Chapter 154: Sudden Mutation

The Cult Leader laughed wildly, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Jiangnan and Caili. He felt everything was under his control, victory within his grasp.

"Jiangnan, you truly read the times," the Cult Leader sneered, "However, I still have a surprise for you."

He slowly reached into his chest and produced a crystal-clear Five-colored Spirit Stone, which emitted a mesmerizing glow in the dim cave.

A flash of surprise crossed Jiangnan's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew the Five-colored Spirit Stone's rarity; it was a treasure coveted by cultivators.

The Cult Leader toyed with the stone smugly, his tone dripping with temptation: "If you cooperate with me, this Five-colored Spirit Stone will be yours."

Jiangnan remained silent, a complex expression flickering in his eyes. Caili watched him anxiously, fearing he might be swayed.

"So, what do you say?" the Cult Leader urged, "This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity."

At that moment, a sudden mutation erupted!

Caili suddenly sprang up, charging at the Cult Leader. Her movement was as fast as lightning, catching him off guard.

"Ah!" the Cult Leader shouted, momentarily unprepared, and the Five-colored Spirit Stone was snatched away by Caili.

Caili seized the stone and immediately ran toward Jiangnan. The Cult Leader's face changed abruptly, becoming ferocious and terrifying.

"Seeking death!" the Cult Leader roared, slapping a palm at Caili. The palm wind whistled, unstoppable.

Caili's complexion shifted dramatically; she knew she couldn't evade the palm. As the palm wind closed in, a figure suddenly flashed into view.

Jiangnan, appearing before Caili at an unknown moment, extended his right hand and met the Cult Leader's palm with his own.

"Boom!"

A deafening blast roared, the air rippling. Jiangnan remained motionless, while the Cult Leader staggered back several steps.

The Cult Leader stared at Jiangnan in disbelief: "You... you actually..."

Jiangnan said coldly, "I told you not to touch her."

The Cult Leader, enraged, sneered, "Fine, very well! Since that's the case, don't blame me for being impolite!"

He formed seals with both hands, exuding a terrifying aura. The entire cave trembled, as if unable to bear the force.

Jiangnan's brows furrowed slightly; he sensed the immense pressure. Yet he did not retreat, instead stepping forward.

"Caili, you go first," Jiangnan said in a low voice, a hint of resolve flashing in his eyes.

Caili hurried, "No! I can't abandon you!"

Jiangnan glanced back at her, his gaze softening: "Trust me."

Li Qing grabbed Caili, "Let's go; Jiangnan will handle things on his own."

Caili clenched her teeth and finally nodded. She cast a reluctant glance at Jiangnan, then ran toward the cave entrance with Li Qing.

The Cult Leader sneered, "Want to leave? It's not that easy!"

He waved his hand, and the entrance suddenly collapsed, massive stones rolling down to seal the exit.

"Now, let's settle this!" the Cult Leader snarled, his hands forming a black energy sphere.

Jiangnan narrowed his eyes as inner Qi surged; he knew this would be a fierce battle.

The Cult Leader hurled the energy sphere forcefully, black light instantly filling the cave. Jiangnan did not retreat but advanced, charging toward the sphere.

"Boom!"

A deafening blast sent dust and smoke swirling. When it cleared, everyone was astonished to see Jiangnan completely unharmed.

The Cult Leader's face changed dramatically: "How is that possible?"

Jiangnan said calmly, "Now it's my turn."

He swung his right hand, a brilliant sword aura slicing through the air. The Cult Leader scrambled to dodge, yet the aura grazed his shoulder.

"Ah!" the Cult Leader cried in pain, clutching his shoulder and stepping back. He stared at Jiangnan in disbelief, "You... who exactly are you?"

Jiangnan gave no reply, continuing his advance toward the Cult Leader. Each step was steady and powerful, exuding an unstoppable aura.

A hint of fear rose in the Cult Leader's heart; he realized he might have underestimated the young man before him.

"No! I will not lose!" the Cult Leader roared, gathering energy again. This time, he poured his entire strength into it.

Jiangnan halted, staring at the Cult Leader. He could sense the other's resolve, knowing this would be the final strike.

The two locked eyes and struck simultaneously.

In an instant, the entire cave was enveloped by intense light. Caili and Li Qing had to close their eyes to avoid the dazzling glare.

When the light faded, they opened their eyes, shocked by the scene before them.

The Cult Leader lay on the ground, breathing weakly. Jiangnan remained standing, his complexion slightly pallid.

"How... could..." the Cult Leader said hoarsely, his eyes full of resentment.

Jiangnan ignored him, turning toward Caili and Li Qing.

Caili rushed forward, asking concernedly, "Are you alright?"

Jiangnan shook his head, "I'm fine."

Li Qing glanced at the fallen Cult Leader, then at Jiangnan, admiration in his eyes: "Jiangnan, you're truly amazing!"

Jiangnan gave a faint smile, saying nothing more.

He exhaled slowly, watching the fallen Cult Leader, a trace of wariness flashing in his eyes. He turned toward Caili and Li Qing, about to speak, when a strange laugh suddenly echoed from behind.

The laugh rose from low to high, growing louder, echoing throughout the cave and sending chills down one's spine. Jiangnan whirled around and saw the previously dying Cult Leader suddenly sit up, a ferocious grin on his face.

"Jiangnan, do you think you've won?" the Cult Leader's hoarse voice carried a hint of smugness, "How naive!"

Jiangnan's brows furrowed slightly, an uneasy premonition rising within him. Instinctively, he positioned himself before Caili and Li Qing, watching the Cult Leader's every move warily.

"What exactly do you intend?" Jiangnan asked coldly, a glint of frost in his eyes.

The Cult Leader gave no reply, merely continuing his loud laughter. The laugh was filled with madness and frenzy, as if he had already lost his sanity.

Just as Jiangnan prepared to strike again, a sudden mutation erupted!

The Cult Leader suddenly leapt from the ground, his speed astonishing. His figure flickered like a phantom, and in the blink of an eye he lunged toward Caili.

"Careful!" Jiangnan shouted, trying to block, only to find he couldn't keep up with the Cult Leader's speed.

Caili widened her eyes, watching the rapidly approaching sect leader, fear spreading in her heart. She thought she was doomed, and subconsciously closed her eyes.

However, the anticipated pain did not arrive.

Caili opened her eyes, surprised to find that the sect leader did not attack her, but snatched the Five-colored Spirit Stone from her hand.

"Hahaha!" the sect leader roared with laughter, raising the spirit stone, "Finally got it!"

Jiangnan's pupils contracted, finally understanding the sect leader's true purpose. He wanted to intervene, but it was already too late.

The sect leader turned, hurling the Five-colored Spirit Stone forcefully into the altar not far away.

"Boom!"

A deafening roar, the whole cavern trembled. The altar suddenly erupted with a dazzling light, five‑colored and brilliant, beautiful yet dangerous.

Jiangnan felt a massive surge of energy, his complexion instantly grew solemn. He turned to Caili and Li Qing, shouting urgently, "Step back quickly!"

Caili and Li Qing hurriedly stepped back, staring in terror at the scene before them. The light on the altar grew ever brighter, as if it would swallow the entire cavern.

The sect leader stood before the altar, spreading his arms as if embracing the power. He turned back, sneering at Jiangnan, "Since you refuse to shed your own blood, you shall be buried here!"

Jiangnan's gaze hardened, finally grasping the sect leader's real plan. He hurriedly looked around for an escape, but found the entrance already sealed.