Chapter 15: Shadows Over the Battle of Ruili, the Blood Soul Stone Turns the Tide

Li Hongjun glared fiercely at the old man in the black robe, the power of the stars surging around him as he retorted without a hint of retreat, “You think you can take our lives? Wishful thinking! Today, the crisis in Ruili City will end with us!”

The old man in black sneered disdainfully. “Such boastful words. You think breaking through a few obstacles means you’ll succeed? Today will be your grave!” As he finished speaking, his hands formed swift seals, lips chanting incantations. In an instant, black runes surged around the plaza, glowing with a sinister light as they transformed into barriers, trapping Li Hongjun and his companions at the center.

“Hah! You think locking us in a little black room will hold us? So much for the Shadow Alliance’s tricks!” the Spirit Monkey called out, deftly dodging the attacks of Shadow Alliance members while taunting them with a cheeky grin.

Iron Tiger swung his broadsword, felling the approaching black-clad foes with a roar, “Let’s see how long this shoddy barrier lasts!” With that, he unleashed the “Tiger’s Furious Army Cleave,” his powerful blade slashing the black barrier and sending up a shower of dark sparks—yet the barrier remained unmoved.

“There’s something about this barrier. Stay alert!” Li Hongjun warned, channeling the power of the stars as he performed the “Heaven and Earth Stellar Art,” his starry glow clashing against the black barrier.

The mysterious woman frowned, studying their surroundings. After a moment’s thought, she said, “This barrier is driven by some form of dark formation. We need to find its core and destroy it to break the barrier.”

The white-haired elder nodded in agreement. “Judging by the rune patterns, the formation’s core is likely on the old man himself. Defeat him, and the barrier will shatter.”

Lin Yu, gripping his blue-green sword, gazed ahead with determination. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s take down this old man together!”

Everyone nodded resolutely. Grizzly roared and unleashed “Bear Tramples Mountains and Rivers,” his massive body hurtling toward the old man like a cannonball. The black-robed elder laughed coldly, waving his hand as a wave of black energy slammed into Grizzly, forcing the giant back several steps.

“Old bastard, taste my blade!” Iron Tiger, seeing an opening, swung his broadsword in “Fierce Tiger Shatters the Heavens”—a huge blade arc slashing at the old man. The black-robed elder dodged with a flicker, counterattacking with a burst of dark power that left Iron Tiger’s arm numb from the shock.

Seizing the moment, Li Hongjun launched the “Stellar Exploding Fist,” a howling force surging toward the old man. Unfazed, the elder conjured a black shield, blocking Li Hongjun’s attack.

At that instant, the Spirit Monkey darted like a phantom behind the old man, executing the “Monkey’s Star-Shattering Finger.” A powerful beam of spiritual energy shot at the old man’s back. Sensing the threat, he twisted aside, avoiding a fatal blow but still suffering a gash on his shoulder.

“Damnable monkey!” the old man roared in fury.

The mysterious woman seized the moment, unleashing “Dark Storm”—a cyclone of blackness sweeping toward the old man. His expression changed; he hastily raised defensive spells to withstand the onslaught.

Lin Yu launched the “Breezewind Phantom Swordplay,” sword shadows spiraling like a turquoise whirlwind at the old man. The white-haired elder followed with “Heaven and Earth Seal,” a colossal imprint crashing down.

Under their combined assault, the old man began to falter. Suddenly, he drew a black crystal from his robe, its eerie glow pulsing ominously.

“If you force me, we’ll all perish together! This is the Dark Destruction Crystal—if I die, you’ll join me!” he screamed, eyes wild.

“Not good! That thing is incredibly powerful—think of something, fast!” Li Hongjun shouted.

Just then, inspiration struck Li Hongjun—he remembered the special connection between the Blood Soul Stone and dark energy. Quickly, he channeled his inner power linked to the Blood Soul Stone, attempting to absorb the force of the Dark Destruction Crystal.

The crystal’s power was overwhelming, like bearing the weight of a mountain. Gritting his teeth, Li Hongjun poured all his energy into the effort. Gradually, the crystal’s power was drawn into him and transformed; its glow dimmed.

“Impossible! How… how are you doing this?” the old man stammered in terror, his disbelief plain.

“There’s nothing impossible. Your Shadow Alliance’s evil ends today!” Li Hongjun thundered.

With the crystal’s power absorbed, the old man lost his last advantage. The group seized the opportunity for a final assault. Li Hongjun unleashed the “Blood Soul Stellar Burst,” now fused with dark power—a brilliant beam lancing toward the old man. Iron Tiger’s “Tiger Dominates the World” sent a mighty blade arc slashing at him; Grizzly’s “Bear Sunders Heaven and Earth Fist” hurled a colossal fist shadow; Spirit Monkey’s “Monkey’s Shadowless Knives” rained down like a storm; Lin Yu’s “Breezewind Sky-Rending Sword” flashed like turquoise lightning; the mysterious woman’s “Dark Bone-Eroding Curse” sent black runes flying; the white-haired elder’s “Heaven and Earth Rending Palm” struck with immense force.

