A Powerful Enemy Approaches! Ancient Tome's Secret Traces, Defending Earth

The mountain forest lay in ruins, scorched earth everywhere. Lingering frigid auras mingled with the stench of burning, sending chills down one's spine. The Dark Twinborn Token in Ximen Qing's arms remained restless, its black glow flickering on and off. A powerful pressure from the depths of the cosmos was rapidly drawing near, like a sword hanging overhead, crushing the breath from their lungs.

Son Gohan held a yellowed ancient book, his fingertips rapidly flipping across the pages. His brows were tightly furrowed, his expression grave to the extreme, and fine beads of sweat had formed at his temples. "Qing'er, I've gone through every record in the ancient texts concerning the Dark Sacrifice Art. Once this forbidden technique is activated, the coordinates it transmits are exceptionally precise. Within three hours, powerful figures from the dark forces will definitely reach Earth. And those coming won't be ordinary dark warriors."

Ximen Qing slowly raised a hand, golden-red energy flickering in his palm as he gently covered the Twinborn Token in his arms, attempting to suppress its unrest. Yet the token shook even more violently, its black glow faintly threatening to break through the seal of golden-red energy. His tone was calm, yet sharp beneath the surface. "No matter who comes, we cannot retreat. The Twinborn Token is in our hands. Earth is the battlefield, and we will never let the dark forces have their way!"

Beside him, the shadows around Gray Shadow's body tensed as he remained constantly alert to movements from the direction of the cosmos. Hearing this, he immediately bowed. "Rest assured, my lord. Your subordinate has made full preparations. If those dark remnants dare come, I will make sure they never return! It's just that the frigid aura drawing closer is far too powerful. I can vaguely sense that their combat power may greatly exceed our estimates."

"You're right." Son Gohan stopped turning the pages and looked up at the two of them. His eyes were filled with concern, though certainty lay hidden beneath it. "The ancient texts state that those Mo Yuan could summon using his blood essence must be the top combatants of the dark forces—the Dark Guardians. Their strength far surpasses that of high-ranking shadow beings. Some Guardians have even broken through 120000 combat power, approaching the level of ancient powerhouses."

"Combat power over 120000?" Gray Shadow's expression shifted slightly, his tone carrying disbelief. "Then do we still stand a chance? My lord's permanent combat power is exactly 120000. If their combat power far exceeds yours, then we may..."

Before Gray Shadow could finish, Ximen Qing slowly shook his head. The golden-red aura around him rose slightly, and the pressure of his 120000 permanent combat power spread outward, dispelling some of the frigid air. His eyes were full of resolve. "Combat power is important, but we are not fighting alone. Grandpa Gohan knows the hidden secrets of the ancient texts, you excel at stealth and surprise attacks, and Nappa's elite warriors will arrive soon. As long as we divide our roles clearly and set up defenses in advance, we may not be unable to repel them."

Son Gohan nodded slightly in agreement, then opened the ancient book again. His fingertip stopped on a page of blurred writing, and his voice carried a hint of delight. "Qing'er, look! There's another fragmentary record in the ancient text. It mentions clues about two more energy nodes—one lies in the core of an ice plain in the Extreme Cold Star System, while the other is hidden deep within a volcano in the Blazing Flame Star System. These two star systems correspond respectively to the frigid and scorching powers of the dark altar. Once they fall under the dark forces' control, the altar's seal will completely collapse."

Ximen Qing stepped closer, his gaze falling on the writing in the ancient book. A sharp glint flashed through his eyes. "Excellent! With clues to the energy nodes, we can make arrangements in advance and stop the dark forces from seizing their energy. Grandpa Gohan, look carefully again. Are there any records about the Dark Guardians' weaknesses? And is there a way to strengthen the Twinborn Token's seal and temporarily conceal its energy fluctuations?"

"Yes!" Son Gohan hurriedly nodded, rubbing the blurred writing with his fingertips as he spoke slowly. "Although the Dark Guardians possess formidable combat power, they share one weakness—they depend on dark energy for nourishment. Once they leave a frigid environment and remain exposed to positive energy for too long, their combat power will drop sharply. As for concealing the Twinborn Token's fluctuations, we can use the power of Earth's spiritual veins in conjunction with my Purification Art to suppress it temporarily. However, this method consumes tremendous energy and can only last for one hour."

