Chapter 301: Eerie Black Shadow, Peril Everywhere

Everyone stood before the Chengbaoda Sect gate, gazing at the mysterious runes on its surface. Li An stepped forward and gently touched the runes, sensing the immense magical power within them.

"These runes are highly complex; it seems opening this door won't be easy," Li An said, frowning slightly.

Yui looked at the gate with concern: "My lord Li An, can we really open this door? What if there's an even greater danger inside?"

Li An turned to her and smiled confidently: "Don't worry—I'm here. We've survived so much already; nothing can stop us."

Hiratsuka Shizuka crossed her arms: "Hmph, easy words. Just figure out how to open the door."

Yukinoshita Yōno studied the runes thoughtfully: "Perhaps we should examine the pattern of these runes—maybe we can find the key to opening the gate."

Li An nodded: "That makes sense. Everyone, observe the runes closely—look for anything unusual."

Everyone began studying the runes on the door. After a while, Xiang Xiang Monan suddenly said: "I think these runes are flashing in a specific sequence."

447 Li An followed her gaze and indeed saw the runes flashing in a regular pattern. "This must be the clue to opening the door."

He closed his eyes, focusing his spirit to sense the runes' fluctuations. Then he raised his longsword and lightly tapped the door in the exact order of the runes' flashes.

As he struck, the runes on the door began glowing brighter. Everyone watched anxiously, filled with anticipation.

Finally, when Li An struck the last rune, the gate slowly opened. A powerful surge of magical energy rushed out, forcing everyone to step back slightly.

Li An stepped into the castle first, the women following closely behind. Inside, the castle was spacious and opulent, its walls adorned with mysterious murals and its floor covered in thick carpets.

"This is incredible!" Yui exclaimed.

Hiratsuka Shizuka glanced around: "Hmph, don't just gawk—watch out for danger."

Li An moved forward cautiously, suddenly feeling immense pressure. He halted, alert, staring ahead.

A massive figure emerged slowly from the darkness—a monster radiating black energy, stronger than any they had faced before.

"What kind of monster is this?" Yukinoshita Yōno asked, expression grave.

Li An gripped his longsword tightly: "This must be the castle's guardian. Stay alert—this thing is no ordinary foe."

The monster roared and charged toward them. Li An shouted: "Scatter!"

The women swiftly moved aside, clearing space for Li An. He raised his sword and met the monster head-on. Its attacks were devastating, each strike carrying tremendous force.

Li An dodged the monster's blows with agility, searching for its weakness. After a fierce battle, he discovered its vulnerability lay in its eyes.

He deliberately left an opening, luring the monster to attack. As it lunged close, he spun swiftly and drove his sword straight into its eye.

The monster let out a shriek and collapsed to the ground. The women watched as Li An defeated another powerful enemy, their hearts filled with admiration.

Yui ran over and hugged Li An tightly: "My lord Li An, you're amazing! You saved us again!"

Li An smiled and gently patted her head: "It's what I'm here for."

Hiratsuka Shizuka walked over: "Kid, not bad. But we can't let our guard down yet."

Yukinoshita Yōno looked at the fallen monster: "There must be other dangers in this castle. We must proceed with caution."

The group continued exploring the castle. They reached a vast hall, where a raised platform stood at the center, holding a book and a box.

Li An climbed the platform and picked up the book and the box. The book bore ancient script he could not read. The box emitted a mysterious glow.

"What is this?" Xiang Xiang Monan asked curiously.

Li An opened the box—inside lay a shimmering gemstone, pulsing with immense magical power.