Chapter 236: Hidden Opportunity

Golden flames roared like an angry dragon, instantly burning away the black vines coiled around the Blue Star Guardian. The Blue Star Guardian regained freedom, staggered back a few steps, his face pale, breath erratic. The Elf girl hurried forward, steadied him, and asked concernedly, "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," the Blue Star Guardian said, inhaling deeply, his gaze turning to Zhang Cheng lying on the ground, his eyes filled with worry, "How is he?"

Kelinda had already arrived beside Zhang Cheng; she carefully lifted him up and examined his injuries. His body was covered with wounds of all sizes, his clothes tattered, his breath weak, his complexion as pale as blank paper. Kelinda's heart sank sharply, a indescribable pain surging within her.

"Mo Yi!" Kelinda shouted to the sky, her voice trembling slightly.

A black figure streaked down from the heavens like lightning—it was Mo Yi. Seeing Zhang Cheng's injuries, his expression grew solemn. "Sister, I have brought the herbs you need."

Kelinda took the package Mo Yi handed over and opened it quickly. Inside were several herbs emitting a strange fragrance, of varying colors and odd shapes. Kelinda selected a few, gently crushed them, and applied them to Zhang Cheng's wounds.

The herbs emitted a soft green glow, flickering like fireflies, slowly seeping into Zhang Cheng's wounds. A faint fresh scent spread, uplifting the spirit. The mysterious Elf girl leaned in curiously, observing everything. She had never seen such miraculous herbs, her eyes filled with wonder.

"This is a unique healing sacred herb of our planet," Kelinda noted the Elf girl's gaze and explained, "It can swiftly cure all wounds; even a near‑death person can be revived."

Time passed second by second, and under the herbs' strange effect, Zhang Cheng's wounds began to heal at a visibly rapid pace. His pale complexion gradually regained a hint of color, and his breathing steadied.

"Great!" the Elf girl shouted joyfully. The Blue Star Guardian also exhaled in relief, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

However, at that moment, the black vines that had calmed suddenly turned frenzied. They surged toward Kelinda and the others like maddened beasts, faster than before and with harsher attacks. Sensing danger, they seemed intent on halting Zhang Cheng's recovery.

Kelinda's complexion changed; she felt a powerful malice emanating from the vines, chilling to the bone. "Protect him!" Kelinda said to Mo Yi and the Elf girl, then resolutely stepped in front of Zhang Cheng, gathering a sphere of golden flame in her hand, ready to fight.

Mo Yi's black dagger flashed with cold light, his gaze icy and steadfast. He stood beside Kelinda, ready to fight side by side with her. The Elf girl also quickly muttered incantations, preparing to unleash powerful magic.

As the herbs took effect, Zhang Cheng's injuries gradually improved; his finger twitched slightly. Yet at that instant, a deep roar emanated from the depths of the black mist, chilling to the bone… "Damn you! All of you shall die!" The black vines surged like a tide, bearing a suffocating pressure. Kelinda's golden flame blazed fiercely, forming a fire wall that blocked the vines' assault. However, the vines seemed to possess a malevolent intelligence, constantly altering their attack patterns, seeking weaknesses in the wall, attempting to breach Kelinda's defense.

Mo Yi's black dagger turned into a series of afterimages, slashing the approaching vines. Yet the vines were countless; cutting one down caused more to surge up, as if endless. His movements grew faster, fine beads of sweat beading on his forehead.

The magic the Elf girl had been about to release was interrupted; a thick vine struck her hard, hurling her away. She crashed to the ground, letting out a painful groan, a strand of fresh blood spilling from her mouth.

"Ailiya!" the Blue Star Guardian said, his heart tightening at the sight. He thrust a flame forward, burning the vines entangling the Elf girl, then staggered to her side and helped her up. "How are you?"

The Elf girl's complexion was pale, her breath weak, "I… I'm fine…" she struggled to stand, but felt her whole body powerless, able to keep her balance only by leaning on the Blue Star Guardian's support.

