Chapter 17: Crisis in the New Realm, A Brave Venture into the Mysterious World

After the crisis in Ruili City was resolved once more, Li Hongjun and his companions became undisputed legends of the city. Throughout the streets and alleys, people sang praises of their heroic deeds. Tales of their thrilling and perilous battles were embellished with each retelling, becoming the favorite bedtime stories for children. Yet Li Hongjun and the others did not lose themselves in this chorus of admiration; they knew well that this was but a small waystation on their long journey of cultivation, and greater challenges surely awaited them.

“Brother Li, now that we've dealt with the Shadow Fiend Hall, what’s next?” Iron Tiger spoke with his mouth full, juice from the spiritual fruit running down his chin. “We can’t just wander around all day waiting for trouble to find us.”

Spirit Monkey leapt about nearby, casting a scornful glance at Iron Tiger. “All you think about is eating! Can you ever focus on something serious, Brother Tiger? We need to strengthen ourselves quickly; who knows what formidable foe might appear next?”

Li Hongjun smiled and shook his head, his gaze resolute as he looked to the horizon. “Spirit Monkey is right. We can't grow complacent. After these two battles, I can sense that this world hides many unknown dangers. We must take the initiative and seek ways to improve our strength, to prepare for whatever may come.”

The mysterious woman nodded slightly, her enchanting eyes gleaming. “I've heard that at the extreme eastern edge of Ruili City, there exists a mysterious spatial rift. It's said that beyond it lies an ancient and enigmatic world, filled with both opportunities and dangers. Perhaps there, we can find a way to improve our abilities.”

The white-haired elder stroked his beard, his expression grave. “The lady speaks the truth. I’ve also come across references to this in ancient texts. That mysterious world is called the Realm of Illusory Spirits. The spiritual energy within far surpasses that of our world, and it’s filled with wondrous treasures and rare spiritual beings. But it’s also guarded by powerful beasts and strange formations. A single misstep could spell doom.”

Lin Yu gripped his sword, excitement flickering in his eyes. “It sounds thrilling! What are we waiting for? Let’s set out at once—maybe we’ll find a way to break through to the next level.”

Grizzly Bear swung his massive arms and roared in agreement. “Yes, yes! I want to see it for myself—and stretch my muscles a bit, too. Staying in Ruili City every day is stifling!”

After a moment’s thought, Li Hongjun nodded. “Alright, since no one objects, we’ll depart immediately. But everyone must be careful—this journey to the Realm of Illusory Spirits will likely be far more dangerous than anything we’ve faced before.”

They packed their belongings, bid farewell to the people of Ruili City, and headed east. The scenery grew increasingly desolate along the way; lush forests gradually gave way to endless yellow sands. Howling winds drove the sand into their eyes, making it nearly impossible to see.

“Damn, why is there so much sand here? I’m about to choke on it!” Iron Tiger grumbled, shielding his face from the blowing grit.

Spirit Monkey somersaulted through the air, grinning. “Bear with it, Brother Tiger. Once we cross this desert, we might find the entrance to the Realm of Illusory Spirits.”

After several days of arduous travel, they finally reached the place the mysterious woman had spoken of. A massive rift stretched before them, shimmering with iridescent light. The very fabric of space twisted around it, emanating an aura both mysterious and powerful.

“This is it. Everyone, stay alert—this rift is anything but ordinary,” Li Hongjun warned, channeling his power of the stars and scanning their surroundings with vigilance.

As they cautiously approached the rift, a powerful force suddenly sucked them in the moment they set foot across its threshold. With a cry, the group was enveloped in a flash of light and lost consciousness.

When Li Hongjun awoke, he found himself in a strange forest. The towering trees rose dozens of yards high, their thick trunks engraved with mysterious runes. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering golden patches across the ground.

“Where am I? Where is everyone?” Li Hongjun stood and called out for his companions.

Just then, the sounds of battle echoed nearby. Tension gripped Li Hongjun as he quickly used his movement skills to rush toward the noise. He saw Iron Tiger, Spirit Monkey, and the others locked in fierce combat with a pack of wolf-like beasts covered in radiant, multicolored light.

“You’ve arrived just in time! These mutant wolves are tough to handle!” Iron Tiger shouted, brandishing his broadsword.

