60: Chapter 60 The Call of the Source of Life

On the helipad of Huaxia Martial Arts Academy, the Special Action Group's Aircraft slowly descended. The hatch opened, and Lin Wu was the first to emerge, his left arm wrapped in thick bandages, and an unhealed wound still visible at the corner of his mouth.

Su Qingxue followed closely, her gaze fixed on Lin Wu, her brows furrowed with worry. Chu Tianjiao and the other team members also walked out one after another, fatigue etched on each of their faces.

"Deputy Leader Lin, the medical team is already waiting." A academy staff member hurried forward, leading them to the Medical Center.

Lin Wu nodded, but his steps turned in another direction: "Let's go see the Dean first."

Su Qingxue said nothing, silently following by his side. She knew that Dean Li Changfeng's injuries were always a concern in Lin Wu's heart.

Outside the Medical Center's intensive care unit, Lin Wu looked at the scene inside through the glass window. Li Changfeng lay quietly on the hospital bed, connected to various monitoring instruments, his vital signs stable but weak.

"Dean, he..." Lin Wu's voice was a little hoarse.

The medical director next to him sighed: "The situation is still critical. His life force was over-consumed; we can only maintain basic vital signs."

Lin Wu clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms. The Dean had paid such a heavy price to save him and Chu Tianjiao; he had to find the source of life as soon as possible.

"Wait for me, Dean." Lin Wu said silently in his heart.

Su Qingxue gently held his hand, offering silent support.

Half an hour later, an emergency meeting of the Alliance High Command was held in the academy conference room.

Lin Wu projected the data collected from the mining area onto the screen, including information about the Lord of the Blood Demon and the detailed content of the Perfect Modification Plan.

"According to our investigation, the Dark Night Organization is in the final stage of Blood Demon Modification," Lin Wu said in a deep voice. "Their goal is to awaken the Lord of the Blood Demon, an ancient terrifying existence. If they succeed, the entire world will face destruction."

The conference room was silent, and the faces of the High Command became solemn.

"How strong is the Lord of the Blood Demon?" an Alliance Elder asked.

"According to the data, the Lord of the Blood Demon's strength may exceed SSS-rank, even reaching the legendary Supreme Realm," Lin Wu replied.

"We must stop them." Another high-ranking official slammed the table, "Immediately form a special response team."

The meeting decided to establish the Blood Demon Response Team, with Lin Wu as the leader and Zhao Tiangang as the Deputy Leader. Lin Wu reported on the mining area mission and proposed to continue executing the plan to find the source of life. The High Command unhesitatingly expressed their support and promised to provide the necessary resources.

After the meeting, Lin Wu was about to leave, but Gu Cangwu was waiting for him in the corridor.

"Master." Lin Wu saluted respectfully.

Gu Cangwu looked him up and down, frowning: "How are your injuries?"

"Minor injuries, nothing serious," Lin Wu said.

"The Blood Demon Envoy's strength is not weak; it's already not easy for you to return alive," Gu Cangwu said. "Regarding the source of life, I have found more detailed information."

Gu Cangwu took out a yellowed ancient book from his In my arms and opened one of its pages: "According to ancient records, the source of life grows in the Spring of Life deep within the Death Desert. That place is known as the Life Forbidden Zone, the most mysterious of the three forbidden zones."

He took out a map and marked a location on it: "This is the approximate location of the Life Forbidden Zone. But be careful, the Death Desert is full of dangers; even Legendary Realm experts who enter will have only a one-in-ten chance of survival."

"I know." Lin Wu said firmly, "For the Dean, I must go."

Gu Cangwu looked at him, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Good, since you have decided, prepare thoroughly. I will provide you with some desert survival experience."

Back at the bamboo house, Lin Wu began to reassemble the treasure hunting team. Su Qingxue was the first to arrive, her attitude unusually firm: "No matter how dangerous, I want to go with you."

Chu Tianjiao also arrived shortly after: "The previous mission showed me your strength; this time, I want to fight alongside you."

