Deep within the Great Hall, the passage was dark and quiet.
Lin Langtian led Yin Ruoshui away from the treasure hall and continued along the winding passage toward the depths of the ruins.
As he walked, he studied the Dark Spirit Crystal in his hand.
The fist-sized dark-purple crystal gave off a faint glow. Inside, liquid-like energy seemed to flow slowly, like an ancient star sunk in slumber.
That dense, almost tangible dark spiritual power fluctuation made the Darkness Demonic Talisman within his body tremble without end, sending out wave after wave of yearning hums.
"Master Lin, are you going to refine the Dark Spirit Crystal here?" Yin Ruoshui followed behind him and asked in a low voice.
Lin Langtian looked around. This stretch of passage was fairly wide, and several recessed stone niches lined the two sides, like side chambers left behind when the ruins were built.
He chose one of the larger ones and led Yin Ruoshui inside.
The side chamber was not large, only a few zhang across, but it was hidden enough. Simple runes were carved into the walls. Though they had long since dimmed, they still seemed to have a faint protective effect.
"Here. Protect me, and don't let anyone disturb me," Lin Langtian said. He took out a few specially made spirit stones from his robes and set up a simple concealment formation at the entrance of the side chamber.
Although it could not stop any true expert, it could at least isolate his aura from leaking out and keep unnecessary trouble from being drawn over.
Yin Ruoshui nodded, tightened her grip on the sacred object in her hand, and stood guard at the entrance with vigilance.
Lin Langtian sat cross-legged, held the Dark Spirit Crystal between both palms, and closed his eyes to