Chapter 651: Pressing In

Suddenly, a powerful force pressed in from all directions; the air seemed to solidify, making breathing difficult. Guo Yao suddenly clung tightly to Li An's arm, her body pressed close against his, her eyes filled with terror.

"Li An, I'm scared..."

Li An took a deep breath, trying to calm the panic within his heart. He knew that as an explorer, he had to remain calm. "Don't be afraid, I'm here." His voice was firm and gentle, trying to bring a sliver of comfort to Guo Yao.

He quickly scanned the surroundings, searching for possible clues. Those flowing runes seemed to speak an ancient language; countless records from ancient texts flashed through Li An's mind as he tried to catch a hint of a solution.

Li An's eyes grew sharp. He began to recall his experiences in the ancient ruins earlier; knowledge about prohibitions and seals surged rapidly in his mind.

"I remember, ancient texts mentioned in the Mysterious Sea Region that ancient prohibitions are often connected to the elements of heaven and earth. Finding the nodes of elemental flow might reveal a way to break through." Li An's voice was low and focused as his fingers traced patterns in the air, simulating the trajectory of elemental flow.

Guo Yao watched Li An quietly from the side. She had never seen him so focused; a strange admiration and trust surged in her heart. She gently stroked Li An's back, her movements soft yet firm, as if silently telling him, "I believe in you."

Feeling Guo Yao's affection, a warm current surged in Li An's heart; this trust strengthened his resolve. After some thought, he finally discovered a weak point in the prohibition—a tiny gap hidden within the flow of the runes.

"Guo Yao, are you ready? We must take a risk." Li An's eyes flashed with determination.

Guo Yao nodded, her eyes full of resolve: "No matter what happens, I am with you."

Li An took a deep breath, gathering all his strength, preparing to launch an attack. He surged forward suddenly; the exploration lamp in his hand transformed into a dazzling beam of light, striking that weak point directly.

However, the instant he acted, a far stronger counter-force surged like a tide, accompanied by a deafening boom. Li An felt an irresistible force knock him flying; his body soared backward like a kite with a broken string.

"Li An!" Guo Yao cried out. She rushed forward recklessly, catching Li An's body just before it hit the ground. Li An crashed heavily into her arms, and the two of them fell to the ground together.

Li An coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face pale as paper. He endured the pain, looked up at Guo Yao, his eyes filled with apology and worry. "I'm fine, don't worry..."

Guo Yao's eyes instantly filled with tears. She hugged Li An tightly, her voice choked: "Don't speak. Let's leave here first."

However, just then, they discovered that not far away, the "Ancient Key" lay quietly on a protruding rock, shimmering with an alluring light, as if summoning them. But the danger around them had not dissipated; instead, it had become more violent due to their disturbance.

"Li An, what should we do?" Guo Yao's voice carried a trace of despair.

Li An struggled to his feet, his gaze firm: "We cannot give up. The Ancient Key is right before our eyes. We must find a way to protect it and activate it."

Li An supported Guo Yao, walking step by step with great difficulty toward the "Ancient Key." Every step felt like treading on knife tips, the pain unbearable. Yet flames of undying desire burned in their eyes—longing for the unknown, persistence for victory.