People in the Imperial Music Bureau: The Storytelling Demon Child Nezha

Xuan Yue suddenly exclaimed, "The crystal ball! It's absorbing our attacks!" Only then did everyone realize that the energy generated by each counterattack was being devoured by the crystal ball in the center of the altar, and the outlines of the figures on the surface of the ball were becoming clearer and clearer.

Li Qiye's star ring suddenly became hot, and the memory fragment 907 of the first tomb guardian flashed by—"Only by using light as a guide and blood as a pact can one break through illusion."

"Su Yuqing, use your Heavenly Evil Bloodline power to entangle the crystal ball! Xuan Ying, unleash the Light Barrier with all your might!" Li Qiye infused the power of his life core into the Blade of Severance, and the purification runes on the blade lit up. "I will tear through this fog!"

Su Yuqing's crimson vines transformed into a giant crimson python, coiling around the crystal ball and twisting it wildly.

Xuan Ying's scepter emitted a dazzling white light, dispelling the surrounding black mist.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Li Qiye leaped into the air, his Blade of Severance drawing a golden arc a hundred meters long before slashing down towards the ground.

With a deafening roar, the floor shattered, revealing a pulsating, eerie blue heart beneath—the true source of the chains and mist.

Chapter 259 The Method of Mutual Destruction

The surface of the dark blue heart is covered with strange patterns, and each beat creates black ripples.

The black figure materialized from the heart, this time removing its hood to reveal a face that was half rotting and half hideous: "You think you've won just because you found the core? This 'Heart of Evil' was forged from the resentment of millions of living beings!"

The ripples struck Li Qiye's wings, instantly extinguishing the golden flames.

He felt as if his life core was being pierced by an ice pick, and even breathing became difficult.

The blood-red vines that had just touched Su Yuqing's heart were corroded and riddled with holes.

The light shield released by Xuanxing and Xuanyue shattered inch by inch under the impact of the ripples.

"At this rate, we won't last three minutes!" Xuan Ying wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, the light of his scepter dimming.

Li Qiye suddenly recalled a forbidden technique from the memories of the first tomb keeper—"Reversal of Fate Pact." This technique requires a life core as a catalyst to forcibly reverse the flow of energy, but the slightest mistake will result in the soul being scattered.

"Su Yuqing, share your Heavenly Evil bloodline with me! Xuan Ying, use your last strength to seal your heart!" Li Qiye pressed the Star Ring to his chest, and the light from the life core surged. Su Yuqing grasped his hand without hesitation, and a blood-red totem spread from her palm, intertwining with golden light.

Xuan Ying gritted his teeth and plunged the scepter into the ground, the light barrier transforming into a cage to imprison the evil heart.

The black figure finally showed panic: "You're insane! This is a suicide mission!" The light around Li Qiye and Su Yuqing formed a vortex, forcibly reversing the power of the Ghostly Heart.

The dark blue heart began to twist, emitting a shrill cry like that of a baby.

The black figure's body gradually became transparent. He tried to escape in terror, but was sucked into the vortex and let out a roar of resentment.

With a loud bang, the Heart of Evil exploded, and a powerful energy storm sent everyone flying.

Before Li Qiye lost consciousness, he saw Su Yuqing's blood-stained smile and the figures of Xuan Ying and the others desperately protecting them.

When Li Qiye opened his eyes again, he found himself lying on a grassy field full of white flowers.

A familiar voice called from afar. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw Su Yuqing waving at him.

But as he ran closer, Su Yuqing's body suddenly became transparent, turning into specks of starlight and dissipating.

"No!" Li Qiye sat up in surprise and found himself in a stone chamber filled with runes.

Xuan Ying stood guard by the bedside. When he saw him wake up, his expression was complicated: "You were unconscious for seven days."

Su Yuqing...her Heavenly Evil bloodline was almost completely depleted in that explosion, and she is now in a deep slumber.

Li Qiye staggered into the next room, where Su Yuqing lay quietly on the bed, her face as pale as paper, the blood-red vines withered into dry branches.

He gripped her hand tightly, trying to channel his power into her, only to find that his own life core had also become extremely weak.

"This is the 'Heart-Eating Curse' of the Ghostly Tower." Xuan Ying handed over a glowing crystal. "We found this in the ruins, and it may contain the solution." A fragmented scene appeared in the crystal: a "Heavenly Ruins City" floating in the clouds, with an "Ancient Tree of Life" in the city that can heal everything, but the guardian beast "Spirit-Devouring Dragon" was entrenched under the tree.

"I'll go." Li Qiye slung the Blade of Severance behind his back, the Star Ring flashing on his fingertip. "Even if I have to traverse the Nine Heavens, I will find a way to save her." Xuan Ying stopped him: "Tianxu City is located in the rift of chaos, and it is impossible to reach it without a guide."

Empress Huaiqing knows some clues; let's return to the main city first.

Chapter 260 It's simply unbearable.

Black meteors frequently streak across the sky, and prophecies of a "dark prophet" circulate in the town.

