Chapter Twelve: Radiant Spectrum

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At this life-or-death moment, everyone unleashed unprecedented potential within themselves. After considerable effort, they finally gathered all the necessary materials. Xu Feng began directing everyone to arrange the formation: at the palace entrance, they placed spirit stones in a specific pattern and scattered spiritual herbs around them. As the formation gradually took shape, a powerful spiritual energy ripple began to permeate the air.

Lu Qingyun could feel this force; he knew this was their only chance.

“Everyone, step back!” Xu Feng shouted loudly as he started chanting incantations to activate the formation. Suddenly, the spirit stones at the entrance radiated dazzling light, spewing forth flames that swirled into a massive fiery vortex, enveloping the entire entrance.

The flame’s heat was intense— even several meters away, the group could feel the scorching waves of heat. The relentless pounding of the centipede gradually ceased. Everyone held their breath, waiting tensely. Moments later, agonized roars echoed from outside; the centipede writhed in the flames, unable to escape the fiery whirlpool’s grip. As it struggled and howled before finally collapsing, an overwhelming joy spread through the group.

They exchanged glances filled with relief and excitement. Yet amid this joy, Lu Qingyun remained vigilant, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Turning to Xu Feng, he questioned, “Brother Xu, did you already know what awaited us here?”

Xu Feng was momentarily taken aback but quickly denied it vehemently. “Brother Lu, if I had known, how could I have allowed our people to walk into such danger?” His tone trembled slightly with emotion before calming as he explained seriously, “Indeed, I am somewhat familiar with the ancient texts of our Celestial Spirit Sect regarding this sacred place, but the centipede’s existence—I truly did not know.”

Lu Qingyun scrutinized Xu Feng’s expression and found no sign of deceit. Moreover, Xu Feng’s reasoning made sense—if he had known about such a perilous beast, he would not have risked sending their people in lightly.

Nodding, Lu Qingyun accepted the explanation. “Alright, Brother Xu, it seems we misunderstood.” He then began collecting the centipede’s beast core and any useful materials. Such materials were priceless outside; none could be wasted.

They pressed deeper into the palace. Although still cautious, they were fortunate not to encounter any more beasts. This unusual calmness felt unsettling, like the eerie silence before a storm.

Guided by the map Xu Feng provided, they finally reached the deepest part of the sacred site—a magnificent hall. It was vast enough to hold hundreds, with towering stone pillars and exquisite murals, every detail reflecting the grandeur of a bygone era.

Lu Qingyun surveyed the surroundings, unfamiliar with the hall’s history, unlike Xu Feng. The latter gazed at the hall with reverence, beginning to recount its tale.

“This was once the sacrificial site of a powerful ancient dynasty,” Xu Feng said. “The kings prayed here for peace and prosperity, for favorable weather and harmony.” He pointed to the altar at the center. “Beneath it lies the dynasty’s treasures and countless precious cultivation resources. But as time passed and dynasties changed, this place fell into ruin, becoming today’s sacred ground.”

Listening intently, Lu Qingyun’s curiosity deepened. He realized this hall held not only rich history but perhaps concealed their goal—artifacts capable of greatly enhancing their strength.

“Brother Xu, since you know this place so well, do you have any clues to help us find those treasures?”

Xu Feng pondered briefly, then pointed to a massive mural behind the altar. “There may lie our answer. The mural depicts the king communing with deities; perhaps it conceals the mechanism leading to the treasure.”

They approached the mural to examine it closely. Lu Qingyun noticed the king in the painting held a scepter, its top pointing to a particular spot. Following the scepter’s direction, he found an unremarkable stone slab beneath the mural, slightly different from the others.

“There might be a mechanism here,” he murmured, carefully pressing the slab.

With a faint click, the mural slowly slid aside, revealing a stairway descending into darkness. An ancient aura seeped from below, mysterious and alluring.

“We’ve found the entrance,” Lu Qingyun told the group, his eyes shining with determination and anticipation.

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Xu Feng nodded in agreement. “Brother Lu, let’s go down, but be cautious—there could be unknown dangers.”

They lit torches and cautiously descended the stone steps. With each step deeper, Lu Qingyun’s doubts grew. Xu Feng’s knowledge of the sacred site seemed too detailed, beyond mere book learning.

His gaze lingered on Xu Feng, but he chose silence, deciding to observe his next moves.

In the silence and oppressive atmosphere of their descent, Lu Qingyun repeatedly tried to awaken his system for guidance or assistance. Yet it was like casting a stone into the sea—no response, leaving him feeling utterly isolated.

The stifling heat intensified as they ventured deeper underground, causing suffocating pressure. Morale waned under the prolonged gloom and lack of progress.

Suddenly, a radiant seven-colored light appeared ahead—like a beacon in the darkness, igniting everyone’s hope. They rushed toward it, but as they reached the spot, the light vanished mysteriously.

Lu Qingyun turned to Xu Feng, eyes sharp with suspicion. “Brother Xu, isn’t it time we spoke frankly?”

Xu Feng, caught by the direct gaze, hesitated before sighing, realizing concealment was futile. “Brother Lu, there are things I haven’t told you.”

Lu Qingyun frowned. “Since we’ve come this far, we should trust each other. What exactly do you know?”

Xu Feng was silent briefly, then spoke carefully. “This trip to Stormwind Gorge wasn’t solely on the sect’s orders. It’s tied to a secret passed down in my family, connected to this sacred site and the seven-colored light.”

Everyone listened intently, knowing Xu Feng’s revelations would dictate their next steps.

