"Everyone, unleash your Martial Souls!" At Qian Fan's command, everyone released their Martial Souls.
"Qian Fan, Martial Soul: Death God Angel. Level 85 Power Attack System Soul Douluo."
An enormous black wing appeared behind Qian Fan. He held the Heavenly Demon Star-Breaking Sword, and a powerful pressure radiated from him.
"Xu Yuan'er, Martial Soul: Black-and-White Twin Stars. Level 70 support and Power Attack System Weapon Soul Saint."
Xu Yuan'er pressed her palms together. Two spheres of different colors appeared above her head, one black and one white, radiating a mysterious light.
"Long Aotian, Martial Soul: Golden Sacred Dragon. Level 80 Power Attack System Soul Douluo."
An enormous golden dragon appeared behind Long Aotian, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws with an imposing presence.
"Su Tian, Martial Soul: Netherwater Xuanwu. Level 80 defense-system Soul Douluo."
Su Tian's body became as hard as steel. An enormous tortoise shell covered his back, giving him astonishing defensive power.
"Feng Ning'er, Martial Soul: Eight-Headed Fire Phoenix. Level 80 Power Attack System Soul Douluo."
A phoenix wreathed in flames appeared behind Feng Ning'er. With every beat of its wings, the flames blazed fiercely, as though they would burn through the entire space.
"Wang Bufan..."
The others also revealed their Martial Souls, each a powerful presence.
Finally, Qian Fan shouted, "Everyone, join forces and pour all your Soul Power into these seven divine artifacts!"
Long Aotian and the others took out their divine artifacts.
Qian Fan, divine artifact (the Dark Heart); Long Aotian, divine artifact (the Golden Dragon Bone); Su Tian, divine artifact (the Netherwater Xuanwu Shield).
Feng Ning'er, divine artifact (the Flame Demon Pearl); Wang Bufan, divine artifact (the Ancient Tree of Life); Long Wudao, divine artifact (the Sword of the Land).
"Why are we one person short?"
Breaking open the exit required a combined attack from seven divine artifacts with different attributes.
Xu Yuan'er asked anxiously.
"Don't worry. I'll contact him." Qian Fan closed his eyes and began using his spiritual power to sense the aura of the Gate of Light.
A moment later, he opened his eyes and said, "The Gate of Light has no trace of life. But that's all right. The six of us can still try. Get ready, everyone. Channel your Soul Power!"
Qian Fan took the lead, pouring his Soul Power into the Dark Heart. The other five also channeled their Soul Power into their respective divine artifacts. Six different attributes of Soul Power intertwined in the air, forming a dazzling web of light.
"Concentrate your power and attack the exit!" Qian Fan roared.
The six exerted their strength at the same time, sending the web of light toward the exit. With a thunderous boom, the barrier at the exit shook violently, but it did not break.
"Push harder!" Qian Fan said through gritted teeth.
Everyone gave it their all, pouring in Soul Power without pause.
BOOM!!!
When the smoke cleared, the barrier remained intact in its original place.
"The gap left by one missing divine artifact isn't something we can make up for!" Su Tian gazed at the barrier before him and said flatly, "We... might not be able to get out!"
Long Aotian's eyes turned bloodshot. He abruptly raised the Golden Dragon Bone high overhead and roared, "Pull yourselves together! We're among the continent's strongest. How can we give up here? Give it everything you've got one more time! I refuse to believe we can't break this tiny barrier!" His voice rang like a great bell, making everyone's eardrums ache.
Hearing Long Aotian's words, everyone shook off their dejection and rallied once more. Xu Yuan'er's gaze grew resolute as her hands rapidly formed seals, and the Black-and-White Twin Stars blazed with light; flames surged all over Feng Ning'er, and the Eight-Headed Fire Phoenix let out a piercing cry; Su Tian drew a deep breath, and the Netherwater Xuanwu Shield on him shimmered with a dim light.
"Again!" Qian Fan roared, pouring all his Soul Power into the Dark Heart once more. Everyone followed suit, concentrating the strongest strike of their lives into their divine artifacts. Six mighty powers converged again, forming an even more terrifying torrent of energy that slammed into the barrier at the exit. This time, the barrier creaked and cracked beneath the overwhelming strain, seemingly on the verge of breaking...
"We did it!" Everyone cheered.
Yet just then, a powerful aura surged out of the exit, startling them all. Their eyes widened as they stared intently at the opening.
As that aura gradually dissipated, a figure slowly appeared before them.
They looked closely and realized that the newcomer was Xu Fangyuan, the Domain Lord of the Seven Star Domain, its foremost expert and a Supergod Third Tier cultivator. Everyone immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Xu Fangyuan had been handling affairs in the Imperial Palace of the Seven Star Domain.
Suddenly, he had sensed something unusual in the Secret Realm, and a trace of worry had risen in his heart. He knew full well that Qian Fan and Xu Yuan'er were exploring inside and feared they might encounter danger. Without hesitation, he had torn open a spatial rift and teleported straight there.
"Grandpa!" Xu Yuan'er recognized Xu Fangyuan at a glance. She leaped up excitedly and ran toward him in delight. Watching this, Qian Fan smiled in relief and gently shook his head.
Like a lively little rabbit, Xu Yuan'er sprang into Xu Fangyuan's arms. She hugged his neck tightly and said affectionately, "Grandpa, I missed you so much!" Xu Fangyuan stroked her hair dotingly, his eyes full of love.
Qian Fan stood quietly to one side, watching the warm exchange between grandfather and granddaughter, his heart filled with emotion. He knew that Xu Yuan'er had always been Xu Fangyuan's heart's treasure, and he, too, would always remain by her side, protecting her from harm.
Xu Fangyuan looked at everyone.
"Your family elders should be arriving soon as well. Now, all those who belong to the Seven Star Domain, heed my command. Return to Star Treasure City with me. I, your emperor, will personally treat you all to a meal."
Qian Fan smiled and bowed to Xu Fangyuan. "Thank you, Lord Domain Lord." He turned to his companions and said, "Let's go. It's time we went home, too." Everyone nodded.
Long Aotian and Su Tian nodded to Qian Fan.
"Brother, we'll meet again."
"Qian Fan, stay safe. If anything comes up, come straight to the Xuanwu Tribe and find me. When you arrive, just tell them you're Su Tian's friend."
Long Aotian nodded. "The same goes for me."
They followed Xu Fangyuan out of the Secret Realm.
Along the way, Qian Fan and Xu Yuan'er walked shoulder to shoulder, their gazes meeting from time to time. The unspoken understanding between them was enviable. Watching them, Xu Fangyuan felt quietly gratified.
Before long, they arrived at Star Treasure City. A lavish banquet had already been prepared in the city, and the elders of the great families had been waiting for some time. Everyone took their seats, and cheerful voices and laughter rose all around. Amid this joyous gathering, Qian Fan felt a warmth he had not experienced in a long time. He knew this experience would become a treasured memory in his life.
And in the future, more challenges awaited him.
"Ah, I wonder how Xiao Xue and Grandpa are doing, and whether the Douluo Continent is still at peace."
Qian Fan murmured.
Thinking of Xiao Xue and Grandpa, Qian Fan could not help feeling a pang of concern.
Xu Yuan'er, meanwhile, slipped away when no one was paying attention and never returned.
Before you continue