Chapter 1106
Gentle Light
Suppressing her excitement, Shi Ji bought the peculiar stone and examined it closely with Linglong. The patterns on the stone and the faint light it emitted made them increasingly convinced that this was the legendary Phantom Stone.
“Linglong, look at the patterns and luster of this stone. It’s exactly the same as the Phantom Stone described in ancient books,” Shiji said excitedly.
Linglong gently stroked the stone, her eyes shining: "Yes, this is indeed the Phantom Stone. Moreover, I sense that it is guiding us to somewhere."
Shi Ji nodded: "We can follow the guidance of this stone to find Phantom Island, and then find the Mirror of Emptiness."
The two decided to set off immediately, following the guidance of the illusion stone. After several days of trekking, they arrived at a mysterious valley. The valley was surrounded by towering peaks that reached into the clouds, shrouded in mist, like a fairyland.
"Is this the place the Phantom Stone is pointing to?" Shi Ji looked around and exclaimed.
Linglong closed her eyes, as if sensing something: "Yes, I can feel a mysterious power surging in this valley. The Taixu Mirror is very likely hidden here."
The two cautiously entered the valley, carefully observing their surroundings along the way. Suddenly, a soft light shone from ahead, guiding them deeper into the valley.
Following the light, they arrived at the entrance to a hidden cave. The cave was pitch black inside, but the light from the phantom stone illuminated their path.
Deep within the cave, they finally saw the legendary Mirror of Emptiness. Mysterious runes flowed across its surface, radiating a mysterious glow.
"We've found it!" Shi Ji shouted excitedly, but his voice echoed in the cave as if blocked by some force.
Linglong was even more cautious. She reached out to touch the Taixu Mirror, but her fingers stopped a few inches from the mirror, as if she had touched an invisible barrier.
“There’s a barrier here,” Linglong said confidently.
Shi Ji also tried to touch the mirror, and sure enough, his hand felt a resistance, as if touching a thin, elastic film: "There really is a barrier. How can we break it?"
Linglong frowned and pondered for a moment: "This barrier may have been set up to protect the Taixu Mirror. We need to find a way to break it."
Looking at the phantom stone in her hand, Shi Ji suddenly thought, "Since this phantom stone can guide us to the Mirror of Emptiness, it might also help us break the barrier."
Upon hearing this, Linglong's eyes lit up: "Yes, we can try using the Phantom Stone to sense the weaknesses of the barrier."
The two then used the illusion stone to slowly explore the area around the barrier. After some time, they finally discovered a weak point in the barrier.
Linglong took out several talismans from her storage bag, pasted them on the weak points, and then chanted an incantation. The talismans began to glow, and the barrier at the weak points gradually began to fluctuate.
Seeing this, Shi Ji also channeled her inner energy into the Illusion Stone. The Illusion Stone shone brightly, its light intertwining with the radiance of the talisman, working together to strengthen the barrier.
As time passed, cracks gradually appeared in the barrier. Finally, with the combined attack of the two, the barrier shattered.
The Mirror of Emptiness was now displayed before them without any obstruction. Shi Ji and Linglong exchanged a smile, knowing that they had successfully broken the barrier and obtained this legendary treasure.
However, at that moment, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the cave.
"Who?" Shi Ji asked immediately, alert, while exchanging a quick glance with Linglong, both of them ready for battle.
The footsteps grew closer, accompanied by heavy breathing, and a figure appeared at the cave entrance.
"Haha, it's like finding a needle in a haystack! You two little brats actually found the Mirror of Emptiness!" A burly man with a face full of scars walked in laughing, his eyes greedily fixed on the mirror.
Shiji and Linglong immediately recognized the man as one of the cultivators who had overheard their conversation in the ancient town.
"So it was you who was secretly following us!" Linglong said coldly.
The burly man chuckled dismissively, "Hmph, you two greenhorns dare to try and steal my treasure? If you know what's good for you, hand over the Mirror of Emptiness, and I might spare your lives."
Shi Ji gripped the Qiankun Ring tightly and said calmly, "Want the Taixu Mirror? Then let's see if you have the ability."
Linglong also took out her magical artifact, ready to fight.
Seeing this, the burly man's face flashed with a ruthless glint: "Hmph, you won't listen to reason, so don't blame me for being merciless!"
