Chapter 1118
The Only Way Out
Lin Qinping shook her head bitterly: "Choice? In this world of cultivation, where are there so many choices? I was just trying to survive and become stronger. But in the end, I still lost."
The surrounding monsters seemed to sense that the battle was about to end and gradually resumed their encirclement of the two. Shi Ji sensed the approaching danger and quickly looked around: "Lin Qinping, no matter what you think, we must join forces now, otherwise we will not be able to escape the encirclement of these monsters."
Lin Qinping looked up at the surrounding monsters, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Shiji, although I have lost, I will not drag you down with me. You go, I will lure these monsters away."
Shi Ji was stunned: "Are you crazy? You'll die if you do this!"
Lin Qinping shook his head with a wry smile: "Shiji, consider this my repayment to you, we're even now." A resolute glint flashed in his eyes, and powerful spiritual energy surged from his spear once more. He charged towards the demonic beasts like a burning flame.
Shi Ji's heart tightened. Although he knew this was the only way out, he couldn't hide the shock and reluctance in his heart. He gritted his teeth and finally turned around and quickly retreated into the distance. He had to seize this opportunity to escape, otherwise they would both perish here.
Lin Qinping single-handedly held off the surging demonic beasts, his spear dancing in the air like a storm crashing down on the enemy. Though ferocious, the demonic beasts were forced to retreat temporarily under Lin Qinping's relentless onslaught. Each of his strikes was filled with despair and power, as if he were pouring all his anger and resentment into the battle.
During the retreat, Shi Ji was filled with mixed emotions. He didn't look back, but the guilt and pain in his heart grew stronger. He understood that Lin Qinping's sacrifice had given him a chance to live, and he had to use this opportunity to complete more unfinished work.
Time ticked by, and Shi Ji finally escaped the encirclement of the demonic beasts. He stopped and looked back into the distance, where dust billowed and the roars of the demonic beasts shook the heavens and earth. He could also vaguely make out Lin Qinping's burning figure. Shi Ji's heart tightened, and a trace of pain and resentment flashed in his eyes.
"Lin Qinping..." he murmured softly, his heart filled with a mixture of self-reproach and gratitude.
On the battlefield, Lin Qinping was exhausted. His spear transformed into a final bolt of lightning, forcing the surrounding demonic beasts back for a moment. He slowly fell, his eyes showing no remorse, and a bitter smile still lingering on his lips.
"Shiji, I hope you can realize your dream." This was Lin Qinping's last wish; he sacrificed his life to save Shiji's life.
Throughout the journey, Shi Ji constantly pondered his next plan. The inheritance of the Xuanling Ancient Palace was the dream of countless cultivators, but he knew he had to be even more cautious. Lin Qinping's betrayal and sacrifice had reminded him that the path of cultivation was not only a contest of strength, but also a test of the human heart.
As darkness fell, Shi Ji found a secluded cave and decided to rest there for the time being. He lit a campfire, leaned against the cave wall, and closed his eyes to rest. Lin Qinping's dying words, "I hope you can realize your dream," echoed in his mind, further strengthening his resolve.
The next morning, when Shi Ji awoke, the sky was just beginning to lighten. He quickly packed his belongings and continued on his journey. The road ahead was even more treacherous, but he had a new motivation and a new goal in his heart.
He traversed dense forests and climbed towering mountains, each step filled with perseverance and unyielding spirit. Along the way, he encountered many perils and faced numerous enemies, but without exception, he overcame them all. Each battle and challenge made him more mature and stronger.
Finally, in a secluded valley, Shi Ji discovered the entrance to the Xuanling Ancient Palace. It was an ancient and mysterious building, permeated with a dense spiritual energy. Shi Ji took a deep breath, feeling a resonance within his spiritual power. He knew the true test was about to begin.
Upon entering the Xuanling Ancient Hall, Shiji discovered that it was filled with ancient mechanisms and formations.
Shi Ji entered the Xuanling Ancient Hall, which was surrounded by ancient mechanisms and formations. He knew that these mechanisms were the guardians of the Xuanling Ancient Hall, and that the slightest carelessness could trigger a fatal attack. He dared not be careless and began to explore cautiously.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Shi Ji decided to use illusion magic to change his identity. He circulated his spiritual energy and cast an illusion spell, completely altering his appearance and aura to resemble an ordinary cultivator. In this way, even if someone followed him, they wouldn't easily recognize him.
After changing her identity, Shi Ji continued on her way.
After changing his identity, Shi Ji continued forward, his steps light but cautious. He stopped abruptly at a corner, his keen senses alerting him to movement ahead.
