Chapter 70
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Chapter 70: Crystal in the Fire
The translucent outer wall faintly glowed with a purple haze, while the passage into the great tomb resembled a light-devouring black hole, pitch-dark and obscuring everything beyond half a foot.
“Go. Remember, you carry the sect’s tasks and its honor,” Yang Qingfeng said gravely, waving a hand toward the dark passage.
The outer disciples of Tian Zhu Peak stared at the passage, their excitement palpable. With fervor, they charged toward the entrance.
Ye Yun exchanged a glance with Duan Chenfeng before blending into the middle of the group. The dark passage swallowed each disciple like a gaping maw, leaving no trace.
As Ye Yun stepped into the darkness, his body twisted unnaturally, and all senses vanished. A heartbeat later, blinding light flooded his vision.
Before him stood an opulent hall, grander than any he’d ever seen. Over a dozen jade pillars—each carved from colossal top-grade spirit stones—radiated dense spiritual energy, nearly condensing into water vapor. Dragons and phoenixes adorned the pillars, lifelike as if ready to soar free.
The walls, crafted from unknown crystals, emitted a soft glow. Embedded within were boxes holding heavenly materials and earthly treasures. At the hall’s center loomed a two-zhang-high platform veiled in white mist.
Yet Ye Yun frowned. No array eye or danger was visible. Could Yang Qingfeng be right? The simplicity felt wrong—sect missions were never so straightforward.
He glanced around and froze. Not a single disciple stood beside him. Had all hundred been scattered to separate halls? A chilling thought struck: perhaps every hall’s array eye needed breaking to unlock the first layer.
If so, why send only a hundred? Unless… more disciples would follow. Two possibilities arose: a time limit or hidden dangers. Given the sect’s secrecy, the latter seemed likely.
Ye Yun’s initial awe hardened into vigilance. Ignoring the glittering walls, he focused on the shrouded platform. Spiritual power surged through him as he advanced, each step cautious.
Ten steps. Twenty. Nothing happened. At the platform’s base, the mist defied probing. Ye Yun edged the Obsidian Sword forward—
The hall erupted. Flames roared, burning stones rained down, and explosions rocked the ground. A head-sized meteor hurtled toward him. His sword shattered it, but the fragments transformed into searing projectiles.
Ye Yun dove aside, rolling as fiery shards grazed his back, leaving charred gashes. His Marrow Cleansing-tempered body should’ve withstood more—yet even a glancing strike drew blood.
This was the first layer’s restriction? A death trap. Most disciples would perish instantly. No wonder the sect offered rich rewards—this mission reeked of sacrifice.
Amid the inferno, the hall’s structure remained. Scarlet crystal walls spewed flames, while the central platform now resembled a volcanic crater hurling firestones.
“The array eye’s there.” Ye Yun gripped his sword, inching toward the crater. Each step demanded precision: dodging, deflecting stones without shattering them. Two agonizing hours later, drenched in sweat, he reached the crater’s rim.
Inside floated a fiery-red crystal, suspended in the flames.
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(Note: Adjusted tense consistency, simplified phrasing, and ensured proper noun adherence per guidelines. No additional commentary beyond the revised text.)