Having said that, he brandished his large hammer and charged towards Shiji and Linglong. A fierce battle ensued inside the cave.
Although Shiji and Linglong possessed considerable cultivation, they were finding it somewhat difficult to withstand the burly man's frenzied attacks. The sounds of clashing weapons and exploding spells echoed within the cave, a tense atmosphere permeating the air…
"Linglong, watch out for his right hand!" Shiji shouted as she saw the burly man swing his hammer at Linglong.
Linglong swiftly dodged to the side, her magical artifact rapidly transforming, unleashing a silver light that struck the burly man. The man sneered, waving his left hand to block the attack.
"Your strength is indeed remarkable, but you are still far from being able to compete with me!" The burly man's voice was filled with arrogance and disdain, and his attacks became increasingly fierce.
Shi Ji gritted his teeth, realizing that the two of them alone would probably be no match for the burly man. He quickly exchanged a glance with Linglong, signaling her to prepare to use her last trump card.
Linglong understood Shiji's meaning and nodded silently. She took a deep breath and poured all her inner energy into the magical artifact in her hand. The artifact immediately shone brightly, emitting a dazzling light.
"Phantom Stone, lend us a hand!" Shi Ji shouted, and the Phantom Stone in her hand was also activated, emitting a dazzling light that merged with the light of the exquisite magic weapon.
The burly man was taken aback, clearly not expecting them to have such a powerful trump card. A flicker of fear crossed his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by ruthlessness: "Hmph, even if you have a trump card, how can you stop me!"
Shi Ji and Linglong simultaneously unleashed their final attack. The light from the Phantom Stone and the magical artifact intertwined, forming a powerful energy wave that surged towards the burly man. The man immediately felt immense pressure. He swung his hammer with all his might to try and block it, but he was still struck by the energy wave, his body flying backward and crashing heavily into the cave wall.
The burly man coughed up blood, his eyes filled with resentment and anger, but he was too weak to get up. Shi Ji and Linglong, having exhausted all their inner strength, stood panting heavily, clearly utterly exhausted.
“We…succeeded…” Linglong managed a weak smile. Shiji nodded: “Yes, we succeeded.”
However, before they could even catch their breath, more footsteps echoed outside the cave. Clearly, the burly man hadn't come alone.
"It seems the trouble isn't over yet," Shi Ji said with a wry smile.
Linglong gripped the magical artifact in her hand and said firmly, "No matter who comes, we must protect the Taixu Mirror."
Just then, a familiar voice came: "Shiji, Linglong, don't be afraid, we're here!"
Several figures rushed into the cave; they were their friends and companions. It turned out they had been secretly following them, arriving just in time for the crucial moment.
"You've come, that's wonderful!" Shi Ji breathed a sigh of relief and looked at her friends gratefully.
“Let’s work together to solve this last problem,” Linglong said with a smile, regaining some confidence.
Shiji and Linglong successfully protected the Taixu Mirror and brought this legendary treasure back safely.
Shiji and Linglong, carrying the Taixu Mirror, left the cave with their friends. Along the way, they discussed the battle that had just taken place, sharing their experiences and feelings. Everyone realized that although the battle was difficult, it was teamwork and unwavering faith that led them to victory.
Back in a safe place, Shiji and Linglong decided to study the power and uses of the Taixu Mirror. They carefully observed the runes on the mirror and discovered that these runes concealed some kind of ancient magic.
“The Mirror of Emptiness is not just a legendary treasure; it also seems to contain a powerful force,” Linglong said thoughtfully.
Shi Ji nodded in agreement: "Yes, we need to unlock the secrets of these runes; perhaps they can help us further improve our cultivation."
The two began to devote themselves to studying the runes on the Taixu Mirror, working tirelessly day and night. As time went by, they gradually unraveled some of the runes' mysteries, discovering that the Taixu Mirror could reflect and absorb spiritual energy, thereby enhancing the power of spells.
Meanwhile, their enemies did not give up their pursuit of the Taixu Mirror. The burly man's accomplices, learning that the Taixu Mirror had fallen into the hands of Shiji and Linglong, began plotting a new scheme. They decided to gather more helpers and launch a larger-scale attack.
