Crimson abyss, root of darkness.
Ling Tian, Lianhua, and Wei Chen rushed towards the sound, their hearts pounding in unison. As they arrived, they found Rui Li grinning mischievously, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Rui Li, what's wrong with you?" Lianhua exclaimed, his voice laced with annoyance. "You almost gave us a heart attack!"
Rui Li's grin faltered, and he raised his hands in a defensive gesture. "Hey, guys, relax! I just wanted to see your reactions. Don't be so serious all the time."
Ling Tian's deep voice held a warning. "Rui Li, don't do that again. We're not here to play games. Our lives are at stake."
Rui Li's grin returned, and he pointed to a massive ice cube. "Hey, guys, check this out! I found this huge ice cube. Wonder what's inside."
As they approached the ice cube, a faint purple gas seeped out, enveloping Wei Chen. Before anyone could react, Wei Chen vanished into thin air.
Meanwhile, Liang Wong's group reached the crimson-hued river, where they boarded boats that transported them to the next platform. As they disembarked, the sound of flying swords echoed through the air, prompting them to take cover behind a massive boulder.
Three cultivators from the Mystic Lotus Cult hastened towards a door adorned with a colossal padlock. With a flurry of mystical gestures, they unlocked the door and vanished into the unknown.
Liang Wong whispered, "You see, we're not the only sect here. Let's go in before the gate closes."
They entered the hall, finding it empty and the Mystic Lotus Cult cultivators nowhere to be seen. Liang Wong's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities.
As they explored the hall, Liang Wong stepped on a hidden trigger, and an underground passage opened, revealing a straight path. They descended into the passage, their footsteps echoing off the walls.
After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at a vast chamber filled with treasures. The room was abuzz with the presence of six high-grade treasures, including the coveted Qingyun Sword. Seventy-four middle and low-grade treasures lay scattered about, among them the revered Lingfeng Mirror, Feixing Boots, and Baihua Pendant.
Two sects, the Mystic Lotus Cult and the Heavenly Sword Sect, were already present, their eyes fixed on the Qingyun Sword. Liang Wong's group joined the fray, representing the Dragon Den Clan.
The atmosphere was electric, the anticipation building as the cultivators prepared to clash in a battle for supremacy. The Qingyun Sword, said to enhance physical strength, was the ultimate prize.
"We'll see who's worthy of wielding the Qingyun Sword," a cultivator from the Heavenly Sword Sect sneered.
Liang Wong's voice was low and cautionary. "Remember, we're not the only ones after these treasures. Stay alert, and don't let your guard down. We don't know what kind of dangers lie ahead."
Ling Tian turned to Wei Chen, saying, "Check if you have any idea what this cube is."
But there was no response. Ling Tian's gaze swept the surroundings, his voice deepening with suspicion. "Where is Wei Chen?"
Lianhua looked around, her brow furrowed. "But he was just standing here with us."
Rui Li's hand rose to his jaw, his voice filled with concern. "We have to look for Wei Chen before it's too late."
The three of them dispersed, calling out Wei Chen's name. Rui Li's voice echoed through the chamber. "Wei Chen!!"
Ling Tian's voice was low and serious, with a hint of amusement. "Hey, shh, quiet. I think I heard a heartbeat, or is that just yours?"
Lianhua's eyes scanned the surroundings, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, I heard it too. It's coming from...that way."
They quickly walked towards the sound and appeared in a vast chamber filled with a deep, crimson light. A mysterious tree stood before them, its heart pounding loudly, bringing a crushing pressure on their ears.
The tree's roots, alive and twisted, bound helpless victims, absorbing their soul energy and spirit root power. Lianhua's voice was barely audible, her eyes fixed on the gruesome scene. "What is this place? Why are these people hanging here, dead? Look around, there are bones everywhere. We have to leave, now."
Ling Tian's eyes locked onto the tree, his voice firm. "Look up there, some of them are still alive. They need our help. We can't just leave them to die. We have to destroy the heart of the tree."
Lianhua's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's the speech of a true leader, I like it."
Rui Li's voice was laced with concern. "But how can we reach the heart? Those spirits and alive roots are blocking our way."
Lianhua's eyes flashed with warning. "Guys, guys, I think we have some guests."
The tree's roots lunged towards them, accompanied by a swarm of dark spirits. Ling Tian's voice was calm. "What?"
Lianhua's response was grim. "I think we're about to find out."
The tree's roots struck, and the dark spirits descended upon them. Ling Tian's eyes narrowed, his fists clenched. "Let's get ready!"
Ling Tian and his friends drew their swords, their bodies aglow with colors that identified them as Foundation Establishment cultivators.
The tree's root attacked Ling Tian with incredible force. Lianhua's voice was loud and laced with fear. "Ling Tian, watch out!!"
Ling Tian raised his sword to block the attack, but the root's power was too great. It shattered his sword, sending the broken blade flying towards Ling Tian. The force of the blow sent him crashing to the ground, severely injured.
"Ah!!" Lianhua's cry echoed through the chamber.
Another root attacked Rui Li, its tip mere inches from his chest. Ling Tian, despite his injuries, threw his broken sword with incredible accuracy, severing the root and saving Rui Li's life.
Ling Tian struggled to his feet, his injuries evident on his face. A demon spirit attacked Lianhua, its dark energy wrapping around her. She shouted, her voice desperate. "Ling Tian!!!"