56: A subtle fragrance wafts through the air, hinting at the intricacies of the formation.

Inside Xuntian Hall, the brief rest concluded. Relying on the immortal abode pivot token's sensing of the residual imprint on the star map Instrument, Lin Xuan roughly confirmed a direction—a deeper, more unknown region of the Desolate Sea. According to the vague instructions from the Mirror Spirit, the next fragment or related remains might lie at the far end of that Chaos.

"The path ahead is uncertain, and the dangers are unpredictable. Everyone must be careful," Lin Xuan instructed solemnly, his gaze sweeping over the Three women. After the recent healing and conditioning, the state of the four people had fully recovered, and they had even subtly improved.

Su Wanqing nodded slightly. Deep within her cold eyes, a subtle ripple caused by the deep merging of spiritual power had not entirely subsided, but she quickly suppressed this anomaly, returning to her usual composure. Qu Feiyan still smiled charmingly, but when her eyes flitted between Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing, they carried a hint of profound, indescribable meaning. Gongsun Yu, with a determined expression, tightened her grip on the thunder light silver ring, clearly viewing Lin Xuan as their absolute backbone.

Lin Xuan took a deep breath and was the first to walk toward the heavy metal door. He circulated his vital Qi and blood, pushing with both arms. Accompanied by a muffled "creak," the door was slowly pushed open to reveal a gap.

The Gray Mist outside immediately tried to surge in like a living thing, but the residual spiritual light of Xuntian Hall still functioned, blocking most of the mist and only allowing a small amount to permeate, bringing with it the aura of decay and confusion.

The four people flashed out one after another, submerging themselves once more into the Mist-Shrouded Ruins, a place where deathly silence and danger coexisted. The metal door behind them silently closed after their departure, as if it had never been opened.

Following the cardinal edict's guidance, they needed to traverse this core ruin zone and advance toward the deeper parts. The surrounding architectural remnants grew taller and more bizarre; many structures defied logic—tilting giant towers, floating broken bridges, inverted palace complexes... It was as if the rules of the world had failed here. The decadent energy permeating the air became denser, even starting to erode their Protective Spiritual Light, emitting a faint "sizzle."

"The 'Filth' here is stronger than in the periphery; we need to increase our spiritual power output to resist it." The Moonlight Radiance surrounding Su Wanqing intensified, as if she were draped in a layer of cold, clear gauze.

The Seduction Glow on Qu Feiyan's body also deepened slightly. That pink halo not only resisted the erosion of the Filth but also seemed to silently absorb a certain extremely faint, residual aura belonging to the ancient era in the air, nourishing herself. She leaned close to Lin Xuan and whispered, "Little Brother Lin, the ancient aura remaining here seems to be slightly beneficial to our cultivation. Though weak, it is incredibly pure." She was extremely close, speaking almost right next to Lin Xuan's ear, her warm breath mixed with a unique, soul-stirring sweet fragrance, subtly drifting into Lin Xuan's nostrils.

This fragrance was slightly different from the Seductive Scent she usually emitted; it carried an ancient charm, as if it could stir the most primitive impulses deep within the heart. Lin Xuan only felt his ears grow slightly warm, and his Qi and blood seemed to become a bit more active. He subtly distanced himself slightly and nodded, "Caution is paramount. Don't be greedy for this small benefit and overlook the danger."

Seeing his reaction, Qu Feiyan didn't press the matter. She simply smiled, her eyes conveying a thousand types of charm as they shifted, perfectly displaying a hint of grievance mixed with understanding, as if saying, "I was just trying to be helpful."

Gongsun Yu didn't notice the subtle interaction. She focused intently on guarding their surroundings, the electric snakes on the thunder light silver ring in her hand leaping, ready to deal with any sudden situation.

The group proceeded cautiously, encountering several waves of Demonic Creature attacks along the way. There were "Shadow Wraiths" formed by condensed shadows, "Earth-Bound Corpses" that could extend pale arms from gaps in the ruins, and even "Wailing Stones" that could emit sound waves that disturbed the Divine Soul. These Demonic Creatures were generally at the False Core level, with occasional Golden Core auras appearing, but thanks to the tacit coordination of the four, they passed through all dangers without incident.

