Chapter 350: Conspiracy Takes Shape, Pressure Descends

Ao Li and Lín Jìn stood before the ancient city buried in ice and snow, watching the mysterious runes on the walls flicker in the blizzard, their sense of urgency growing stronger. As the investigation deepened step by step, the outline of the conspiracy gradually rose clearly to the surface, and this made them truly feel a massive pressure like the weight of Mount Tai bearing down.

Ao Li stared at the ancient city, brows furrowed, thoughts swirling. "Lín Jìn, from the records in the ancient texts and everything we've discovered so far, this conspiracy is far larger and more complex than we imagined. Shadow Moon Sect, Dark Abyss Society—they have been plotting for who knows how long for the First-generation Gene Sample and their ambition to rule the universe. And we now are like wanderers groping in darkness; although we are beginning to see some light, the road ahead remains fraught with danger."

Lín Jìn nodded slightly, his eyes showing a mix of resolve and worry. "Yes, Ao Li. With each step forward we uncover more hidden secrets and perils. It's like a huge vortex pulling us deeper. But we cannot retreat; for the proud battle, for stopping this disaster that could destroy the universe, we must press on."

Ao Li took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner unrest. She knew this was not the time for fear or hesitation. "You're right, Lín Jìn. We bear a great mission and cannot disappoint those who trust us. Yet every time I think of the possible consequences of this conspiracy, the pressure feels like a mountain. Countless lives could vanish because of Dark Abyss Society's madness, and the peace and order of the universe would be shattered."

Lín Jìn gently clasped Ao Li's hand, giving her strength. "Ao Li, I understand how you feel. But we have each other and the forces that support us. We have overcome so many hardships on this road; we can do it again."

After encouraging each other, they stepped into the ancient city. Inside, a dead silence hung in the air, thick snow covering most streets and buildings. They moved cautiously, listening for any sounds. Suddenly, a gust of cold wind howled, whipping up the snow on the ground and forming a snow curtain. Within the curtain, vague silhouettes began to appear.

"Careful, something's coming!" Ao Li swiftly drew her long sword, and Inheritance Power instantly spread over her body, golden light illuminating the surrounding darkness.

Lín Jìn also readied for battle, energy coalescing in his hand. The silhouettes grew clearer, revealing a group of ghost soldiers clad in ancient battle armor. They brandished weapons, eyes hollow, exuding a chilling aura as they slowly advanced toward Ao Li and Lín Jìn.

"These ghost soldiers look tricky; we must handle them carefully," Lín Jìn said, observing their movement patterns.

Ao Li nodded, silently devising a plan. "Lín Jìn, these ghost soldiers seem to be controlled by some force. We need to find the source quickly, or we'll be stuck in a prolonged war."

The ghost soldiers suddenly quickened their steps, brandishing weapons as they charged. Ao Li flashed, leapt into the mass of soldiers, and swung her sword; Sword Qi streaked across, striking several ghost soldiers. Yet the hit soldiers merely paused briefly before resuming their attack.

Lín Jìn released a powerful energy wave from beside her, trying to repel the ghost soldiers. But the soldiers seemed tireless, wave after wave surging forward. Ao Li grew anxious, knowing this could not continue and that they must find a way to break the deadlock soon.

At that moment, Ao Li noticed that each time a ghost soldier was struck, the runes on its armor flashed. "Lín Jìn, attack the runes on their armor! That might be their weakness!" she shouted loudly.

Hearing her, Lín Jìn immediately altered his attack, concentrating energy on the runes of the ghost soldiers' armor. Sure enough, the soldier whose rune was hit began to dissipate, turning into a gust of cold wind and vanishing into the air. Under their combined assault, the number of ghost soldiers steadily decreased.

Yet Ao Li and Lín Jìn understood this was only the first trial within the ancient city. Deeper inside, more dangers awaited. How far were they from the key fragment? Had Dark Abyss Society already pursued them? At this pivotal moment when the conspiracy was becoming clear, could they succeed in stopping Dark Abyss Society's mad plan? Everything was shrouded in unknowns and suspense…