Overwhelmed by their combined might, the old man was engulfed in radiance, dissolving into a wisp of smoke. With his death, the black barriers shattered thunderously.

“Phew, that’s one problem dealt with,” Iron Tiger said, wiping sweat from his brow.

“Don’t relax—we still have the rest of the Shadow Alliance to handle!” Li Hongjun reminded them.

Turning, they faced the remaining Shadow Alliance members. Terrified by their leader’s demise, some were forced by higher-ranking members to continue the attack.

“Fight them with everything you have!” Grizzly roared, charging once more.

A fierce battle erupted. Li Hongjun flashed like a star, his every move empowered by stellar might, scattering foes left and right. Iron Tiger’s broadsword flashed, cutting down all in his path. Grizzly rampaged like a tank, scattering the enemy. Spirit Monkey’s flying knives struck with deadly accuracy. Lin Yu’s sword shadows repelled all who approached. The mysterious woman’s dark storms left screams in their wake. The white-haired elder unleashed powerful spells, decimating the opposition.

Unable to withstand the onslaught, the Shadow Alliance members scattered in panic. Li Hongjun’s group gave chase, ensuring none escaped.

With the enemy vanquished, Li Hongjun and his companions finally began the ritual at the central plaza. Following the ancient texts, each took their place and channeled spiritual energy. Li Hongjun, at the core, guided their energies to resonate with the Blood Soul Stone.

As power surged into the formation, intricate patterns glowed across the plaza, echoing with the Blood Soul Stone. But just as the ritual neared completion, a vast black rift split the sky, unleashing a torrent of dark energy.

“What’s happening?” Lin Yu exclaimed.

“It seems the Shadow Alliance left a contingency here to stop our ritual,” the mysterious woman said, frowning.

From the rift emerged a massive dark fiend, resembling a qilin but wreathed in darkness, its eyes twin flames of black fire, seething with destruction.

“Well, what in the world is that?” Grizzly asked, undaunted by the beast.

The fiend roared, spewing a jet of black flames at the group. Li Hongjun instantly conjured the “Stellar Shield,” the power of stars forming a dazzling barrier around them. Yet the black flames were fearsomely strong—the shield trembled, cracks appearing under the assault.

“This beast is powerful. We need to defeat it or we can’t finish the ritual!” Li Hongjun called.

Spirit Monkey’s eyes sparkled. “Brother Li, I noticed something—before the beast attacks, its dark energy gathers at its chest. That could be its weak point!”

Li Hongjun nodded. “Alright, listen up—me, the mysterious woman, and the white-haired elder will draw its attention. Iron Tiger, Grizzly, Lin Yu, and Spirit Monkey, wait for your chance and focus your attacks on its chest!”

Everyone nodded. Li Hongjun, wreathed by stellar power, charged at the fiend, unleashing dazzling spells. The mysterious woman cast “Dark Storm,” black winds battering the beast. The white-haired elder invoked “Heaven and Earth Seal,” a massive imprint crashing toward the fiend.

Sure enough, the fiend’s attention was drawn to the trio, turning to attack them. At that moment, Iron Tiger launched “Fierce Tiger Shatters the Heavens,” a huge blade arc at its chest. Grizzly’s “Bear Sunders Heaven and Earth Fist” hurled a colossal fist shadow. Lin Yu’s “Breezewind Sky-Rending Sword” shot turquoise lightning at its chest. Spirit Monkey’s “Monkey’s Star-Shattering Finger” fired a powerful beam of spirit energy.

The fiend howled in agony, its chest hit, the dark aura around it dimming abruptly. Seizing the chance, Li Hongjun unleashed his strongest “Blood Soul Stellar Ruin,” a radiant beam of darkness and starlight piercing the fiend.

Unable to withstand their combined assault, the dark fiend collapsed, dissolving into black mist. The rift in the sky healed and closed.

With the fiend’s defeat, the group completed the ritual. The Blood Soul Stone shone with dazzling light, enveloping all of Ruili City.

Bathed in its glow, the hidden darkness across Ruili was dispelled, and those under the Shadow Alliance’s control gradually regained their senses. The crisis was finally resolved; the gloom lifted, and sunlight returned to the land.

“We did it!” Iron Tiger shouted in elation.

“Yes, the crisis in Ruili City is finally over.” Li Hongjun gazed at the now peaceful city, a gratified smile on his face.

“It was only possible because we all worked together,” the mysterious woman said.

The group exchanged smiles, knowing their victory was the fruit of unity. Their names would forever be remembered by the people of Ruili City.

Yet in his heart, Li Hongjun knew this was only the beginning. The Shadow Alliance had been defeated here, but surely would not give up so easily. In the wider world, even greater dangers might await. But Li Hongjun did not fear—he was certain that, united, there was no challenge they could not overcome.

Ruili City regained its vitality and joy. Its people regarded Li Hongjun and his companions as heroes, grateful beyond measure. The group settled in the city for a time, enjoying the hard-won peace while remaining vigilant for future threats.

What new challenges would they face? What adventures awaited them? All was unknown, waiting for them to discover…

To know what happens next, stay tuned for the following chapter.