The Blue Star Guardian's flame spell noticeably weakened; the once brilliant golden fire now appeared dim, even flickering slightly. Prolonged combat and his earlier injuries had drained a great deal of his stamina and spiritual energy.

"We can't keep going like this…" the Blue Star Guardian clenched his teeth, anxiety filling his mind. He turned to Kelinda, "Miss Kelinda, how much longer can you hold on?"

Kelinda's complexion also grew solemn; the flame in her hand still burned but was clearly less vigorous than before. She could feel her power draining rapidly, while the vines before her multiplied and grew fiercer.

"I… I will do my best…" Kelinda's voice trembled, yet the resolve in her eyes did not waver.

At that moment, the last wisp of black mist coiling around Zhang Cheng vanished. His wounds were fully healed, his complexion returned to normal, though his eyes remained tightly shut as he lay quietly on the ground.

A vine silently approached Zhang Cheng, like a poisonous snake, slowly winding around his neck.

"Careful!" Mo Yi shouted upon spotting the vine, his dagger shooting out like lightning, cutting the vine.

However, more vines surged from all directions, all targeting Zhang Cheng.

Kelinda and Mo Yi strained with all their might to fend off the vines, but their strength was nearly exhausted. The Blue Star Guardian tried to help, yet lacked the power to unleash a strong flame spell. The Elf girl, injured, lay on the ground, unable to move.

At this critical moment, Zhang Cheng's finger twitched again. His eyelids fluttered slightly, as if about to awaken…

"No… impossible…" a scream filled with terror and despair echoed from the depths of the black mist, "He… how could he…" Zhang Cheng's eyelids trembled more intensely, and finally he slowly opened his eyes. What met his gaze were wildly dancing black vines, like a horde of demons, sweeping toward him, Kelinda, Mo Yi, the Blue Star Guardian, and the Elf girl Ailiya. He saw Kelinda's golden flame had dimmed considerably, Mo Yi's dagger‑wielding movements had become sluggish, the Blue Star Guardian was utterly powerless, and Ailiya lay weak on the ground.

Danger!

Without any hesitation, Zhang Cheng instinctively mobilized the mysterious power within his body. That power had lain dormant since its last awakening, and now, facing a life‑or‑death crisis, it was awakened again.

A warm current surged from his dantian, quickly spreading throughout his body. He felt an unprecedented, immense force raging within, as if about to burst out of his flesh. Simultaneously, his body emitted a dazzling light, like the rising morning sun, dispelling the surrounding darkness.

The vines that had been raging wildly, upon sensing this overwhelming power, began to tremble, as if confronting a natural enemy, and recoiled backward.

"Zhang Cheng!" Kelinda exclaimed delightedly, feeling the surrounding pressure suddenly ease; the golden flame that had nearly gone out reignited, burning even brighter.

Mo Yi also exhaled in relief, sheathing his dagger, and gazed at Zhang Cheng bathed in light, his eyes filled with astonishment and respect.

The Blue Star Guardian and Ailiya also sensed the powerful force; they looked up in amazement, staring at Zhang Cheng as if he were a deity, their eyes full of hope.

Zhang Cheng slowly rose, feeling his body brimming with power, as if he could command everything. He extended his hand, palm upward, and a massive energy wave radiated from it, shattering the surrounding vines.

"It's over," Zhang Cheng's voice was deep and powerful, bearing undeniable authority.

The remaining vines receded like a tide, disappearing into the darkness.

Kelinda approached Zhang Cheng and asked with concern, "Are you all right?"

Zhang Cheng shook his head, "I'm fine, thanks to you." He turned to Kelinda, his gaze full of gratitude.

"As long as we're all okay," Kelinda smiled faintly, as if a burden had been lifted.

The Blue Star Guardian stepped before Zhang Cheng, bowed deeply, "Thank you for saving my life!"

Ailiya also struggled to sit up, casting a grateful look toward Zhang Cheng.

