Chapter 129: Supplement

Everyone quickly regrouped, replenished their spiritual power, and repaired the damaged magic treasures and spirit boat. Su Chen carefully observed that mysterious island, trying to find the pattern of the spiritual power storm and a point to break through. He discovered that although the storm seemed chaotic, it periodically showed a brief weakening.

"Listen up, the spiritual power storm weakens for a moment each time an incense stick burns; we must seize this chance to rush through." Su Chen shouted to everyone, "Lin Jianran, use sound interference to disturb the storm and prolong the weakening as much as possible; Ling'er, lead the disciples to fully maintain the spirit boat's defense, ensuring we can pass safely; Black Cat, watch for any approaching danger."

When the storm's weakening period came again, the spirit boat shot forward like an arrow released from a bow toward the mysterious island. Lin Jianran's sound turned into streaks of invisible force, countering the storm and slightly prolonging the weakening. Ling'er directed the disciples to raise the defensive grand formation to its utmost; the spirit boat shook violently in the storm, but everyone gritted their teeth and held on.

Finally, the spirit boat successfully broke through the spiritual power storm and reached the edge of the mysterious island. But as soon as it approached, the island shot out strands of strange light, like arrows aimed at the spirit boat. Su Chen hastily waved his long sword, sword qi crisscrossing, trying to block the light. Others also took out their magic treasures to resist.

Thanks to everyone's effort, the light was temporarily blocked, but suddenly a group of tree-like monsters appeared on the island, marching with heavy steps toward the spirit boat's direction. These tree monsters exuded strong wood-attribute spiritual power; with each step, the ground trembled.

"Prepare for battle!" Su Chen shouted. Everyone readied themselves; as the tree monsters approached, Su Chen took the lead, unleashing a powerful sword qi that slashed at the leading tree monster. The tree monster was hit, a deep wound appearing on its body, yet it showed no sign of retreat—instead, it quickened its pace.

Lin Jianran played a stirring battle song, boosting everyone's spiritual power and fighting spirit. Ling'er led the disciples in unleashing various attack spells, bombarding the tree monsters. Black Cat meanwhile searched for the monsters' weak points, occasionally issuing attack orders. For a moment, magical light flickered at the island's edge, and the battle was fiercely intense.

Under the concerted attack of everyone, the tree monsters gradually fell, but then a low, deep roar came from the island, as if a stronger presence had been awakened. Su Chen frowned, knowing the real challenge had just begun.

"Everyone be careful, a stronger enemy is coming." Su Chen warned. Everyone gripped their weapons, eyes fixed on the island's depths, ready to meet the new challenge. Suddenly a huge nine-headed serpent burst from the island's jungle; each of its heads could spew powerful flames and poison, its body as massive as a mountain range, and wherever it passed, trees toppled over.

Su Chen knew well how formidable the nine-headed serpent was, and he dared not be careless. "Lin Jianran, use your sound to disturb its movements; Ling'er, organize the disciples to set up a defensive barrier to block flames and poison; I and several elders will handle the frontal attack." Su Chen quickly made the deployment.

Lin Jianran's sound rose like a sudden storm, attempting to interfere with the nine-headed serpent's actions. Affected by the sound, the serpent's movements became somewhat sluggish, but it quickly adapted and began spewing flames and poison at the spirit boat. Ling'er led the disciples in swiftly erecting a defensive barrier, keeping the flames and poison outside. Su Chen and the several elders then unleashed their strongest attack spells, striking at the serpent's heads.

The battle entered a white-hot stage, with everyone and the nine-headed serpent locked in a stalemate. But just then, a group of mysterious flying creatures suddenly appeared in the sky, flying toward the spirit boat and the nine-headed serpent, friend or foe unknown. Su Chen's heart tightened; he did not know what even more terrifying crises might await them, but he knew they could not give up—they must land on this mysterious island and uncover its secrets.

Su Chen, while vigilantly watching the approaching mysterious flying creatures, also secretly gathered power; his long sword hummed, ready to respond to any sudden situation.

Those flying creatures moved at extreme speed, arriving in the blink of an eye. Everyone looked up and saw they were huge, their feathers flashing with an odd metallic sheen, their sharp beaks and talons seeming able to tear anything apart. Just as everyone thought they were about to attack, the flock suddenly hovered not far above their heads, showing no clear hostility.

Black Cat, relying on its keen perception, whispered, "They seem not to intend an immediate attack; rather, they appear to be observing us." Su Chen nodded slightly and shouted loudly, "Everyone, hold your positions and maintain the defensive formation; do not act rashly."

Shortly after, a larger flying creature with golden‑shimmering feathers broke away from the flock and slowly landed on a large stone not far ahead of the group. It tilted its head, gazing at everyone with eyes that seemed to hold wisdom, and then spoke in human language: "Outsiders, you have intruded here—what is your purpose?"

