All around, the air seemed to freeze at this moment, even the wind ceased to breathe, leaving only an indescribable emptiness and silence.
The stone monument flickered with a faint and mysterious light, resonating with Shen Jingqi's vitality.
Shen Jingqi's eyes were tightly closed; at this moment, he established an inseparable connection with this land and the stone monument.
Between heaven and earth, the once disruptive force finally calmed down. The illusions of reality, those that once confused hearts and disturbed order, gradually revealed their true face like morning fog pierced by sunlight. All falsehoods and disguises had nowhere to hide at this moment, leaving only the purest and most genuine existence.
Shen Jingqi slowly opened his eyes.
He stood tall like a pine, his posture erect, breathing steadily and deeply, each breath achieving a harmony and balance beyond words.
"Jingqi, you've done it." Li Baiyu's voice was slightly hoarse, as if polished by wind and sand, carrying an indescribable sense of age. He slowly walked to Shen Jingqi's side, gently patting his shoulder with the hands that had been through countless battles. That pat, with no words needed, contained infinite tacit understanding and encouragement, as if saying, "Brother, you've worked hard, you've done well."
Renault also nodded, his eyes filled with complex light, with relief, exhaustion, and an imperceptible trace of worry. He took a deep breath, his voice deep and firm, "We... can finally go back." These words, like a farewell to the past and an expectation for the future, contained emotions only those who have faced life-and-death trials can truly understand.
Shen Jingqi smiled faintly, that smile hidden with too many stories, too much hardship. He gazed into the distance at the City of Time shrouded in darkness, which now seemed to emit a hint of dawn. Though weak, that dawn burned like a fire of hope, stubbornly in the darkness. "Yes, it's time to go back." He murmured softly, yet an inexplicable unease surged within him. It was a feeling difficult to articulate, as if something important was about to happen, but they remained unaware. This unease, like a shadow, quietly enveloped his heart, preventing him from fully immersing in the joy of imminent victory.
The three exchanged a glance, knowing in their hearts that they had faced too much hardship and danger along the way. Each battle was a contest between life and death; each step forward was an exploration of the unknown. They once lost direction in endless darkness, struggled for survival in tumultuous torrents, sought ways out in eerie mists. Each time, they faced peril at every turn, each time, narrowly escaping death.
These experiences, like brands, were deeply etched in their hearts.
Without any delay or obstacles, the three stepped onto the road back to the City of Time.
The scenery along the way passed by in their eyes, yet it seemed to have lost its former color. Those flowers, grass, and trees that once made them stop to admire now became blurry and distant. In their hearts, there was only one thought: return to the City of Time and complete the final sealing.
However, as they approached the City of Time step by step, that feeling of unease grew stronger. Shen Jingqi furrowed his brows, his eyes flashing with alertness. He continuously scanned the surroundings, trying to find the source of that unease. But everything around appeared so calm, so normal, as if nothing had happened.
"Jingqi, what's wrong?" Li Baiyu sensed Shen Jingqi's anomaly, asking with concern. His voice carried a trace of worry, knowing that Shen Jingqi's intuition was always accurate, and if he felt unease, there must be a reason.
Shen Jingqi shook his head, unable to express his inner feelings through words. He just felt that some unknown force was secretly watching them, powerful and strange, making it impossible to ignore.
Renault also felt the aura of unease, his gaze becoming more solemn. He tightly gripped his weapon, ready to face any potential danger at any moment. He knew in his heart that along the way, they had encountered too many surprises and shocks, each catching them off guard. So, he must remain vigilant at all times, not allowing any relaxation.
As they stepped into the City of Time, the feeling of unease reached its peak. The streets of the City of Time were empty, only the wind gently brushing the fallen leaves, creating a rustling sound. Those once bustling shops and lively markets now appeared silent, like a ghost town.
Shen Jingqi's heart surged with a foreboding sense, he quickened his pace towards the ancient altar in the center of the city. He knew that was where they needed to complete the final sealing, and possibly where they would face the greatest danger.
Li Baiyu and Renault closely followed behind Shen Jingqi, their eyes also filled with alertness and unease.
The arrival of this moment meant they were about to face an unprecedented challenge. They must give their all to protect this land and its people.
When they arrived before the altar, a powerful force suddenly enveloped them. The force was strong and strange, making it almost impossible to breathe. Shen Jingqi clenched his fists tightly, feeling a familiar yet unfamiliar aura within that force.
"What is this power?" Li Baiyu exclaimed.
Renault frowned, a strong sense of crisis rising in his heart. "This force... it's too peculiar... as if... as if it's not from this world..." he muttered.
Shen Jingqi took a deep breath, striving to calm himself down.
"No matter where this power comes from, we must seal it." Shen Jingqi said firmly. His voice, although calm, carried an undeniable determination. It was their mission and responsibility.
Li Baiyu and Renault nodded. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel·fıre·net
However, just as they were about to activate the Sealing Array, a sudden surge of Dark Power burst through the altar's constraints, rampaging like a storm. The force was strong and strange, making it almost impossible to resist. Shen Jingqi and the others were abruptly pushed back several steps, their faces showing shock and confusion.
"What on earth is going on?" Li Baiyu exclaimed. His eyes flickering with fear and anxiety, unable to believe everything happening before them.
Renault also frowned, a strong sense of foreboding rising in his heart. "This power... it's as if... it's as if it's been awakened by some other force..."