Chapter 267: Hear My Command

"Wait…" Xingyun Zhizhe said again, a nameless unease gripping his heart tightly.

He looked around; the labyrinth's passages were deep and winding, the symbols on the walls still flickered unpredictably, casting mottled light and shadow, as if countless unknown dangers lurked.

Blue Star Guardian, though his wounds had not healed, forced himself to stay at the front of the group.

"Xingyun Zhizhe, what's wrong?" his voice was low, carrying a barely perceptible tremor, evidently the forced movement tugged at his wound.

"I feel… we're being watched," Xingyun Zhizhe said, his brows knit, his gaze sweeping every shadow and corner.

Guangming Shizhe, worried, steadied Blue Star Guardian, "You should rest first; otherwise your injury will worsen."

Blue Star Guardian shook his head, his eyes firm, "No, I must protect everyone." His steps still staggered, each feeling like walking on a blade's edge.

Xingji Xiake sneered, "Old man, in this condition, who can you protect? Just don't hold us back." He patted the energy sword in his hand, looking eager, "Against that monster, I'm enough on my own."

Xingling floated to Xingyun Zhizhe's side, its light flickering, "I feel it too; the surrounding energy fluctuations are unstable, as if something hides in the darkness."

Kelinda stepped up to Zhang Cheng, whispering, "Be careful, I keep feeling something's off."

Zhang Cheng nodded, gripping his weapon tightly, watching the surroundings warily.

Xingyun Zhizhe's unease also infected him; he sensed a dangerous aura permeating the air, like the calm before a storm.

At that moment, a cold, ominous wind blew from deep within the passage, stirring dust from the floor; the symbols in the labyrinth flickered more violently, their shadows twisting, like a snarling specter.

Xingyun Zhizhe felt a weight in his heart, an ominous premonition rising. He whirled back, looking down the rear passage, but saw nothing.

"Come out!" he barked loudly, his voice echoing through the empty passage.

The only response was a death‑like silence.

Yet, just as everyone thought Xingyun Zhizhe was being overly cautious… a wall tile slipped silently.

Through the gap where the tile moved, a black shadow darted out like lightning, its blade pointing straight at Zhang Cheng's heart.

The sudden attack caught everyone off guard; at the very brink, Xingji Xiake's figure flashed, blocking in front of Zhang Cheng.

"Clang!" The sharp metallic clash rang through the passage, sparks scattering.

Xingji Xiake's energy sword barely stopped the assassin's strike, the powerful impact numbing his arm.

The assassin wore black garb, his face hidden in shadow, revealing only a pair of cold, merciless eyes.

He moved like a phantom, swift as wind, his blade like a venomous snake's fang, constantly thrusting at Xingji Xiake's vital points.

"Shadow Assassin!" Xingyun Zhizhe shouted, recognizing the assassin's identity, an unprecedented fear flooding his mind.

The Shadow Assassin, a mysterious killer controlled by the monster, famed for its bizarre assassination techniques and ruthless style, with almost no one surviving its attacks.

Xingji Xiake could initially fend off, but the Shadow Assassin's speed was too great, its moves extremely cunning, and he gradually found himself outmatched.

A careless slip, the assassin's blade sliced his arm, blood gushing out instantly.

"Xiake!" the mysterious Elf beside him shouted, eyes full of worry.

Zhang Cheng also watched the fight anxiously, knowing that although Xingji Xiake was powerful, against the notorious Shadow Assassin victory seemed doubtful.

He tried to step forward to help, but Kelinda held him back.

"Don't act rashly; it's not the time yet," Kelinda said calmly, analyzing the situation, "The Shadow Assassin's target is you; it won't let you go easily. We must find a way to restrain it and give Xiake a chance."

Xingji Xiake clenched his teeth, enduring the severe pain in his arm, continuing to spar with the Shadow Assassin.

He knew he had to hold on, or Zhang Cheng would face mortal danger.

The Shadow Assassin's attacks grew fiercer, and Xingji Xiake's defense grew increasingly strained.

Just as he was about to collapse, he suddenly felt a powerful force coming from behind.

"I'll help you!" Blue Star Guardian, despite his grievous wounds, endured the pain and stepped beside Xingji Xiake.

His voice was a bit nervous, but his resolve was firm.

He raised his weapon… Blue Star Guardian, bearing the pain, stood beside Xingji Xiake.

"I'll help you!" his voice, though strained, remained determined.

