78: Exploring the ancient temple reveals hidden secrets.

The group stood before the ancient palace, gazing at the tightly shut doors and the strange runes upon them, their hearts filled with curiosity and vigilance.

Qiao Feng carefully observed the surrounding environment and said, "This palace exudes a mysterious aura, and the runes seem to be preventing outsiders from entering; we must proceed with caution."

The old man stepped forward, his gaze falling upon the runes, examining them closely for a long while.

He reached out and gently touched the runes; a faint spiritual power emanated from his fingertips, resonating with the runes.

The runes flickered with light, seemingly responding to the old man's actions.

"These runes have been here for some time and contain powerful spiritual energy. I will attempt to communicate with them to see if I can find a way to open the palace doors," the old man said.

Just as the old man was concentrating on communicating with the runes, the flames surrounding the palace suddenly surged violently, and pillars of fire shot into the sky, surrounding the group.

"Not good, there is danger!" Fu Hongxue shouted, quickly drawing his long saber and looking around vigilantly.

From within the flames, a group of Flame Guards slowly emerged.

These guards were tall, formed from solidified flames, and held long flame spears in their hands, emanating a powerful aura.

"Trespassers shall die!" the Flame Guards shouted in unison, their voices resonating like a great bell before the palace.

Qiao Feng did not hesitate and launched the first attack.

He unleashed the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, and golden palm imprints blasted toward the Flame Guards like cannonballs.

The palm imprints collided with the Flame Guards, erupting in dazzling light; however, the Flame Guards were not significantly affected and continued to close in on the group.

West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng combined their swords, their Sword Qi sweeping across, transforming into a sliver of silver light that struck at the Flame Guards.

The Flame Guards wielded their long spears, blocking their Sword Qi, while the flames on the spears surged violently, lunging toward the two.

Fu Hongxue swung his long saber, the Saber Qi of the Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon crisscrossing as he attempted to break through the Flame Guards' defensive line.

However, the Flame Guards' defenses were extremely solid, and the Saber Qi could only slightly weaken the flames on their bodies.

The Man in Black Robe formed Seals with his hands, and ice-blue runes flew from his hands, rapidly converging in the air into a massive formation that enveloped the Flame Guards.

The runic formation exuded an icy aura, attempting to freeze the Flame Guards.

However, the temperature of the flames on the Flame Guards was extremely high, and the runic formation could only temporarily slow their movements.

The Woman in White played her jade flute, the melodious sound transforming into white light that fortified the group with defensive shields while attempting to disrupt the Flame Guards' movements.

However, the Flame Guards seemed unaffected by the flute music and continued to attack the group steadfastly.

Members of the Blood Demon Hall and the Nether Ghost Sect also joined the battle.

The Blood Demon unleashed his eerie Blood Demon Cultivation Technique, and blood-red threads of spiritual energy shot toward the Flame Guards like venomous snakes, attempting to entangle their bodies.

The Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect waved his staff, summoning a group of powerful Ghost Spirits; the Ghost Spirits let out eerie cries and lunged at the Flame Guards.

While the group was engaged in fierce battle with the Flame Guards, the old man continued to struggle to communicate with the runes.

His forehead was covered in sweat, showing that this was no easy task.

"Everyone, hold on a little longer; I will find the way to open the doors immediately!" the old man shouted.

Hearing this, Qiao Feng and the others fought even more vigorously.

Qiao Feng unleashed the strongest move of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, Divine Dragon Swings Tail, and a massive golden dragon shadow roared as it charged toward the Flame Guards.

Wherever the dragon shadow passed, the Flame Guards retreated one after another.

Fu Hongxue unleashed the ultimate Saber Qi of the Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon, the Saber Qi transforming into a black curtain of light that enveloped the surrounding Flame Guards.

West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng continuously changed their sword moves, searching for the Flame Guards' weaknesses.

The Man in Black Robe increased the power of the runic formation, and the ice-blue light almost completely enveloped the Flame Guards.

The Woman in White also played a more impassioned tune, the white light surging like a tide, strengthening the group's defenses.

Finally, under the combined attacks of the group, the Flame Guards' offensive was temporarily suppressed.

The old man also succeeded in communicating with the runes, and the runes on the palace doors shone brightly before slowly opening.

"Quickly, enter the palace!" Qiao Feng shouted.

The group rushed into the palace, and the Flame Guards attempted to block them, but their power had already been weakened, and the group successfully entered the palace.

The interior of the palace was dim and permeated with a stale, ancient aura.

Glowing gems were embedded in the walls, barely illuminating the path forward.

The group proceeded cautiously through the palace, every step filled with wariness.

As they walked, a massive hall appeared ahead.

In the center of the hall stood a stone pedestal, and upon the pedestal lay an ancient book radiating light.

A ring of flames surrounded the ancient book, as if guarding it.

"This ancient book does not look simple; could it be related to the Seal of the southern bright fire pearl?" Ye Gucheng said.

Just as the group prepared to approach the stone pedestal to examine the ancient book, a low roar suddenly echoed throughout the hall.

From the darkness, several massive flame beasts slowly walked out.

These flame beasts had the build of tigers, their bodies burning with raging fire, and they emanated a powerful aura.

"It seems there is trouble again," Qiao Feng said, and the group immediately took up defensive positions, preparing to face a new challenge.

How powerful are these flame beasts?

Can the group successfully examine the ancient book and find clues related to the Seal of the southern bright fire pearl?

Will the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult and the Mysterious Figure pursue them again?

The situation in the Jianghu is becoming increasingly tense, and everything awaits the group to be revealed...