The woman in silver robes floated in the air, surrounded by the radiant light emanating from the crystal sphere above the altar. Every movement she made released waves of energy that caused the underground chamber to tremble.Chen Nian raised his Red Sword.“I respect what you're protecting, but this is the wrong way. If peace requires unwilling sacrifice, then it is not true peace.”The woman narrowed her eyes.“You don't know what you're talking about. This city has survived for centuries because of the power I wield. Without it, the entire city would collapse, and all its people would perish!”Swoosh!The light pouring out of the crystal sphere transformed into countless spears of energy that shot toward Chen Nian and Long Bihu.Boom!Chen Nian dodged swiftly, but one of the spears struck the wall beside him, triggering a massive explosion that shattered the surrounding stone. Long Bihu spun his spear, blocking another attack with a wave of energy released from his weapon.“Her aur

Chen Nian and Long Bihu continued their journey through the Ownerless Forest after the incident with the disciples of the Sky Sword Sect. The air grew increasingly heavy, as though something was watching their every step. In the distance, the rustling of leaves grew louder as it drew closer. Chen Nian stopped walking and spread out his Divine Sense. He detected several figures, but they moved with incredible speed, almost like shadows that could not be captured. “They're not ordinary humans,” Chen Nian muttered. “What do you mean?” Long Bihu asked while remaining on guard. “Their energy is strange—not a normal elemental aura. It seems there's something else here,” Chen Nian replied. Suddenly, humanoid figures emerged from behind the trees. Their bodies shimmered like black crystal, while their eyes glowed with a bright green light. The aura they emitted was unfamiliar—a mixture of life energy and destruction. “These creatures... they're neither human nor ferocious beasts,” Long

“This is the Life Core. Use it wisely, for its power is capable of both creation... and destruction.”Chen Nian carefully accepted the glowing sphere, immediately feeling extraordinary energy flowing from within it.“Thank you,” he said respectfully.The Spirit of Life nodded.“Now leave. This forest is no longer safe. Other entities have already begun to take notice of you.”Chen Nian and Long Bihu exchanged glances before quickly departing, carrying with them the priceless treasure that might one day alter their destiny.“We should head to the next city immediately,” Chen Nian finally said.“I want to make sure we're not ambushed along the way.”Long Bihu nodded.“We can spend the night there. I also think we need time to analyze the energy contained within this Life Core.”Chen Nian and Long Bihu quickly left the area where they had met the Spirit of Life.The surrounding mist gradually faded away, yet the oppressive silence remained.Their footsteps were muffled by the damp ground

Their first attack was blocked with ease, and Chen Nian retaliated with a swift slash that forced two disciples to retreat, fresh wounds opening across their chests.Long Bihu did not remain idle. He leaped into the air and released a volley of arrows that halted the advance of several other disciples. However, the Silver Sky Elder himself began stepping forward, his overwhelming aura pressing heavily upon the surrounding air.“Your strength is indeed impressive, but it isn't enough to stand against me!” the elder roared as he swung his staff, creating a raging blizzard that instantly engulfed the streets of the city.Chen Nian spun his Red Sword, releasing a wave of blazing flames that melted the ice before it could even reach him. Even so, the elder continued pressing forward, his attacks becoming increasingly swift and deadly.“You think you can win with strength like this?” the elder sneered, his eyes glowing with icy blue light. “I've fought for decades. You're nothing but a youn

“You really are strong, Chen Nian,” the Dark General said, her voice like a gentle whisper carried by the wind, yet filled with deadly menace. “But you should know this—the Umbra Tribe does not rely on physical strength alone. We command darkness itself, and now you will experience it.”Extending her hand, the Dark General slowly moved her fingers. Instantly, thick black mist began gathering around her. The air grew heavier, and Chen Nian could feel the surrounding spiritual energy being suppressed.“What are you doing?” Long Bihu asked, his eyes alert and ready to act.“I am binding you with Eternal Darkness,” the Dark General replied with an even wider smile. “This darkness will devour every light—including yours.”Suddenly, the dark shadows began to move, surrounding Chen Nian and Long Bihu. They attempted to bind them with invisible threads, forming a trap that could not be seen with ordinary eyes. Even Chen Nian's Divine Sense was being obstructed by the overwhelming darkness.“G