seconds allowed the three of them to leap onto the Cloud Wing Beasts' backs.
"Little One, get up here!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted.
Just as the Sacred Spirit Dragon was about to take flight, the behemoth's tail swept over and slammed it viciously into the rock wall!
"No!" Ning Xiaochuan wanted to jump down to rescue it, but Su Linger held him back with all her strength.
"I'll go!" She leaped down, thrusting the Ice Crystal Longsword directly at the behemoth's eye.
The behemoth roared in pain and temporarily abandoned the Sacred Spirit Dragon, turning toward Su Linger instead. This gave Little Dragon a chance to catch its breath. It struggled out from the crushed stone and flew toward Ning Xiaochuan.
"Ling'er!" Ning Xiaochuan was frantic, but the Cloud Wing Beasts were too terrified to land.
Su Linger nimbly maneuvered around the behemoth's feet, but she was soon forced into a desperate situation. Just as the massive claw was about to crash down, Ning Xiaochuan activated the Primal Covenant's remote connection without hesitation!
"Trinity!"
Although the distance made the fusion imperfect, it was enough to grant Su Linger an explosive burst of speed. She narrowly evaded the fatal blow, while the Sacred Spirit Dragon dove down, seized her shoulder, and pulled her out of danger.
"Go!" The three reunited, and the Cloud Wing Beasts immediately spread their wings and soared high into the sky.
The behemoth roared below and hurled chunks of lava at them, but it could not fly. It could only watch helplessly as its prey escaped.
High in the sky, Ning Xiaochuan held Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon tightly, his heart pounding like thunder. Below them, the Lava Behemoth was moving toward the Sacred Source Tower, every step shaking the earth and mountains...
"We have to get back before it does." Ning Xiaochuan's voice was hoarse. "The Sacred Source Land is about to face an unprecedented crisis!"
As if sensing its master's urgency, the Cloud Wing Beast gave a long cry and accelerated once more. In the distance, the outline of the Sacred Source Tower was already faintly visible. Farther away, the Black Vortex in the direction of Shadow Valley seemed to have expanded a little more.
The Night of the Blood-Soaked Double Moons was close at hand.
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