Chen Hao simply pushed the door open and entered: "Brother Wu, wherever you go, I go."

Zhao Tiangang provided a complete set of desert survival equipment, including special sand-proof suits, water purifiers, and energy supplements. He patted Lin Wu's shoulder: "Be safe, and contact me anytime if you need anything."

Before departing, Lin Wu went to see his parents. Father Lin and Mother Lin already knew about the Dean's situation; they did not stop him, but silently prepared some clothes and nutritional supplements for their son.

"Son, remember, no matter what happens, home will always be your backing," Father Lin patted his shoulder.

"Be careful, and come back soon." Mother Lin's eyes were moist.

Lin Wu nodded, suppressing his inner emotions: "Don't worry, I'll come back safely."

Three days later, the treasure hunting team set off again. The Aircraft carried them towards the Death Desert.

Standing by the porthole, Lin Wu looked at the gradually yellowing land below, filled with emotion. Not long ago, he had experienced life and death with the Dean here, and now he was about to step into this dangerous land once more.

"What are you thinking about?" Su Qingxue walked to his side.

"I'm thinking about the Dean," Lin Wu said. "I wonder how he's doing now."

"He will wait for you," Su Qingxue said. "We will definitely find the source of life."

Lin Wu turned to look at her, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes: "With you here, I have more confidence."

The Aircraft landed at a temporary base on the edge of the Death Desert. This was an Alliance supply station established on the desert's edge, and the last stop before entering the desert.

The team members changed into sand-proof suits and checked their equipment. Chen Hao carried a huge backpack filled with various supplies.

"Brother Wu, is there really a source of life in this desert?" Chen Hao asked.

"Yes." Lin Wu said firmly, "The Dean is still waiting for us."

The team entered the desert, and the temperature quickly rose. The scorching sun hung high, and the sand reflected blinding light, making it difficult to keep one's eyes open.

After walking for about an hour, Lin Wu suddenly stopped: "Something's wrong, there's an energy fluctuation ahead."

Everyone looked cautiously ahead. In the distance, several figures moved on the sand, dressed like desert bandits.

"Prepare for battle," Lin Wu whispered.

The bandits seemed to have discovered them too, quickly closing in. Leading them was a bald, burly man, emanating a strong Evil Qi.

"Stop! This road is mine, this tree is mine! If you want to pass, leave your toll!" The bald man roared.

Lin Wu sneered: "This is Huaxia Alliance territory, when did it become your turf?"

"Less nonsense! Hand over your equipment and money, or you won't leave alive!" The bald man drew a scimitar.

A flash of killing intent appeared in Lin Wu's eyes: "Stubborn."

His figure moved like lightning, instantly disappearing from his spot, reappearing in front of the bald man. Golden true essence condensed in his palm into a dazzling light, forming a small golden vortex.

"Mountain Breaking Fist!" Lin Wu roared, throwing a punch. The punch's force was like thunder, carrying the sharp Metal Element Law, directly hitting the bald man's chest.

The bald man's eyes widened, he spat out a mouthful of blood, and his body flew backward like a broken kite, crashing heavily onto the sand, kicking up a cloud of yellow dust. He struggled a few times but could no longer stand up.

Seeing this, the other bandits let out a shout, drawing their weapons and rushing over. Su Qingxue, Chu Tianjiao, and Chen Hao also quickly joined the battle.

Su Qingxue let out a delicate shout, and dozens of ice cones condensed from her fingertips, shooting like a torrential rain towards the bandits at the forefront. The ice cones accurately pierced their joints and vital points, pinning them to the sand.

Chu Tianjiao formed hand seals, and suddenly dark clouds gathered in the sky. A thick bolt of lightning struck down, directly hitting a bandit. The bandit convulsed violently, his hair standing on end, and instantly lost his combat ability.

