The malevolent laugh reverberated through the passageway, sending shivers down the spines of Chen Jiuzhang and his companions. The ground continued to shake violently, and the crimson light cast an otherworldly glow on Luna's face, highlighting the fear etched across her features."We don't have much time," Luna said, her voice trembling slightly. "The followers of the old ways are powerful. They've had centuries to perfect their dark arts, and they won't hesitate to eliminate anything—or anyone—that stands in their way."Chen Jiuzhang gritted his teeth, the anger at being used still simmering within him, but he knew they had no choice but to face this new threat. "Then we'd better get moving. But know this, Luna—if you hold back any more secrets, we'll leave you behind."Luna nodded solemnly. "I understand. I won't make that mistake again."As they began to make their way deeper into the Path of Eternity, the air grew colder and thicker, as if filled with a tangible darkness. Shen Qingluan held the fragment of the Imperial Jade Seal tightly, its dim light struggling to pierce the gloom. "I can feel something... watching us," she whispered.Suddenly, a swarm of shadowy creatures emerged from the walls. They were small, about the size of a large dog, but their eyes glowed with a menacing green light, and their claws glinted sharp and deadly. "Attack!" Zhang Chengying shouted, brandishing his broken peachwood sword.Su Nian's chains lashed out, wrapping around several of the creatures and flinging them against the walls. Wu Laogou threw a series of talismans, creating a barrier of flames that held back the advancing horde for a moment. But there were too many of them, and they seemed to be multiplying with each passing second.Luna raised her hands, and a wave of starlight - infused energy shot out, incinerating a large group of the shadowy beasts. "These are just the scouts," she said between breaths. "The real danger lies ahead."Chen Jiuzhang focused on the crystal - key, channeling its power. A bright beam of white light sliced through the air, cutting down the creatures in its path. But as he fought, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being herded in a specific direction.Just then, a figure emerged from the darkness. It was a man, tall and gaunt, with skin as pale as death and eyes that burned with a fierce, red - orange flame. He wore a tattered robe adorned with symbols of darkness, and a long, curved dagger hung at his waist. "You foolish mortals," he sneered. "You think you can stop us? The Heart of the Realm will soon be ours, and the Gui Xu Secret Realm will bow to the power of the old ways."Luna's face drained of color. "Kael'thar! I thought you were destroyed centuries ago."Kael'thar let out a cold laugh. "Your kind thought you could eliminate us so easily. But we've been waiting, biding our time, and now the moment of our return has come."With a wave of his hand, Kael'thar summoned a massive wall of fire that blocked the group's path. The heat was intense, and the air filled with the smell of burning stone. "This is just the beginning," he said. "Surrender now, and I might spare your lives. Resist, and you will all perish."Chen Jiuzhang stepped forward, the crystal - key held high. "We're not going to give up. We've come too far, and we'll do whatever it takes to protect the Gui Xu Secret Realm."The group readied themselves for the battle ahead, knowing that the fate of the realm hung in the balance. But with Kael'thar and his followers standing between them and the Heart of the Realm, their journey was about to become even more perilous.
Chapter 48 - Chapter 49: The Onslaught of the Followers
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