Qin Yu and Mu Qingwan stood side by side, gazing up at the enormous Gray Ring in the sky. At that moment, the world lost its color, and only the deep and mysterious halo captivated their gaze. It spun, with layers of gray mist surging from its edges, interspersed with dark purple light and faint, illusory chains, like an ancient forbidden artifact that transcended time and space, so oppressive that even breathing felt heavy.
Before they could even react, the Gray Ring suddenly contracted, transforming into an immense gray light that plummeted like a falling star, crashing into Qin Yu's brow. In an instant, Qin Yu's body jolted violently, a gray glint flashing in his pupils, and he nearly collapsed to his knees.
The next moment, a monstrous wave suddenly surged in the depths of his sea of consciousness, and countless Spiritual Sense turned into fragments of light and scattered, as if they were about to be completely torn apart. However, just as his soul was about to shatter, the gray light suddenly condensed and finally turned into a Gray Ring, which floated in the boundless void of his sea of consciousness.
The Gray Ring was as clear as the real thing, its appearance identical to reality: the ring seemed to be made of an unknown blackish-gray material, its surface entwined with countless gray lines that seemed to move like living things, like cracks in the earth's veins, or like ancient runes whispering. Mist surged continuously from all around the ring, interspersed with purple light spots, twinkling like stars, sometimes bright and sometimes dim, as if peering into Qin Yu's soul. Even more terrifying, the phantom chains hanging from the ring seemed to sway as if they were alive, occasionally emitting a crisp "click" sound, each vibration sending Qin Yu's mind plummeting into an abyss.
The entire void of Qin Yu's sea of consciousness was shrouded in the shadow of the Gray Ring. The spiritual light between heaven and earth seemed to be forcibly devoured by it, and the colors of all things faded to a single gray and purple. It hovered there quietly, yet it seemed to control everything, like a judge, coldly watching over all of Qin Yu's existence.
Qin Yu stared at the Cycle Nether Gray Ring in his sea of consciousness, his heart filled with shock and confusion. He clearly realized that this was not a power taught to him by anyone, but rather... a forbidden thing that fate had already implanted within him.
Mu Qingwan stared intently at Qin Yu. In the next instant, she clearly saw a deep, dark gray light flash in the depths of his eyes. That gray light was as cold as a dead, silent galaxy, as if it could drag a person's soul directly into an endless abyss, making one's heart tremble with fear. Even if it was only for a brief moment, her entire soul was shaken, as if she would be swallowed up by that power at any moment.
"What... what is this...?" Mu Qingwan's heart suddenly turned cold, and her breathing became rapid. She had never seen such terrifying divine power before, even more terrifying than the Ultimate skill released by the Demonic Spirit King. It was a power that no ordinary cultivator could control.
Fear surged up like a tide, but when she looked at the cold sweat beading on Qin Yu's forehead and his body stiffened from the impact of the Gray Ring, her fear was slowly suppressed by another emotion.
He is still the same Qin Yu.
The one who risked his life to protect her during the Demonic Spirit tide, the one who carried her on his back without hesitation to find the Clear Sky Soul-Revitalizing Ganoderma, the boy who never gave up on her even when facing life-or-death situations.
Mu Qingwan's chest heaved violently, her fingertips trembling slightly, yet she silently vowed in her heart:
"Whatever this gray halo is, whether it brings destruction or the unknown, I will not leave him. Even if this power is forbidden, I will stand by his side and see the truth of it all. Even if the price is to perish in the abyss with him..."
She gently reached out and took Qin Yu's arm, her voice trembling, yet filled with an unprecedented firmness and tenderness. "Qin Yu... no matter what secrets you're hiding, I will never leave you."
At that moment, fear and love intertwined, ultimately transforming into an extremely profound emotion that was completely imprinted on her heart.
The black mist between heaven and earth had just dissipated when a deep whooshing sound suddenly came from the distant sky. With a surge of spiritual light, a group of figures descended from the sky, their feet treading on the void, their spiritual power vast and boundless. Five powerful figures with auras as thick as the sea stood one after the other, their bodies radiating the pressure of the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm and the Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm, like five towering mountains, pressing down and solidifying the surrounding air.