Chen Hao, with a low growl, his muscles swelled, and his skin turned metallic silver. He charged into the group of bandits like a tank, his fists pounding enemies like iron hammers. A bandit swung his knife at Chen Hao's shoulder, but it bounced off his metallic skin, dulling the blade. Chen Hao countered with a punch, sending the bandit flying several meters away.

Lin Wu was even more like entering an uninhabited land, with golden true essence forming a protective shield around him. He punched and kicked, each strike carrying the powerful Metal Law Power. A bandit stabbed him in the back with a knife, but he didn't even turn his head, striking out with a backhand palm, directly shattering the bandit's knife and knocking him flying.

In less than five minutes, all the bandits were subdued, lying on the sand, groaning in pain. Lin Wu walked up to the bald man: "Speak, who are you people?"

The bald man gritted his teeth: "Kill me or dismember me, I won't say anything!"

Lin Wu sneered, and the Metal Element Law invaded his Sea of Consciousness: "Won't speak? Then I'll find out myself."

A moment later, Lin Wu's expression changed: "Dark Night Organization? You are hired by the Dark Night Organization?"

The bald man's pupils constricted, obviously hit by the truth.

"What did they send you here to do?" Lin Wu asked.

"To find the source of life..." Under the pressure of the Power of Law, the bald man had to speak, "They said the source of life can awaken the Lord of the Blood Demon..."

"They've already entered the desert?" Lin Wu pressed.

"Yes, they went in three days ago..." The bald man said, "They have professional equipment and guides..."

Lin Wu's expression grew serious. The Dark Night Organization had entered the desert three days earlier than them, meaning they might already be close to the Life Forbidden Zone.

"Go! Speed up!" Lin Wu said to his teammates.

The team continued to advance, much faster than before. Lin Wu fully unleashed his perception, searching for surrounding energy fluctuations.

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

The desert environment became increasingly harsh as the fierce wind blew sand into their faces, reducing visibility to less than ten meters. However, the team members did not retreat; they had only one goal in mind: find the source of life and save the Principal.

"Brother Wu, there's an Oasis ahead!" Chen Hao suddenly shouted.

Lin Wu looked up, and indeed, a patch of green appeared in the distance. An Oasis meant a water source, which was a life-saving hope for anyone traveling in the desert.

But Lin Wu did not lower his guard. In the Death Desert, seemingly safe places often hid the greatest dangers.

The team approached the Oasis cautiously. When they reached its edge, Lin Wu suddenly stopped: "Something's not right. The energy fluctuations here are very strange."

Su Qingxue felt it too: "Indeed, it seems like something is hiding."

"Be careful, it might be a trap," Lin Wu warned.

Just then, an eerie laugh echoed from the Oasis. A figure stepped out, wearing the black uniform of the Dark Night Organization.

"Lin Wu, we meet again." The Blood Demon Envoy's voice was as cold and sinister as a venomous snake.

Lin Wu's pupils contracted: "Blood Demon Envoy! Why are you here?"

"I'm here to take your life and, while I'm at it, help the Dark Night Organization find the source of life." The Blood Demon Envoy grinned maliciously. "You escaped last time, but you won't get away this time!"

blood fiend qi surged around him, and the pressure of the Half-Step Mythic Realm swept out overwhelmingly.

Lin Wu stepped forward, shielding his teammates: "You guys go first, I'll hold him off!"

"No!" Su Qingxue said urgently. "We'll fight together!"

"This is an order!" Lin Wu said sternly. "The source of life concerns the Principal's life. Someone must go find it!"

Chu Tianjiao bit his teeth: "Let's go! We'll find the source of life and then come back to help Lin Wu!"

He pulled Su Qingxue and Chen Hao, running toward the depths of the Oasis.

The Blood Demon Envoy tried to pursue them but was blocked by Lin Wu.

"Your opponent is me!" Lin Wu roared, the Golden Dragon Dharma Image condensing behind him.

The Blood Demon Envoy sneered: "Last time you had Zhao Tiangang's help. Let's see who saves you this time!"

