Shen Jingqi stared intently at the rampant Dark Power.
He could feel the might and malevolence of this power, as if it were an ancient curse seeking to devour all light and hope. A strong sense of crisis surged within him; they must complete the seal, or this land and its people would fall into endless darkness.
"Are you ready?" he asked softly.
Li Baiyu and Renault exchanged glances, preparing to guard with all their might.
Shen Jingqi slowly extended his hands, his fingertips flickering with a faint glow. He closed his eyes, deeply attuning himself to the flow of forces within the heavens and the earth. At that moment, he seemed to forge a marvelous connection with the world, clearly perceiving every ripple and fluctuation of power.
Suddenly, he opened his eyes abruptly and thrust his hands towards the Sealing Array on the altar. A powerful force surged from his body, flooding into the Sealing Array like a torrent. Li Baiyu and Renault also exerted their strength simultaneously, their powers intertwining and merging with Shen Jingqi's, jointly driving the activation of the Sealing Array.
The Sealing Array began to operate slowly, emitting a low and mysterious hum. The runes within the array gleamed with dazzling light, seeming to resonate with the forces of heaven and earth. Waves of mighty power converged from all directions, absorbed and transformed by the Sealing Array one by one.
However, just as the sealing was about to complete, a sudden change occurred. The force abruptly broke through the constraints of the Sealing Array, wreaking havoc like a violent storm.
The power trembled under the firelight, roaring with a deep, beast-like growl. It twisted and deformed, morphing into various terrifying shapes, attempting to shatter the constraints of the Sealing Array. Shen Jingqi and his companions watched the force intently, their hearts full of vigilance and unease.
"What should we do?" Li Baiyu asked anxiously. His hands clenched into fists, nails digging deep into his palms, yet he felt no pain.
Shen Jingqi pondered for a moment, a glint of resolve flashing in his eyes. "It seems... we can only unite once more and try to seal this force again," he said softly. His voice, though weak, bore an unyielding determination.
Renault nodded, his eyes also glistening with resolve and courage. "Then let's give it our all! No matter what, we cannot let this force escape!" he shouted loudly.
They once again extended their hands, channeling their internal forces into the Sealing Array continuously. The Dark Power seemed to feel their determination and courage, surging even more violently, relentlessly assaulting the constraints of the Sealing Array.
However, Shen Jingqi and his companions remained unwavering, their forces intertwining and merging in the Sealing Array, forming an irresistible powerful force. The Dark Power gradually weakened before their might, as if tightly bound by invisible chains.
Just as the sealing was about to complete, a sudden, intense pain violently attacked Shen Jingqi's mind.
The pain coursed through like a stampede, piercing his brain like a sharp blade, causing him to momentarily lose control of his body.
He clutched his head, fingers tightly pressing against his temples as if trying to forcibly suppress the pain. A mix of agony and struggle painted a distorted picture on his face.
"Jingqi! What's wrong?" Li Baiyu's voice was filled with terror and urgency as he watched Shen Jingqi collapse suddenly, a wave of unprecedented unease rising within him. He hurriedly stepped forward, supporting Shen Jingqi by the shoulders, trying to give him some support. However, Shen Jingqi's body was like a pile of soft clay, nearly unable to stand.
Renault also furrowed his brow, a hint of doubt and ominous premonition flashing in his eyes. He knew well Shen Jingqi's strength and perseverance, never having seen such a vulnerable side of him. A strong worry surged in his heart as he shouted loudly, "Jingqi... you have to hold on! We can't do this without you!" His voice echoed across the empty altar with a trace of resolve and determination.
Shen Jingqi bit down hard, blood already seeping from the corners of his mouth. He endured the pain with all his might, refusing to let his will be crushed. He knew that this moment signified yet another test, an even more difficult and dangerous trial. A fierce survival instinct surged within him, a yearning for life, an unyielding pursuit of victory.
The pain trembled under the firelight, seemingly alive, continuously eroding Shen Jingqi's will and soul. He felt his strength slowly draining away, like sand slipping through an hourglass, impossible to retain. The Dark Power seemed to sense his weakness, lunging back even more fiercely, attempting to consume him completely.
"I... I cannot fall..." Shen Jingqi whispered in his mind. His voice, though weak, carried an indomitable resolve. He gripped his hands tightly, nails digging deep into his palms, unmindful of the pain. Compared to the agony in his brain, it was trivial. His eyes shone with a resolve and fearlessness, engaging in a silent battle against the pain. Chapters first released on novᴇlfire.net
Li Baiyu looked at Shen Jingqi anxiously, feeling filled with helplessness and fear. He tried to soothe Shen Jingqi with his own power, to lessen his suffering, but found himself powerless. He could only grip Shen Jingqi's hand tightly, using his own body heat to warm him, with his presence to tell him, "You are not alone; we are all here."
Renault also came closer, determination and resolve flickering in his eyes. He knew that Shen Jingqi was teetering on the brink of danger, a misstep could spell disaster. He took a deep breath, focusing his power into his palm, then gently pressed it against Shen Jingqi's back. The power, though weak, carried Renault's resolve and faith, slowly flowing into Shen Jingqi's body.
Shen Jingqi felt the strength from Li Baiyu and Renault, a warm current surged in his heart. He knew he was not fighting alone; he had friends and comrades. Their presence gave him strength, giving him the courage to continue enduring. He endeavored to regulate his breathing, trying to calm the pain gradually.
However, the pain was like a stubborn enemy, refusing to retreat for long. It raged relentlessly in Shen Jingqi's brain, blurring his consciousness. He began to feel as if he were in a dark vortex, unable to extricate himself. The vortex was filled with suffering and despair, as if it wanted to consume him entirely.