Mu Qingwan's eyes flickered, but upon recognizing them, a long-lost joy finally appeared on her face, and she softly exclaimed, "It's people from the Silent Ring Palace!"
The leader, an elder with a gray beard and deep-set eyes, exuded the composed aura of the Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm expert. He was none other than Liu Qingfeng, an elder of the Silent Ring Palace. At this moment, his gaze swept over Mu Qingwan, a clear look of worry flashing in his eyes. "Miss, we've finally found you! We followed your aura all the way here, almost thinking something had happened to you. Are you alright?"
Mu Qingwan gently shook her head, a slight smile playing on her lips, but her gaze unconsciously swept past Qin Yu's side. Her voice was gentle: "Elder Liu, I'm fine. How did you find this place?" "Elder Liu," she said, "We sensed a terrifying aura and divine power emanating from thousands of miles away, so we rushed over."
Liu Qingfeng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but the next moment, his gaze fell on Qin Yu. In that brief eye contact, a strange tremor ran through him. The young man before him was clearly only at the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm, which shouldn't have aroused his suspicion at all. Yet, under Qin Yu's gaze, he felt an Ultimate sense of suffocation. It was as if he were standing on the edge of an invisible abyss, and if he took another step closer, he would be completely swallowed up.
"Strange... why do I have this feeling..." Liu Qingfeng frowned, a look of horror flashing across his eyes.
He coughed lightly, feigning composure, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Miss, who is this...?"
Mu Qingwan seemed to suddenly remember something and hurriedly introduced, "Oh right, Elder, this is my savior— Qin Yu. If it weren't for him protecting me and holding off the Demonic Spirit tide, I would have already lost my life here."
Liu Qingfeng was slightly taken aback, then looked at Qin Yu again, a sense of indescribable awe welling up in his heart once more. His voice unconsciously softened as he bowed respectfully and said, "I am Liu Qingfeng, Elder of the Silent Ring Palace. We are deeply grateful to Young Master Qin for protecting my young lady. Without your help, we fear we would never have seen her Anran again."
With that, he flipped his hand, and a crystal-clear pill appeared in his palm. The pill was pure white, but inside, wisps of purple mist flowed, as if a miniature world was operating within it, exuding a magnificent life aura. It was the unique "Soul Divine Pill" of the Silent Ring Palace, specially refined to heal soul injuries and repair the foundation of the Fate Soul, and its value was immeasurable.
Liu Qingfeng presented the pill with both hands. "This divine pill is a small token of our appreciation from the Silent Ring Palace. We hope Young Master Qin will accept it."
Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat, but he immediately waved his hand to refuse, his tone sincere and calm. "Elder Liu, there's no need to be so polite. My encounter with Qingwan is by fate, and protecting her Anran is only the right thing to do."
Hearing this, Mu Qingwan felt a warmth in her heart. Her gaze gently swept over Qin Yu's profile, and a tender light, which she could not hide, appeared in her eyes.
Liu Qingfeng paused slightly, his expression gradually becoming serious. He was secretly alarmed: Although this young man spoke calmly, he possessed an undeniable determination and composure. Just who was he to be able to instill a trace of fear in the Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm expert?
Liu Qingfeng gazed at Qin Yu, still feeling a strange sense of awe in his heart, but his expression regained the composure and dignity of an elder. He withdrew the Soul Divine Pill, not forcibly offering it again, but softened his tone. "Young Master Qin, you protected my Anran lady this time, and my Silent Ring Palace will forever remember your kindness. If you have the opportunity to visit our palace in the future, we will certainly offer you generous gifts in gratitude."
Qin Yu smiled slightly and returned the greeting with a cupped hand, "Elder Liu, you flatter me. Protecting Qingwan is simply my intention, there's no need to worry about it."
Mu Qingwan's heart trembled slightly, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks. She quickly lowered her head to avoid arousing suspicion. She added softly, "Elder, if it weren't for Young Master Qin, I would have already perished in the Demonic Spirit's jaws. I have only been able to reach this day thanks to his protection along the way. This disciple humbly requests that the Elder remember this kindness in the sect."
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Liu Qingfeng's eyes. He sensed that Mu Qingwan's tone carried far more weight than usual, even tinged with a trace of emotional dependence. His gaze swept over Qin Yu again, and he slowly nodded. "I will convey Miss's words to the Palace Master. Young Master Qin, Silent Ring Palace owes you a favor."
