The young disciple gripped the Qiankun Sword tightly with both hands, its blade gleaming with cold light. Every swing was as swift and fierce as lightning. Sword qi crisscrossed through the air, forming an impenetrable net that enveloped the puppets.
The White-Haired Immortal stood some distance away, forming hand seals as he murmured an incantation. With his spellcasting, countless Ice Blades fell from the sky like meteors, smashing viciously into the puppets. Wherever the Ice Blades passed, the puppets were instantly frozen and lost their ability to move.
The sect master stood on high ground, calmly observing the battle before decisively issuing orders. Everyone moved swiftly, coordinating seamlessly to form a tight sword formation. Within it, sword qi darted like wandering dragons, driving back the puppets wherever it struck.
Yet despite the ferocity of their attacks, the puppets seemed endless, as though they could never be killed completely. Just as everyone began to feel overwhelmed, the Mysterious Old Man suddenly made his move.
His figure flashed, and he instantly appeared before them. With a sweep of both hands, powerful spiritual energy surged from his body, transforming into an indestructible barrier that blocked the puppets' fierce assault.
"Go find the source of the runes!" the Mysterious Old Man shouted. "As long as you destroy it, these puppets will stop attacking!"
At his words, everyone was reinvigorated. Without hesitation, they took advantage of the Mysterious Old Man's barrier and sprinted toward the depths of the ruins.
The deeper they went, the heavier the aura of darkness became, as though this place were its very source. The puppets also grew increasingly powerful, their attacks becoming more vicious and difficult to withstand.
But no one retreated. They all knew that this mission concerned the safety of the entire Immortal Domain. They bore the duty