The two engaged in a fierce battle. Behind Lin Wu, the Golden Dragon Dharma Image roared. The golden dragon's majesty collided with the blood-red Evil Qi surrounding the Blood Demon Envoy, kicking up sand and creating a massive energy storm.

"Myriad Manifestations Sword Intent, First Form: Sword Qi Traversing!" Lin Wu barked, and golden Sword Qi shot toward the Blood Demon Envoy like a rainstorm.

The Blood Demon Envoy sneered, his blood fiend qi condensing into a blood shield that blocked all the Sword Qi. His figure flashed, instantly appearing before Lin Wu, and he struck a palm toward Lin Wu's chest.

Lin Wu hurriedly activated the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art, golden light protecting his body. But the Blood Demon Envoy's palm force was too strong; Lin Wu was shaken back several steps, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth.

"Second Form: Sword Qi Transforming into Rainbow!" Lin Wu swung his sword again, the golden Sword Qi condensing like a rainbow, aiming straight for the Blood Demon Envoy's throat.

A hint of surprise flashed in the Blood Demon Envoy's eyes. He dodged the strike and countered with a backhand palm. Lin Wu blocked with his sword but was shaken until his arm went numb.

"Third Form: Sword Intent Condensation!" Lin Wu gritted his teeth and persisted. The Sword Intent condensed into form, turning into a massive golden greatsword that slashed at the Blood Demon Envoy.

The Blood Demon Envoy finally grew serious. He formed hand seals, and his blood fiend qi condensed into a massive Blood-colored Ghost Claw that collided with the golden greatsword.

"Boom—"

A violent explosion resounded through the desert, leveling the surrounding vegetation. Lin Wu was blown back, falling heavily to the ground. He struggled to get up, blood continuously flowing from the corner of his mouth.

The Blood Demon Envoy approached step by step, his eyes filled with disdain: "Is this all you've got? It's truly embarrassing that Blood Butcher died at the hands of a waste like you!"

Lin Wu wiped the blood from his mouth, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "As long as I can hold you off, I win!"

He charged again, engaging the Blood Demon Envoy in close-quarters combat. Metal Law Power circulated frantically within his body, every punch and kick carrying immense power.

The Blood Demon Envoy was enraged by Lin Wu's tenacity. The blood fiend qi around him became even denser, and his attacks grew more ruthless. Lin Wu's wounds multiplied, but he remained steadfast.

In the distance, Su Qingxue's trio had entered the depths of the Oasis. They passed through dense vegetation and arrived at a clear spring.

"Is this the Spring of Life?" Chen Hao asked.

Su Qingxue carefully observed the spring: "It should be. The energy fluctuations here are very unique."

Chu Tianjiao suddenly pointed to the center of the spring: "Look, what's that?"

In the center of the spring, a crystal-clear lotus was slowly blooming, its petals flowing with the light of life.

"The source of life!" Su Qingxue exclaimed.

Just as they were about to harvest the source of life, a group of Dark Night Organization members suddenly rushed out from the surrounding vegetation.

"Haha, we've finally caught you!" The leader was a Masked Man. "The source of life is ours!"

Chu Tianjiao stood in front of Su Qingxue and Chen Hao: "Don't even think about it!"

A chaotic battle broke out. Chu Tianjiao stood before Su Qingxue and Chen Hao, lightning glowing around him: "You guys protect the source of life, I'll deal with these scumbags!"

He formed hand seals, and dark clouds gathered in the sky. Several lightning bolts struck down, directly hitting the Dark Night members in the lead. They convulsed and fell to the ground.

Seeing this, the remaining Dark Night members split into two groups: one continued to charge at the source of life, while the other surrounded Chu Tianjiao.

A Dark Night member wielding twin blades ambushed Chu Tianjiao from the side. Chu Tianjiao sneered, flashed away to dodge the blades, and struck a palm. Lightning Glow condensed in his palm, directly hitting the member's chest.

