122: Chapter 122 The Dark Rivers Converge, Pursuers Approach Suddenly

In the rapid currents of the underground river, Lin Yue swam upstream like a nimble fish.

The Stealth Water Suit covering his body was damaged in several places. The wound on his left shoulder, scratched by the bone claw of the Spirit Devouring Water General, was now throbbing with pain—the Spirit Devouring Corrosive Power was continuously eroding it.

He had to divert some Spiritual Qi to suppress the injury, causing his speed to slow down.

"This won't do..."

Lin Yue frowned.

The pursuers behind him could catch up at any moment, and the Sacrificer at the Corrupt Dragon Pool was accelerating the ritual. He had to meet up with Star Radiance and devise a plan to destroy the Altar before the Night of the Lunar Eclipse fully descended.

"Dragon Soul, how much longer can you last?"

He separated a wisp of Divine Sense and probed the star lord token.

Inside the token, the phantom of the Corrupt Poison Flood Dragon Soul was much dimmer than before, its outline somewhat blurry.

"Half an hour... at most."

The Dragon Soul's voice was extremely weak. "Without a suitable vessel to bear it, my Origin will completely dissipate and return to heaven and earth."

Half an hour... Lin Yue gritted his teeth and sped up again.

A fork appeared in the underground river ahead, one leading west, the other northeast.

According to the location previously agreed upon with Star Radiance, she should be waiting at the "Miasma Fissure," ten li away to the northeast.

Lin Yue plunged into the northeast channel without hesitation.

After traveling another three li, the current ahead suddenly slowed, and the river channel widened significantly.

Traces of artificial excavation appeared on the rock wall—it was a temporary stronghold left behind by a Cultivator who explored the Black Wind Marsh a century ago. Although abandoned, the structure was still stable.

"This is the place..."

Lin Yue burst out of the water and landed on a dry stone platform on the bank.

He quickly took out the Positioning Star Compass and injected Spiritual Qi into it.

A faint starlight arrow appeared on the star compass's surface, pointing seven li to the northeast—Star Radiance's location.

But almost simultaneously, two dazzling red dots lit up on the edge of the star compass!

The red dots were rapidly approaching from the southwest, distance... less than five li!

"The pursuers are here!"

Lin Yue's eyes narrowed.

And there were two of them immediately, both clearly Late Golden Core Stage Cultivators.

In his current state, fighting two Late Golden Core Stage opponents simultaneously meant extremely low odds of winning.

He must immediately rendezvous with Star Radiance!

He put away the star compass, just about to move—

Buzz!!!

The star lord token at his waist suddenly trembled violently!

The Dragon Soul's weak but urgent voice rang out:

"Be careful... one of those two pursuers... has Cultivated the 'Spirit Devouring Assimilation Technique'! He can sense Dragon Soul Fluctuation within a ten li radius... I... I've been exposed!"

What?!

Lin Yue's expression changed drastically.

No wonder the enemy was able to pinpoint his location so quickly!

"Is there any way to block it?"

"Unless... unless you completely Seal me off, isolating all fluctuations. But if that happens, I will fall into a Deep Slumber and won't be able to wake up anytime soon."

The Dragon Soul paused. "Furthermore, the Seal requires at least three breaths of time... the pursuers won't give us that time."

Blocked ahead, pursued from behind.

Lin Yue took a deep breath, his eyes becoming calm instead.

Since he couldn't escape... then he would fight!

But he must choose favorable terrain.

His gaze swept across the surroundings.

Although the abandoned stronghold was dilapidated, its complex structure and crisscrossing tunnels were suitable for ambushes and guerrilla fighting.

More importantly, there was a "Ventilation Shaft" leading to the surface here. If things went wrong, he could retreat from above.

"I'll deal with them right here."

Lin Yue made his decision.

He quickly set up three simple traps around the stone platform—all basic "Tripwire Talismans" and "Explosive Formation Flags." They weren't powerful, but enough to cause chaos.

Then, he hid behind a collapsed stone pillar, concealing all his aura, like an inert rock.

Ten breaths later.

Two black lights rushed into the underground stronghold, one after the other, landing on the stone platform where Lin Yue had just stood.

They were the two Protectors sent by the Sacrificer—the Middle-aged Woman and the Hunchbacked Freak.

The seven Black Bells hanging from the woman's waist now rattled without wind, emitting a soft 'ding-a-ling' sound. Each chime carried a strange Spiritual Fluctuation that swept across the entire space.

