Before the dizziness from teleportation had fully faded, Ning Xiaochuan caught the scorched smell in the air. When he opened his eyes, the devastation at Tianyuan Sect's mountain gate made his heart tighten—the main peak hall had become ruins, the training grounds were covered in cracks, and though several fires had been brought under control, black smoke still rose without end.
"It's worse than I imagined." Su Linger's voice trembled as her gaze swept over the bodies wrapped in white cloth.
The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew up from Ning Xiaochuan's shoulder, circled once in the air, then landed again with a mournful "Goo Chu." Little One remembered this place. He had once cultivated here with Ning Xiaochuan and played with Su Linger's Mysterious Ice Phoenix.
Yun Yi pointed toward the back mountain behind the main peak. "Master Xuanyu is recovering from his injuries in the meditation chamber. Let's go straight there."
Along the way, the surviving Tianyuan Sect disciples cast reverent looks their way. Some recognized Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger, whispering titles such as "Son of Sacred Source" and "Messengers of Light."
"The news spread quickly," Ning Xiaochuan said softly.
Yun Yi explained, "Ever since word of what you did in the Sacred Source Land returned, the entire Open Source Continent has regarded you as saviors."
After passing through a bamboo grove, the meditation chamber came into view. Two sword-bearing disciples stood outside. The moment they saw them, they bowed. "Senior Sister Su! Senior Brother Ning! Master has been waiting for you for a long time."
When they pushed open the door, the bitter scent of medicinal herbs hit them. True Man Xuanyu lay half-reclined on a couch, his chest wrapped in thick bandages and his complexion frighteningly gray. Yet when he saw his disciples enter, a glimmer of relief still flashed in the old man's eyes.
"You're back?" His voice was weak, but it retained its usual warmth.
"Master!" Su Linger hurried forward, knelt beside the couch, and took the old man's withered hand. "How are you?"
True Man Xuanyu shook his head slightly. "These old bones can still hold on." He looked at Ning Xiaochuan. "I heard about what happened in the Sacred Source Land. You did well."
Ning Xiaochuan dropped to one knee. "This disciple returned too late and allowed the sect to suffer."
"It isn't your fault." True Man Xuanyu coughed several times. "The power Han Li obtained... defies reason. Even my Mysterious Ice Source Qi could barely withstand it."
He gestured for Yun Yi to retrieve a wooden box from the bookshelf. "Inside are the materials I've investigated over the years, concerning Qingyun City and your mother."
Ning Xiaochuan accepted the wooden box. It felt heavy in his hands. Inside were several notebooks and a broken jade pendant. Its material resembled the Dragon Soul Jade on his chest, but it was only half a piece.
"This is..."
"It was left behind by Madam Bai Li all those years ago," True Man Xuanyu explained. "When she entrusted you to me, she said this jade pendant was connected to the secrets of the Sacred Origin Tribe."
Ning Xiaochuan compared the half pendant to his Dragon Soul Jade. The broken edges fit together perfectly. They had clearly once been a single piece.
"What is so special about Qingyun City? Why would Han Li be interested in it?"
True Man Xuanyu motioned for them to help him sit up. "Because the true key to the Primal Gate is hidden there."
Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger were both shocked. "What?"
"Bai Li did not choose Qingyun City at random back then," True Man Xuanyu continued. "Beneath it lies an ancient ruin, the Sacred Origin Tribe's last stronghold on the Open Source Continent."
He pointed to a map in the wooden box. "At the heart of the ruins is a Well of Origin. It is said to lead directly to the place where the Primal Dragon fell."
Ning Xiaochuan recalled the message that had come from the crystal—"Find me in the Land of Origin." Could this have been what it meant?
"Does Han Li know about this?"
"I'm not sure." True Man Xuanyu shook his head. "But after attacking Tianyuan Sect, he headed straight for Qingyun City. He clearly has some scheme in mind."
Just then, urgent bells rang out from outside. A disciple rushed in panic. "Report! An abnormal celestial phenomenon has appeared in the direction of Qingyun City!"
Everyone hurried into the courtyard. Sure enough, the northeastern sky had turned an unnatural dark red, with a vortex of turbulent energy faintly visible. Even more bizarrely, despite it still being daytime, a blood moon hung high in the sky!
"Two moons stained in blood..." Ning Xiaochuan clenched his fists. "Han Li has already begun!"
True Man Xuanyu forced himself to stand. "You must leave for Qingyun City immediately. Lei Lie and Mu Qing may have gone ahead, but there has been no word from them."
"What about you?" Su Linger asked anxiously.
"I will guard Tianyuan Sect." The old man straightened his back, though the motion made him grimace in pain. "If Qingyun City falls, this will be the final line of defense."
Ning Xiaochuan bowed solemnly. "This disciple will not fail you."
Before they departed, True Man Xuanyu handed Su Linger a jade slip. "This records the Mysterious Ice Soul Sealing Technique. It may prove useful at a critical moment."
Yun Yi had already prepared four fast horses. The Sacred Spirit Dragon returned to his Combat Form, his wingspan nearly two zhang wide, enough to carry people over short distances.
