Chapter 262: Patricide Code

Lin Li trembled in pain, her consciousness swaying, about to fall under the Observer's interference. Lín Jìn was frantic, yet with no recourse, he could only watch helplessly as Lin Li endured torment. At that moment, Lín Jìn suddenly felt a wave of warmth over his body; looking down, he saw the Abyss Return Ruler emitting a strange light. The light seemed alive, constantly jumping and flickering, as if trying to convey some message to Lín Jìn.

Lín Jìn's heart stirred; he focused his mind and established a connection with the Abyss Return Ruler. In an instant, countless pieces of information flooded his mind like a tide. He was astonished to discover that the Abyss Return Ruler seemed to hide a world-shaking secret, and this secret was closely tied to resolving the current crisis. The ruler contained a key; to activate and inherit it, one actually had to slay the lingering consciousness of Lin Yuan left here.

"How could this be…" Lín Jìn muttered, his brows knotted into a river-like shape. Lin Yuan, this mysterious existence, had always been closely linked to their fate, yet now he must face it in this way.

Ao Li noticed Lín Jìn's expression change and hurriedly asked, "Lín Jìn, what happened?"

Lín Jìn informed everyone of the Abyss Return Ruler's secret. Ling Yue, upon hearing, fell into thought: "This might be our only way to escape the predicament. Since the Observer fears it so, this key must possess great power."

However, slaying Lin Yuan's lingering consciousness is no easy task. Lín Jìn well knew that this was not merely a contest of strength, but also a test of his own heart.

Amid the silence, Ao Li suddenly spoke, a flash of resolve and remembrance in her eyes: "I… I might be able to help. Actually, in my past life I was a comrade of Lin Yuan. We shared countless life-and-death experiences, so I am intimately familiar with the fluctuations of his consciousness. I volunteer to become the medium for slaying his lingering consciousness."

Everyone was astonished; they had not expected Ao Li to have such an unknown past. Lín Jìn looked at Ao Li, his eyes filled with complex emotion: "Ao Li, this is too dangerous. Even if you know his consciousness, if you fail…"

Ao Li gave a faint smile, her expression carrying a hint of nonchalance and determination: "Lín Jìn, we have no retreat. To thwart the Observer's plot and secure a future for all of us, I am willing to try."

Lín Jìn knew Ao Li's character; once she made a decision, it was hard to change. He took a deep breath and said: "All right, Ao Li. But you must be careful—I will assist you fully from the side."

Ling Yue also stepped forward, taking Ao Li's hand: "Ao Li, rest assured, we will all support you."

Thus, Ao Li slowly closed her eyes, began to mobilize her inner power, and tried to sense the presence of Lin Yuan's lingering consciousness. A faint greenish light spread around her body, rippling like water waves, probing every trace of breath around her.

Lín Jìn gripped the Abyss Return Ruler tightly, his full attention fixed on Ao Li. He could feel the immense pressure she was bearing; every subtle change might decide success or failure.

As Ao Li's perception deepened, beads of sweat gradually covered her forehead. Suddenly she flung her eyes open, a flash of delight and wariness crossing her gaze: "Found it! Lin Yuan's lingering consciousness lies not far ahead. But his consciousness is immensely powerful, and it carries a mad, twisted aura."

Lín Jìn nodded: "No matter what, we must give it a try. Ao Li, you guide me toward his consciousness, and I will launch an attack with the Abyss Return Ruler."

The three slowly advanced in the direction Ao Li pointed. The surrounding space seemed to sense the impending battle, beginning to tremble slightly. When they reached a region of spatial distortion, a powerful and evil consciousness surged toward them.

"This is the place!" Ao Li said.

Lín Jìn took a deep breath, raised the Abyss Return Ruler high. The ruler blazed with light, a dazzling beam shooting toward the evil consciousness. At the same time, Ao Li merged her power with Lín Jìn's attack, seeking to amplify its force.

The evil consciousness sensed the threat, instantly coalescing into a massive phantom. The phantom resembled Lin Yuan closely, but its visage was twisted, its eyes revealing endless killing intent.

"You ants, dare to dream of slaying me!" the phantom roared, its voice like rolling thunder, shaking the surrounding space into continual fragmentation.

Lín Jìn showed no fear: "Lin Yuan, no matter who you once were, your lingering consciousness has now been corrupted by evil; to thwart the Observer's plot, we must do this!"

Having spoken, he increased the Abyss Return Ruler's power; the light became like a sword, thrusting straight at the phantom. The phantom, unwilling to yield, extended a huge arm to seize the light…