Zhang Cheng helped the Blue Star Guardian to his feet and said, "Guarding Lan Xing is our shared responsibility."

He turned to Ailiya and said gently, "Rest well, you'll be fine."

Just as they thought the crisis was over and could catch their breath, the sky suddenly darkened… a massive black shadow enveloped them, blotting out the sun, a suffocating pressure descending from above.

"What is that..." Mo Yi's voice trembled as he pointed at the black shadow in the sky.

The shadow slowly descended, obscuring the remaining sunlight, and the ground fell into gloom. The group finally saw it: a gigantic black warship, its hull gleaming with cold metallic luster, bristling with fierce spikes and gunports, like a coiled behemoth, exuding a chilling aura of menace.

"This… this is the Blood Night Demon Family's mothership!" the Blue Star Guardian shouted in terror, his voice trembling. He had read descriptions of this warship in ancient texts; it symbolized the Blood Night Demon Family and embodied the pinnacle of their power.

Kelinda's expression also grew grave; she clenched the flame in her hand tightly, the golden light flickering in her eyes, reflecting the massive black warship. "I didn't expect them to deploy the mothership; it seems they're determined to succeed this time."

Mo Yi gripped his dagger tightly, scanning the surroundings warily. "We must prepare for battle; the firepower of this mothership can destroy an entire planet."

Ailiya struggled to stand, her complexion pale but her gaze steadfast. "Even if we risk our lives, we must protect this land."

Zhang Cheng silently felt the power surging within him; he knew the real battle was just beginning. The appearance of this mothership signaled an even greater crisis, and an even greater challenge.

The black warship hovered slowly in the sky, its lower hatch opening gradually, and squads of fully armed Blood Night Demon warriors poured out like a black tide toward the ground. They brandished sharp weapons, their eyes flashing with blood‑thirsty light, exuding a nauseatingly evil aura.

"Prepare for battle!" Zhang Cheng barked low, charging first toward the enemy. The energy in his hand surged, turning into dazzling beams that repelled the approaching demon warriors.

Kelinda's golden flame became a fire wall, blocking the enemy's advance. Mo Yi's figure darted across the battlefield like a phantom, his dagger precisely reaping enemy lives. The Blue Star Guardian also unleashed powerful force, engaging the foes in a deadly clash.

Even though Ailiya's body was weak, she still fought on, her staff emitting a gentle glow that supported the others.

The battle was exceptionally fierce; the Blood Night Demon warriors were numerous and fearless, surging forward in wave after wave, trying to drown everyone in a black tide.

Zhang Cheng continuously swung the energy in his hand, repelling wave after wave of foes, yet he could feel his own power gradually waning. The mothership's arrival not only brought more enemies but also an intangible pressure, crushing their bodies and minds.

Just then, the top of the black warship suddenly opened, and a huge beam of light shot out from it, heading straight for Zhang Cheng.

"Watch out!" Kelinda cried out, wanting to rush over to protect Zhang Cheng, but it was already too late.

The beam's speed was extremely fast, instantly hitting Zhang Cheng. He let out a muffled groan, his body flung by the powerful force, and he crashed heavily to the ground.

"Zhang Cheng!" Kelinda shouted anxiously, rushing to his side and helping him up.

Zhang Cheng struggled to get to his feet, but he felt completely powerless, as if the strength within him had been drained.

The hatch of the black warship opened again, and a figure slowly stepped out.

It was a tall demon clad in black armor, wielding a massive battle axe, exuding an oppressive aura that made it hard to breathe.

"Blood Night Demon King..." the Blue Star Guardian uttered that name in terror.

The Blood Night Demon King slowly descended to the ground, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone, finally settling on Zhang Cheng.

"Are you Zhang Cheng?" the Blood Night Demon King's voice was low and hoarse, like a demon's whisper from hell.

Zhang Cheng struggled to lift his head, looking at the powerful enemy before him, his eyes showing no fear, only a blazing fighting spirit.

"It's me."