Meanwhile, the Freak's pupils, split into four segments, constantly rotated, seemingly capable of seeing through all illusions.

"The aura stops here."

The woman's voice was cold. "But he must still be hiding nearby. The bell sound senses... the Dragon Soul Fluctuation is within this hundred-zhang radius."

"Search separately."

The Freak spoke hoarsely, gently tapping his Skull Staff.

The moment the staff tip touched the ground, dozens of hair-thin black threads shot out from his sleeve, spreading out like a spider web, covering most of the stronghold.

Those threads were the "Spirit Devouring Soul Seeking Threads," capable of sensing the faintest Spiritual Qi Fluctuation and life aura.

Once entangled, one would be like a fly caught in a spider web, unable to break free.

Lin Yue held his breath, even lowering his heartbeat to the minimum frequency.

Although his Stealth Water Suit was damaged, its effect of concealing his aura remained, and combined with the slight interference from the simple Formation he had just set up, he hadn't been discovered yet.

But this couldn't last.

The Spirit Devouring Soul Seeking Threads were advancing inch by inch; in thirty breaths at most, they would sweep over his hiding spot.

He must strike first!

Lin Yue locked his gaze onto the slightly weaker of the two—the Middle-aged Woman.

Although her bell Magical Artifact was strange, it focused on Mental Attack, and Lin Yue had the Star Mark protecting his Divine Soul, giving him strong resistance.

He had to pick the softest persimmon first.

"Haotian, detonate the leftmost Explosive Formation Flag in three breaths."

"Understood."

Lin Yue counted silently in his mind.

Three, two, one.

Boom—!

In the left corner of the stronghold, a buried Explosive Formation Flag burst open with a roar!

Flames and smoke filled the air, instantly disrupting the sensing capabilities of the Spirit Devouring Soul Seeking Threads.

"Over there!"

The Middle-aged Woman didn't hesitate, transforming into a black light and pouncing toward the explosion point.

The Hunchbacked Freak remained in place, cautiously scanning the surroundings—he was clearly more vigilant.

Opportunity!

Just as the woman rushed past the stone pillar where Lin Yue was hiding—

"Slay!"

Lin Yue erupted like a leopard, the spirit slaying star scar leaving its sheath, its Sword Light like electricity, stabbing straight toward the woman's back!

For this one sword strike, he used the last 30% of the Spiritual Qi remaining in his Cave Heaven, pushing his speed and power to the limit!

The woman sensed the danger, her face changing drastically, and the bells on her waist shook frantically!

Ding-a-ling—!

Seven visible Black Sound Waves spread out, attempting to interfere with Lin Yue's Divine Soul.

But the Star Mark on Lin Yue's brow lit up, Star Radiance flowing and blocking all the sound waves!

The sword edge did not pause!

Puchi—!

The spirit slaying star scar pierced through the woman's Protective Spiritual Light and entered her back!

The Power of the Stars and the Spirit Devourer Restraint Attribute erupted simultaneously, instantly destroying her Golden Core Dao Platform!

"You..."

Disbelief filled the woman's eyes, and her corpse slumped to the ground.

One strike, instant kill!

But the price was that Lin Yue's location was also exposed.

"I found you!"

The Hunchbacked Freak sneered, waving his Skull Staff. All the Spirit Devouring Soul Seeking Threads simultaneously changed direction, lunging at Lin Yue like countless black poisonous snakes!

Even more terrifyingly, the threads intertwined in mid-air, forming a Giant Net that covered the entire stronghold!

Nowhere to run!

Lin Yue's eyes sharpened. Instead of retreating, he advanced, charging actively toward the Freak!

"Seeking death!"

The Freak opened his mouth and spat out a viscous cloud of Black Poison Mist.

Inside the mist, countless tiny Black Insects squirmed frantically, emitting a buzzing sound of flapping wings.

Those were the "Spirit Devouring Corpse Worms," which fed exclusively on flesh, blood, and Spiritual Qi. Once they touched the body, they would instantly burrow inside and devour the internal organs!

"Star Scar: Body Protection!"

Lin Yue shifted his sword momentum, setting up a Starlight Barrier in front of him.

The poison mist and Corpse Worms collided with the barrier, emitting a harsh corrosive sound.

Cracks quickly appeared on the barrier's surface.

But all Lin Yue needed was this momentary obstruction.

He made a grasping motion with his left hand and took out an item from his Storage Ring—a fist-sized, entirely crimson crystal stone with flowing flame patterns on its surface.