Su Chen's heart jumped—he hadn't expected this flying creature to understand human speech. He quickly stepped forward, clasped his fists in salute, and said respectfully, "We come from afar, having heard that this mysterious island holds endless treasures and mysterious power; we have come solely to explore, bearing no ill will. If we have offended, please forgive us."

After hearing him, the golden flying creature's eyes flickered with a hint of thought, then it said, "The treasures and secrets of this island are guarded objects; how could you be allowed to touch them at will? Over the years, countless greedy people have tried to seize them, and all have perished here." Its voice echoed in the air, carrying a note of warning.

Su Chen showed a sincere expression and replied, "What you say is quite right, senior. We know this journey is perilous, but we are certainly not greedy. We come first to seek knowledge, to explore the unknown of this world and increase our cultivation; second, we hope that if we gain anything, we can benefit all beings and relieve the suffering of mankind. Please grant us your permission."

The golden flying creature stared at Su Chen for a long while, seemingly judging the truth of his words. After a while, it slowly nodded: "Your words seem sincere; I will trust you for now. But this island is fraught with danger; even if we do not oppose you, the nine-headed serpent and the many hidden perils lurking in the dark are certainly not something you can easily handle."

Su Chen quickly thanked, "Thank you for the advice, senior; if we could receive your help, we would be deeply grateful." The golden flying creature slightly shook its head: "We will not directly intervene in your trial, but we can give you some hints. Though the nine-headed serpent is fierce, each of its nine heads has a weak point; the neck joints are the most fragile—attacking there yields twice the result with half the effort. Moreover, there is a spiritual spring on the island; its water can help you restore spiritual power and quickly heal wounds, possibly saving your life at a critical moment. Its location is……" It then described the spring's whereabouts in detail.

Upon hearing this, Su Chen and the others were overjoyed, and they again thanked the golden flying creature. After the flock spread its wings and flew high into the sky, disappearing over the horizon, Su Chen quickly gathered everyone and relayed the obtained information.

"No delay—let us first follow the senior's advice, find the spiritual spring, replenish our spiritual power, then devise a strategy against the nine-headed serpent." Everyone echoed in agreement, and under Su Chen's lead they ran toward the spring's direction.

Along the way, everyone remained cautious; occasional minor demon beasts ambushed them, but were easily repelled. Finally they located the spiritual spring. Around it, spiritual energy misted, the water clear to the bottom, emitting soft glows. They eagerly approached, feeling spiritual power flow ceaselessly into their bodies; their depleted spiritual power swiftly recovered, and fatigue vanished.

After restoring their spiritual power, everyone returned to the battlefield against the nine-headed serpent. Following the golden flying creature's words, Su Chen redeployed the tactics: "Several elders, we will spread out, each attacking one of the serpent's heads, focusing on the neck joints; Lin Jianran, continuously disrupt it with sound to distract it; Ling'er, lead the disciples to guard the rear, watch for other demon beast ambushes, and stand ready to support the front at any moment."

Everyone acted according to the plan and once again engaged the nine-headed serpent in a death struggle. Su Chen shot forward like lightning, his long sword wrapped in fierce sword qi, fiercely slashing at the serpent's neck. The serpent winced, thrashing its body wildly, while several other heads sprayed flames and poison in all directions, trying to block them. But under Ling Jianran's sound interference, its attack rhythm became chaotic.

The elders also each unleashed their ultimate techniques; for a moment, sword qi and spell light intertwined and flashed, continually striking the serpent's vital points. Though strong, the serpent gradually could not withstand everyone's coordinated effort; multiple wounds appeared on its neck joints, and its attacks grew increasingly feeble.

With a earth‑shaking roar, the nine‑headed serpent's massive body collapsed, raising clouds of dust. Everyone fell to the ground exhausted, but their eyes were full of the joy of victory.

"At last we have dealt with this nine‑headed serpent; now let us go deeper into the island to seek its treasure!" Su Chen forced himself to stand, gazing toward the island's depths where light flickered and mystery remained, drawing them forward step by step.

In the ensuing exploration, the group encountered many strange sights and dangers. There were ancient ruins riddled with mechanisms and traps—carelessness would trigger deadly peril; there were also mysterious flower thickets that could lure one into illusion, and without mutual reminders they might have become lost. But relying on courage, wisdom, and teamwork, they turned danger into safety time and again.

Finally, at the island's deepest point, the group discovered a palace radiating brilliant light. Its great doors were shut tight, covered in mysterious runes that seemed to recount an ancient tale. Su Chen stepped forward and lightly touched the door; a powerful surge of spiritual power came through, and he knew the final challenge was imminent, and the secret behind the doors……