After he finished speaking, the other four accompanying elders and disciples also bowed to Qin Yu to express their gratitude. Although their expressions showed doubt, they also carried a sincere sense of awe.
Qin Yu simply nodded slightly, unwilling to elaborate. He knew that too many explanations would only invite pointless speculation. At this moment, he simply stood calmly beside Mu Qingwan, his mind as steadfast as a rock, regardless of how others scrutinized him.
Mu Qingwan secretly vowed in her heart: No matter what the future holds, I will protect Qin Yu and not let anyone hurt him. Even within the Silent Ring Palace, I will not allow anyone to question him.
Looking at the almost silent understanding between the two, Liu Qingfeng felt a slight unease. Although the young man was young, he seemed to be able to make the young lady feel at ease, which made him both gratified and vaguely uneasy.
Under the afterglow of the setting sun at the outer edge of the Northern Dark Abyss Valley, the mist in the sky and earth gradually dissipated, leaving only the deathly silence and cold wind after the battle. Qin Yu and Mu Qingwan stood side by side, and the five elders and guardian disciples of the Silent Ring Palace had already lined up, ready to take her away at any time.
Mu Qingwan hesitated to take a step, her gaze fixed on Qin Yu. Her eyes were slightly red, her slender fingers curled gently beneath her sleeves, her lips trembled slightly, and her voice was low but firm. "Qin Yu, you must come to the Silent Ring Palace to find me... I'll wait for you."
These words seemed to pierce through the cold night wind, striking Qin Yu's heart directly.
Qin Yu paused, his expression complex, but then a gentle smile appeared on his face as he slowly nodded, "Okay, Qingwan, I will definitely go."
Upon hearing Mu Qingwan's eyes flashed with tears, but she bit her lip to suppress them, gathering all her emotions, only gazing at him deeply at the moment of parting.
Looking at his young mistress, Liu Qingfeng sighed inwardly, but said nothing. He simply raised his hand and waved, "Let's set off!"
The five elders simultaneously released protective light screens, their spiritual light flowing like a galaxy, enveloping Mu Qingwan within them. The light screens slowly rose, like a divine ship carrying her away, gradually disappearing into the horizon.
Qin Yu stood there, watching her figure disappear into the mist, a strange emptiness and determination welling up inside him. The night wind swept by, causing his robes to flutter, but a new obsession ignited in his eyes—
"The Silent Ring Palace... I will definitely go."
The night was as dark as ink, and the sound of the wind in the Northern Dark Abyss Valley still echoed in his ears. Qin Yu stood on the empty mountain ridge, gazing for a long time in the direction where Mu Qingwan had left, his emotions surging uncontrollably. Only when the sky was completely silent did he slowly turn around and firmly set off on the road back to the White Cloud Sect.
On his Return Path, the world seemed even more desolate and cold than usual. The waning moon shone between his brows, its gray light flickering as if ready to burst forth again at any moment. He silently vowed in his heart. "I must become stronger faster, not only for my mother, but also for Qingwan, and for everyone around me."
In the outer palace area of the White Cloud Sect, the night lights were still bright. In front of Qin Yu's palace, two figures had been waiting for a long time. Zhao Xinyu crossed her arms, her eyes full of worry; Yang Zheng paced back and forth, as anxious as a trapped beast.
Finally, as a familiar figure slowly stepped into the light and shadow, the two of them went to meet him almost simultaneously.
"Brother Yu!" Yang Zheng's eyes flashed with intense surprise and relief, but his voice trembled uncontrollably.
"Senior Brother Qin!" Zhao Xinyu's gaze fixed on him. She carefully examined him to make sure he was alright before letting out a long sigh of relief, a hint of moisture welling up in her eyes.
Looking at his two most trusted companions, Qin Yu felt a warmth in his heart and smiled faintly, "I'm sorry to have worried you, I'm fine."
Yang Zheng patted his shoulder heavily. "It's good that you're alright! If anything had happened to you, Junior Sister Zhao and I wouldn't know what to do."
Zhao Xinyu, her voice low but firm. "You're back, everything is alright."