"We'll split up," Ning Xiaochuan arranged. "Yun Yi, ride ahead and scout. Su Linger and I will take the Sacred Spirit Dragon directly there. We'll meet outside Qingyun City."
With the plan settled, the four set off at once. The Sacred Spirit Dragon carried Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger into the sky, quickly leaving Tianyuan Sect behind. From high above, their view was clearer. The blood-red vortex in the northeast became ever more distinct, as if a wound had been torn open in the sky.
"What is that?" Su Linger pointed at the faint outline of buildings beneath the vortex. "Qingyun City doesn't have a tower that tall."
Ning Xiaochuan narrowed his eyes. Sacred Source Power flowed through his pupils, allowing him to see clearly—a black spire had risen from the ground, and above its peak floated a massive Black Crystal that continuously released energy to distort the sky!
"A teleportation tower built by Han Li!" His heart sank. "He wants to open the Primal Gate directly in Qingyun City!"
The Sacred Spirit Dragon accelerated, but Qingyun City was still at least two hours away. Ning Xiaochuan tried to contact Yun Yi through the Primal Covenant, only to find that some force was interfering with the connection.
"Something is wrong." He frowned. "The entire Qingyun City region has been cut off."
Su Linger took out the jade slip True Man Xuanyu had given her and quickly read through it. "Master mentioned that the underground ruins beneath Qingyun City have properties that interfere with source qi."
As they drew closer, the oppressive feeling in the air grew stronger. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also became restless. His scales occasionally stood on end, and he spat several bursts of Dragon Breath to disperse the unclean aura around them.
"Look there!" Su Linger suddenly pointed at the ground.
Faint signs of battle could be seen in a forest—fallen trees, scorched earth, and several Black Robe corpses. Most striking of all was an icy-blue sword mark that cut through the entire area. It was clearly Mu Qing's handiwork.
"They really came this way." Ning Xiaochuan examined the area carefully. "But their destination is unknown."
The Sacred Spirit Dragon descended and circled above the forest. Suddenly, Ning Xiaochuan sensed a faint fluctuation of source qi—it was Lei Lie's Flame Dragon Sword Qi!
"Over there!" He pointed toward a hidden trail to the northeast.
The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew in that direction and soon found the entrance to a cave. The entrance had been cleverly concealed, but it could not escape the perception of Sacred Source Power. Even more startlingly, several drops of fresh blood lay on the ground outside, dark red in color.
"Let's go in and take a look," Ning Xiaochuan decided. "Lei Lie and the others may have left clues behind."
The Sacred Spirit Dragon shrank down, and the three cautiously entered the cave. Its interior was more spacious than expected. The passage twisted downward, its walls bearing signs of artificial excavation and strange symbols carved into the stone—the exact same script as that of the Sacred Source Land!
"This is..."
"A Sacred Origin Tribe ruin!" Ning Xiaochuan recognized the symbols. "An entrance leading to the underground city."
As he spoke, weak groaning suddenly drifted from ahead. The three immediately became alert. Sacred Source light gathered in Ning Xiaochuan's palm, illuminating the depths of the passage—
Lei Lie was slumped against the rock wall, a savage wound across his chest still bleeding. The Flame Dragon Heavy Sword beside him had already broken into two pieces. Hearing them approach, he forced his head up, and a trace of hope flashed in his eyes.
"Ning... Xiaochuan?" His voice was so hoarse it was almost unrecognizable.
"Senior Brother Lei!" Ning Xiaochuan hurried over, immediately probing his injuries with Sacred Source Power. "What happened? Where is Senior Sister Mu?"
Lei Lie struggled to point deeper into the passage. "Mu Qing... went to stop Han Li... underground city... Well of Origin..."
He coughed several times and spat out a mouthful of Black Blood. "Han Li isn't alone... he has help... be careful of the one wearing the golden mask..."
"The Golden-masked Soul Hunter?" Su Linger said in surprise. "Didn't he die in the Frozen Abyss?"
Lei Lie shook his head. "Not the same one... this one is... stronger..."
Before he could finish, his eyes suddenly widened as he looked behind them. "Watch out!"
Ning Xiaochuan instinctively turned around, and the Sacred Source Shield instantly spread out. A streak of black light shot from the shadows of the passage and slammed heavily into the shield, shaking the entire cave!
"Not bad reflexes, Son of Sacred Source." A cold voice rang out. "But the game ends here."
A tall figure emerged from the shadows, entirely shrouded in a black robe and wearing a golden mask identical to that of the dead Soul Hunter Envoy. Yet what drew the most attention was the pitch-black sword in his hand. Thick black liquid dripped constantly from its blade, corroding the ground.
"Who are you?" Ning Xiaochuan shielded Lei Lie behind him as Sacred Source Power surged at full speed.
The Golden Masked Man chuckled. "You may call me the Blade of Delusion, my lord's sharpest sword."
