Chapter 355: Storms Swirl on the Eve of the Final Battle

Ao Li, Lín Jìn and Ling Yin, after obtaining the Second Key Fragment in the ancient temple, fell into a heavy encirclement by the Black-robed People, yet they showed no hint of fear; instead their eyes radiated determination and resolve, and a thrilling battle was about to erupt.

The leading Black-robed Person sneered darkly: "You reckless fools, you actually found the key fragment. But this will be your death warrant." With that, he swung his staff, and the surrounding Black-robed People surged toward the three like a tide.

Ao Li launched the first attack, wielding Inheritance Power and her awakened strength to the limit, golden light blazing like a scorching sun. As she swung her long sword, Sword Qi crisscrossed in all directions, instantly repelling the frontmost Black-robed People. Lín Jìn was not to be outdone; he quickly formed seals with both hands, powerful energy gathered in his palms, then turned into beams of energy, precisely firing at the Black-robed crowd. Where the beams struck, the Black-robed People dodged, their formation thrown into chaos.

Ling Yin then played the Jade Flute, a melodious and mysterious tune spiraling in the air. As the flute sounded, the surrounding space seemed to undergo subtle changes. Some Black-robed People, under the flute's influence, moved sluggishly, their eyes grew hazy.

"Everyone be careful, these Black-robed People are no ordinary foes," Ao Li said while fighting, reminding Lín Jìn and Ling Yin. Lín Jìn nodded in response, while increasing his energy output, trying to tear a gap in the encirclement.

At that moment, the leading Black-robed Person swung his staff again, a black energy barrier appeared around the Black-robed People, blocking Ao Li and Lín Jìn's attacks. Then he muttered incantations; the gem at the staff tip flashed with eerie light, and many black vines shot up from the ground, coiling toward the three.

Ao Li's eyes were sharp, and she cut the approaching vines with her long sword. Yet the vines kept emerging, soon restricting the three's movement. Lín Jìn gathered all his strength, released a massive energy shockwave, shattering the surrounding vines. But the Black-robed People seized the chance, launching another assault; countless black energy projectiles shot toward the three.

Ao Li, Lín Jìn and Ling Yin quickly scattered to dodge; the energy projectiles hit the ground, causing a series of explosions. Taking advantage of the pause, Ling Yin played a rapid melody. With the flute's sound, a powerful airflow swirled inside the temple, dispersing the Black-robed People's attacks and also blowing some of them into disarray.

"We can't stay here for a long fight; we must find a way to break out," Lín Jìn shouted. Ao Li nodded in agreement, observing the surroundings, and noticed the Black-robed People's rear defense was relatively weak.

"Lín Jìn, Ling Yin, we concentrate our power to break through the rear line!" Ao Li shouted loudly. The three instantly understood, they combined their forces and launched a fierce attack toward the rear Black-robed People. Ao Li's Sword Qi, Lín Jìn's energy beams, and the airflow triggered by Ling Yin's flute blended, forming a tremendous force that instantly shattered the Black-robed People's line.

The three seized the chance to break out, rushing toward the temple exit. The Black-robed People, seeing this, gave chase relentlessly. When they reached outside the temple, the sky was already dimming. The forest was filled with an oppressive atmosphere, like the calm before a storm.

Ao Li, Lín Jìn and Ling Yin halted, turned to face the pursuing Black-robed People. At this point they were already far from the temple, but the Black-robed People clearly would not let them go easily.

"Do you think you can escape? Hand over the key fragment, and perhaps we'll let you keep a whole corpse." The leading Black-robed Person said viciously.

Ao Li sneered: "Delusional! You evil scum, you'll never get the key fragment."

Lín Jìn also clenched his fists, his body's energy fluctuations growing stronger: "Today is your doom."

Ling Yin placed the Jade Flute at her lips, her eyes steady: "Together, we will make them never return."

Just as both sides were tense, a dazzling meteor streaked across the sky. The meteor left a long tail, falling toward the forest. Ao Li and the others and the Black-robed People were all drawn to the sudden sight.

"This is…" Ao Li felt an ominous premonition. Before they could react, the meteor's impact site emitted a strong energy surge, shaking the entire forest.

As the energy wave spread, a massive silhouette rose slowly from the smoke. It was a monster as huge as a mountain, its body covered in black scales, exuding a powerful evil aura. Its eyes were like two blood‑red suns, filled with destructive desire.

"This is the ultimate Guardian Beast summoned by the Dark Abyss Society; it seems they will stop at nothing to block us," the leading Black-robed Person said, smiling smugly.

Ao Li, Lín Jìn and Ling Yin stared at the colossal monster, understanding that the true final battle was imminent. They inhaled deeply, exchanged resolute glances. Ao Li raised her long sword high, golden light illuminating the surrounding darkness; Lín Jìn's surrounding energy glow surged, as if to clash with the darkness to the end; Ling Yin played a stirring tune, the flute's sound full of fearless courage.

They knew this fight would be extremely hard, but they were fully prepared; no matter the cost, they would protect the Second Key Fragment, for the honor of the Dragon Clan, for the peace of the universe, and engage in a battle that would shake heaven and earth. On the eve of this decisive battle, their figures seemed tiny yet steadfast, like three brilliant stars in the darkness, radiating unyielding light…