337: Dark Magic

Everyone slowly approached the Black Altar emitting a dense dark aura. The temperature around them seemed to drop, a chill creeping from the soles of their feet to their hearts. Just as they were only dozens of meters away from the altar, the ground suddenly shook violently, and black cracks spread out from the altar like the earth being torn apart by an invisible giant hand.

Along with the tremors, figures clad in black robes slowly rose from the cracks. They were tall, surrounded by eerie black mist, and their faces were obscured, yet one could feel the overwhelming malice emanating from them. These Black-Robed Figures were numerous, instantly surrounding the Guardians.

“It seems this is the final line of defense set by the Dark Forces,” Xiao Xing said in a low voice, his gaze fixed firmly on the surrounding enemies. The longsword in his hand trembled slightly, as if it were impatiently longing for battle.

“What's there to fear? I'll kill them as they come!” Yin Ping brandished her Soft Whip, letting out a crisp crack as she responded fearlessly to the enemy's threat.

Ji Ziyue quickly formed hand seals, chanting under her breath as she prepared to cast a powerful spell. With her movements, the Light Elements in the air rapidly converged, forming streaks of shining light around her.

The battle was on the verge of breaking out. The Black-Robed Figures struck first, condensing Magic Spheres in their hands and firing them at the Guardians like cannonballs. Xiao Xing's figure flashed as he wove through the Magic Spheres, his longsword dancing to shatter those that came close while channeling the Power of Light to charge into the crowd of Black-Robed Figures.

The Black-Robed Figures brandished their weapons one after another, engaging in close-quarters combat with Xiao Xing. Their attacks were eerie and sharp, each strike carrying the Dark Corrosive Power; a single lapse in concentration would lead to being hit and eroded by Dark Magic. Relying on his exquisite swordsmanship and agility, Xiao Xing charged back and forth through the enemies, and for a moment, none could stand in his way.

Yin Ping was not to be outdone. The Soft Whip in her hand danced like a spirit snake. Wherever the tip of the whip landed, wounds would be carved into the bodies of the Black-Robed Figures, and black blood would flow out, emitting a pungent odor. The Black-Robed Figures struck by the whip tip felt as if their bodies were being pulled by an invisible force, and their movements became sluggish.

Ji Ziyue, from the rear, exerted her full strength to cast spells. Beams of Purifying Light shot from her hands, accurately striking the Black-Robed Figures. Those enveloped by the Purifying Light let out agonizing screams, the black mist on their bodies gradually dissipating to reveal their hideous and twisted faces.

However, there were simply too many Black-Robed Figures. Although the Guardians resisted with all their might, they gradually began to feel overwhelmed. Wounds of varying degrees appeared on their bodies, and their magic and physical strength were being depleted more and more.

“We won't last long at this rate!” Xiao Xing shouted while fending off the enemy's attacks. “We must find a way to Breakthrough their encirclement and destroy that altar!”

Just as everyone was in dire straits, a Guardian who had remained silent suddenly stepped forward. He was a mage specializing in Space Magic who had been quietly accumulating power during the battle. At this moment, he held his hands high and began to chant an ancient incantation. With his spell, the surrounding space began to twist and warp.

Strange lights flickered among the Black-Robed Figures. Those enveloped by the light vanished instantly, having been directly teleported elsewhere. This sudden change caused panic among the remaining Black-Robed Figures, and their offensive weakened accordingly.

“Now is the time!” Xiao Xing seized the opportunity and led the group toward the altar. They broke through the Black-Robed Figures' obstruction regardless of the cost and finally arrived before the altar.

However, just as they were about to destroy the altar, a powerful Pillar of Black Light suddenly shot out from it, heading straight for the ceiling of the cavern. Within the pillar of light, a massive figure slowly emerged. It was the final boss of the Dark Forces. His appearance made the entire underground space tremble, and the final showdown that would decide the fate of the continent was about to begin.