Even more bizarrely, his star ring would issue warnings at night, guiding him to kill the dark believers hidden among the crowd.

These believers all bear marks similar to those on the Ghost Tower runes, suggesting they are plotting a larger conspiracy.

In Empress Huaiqing's palace, a huge star map floats in the air.

The Empress, clad in silver armor, traced a dark crack on the star map with her fingertips: "This is the entrance to Tianxu City, and also the place where the chaotic power is most concentrated."

You will face not only guardian beasts, but also 'lost souls' corrupted by chaos.

As Li Qi looked at the constantly twisting cracks in the star map, the Blade of the Boundary trembled involuntarily.

Su Yuqing remained unconscious and was placed within a specially designed barrier.

He secretly vowed that no matter how many dangers lay ahead, he would bring back the branches of the ancient tree of life.

The moment he entered the rift, Li Qiye felt his body being torn apart by countless sharp forces.

Xuan Ying, Xuan Xing, and Xuan Yue did their best to maintain the protective barrier, but chaotic energy still seeped in, leaving black spots on their skin. "Stay awake! The illusions here amplify your deepest fears!" Xuan Ying shouted.

Li Qiye (ahae) saw the image of Su Yuqing transformed into a dark puppet before his eyes. He swung his sword and shattered the illusion: "It's nothing but an illusion!" However, when he turned his head, he saw Xuan Ying and the others with empty eyes, attacking each other—they had been deceived by the illusion.

"Xuanying! Do you still remember Empress Huaiqing's instructions?" Li Qiye used the purifying power of the Blade of Severance to cleave through the illusion. "We came here to protect the light!" Xuanying shuddered and regained consciousness, immediately assisting Li Qiye in waking up his companions.

Just then, a deafening roar came from the depths of the rift.

A giant dragon engulfed in dark purple flames burst forth from the earth. Its pupils reflected the figures of the crowd, and with a swipe of its claws, countless cracks appeared in the space.

Li Qiye's star ring burned intensely, and the voice of the first tomb guardian echoed in his mind: "The weakness of the Soul-Devouring Dragon lies in its Achilles' heel..."

The Soul-Devouring Dragon opened its blood-red maw, and dark purple flames surged forth like a tide.

Li Qiye spread his wings and dodged quickly. Flames grazed the hem of his clothes, instantly turning the fabric to ashes.

The light shield released by Xuanxing and Xuanyue together shattered like paper under the impact of the flames.

“This won’t do!” A crack appeared at the tip of Xuan Ying’s scepter. “Its flames carry a corrosive power, and our defenses simply can’t hold up!” Li Qiye stared at the slightly protruding scales on the neck of the Soul Devouring Dragon. The silvery-white scales stood out against the dark purple—those were the legendary reverse scales.

Su Yuqing's blood-red vines suddenly emerged from the brocade pouch in his arms. Although they were still withered, they pointed towards the direction of the reverse scale.

With a thought, Li Qiye infused the vines with the residual power of the Heavenly Evil Bloodline, causing them to emit a faint crimson light.

"Xuan Ying, draw its attention!" Li Qiye threw the Boundary-Severing Blade into the air, its golden light intertwining with the crimson vines to form a massive net of light. Xuan Ying understood, and its scepter burst forth with dazzling light, shooting straight at the face of the Spirit-Devouring Dragon.

Enraged, the giant dragon turned and pounced on Xuan Ying, its reverse scales on its neck fully exposed.

Li Qiye seized the opportunity and used the power of the Star Ring to teleport above the Soul Devouring Dragon.

The moment the net of light fell, he grasped the Blade of Severance and gathered all his strength to stab at the Reverse Scale.

The Soul-Devouring Dragon let out a deafening scream, and in its violent struggle, it swept its tail toward Li Qiye.

Chapter 261 The vines can restrain them

Xuanxing and Xuanyue cast spells in time, using light to entangle the tail and buy time for Li Qiye.

With a "crack," the reverse scale was severed. The Soul-Devouring Dragon's body began to dissipate, turning into specks of dark purple starlight.

Li Qiye caught the falling fragment of the Reverse Scale and discovered that it was engraved with ancient runes—these runes were actually of the same origin as the runes he had deciphered in the Ghostly Tower.

"It seems the dark forces' conspiracy runs far deeper than we imagined." Li Qiye gripped the Reverse Scale fragment tightly, gazing at the faintly visible floating city deep within the rift. "But no matter what, I will find the Ancient Tree of Life, awaken Su Yuqing, and uncover the truth behind all of this."

The moment they stepped into Tianxu City, Li Qiye and his group were enveloped by a dense aura of chaos.

The entire city floats above the sea of ​​clouds, its walls made of translucent crystal, with an eerie purple aura flowing inside.

The city was silent except for the distant, ethereal tolling of bells, each sound seeming to strike the hearts of everyone present.

“Something’s not right here.” Xuan Ying gripped his scepter tightly, cautiously observing his surroundings. “Logically, the place where the Tree of Life is located should be full of life, but I only feel the silence of death.”

Li Qiye's star ring suddenly emitted a rapid buzzing sound, its light flickering erratically.