He lifted his weapon, a dazzling light burst forth, driving back the Shadow Assassin.

The group thought the crisis was temporarily over, but they didn't anticipate a greater danger drawing near.

In the passage's shadows, several black figures emerged like phantoms, and lo, more Shadow Assassins!

They brandished blades, silently surrounding the group, forming a bizarre formation that trapped them in the center.

Fear spread like a tide, and the atmosphere froze instantly.

The terrified Elf clutched Xingling's arm, whispering, "How could this happen? There's more than one of them!"

Xingling's face turned pale, trembling as he replied, "It's said Shadow Assassins never act alone; seems it's true…"

Guangming Shizhe, seeing Xingji Xiake and Blue Star Guardian entangled, immediately prepared a supporting strike; a holy light shot from his hand toward the Shadow Assassin.

Yet, just as the holy light was about to hit its target, a black dart flew from the darkness, striking Guangming Shizhe's shoulder precisely.

He let out a muffled grunt, clutching the wound as he fell to the ground, his complexion turning pale instantly.

"Guangming Shizhe!" Kelinda shouted, trying to rush forward to help, but Xingyun Zhizhe blocked her.

"Don't go, it's too dangerous! We must conserve our strength now."

Xingyun Zhizhe's voice trembled slightly; he had never felt so powerless.

He looked around, his eyes filled with despair.

The number of Shadow Assassins far exceeded their expectations, and each was formidable; they were completely suppressed, with no chance of victory.

In the tense atmosphere, a gaunt man shrieked, "A bunch of trash daring to challenge us elders? Submit and die!" The other Shadow Assassins also sneered, as if victory was assured.

Hei Sha stood at a distance, watching coldly, a cruel smile curling his lips. He regarded the surrounded group as a flock of lambs awaiting slaughter.

Zhang Cheng's heart sank to the bottom of a valley; he felt an unprecedented pressure.

He knew that if they didn't find a way to break through, all of them would die here.

He forced himself to stay calm, scrutinizing the Shadow Assassins' formation, seeking any flaw… Suddenly, his eyes brightened, as if he'd discovered something.

He inhaled deeply, addressing the group, "Xiake, Guardian, hear my command…"

Zhang Cheng's gaze, sharp as a hawk, swept over the movements of each shadow assassin; their formation seemed perfect, yet concealed hidden tricks.

"Xingji Xiake, Blue Star Guardian, have you spotted the third assassin on the left wing of their formation? His position is slightly rearward; that is their weak point!" Zhang Cheng's voice was low and powerful, and in the noisy surroundings it reached the two clearly.

Xingji Xiake and Blue Star Guardian exchanged a glance, and both instantly understood Zhang Cheng's intent.

Blue Star Guardian gritted the pain, unleashed massive energy, and a dazzling beam, like a sword, slashed toward the front enemy, drawing most assassins' attention.

Xingji Xiake seized the chance, moving like lightning, circled to the flank of the assassin formation, and rushed straight for the rear‑positioned assassin.

"Looking for death!" the gaunt man shouted sharply, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

He brandished the blade in his hand and charged at Xingji Xiake, trying to stop him.

However, Xingji Xiake's speed far exceeded his expectation; with a flash he evaded the attack, and his energy sword traced a fierce arc that struck the target assassin's chest.

The assassin let out a howl, staggered backward, and a deep wound exposing bone appeared on his chest. Blood spurted out, staining the ground red.

"Useless!" Hei Sha saw this, his face darkened, a flash of anger in his eyes. He hadn't expected that, under these circumstances, the opponent could still land a successful counter.

Nevertheless, the shadow assassins did not retreat; instead they grew more ferocious, blood‑thirsty glints flashing in their eyes.

They moved like puppets controlled by some force, fearlessly charging at everyone, their assault becoming even more violent.

The wounded assassin clutched his injury and let out a low roar; the wound was healing at a visible speed.

A chilling aura spread, and an ominous foreboding rose in everyone's hearts.

"Their power... seems to have strengthened..." Xingyun Zhizhe's face turned pale, his voice trembling as he spoke.

Zhang Cheng's expression also grew solemn; he felt a massive pressure, as if an invisible giant hand were clutching his throat.

"Prepare for battle!" he growled, gripping his weapon tightly, his gaze fixed ahead. "No matter what, we must survive!" He seized Kelinda's arm, pulling her behind him. "Protect her well."