Chapter 335: A New Journey and Challenges

After returning to the Starfall Sacred Land, under Li An's leadership, everyone began the tense work of reconstruction.

The disciples of the Sacred Land busied themselves, moving stones, repairing buildings, and clearing ruins, creating a scene of great activity.

Yukinoshita Yuigahama bounced over to Li An, who was examining architectural blueprints, holding a freshly made pastry in her hand. "My lord Li An, you've been busy for so long; you must be hungry. Please try the pastry I made."

She smiled with curved eyes, looking at Li An full of anticipation.

Li An took the pastry, took a bite, and wore a satisfied smile. "Mm, Yuigahama's skills are getting better and better; it's truly sweet." Hearing the praise, Yukinoshita Yuigahama's cheeks flushed with happiness as she helped organize the blueprints.

Yukinoshita Hina walked over, holding a report on the Sacred Land's defense planning. "My lord Li An, this is the new defense plan I formulated based on our current resources and terrain; please take a look."

Li An took the report and began to read it carefully, nodding occasionally to express his approval.

"Hina, this plan is very detailed and thoroughly considered. Especially the part regarding the strengthening of the barrier, it is very constructive."

Teacher Hiratsuka walked over in a carefree manner, patting Li An on the shoulder. "Hey, kid, just doing this reconstruction and defense isn't enough; we also need to improve our strength. I plan to lead the disciples in high-intensity training; what do you think?"

Li An looked at Teacher Hiratsuka, his eyes full of affirmation. "Teacher Hiratsuka, that is exactly what I want. Strength is the foundation of our standing; with you in charge of training, I am very reassured."

Thus, while the Starfall Sacred Land was being rebuilt, a wave of cultivation fervor also swept through it.

However, the peaceful days did not last long.

One day, while Li An was cultivating, he suddenly received a mysterious letter.

The letter had no signature, only a line written in ancient characters: "Darkness is approaching; only by uniting can we resist. Come quickly to the Forest of No Light." Li An frowned and fell into deep thought.

After learning of this matter, Yukinoshita Hina, Teacher Hiratsuka, and Yukinoshita Yuigahama also rushed over.

"My lord Li An, this letter is strange; could it be a trap?" Yukinoshita Hina asked with a worried expression.

Teacher Hiratsuka clenched her fist. "Whether it is a trap or not, we cannot retreat! If there is truly an opportunity to unite and resist the dark forces, we cannot miss it."

Yukinoshita Yuigahama tugged at the corner of Li An's robe and said softly, "My lord Li An, I think we should be more careful, but if you decide to go, I will go with you."

After pondering for a moment, Li An spoke with determined eyes. "Although this letter is mysterious, it might truly be an opportunity. We cannot sit idly by and wait for death. I have decided to go to the Forest of No Light to investigate! Hina, Teacher Hiratsuka, Yuigahama, you stay behind to guard the Sacred Land; I will take a few elite disciples."

"No!" the three of them said in unison. Teacher Hiratsuka was the first to jump out. "You kid, you always rush to the front; don't think you can shake us off this time either."

Yukinoshita Hina also frowned slightly. "My lord Li An, the journey ahead is full of dangers; how can we be at ease letting you go alone?"

Although Yukinoshita Yuigahama did not speak, her eyes revealed a firm determination as she stayed close to Li An.

Seeing the firm looks in the three of them, Li An smiled helplessly. "Alright, since that is the case, then we will go together. But everyone must be careful; unknown dangers are often the most deadly."

Everyone packed up simply and set off for the Forest of No Light.

The Forest of No Light is located on the edge of the continent, shrouded in darkness year-round; legends say it is filled with various bizarre creatures and mysterious powers.

When they stepped into the Forest of No Light, a cold and damp breath rushed to meet them.

The surrounding trees were tall and twisted, their dense branches and leaves almost blocking out the sky, making the forest interior dim.

"Everyone be careful; the atmosphere here is very wrong."

Li An spoke softly while releasing Star Power, forming a faint protective light around everyone.

As they walked, a group of huge Shadow Beasts suddenly appeared ahead.

These Shadow Beasts emitted black mist all over their bodies, their eyes shimmering with eerie green light, and their mouths filled with sharp fangs.

"Hmph, just in time!" Teacher Hiratsuka shouted loudly and rushed forward first.

Her long blade flashed with cold light in the darkness; every strike carried immense power, instantly cutting down several Shadow Beasts.

Yukinoshita Yuigahama also quickly cast magic, summoning an ice wall to block the Shadow Beasts' retreat.

At the same time, she summoned ice spikes that protruded from the ground, piercing through the bodies of several Shadow Beasts.

Yukinoshita Hina then cast powerful light magic in the air; beams of golden light shot toward the Shadow Beasts, and the Shadow Beasts struck by the light let out painful screams as their bodies gradually dissipated.