Chapter 716: Cannot Lose!

Li An clenched his jaw, unwilling to accept failure like this. He recalled the hardships and trials he had endured along the way, recalled Guo Yao's trust and support for him, and recalled the persistence and dream within his heart.

"No! I cannot lose! I cannot be bound by these negative emotions!" Li An roared in his heart, and his gaze once again became firm and bright.

Suddenly, an unprecedented powerful force erupted within Li An's body. That was his trust in himself, his longing for the future, his determination to overcome every difficulty. This force transformed into a brilliant ray of light, instantly shattering that ferocious version of himself.

The illusory space began to collapse, and Li An felt a powerful force lifting him up, as if about to send him back to the real world. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then slowly opened them.

When he opened his eyes once again, he found himself back in the real world, standing before Ailin and Guo Yao. A faint glow emanated from his body — that was the power he had gained after conquering the fears and regrets within his heart.

"Li An, you did it." A hint of imperceptible approval colored Ailin's voice as she gazed at Li An, a light of affirmation glimmering in her eyes.

Li An smiled faintly. He looked toward Guo Yao and saw her watching him, her eyes brimming with hot tears. His heart warmed, and he strode forward, pulling Guo Yao tightly into his embrace.

"Yao'er, I'm fine. We won." Li An's voice was gentle yet firm as he gently stroked Guo Yao's hair, feeling her warmth and heartbeat.

Guo Yao sobbed uncontrollably in Li An's arms, holding him tightly as if afraid he might suddenly vanish. After a long while, she gradually calmed down and said in a trembling voice, "Li An, I was so afraid of losing you."

Li An gently patted Guo Yao's back and comforted her, "Don't worry, Yao'er. I will always stay by your side. No matter what difficulties we face, we will face them together."

Ailin watched this scene from the side, a complex expression flashing through her eyes. She cleared her throat softly, interrupting the tender moment between the couple.

"Li An, you have successfully completed the trial of the Xukongzhi Sect. As a reward, I shall bestow upon you a special ability — the power to travel freely between worlds." Ailin's voice was calm and solemn. She extended one hand, palm upward, as a brilliant light gathered and took shape within it.

Li An gazed at that light, a strange surge of excitement welling up within him. He knew this ability would be a great aid in his future journey. He took a deep breath and bowed respectfully to Ailin: "Many thanks, my lord the Guardian, for this bestowal."

Ailin nodded slightly and gently pushed that light toward Li An. The light instantly transformed into a stream of radiance that sank into Li An's body. Li An felt a powerful force surging within him, as if the entire world lay within his grasp.

"Li An, you now possess great power. But remember, power is not all-powerful. On the road ahead, you will still need wisdom and courage." Ailin's voice echoed in Li An's ears, as if reminding him that the path ahead remained full of challenges.

Li An heavily nodded. He understood the meaning behind Ailin's words. He looked toward Guo Yao, his eyes shining with a steadfast light: "Yao'er, we are about to begin a new journey. No matter how many difficulties and challenges lie ahead, I will hold your hand and walk forward together."