"One hour is enough." Ximen Qing's gaze sharpened, his tone resolute. "One hour is enough for Nappa to lead the elite warriors here, and enough for us to complete Earth's defenses. Grandpa Gohan, please prepare the Purification Art immediately. I'll contact Nappa now and have him pick up the pace. At the same time, send people to the Extreme Cold Star System and the Blazing Flame Star System to investigate the energy nodes. The moment they find any trace of the dark forces, they must report it at once."

"Alright!" Son Gohan wasted no time. He immediately sat cross-legged, a faint white glow spreading around him. His hands formed seals as he quietly recited an ancient incantation. Purifying power slowly emerged and enveloped the Twinborn Token in Ximen Qing's arms. White light intertwined with golden-red energy, and the token's agitation gradually subsided. Its black glow dimmed, and much of the frigid aura in the air dispersed as well.

Ximen Qing took out his communicator and rapidly operated it with his fingers. Nappa's rough yet steady voice immediately came through. "My lord, your subordinate is already leading the elite warriors toward Earth. We are expected to arrive in half an hour. In addition, I've sent people to patrol the various star systems. At present, no trace of the dark forces has been discovered."

"Move faster!" Ximen Qing's tone held urgency, though it remained steady. "Before Mo Yuan died, he activated the sacrifice art and summoned the Dark Guardians to seize the token. Powerful enemies will arrive within three hours. Once you get here, immediately lead the elite warriors to seal all entrances to Earth. Set up defenses in the mountain forest and at the spiritual vein nodes. Focus on protecting Grandpa Gohan and the Twinborn Token. We cannot give them any opening."

"Understood!" Nappa answered firmly through the communicator. "Your subordinate will accelerate immediately. I will defend Earth and never allow those dark remnants to harm Grandpa Gohan or take the Twinborn Token!"

After ending the call, Ximen Qing slowly rose to his feet and looked toward the depths of the cosmos, vigilance flashing through his eyes. The powerful frigid aura drew ever closer. The temperature in the air plummeted, the melting ice on the ground froze again, and the ancient trees around them were instantly coated in white frost—crystalline and beautiful, yet piercingly cold.

Gray Shadow flashed to Ximen Qing's side, his wary gaze sweeping across the surroundings. His tone was grave. "My lord, they're getting closer. I can sense at least three Dark Guardians approaching. Their auras are each stronger than the last. One of them has even surpassed 120000 combat power—several degrees stronger than you, my lord."

Ximen Qing nodded slightly. The golden-red aura around him surged as a strand of golden-red energy gathered in his palm. He activated the preparatory aura of the Sovereign Heaven-Burning Fist, sensing the surging power within his body. His voice was firm. "It doesn't matter. No matter how strong they are, I can hold them back. Stay beside Grandpa Gohan and protect him. Once the Purification Art is complete, immediately assist him in reinforcing the token's seal. Do not let anyone disturb him."

"As you command!" Gray Shadow answered deeply. With a flash, he arrived beside Son Gohan. The shadows around him spread out, forming a solid defensive barrier that firmly protected Son Gohan as he watched every movement around them.

Son Gohan's Purification Art continued to progress. The white light around him grew ever more radiant, and purifying power poured continuously into the Twinborn Token. The token's agitation finally ceased completely, its black glow fully restrained. It now resembled an ordinary black token, without a trace of frigid aura. The coldness in the air was completely purged, the ice on the ground melted, and from the scorched soil came the faint suggestion of life.

"Haa..." Son Gohan slowly opened his eyes and let out a long breath. Sweat slid from his temples down his cheeks. His expression was exhausted, yet faintly relieved. "It's done, Qing'er. The Twinborn Token's energy fluctuations have been temporarily concealed. It can last at most one hour. After that, the seal will fail, and the token will become restless again. At that point, the Dark Guardians will definitely lock onto our position precisely."

Ximen Qing stepped forward and carefully touched the Twinborn Token in his arms. Feeling its faint tremor, he nodded slightly. "You've worked hard, Grandpa Gohan. Nappa will arrive with the elite warriors in half an hour. Before then, we'll prepare our defenses and make every possible arrangement before the Dark Guardians arrive."