Shi Ji cautiously approached and found herself in a spacious hall. In the center, a cultivator dressed in a light blue Taoist robe was carefully studying an ancient stone tablet. The cultivator appeared to be quite young, with delicate features and an air of serenity about him.
Shi Ji was secretly alarmed. This person seemed to have a high level of cultivation, and the aura emanating from him was different from that of ordinary cultivators. He was very likely a reclusive immortal. He did not make any rash moves and quietly observed the other party's actions.
The fellow immortal seemed to have noticed Shi Ji's presence as well, turning around to meet her gaze. After a moment of eye contact, Shi Ji clasped her hands in a respectful greeting, saying, "I am merely passing through this place; I apologize for any offense."
The immortal friend smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "It's alright. This Xuanling Ancient Palace is a place of opportunity, and anyone with the right fate can enter. My name is Xiao Yun. May I ask how you are addressed, fellow immortal friend?"
Shi Ji's mind raced. Knowing that her identity could not be revealed at this moment, she casually replied, "My name is Chu Tian. It's a pleasure to meet you, Immortal Fellow Xiao Yun."
Xiao Yun nodded, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Fellow Daoist Chu Tian, you've also come for the Xuanling Ancient Palace, haven't you? This place is full of traps and mechanisms; a slight misstep could lead to danger."
Shi Ji smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "That's right, thank you for the reminder, Fellow Immortal Xiao Yun. May I ask what you have discovered here?"
Xiao Yun smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: "My name is Xiao Yun. May I ask what purpose Fellow Daoist Chu Tian has here?"
Shi Ji's heart stirred, knowing that this question might involve privacy, but he remained calm: "I also came here because of its reputation. I heard that the Xuanling Ancient Palace holds an unparalleled inheritance, and I hope to find an opportunity here."
Xiao Yun nodded, his gaze falling on the stone tablet: "The Xuanling Ancient Palace is indeed a place full of opportunities, but it is also fraught with dangers. If we can join forces, we might be able to solve the mechanisms here more easily."
Shi Ji looked at Xiao Yun, weighed the options for a moment, and finally nodded in agreement: "Alright, Fellow Daoist Xiao Yun, let's explore the secrets of this Xuanling Ancient Palace together."
After reaching a consensus, the two began to study the ancient characters and runes on the stone tablet together. Xiao Yun was proficient in formations, while Shi Ji was skilled in mechanisms; the two cooperated well and made rapid progress. As each mechanism was solved, the characters on the stone tablet gradually lit up, and the spiritual energy inside the ancient hall began to surge.
Suddenly, the runes in the center of the stone tablet shone brightly, and the entire hall began to shake violently. Shi Ji and Xiao Yun simultaneously felt a powerful force surging from the stone tablet, as if it would engulf them.
"Fellow Daoist Shiji, be careful!" Xiao Yun warned. Shiji quickly circulated her spiritual power to resist the sudden force. The two acted simultaneously, working together to stabilize the impact of the force. Just then, the runes on the stone tablet slowly rose, hovering in mid-air, forming a mysterious light array.
"This is the inheritance array of the Xuanling Ancient Palace, we must proceed with caution." A hint of solemnity appeared in Xiao Yun's eyes.
Shi Ji nodded, and the two joined forces to enter the light array, beginning to receive the baptism of the inherited power. The power within the light array surged into their bodies like a tide, continuously enhancing their cultivation and perception. After a moment, the light array gradually dissipated, and Shi Ji and Xiao Yun's auras noticeably strengthened.
"Thank you so much, Fellow Daoist Xiao Yun, for your help. We have finally obtained the inheritance," Shi Ji said gratefully.
Shi Ji nodded: "That's true. I wonder what Fellow Daoist Xiao Yun's plans are next?"
Xiao Yun's gaze was distant, as if he were contemplating the future: "I plan to go to the South China Sea. I've heard there's a mysterious immortal island there, where perhaps more opportunities will arise. What about Fellow Daoist Shiji?"
Shi Ji pondered for a moment: "I am prepared to continue exploring this continent. There are still many unsolved mysteries waiting for me to uncover."
Xiao Yun smiled and said, "It seems we have to part ways for now. I hope we'll have the opportunity to cooperate again in the future."
Shi Ji smiled and said, "We will surely meet again someday. I wish Fellow Daoist Xiao Yun a safe journey and a smooth path to immortality."
The two exchanged clasped hands in greeting, then each packed their equipment and left the Xuanling Ancient Palace. Shi Ji walked out of the palace, glancing back at the place that had brought him so much gain, his heart filled with emotion. He took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and headed towards his next destination.