At this moment, the three stood side by side, the night wind howling outside the palace, but it could not dispel the deep affection between them.
As soon as Qin Yu sat down, Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu sat on either side of him. The unspoken understanding between them was revealed in their eyes: Yang Zheng would hand her a cup of spiritual tea, or Zhao Xinyu would gently tell him not to worry too much. The subtle gestures already hinted at a hint of ambiguity. Qin Yu's heart stirred, but he only smiled faintly and did not say anything.
He glanced at the two men, his expression calm, and said, "The Northern Dark Abyss Valley... is far more dangerous than we imagined. The deathly aura there is almost tangible; once you step inside, it feels like your entire being will be swallowed up. I encountered many Demonic Spirit along the way; they were extremely strange, coming in waves one after another. Even those at the peak of the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm could perish if they were careless. Moreover, the two senior brothers who went with me were deliberately arranged by Luo Chuan to kill me..."
He paused here, a deep light flashing in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
"I was there by chance and rescued a girl who had also wandered into the abyss. We managed to hold on until the end. Later, the people from the Silent Ring Palace arrived and took her away." Qin Yu's tone was calm, but he didn't mention the most crucial "Gray Ring" at all.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xinyu's beautiful eyes flickered slightly. "Damn Luo Chuan, thankfully Senior Brother Qin is safe and sound, but Silent Ring Palace... that's an ancient sect on par with the White Cloud Sect. I never expected that you, Senior Brother Qin, would have any dealings with them."
Yang Zheng Zhengze snorted coldly, "Hmph! Whether it's the scoundrel Luo Chuan, the Silent Ring Palace, or some Demonic Spirit, the fact that Brother Yu came out alive is the greatest victory."
Qin Yu smiled slightly, his gaze falling on the two of them. "Compared to these things, you two are what I'm most worried about. And the place you went to is too insidious and deadly; I'm worried you'll be affected."
Zhao Xinyu and Yang Zheng exchanged a glance and nodded in unison. Zhao Xinyu said softly, "Senior Brother Qin, don't worry. No matter what happens, we will protect each other, just like you have always protected us."
Yang Zheng smiled honestly, "That's right! Brother Yu, if you encounter any trouble again, don't think about taking it on your own, let's do it together!"
The three looked at each other. A night breeze blew by, and the palace lights illuminated three closely linked figures. A firm resolve slowly rose in Qin Yu's heart: no matter how treacherous the road ahead, he would never allow those around him to be easily harmed again.
In the far western border of the Great Yan Continent, in a desolate forbidden zone, the world is perpetually shrouded in gloom, where even the light of the sun and moon cannot penetrate. Dead mountains stretch for thousands of miles, their fissures bottomless, and the howling winds seem to carry the whispers of countless wronged souls. This place is known to the world as the Soul-Devouring Wasteland.
Deep within this desolate wasteland, a low roar suddenly resounded, followed by an even more ferocious howl.
The first creature was horrifying in appearance—its body seemed to be woven from countless withered arms. Those pale arms stretched and twisted erratically, one after another, each finger seemingly possessing its own consciousness, incessantly scratching at the air, emitting a chilling "tap-tap-tap" sound. The frequency of their striking the air subtly formed a strange rhythm, like the tolling of a death knell. Its face was almost entirely covered by countless arms, with only a hideous gaping maw splitting open in the center, the corners of its mouth stretching all the way to its ears, its mouth full of gleaming white fangs, black pus flowing from its grin, its laughter filled with endless mockery and malice.
The other being, in contrast, seemed to have emerged from a nightmare. Its entire body was formed from billowing black mist, without a fixed form. Its body constantly twisted and shifted, sometimes transforming into a towering monster, sometimes into a ferocious beast with bared fangs and claws, and in the next instant, it stretched out like a giant serpent, coiling in the air. Even more terrifying, human faces constantly emerged from the thick mist—male or female, old or young—each face bearing a sinister smile, stiff and distorted, its eyes empty and lifeless. Each time a face appeared, a chilling whisper echoed in the air, as if countless ghosts were cursing in one's ears, piercing the mind and pushing it to the brink of collapse.
