Chapter 245: The Energy Core of the Black Shadow

"Now… Break!" the Blue Star Guardian roared, swinging his long sword to unleash a dazzling blue blade that sliced straight at the Black Shadow. Where the blade passed, space seemed to tear apart, emitting a series of grating sounds that made the teeth ache.

Almost simultaneously, Zhang Cheng moved. He clenched his fists, channeling all his internal energy; a scorching golden light burst from his body like a rising sun. He surged toward the Black Shadow like an arrow, his fists bearing destructive power, smashing hard into the Shadow's core.

The Black Shadow seemed to sense the threat, letting out a deafening roar as it tried to gather power for a counterattack. Yet Kelinda's figure appeared like a phantom before it. She wielded a long whip wreathed in violet flames, the lash flitting like serpents that coiled around the Shadow's arms, preventing it from gathering strength.

"Zhang Cheng, now!" Kelinda gritted her teeth, fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She knew she couldn't hold out long and had to quickly create an opening for Zhang Cheng and the Blue Star Guardian.

Zhang Cheng's and the Blue Star Guardian's attacks struck the Black Shadow almost simultaneously. The blue blade and golden fist power intertwined, forming a devastating energy storm that hammered the Shadow's core.

The Black Shadow let out a mournful wail as its massive body shuddered violently. Its black energy receded like a tide, revealing the true form hidden beneath—a twisted, malformed energy entity exuding evil.

"We succeeded!" Zhang Cheng and the Blue Star Guardian both exhaled in relief, their faces breaking into victorious smiles.

Yet the smile lasted only briefly. At the moment the Black Shadow was about to dissolve, an even stronger darkness erupted from its body. This force was more powerful and more malevolent than before, as if from the abyss of hell.

"Bad!" the Blue Star Guardian's complexion changed abruptly; he sensed an unprecedented sense of danger.

The Black Shadow's energy quickly coalesced into a massive black vortex that devoured everything around it. Zhang Cheng, Kelinda, and the Blue Star Guardian were all drawn into it, vanishing from sight.

From afar, the Space Pirates watching the battle cheered excitedly. "Ha ha, these guys are doomed! Long live Lord Black Shadow!"

The Shadow Assassin also gave a cold smile: "Looks like my mission is complete; I can go back to claim my reward."

Guangming Shizhe furrowed his brow, his eyes filled with worry: "I hope they remain safe…"

At that moment, two figures suddenly burst out of the black vortex. One was Kelinda, drenched in blood, the other was…

"Is that… Xingji Xiake?" Guangming Shizhe widened his eyes in surprise.

Xingji Xiake brandished a long sword shimmering with silver light, its blade wrapped in golden arcs of electricity. His gaze burned like a torch as he stared intently at the black vortex, saying in a deep voice, "Elf, are you ready?"

Emerging from the black vortex was indeed Xingji Xiake. He radiated powerful energy waves, and his silver sword hummed as if eager to drink blood. Beside him floated a mysterious Elf. She was petite yet possessed an unmistakable presence, surrounded by specks of starlight like the brightest stars in the night sky.

"Ready!" the mysterious Elf's voice rang clear and pleasant, yet carried a subtle authority. She lightly waved her staff, and strange runes flew from its tip, fluttering around the black vortex like fireflies. The runes glittered in multicolored light, emitting a mysterious, potent force that disrupted the Black Shadow's power gathering.

Xingji Xiake hesitated not a moment; he flickered, becoming a silver bolt that swept around the black vortex from the side, charging straight at the Black Shadow. His sword sliced the void, unleashing fierce sword qi that battered the Shadow like a raging storm.

Caught off guard by Xingji Xiake's sudden strike, the Black Shadow let out an angry roar, trying to break free of the Elf's interference and gather power for a counterattack. Yet the Elf's magic clung to it like maggots on a heel, preventing it from focusing.

From afar, the Space Pirates and Shadow Assassin watched helplessly as Xingji Xiake and the mysterious Elf entered the fight. Guangming Shizhe stood like an insurmountable barrier, blocking their path. His holy sword radiated dazzling light, enveloping the surrounding space in a sacred glow. Any enemy attempting to approach would be stunned by the overwhelming power, unable to move a step.

"Damn! Why are there so many troublesome guys!" the Space Pirate leader shouted in frustration.

"Don't worry, Lord Black Shadow will deal with them," the Shadow Assassin sneered, though a hint of unease flashed in his eyes.

After escaping the black vortex, Kelinda steadied herself and looked concernedly toward its center. "Zhang Cheng! Are you alright?"

No one answered. The black vortex continued to spin wildly, as if to devour everything. Kelinda's heart sank; she tightened her grip on the long whip, ready to plunge into the vortex again.

At that moment, the black vortex shuddered violently, as if something was about to burst out. A massive energy wave radiated from its center, shaking everything around it to the brink of collapse.

"It's coming!" a spark flashed in Xingji Xiake's eyes as he swung his sword even faster, sword qi twisting like a silver serpent, continuously striking the Black Shadow.

The mysterious Elf also amplified her magic, sending out increasingly complex runes that bound the Black Shadow like shackles.

Under the combined assault of Xingji Xiake and the Elf, the Black Shadow seemed overmatched. Its black energy grew unstable, as if on the verge of collapse.

Suddenly, two figures burst from the black vortex—Zhang Cheng and the Blue Star Guardian. Both radiated powerful energy waves, their eyes filled with resolute determination.

"Now!" Zhang Cheng shouted, his whole body erupting in golden light.

The Blue Star Guardian simultaneously raised his sword, blue light flickering along the blade as if containing world‑shattering power.

Their gazes locked onto the same spot on the Black Shadow—it was… the Black Shadow's energy core!

