Chapter 263: Crystallized Prison

Lín Jìn and Ao Li were fighting the lingering consciousness phantom of Lin Yuan at full strength, the battle in full swing; the space twisted and deformed under the collision of their powers, black rifts like the gaping maw of a ferocious beast greedily devouring everything around. At that moment, Lin Li, standing nearby, sensed something amiss.

Within the deep data structures of this Chan dao Yuzhou, some critical vulnerability data are on the brink of being erased by the Observer. Those data might be vital clues to thwart the Observer's plot; if they disappear, all their previous efforts could be in vain. Lin Li fully understood the gravity of the situation, and at this critical moment, she had no time to think further and resolutely made a startling decision.

Lin Li concentrated all her spirit, summoned her latent power, and let her brain begin Crystallization. Her head gradually emitted a glittering radiance, like countless tiny stars coalescing, soon enveloping her entire brain. The Crystallization process was excruciating; Lin Li bit her lip, blood trickling down the corner of her mouth, yet her gaze remained unwavering.

With Crystallization complete, Lin Li successfully transformed her brain into a powerful Firewall, standing before those vulnerability data and shielding them from the Observer's malicious erasure. However, this extreme act brought severe consequences: Lin Li's speech function was lost. She opened her mouth but could only emit a garbled sound, her eyes filled with helplessness and pain.

"Lin Li!" Ling Yue was the first to notice Lin Li's abnormality, rushing toward her with burning anxiety. Seeing Lin Li's Crystallized brain, Ling Yue felt a sharp sting in her heart. She understood that Lin Li made such a monumental sacrifice for everyone, for their shared mission.

Lín Jìn and Ao Li also stopped fighting the phantom at this moment and hurried over. Seeing Lin Li's condition, a flash of self‑reproach and anger crossed Lín Jìn's eyes. "Lin Li, why are you doing this again…?" they muttered, their fist unconsciously clenching.

While everyone was immersed in sorrow and worry, Lin Li's Crystallized brain suddenly detected an unknown signal fluctuation. The fluctuation resembled mysterious pulses, rhythmically beating as if conveying some information.

"What is this signal? Could it be Lin Li trying to communicate with us?" Ao Li said, puzzled.

Ling Yue shook her head. "Unclear, but the signal is unfamiliar, unlike any communication method we know. Perhaps… it relates to a secret of this Chan dao Yuzhou."

Lín Jìn inhaled deeply, striving to steady themselves. "Regardless, we must decipher the meaning of this signal. It might help us resolve the current predicament and find a way to restore Lin Li."

Thus, everyone set to work again. Ling Yue produced a portable analyzer she carried, attempting to parse the unknown signal. Lín Jìn and Ao Li stood guard nearby, vigilantly watching the surroundings to prevent Lin Yuan's lingering consciousness phantom from launching another attack, while also keeping an eye out for any other potential dangers.

Time passed second by second; Ling Yue's forehead was dotted with fine beads of sweat, her gaze fixed on the constantly flickering data on the device, her hands striking the control panel at speed. Finally, after arduous effort, the instrument displayed some preliminary analysis results.

"This signal… seems to be an ancient encrypted message, closely linked to the origin of this Chan dao Yuzhou. Yet to fully decode it, we still need more clues," Ling Yue said, frowning.

Lín Jìn nodded. "It appears our exploration of this Chan dao Yuzhou is far from over. No matter what difficulties we face, we must uncover everything, restore Lin Li, and break the Observer's plot."

Just then, the lingering consciousness phantom of Lin Yuan, which had temporarily withdrawn, seemed to sense their actions, let out another roar, and charged toward the group…