Mysterious Figure

Yan Zhao clenched his teeth tightly, veins bulging on his forehead. Suddenly, the pattern of spiritual energy flowing around the Rune Stone flashed through his mind. This sudden insight made him instantly grasp its mysteries, as though enlightenment had struck him.

Without hesitation, he adjusted the circulation of his spiritual energy according to that pattern. Spiritual energy flowed through his meridians like a clear spring, finally gathering in his palm. In an instant, a soft yet resilient radiance emanated from Yan Zhao's body. It seemed to possess an indescribable power; beneath its glow, the gale and sea of flames gradually calmed like tamed beasts.

The Mysterious Figure's expression abruptly changed. Clearly, he had not expected Yan Zhao to find a solution so quickly. Yan Zhao naturally would not let such a perfect opportunity slip away. Going with the momentum, he concentrated all the spiritual energy in his body into one point and thrust it forward fiercely.

With a thunderous boom, a powerful surge of spiritual energy crashed straight toward the Mysterious Figure like raging waves, carrying the force to topple mountains and overturn seas. Wherever the blast passed, space itself seemed to tear apart with sharp crackling sounds.

Faced with such a fierce attack, the Mysterious Figure did not dare let down his guard in the slightest. He swiftly gathered all his spiritual energy and formed a massive ball of energy before him. The sphere was completely transparent, and the spiritual energy contained within it was as vast and unfathomable as an ocean.

When Yan Zhao's spiritual energy blast collided with the Mysterious Figure's energy sphere, a blinding burst of light erupted between them. It shone as brilliantly as the sun, making it impossible to look at directly. Only after several seconds did the radiance gradually fade.

Once the light dispersed, Yan Zhao focused his eyes and saw the Mysterious Figure take several small steps backward, surprise appearing on his face. Clearly, Yan Zhao's strike had placed considerable pressure on him.

"Interesting. But with this little skill, you're still far from breaking the array." The Mysterious Figure sneered, rapidly forming hand seals as he muttered an incantation.

As his chant rang out, countless threads of spiritual energy shot in from every direction, coiling around Yan Zhao like a spiderweb. Though these energy threads appeared thin, they were incomparably tough. Once caught by them, escape would likely be difficult.

Yan Zhao's figure flashed as he weaved between the threads like a phantom. His movements were as swift as lightning, dazzling the eye. At the same time, his hands continuously formed seals, casting spell after spell to sever each energy thread that came near him.

However, the threads of spiritual energy seemed endless, streaming toward him continuously from all directions. Although Yan Zhao could hold them off for the moment, his room to move grew smaller and smaller with time, until he was completely trapped by the threads.

Yan Zhao took a deep breath, as though he meant to draw all the air in the world into his lungs. Then he slowly closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and made the spiritual energy within him surge like a rushing river.

Driven by his will, spiritual energy circulated wildly through his body, forming a powerful vortex. Like a greedy black hole, the vortex sucked in every surrounding thread and devoured them all in an instant, leaving no trace behind.

The Mysterious Figure's gaze grew increasingly grave. He clearly had not expected Yan Zhao to break free from the threads' restraints so easily. Yet he did not panic. He swiftly formed hand seals again and muttered another incantation.

As his chant rose, several enormous Spiritual Energy Puppets suddenly emerged within the Illusion Array. Each stood several zhang tall and radiated heart-pounding waves of spiritual energy. Waving their enormous fists, they smashed toward Yan Zhao like moving mountains, carrying overwhelming force.

Despite such a savage assault, Yan Zhao showed no fear. His figure flashed, and he charged at the puppets like a phantom. The moment he engaged them at close range, he displayed astonishing agility and formidable spiritual energy.

Every attack Yan Zhao unleashed carried the force of thunder. His fists howled through the air as they smashed viciously into the puppets' hard bodies. Though massive, the puppets could not withstand Yan Zhao's torrential barrage and were shattered one after another.

Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, the Mysterious Figure was about to cast another spell when Yan Zhao seized the chance to dash toward the Rune Stone like lightning. Gathering all his spiritual energy in both hands, he struck the Rune Stone fiercely like a blazing meteor.

A tremendous boom rang out. The light on the Rune Stone abruptly went dark, and the entire Illusion Array shattered completely. At the moment the array broke apart, the Mysterious Figure let out an unwilling roar before gradually dissipating like smoke.

Yan Zhao let out a long breath. He had finally broken the array. As he gazed at the destroyed Illusion Array before him, an indescribable sense of accomplishment welled up in his heart. Yet he also knew that more unknown secrets and challenges awaited him ahead.

The instant the Illusion Array shattered, it felt as though the entire world trembled. The passage that had once been concealed by the array slowly revealed itself before Yan Zhao like a doorway leading into an unknown realm.

The passage was deep and mysterious, seeming to have no end at a glance. A faint blue glow filled it, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Yan Zhao stared into the blue light, unable to stop a feeling of reverence from rising within him.

He carefully stepped forward, every stride exceptionally cautious. The stone walls on either side of the passage were smooth as mirrors and carved with ancient runes. Their lines flowed gracefully, like the masterpiece of an artistic master, yet the power they contained could not be underestimated.

The runes flickered with a faint light, like beating hearts, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura. Yan Zhao stared at them, almost able to hear them whispering stories from long ago—secrets and legends forgotten by time.

The air in the passage was unusually heavy. Yan Zhao's breathing echoed through it, sounding especially clear. His heartbeat gradually quickened, and an inexplicable tension welled up inside him. Yet he did not retreat. Instead, he continued forward with determination, exploring this passage filled with the unknown.