Without hesitation, Li Hongjun activated his power of the stars and unleashed the “Heaven and Earth Star Technique.” Starlight burst forth, transforming into meteors that shot toward the wolves, whose agonized howls filled the air.

“Iron Tiger, what happened? How did you end up fighting these creatures?” Li Hongjun asked as he fought.

Iron Tiger parried a wolf’s attack and replied, “We just woke up and these wolves charged at us without warning. We had no choice but to fight back!”

Spirit Monkey dodged nimbly among the wolves, throwing knives with precision. “Don’t be fooled by their appearance—these wolves are vicious! Be careful not to get bitten!”

Grizzly Bear unleashed his “Mountain-Crushing Bear Stomp,” rampaging through the wolves and sending them flying. “They’re strong, but not too many in number. I’ll take care of them!”

Lin Yu performed his “Breeze Illusion Swordplay,” sword shadows swirling like an emerald tornado, driving the wolves back. The mysterious woman summoned a “Dark Storm,” its inky winds clashing with the beasts in a storm of flashing light and swirling dust. The white-haired elder summoned the “Heaven and Earth Seal,” pressing a massive seal down upon the wolf pack, whose agonized screams pierced the tumult.

Under their combined assault, the wolves began to falter and finally fled. “Don’t let them get away! They might know something about this place!” Li Hongjun shouted.

The group gave chase and soon arrived before a valley shrouded in mist, where the faint outline of an ancient palace loomed. The wolves disappeared into the valley’s haze.

“This valley looks ominous. Could there be traps?” Iron Tiger hesitated.

Spirit Monkey scratched his head. “We’ve come this far—no point turning back now! There might be treasures hidden in that palace.”

Li Hongjun considered for a moment, then said, “Stay close and be careful. This place reeks of deception—we must not act rashly.”

They entered the valley, the mist thickening and their vision blurring. Suddenly, a plaintive, lingering melody drifted through the fog—a sound as if weeping, as if telling an ancient tale.

“This music... why do I feel weak all over, like I can’t muster any strength?” Grizzly Bear muttered painfully.

Li Hongjun channeled the power of the stars, resisting the music’s influence. “Be careful, everyone—there’s something strange about this melody! Use your spiritual power to resist it!”

At that moment, a woman in white emerged from the mist, carrying a guqin in her arms. Her beauty was otherworldly, but her gaze was cold and detached.

“You outsiders dare trespass into the Realm of Illusory Spirits and even injure my guardian beasts. None of you will leave here alive!” the woman declared frostily.

Li Hongjun hastened to explain. “Miss, we were drawn here by a mysterious force and had no intention to intrude. The mutant wolves attacked us first—we were only defending ourselves.”

The woman snorted. “Excuses! The Realm of Illusory Spirits is not a place you can enter or exit at will.” She plucked a string, sending a wave of sonic energy at them.

Li Hongjun responded with the “Heaven and Earth Star Technique,” conjuring a shield of starlight that blocked the assault, the impact ringing out in low hums.

“We mean no harm,” the mysterious woman in their group added. “We seek only to strengthen ourselves here, so we can fight the evil forces threatening the outside world. Please, show us mercy.”

The woman in white hesitated, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. “Evil forces? Tell me more.”

Li Hongjun recounted in detail their battles with the Shadow Alliance and the Shadow Fiend Hall. Upon hearing this, the woman’s expression grew solemn.

“I did not expect such chaos in the outside world. Very well—since you are committed to fighting evil, I will let you leave, but only if you do me a favor,” she said.

“Please tell us, miss. If it is within our power, we will do our utmost,” Li Hongjun replied.

She pointed to the palace in the valley. “This palace is a forbidden ground in the Realm of Illusory Spirits. It holds a sealed ancient evil beast, which has recently shown signs of awakening. If it breaks free, our world will be doomed. I want you to enter and strengthen the seal.”

The group exchanged glances and nodded. “Rest assured, miss, we will do our best,” Li Hongjun promised.

Together, they followed her to the palace gates, which were inscribed with countless runes. The woman in white formed hand seals and chanted, and the doors creaked open, releasing a wave of musty air.

“It’s dangerous inside—be on your guard. Here are talismans to activate the seal and shield against the beast’s power. Take one each,” she said, handing them luminous charms.

They accepted the talismans and entered the palace. Inside, it was damp and dim, faint lights flickering along the walls. Suddenly, a huge spider dropped from the ceiling, its body bristling with spikes and its eyes glowing red.

