Shen Jingqi tightly gripped the weapon in his hand, channeling all his strength into it and engaging in a more intense confrontation with that force.
Encouraged by Shen Jingqi, Li Baiyu and Renault regained their confidence.
The three stood at the center of the Sealed Land, sweat trickling down their foreheads and dripping onto the cracked ground, making a faint and crisp sound. The fierce battle moments ago seemed to have drained all their energy.
Shen Jingqi panted, while Li Baiyu and Renault wore weary yet satisfied smiles.
However, just when they thought everything had been settled, the ground of the Sealed Land suddenly began to shake violently as if something below was stirring.
The expressions of Shen Jingqi's team immediately turned grave.
"Be careful!" The elder suddenly appeared behind them.
As the elder's words fell, a massive crack abruptly split open on the ground of the Sealed Land. A denser Dark Power surged out, spreading like a flood in all directions, filled with endless malice and despair as if intending to devour the whole world.
Shen Jingqi's team immediately went into combat mode, gripping their weapons and watching the surroundings warily. The Dark Power imposed unprecedented pressure on them, making even breathing seem difficult.
"What... what's happening?"
The elder shook his head slightly, his eyes reflecting a complex look.
"This Dark Power is the source of the evil force lurking beneath the seal. It has been waiting for an opportunity to break through the seal's restraints and wreak havoc on the world. And you are its greatest obstacle." Original content can be found at noⅴelfire.net
Shen Jingqi gritted his teeth, "We will never let it succeed!"
Saying this, he charged towards the crack, his weapon emitting dazzling sword light in an attempt to sever the Dark Power.
Li Baiyu and Renault quickly joined the battle. Renault swung his shield to fend off the Dark Power's assault.
Though they fought with all their might, the Dark Power seemed endless, continuously closing in on them.
Just then, the elder's voice suddenly sounded in their ears. "You three must cooperate."
The voice pointed to Shen Jingqi, "You are responsible for slashing, cutting through the darkness, and striving to bring a glimmer of light."
A Magic Staff was teleported to Li Baiyu, releasing a dazzling radiance.
"Recite the Spell you've seen before, and use the Power of Purification to eliminate the Dark Power."
Li Baiyu's face was covered in sweat as he grabbed the Magic Staff and began to chant.
"Your shield can block the Dark Power's attacks, so ensure good defense."
Hearing this, Renault wielded his shield, the runes glowing brightly.
Through the three's cooperation, the Dark Power gradually began to dissipate.
Shen Jingqi's team collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath.
However, at that moment, an even more bizarre phenomenon occurred. A deep and eerie laughter emerged from the sealed crack, filled with malice and provocation, as if something below was stirring again, ready to launch another attack.
Shen Jingqi's team instantly turned serious again.
The elder stood behind them, gently tracing a complex rune with his finger. The rune flickered at his fingertip before gradually dispersing in the air.
"It seems we have a longer journey ahead," the elder's voice was low and powerful, his gaze sweeping over Shen Jingqi's team.
Shen Jingqi and his team exchanged a glance, once more standing up and gripping their weapons, watching the sealed crack vigilantly.
As the eerie laughter from the crack grew clearer, Shen Jingqi's team felt their heartbeats gradually accelerating. They clutched their weapons tightly, ready to respond to any attack at any moment.
At that moment, a gigantic black hand suddenly extended from the crack. Covered in black scales, it was like a Demon hand crawling from the abyss. With a sudden swing, a powerful Dark Power rushed at Shen Jingqi's team.
Shen Jingqi's team immediately launched a counterattack. They swung their weapons, releasing powerful light and energy, trying to fend off the Dark Power's invasion. However, the black hand was extraordinarily powerful, seemingly capable of devouring all light and hope.
Using the cooperation method from before, Shen Jingqi's team finally managed to barely withstand the black hand's attack.
The elder stood aside, quietly observing the battle. His eyes flickered with a complex expression as if contemplating something. When he saw Shen Jingqi's team successfully fend off the black hand's attack, he slightly smiled in satisfaction.
However, just then, the black hand suddenly swung again. This time, its target was not Shen Jingqi's team, but the sealed crack itself. With a sweep of the hand, the crack rapidly expanded, and an even more formidable Dark Power surged out.
Shen Jingqi's team was shocked; this Dark Power was beyond their control. If measures were not taken quickly, the entire world would be swallowed by this darkness.
Thus, they once more gathered courage and launched a fierce attack on the Dark Power. However, this time, their attacks disappeared without a trace as if sinking into the sea. The Dark Power appeared to possess life, nimbly dodging their attacks while continually closing in on them.
Just then, the elder's voice suddenly resounded in their ears. "Quick! Use the sealing technique I taught you!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Jingqi's team felt a surge of hope in their hearts. They swiftly recalled the sealing technique the elder had previously taught them, then began chanting the Spell, releasing a powerful Sealing Power.
As their chanting grew louder, a brilliant light burst out from their hands. The light was as resplendent as the sun, instantly illuminating the entire Sealed Land. Under the light's illumination, the Dark Power began to gradually dissipate, and the crack slowly healed.
Finally, with the persistent efforts of Shen Jingqi's team, the Dark Power was completely sealed away. The crack also healed entirely as if nothing had happened.
The elder stood at the cave's entrance, gazing at the pitch-black night outside, his eyes revealing a deep and worried look. "Although you have completed most of the ritual, the sealing's stability will still need time. And during this time, the evil force might try to break through the seal again."
Hearing this, Shen Jingqi, Renault, and Li Baiyu all had an ominous feeling. They knew that every word the elder spoke was vital, and the situation could not afford any sloppiness.
"What should we do then?" Li Baiyu asked anxiously, her eyes locked on the elder's face, hoping for an answer from him.
The elder sighed and slowly turned around. "You must stay here and guard the seal until it is completely stabilized." His voice was low and firm, as though delivering an unassailable command.