20: Ruins dispute, sudden changes in the situation

The people of Beyond Heaven looked at the Ancient Palace radiating mysterious light before them, feeling both excited and wary. This palace was the mysterious ruin they had searched for through countless hardships, and the Treasure Trove and Opportunity contained within might change the destiny of Beyond Heaven.

"We're finally here. Everyone must be careful; the ruins might hide all sorts of dangers." The Marshal of the Unruly reminded them in a low voice, his gaze sweeping around the palace, trying to detect potential threats.

"The Marshal of the Unruly is right. Everyone, cheer up." Fu Hongxue tightened his grip on his Long Saber, his eyes filled with determination.

Everyone slowly approached the palace. The Palace Gate was tightly shut, covered in strange patterns and runes. Shen Lang stepped forward, carefully examining the runes, trying to find a way to open the gate.

Just then, footsteps suddenly came from behind. Everyone turned around and saw Lin Feng leading the Disciples of Spirit Wind Valley hurrying over.

"Why did you follow us?" West Gate Blows Snow looked stern, gripping his Sword Hilt, full of wariness toward the arrival of the Spirit Wind Valley group.

Lin Feng smiled awkwardly: "Everyone, to be frank, our Spirit Wind Valley is also looking for this mysterious ruin. Seeing your extraordinary strength just now, we thought of exploring together so we could look out for each other."

Jun Xiaoyao sneered inwardly upon hearing this from behind the scenes. He knew the Spirit Wind Valley group likely wanted more than just to "look out for each other," but since the ruin was right in front of them, an extra measure of strength might provide extra security, so he used a special method to instruct Shen Lang to respond.

After pondering for a moment, Shen Lang said, "In that case, let's all go in together. But let me make one thing clear: the treasures inside the ruins must be obtained by individual skill, so don't harbor any wicked intentions."

Lin Feng quickly nodded: "Of course, our Spirit Wind Valley always follows the rules."

Thus, everyone studied the method to open the Palace Gate together. Relying on Shen Lang's understanding of ancient runes, coupled with Xiang Shaolong providing ideas from the perspective of Mechanism Arts, they finally found the key to opening the gate.

Following a dull roar, the Palace Gate slowly opened, and an ancient yet powerful aura rushed out. Inside the gate was a Deep Secluded Passage. The walls on both sides of the passage were embedded with faintly glowing gems, illuminating the path forward.

Everyone cautiously entered the passage, constantly alert to the movements around them. Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound echoed in the passage, and countless Black Darts shot out from the cracks in the walls, flying rapidly toward the group.

"Watch out!" Thirteen Swallows shouted, taking the lead to swing his Long Sword, knocking away the darts flying toward him. The others also used their respective methods, and for a moment, Sword Qi and Saber Qi crisscrossed, keeping the darts at bay.

However, the darts were numerous and aggressive, and the group gradually felt strained. Just then, Xiang Shaolong quickly took out some Mechanism Components from his person and rapidly assembled them into a small Defensive Shield, blocking some of the darts for everyone.

"Everyone, hurry forward! We can't get trapped here!" shouted the Marshal of the Unruly.

Under the cover of Xiang Shaolong's Defensive Shield, the group struggled forward, rushing toward the depths of the passage. After a fierce battle, they finally broke through the dart formation.

Continuing forward, they arrived at a Spacious Hall. In the center of the hall was a giant stone platform, and on the platform lay a box radiating multicolored light. Surrounding the box were four Stone Figures clad in armor acting as guardians.

"This box must contain the crucial treasure of the ruins," Li Xunhuan said.

When Lin Feng saw the treasure, a flash of greed crossed his eyes, but remembering the previous agreement with Beyond Heaven, he forced himself to suppress it.

Just as everyone prepared to approach the stone platform, the four Stone Figures suddenly moved. The weapons in their hands gleamed with cold light as they attacked the group.

"Be careful, these Stone Figures are not weak; they are equivalent to Mid-stage Grandmasters," Fu Hongxue warned.

With that, he was the first to face a Stone Figure. The Saber Qi of the "Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon" slashed toward the Stone Figure. The Stone Figure showed no fear, swinging its long saber, colliding with Fu Hongxue's Saber Qi and creating a loud bang.

West Gate Blows Snow, Ye Gucheng, and Thirteen Swallows also rushed toward a Stone Figure each, engaging in fierce combat. Their Swordsmanship was exquisite, but the Stone Figures' bodies were hard, making it difficult for ordinary attacks to cause substantial damage.

The Marshal of the Unruly directed The Unruly to assist everyone, harassing the Stone Figures from the side and looking for openings in their defense. Li Xunhuan observed the battle from the side, searching for the Stone Figures' weak points.

Shen Lang and Lin Feng led the Disciples of Spirit Wind Valley, vigilantly watching their surroundings to prevent any other unforeseen changes.

"I found that the Stone Figures' joints are relatively fragile. Attacking there might be effective," Li Xunhuan shouted.

Upon hearing this, everyone changed their attack strategy, focusing their attacks on the Stone Figures' joints. Sure enough, under their combined assault, one Stone Figure's arm was severed, significantly reducing its combat power.

However, just as everyone was fully focused on dealing with the Stone Figures, a Teleportation Array suddenly appeared on one side of the hall. Amidst the flashing light, a group of people emerged from the array. Leading them was an Old Man in Black Robes, whose aura was incredibly powerful; he was actually an expert of the Land Immortal Realm. Following him were a group of Martial Artists of considerable strength.

"Haha, I didn't expect you little runts to find the treasure first. This saves this old man a lot of effort." The Old Man in Black Robes saw the box on the stone platform, his eyes full of greed.

"Who are you people?" Lin Feng asked warily.

"Hmph, this old man is Black Wind Old Monster, Protector of the Earthly Fiend Alliance! None of you should even think about taking the treasure of these ruins!" Black Wind Old Monster snorted coldly and waved his hand, and the Martial Artists behind him charged toward the group.

The people of Beyond Heaven and Spirit Wind Valley immediately united to jointly resist the Earthly Fiend Alliance. The Marshal of the Unruly faced Black Wind Old Monster, knowing he had to hold back this expert of the Land Immortal Realm to buy time for the others.

"Old bastard! If you want the treasure, you'll have to get past me first!" The Marshal of the Unruly roared, emitting a powerful Black Qi Stream, and clashed with Black Wind Old Monster.

Fu Hongxue, West Gate Blows Snow, and the others engaged in fierce battle with the experts of the Earthly Fiend Alliance. For a moment, shouts of battle shook the hall, and Spiritual Energy overflowed.

"Everyone be careful! The Earthly Fiend Alliance is powerful; don't underestimate them!" Jun Xiaoyao shouted to the group using a special method.

At this moment, the box on the stone platform radiated ever more intensely, seemingly waiting for someone fated to open it. But in this fierce battle, who could stand out and seize the treasure? The people of Beyond Heaven faced an unprecedented crisis. Could they prevail in the struggle against the Earthly Fiend Alliance and protect the ruins' treasure? And what role would Spirit Wind Valley play in this melee? Everything was full of variables; the battle continued, and the situation grew increasingly tense...