Qin He condensed Demonic Essence at his fingertips into fine threads and slowly guided them along the dragon patterns on the bronze casket.
Fine dust had gathered in the grooves of the dragon patterns. The instant the Demonic Essence touched it, the dust turned into green smoke and scattered, while a pale cyan halo spread over the casket.
The first layer of restrictions was tougher than expected. As Demonic Essence flowed into it, it was like pushing through waterlogged cotton—every inch forward faced invisible resistance.
"Turn half a circle along the curve of the dragon's neck." Long Qingyun's reminder came from within the Black Demon Banner.
Qin He adjusted the flow of Demonic Essence accordingly. When the demonic threads wound around the dragon pattern's neck, the casket suddenly trembled lightly, and cyan radiance rippled outward like waves.
The formerly taut dragon patterns gradually softened, and the first restriction melted away like ice and snow, vanishing without a sound.
The second layer of restrictions was hidden behind a glazed-stone node.
Qin He's fingertips hovered above the pigeon-egg-sized ruby. Demonic Essence turned into wisps of smoke and slowly seeped into the gemstone.
The power of laws within the ruby collided with the Demonic Essence, producing faint sizzling sounds. Its red glow flickered unpredictably, as though it might explode at any moment.
"Slower. Don't let the two powers clash head-on." Long Qingyun's voice carried a hint of tension.
Qin He slowed his movements. Like a stream, the Demonic Essence spread along the ruby's veins, gradually wrapping around the restriction core inside.
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the ruby's red light stabilized and flowed along the dragon patterns to the bottom of the casket. The second layer of restrictions was broken as well.
The third layer was an