Chapter 750: Endless Secrets

The night was like ink, the stars hidden behind a heavy cloud layer, as if even heaven and earth were holding their breath for the coming fierce battle. Li An walked with slightly heavy steps, passing through patches of shadow forgotten by the moonlight, and finally arrived at that mysterious place. It was an ancient ruin, a decaying atmosphere of age and mystery lingering among the broken walls, as if every inch of land recorded past glory and downfall.

"Haha, Li An, you've finally come." Kaen's voice echoed through the empty ruin, carrying a hint of smugness and cunning. He stood atop a shattered stone tower, clutching a plain box in his hand, faint light flowing across its surface, as if it hid endless secrets.

Li An's gaze was like a torch, staring straight at Kaen, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "Kaen, do you think this will get you what you want? The key, I'm taking it—and you too."

Kaen's laughter grew even more rampant: "Li An, you're still too naive. What this box holds is the key to opening the Shadow of the Abyss treasure. Do you think you alone can stop me?"

Before his words had faded, Kaen suddenly waved his hand, and a complex magic array flared to life beneath Li An's feet. Amid the dazzling light, countless flames, like awakened evil dragons, roared and lunged at Li An. The wave of fire swept in instantly, Li An's robes catching fire at once, yet he seemed to feel no pain, his figure weaving nimbly through the flames. His hands rapidly formed seals, and a water-blue barrier formed around him, keeping the fire at bay.

"Li An!" Guo Yao's voice came from the other end of the ruin. She was frantic with worry, wanting to rush forward to help, but was stopped by Li An's resolute gaze. Li An's eyes were filled with determination, as if saying: "I'm fine, don't worry."

Guo Yao bit her lip, her eyes full of worry, but she chose to trust Li An. Standing in the distance, she clenched her fists and silently prayed for him.

Li An weaved through the flames, each dodge perfectly timed, but his clothes were already burned to tatters, revealing his sturdy muscles, with mottled burn marks left on his skin. Yet his gaze only grew more resolute, as if these wounds would only make him stronger.

Finally, the flames gradually dissipated, and Li An's figure reappeared before everyone. He was gasping for breath, but his eyes shone with an unyielding light. Seeing this, Kaen curled a cold smile at the corner of his mouth, waved both hands, and several more dark creatures darted out from the shadows, lunging at Li An.

These dark creatures came in various forms—some like giant bats, their wings beating up gusts of chilling wind; others like twisted snake-like creatures, slithering across the ground, spitting foul-smelling venom from their mouths. Li An's figure flashed, dodging a bat's pounce, while his backhand sword slash cleaved a snake-like creature in two.

"Hmph, petty tricks." Li An snorted coldly, his figure weaving among the dark creatures like a ghost, each strike precise and lethal. He skillfully used the gaps between the creatures' attacks to counter, and with each one destroyed, his eyes grew brighter.

Finally, through Li An's unremitting efforts, all the dark creatures were wiped out. He panted heavily, his gaze at Kaen full of provocation: "Whatever other tricks you have, bring them on."