“The seven-colored light is the key to the depths of the sacred ground. It will lead us to the ancient dynasty’s treasures. But we aren’t the only ones seeking it—other forces are after this prize as well…”

Chapter Sixteen ends.

Lu Qingyun asked gravely, “Do you know how to use the seven-colored light?”

Xu Feng nodded. “According to sect records, the light appears under specific conditions. It requires a special ritual to stabilize and guide it.”

“A ritual?” Lu Qingyun pressed.

“Yes, an ancient rite needing particular people and items,” Xu Feng answered earnestly.

Lu Qingyun took a deep breath, knowing he could no longer hesitate. “What must we prepare? How do we perform this ritual?”

Xu Feng produced an old scroll from his bosom, covered with dense ancient symbols and diagrams. “This contains the detailed method. We must follow it exactly.”

Lu Qingyun examined the scroll carefully, aware this might be their only chance—or their greatest peril.

“Very well, let’s prepare the ritual,” he resolved firmly.

Despite the complexity, under Xu Feng’s guidance, preparations proceeded smoothly. All required materials were in place, awaiting the ritual’s commencement.

Yet at this crucial moment, Lu Qingyun’s doubts deepened. He fixed Xu Feng with a probing gaze. “One last question—how did you know we’d come? Stormwind Gorge is vast, with few people. Even if word spread about our defeating the bandits, it wouldn’t have caused such a stir.”

Xu Feng seemed uneasy under Lu Qingyun’s scrutiny, as if hiding something.

Suddenly, a mysterious energy ripple spread through the air, and a black-robed elder appeared like a ghost before them. His presence made Xu Feng and the others immediately kneel, showing utmost respect.

Lu Qingyun recognized the mysterious elder—from visions in his dreams. His heart filled with questions at the elder’s arrival.

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“Why you? Who are you? What do you want?” Lu Qingyun demanded.

The elder’s gaze pierced the darkness, fixing on Lu Qingyun. His voice was hoarse and low. “You do not need to know who I am. You only need to know I bear you no ill will.”

Lu Qingyun was unconvinced, pressing further. “If you won’t reveal your identity or purpose, how can I trust you? And how did you know we would come here?”

The elder paused, then spoke slowly. “Everything in Stormwind Gorge has been under my watch. As for you, Lu Qingyun, your arrival piqued my interest—you possess unique qualities that compelled me to observe you.”

Lu Qingyun furrowed his brow. Though sensing sincerity, his caution remained firm.

“Just observing me? Then why appear at such a critical moment? What exactly do you want?”

The elder smiled faintly, a smile laden with profound meaning. “What I seek is a power that can change the future. Perhaps you are the key. I advise you to set aside doubts and complete this ritual—it bears great significance for you and for all of us.”

Lu Qingyun wrestled with his thoughts. The elder’s words held truth, yet his instincts warned the situation was more complex.

Still, facing the elder’s formidable aura and the unwavering trust of Xu Feng and the others, he felt he had little choice.

“Very well, we shall complete the ritual,” Lu Qingyun resolved, knowing he needed more information and evidence to discern the elder’s true intentions.

The elder nodded, signaling the ritual’s commencement.

Xu Feng and the disciples sprang into action, following the prescribed procedure.

As the ritual unfolded, the surrounding space transformed. Ancient energies converged at the ritual’s center, forming luminous points that ascended and merged into a single beam shooting skyward.

Lu Qingyun’s gaze locked on where the light dissipated, his heart filled with doubt. Yet the elder’s silent gaze beside him imposed an indescribable pressure.

He sensed unfathomable secrets hidden within the elder’s eyes, yet none could be gleaned.

As the light pillar gradually faded, an invisible energy ripple spread through the air.

Xu Feng returned, brimming with uncontainable joy. “It worked!”

He looked at Lu Qingyun, eyes shining with excitement.

Lu Qingyun nodded slightly, sharing the joy but maintaining vigilance. He knew the ritual’s success might only mark the beginning of uncovering the ancient sacred site’s mysteries.

“Brother Lu, the ritual has opened the gateway to the legacy. Let us go see!” Xu Feng urged eagerly, clearly thrilled by the impending revelation.

Lu Qingyun glanced at the elder, who remained silent, as if unsurprised by the ritual’s outcome.

Resolute, Lu Qingyun decided to set aside his doubts for now and investigate the ritual’s effects.

“Alright, let’s go,” he said, following Xu Feng toward the ritual’s center.

As they approached, a faint radiance rose from the ground, forming a vortex of light. Within the swirl, an enigmatic power seemed to beckon them.

Lu Qingyun stepped into the vortex first, with Xu Feng close behind.

The moment they entered, space seemed to warp; a powerful suction engulfed them.

When Lu Qingyun opened his eyes, they found themselves in an entirely new realm.

The air was thick with spiritual energy, and ancient artifacts emitting soft glows were arranged around them—clearly no ordinary items.

Xu Feng looked around excitedly, murmuring to himself, “These are the relics of the ancient dynasty. We... we’ve truly found them!”

Lu Qingyun remained cautious, his gaze sweeping over the treasures as his mind pondered the elder’s true motives.

He understood that while these treasures were precious, they might only be the tip of the iceberg compared to the elder’s ambitions.

Unease rose within him as he surveyed the area and noticed that aside from himself and Xu Feng, none of the others had followed them into this mysterious space.

Though filled with spiritual energy and countless shimmering treasures, the tranquility and Xu Feng’s euphoria felt strangely out of place to Lu Qingyun.

“Brother Xu, don’t be so quick to celebrate,” Lu Qingyun said solemnly, frowning as he looked around. “Where is everyone else? Didn’t they come with us?”

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