Throughout his journey, Shi Ji remained vigilant and cautious, but with a renewed sense of confidence. His steps were firm, each one filled with strength and determination. As he traversed mountains and forests and climbed treacherous peaks, he encountered many other cultivators also seeking opportunities. Some traveled in groups, while others went alone, each carrying their own dreams and goals.
One day, Shi Ji arrived at a wide-open plain, where a bustling market for cultivators could be vaguely seen in the distance. He decided to go to the market to replenish his supplies and gather some new information. The market was bustling with activity, and all kinds of cultivation resources were on display. Shi Ji stopped in front of a magic weapon shop and selected some magic treasures and spiritual herbs that suited him.
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard a commotion. Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw a group of cultivators gathered around a stall, seemingly arguing about something. Shi Ji went closer and saw that a precious ancient book had been put on the stall, and many cultivators were bidding against each other.
Shi Ji carefully examined the ancient book and discovered that it was covered with ancient runes and patterns, radiating a mysterious power. He was secretly moved and decided to participate in the bidding.
"I'll offer a thousand spirit stones," a cultivator shouted.
"I'll offer 1,500 spirit stones," another person immediately raised the price.
After weighing the options for a moment, Shi Ji finally called out a higher price: "I'll offer two thousand spirit stones."
The crowd gasped and all looked at Shi Ji. The stall owner smiled with satisfaction: "This fellow Daoist certainly knows his stuff. Two thousand spirit stones for the deal!"
Shi Ji handed the spirit stones to the stall owner and received the ancient book. Just as he was about to leave, a strange aura emanated from the book, startling Shi Ji, who immediately became alert.
"Something's not right with this ancient book," Shi Ji reminded himself. He found a quiet place and carefully examined the book. Sure enough, deep within the book, he discovered a dark red rune that exuded an evil aura.
"This is a demonic rune!" Shi Ji was shocked. He knew that this kind of rune was an extremely rare forbidden technique that could demonize a person, making them lose their mind and turn them into a puppet that only knew how to kill.
Shi Ji quickly circulated his spiritual power, attempting to dispel the rune. Just as he concentrated, the demonic rune in the ancient book suddenly erupted with powerful energy, trying to invade his consciousness.
"Don't even think about it!" Shi Ji roared, unleashing her spiritual power to fiercely confront the demonized runes.
At this moment, a dark figure suddenly appeared in front of Shi Ji, letting out a sinister laugh: "Hehehe, I didn't expect someone could see through my demonic runes. But since you've discovered it, then stay here."
Shi Ji recognized the newcomer as a malevolent cultivator dressed in black robes, with cold eyes and an eerie aura. Shi Ji did not back down; she drew her longsword, her spiritual energy surging, ready to fight.
The black-robed evil cultivator's laughter was chilling and piercing, and Shi Ji felt a heavy aura of malevolence wash over him. He stared at the black-robed evil cultivator and smiled coldly: "A mere trick, yet you dare to show off in front of me?"
The black-robed evil cultivator's face darkened, a hint of killing intent flashing in his eyes: "You dare to underestimate me? Today I'll show you the true power of the demonic path!"
After saying this, the black-robed evil cultivator formed hand seals and chanted incantations. The demonic runes in the ancient book instantly became blazing hot, transforming into a black light that shot straight towards Shiji.
"Well done!" Shi Ji swung her longsword, its light flashing like a rainbow, to meet the black light. The two powerful forces collided in mid-air, producing a deafening roar. Shi Ji felt a tremendous force strike him, his body being jolted back several steps, but he gritted his teeth and persevered, refusing to be corrupted by the black light.
The black-robed evil cultivator sneered, his body rapidly turning demonic, his eyes turning blood red, and his demonic energy surging as he rushed straight towards Shi Ji.
"A mere trick, yet you dare to show off your meager skills before an expert!" Shi Ji roared, her spiritual power surging, her longsword transforming into a dazzling sword beam, fiercely slashing towards the black-robed evil cultivator. The sword beam, like a rainbow, radiated light, piercing through the evil cultivator's demonic energy.
The black-robed evil cultivator screamed as his body was pierced by the sword's edge, blood splattering everywhere. He gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment, but he no longer had the strength to fight. He could only watch helplessly as Shi Ji's longsword swung down again, ending his life.
After the battle, Shi Ji sheathed her longsword, looked at the black-robed evil cultivator lying on the ground, and coldly said, "The evil path can never lead to the great path; why ruin yourself?" (End of Chapter)