“What the heck is that?” Iron Tiger recoiled in fright.

Spirit Monkey grinned. “Don’t be scared, Brother Tiger. Watch me take care of it!” With a flash, he hurled a knife at the spider, but it easily swatted the blade aside and spat a stream of green venom at them. Li Hongjun quickly formed a starlight barrier, but the venom sizzled and began to corrode the shield.

“This poison is corrosive!” Li Hongjun warned.

Grizzly Bear charged with his “Mountain-Crushing Bear Stomp,” sending the spider crashing into the wall. It shrieked in rage and leapt at them again.

Lin Yu unleashed his “Breeze Illusion Swordplay,” sword shadows enveloping the spider. The mysterious woman conjured her “Dark Storm,” while the white-haired elder pressed down with the “Heaven and Earth Seal.” Under their combined assault, the spider finally collapsed, melting into a pool of green liquid.

“Whew, glad that’s over,” Iron Tiger said, wiping sweat from his brow.

They continued deeper, overcoming more traps and guardians along the way, until at last they reached the heart of the seal.

There, a massive black stone pillar stood, etched with runes and shrouded in dark mist. Within the haze loomed a colossal, twisted beast, its evil aura chilling to the very bone.

“This is it. Everyone, follow the instructions and use the talismans to strengthen the seal,” Li Hongjun commanded.

They pressed their talismans to the pillar, channeling their spiritual power. The talismans blazed with light, resonating with the runes to bind the ancient evil.

Yet just as they nearly completed the reinforcement, the beast sensed danger. With a thunderous roar, the black mist surged, its power flaring in a desperate attempt to break free.

“This is bad—the beast is stronger than we thought! Everyone, pour in more power!” Li Hongjun urged.

Gritting their teeth, they unleashed all their strength, the talismans shining brighter as they battled the monster’s might. In the stalemate, Iron Tiger suddenly spotted a dim rune at the pillar’s base—a weakness in the seal.

“Brother Li, look! That rune at the bottom doesn’t seem right!” Iron Tiger shouted.

Li Hongjun’s heart skipped a beat. “Spirit Monkey, you’re the nimblest—go fix that rune! The rest of us will hold back the beast!”

Spirit Monkey nodded and darted to the pillar’s base, dodging a blast of the beast’s power. He channeled his energy into the rune, but the resistance was great.

“Hurry, Spirit Monkey, we can’t hold much longer!” Grizzly Bear yelled.

Clenching his teeth, Spirit Monkey produced a treasured spirit crystal and poured its energy into the rune. With a flash, the rune was restored.

Instantly, the seal’s power surged, suppressing the beast and dispersing the dark mist. The monstrous form faded once more into the pillar.

“We did it...” Spirit Monkey breathed, climbing back up.

Their hearts finally at ease, they left the palace to inform the woman in white of their success. She beamed at their safe return. “Thank you. Without your help, I don’t know what I would have done. To repay you, I will gift you a treasure of the Realm of Illusory Spirits.”

She led them to her residence and drew from a chest a dazzling, multicolored spirit pearl.

“This is the Five-Colored Spirit Source Pearl. It contains immense power and will help you in your cultivation. Use it well against the evils threatening your world,” she said.

Li Hongjun accepted the pearl with gratitude. “Thank you, Miss. We will put it to good use.”

At that moment, darkness swept across the sky of the Realm of Illusory Spirits. A massive black rift tore open, exuding a suffocatingly evil aura.

“This is bad—what’s happening?” the woman in white exclaimed.

From the rift emerged a man in black robes, his face stern and eyes brimming with malice.

“Haha! So you managed to reinforce the seal. No matter—I’ve already found a way to break it. Today, I will unleash the ancient evil beast and plunge both the Realm of Illusory Spirits and your world into chaos!” the black-robed man cackled.

Li Hongjun glared at him coldly. “You won’t succeed. We won’t let you!”

The man sneered. “You? You’re nothing but ants.” He formed a seal, sending a beam of black light hurtling toward the seal.

“Everyone, stop him!” Li Hongjun shouted.

They charged at the black-robed man, as a new battle was about to erupt. Will Li Hongjun and his companions foil this sinister plot and protect both worlds? How will they face the man in black and the awakening ancient beast? The answers await—stay tuned for the next chapter...