Just then, a violent energy fluctuation erupted from the depths of the cosmos. A frigid aura far stronger than before swept toward them like a towering tidal wave, instantly shrouding the entire Earth. The sky abruptly darkened. Black clouds rolled, lightning flashed, thunder roared, and howling winds raged without end, as though the apocalypse had descended.

"This is bad! They came early!" Son Gohan's face changed drastically, his voice full of urgency. "There's still more than an hour before the estimated time. Nappa hasn't arrived, and our defenses aren't complete yet. What do we do?"

Ximen Qing's eyes turned cold. The golden-red aura around him blazed like the sun as his 120000 permanent combat power erupted without restraint. His pressure swept in all directions, violently colliding with the frigid aura. The black clouds in the sky were scorched by golden-red energy, producing sharp sizzling sounds, while the raging winds gradually weakened.

"What are you panicking for?" Ximen Qing's voice was cold and resolute, every word filled with power. "As long as I'm here, even if they arrive early, they won't take the Twinborn Token so easily! Grandpa Gohan, activate the Purification Art again immediately and extend the token's concealment for as long as possible. Gray Shadow, come with me and meet them in battle. Stall for time until Nappa arrives!"

"As you command!" Gray Shadow answered in a deep voice. The shadows around him surged, and with a flash, he followed behind Ximen Qing as they raced out of the mountain forest.

Son Gohan hesitated no longer. He immediately sat cross-legged and activated the Purification Art once more. White light rose around him again, pouring continuously into the Twinborn Token as he tried to extend the concealment of its energy fluctuations. He silently prayed, I must hold on. I must wait for Nappa to arrive. I must protect the Twinborn Token and protect Earth...

Outside the mountain forest, space twisted completely. Three black-robed figures slowly stepped forth, dark mist roiling around them. Their auras were powerful and eerie, each far surpassing Mo Yuan's. The dark mist around the leader was the densest, and his aura was so powerful that it sent chills through the heart. He had already surpassed 120000 combat power. He stared fixedly toward the forest, an eerie and arrogant smile curling at his lips.

Ximen Qing and Gray Shadow flashed into position before the mountain forest. Golden-red aura and shadowy darkness intertwined around them, forming a solid line of defense as they stared fixedly at the three black-robed figures. Ximen Qing's gaze was sharp as a blade, locked firmly on the leading figure. His voice was icy and piercing, carrying unquestionable authority. "Dark Guardians, since you've come, stop hiding. Today, I'll bury all of you here on Earth!"

The leading black-robed figure slowly raised his head, revealing a pale and eerie face. There were no pupils in his eyes, only endless blackness. His tone was frigid and arrogant, carrying the momentum to crush everything. "Ximen Qing, hand over the Dark Twinborn Token and submit to the Dark Sovereign. Perhaps I may spare your life. Otherwise, today I will flatten this Earth and turn every living creature into a sacrifice for our dark forces!"

Before his words had faded, the leading black-robed man moved. Dark mist surged as a massive black energy sphere condensed in his palm. Frigid energy churned wildly within it, carrying a world-destroying force as it smashed violently toward Ximen Qing. The other two black-robed figures attacked at the same time, their dark mist condensing into countless black energy blades that swept in densely, sealing off every route of escape for the two of them.

Ximen Qing's eyes narrowed. Fearless, the golden-red aura around him rose once more as golden-red energy gathered in his palm. Without hesitation, he unleashed his ultimate move, Sovereign Evil-Shattering Blast. The enormous golden-red energy sphere carried heaven-burning heat and purifying power as it crashed straight into the incoming black energy sphere. Gray Shadow flashed away and concealed himself within the shadows. Activating his stealth technique, he silently approached one of the black-robed figures, intending to launch a surprise attack and buy time.

BOOM—! The golden-red and black energy spheres collided violently. A heaven-shaking explosion echoed across the globe, while the shockwave swept in every direction. Deep trenches were blasted into the ground, the black clouds were scattered completely, and the dark cosmos was revealed above. Ximen Qing's chest tightened as the shockwave forced him five steps back. Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, yet a sharp glint flashed in his eyes—he could clearly sense that although the leading Guardian was powerful, he was not invincible.

The leading black-robed figure was also forced two steps back by the shockwave. Surprise flashed through his eyes, followed by an even more sinister grin. "You've got some skill. You actually took one of my attacks. It seems Mo Yuan did not die unjustly. But the game has only just begun!"

