Chapter 336

Li An stood in place, his eyes cold as he looked at the group of Shadow Beasts.

He swung the long sword in his hand, and a massive Star Qi slash swept out, instantly slaughtering all the Shadow Beasts ahead.

After dealing with the group of Shadow Beasts, everyone continued forward.

Not far away, they arrived before a huge cave.

The cave entrance emitted a mysterious aura, as if summoning them to enter.

"It seems the destination is right here," Li An said, stepping into the cave first.

Inside the cave was very spacious; gems emitting faint light were embedded in the walls, illuminating the entire cave.

Deep within the cave, they saw a huge figure.

This figure was shrouded in a mass of black mist, its face indistinguishable.

"You have finally arrived," a deep voice came from the black shadow.

"Who are you? Why did you make us come here?" Li An asked cautiously.

"Who I am is not important; what matters is that we share a common enemy."

The black shadow said, "Dark forces are rising; their goal is to rule the entire continent! The Star Sacred Land, as the backbone of the righteous path, is the first to be targeted. Only by uniting all factions do we have a sliver of a chance."

"Then what is your plan?" Yukinoshita Haruno asked.

The black shadow slowly extended a hand, and a glowing crystal ball appeared in it.

"This is the Alliance Orb; possessing it allows one to summon all factions. But to activate it, one must gather five Elemental Hearts."

"Elemental Hearts? What are those?" Yuigahama Yui asked curiously.

"The Elemental Hearts represent the ultimate power of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. They are scattered across every corner of the continent, guarded by powerful guardian beasts! Only by finding them can the Alliance Orb be activated," the black shadow explained.

After pondering for a moment, Li An said, "It sounds fraught with difficulties, but to combat the dark forces, we are willing to try. However, why do you not seek the Elemental Hearts yourself?"

"My power is sealed here; I cannot leave," the black shadow said. "Moreover, the process of seeking the Elemental Hearts is also a trial for you. Only those who pass the trial are qualified to lead the Alliance."

Li An looked at the black shadow and said with determination, "Very well, we agree. No matter how many difficulties arise, we will find the five Elemental Hearts and activate the Alliance Orb."

"Excellent," the black shadow said. "Here are the clues to the Elemental Hearts; take them! Remember, time is pressing; the dark forces will not give you much time." Having spoken, five beams of light shot from the crystal ball in the black shadow's hand, flying toward Li An and the others respectively.

After the light vanished, clues regarding the five Elemental Hearts appeared in their minds.

"Then we set off now at 4.9," Li An said.

"Wait," the black shadow said. "Before you depart, I wish to give you a gift."

Having spoken, five weapons shimmering with light appeared in the black shadow's hand. "These five weapons each contain a different elemental power; I hope they can aid you."

Li An took one of them, a long sword emitting starlight, and felt the immense power within.

"Thank you," he said.

Yukinoshita Haruno took a golden staff, Teacher Hiratsuka Shizuka received a black battle axe, and Yuigahama Yui obtained an ice-blue dagger.

"Very well, you may depart now. Good luck to you." Having spoken, the black shadow's figure gradually vanished into the darkness.

Li An and the others walked out of the cave, looking at the clues in their hands, their hearts filled with fighting spirit. "Let's go, partners! For the Star Sacred Land, for this continent, we must find the five Elemental Hearts!" Li An shouted loudly.

"Yes!" Yukinoshita Haruno, Teacher Hiratsuka Shizuka, and Yuigahama Yui replied in unison.