Lin Xuan discovered that Qu Feiyan's Seduction Skill was surprisingly effective in this environment when dealing with Demonic Creatures of low intelligence. Often, a single glance or a wisp of sound wave could induce confusion in the Demonic Creatures, even causing them to fight among themselves, greatly reducing the frontal pressure. She also seemed happy to display this unique ability in front of Lin Xuan; every move she made carried a pleasing elegance and lethality.

After defeating a group of Shadow Wraiths, the four temporarily hid in a half-collapsed corridor constructed from massive Beast Bones to rest.

The light inside the corridor was dim, permeated by a stale, bony odor. Su Wanqing habitually stood near the exit, concentrating on vigilance. Gongsun Yu curiously examined the enormous and bizarre Beast Bones.

Qu Feiyan gracefully walked up to Lin Xuan, taking out an exquisite Jade Pot and two small Jade Cups from her Storage Ring. "Little Brother Lin, continuous fighting must have consumed a lot of mental energy, right? This is the 'Hundred Charms Elixir' that your servant secretly brewed using various Spiritual Flowers. It has the effect of calming the mind and rapidly restoring mental energy. Would you like to try some?" She personally poured a cup full and handed it to Lin Xuan. The liquor was crystal clear, emitting a richer and more alluring sweet fragrance than before. Just smelling it made one feel mentally refreshed and slightly less fatigued.

Lin Xuan looked at her. In the dim light, her seductive eyes were like silk, her red lips moist, and the fingers holding the Jade Cup were slender and white like jade. Her entire person seemed enveloped in a layer of hazy light, full of temptation. He knew this woman was shrewd and her methods unpredictable. The wine might indeed have a miraculous effect, but it might also harbor other intentions.

Just as he was contemplating, Su Wanqing’s cold voice came from the side: "Inside the ruins, it is best to be cautious of unknown objects."

Qu Feiyan wasn't annoyed. She smiled sweetly and looked at Sister Su: "Sister Su, are you perhaps worried that I, your elder sister, would harm Little Brother Lin? This 'Hundred Charms Elixir' is an unshared secret of my Hundred Flowers Valley. It's difficult for ordinary people to even beg for a single drop." Saying this, she drank the cup in her hand herself to show it was not poisoned, and then handed the other cup to Lin Xuan, her eyes carrying a hint of provocation and expectation.

Lin Xuan smiled and took the Jade Cup. He didn't completely trust Qu Feiyan, but he had enough confidence in his Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art and the immortal abode pivot token that he didn't fear ordinary methods. "Then I thank Miss Qu for her kindness." He tilted his head back and drank it.

The liquor went down his throat, initially sweet, then transforming into a warm current that spread through his limbs and bones. Sure enough, he felt a wave of clarity and comfort in his mind, and the mental fatigue accumulated from continuous fighting largely dissipated. Furthermore, a strange warmth circulated in his lower abdomen, causing his vital Qi and blood to slightly accelerate, making him feel relaxed and comfortable all over, even giving rise to a sense of lazy contentment.

"How is it?" Qu Feiyan leaned closer, her breath like orchids, her beautiful eyes fixed on his reaction.

"Truly a marvelous product," Lin Xuan nodded in praise, suppressing the strange warm current within his body. The wine's effect was extraordinary, but the subtle power it contained—to stimulate Qi and blood and induce relaxation—could not escape his perception. This Enchantress, after all, couldn't resist trying to test him.

Qu Feiyan saw that his expression was normal and his eyes were clear. She felt slightly surprised, but then her smile deepened, and she was about to say something more.

Suddenly, Su Wanqing, who had been vigilantly watching the outside, whispered, "Movement!"

Everyone immediately focused their minds. They heard slow, heavy footsteps coming from the depths of the corridor, accompanied by the grating sound of metal scraping the ground. A powerful, icy pressure, far exceeding that of all previous Demonic Creatures, spread out like a tide!

A sharp light flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. He returned the Jade Cup to Qu Feiyan and said solemnly, "Prepare to meet the enemy! It seems we have found the 'Guardian' leading to the deeper areas."

The four instantly entered combat stance. The slight flirtatious atmosphere from before vanished completely, replaced only by solemnity toward the unknown powerful enemy. The heavy footsteps drew nearer, seeming to fall in rhythm with everyone's heartbeats.