Chapter 280: Returning Empty‑Handed

A black energy beam, bearing a destructive aura, whistled toward them, and everyone strained all their strength to dodge.

The explosion roared deafeningly, and the splintered rocks, like sharp blades, sliced the air, leaving streaks of afterimages.

Amidst the swirling dust, the group clumsily scrambled to their feet, still shaken.

"Kelinda!" Guangming Shizhe cried out, and saw Kelinda lying on the ground, her complexion pale, a strand of fresh blood spilling from the corner of her mouth.

Earlier, to protect her, the Blue Star Guardian had used his body to block most of the impact; now he teeters, his body covered in bruises.

The energy transmission was cut off, the light on the staff dimmed, and the Crystal Elf collapsed weakly on the ground, shaking her head in despair: "It's over... everything is over..."

The Dark Lord's silhouette slowly appeared in the air, cloaked in a black robe, his face hidden in shadow, exuding a chilling aura of authority.

"Presumptuous ants, daring to challenge my authority!" his voice was low and hoarse, like a demon from hell.

Behind him, the Shadow Assassin let out a sharp, screeching laugh, like the hoot of a night owl, sending chills down one's spine.

"Master, these guys are truly worthless, yet they still try to resist!"

The gaunt man flattered himself with a smile: "Exactly, even a single subordinate of the Black Shark Boss can deal with them, and they still dare to imagine opposing our great Dark Lord—how presumptuous!"

Kelinda clenched her teeth, struggling to stand, but found her whole body weak, the intense pain making it hard to breathe.

She watched helplessly as the light on the staff faded, her heart filled with despair and resentment.

Zhang Cheng half‑kneeling beside her, asked worriedly, "Kelinda, how are you?"

She shook her head weakly, tears blurring her sight. "I... I'm fine..." her voice was so faint it was barely audible.

Xingyun Zhizhe knit his brows; he knew that missing this chance would leave them with no chance of turning the tide.

The Dark Lord's power far exceeded their imagination, and now they had lost their most crucial support.

Xingji Xiake clenched his fists, angry flames burning in his eyes. He sprang to his feet, glaring at the Dark Lord in the sky, "You despicable scoundrel!"

His figure turned into a bolt of lightning, charging straight toward the Dark Lord...

Xingji Xiake's silhouette shot like an arrow from a bow, wrapped in angry flame, hurtling at the Dark Lord in mid‑air.

The blade in his hand sliced the air, emitting a sharp whistling sound, as if to tear the Dark Lord to pieces.

"Presumptuous!" the Dark Lord snorted coldly, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

He merely waved his hand lightly, and a surge of powerful dark energy rose like a tide, instantly enveloping Xingji Xiake.

Xingji Xiake felt his body stiffen, as if bound by invisible shackles, unable to move.

The blade in his hand drooped helplessly, the angry flame gradually extinguished, replaced by deep despair.

"Xiake!" Guangming Shizhe shouted, trying to rush forward to rescue, but an invisible barrier pushed him back.

The others also tried in turn, but all returned without success.

The dark power rose like an impenetrable wall, separating them from Xingji Xiake.

"Hahaha, foolish mortals, your power before me is as tiny as ants!" the Dark Lord roared, his voice full of smugness and mockery.

The gaunt man and the Shadow Assassin also sneered in bursts, as if ridiculing their helplessness.

Just as the group fell into despair, a figure suddenly burst out of the darkness.

It was the Amethyst Guardian!

He had been corrupted by dark power, like a walking corpse, but now he suddenly broke free of part of the control, a struggling light flickering in his eyes.

He let out a roar, swinging the massive axe in his hand, slashing toward the Dark Lord.

This move surprised everyone; they were both shocked and delighted, not understanding why he suddenly rebelled against the Dark Lord.

The Dark Lord clearly hadn't anticipated the Amethyst Guardian's sudden assault, a slight pause. In that brief instant, a glint of brilliance flashed in Xingyun Zhizhe's eyes.

"Now!" he shouted, his hands swiftly forming seals, gathering the remaining few's energy into a dazzling beam, firing toward the Crystal Elf.

"Crystal Elf, hurry!"

The Crystal Elf sat cross‑legged, palms together, drawing the beam into her body.