One night, Shiji and Linglong were studying the Taixu Mirror when they suddenly felt a strong killing intent approaching. The two quickly got up and looked around warily.
"Looks like they're here again," Linglong said in a low voice, a cold glint in her eyes.
"This time we will eliminate them completely," Shi Ji said firmly.
The two quickly gathered their friends and prepared to fight. The enemy soon appeared, this time with a much larger force, all looking menacing.
"Hand over the Tai Xu Mirror, or today will be your death day!" the enemy leader said coldly.
"If you want the Tai Xu Mirror, you'll have to show your true skills!" Shi Ji retorted without backing down.
As soon as Shi Ji finished speaking, the enemy leader sneered, his long sword gleaming coldly as he suddenly slashed at them. Shi Ji and Linglong quickly met the attack, and their friends around them also picked up their weapons, engaging in a fierce battle with the enemy.
The battle was exceptionally fierce, with sparks flying and the air thick with the smell of gunpowder. Shi Ji and Linglong worked closely together, making full use of the power of the Tai Xu Mirror, constantly reflecting and absorbing the enemy's attacks, gradually gaining the upper hand.
"Linglong, watch out for their archers!" Shiji warned, seeing that the enemy archers were aiming at Linglong.
Linglong swiftly dodged, simultaneously unleashing a silver light that deflected all the arrows. Her gaze hardened, clearly realizing that this enemy was far more ferocious than before.
"We must finish this quickly and decisively, without giving them a chance to catch their breath!" Linglong said in a low voice.
Shi Ji nodded, working in perfect harmony with Linglong as they simultaneously channeled their spiritual energy into the Taixu Mirror. The Taixu Mirror suddenly erupted with dazzling light, forming a powerful energy wave that swept towards the enemy.
Caught off guard, the enemy was struck by this powerful force and immediately thrown into chaos. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Shiji and Linglong launched a fierce attack, repelling the enemy one by one. Their friends also joined the battle, forming an encirclement. The enemy gradually could not hold out and began to scatter and flee.
Upon seeing this, the enemy leader's expression changed drastically. He knew that continuing the fight would be tantamount to suicide. He gritted his teeth and glared at Shi Ji and Linglong, saying hatefully, "You're lucky today, but we won't let this go!"
With that, he abruptly waved his hand, leading his remaining men in a hasty retreat. Shi Ji and Linglong did not pursue them; they knew this was only a temporary victory, and many more challenges awaited them in the future.
After the battle, Shiji, Linglong, and their friends gathered together, treated their wounds, and discussed their next steps.
"Although we won this battle, the enemy will obviously not let it go," Linglong said, a hint of worry in her voice.
Shi Ji nodded. "That's right. We must remain vigilant at all times and guard against another enemy attack. At the same time, we must accelerate our research on the Tai Xu Mirror and strive to master its full power as soon as possible."
The companions unanimously agreed and were willing to fully support Shiji and Linglong. They decided to find a more secluded place to continue their research on the Taixu Mirror, while simultaneously strengthening their defenses to prepare for potentially greater challenges in the future.
A few days later, they settled down in a secluded valley. The environment there was tranquil and rich in spiritual energy, perfect for focused cultivation and research. Shiji and Linglong placed the Taixu Mirror in the center of a special array that enhanced its spiritual power and protected it from external interference.
"We must focus on our cultivation here, improve our skills, and at the same time unravel all the secrets of the Tai Xu Mirror," Shi Ji said firmly.
One night, while observing the Tai Xu Mirror, Linglong suddenly noticed a new rune appearing on its surface. The rune shimmered with a strange light, seemingly conveying some kind of information.
"Shiji, come and see!" Linglong exclaimed excitedly.
Shi Ji immediately walked to Linglong's side and carefully examined the new rune. He frowned, then smiled slightly, "This rune should be the core secret technique of the Taixu Mirror, which we hadn't discovered before. It seems we're one step closer to unlocking all the mysteries of the Taixu Mirror."
Linglong nodded in agreement, "Yes, this rune must contain important information, and we must decipher it."
So the two continued to study the new rune, and gradually discovered that it resembled an ancient formation that could greatly enhance the cultivator's power in battle.
"If we master this formation, we can counterattack more effectively when the enemy attacks again," Shi Ji said confidently. (End of Chapter)