Chapter 209: A Brief Respite from the Turmoil

At the exit of the energy maze, the atmosphere was oppressively suffocating.

The Envoy of the Blood Night Demon Family, collapsed on the ground, stared at everything before him in stunned terror. He, who had the victory in his grasp, never imagined that a Mysterious Power would suddenly descend and shield Zhang Cheng firmly behind him. He struggled to get up, but his body felt as if it had been filled with lead—utterly heavy.

The red flame burning in Zhang Cheng's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a deep weariness. He lowered his head to his slightly trembling hands, feeling the surging power within his body, his heart filled with doubt and gratitude. The appearance of this Mysterious Power had undoubtedly saved his life, yet it left him even more perplexed: who, in the shadows, was aiding him?

He inhaled deeply, striving to calm his surging emotions, attempting to convey his gratitude to the unseen force. At the same time, his gaze swept over the people present, seeking answers in their expressions.

The Long Xing Sage still wore an inscrutably profound demeanor, stroking his beard, his eyes flashing with wisdom as if everything were within his foresight. The Envoy of the Blood Night Demon Family wore a face of terror and venom, staring at Zhang Cheng as if to devour him alive.

Cough...

The Envoy, limp on the ground, coughed twice, breaking the eerie silence. He watched Zhang Cheng, protected by the Mysterious Power, with caution, his tone full of apprehension: "You... who exactly are you? How do you possess such power?!"

Zhang Cheng ignored his question, gave him a brief glance, then turned his gaze to the Long Xing Sage, waiting for his explanation.

The Long Xing Sage smiled faintly, did not answer Zhang Cheng's question directly, but said meaningfully: "Child, it seems your destiny is even more extraordinary than I had expected."

Zhang Cheng felt a tight knot in his chest; the Long Xing Sage's words deepened his confusion. He opened his mouth to ask, but found his throat dry and could utter nothing.

At that moment, two figures appeared on his left and right, coming to Zhang Cheng's side.

"Zhang Cheng, are you okay?"

"Brother, are you alright?"

Mo Yi and Xiao Dian stood on either side of Zhang Cheng, softly asking about his condition, their eyes full of concern...

Mo Yi anxiously supported Zhang Cheng, scanning him from head to toe, fearing any injury. His golden eyes were filled with worry, and he asked hastily: "Zhang Cheng, how do you feel? Any discomfort? Did those damned guys hurt you?"

Xiao Dian also patted Zhang Cheng's shoulder with concern, saying heartily: "Brother, as long as you're fine! That was truly dangerous; if that Mysterious Power hadn't appeared, we might have had to collect your corpse!"

Zhang Cheng returned their concern with a grateful smile, indicating he was fine. He gently shook his head and said: "I'm okay, just a bit drained. Thanks to this power's protection, I could turn danger into safety."

As he spoke, he looked up at the Mysterious Power still swirling around him, his eyes filled with awe and doubt. What exactly was this power? Why did it rescue him in the moment of crisis?

"It seems you are the chosen one."

The Long Xing Sage slowly approached the Mysterious Power, his eyes flashing with wisdom. He muttered incantations, his voice deep and ancient, as if bearing some mysterious force. As he chanted, the surrounding space began to tremble slightly, an invisible energy ripple spreading outward, making hearts race.

The Envoy of the Blood Night Demon Family saw this and his complexion changed dramatically. He struggled to stand and flee, but found himself bound by an invisible force, unable to move. He looked at the Long Xing Sage in terror, his voice trembling: "You... what do you intend to do?"

The Long Xing Sage ignored him, focusing entirely on chanting ancient spells. His hands continuously formed strange gestures in the air, streams of golden sigils flowing from his fingertips, merging into the Mysterious Power.

The Mysterious Power seemed to sense the Long Xing Sage's summons, beginning to roll violently, emitting deep rumbling sounds like the low roar of an ancient beast. The surrounding space also shook violently, as if it could collapse at any moment.

Mo Yi and Xiao Dian, seeing this, hurriedly shielded Zhang Cheng, watching the surroundings warily. Though they did not know what the Long Xing Sage intended, they instinctively felt that something extraordinary was about to happen.

Suddenly, the Long Xing Sage's chanting stopped abruptly. He snapped his eyes open, a flash of brilliance exploding from them, and thrust both hands forward forcefully.

"In my name, awaken your power!"

The Mysterious Power seemed to understand the Long Xing Sage's summons, ceasing its violent rolling and slowly spiraling, dazzling like a galaxy. Its radiance gradually softened, eventually turning into countless specks of light that gently enveloped Zhang Cheng, as if infusing him with more energy. The surrounding air became calm and serene, like the peace after a storm, filled with hope and vitality.

Zhang Cheng bathed in the light, feeling the ever‑rising power within his body, his heart full of gratitude and awe. He knew this Mysterious Power came to aid him, and the Long Xing Sage was the key to guiding it. He closed his eyes, silently sensing the flow of the power, striving to comprehend its nature, hoping to master it and protect himself and his friends.

The Envoy of the Blood Night Demon Family, not far away, was tightly bound by the restriction set by the Long Xing Sage, unable to move. Her complexion was pale, eyes flickering, weighing whether to continue the attack. The Long Xing Sage's might terrified her, but the failure of the mission left her unwilling. She knew that if she could not complete the mission, she would face the family's harsh punishment upon return.

Mo Yi stood beside Zhang Cheng, watching the Envoy of the Blood Night Demon Family warily, his golden eyes flashing with cold murderous intent. He gripped his longsword tightly, ready to deliver a lethal blow at any moment. Xiao Dian stood on the other side, his towering frame like an insurmountable mountain, exuding formidable deterrence.

The Long Xing Sage stood before the Mysterious Power, hands clasped behind his back, his gaze profound as if he could see through everything. He sensed the surrounding changes, silently calculating the situation in his mind. He knew this was merely the calm before the storm; the real battle had not yet arrived.

In this temporary calm, everyone was contemplating. Zhang Cheng thought about how to use this rare opportunity to strengthen himself for the upcoming challenges. Mo Yi and Xiao Dian considered how to better protect Zhang Cheng, preventing anyone from harming him. The Long Xing Sage pondered how to completely eliminate the Blood Night Demon Family's threat, restoring peace to the universe.

Whether the Envoy of the Blood Night Demon Family would reignite the war became a new lingering doubt, hanging over everyone's mind, impossible to dispel.

Just as the atmosphere seemed tranquil, a chilling, bone‑piercing aura suddenly emanated from afar, sending shivers down the spine. A smug smile spread across the Envoy of the Blood Night Demon Family's face as he slowly spoke, his voice hoarse and low: "It seems the reinforcements have arrived..."