The two demonic spirits faced each other across the desolate wasteland, their eyes not locked in hostility, but simultaneously roaring towards the sky. Their roars tore through the deathly silence of heaven and earth, shaking mountains and causing the void to tremble. Then, they lowered their ferocious heads in unison, facing the abyss below, their voices transforming into a low and strange chant.
It was as if an ancient and forbidden ritual was being performed.
Their bodies trembled with the low groans, and with each tremor, the corpses on the ground cracked, and black blood seeped from the bones, forming scarlet lines, as if carving a sacrificial array on the earth.
The wind howled mournfully, and ghostly wails echoed through the heavens and earth. Even the already dense death aura of the wasteland boiled and churned at this moment, as if some more terrifying being was about to be awakened.
This is not a battle, this is... a ritual.
They seem to be mourning the countless "kindred spirits" who once perished here.
The world lost its color at that moment, and all things fell silent, except for the sinister laughter and whispers of the two demonic beasts, as if foreshadowing the inevitable catastrophe that was about to befall the Great Yan Continent.
Deep within the inner sect disciples' area of the White Cloud Sect, in a magnificent yet chilling palace, candlelight flickered, casting long, distorted shadows.
Inside the hall, a young man stood with his hands behind his back, his face sinister and his brows furrowed with intense killing intent. He crushed a wine cup on the table, the crystal shards mixed with the wine dripping onto the floor with a crisp, piercing sound.
"What? Qin Yu actually came back alive?" The young man's voice was deep and filled with undisguised ferocity, each word spoken with deliberate emphasis, as if he wanted to crush Qin Yu's name between his teeth.
The two disciples attending him at the lower level cowered and lowered their heads, not daring to utter a sound. The young man sneered, his gaze sweeping over them like a knife, and continued speaking:
"Qiu Fusheng and Ye Han, those two good-for-nothings! They managed to fail with just a kid who had just reached the Major Accomplishment of the Yuan Transformation Realm? They've really embarrassed me!"
He swung his hand violently, and the table shattered, splintering wood as if reflecting the rage in his heart.
The young man's eyes gradually turned sinister and cold, and a cruel smile crept onto his lips.
"Heh... It seems I'll have to personally orchestrate the elimination of Qin Yu. Since he's so lucky, I'll slowly tear apart his wings, making everyone around him disappear one by one. Let's see how long he can keep laughing!"
In the candlelight, his shadow stretched out long, like a lurking wolf, ready to pounce on its prey at any moment.
This person was none other than Luo Chuan.
The night was as still as water, and the outer disciple area of the White Cloud Sect was quiet. Inside Qin Yu's palace, however, the lights were warm and the air was filled with a faint spiritual fragrance. Several small dishes and several pots of spiritual wine were placed on the stone table in the courtyard. The aroma of the wine mingled with the surrounding night breeze, creating an exceptionally pleasant atmosphere.
Qin Yu, Yang Zheng, and Zhao Xinyu sat together, the crisp sound of their glasses clinking together seemed to have turned the life and death and storms of the past few days into a soft sigh.
Yang Zheng, though slightly drunk, still had a bright look in his eyes. He raised his glass and said loudly, "Brother Yu, this glass is for you! If it weren't for your heroic act in the Shadow Woods, none of us would be sitting here Anran today."
Qin Yu smiled, shook his head slightly, and raised his glass in return. "Senior Brother Yang, you're too kind. We're brothers, we've lived and died together, why the need for thanks? Besides, with Junior Sister Zhao fighting alongside you, I feel much more confident."
Zhao Xinyu, dressed in simple white, her long hair cascading down, her face rendered exceptionally beautiful by the candlelight. She raised her wine glass, her gaze a mixture of determination and gentleness. "You two... are the same. To be able to walk this path with you is the greatest fortune of my life. Tonight, let us drink to our hearts' content, not for martial arts, not for fame, but simply because the three of us are still here."
As soon as they finished speaking, the three of them raised their glasses at the same time. The wine went down their throats, and the warmth surged into their chests. Qin Yu felt a slight warmth in his heart, and looking at Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu, he felt a long-lost sense of belonging.
Yang Zheng patted Qin Yu on the shoulder and grinned, "Brother Yu, the three of us will definitely make a name for ourselves in the White Cloud Sect! No matter what storms we encounter, we will never back down."