"Explosive Flame Crystal?!"

The Freak's pupils suddenly contracted, and his body retreated violently!

But it was too late.

Lin Yue violently smashed the Explosive Flame Crystal onto the ground, simultaneously pulling back!

Rumble—!!!

A terrifying Explosion Shockwave swept through the entire stronghold!

The Explosive Flame Crystal was a Fourth-Tier single-use offensive Magic Treasure. Its power was comparable to a full-force strike from a Late Golden Core Stage Cultivator, and detonated in this enclosed space, its destructive force was multiplied!

Stone pillars shattered, rock walls collapsed, and smoke and dust filled the air.

Although the Freak managed to raise his Protective Spiritual Light at the last moment, he was still shaken by the residual blast, his Qi and blood churning, and blood overflowing from the corner of his mouth.

Worse still, most of his Spirit Devouring Soul Seeking Threads were destroyed in the explosion!

"Bastard..."

He gritted his teeth, about to search for Lin Yue's location.

From within the smoke, a Star Scar Sword Qi silently stabbed out!

It was Lin Yue!

The moment he detonated the Explosive Flame Crystal, he used the cover of the smoke to circle around to the Freak's side and rear.

This was the perfect moment, when the old strength was exhausted and the new strength had yet to be generated!

"Die!"

The Sword Light was like a shooting star, stabbing straight at the Freak's throat!

The Freak's expression changed drastically, and he desperately twisted his body sideways.

Puchi—!

The sword edge grazed his neck, leaving a wound deep enough to see bone, and black blood splattered out!

Although not a fatal injury, it severely damaged the Meridians in his neck, causing his Spiritual Qi circulation to become sluggish.

"Ahhh—!"

The Freak let out a painful roar, his eyes completely filled with madness.

He held nothing back, biting the tip of his tongue and spitting a mouthful of Essence Blood onto the Skull Staff.

"Spirit Devourer... Sacrifice!"

At the top of the Skull Staff, the skull suddenly opened its eyes, and two clusters of dark red flames lit up in its sockets.

Immediately after, the skull detached from the staff, transforming into a red light that shot toward Lin Yue!

Wherever the red light passed, the Void Realm itself seemed to be corroded with fine cracks, emitting a chilling Devouring Aura.

This was the Freak's Lifebound Forbidden Technique—using his own Essence Blood as a guide to forcibly awaken the "Spirit Devouring Evil Soul" sealed within the Skull Staff, aiming for mutual destruction with the enemy!

Lin Yue could feel that the destructive energy contained within the red light was far beyond what a Late Golden Core Stage Cultivator could block.

Taking it head-on meant certain death!

But at this moment, he had no time to dodge.

In the nick of time.

Buzz—!

The star lord token once again erupted with dark golden light!

The phantom of the Corrupt Poison Flood Dragon Soul forcibly rushed out of the token, blocking Lin Yue!

"Dragon Soul... Burn!"

The Dragon Soul's voice was filled with determination.

It opened its Dragon mouth and spat out a Dragon Breath Light Pillar condensed to the extreme, which violently collided with the red light!

Boom—!!!

The collision between the Dragon Breath and the red light erupted in dazzling radiance.

The entire underground stronghold began to completely collapse under the impact of this energy!

Rocks fell like rain, and river water surged back.

Lin Yue was sent flying by the residual blast, smashing heavily into the rock wall, blood spurting wildly from his mouth.

But he ignored his injuries, his gaze fixed on the center of the collision.

There, the Dragon Soul's phantom was so dim it was almost transparent, and the red light... had also dissipated.

"Human... race..."

The Dragon Soul's voice was as faint as a candle flickering in the wind.

"I... cannot hold on... the rest... is up to you..."

As the voice faded, the phantom completely dissipated, turning into countless light spots that slowly drifted back into the star lord token.

On the surface of the token, the light of the character "Jun" (Lord) also dimmed to the extreme.

Across from him, the Hunchbacked Freak was kneeling on the ground, his aura weak. Clearly, that Forbidden Technique had also exhausted all his power.

Both had reached their limit.

But Lin Yue knew he still had one last Trump Card.

He slowly stood up, wiped the blood from his mouth, and took out a fist-sized black Crystal Core from his Storage Ring...

It was precisely the Dragon Blood Crystal condensed earlier from the heart source essence blood in the Burial Dragon Abyss.

Only now, the Dragon-shaped Phantom inside the crystal stone had turned dark gold.