He looked in the direction indicated by the star ring and saw a figure in a white robe flash by at the end of the street. "Follow!" He took the lead and chased after him, the Blade of Severance in his hand, golden flames flickering slightly.

After turning through several streets and alleys, they arrived at a square.

In the center of the square stands a huge statue depicting a mysterious figure holding a scepter, with an indistinct face and vine-like patterns wrapped around his body.

Su Yuqing's withered vines suddenly trembled violently, pointing towards the base of the statue.

"There's something here." Li Qiye crouched down, channeling his life core power into the ground, and a hidden door slowly rose up.

Behind the hidden door was a passageway covered in fluorescent moss, exuding a cold and damp atmosphere. At the end of the passage, the sound of chains dragging on the ground could be heard.

Xuan Yue whispered, "I sense several powerful auras approaching." As soon as she finished speaking, dozens of figures clad in black robes emerged from the shadows.

These black-robed figures had bluish-gray skin, empty and lifeless eyes, and held strangely shaped bone blades in their hands.

“They are lost souls corrupted by chaos.” Xuan Ying said solemnly. “They have lost their minds and will only attack any outsider.”

0 ······Requesting flowers 0 ····

Li Qiye wielded the Blade of Severance, the golden blade slashing towards the nearest black-robed man.

However, the black-robed man's body twisted like putty, easily dodging the attack, and the bone blade pierced straight for his throat.

Li Qiye dodged to the side, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the vine patterns on the black-robed man's body—exactly the same as the patterns on the statue in the square.

...... .. ...

Su Yuqing's vines suddenly flew out on their own and wrapped around the wrist of a man in black robes.

The remaining crimson runes on the vines lit up, and the black-robed man let out a painful roar as his body began to disintegrate. "These vines can restrain them!" Li Qiye shouted, "Attack the patterns on their bodies!"

Upon hearing this, everyone began searching for the black-robed man's weaknesses.

The light from Xuanxing and Xuanyue transformed into arrows, accurately striking the patterns; Xuanying's scepter released a light barrier, temporarily trapping some of the black-robed figures.

Li Qiye continuously wielded the Blade of Boundary Severance, and wherever the power of purification reached, the black-robed figures vanished.

Just as the battle reached a stalemate, the statue in the square suddenly emitted a dazzling light, and all the men in black robes stopped attacking and turned to look at the statue.

Chapter 262 Searching for the Ancient Tree of Life

The statue slowly opened its eyes, and a majestic voice resounded throughout the heavens and earth: "Intruders, why are you pursuing the Ancient Tree of Life?"

Faced with the statue's questioning, Li Qiye took a step forward, his eyes resolute: "To save someone important to me."

She fell into a deep slumber while fighting against the forces of darkness, and only the Tree of Life can awaken her.

The statue remained silent for a moment, and the vine patterns on its body began to flow: "The Ancient Tree of Life is no ordinary thing. It is the product of the '923' event, where chaos and light intertwined. Every leaf contains the power to reverse life and death."

But too many people covet its power, so I must verify your qualifications.

Xuan Ying stepped forward: "We have fought our way through countless battles, slaying the forces of darkness, all to protect the light in the world. Isn't that enough to prove it?"

The statue let out a deep laugh: "The determination to protect the light is important, but what is even more important is one's true heart when faced with temptation."

"Follow me." As soon as the words were spoken, the statue transformed into a streak of light, guiding the group deeper into the city.

Passing through layers of mist, a huge ancient tree came into view.

The ancient tree of life is thousands of feet tall, its branches laden with glistening fruits, its canopy radiating a soft light, and a clear stream flowing beneath it, where schools of fish swim, their waters glowing faintly.

However, at the roots of the ancient tree, there were jet-black chains wrapped around it, with curse runes engraved on them.

“These chains…” Li Qiye frowned, “are of the same origin as the runes of the Ghostly Tower.”

“Indeed.” The statue’s voice rang out again. “A thousand years ago, the forces of darkness attempted to seize the power of the ancient tree and claim it for themselves.”

Despite my best efforts, I could only seal it away.

But as time goes by, the seal is weakening, and darkness is about to descend once more.

Su Yuqing's vines slowly flew towards the ancient tree. The moment they touched the trunk, the vines began to revive, and tender green buds sprouted from the withered branches.

Li Qiye was overjoyed and was about to approach the ancient tree when he saw the statue blocking his way.

"To obtain the leaves of the ancient tree, you must pass a test." The statue shone brightly. "You will enter your own inner world and confront your deepest fears."

If you can stay true to yourself, you will gain the approval of the ancient tree.

Li Qiye felt a wave of dizziness. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself back in the ruins where he had first encountered the Witch God Cult.

Black mist filled the surroundings, and the laughter of the Witch God Cult members echoed in his ears: "Li Qiye, do you think you can save everyone? Look around you, how many people have died because of you?"

Images emerge from the black fog: his comrades who sacrificed themselves to protect him, innocent civilians who were put in danger because of his decisions...

Finally, the image focuses on the unconscious Su Yuqing.