331: Purification incantation

The Guardian Alliance cautiously approached the black tower. The closer they got, the heavier the oppressive dark magic became, as if it were trying to snatch away their very breath.

When they finally stood before the tower, they found its great door tightly shut. It was covered in twisted runes that flickered with a sinister dark light, radiating an aura that chilled the soul. Xiao Xing stepped forward for a closer look, searching for a way to open the door while remaining vigilant for any sudden threats.

"These runes appear to be a combined magic of sealing and confinement. To open this door, we'll likely need to neutralize and break them with a corresponding light power," Ji Ziyue observed after studying them.

Yin Ping nodded and added, "But if we recklessly attack with Light Magic, we might trigger an alarm inside, giving them advance warning."

Xiao Xing pondered for a moment before saying softly, "We're past the point of worrying about that now. Let's first try a small-scale Light Magic probe to see if we can find a weak point in the runes, then decide our next move."

Everyone agreed. Ji Ziyue gathered a gentle stream of Light Magic and slowly directed it toward the runes on the door. The moment the light touched them, the runes flared violently as if greatly agitated. However, no alarm sounded; instead, the door began to tremble faintly, seemingly resisting the force of the light.

After several attempts, they finally discovered a corner where the runes seemed relatively weaker. Seeing this, Xiao Xing gathered bright light energy into his longsword and gently thrust it toward that spot. With a ripple of magical energy, the glow of the runes on the door dimmed slightly, and the tightly shut door slowly creaked open a crack.

Xiao Xing gently pushed the door open and stepped into the tower first, with the others following closely behind. The interior was dimly lit. Sconces emitting an eerie green glow hung on the walls, barely illuminating the path ahead. The air was thick with a pungent mixture of decay and dark magic, making everyone frown involuntarily.

As they ascended the spiral staircase, they could intermittently hear strange noises coming from various rooms—sounds like someone groaning in pain or the low growls of some malevolent creature.

Just as the group reached a turn on the second floor, a crowd of Black-Robed Figures suddenly burst out from a side room. Wielding weapons imbued with dark magic and chanting obscure incantations, they launched an attack on the Guardians.

Dark magic rained down upon the Guardians. "Everyone, be careful! Counterattack!" Xiao Xing shouted, swinging his sword to meet the black-robed figure charging at the forefront. Blade clashed against weapon, sending sparks of interwoven black and white magic flying.

Ji Ziyue swiftly erected a Shield of Light around the group, blocking the incoming dark magic spells. Simultaneously, she chanted a Purification Incantation, releasing beams of white Purifying Light that shot toward the Black-Robed Figures. Those struck by the light visibly shuddered, and the dark magic in their hands faltered for a moment.

Meanwhile, Yin Ping led some of the more agile Guardians, weaving between the Black-Robed Figures. They seized opportunities to launch fierce attacks at vital points, plunging both sides into a chaotic and intense melee.

However, these Black-Robed Figures seemed more disciplined than those encountered before. They coordinated with each other, forming small Magic Arrays that amplified their dark magic, making their attacks increasingly ferocious.

The Guardians gradually began to struggle, accumulating fresh wounds, but they showed no intention of retreating, fighting on with tenacity.

Amid the fierce battle, Xiao Xing noticed that the Black-Robed Figures seemed intent on protecting a room at the end of the corridor. Every time the Guardians' attacks neared that direction, they would throw themselves forward desperately to block the way.

"There's definitely something wrong with that room! Everyone, focus your efforts and break through there!" Xiao Xing shouted. Hearing this, the group gritted their teeth, gathered their remaining magic, and launched an even fiercer charge toward the end of the corridor.

Under the concerted and forceful assault of the Guardians, the Black-Robed Figures' defensive line finally began to waver. Seizing the opportunity, the Guardians broke through the stop and reached the doorway of that room.

Xiao Xing kicked the door open. Inside, they saw a massive stone platform. On it rested a crystal coffin radiating thick, dark Devilish Qi. The coffin was covered in complex runes that continuously drew in the surrounding dark magic, as if nourishing something within.

Standing around the stone platform were several figures who appeared to be Black-Robed Leaders. Seeing the Guardians burst in, their faces twisted with savage fury.

"You fools who don't know your own mortality! You dare to ruin our great work! Today, you will all die here, buried alongside our great Dark Dominator!" one of the Black-Robed Leaders snarled viciously. With a wave of his hand, the other Black-Robed Figures immediately closed in on the Guardians, preparing to launch an even more vicious attack.

The Guardians showed no fear, gripping their weapons tightly once more and standing ready for battle. The atmosphere between the two sides instantly became as tense as a drawn bowstring. A life-and-death battle was about to erupt within this tower room, and its outcome would directly determine whether the continent would once again be plunged into the abyss of darkness.