It was formed when the Corrupt Poison Flood Dragon Soul, in its final moments, forcibly injected its remaining Dragon Soul Origin into it—

The dragon soul crystal core.

Although the Dragon Soul within had fallen into Deep Slumber, the crystal core itself still contained immense Dragon Qi and life energy.

More importantly... it could be detonated.

Lin Yue looked at the Freak, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Didn't you want the Dragon Soul?"

He raised the crystal core.

"Then... take it."

As his voice fell, he frantically injected all the remaining Spiritual Qi in his body into the crystal core!

The dark golden light on the surface of the crystal core began to flash violently, and the Dragon-shaped Phantom inside swam frantically, as if it might burst out at any moment!

"Are you insane?!"

The Freak's expression changed drastically. "Detonating the dragon soul crystal core, you won't survive either!"

"Is that so?"

A cold arc appeared at the corner of Lin Yue's mouth.

"Then... let's find out."

He forcefully hurled the crystal core at the Freak, while simultaneously retreating violently and rushing toward the Ventilation Shaft leading to the surface!

"No—!!!"

The Freak's desperate roar was drowned out by the light erupting from the crystal core.

Rumble—!!!!

This explosion was a hundred times more terrifying than the previous Explosive Flame Crystal!

The entire underground river was completely severed, rock layers collapsed, and river water surged back, forming a massive Underground Cavern.

As for Lin Yue, he rushed into the Ventilation Shaft at the last moment.

The Explosion Shockwave chased him from behind, blasting him out of the shaft like a cannonball, where he crashed heavily into the Muddy Swamp outside.

His vision went black, and he nearly passed out.

But powerful Willpower forced him to stay conscious.

He struggled to climb up and looked behind him.

There, the original stronghold entrance had completely collapsed, forming a bottomless pit.

The Hunchbacked Freak... was certainly dead.

"Finally... finished them..."

Lin Yue let out a long breath, but then began coughing violently. The bloody foam he coughed up contained fine black particles—a sign that the Spirit Devouring Corrosive Power had penetrated deep into his Internal Organs.

The injuries... were too severe.

He took out the last spirit recovery pill and consumed it, then used spirit cleansing dew to wash his wounds, but the effect was negligible.

He had to find Star Radiance quickly, or he would collapse before the Sacrificer even made a move.

"City Lord Lin!"

A familiar shout came from afar.

Lin Yue looked up and saw Star Radiance rushing toward him with a team of Sharp Soldiers Camp Cultivators.

The light of the miasma breaking star lantern in her hand shone brightly like a lighthouse in the dense Miasma.

"Finally... I waited for you..."

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Lin Yue's mouth, his vision went black, and he completely passed out.

When Star Radiance arrived, this was the scene she saw—

Lin Yue, covered in blood, lay in the Muddy Swamp, his left hand tightly gripping the spirit slaying star scar, and his right hand clenching the dimly lit star lord token.

Behind him was a bottomless explosion pit, where intense Dragon Qi Fluctuation and... the Aura of Death of the Spirit Devouring Clan lingered.

"He... defeated two Late Golden Core Stage pursuers, alone?"

The Sharp Soldiers Camp Cultivators behind Star Radiance were filled with shock and awe.

Star Radiance did not reply.

She quickly stepped forward and examined Lin Yue's injuries.

The more she checked, the graver her expression became.

Multiple Meridians were fractured, his Internal Organs were corroded by Spirit Devourer Corrosion, and even his Golden Core Dao Platform showed fine cracks... With injuries like these, an ordinary Golden Core Cultivator would have died three times over.

Yet Lin Yue was not only alive but was instinctively operating his Cultivation Technique even while unconscious, slowly repairing his injuries.

"Monster..."

Star Radiance muttered softly to herself.

But in her eyes, a hint of tenderness flashed, one she hadn't even noticed herself.

"Someone! Immediately carry City Lord Lin back to the camp and treat him with the best Medicinal Pills."

"Also, send word to the three Elders of the Qinglan Sect. Tell them... the pursuers have been eliminated. Prepare for the General Attack according to the original plan."

"Understood!"

The Sharp Soldiers Camp Cultivators acted swiftly.

Star Radiance remained standing, looking toward the Corrupt Dragon Pool.

Over there, the Miasma was churning even more fiercely.

In the sky, a small portion of the moon had already been swallowed by shadow.

The Night of the Lunar Eclipse... was imminent.

The final battle was about to erupt.