"All together!"

"Break!" Zhang Cheng and the Blue Star Guardian roared in unison, their contrasting golden and blue energies merging perfectly at that moment into a dazzling pillar of light that surged toward the Black Shadow. It was not mere additive force, but a precise assessment of the Shadow's weakness and their synchronized cooperation.

Their target was not the Shadow's massive body but a tiny, crucial point hidden beneath layers of dark energy—the Black Shadow's energy core. This weakness was gradually uncovered by Zhang Cheng during the battle, through keen observation and sensing of energy flow.

The light pillar struck the Shadow's energy core with pinpoint accuracy, like piercing a balloon full of air. The Black Shadow let out a deafening roar—not of anger but of pain, a dying, desperate howl. Its massive body shuddered violently, the surrounding dark energy roiling like boiling water, yet unable to halt the core's disintegration.

"Now!" the ever‑watchful Guangming Shizhe seized the moment, raising his holy sword high and chanting an ancient, sacred incantation. The sword's light blazed, a pure, powerful beam of light descending like divine punishment, striking precisely at the already shattered energy core of the Black Shadow.

This final blow utterly destroyed the Shadow's core power. The Black Shadow's roar ceased abruptly, its massive body beginning to crumble into countless black fragments that drifted like ash in the wind, gradually fading into the cosmos.

The dark energy that had shrouded the battlefield dissipated, and light once again illuminated the starry sky. Xingji Xiake sheathed his sword, exhaling deeply, a victorious smile on his face. The mysterious Elf withdrew her staff, her gaze toward Zhang Cheng filled with curiosity and admiration.

The Space Pirates and Shadow Assassin, seeing the tide turn, fled like startled birds. Guangming Shizhe did not pursue; his duty was to guard the light, not to kill. He slowly descended before Zhang Cheng, solemnly saying, "You did well, young man. The courage and wisdom you displayed are worthy of all our learning."

Kelinda immediately flew to Zhang Cheng's side, anxiously asking, "Zhang Cheng, are you okay?"

Zhang Cheng gave a faint smile, shook his head to indicate he was fine. Yet before he could speak, a fierce light burst from his body, enveloping him completely.

"What's happening?" Kelinda shouted, instinctively stepping back a few paces.

A flash of surprise crossed the Blue Star Guardian's eyes as he said gravely, "Is this… a breakthrough?"

Xingji Xiake and the mysterious Elf also turned their gaze to the sudden event, staring intently at the Zhang Cheng bathed in the intense light, their minds filled with doubt.

The bright light grew ever more dazzling, like a supernova about to explode. Space around it began to warp, a massive energy wave radiating from the glare, intimidating everyone present.

"This power…" Xingji Xiake murmured, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes.

The mysterious Elf gently covered her mouth, eyes full of awe. She sensed an unprecedented energy wave; the force even gave her a hint of fear.

The Blue Star Guardian took a step forward, seeming to approach Zhang Cheng, but halted. He felt a powerful repulsion preventing him from reaching the bright light.

"Wait…" he whispered, "It seems something is about to emerge…"

The bright light receded like a tide, revealing Zhang Cheng's figure. He floated silently in the starry sky, eyes closed, a faint golden aura surrounding him. The aura flickered like breathing, emitting strong energy waves. After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes; the golden light in them flashed and faded, replaced by a deep, calm gaze. He clenched his fist, feeling the surge within, a slight smile curving his lips.

"I feel… great," Zhang Cheng said softly, his voice richer than before, bearing an indescribable authority.

Kelinda's lingering worry finally eased; she flew to Zhang Cheng's side, scrutinizing him, and asked concernedly, "Are you really okay? What was that just now?"

Zhang Cheng gently patted Kelinda's hand, softly saying, "I'm fine, just a breakthrough. The Black Shadow's energy became my nourishment." He turned to the Blue Star Guardian, gratefully saying, "Thank you, senior protector."

The Blue Star Guardian gave a slight nod, a trace of satisfaction in his eyes. "Your talent is extraordinary, and you work so hard; a breakthrough was inevitable. Now your strength has greatly increased, which will greatly aid your upcoming journey."

Guangming Shizhe stepped before Zhang Cheng, solemnly saying, "Darkness may retreat for now, but evil never perishes. You bear the heavy duty of protecting universal peace; the road ahead is long, do not slack."

Zhang Cheng solemnly nodded, "I understand; I will keep striving and never disappoint everyone's expectations."

Xingji Xiake walked to Zhang Cheng's side, patting his shoulder, and laughed brightly, "Kid, well done! Now the Space Pirates and those Shadow Assassins won't dare trouble you anymore!"

The mysterious Elf flew to Zhang Cheng's front, circling him curiously. Her clear voice rang like a wind chime: "Incredible, you can absorb dark energy—I've never seen that before." She blinked her sparkling eyes, playfully saying, "Looks like you still have many secrets."

After the crowd celebrated defeating the Black Shadow, they took a short rest and then set out on the new journey according to the previous plan. Zhang Cheng felt full of anticipation, yet a vague unease lingered. As the spaceship powered up and entered the leap state, the Blue Star Guardian called Zhang Cheng back and handed him an ancient metal box.

"What is this..." Zhang Cheng took the box, puzzled.

"Open it and see," the Blue Star Guardian said in a low tone, his gaze deep, as if a thousand words were hidden within.

Zhang Cheng slowly opened the box, and inside lay a crystal stone that shimmered with a faint blue light. The stone exuded an ancient, mysterious aura, causing his heart to flutter. He lifted his head to ask, only to find the Blue Star Guardian had vanished. All that remained was a warning echoing through the spaceship: "Be careful... prophecy..."