Before his words ended, he launched another fierce assault. The dark mist around him churned even more violently as his combat power erupted completely without restraint, and he lunged at Ximen Qing. The other two black-robed figures also accelerated their attacks. Countless black energy blades fell like a torrential downpour, working with their leader to form a pincer attack against Ximen Qing and Gray Shadow.

Ximen Qing gritted his teeth and endured the discomfort in his chest. His golden-red aura surged again as he activated Crimson Flame Flash, instantly evading the enemy's assault. At the same time, he condensed an Evil-Burning Light Blade in his palm and slashed viciously at the leading black-robed figure. Gray Shadow seized the chance to launch his surprise attack. With a flash, he appeared behind one of the black-robed figures, gathering shadow energy at his fingertips and stabbing viciously toward the man's heart.

A brutal battle erupted in full. Ximen Qing fought the leader one-on-one, resisting the Guardian head-on. Relying on his 120000 permanent combat power and exclusive skills, he engaged in an intense struggle against him. Gray Shadow used his powerful stealth technique to circle around another Guardian, desperately stalling for time. Yet the Dark Guardians' combat power was simply too formidable. Ximen Qing gradually fell into a disadvantage, wounds multiplying across his body. Gray Shadow was also caught in the attacks, staggering back with his aura thrown into disorder.

Ximen Qing knew clearly that if this stalemate continued, they would eventually be defeated by the Dark Guardians. Only by delaying until Nappa arrived with the elite warriors would they have a chance at victory. He drew a deep breath and suppressed the exhaustion in his heart. The golden-red aura around him rose once more as he prepared to use his trump card, risking his life to buy even more time.

Just then, a powerful energy fluctuation suddenly came from the depths of the cosmos. Streaks of golden-red light raced toward Earth, accompanied by Nappa's rough shout. "My lord! Your subordinate has arrived! Elite warriors, prepare for battle! Follow me and wipe out the dark remnants—defend Earth!"

The moment Ximen Qing heard Nappa's voice, hope flashed through his eyes, and a faint smile curved his lips. The leading black-robed figure's expression changed drastically. He looked toward the cosmos, wariness flashing through his eyes before his sinister grin deepened. "Perfect timing. Since you're all here, I'll settle this in one go and save myself the trouble of finding you one by one!"

Streaks of golden-red light descended. Nappa led hundreds of elite warriors, who stood in orderly ranks behind Ximen Qing. Golden-red auras intertwined around them, their pressure violently clashing with the frigid air. Nappa strode forward, his wary gaze locked on the three black-robed men. His tone was firm. "My lord, your subordinate has arrived! All elite warriors are prepared for battle. Please give the order!"

Ximen Qing slowly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. The golden-red aura around him blazed once more as his blade-sharp gaze swept over the three black-robed figures. His voice was cold, resolute, and majestic. "All units, heed my command! Form a defensive formation immediately! Work with Gray Shadow and me to eliminate these dark remnants! Defend Earth, defend the Twinborn Token, and do not let them advance a single step! Today, we either drive back these enemies or perish alongside Earth!"

"As you command!" Hundreds of elite warriors answered in unison. Their voices were loud and resolute, resounding throughout the mountain forest. Their golden-red auras surged as they formed a defensive formation in perfect order, golden-red energy gathering in their hands as they prepared to attack at any moment.

Wariness flashed through the leading black-robed figure's eyes, but he remained arrogant. "Even if you have more people, you may not be our match! Today, I will turn every one of you into sacrifices for the Dark Sovereign and turn this Earth completely into dark territory!"

Before his words had faded, the three black-robed figures launched a fierce assault simultaneously. Dark mist surged around them as their combat power erupted completely without restraint, and they lunged viciously at Ximen Qing and the others. Ximen Qing's gaze sharpened as he gave the order. "Attack!"

Golden-red light and pitch-black mist collided once again. Heaven-shaking explosions rose one after another as a life-and-death struggle concerning Earth's safety and the peace of the cosmos entered its most brutal, fevered stage. At that moment, Son Gohan's Purification Art was nearing failure, and the Twinborn Token's energy fluctuations were about to be exposed again. Deep in the cosmos, an even more terrifying frigid aura was silently drawing near—it was the pressure released by the Dark Sovereign, who was about to awaken...