Chapter 272

"Where are we?" Yui Yuigahama asked softly, her voice tinged with tension and curiosity.

Li An had not yet answered.

At that moment, a chilling laugh echoed from deep within the mist:

"Ha ha ha, I never expected an intruder today."

Before the words faded, a group of mysterious figures clad in black robes, their faces hidden in shadow, slowly emerged.

They radiated an eerie aura, each holding artifacts that emitted a faint, ghostly glow.

"Who are you?"

Li An stepped forward and asked coldly.

"We are the guardians of this Shadow Realm. Outsiders, you have trespassed here and will be punished."

One of the mysterious figures spoke with a cold voice.

"If you wish to stop us, try."

Li An responded with authority, swinging his longsword; a powerful Cursed Technique surged forth like a tidal wave toward the mysterious figures.

The mysterious figures swiftly formed a formation, chanting incantations as a black light barrier rose, barely blocking Li An's attack.

Yet the immense force still destabilized them, forcing them back several steps.

"Hmph, you've got some skill."

The leader of the mysterious figures sneered, then ordered his subordinates to counterattack.

Dozens of black beams shot forth like arrows toward Li An and the others.

Li An remained calm, merging his mysterious power with his Cursed Technique once more, forming a brilliant shield before him.

The beams struck the shield, sending ripples of energy flying, yet not a single one pierced through.

"Attack!"

Li An gave the order, and the women swiftly activated their respective Cursed Techniques.

Yui Yuigahama formed hand seals and chanted incantations; instantly, countless vines sprouted from the ground, writhing like spirit serpents toward the mysterious figures.

The mysterious figures swung their 077 artifacts, severing the vines—but the vines kept growing, leaving them momentarily disheveled.

Hiratsuka Shizuka roared, unleashing her physical strength like an arrow released from a bow, charging into the crowd of mysterious figures.

Her fists, infused with powerful Cursed Technique, each swing whipping up a howling wind as she engaged them in close combat.

She dodged their attacks with agility while delivering powerful counterstrikes; many mysterious figures were struck, spitting black blood.

Yukinoshita Yōna's mental assault descended like a fine rain of needles, slipping silently into the minds of the mysterious figures.

Some immediately clutched their heads, groaning in pain, their formation collapsing into chaos.

Aishima Minami continuously cast recovery Cursed Techniques from behind, ensuring everyone remained at peak condition during battle.

Right now, her gaze was resolute, constantly monitoring the battlefield; the moment any ally was injured, her Cursed Technique's glow would swiftly envelop them.

Taking advantage of the mysterious figures' disarray, Li An leapt high into the air, the gem atop his longsword blazing with brilliant light.

He channeled all his power into a single point and roared: "Demon-Slaying Radiance!"