Her once dim, lightless staff now radiated brilliant light again, a surge of powerful energy rippling from her... "Hold steady!"

"Xingyun Zhizhe's forehead beaded with sweat, his expression solemn.

Around the Crystal Elf's body, the light grew ever brighter, nearly illuminating the entire space.

A powerful life energy surged within her, as if about to burst forth.

A satisfied smile appeared on Xingyun Zhizhe's face; he knew they had bet correctly.

"Just a little more!" Kelinda clenched her fists, nervously staring at the Crystal Elf.

The others also held their breath, awaiting a miracle.

Even the Xingji Xiake bound by dark power saw a spark of hope in his eyes.

The Dark Lord had initially been caught off guard by the Amethyst Guardian's sudden strike, but quickly regained his footing.

He watched the Crystal Elf's growing light, a trace of malice flashing in his eyes.

"Trying to turn the tables? Dream on!"

He swung his hand violently, a darker energy even stronger than before, roaring like a beast, charging straight at the Crystal Elf.

The dark wave moved at extreme speed; the group barely reacted before seeing it slam violently into the Crystal Elf.

"No!" Xingyun Zhizhe shouted desperately.

The light on the Crystal Elf instantly dimmed, she let out a muffled hum, a strand of fresh blood spilling from her mouth corner, and the staff in her hand fell to the ground.

The energy transmission that had been about to complete was thus interrupted.

The Amethyst Guardian was also blasted by the powerful dark energy, slammed heavily onto the ground, and lost consciousness.

The Dark Lord laughed triumphantly.

"Presumptuous! You ants think you can challenge my authority?" he stepped forward toward the Crystal Elf, blood‑thirsty light flashing in his eyes.

"Now, the game is over!"

Xingji Xiake exhausted all his strength, trying to break free of the dark power's shackles, but to no avail.

He could only watch helplessly as the Dark Lord approached the Crystal Elf, his heart filled with a sense of powerlessness.

"No... don't..." Guangming Shizhe trembled, tears blurring their eyes.

Blue Star Guardian looked at the trapped Xingji Xiake and the Crystal Elf lying on the ground, his fist clenched tightly, nails digging deep into his flesh, and he whispered, "I'm sorry..."

Blue Star Guardian knelt beside the Purple Crystal Guardian, helplessly pounding the ground.

He clenched his teeth, his eyes reddened, yet his gaze remained fixed on the Xingji Xiake bound by the Dark Power.

He could feel the Xingji Xiake's pain, that invisible Dark Power coiled around his body like countless poisonous snakes, devouring his will.

If he were a bit stronger, a bit faster, could he block that strike from the Dark Lord?

This piercing, bone‑deep self‑blame surged like a tide, nearly drowning him.

Xingji Xiake struggled to lift his head, meeting Blue Star Guardian's gaze.

He read the self‑reproach in Blue Star Guardian's eyes, a warm current rose in his heart, yet it was mixed with an even deeper sense of powerlessness.

He wanted to speak comfort to Blue Star Guardian, but no sound came, only a silent encouragement conveyed through his eyes.

Between the two, a heavy, oppressive silence lingered.

The Dark Lord did not rush to deal with the Crystal Elf; he stood with his hands behind his back, pacing, his cold laugh echoing in everyone's ears like a death‑summoning curse.

He seemed to relish the despair on everyone's faces, enjoying the thrill of absolute control.

Within that cold laugh lay a deeper malice that sent shivers down the spine.

Zhang Cheng forced himself to stay calm, his mind racing, trying to find a sliver of hope for escape.

Yet, facing such a powerful Dark Lord, he felt an unprecedented helplessness.

Xingyun Zhizhe sat dejectedly on the ground, hands covering his face, unable to think of any way to reverse the current situation.

Kelinda and Guangming Shizhe clung tightly together, supporting each other; their eyes were filled with fear, yet they would not abandon hope.

Suddenly, the Dark Lord stopped his cold laugh.

He lifted his head, strange light flickering in his black pupils.

He slowly raised both hands, the Dark Power throughout his body began to surge wildly, the surrounding space seemed devoured by darkness... "Has it begun..." Zhang Cheng whispered.