Soon, everyone’s gaze fixated on the enigmatic figure standing behind the lifeless body of the monk. Clad in a flowing black robe, this mysterious individual had been locked in a fierce confrontation with Gu Hong mere moments ago.
In an instant, the surrounding space begins to dissolve into nothingness, giving way to the emergence of a luminous portal.
Acting swiftly, the black-robed figure raised their hand, motioning in a commanding gesture that triggered a ripple of energy. In an instant, the monk’s lifeless body vanished, disintegrating into thin air as if it had never existed. It became evident that this task, the removal of the monk’s remains, was a crucial part of the figure’s inscrutable mission. Following their success, the remaining nineteen figures promptly retreated, merging with the shadows as if they were mere specters in the night.
Without a moment’s hesitation, the twenty figures clad in black robes confidently passed through the portal, their graceful movements suggesting a deep familiarity with such mystical passages. Leading the group was Gu Hong, the focal point of the recent conflict, begrudgingly following behind the mysterious figure draped in black.
With the void passage on the brink of disappearing, an overwhelming sense of urgency compelled the others to hastily make their way through the portal.
Their bodies hurled through the portal with an otherworldly force, and in the blink of an eye, the familiar terrain of their reality melted away, replaced by a desolate and unforgiving wasteland. arid desert stretched for miles in every direction, suffocating under the weight of a relentless sun.
The scorching air clung to their flesh, sucking away any remnants of moisture and leaving naught but a parched, cracking sensation in their throats. The absence of life manifested itself in the barren expanse, as not even the faint rustle of wind brushed against the ear, nor a single blade of grass dared to emerge from the cracked earth. The merciless terrain seemed to mock their presence as if it truly believed that hope and resilience were forgotten concepts lost in this forsaken domain.
It was in this hauntingly desolate expanse that they found themselves, their spirits challenged by the stark reality that awaited them.
Zhuo Li, eyes burned with undisguised anger, as he surveyed their new surroundings with a mix of determination and perplexity. The black-robed figures had vanished without a trace, leaving behind an eerie vacuum where their presence once lingered. Beside him, Xue Ren appeared lost in contemplation, his furrowed brows revealing the complexity of his thoughts.
At that moment, Zhuo Li and Xue Ren turned their attention in unison, their gazes searching for Jiang Yan, To their dismay, she was nowhere to be found, as if she had been swallowed by the very shadows that concealed the black-robed figures. A sense of alarm washed over them, realizing that she had vanished without leaving behind a track.
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The ugly mask of concern settled upon Zhuo Li’s features, his gaze shifting to the opposite side. There, Mi Ling, the Daoist Priest, and the remaining alliance members stood, their presence both reassuring and unnerving in equal measure.
"Senior brother Zhuo, I can’t find Han Zhi and Liang Yifei either," Xue Ren’s voice cut through Zhuo Li’s troubled mind.
With a deep breath, Zhuo Li steadied himself, grappling with the weight of their losses. "I know," he replied, his voice betraying a mix of determination and bitterness.
Meanwhile, the Daoist Priest, carefully surveyed their surroundings. His eyes darted across the landscape, seeking any trace or hint left by the enigmatic figures who had orchestrated this mysterious turn of events. When his gaze finally settled upon Mi Ling, there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
"Young Miss, everything has unfolded exactly as you predicted," his voice echoed in a whisper, its tone laced with a mixture of awe and admiration.
Maintaining her composure, Mi Ling replied quietly, her words a mere breath carried away by the wind, "Now we wait."
Nodding solemnly, the Daoist Priest acknowledged her instructions, his weathered face etched with a potent blend of anticipation and resolve. With a single wave of his hand, he summoned a spirit boat. The boat appeared like a spectral apparition, gliding effortlessly over the ground, awaiting their departure. Without wasting any further time, the Daoist Priest embarked upon the boat, followed closely by the rest of the alliance members.
As the spirit boat effortlessly lifted itself from the earth, it ascended into the sky, its departure becoming a mere silhouette against the canvas of possibility. With each passing moment, it grew more distant, until it faded completely from view, leaving no trace behind.
"Senior Brother Zhuo, where are we now?" Xue Ren inquired, feeling a sense of unease.
Zhuo Li responded with a grave expression, "Devil Realm, Middle Ring."
*****
In the vast expanse of the middle ring, amidst the desolation and barren landscape of an alien planet, an inexplicable phenomenon unfolded - a portal, glowing with a mesmerizing hue, materialized out of thin air. It was as if the fabric of reality itself had momentarily torn apart, allowing passage to this world.
From the ethereal gateway, emerging into the bleakness, were two figures shrouded in intrigue and mystique.
The first figure to step into the alien surroundings was Liang, a stoic and enigmatic character with eyes that mirrored the depths of the cosmos. His presence evoked a sense of quiet confidence and a formidable aura that hinted at untold powers concealed beneath his composed demeanor.
But it was the second figure who captured immediate attention. Jiang Yan, once radiant and full of life, now appeared to be in a sorry state. Ethereal black chains, like malevolent tendrils, clung to her essence, restricting her movements, shackling her potential and suppressing her cultivation. She appeared weary as if her struggles had drained her vitality, yet her eyes burned with an unwavering determination, a glimpse of the resilience that was still within her.
As Jiang Yan surveyed her surroundings with a sense of despair, her heart sank deeper. She directed her troubled gaze toward the man who had unexpectedly seized and abducted her. Confused and concerned, she couldn’t help but inquire, "Junior brother Liang, what is the meaning of this?"
Ignoring her inquiry, Liang quickly surveyed their surroundings and released a sigh of relief. Then, he shifted his gaze towards the injured and chained woman behind him. With a chuckle, he sarcastically remarked, "There’s no need for this cheap act."
Leaning closer to Jiang Yan, he continued, "I suggest you contemplate why I should spare your life. Think carefully."