Chapter 357: Fierce Battle in Full Swing

Ao Li, Lín Jìn and Ling Yin, together with the Silver Armor Guard, defeated most of the Black-robed People, but they did not let down their guard. Because they knew the Dark Abyss Society was vast and would not give up easily. Sure enough, before long, the sky suddenly filled with dense black clouds, black lightning streaked through the clouds, and a suppressing, evil aura spread out.

"It seems the real trouble has arrived." Ao Li tightened her grip on the long sword, her eyes vigilantly watching the sky. Lín Jìn gave a slight nod, their energy circulating around them, ready to meet the impending attack. Ling Yin placed the Jade Flute to their lips, and the melodious flute tone sounded again, its sound containing soothing and warning power, keeping everyone's mind calm while also broadcasting a danger signal outward.

The Silver Armor Guard quickly formed ranks; they wore silver armor, wielded long spears, and their uniform movements displayed strong discipline and combat power. The Leader of the Silver Armor Guard stood at the front of the formation, eyes blazing, and shouted loudly, "Brothers, stay alert; we must not let these evil scum set foot even a half step into the forest!"

As the black clouds rolled on, a swarm of black shadows fell rapidly from the clouds. After landing, these shadows turned into a group of mysterious figures clad in black robes; they were numerous and once again surrounded Ao Li and the others. The leading Black-robed Person was tall, his face hidden in the shadow of his hood, revealing only a pair of eyes flashing with a ghostly green light, exuding endless gloom and evil.

"You think defeating a few petty thugs can stop our plan? You're simply delusional!" the leading Black-robed Person's voice was low and icy, as if coming from Nine Abyss Hell.

Ao Li let out a cold snort, responded without fear, "You evil scum, your misdeeds are many; today is your day of retribution!" With that, Ao Li launched the first attack. She merged Inheritance Power with her own overwhelming strength; the long sword blazed brilliantly, and a golden Sword Qi several zhang long roared out like an enraged dragon, charging at the leading Black-robed Person.

Seeing this, the Black-robed Person swung his staff, and a black energy shield instantly appeared, blocking Ao Li's Sword Qi. The Sword Qi and the energy shield collided, erupting a flash of dazzling light and a thunderous boom, and a powerful gust spread outward, making everyone's robes flutter loudly.

Lín Jìn seized the chance, quickly formed seals with both hands, muttering incantations. In the sky, countless blue energy beams appeared, raining down on the Black-robed People like raindrops. The Black-robed People cast spells to resist; for a moment, black energy shields and blue beams intertwined, the forest flickered with light, and explosions rang out one after another.

Ling Yin did not idle either; she played an exhilarating melody, and the flute sound turned into a series of Sound Wave Blades that flew toward the Black-robed People. Where the Sound Wave Blades passed, the Black-robed People's energy shields rippled in layers; some weaker Black-robed People were even pierced directly by the blades, suffering grievous wounds.

Under the Leader's command, the Silver Armor Guard held their spears, forming a tight square formation, slowly advancing toward the Black-robed People. Their spears glimmered with cold light, like a silver sea, exuding a strong sense of pressure.

The Black-robed People, seeing the unfavorable situation, began to disperse their attacks. One part rushed toward the Silver Armor Guard formation, trying to break through; another part engaged Ao Li, Lín Jìn and Ling Yin in close combat.

Ao Li moved effortlessly among the Black-robed People, swinging her long sword and shedding sprays of blood. Her figure was light and agile, each strike precise and lethal. Lín Jìn coordinated with Ao Li, delivering powerful energy attacks from afar to support her, while also timely blocking side and rear ambushes.

Ling Yin simultaneously played the Jade Flute to disrupt the Black-robed People's actions and skillfully dodged their attacks. Her flute tone at times resembled mountain streams, causing hallucinations in the Black-robed People; at other times it sounded like clashing steel and galloping warhorses, boosting the morale of the allies.

However, the Black-robed People seemed prepared as well. They unleashed a bizarre formation that trapped Ao Li and the others inside. Within the formation, black smoke billowed, obscuring direction, and black tendrils constantly emerged from the haze to assault everyone.

"Everyone, be careful, this formation is strange!" Ao Li shouted a warning. She focused her spirit, trying to find a flaw in the formation. Lín Jìn continuously released energy, attempting to break the formation's restraints, but each time the force rebounded.

Ling Yin closed her eyes, relying on keen perception, and added a special rhythm into the flute sound. This rhythm acted like a sonar, helping everyone sense changes in the surrounding environment.

With Ling Yin's flute assistance, Ao Li finally discovered the core of the formation—a black stone platform at its center. The platform was etched with bizarre runes that continuously emitted black energy, sustaining the formation's operation.

"Lín Jìn, let's attack the formation's core together!" Ao Li called. Lín Jìn immediately understood, and both elevated their power to the limit, a golden Sword Qi and a blue energy beam simultaneously shot toward the black stone platform.

Under the massive assault, the stone platform shook violently, its runes flickered erratically. The Black-robed People sensed danger and tried to strengthen the formation, but it was too late. With a deafening crash, the black stone platform shattered, and the formation dissipated.

Deprived of the formation's protection, the Black-robed People's ranks fell into chaos. Ao Li, Lín Jìn, Ling Yin and the Silver Armor Guard seized the opportunity and launched a full‑scale counterattack. For a moment, shouts, battle cries, and spell collisions intertwined, echoing throughout the forest.

With everyone's combined effort, the Black-robed People gradually could not hold, beginning to retreat step by step. The leading Black-robed Person, seeing the unfavorable turn, tried to flee again, but was blocked by the Leader of the Silver Armor Guard and Ao Li working together.

"You can't escape!" Ao Li's eyes flashed with resolve, her long sword pointing straight at the Black-robed Person's throat. The Black-robed Person grimaced, his staff gathered its last ounce of power and surged toward Ao Li. Ao Li sidestepped, then thrust her sword into the Black-robed Person's chest. The Black-robed Person let out a muffled groan, the staff fell, and his body slowly collapsed.

With the leader's fall, the remaining Black-robed People surrendered one after another. This fierce battle finally drew to a close, and Ao Li's group successfully repelled another assault by the Dark Abyss Society.

In the forest, sunlight pierced the clouds like a sword, stabbing the land that had just endured the flames of war. Ao Li, Lín Jìn, Ling Yin and the Silver Armor Guard exchanged glances, solemn expressions appearing on their faces…