45: Chapter 45 Suspended Chain

As the group passed through the dense forest and embarked on a new journey, the scenery ahead gradually became clear. They arrived at a desolate plain, scattered with ruins and dilapidated structures, and in the distance, a tall stone tower stood between heaven and earth.

"Is this the next destination?" Qing Luo looked at the distant stone tower, her heart filled with some apprehension.

Chu Yang nodded firmly and said, "That's right. Let's go take a look."

The little girl stayed close to Chu Yang's side, her eyes still filled with trust and gratitude. "Big brother, thank you for saving me and my family. I hope I can help you too."

Chu Yang smiled and gently patted her head. "You've already helped us a lot. The most important thing now is to ensure your safety. From here on, we will protect you."

They continued forward, passing through one ruin after another. The air was thick with a decaying scent. At that moment, a group of Wanderers appeared in their line of sight, their faces marked with weariness and helplessness.

"Look, who are those people?" one Wanderer whispered, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes.

"They look very powerful, and they even have a child with them..." another Wanderer added.

Sensing the Wanderers' gazes, Chu Yang stepped forward and inquired, "Everyone, do you know what this place is? It's our first time here."

An elderly-looking man slowly stood up and replied, "This is the Forgotten Land. It was once a prosperous city, but it turned into ruins due to a catastrophe. Be careful; thieves often appear here."

"Thank you for the warning." Chu Yang nodded in gratitude.

"Ah, young man, are you heading for that stone tower?" the old man pointed toward the distant tower. "It's said that many secrets are hidden there, but few who enter ever come out alive."

Daoist Wangchuan carefully observed the stone tower, his brow slightly furrowed. "This tower is indeed not simple. I can sense a powerful force within it."

"No matter what, we must uncover the truth." Chu Yang said solemnly.

They continued onward, constantly encountering various Wanderers and refugees along the way, each time sparking murmurs and astonishment. Finally, they reached the entrance of the stone tower, where ancient runes were carved all over the stone door.

"These runes seem to be some kind of seal." Nangong Han studied them for a while and said softly.

"Let's try to open it." Chu Yang signaled for everyone to step back, then stepped forward himself and pushed forcefully against the stone door. Suddenly, the door slowly opened, revealing a dark passageway.

"Let's go." Chu Yang was the first to step into the passage, with the others following closely behind.

Inside the passage, it was dim and narrow, with occasional dim lamps barely illuminating the path ahead. Just then, a faint sound of footsteps reached their ears, as if something was following them.

"Someone is following us!" Qing Luo whispered, her expression tense.

Chu Yang signaled for everyone to stop, then slowly turned to look behind them. He saw a figure quietly hiding in a patch of shadow, seemingly observing their every move.

"Friend, since you've come, don't hide any longer." Chu Yang said in a deep voice.

A figure clad in black robes emerged from the shadows, wearing a smile. "As expected, you're not ordinary people, to enter the stone tower so easily."

"Who are you?" Chu Yang asked, his eyes filled with vigilance.

"I am the Guardian here, responsible for protecting the secrets within the tower," the person said calmly. "I can offer you some assistance, but only on the condition that you pass a trial."

"What trial?" Chu Yang asked.

"Enter the next level, and you will understand." The person turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind an eerie smile.

"It seems we have no choice but to continue forward." Chu Yang turned around and said to his companions.

The group continued along the passage and finally arrived at a spacious hall. In the center of the hall was a large stone platform, upon which rested a crystal ball glowing with light.

"This must be what we're looking for." Daoist Wangchuan stepped forward for a closer look. "But how do we obtain it?"

Just as everyone was puzzled, a circle of light suddenly lit up around them, and over a dozen figures materialized out of thin air, surrounding them.

"If you want the crystal ball, you'll have to get past this trial first!" the leading figure sneered.

Battle erupted once again. Chu Yang and the others quickly entered combat mode. Their enemies were powerful and their moves fierce, but Chu Yang and his companions cooperated seamlessly, repelling their opponents one by one.

"They're truly incredible!" the observing Wanderers exclaimed in admiration.

"These guys are practically war gods!" a young Wanderer said excitedly.

After a fierce battle, all the enemies were finally defeated, leaving only their leader struggling to hold on.

"Impossible! How can you be this strong!" the leader roared, swinging his long blade as he charged at Chu Yang.

Chu Yang responded calmly. His long sword flashed like lightning, instantly severing his opponent's weapon. "Your time is over!" he said coldly, thrusting his sword into the other's chest.

The leader fell, and silence enveloped the surroundings. Chu Yang took a deep breath, walked to the stone platform, and picked up the crystal ball.

"Success!" everyone cheered.

Just then, the stone platform suddenly sank, revealing a set of underground stairs.

"This is the path to a deeper level," Bi Luo said.

"We continue forward." Chu Yang said decisively. Holding the crystal ball, he led everyone down the stairs.

The underground passage was dimly lit, and the air was thick with a oppressive atmosphere. After walking for an unknown length of time, they finally arrived at an open space. All around them were various strange mechanisms and traps.

"The structure here is truly complex," Nangong Han said.

"We must proceed with caution," Chu Yang reminded everyone.

Just as they were exploring, they suddenly heard a low, rumbling sound, as if something was approaching.

"There's trouble again," Qing Luo said nervously.

"Everyone, get ready. Stay alert," Chu Yang said gravely.

As soon as the words left his mouth, several tall shadows emerged from the darkness, step by step drawing closer. The leading figure stopped before them, his eyes gleaming with a cold light.

"I've finally waited for you," the person said in a low voice, his tone filled with arrogance.

Chu Yang tightly gripped the crystal ball in his hand, his eyes filled with determination. "No matter who you are, you won't stop us today."

"Haha, then let's see your strength!" the figure sneered. With a wave of his hand, more enemies surged out from all sides.

Battle erupted once more. Chu Yang and the others faced an unprecedented challenge. How would this battle end? Everything was filled with unknowns and suspense...

"No matter what, we won't give up." Nangong Han said firmly.