Zhao Xinyu nodded slightly, a glimmer of light in her eyes, and said softly, "Yes, whether it's Cloud-Leveling Hall or White Cloud Sect, we are never alone."
The three men smiled at each other, poured more wine into their glasses, and the crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed in the night sky, like a testament to their friendship and vows.
Moonlight spilled down, casting intertwined shadows in the courtyard, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere that made the night exceptionally peaceful and precious.
As the night deepened and the Milky Way shone like a clear mirror, the aroma of wine still lingered in the courtyard. Qin Yu watched as Zhao Xinyu, arm in arm with the slightly tipsy Yang Zheng, walked away, a sense of comforting warmth rising in his heart. As he watched their figures disappear into the night, he couldn't help but smile gently, his eyes filled with contentment: these companions who had followed him along the way had become the most precious bonds in his life.
As the night breeze dispelled the last trace of alcohol, Qin Yu turned and returned to the depths of the palace. The palace was silent, the candlelight flickering, and even the air seemed to grow heavy with his footsteps. He slowly sat cross-legged on the stone bed, his eyes gently closed, and his consciousness gradually sank into his body.
A moment later, his sea of consciousness suddenly came into view.
It was an endless void, like a lightless night sky, yet in its deepest depths, suspended an extremely magnificent existence— the Gray Ring.
The Gray Ring rotated silently, radiating a profound and eerie light, its color deep and cold, like the boundary where dusk and night meet. On its surface, ancient patterns meandered slowly like cracks in the earth's veins, each exuding an aura of destruction and imprisonment. A faint gray mist lingered around the edge of the ring, and amidst the swirling mist, the faint shadows of blades, chains, and vortexes could be seen, like an ancient curse whispering.
Qin Yu stared at it, his chest heaving slightly. That gray light had erupted time and again when he was on the verge of death, instantly Annihilation his enemies, yet he himself still knew nothing about its origin.
"What... are you?" he murmured to himself.
The Gray Ring did not respond, continuing to spin silently, carrying a cold, dark, and mysterious pressure, as if it were the most incomprehensible existence in the world. However, the moment Qin Yu's divine sense touched it, a chilling coldness seeped into the depths of his soul, making him gasp for breath.
But soon, that oppressive feeling dissipated almost imperceptibly, as if it were looking down on Qin Yu, yet quietly merging into him.
Qin Yu felt a mix of emotions. He was filled with awe, confusion, and a strange sense of relief. This Gray Ring had become a part of his body, but one day he would have to find out its truth.
Inside the palace, the candlelight flickered, casting Qin Yu's long, slender shadow. He stared intently at the Gray Ring in his sea of consciousness until a resolute glint appeared deep within his eyes: whether it was a divinely granted opportunity or a hidden calamity, he would face it head-on.
The Gray Ring slowly rotated in his sea of consciousness, seemingly breathing rhythmically. Qin Yu clenched his fists, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the gray ball of light. The surface of the ring unfolded one by one—not words, nor static runes, but a series of vivid illusions, each one like a shifting play of light and shadow, revealing the Gray Ring's "skill scroll" to him.
The first thing that catches the eye is an invisible blade that suddenly takes shape in the void— the Nether Blade.
The Nether Blade flashed like an ice blade suddenly appearing in the morning mist, silent yet carrying a chilling intent that pierced everything. An invisible blade of light tore through space, bypassing armor and protective spiritual Spiritual Qi, aiming directly at the chest of a phantom—the phantom's aura was ripped apart the moment it was touched, the light within it exploding and disintegrating, as if its entire existence had been stripped away from within, leaving only emptiness and silence. Qin Yu felt a fear he had never felt before: this was not the force that could damage the physical body, but rather a direct severing of the ties to "being" itself; the Nether Blade's coldness was enveloped in a despairing silence.
Immediately afterwards, the ground cracked open, and gray mud surged beneath his feet— Fallen Earth.
Qin Yu looked down as if from the sky: the earth's surface was being ripped up by invisible fingertips, every step he took was swallowed up, the soul power of the swamp wrapped around the illusory figure's limbs like tentacles, Spiritual Sense was suppressed, breath was crushed, and those once roaring wills were instantly crushed into fragments. The terror of the Fallen Earth lies in its ability to turn the battlefield into a trial ground, even the possibility of escape is cut off in the mud.
