Chapter 266: We

The air in the labyrinth was suffocatingly oppressive, echoing the monster's heavy breathing.

Everyone sat together, faces grim, chattering in many voices as they discussed countermeasures.

Xingji Xiake massaged his shoulder, still aching from the monster's blow, his face full of resentment: "This monster's hide is rough and its flesh thick; my attacks are almost useless against it!"

"Its black energy is strange, seemingly able to manipulate space," Xingyun Zhizhe said, brow furrowed, fingers tracing in the air as if simulating the flow of energy, "We must find a way to break it."

Kelinda looked at the group with worry, "We've been trapped here too long; our supplies are nearly exhausted…"

Guangming Shizhe gently patted her shoulder, comforting, "Don't worry, we'll definitely find a way out." She turned to Zhang Cheng, eyes full of trust, "Zhang Cheng, what do you think?"

Zhang Cheng pondered briefly, his gaze steady: "Xingling just stabilized the space, showing its ability to suppress the monster's black energy. We need to find a way to awaken Xingling's greater power." He looked at the floating Xingling, emitting a soft glow, hoping for some insight.

However, Xingling remained silent, like a riddle.

Just as the group was at a loss, a faint footstep broke the heavy atmosphere.

The sound was unusually clear in the silent labyrinth, like the Death God's footsteps, advancing step by step.

Everyone instantly became alert, gripping their weapons, eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

"Who?!" Xingji Xiake barked low, drawing his long sword, the blade pointing toward the source of the sound.

The footsteps grew nearer, and under everyone's gaze, a figure slowly emerged from a shadow deep within the labyrinth.

It was an old man, stooped in stature, with a long gray beard.

He leaned on a wooden staff, his steps unsteady, as if a gust of wind could topple him.

Yet his eyes were unusually bright, as if he saw through all the world's secrets.

The old man slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping the group before settling on Xingji Xiake, a faint mysterious smile curling his lips.

Xingji Xiake felt uneasy under his stare, the sword tip advancing, "Old man, who are you? What are you skulking around to do?"

The old man, unhurried, rasped, "Young one, don't be so tense. I'm just a lost traveler…" Before he could finish, Xingji Xiake shouted angrily, "Traveler? This cursed place has travelers? I see you're clearly a companion of the monster!"

The old man kept his smile, but a barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes…

The old man chuckled, tapping his staff lightly on the ground, producing a crisp sound.

"Young one, too much fire is bad. Since I dared to appear before you, I must have my backing." His murky eyes swept the group, finally resting on Zhang Cheng, "I know you're trapped here, I know the monster's origin, and even… know a way out."

Xingji Xiake snorted coldly, "Stop playing god here! What else is in this cursed place besides the monster? If you truly know, speak it now!"

The old man shook his head, sighing, "I don't mind telling you, but this monster isn't an ordinary beast; it is an ancient guardian of this labyrinth, called the Soul‑Devouring Beast. It feeds on fear, and your panic only makes it stronger." He paused, his gaze sharpening, "I have one condition: if you agree to me, I'll tell you how to defeat it."

Zhang Cheng stepped forward, his gaze steady, "What condition?"

"Give me the most precious thing among you," the old man said, extending his withered hand, palm up.

The group exchanged puzzled looks, falling silent. The most precious thing? What could that be— their weapons? Their abilities?

Kelinda tugged at Zhang Cheng's sleeve with worry, "Zhang Cheng, this doesn't feel right; the old man looks mysterious, his condition is vague— could it be a trap?"

Xingyun Zhizhe also nodded in agreement, "Indeed, we know nothing of his identity; rashly accepting his condition could backfire."

Xingji Xiake pointed his sword directly at the old man, "Old man, I see you're trying to deceive us! If you have sense, spill everything you know, or don't blame me for being rude!"

The old man was unmoved, still smiling, his eyes growing even deeper, "Young one, be patient. I speak the truth. The Soul‑Devouring Beast's power far exceeds your imagination; without my help, you have only a dead end."

Guangming Shizhe walked to Kelinda's side, whispering, "Don't be afraid, we'll be okay." She turned to Zhang Cheng, eyes tinged with resolve, "Zhang Cheng, I trust you; whatever decision you make, I'll support you."

Zhang Cheng inhaled deeply, observing the group's worried expressions and the old man's enigmatic smile, his mind swirling with thoughts.

Just as he was about to speak, a thunderous roar of the Soul‑Devouring Beast echoed from afar, the ground shaking violently… The old man's mouth curled a strange grin, "Looks like it can't wait any longer…"

The Beast's roar rolled like thunder through the labyrinth, buzzing the group's eardrums.

The ground quaked violently, debris tumbling down as if the entire labyrinth were collapsing.

The pressure felt like a mountain bearing down, leaving no room to breathe.

Blue Star Guardian let out a muffled hum, clutching his chest, his complexion turning deathly pale.

He had been wounded in the earlier battle with the monster; now the old injury flared, the sharp pain nearly toppling him.

"Guardian!" Guangming Shizhe shouted, quickly supporting him.

"I… I'm fine…" Blue Star Guardian gritted his teeth, but could not hide the pain. His frailty made the already tense atmosphere even more oppressive.

Xingji Xiake gripped his sword tightly, forcing calm, yet the fear in his eyes could not be concealed.

He glared fiercely at the old man, "Old man! What on earth are you doing!" His voice trembled slightly with fear, a stark contrast to his earlier swagger.

Xingling floated in the air, its faint glow flickering, as if trembling.

Even the usually composed Xingyun Zhizhe furrowed his brows now, his eyes full of worry.

Zhang Cheng clenched his teeth, his fists tight.