Su Qingxue stood by the source of life, her fingertips condensing Ice Spikes that she fired at any Dark Night members trying to approach. Her Ice Spikes were incredibly precise, each one hitting a vital spot and repelling the enemies.

Chen Hao stood beside Su Qingxue, his muscles bulging and his skin turning metallic. A Dark Night member slashed at him with a blade, but it bounced off his metallic skin. Chen Hao countered with a punch, sending the member flying.

Just then, the Masked Man suddenly struck. His speed was extremely fast, appearing before Su Qingxue in an instant and striking a palm toward her chest.

Su Qingxue hurriedly condensed an Ice Shield, but the Masked Man's palm force was too strong. The Ice Shield shattered, and she was shaken back several steps.

Seeing this, Chen Hao roared and rushed forward to tangle with the Masked Man. The Masked Man was very strong; although Chen Hao had his metallic skin for protection, he gradually fell into a disadvantage.

Seeing Su Qingxue in danger, Chu Tianjiao wanted to help, but he was pinned down by several Dark Night members and couldn't break away.

Just as Su Qingxue and Chen Hao were in peril, the source of life in the center of the spring suddenly burst with dazzling light, and a powerful wave of life energy spread out.

Meanwhile, the battle between Lin Wu and the Blood Demon Envoy had also reached a fever pitch. Lin Wu was covered in wounds, while the Blood Demon Envoy still seemed to have energy to spare.

"Give up, Lin Wu," the Blood Demon Envoy sneered. "You're no match for me!"

"As long as I can hold you off, I win!" Lin Wu wiped the blood from his mouth and charged once more.

Just as Lin Wu was about to give out, a shout came from the distance: "We've got the source of life!"

The Blood Demon Envoy's expression changed. He knew his mission had failed.

"Consider yourself lucky, Lin Wu," the Blood Demon Envoy said resentfully. "The next time we meet, I will definitely take your life!"

He turned into a streak of blood light and disappeared into the desert.

Lin Wu collapsed onto the sand, his physical strength exhausted. But a smile appeared on his face because he knew his teammates had successfully obtained the source of life.

Before long, Su Qingxue's trio returned with the source of life. Seeing Lin Wu injured, Su Qingxue rushed forward to treat him.

"We got the source of life!" Chen Hao said excitedly. "The Principal is saved!"

Lin Wu nodded weakly, his eyes full of relief.

The team quickly retreated toward the edge of the desert with the source of life. They knew the Dark Night Organization wouldn't let them off easily and had to leave this dangerous place as soon as possible.

The moment they stepped onto the Aircraft, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They had succeeded; they had found the source of life, and the Principal was saved.

The Aircraft slowly ascended, flying toward the Huaxia Martial Arts Academy. Lin Wu looked at the source of life in his hand, his heart filled with hope.

"What happened when the source of life suddenly shone just now?" Su Qingxue asked curiously.

Chu Tianjiao carefully recalled the scene: "Perhaps the source of life sensed danger and actively released energy to protect itself. After all, it's a Spiritual Object of Heaven and Earth with a certain level of Sentience."

"Sentience?" Chen Hao said in surprise. "That's amazing."

"Legend has it that the source of life is formed from the Essence of Heaven and Earth, condensing only one drop every thousand years. It's not surprising it has Sentience," Lin Wu explained. "Its light not only repelled the enemies just now but also bought us some time."

Su Qingxue looked at the source of life, a hint of awe flashing in her eyes: "It really is a miraculous treasure."

Chu Tianjiao nodded: "With it, the Principal will surely recover."

Lin Wu gazed at the clouds outside the window, thinking about continuing the investigation into other Dark Night Organization outposts within the Huaxia Alliance.

"Once the Principal recovers, we have an even more important mission," Lin Wu said in a low voice. "The Dark Night Organization has at least three more secret bases in the Huaxia Alliance, and the Blood Demon Modification Plan is accelerating."

"We must stop them," Chu Tianjiao clenched his fist.

"Principal, wait for us," Lin Wu said silently in his heart. "We're coming back with the source of life."