Another scene unfolds: a gray, dark tide surges in from afar, like a tide, yet silent and invisible— the Dark Tide.
Qin Yu introspected: Dark Tide slid through his heart, and fragments of memories of the people in the images were kneaded and reversed, causing his once firm beliefs to begin to contradict themselves. It was an attack on his inner self—not severing the body, nor blocking the energy channels, but making people destroy their own beliefs before they could act. Qin Yu watched as his opponent in the illusion crumbled step by step, his mind turned upside down, and a sense of erosion rose from the depths of his consciousness.
When the Soul Rend arrived, it was like countless fine needles falling from the sky.
The Soul Rend wasn't a direct shattering, but a precise strike: sharp waves pierced through the phantom's spiritual links, severing the connection points, and the link between the true spirit and the soul body collapsed instantly like a broken bridge. The scene was Ultimate cold: the being hit by the Soul Rend felt as if its interior had been pulled apart into two worlds, unable to function in harmony, and then collapsed.
A gray fog filled the Fallen Mist, engulfing the space in a hazy gray.
The mist seeped into every pore, slowly corroding the core of the phantom like bacteria. The life force of those enveloped was extinguished like a lamp wick blown out by the wind, and the surface resistance gradually disappeared—unlike the ferocity of an instant kill, the Fallen Mist was more like a silent death, slow and imperceptible, exhausted by the time people reacted.
The Silent Spear, like a spear from nothingness, descended from the sky.
The moment the spear pierced through, the scene froze: the strike left no room for error, penetrating the Fate Soul Nucleus, even the sensation of pain seemed superfluous, the aura of the being struck shattered instantly, leaving only endless silence.
When the Shadow Bind appeared, Qin Yu saw black chains spreading from the shadows.
The shadow, like a bound slave, gradually coils and shrinks, eventually restraining the person's actions and thoughts. A person bound by the Shadow Bind, even if physically healthy, cannot activate their true spirit; their Spiritual Sense is held back by shackles, and their energy flow feels like being struck by a heavy hammer.
The Fallen Light, the Soul Withering, the Void Devouring —scenes unfold one after another:
The Fallen Light a dim yet blinding light that triggers a self-destructive chaos when it shines into a spirit; Soul Withering is like eroding ripples, slowly but mercilessly eroding the foundation; Void Devouring is like a black hole that swallows everything whole, sucking the Fate Soul into nothingness bit by bit, leaving no remnants behind.
Finally, the ten forces intertwined in the gray vortex, transforming into an even more terrifying fusion form— Soul Erosion.
What Qin Yu saw before him was not a single move, but an entire ecosystem: Soul Erosion was like a gray hurricane, capable of both stealthily and precisely killing individuals, and also like a plague, devouring, disrupting, and erupting over a wide area. In the scene, Soul Erosion first used Shadow Bind Binding to restrain, then used Dark Tide to provoke internal self-destruction, and finally used Fallen Light or Void Devouring to harvest the remains—there was almost no chance of counterattack on the battlefield.
Deep within his consciousness, Qin Yu's heart pounded as if it would burst from his chest. He sensed the coldness and efficiency emanating from the Gray Ring: every skill seemed designed specifically for "True Spirits" rather than ordinary bodies, and every single one could erase the opponent from the dimension of "existence." Fear filled his chest, but even more so, he felt a heavy sense of responsibility—if this was his own power, if this energy used him as its vessel, then it could protect, and it could also destroy.
He reached out in his mind, wanting to touch the Gray Ring, but the ring only rotated silently, as if observing, or perhaps responding: Are we of the same fate?
Qin Yu slowly withdrew his divine sense, a heavy weight pressing on his chest. He knew that what he had witnessed today was not to teach him to use it at will, but to force him to face a choice. The Gray Ring's skills were like a double-edged sword, containing both protection and threat. He had to learn to wield them, and at the same time, he had to conceal this power—he could not let it become the fuse that harmed his companions and the sect.
In the palace shrouded in night, Qin Yu slowly opened his eyes, the gray glint that had flickered in his mind's eye quietly fading away. He suppressed all traces of emotion, his face displaying a calm, unwavering smile, "Things have only just begun."