He knew they were now at an absolute disadvantage.

Facing the powerful Soul‑Devouring Beast, they had almost no chance of victory.

The comrades' injuries and everyone's fear were like towering mountains, crushing his breath.

The old man still wore a smile, as if all this had been within his expectations.

His deep gaze seemed to pierce everything, sending a chill down Zhang Cheng's spine.

"I told you, without my help you have only a dead end," the old man's voice rang especially harsh now, like a death‑cursing spell.

"Zhang Cheng… what should we… what do we do…" Kelinda's voice trembled as she clutched Zhang Cheng's sleeve, as if holding onto a final lifeline.

She looked at Zhang Cheng with dependent eyes, further weighing his burden.

The distant roar sounded again, louder and more terrifying than before.

The ground's tremors intensified, stones overhead beginning to loosen, ready to fall at any moment.

A shadow of death loomed over the group's hearts, despair spreading.

At that moment, Kelinda inhaled deeply, as if making a crucial decision, and slowly began to speak…

Kelinda inhaled again, her gaze steady on the old man: "Sir, if you truly can help us, we are willing to hear your condition." Though her voice still trembled slightly, it was filled with resolve.

The old man nodded approvingly, a spark of brilliance flashing in his murky eyes.

"Very well, little girl, you're very clever. I have no ill intent; I just need you to do me a small favor after you leave." He paused, then continued, "This favor will be as easy as a palm‑flip for you."

The Xingji Xiake snorted coldly, "Old man, stop pretending to be a deity! If you truly have a way, speak it out quickly!" Though his mouth remained tough, his tone lost some of the earlier arrogance and gained a hint of expectation.

The old man ignored the Xingji Xiake's rudeness and turned his gaze toward the Soul‑Devouring Beast, speaking slowly, "The monster's weakness lies in the crystal core atop its head. Only attacks imbued with special energy can shatter it." His eyes swept over the group, finally resting on Kelinda, "And this kind of energy, among you, someone happens to possess."

Kelinda was startled, then quickly realized the old man was referring to herself.

The special energy within her had always been her greatest secret, as well as the source of her power.

She hadn't expected that, in this moment of crisis, this power would become their only hope.

Zhang Cheng's eyes flashed with a hint of delight; he patted Kelinda's shoulder and encouraged, "Kelinda, you can do it!"

Kelinda nodded, her gaze filled with resolve. She knew this was a responsibility she had to bear.

The Xingyun Zhizhe also spoke, "Based on my deduction, Kelinda's energy could indeed break the crystal core. But we need to devise a detailed plan to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Everyone nodded, and the fire of hope reignited in their eyes.

Even the trembling Xingling flickered with a brighter light, as if cheering them on.

The old man watched the group regain confidence, a barely perceptible smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"Remember, the opportunity comes only once. If we fail, you'll be trapped here forever." His voice deepened again, reminding them of the battle's cruelty.

The Guangming Shizhe walked to the Blue Star Guardian's side and whispered, "Guardian, let me heal your wounds."

The Guangming Shizhe's slender fingers emitted a gentle glow, and warm energy slowly flowed into the Blue Star Guardian's scar‑covered body.

His tense muscles gradually relaxed, and the pain faded away.

The Blue Star Guardian looked at the Guangming Shizhe's focused expression, gratitude filling his deep eyes.

His rough large hand lightly covered hers, feeling the delicacy and tenderness.

"Thank you, Guangming Shizhe." His voice was low and hoarse, yet full of sincere feeling.

The Guangming Shizhe lifted her head and gave him a warm smile. "This is what I should do," she said softly, "Protecting everyone is my duty."

Their eyes met, and the air was filled with an indescribable warmth.

Between the two, it seemed there was more than just comrades supporting each other; a subtle affection was quietly budding.

The Xingyun Zhizhe took in everything, a trace of satisfaction flashing in his wise eyes.

He knew that in such a cruel environment, a hint of warmth was especially precious.

"Alright," the Xingyun Zhizhe cleared his throat lightly, pulling everyone's attention back to reality, "We need to discuss how to deal with that monster."

The group gathered together; the Xingyun Zhizhe combined the old man's hint with his own deductions to formulate a detailed battle plan.

Kelinda was the key; she needed to release an attack imbued with her special energy at the optimal moment, striking the crystal core atop the Soul‑Devouring Beast's head in one blow.

The Xingji Xiake and the Blue Star Guardian were responsible for drawing the Soul‑Devouring Beast's attention, creating an opening for Kelinda.

The others were tasked with support and vigilance.

Just as the group prepared to act, strange symbols suddenly flickered on the maze's walls, flashing intermittently like ghostly phantoms.

The symbols emitted an eerie light, illuminating the faces of the group and reflecting the unease in their eyes.

"What is this?" the Xingling cried out, its light flickering erratically as if disturbed.

The Xingyun Zhizhe furrowed his brows, carefully observing the symbols, trying to decipher their meaning.

He had never seen these symbols before, yet they gave him an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if he had seen them somewhere.

"Bad," the Xingyun Zhizhe's complexion changed, "This is… a warning! New danger is approaching!"

The old man rose slowly, a glint of brilliance flashing in his murky eyes.

"It seems the situation is more complicated than I imagined…" he whispered, a barely noticeable excitement in his voice.

Zhang Cheng clenched his weapon tightly, his gaze steady as he looked at the others. "Everyone, be careful! Prepare for battle!"

The group moved toward the monster's direction; the Xingyun Zhizhe walked at the rear of the line, constantly feeling a pair of eyes watching them, yet looking around he could find no trace.

"Strange…" he muttered to himself, his steps unintentionally quickening a few paces.

"Wait…"