He suddenly swung his sword, and a black beam cleaved toward them like lightning! Ning Xiaochuan dodged hastily. The beam grazed his shoulder and left a bottomless gash in the rock wall.
"Su Linger, take Senior Brother Lei and leave first!" Ning Xiaochuan said in a low voice. "I'll hold him back!"
"No!" Su Linger objected firmly. "We fight together!"
The Sacred Spirit Dragon also raised his scales, his body rapidly expanding as he blocked the middle of the passage.
The Golden Masked Man seemed amused. "What touching friendship. Unfortunately, all of you will die here today."
He turned his sword and pointed it at Lei Lie. "Especially him. He knows too much."
Ning Xiaochuan wasted no more words. Sacred Source Power transformed into a spear and shot directly at the Golden Masked Man's throat. The man easily blocked it. The black sword collided with golden light, scattering dazzling sparks.
"Too weak!" the Golden Masked Man mocked. "Is that all the Son of Sacred Source can do?"
His offensive abruptly accelerated. The black sword struck like a venomous serpent, every blow carrying the force to tear through space. Ning Xiaochuan barely held him off, but the cave was too narrow for him to unleash his full strength.
Taking the chance, Su Linger helped Lei Lie up and tried to circle around from the other side. But the Golden Masked Man had been prepared. With a sweep of his left hand, several streams of Black Qi lashed toward them like chains!
The Sacred Spirit Dragon promptly blasted them with Dragon Breath, then lunged at the Golden Masked Man's back. Without even turning his head, the man suddenly extended two black tentacles from behind him, striking Little One with precision!
"Goo Chu!" The Sacred Spirit Dragon cried out in pain and was flung into the rock wall.
"Little One!" Ning Xiaochuan's heart ached. Sacred Source Power boiled with fury. He no longer held back and erupted with all his strength, punching toward the Golden Masked Man's face!
That punch contained all his power. The Golden Masked Man's expression finally changed, and he hastily raised his sword to block. Fist and sword collided, and the black blade was actually bent by the impact! The shockwave swept through the entire cave, and the ceiling began to collapse!
"Are you insane?!" the Golden Masked Man shouted. "Do you want us to die together?"
Ning Xiaochuan did not answer and continued his fierce assault. He knew fighting in such a confined space put him at a disadvantage, so he deliberately caused a collapse to force his opponent to retreat.
Sure enough, as more rocks came crashing down, the Golden Masked Man had no choice but to fall back. But before leaving, he gave a sinister laugh. "No matter. The Well of Origin has already been activated. You cannot stop my lord's descent!"
A giant rock crashed down, sealing off the passage. Ning Xiaochuan seized the chance to pick up the unconscious Lei Lie and rushed deeper inside with Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon.
"There should be an exit ahead!" Su Linger recalled the map. "It leads to the center of the underground city!"
The cave continued to collapse as the three ran desperately. At last, a trace of light appeared ahead—it came from a vertical shaft, its walls lined with grooves for climbing.
"Go up!" Ning Xiaochuan handed Lei Lie to Su Linger. "I'll cover the rear!"
Su Linger gritted her teeth and carried Lei Lie on her back while the Sacred Spirit Dragon used his claws to help secure him. Then they began to climb. Ning Xiaochuan remained behind, continuously shattering falling rocks with Sacred Source Power.
When they finally climbed out of the shaft, the sight before them was breathtaking—
A vast underground city stretched out before them. Its architectural style was identical to that of the Sacred Source Land, only far older and more dilapidated. At the city's center lay a circular plaza, where an enormous stone well stood. Black-red energy continuously surged from its mouth, blasting toward the dome overhead!
Even more horrifyingly, Qingyun City's residents filled the plaza on their knees. Their eyes were vacant, and faint red light flickered from their chests. They had clearly been controlled.
"The Well of Origin..." Ning Xiaochuan's voice was dry. "Han Li is using it to open the Primal Gate!"
Su Linger pointed toward the well platform. "Look! That's Senior Sister Mu!"
Sure enough, Mu Qing was bound to a stone pillar beside the well by black chains, her aura weak. Han Li stood atop the well platform, the Black Crystal in his chest resonating with the energy from the well, while the Golden Masked Man stood guard nearby.
"We have to save her." Ning Xiaochuan studied the terrain. "But those controlled residents..."
Su Linger examined Lei Lie's injuries. "His life is not in immediate danger, but he needs treatment."
The Sacred Spirit Dragon suddenly gave a "Goo Chu" and pointed toward the other side of the city—there was a hidden path that seemed to lead behind the well platform.
"Good idea." Ning Xiaochuan nodded. "We'll split up. You and Little One rescue Senior Sister Mu. I'll draw their attention from the front."
Su Linger wanted to object, but when she saw Ning Xiaochuan's resolute gaze, she ultimately nodded. "Be careful."
Ning Xiaochuan took a deep breath and stepped out from hiding. Sacred Source Power erupted at full force, golden light illuminating the entire underground city like the rising sun!
"Han Li!" His voice echoed like thunder. "Did your master not tell you? The Son of Sacred Source has come to take his life!"
Before you continue