The beam of light had expanded more than tenfold since its initial appearance. Now, it was as thick as two people embracing each other, with a flowing, crystalline radiance circulating within it. It seemed as though an unceasing stream of astral energy was pouring into the mirror’s surface.
Days and nights passed.
The silver mirror above the water was strikingly conspicuous, resembling a vast silver hole leading to another world.
The group arrived atop the python and spotted cultivators of the Tianxing Alliance approaching from the south on a flying boat.
Both sides halted near the beam of light.
Qin Sang and the others hurriedly dismounted from the python and bowed in gratitude.
Although the python belonged to Snake Granny, it was still a Golden-Core-level demonic beast. Furthermore, its connection to Heavenly Demon Hill was murky and enigmatic, making it a being that could not be treated with negligence.
Not long after, a thunderous roar erupted from the north as other Core Formation Realm cultivators arrived together. They stopped just within sight but refrained from advancing further.
After all, they had not come to battle today. Their appearance was merely a precaution against the Tianxing Alliance going back on its word.
From the south, a vast rolling mass of black clouds mirrored their stance, forming a tense standoff against the experts of the Small Cold Domain.
The waters beneath the beam of light, however, remained eerily tranquil.
A gentle breeze brushed past.
Qin Sang observed his surroundings without revealing any emotion. Aside from the two groups of Core Formation Realm experts, there was not a single other figure in sight. The Spiritual Infant cultivators of both sides had yet to reveal themselves.
But remaining unseen did not mean they were absent.
If a Spiritual Infant expert wished to conceal themselves, even Snake Granny would likely struggle to detect them.
Qin Sang’s fingers unconsciously brushed against the wooden carving hidden at his chest, anxiety creeping into his heart. There was no turning back now. The bowstring had already been drawn, and retreat was no longer an option. He could only steel himself and forge ahead.
The Tianxing Alliance was led by a general clad in golden armor.
This man was extraordinarily tall, nearly twice Qin Sang’s height. His arms were as thick as water barrels, and his heavy battle armor gleamed with a dazzling golden light. Yet, despite its bulk, the armor appeared somewhat small on his massive frame.
Whether it was due to his innate talent or the cultivation art he practiced remained unknown.
His status within the Tianxing Alliance was akin to that of Snake Granny—a late-stage Core Formation powerhouse. In fact, his strength seemed even more formidable than hers.
Qin Sang had heard rumors that this golden-armored general had once fought Snake Granny and her spirit beast alone, holding his ground in a two-on-one battle without falling behind—a testament to his formidable might.
Though the two sides viewed each other as adversaries, the atmosphere was not charged with hostility.
Qin Sang noticed Snake Granny and the golden-armored general silently exchanging a few words. However, he could not hear anything and could only wait patiently for Zhitian Peak to open.
An entire hour passed.
Yet, no one present showed the slightest impatience.
Finally, the beam of light began to change.
The mirror surface grew increasingly radiant at a speed visible to the naked eye. The brightness intensified, becoming more and more blinding, with no sign of stopping. At last, it reached a level that could no longer be directly gazed upon.
Affected by the mirror, the beam of light itself also became more dazzling, its radiance pulsating with even greater intensity.
Qin Sang faintly sensed that this shimmering glow carried an extraordinary power—one that was automatically converging toward the beam for some unknown reason.
There was also another possibility: The glow was being drawn in by the mirror.
A sudden, explosive sound thundered through the air. The mirror’s light abruptly expanded.
A massive shockwave erupted from within.
An invisible force surged outward in all directions, carrying with it an overwhelming energy that made Qin Sang and the others' expressions change in alarm.
The previously calm lake was suddenly struck by a violent tempest, sending waves dozens of zhang high crashing in all directions.
Amidst the raging waters, Qin Sang and his group remained firmly in place.
Snake Granny had raised her serpent staff, from which a deep green light emerged, forming a protective barrier that enveloped them and shielded them from the shockwave’s force.
On the opposite side, the golden-armored general unleashed a surge of blood and qi, his gleaming armor shining brightly as he formed a defensive wall where blood, qi and golden radiance intertwined, firmly protecting the cultivators behind him.
For a late-stage Core Formation powerhouse, such a display of strength was effortless.
Qin Sang focused all his attention on the direction of the mirror, unconcerned about his own safety.
After the eruption, the light within the mirror was no longer as blinding. Countless fragments, resembling scattered stardust, spewed outward, only to silently dissipate into the void.
It seemed as if the mirror itself had been shattered by the impact. The stardust and radiant glow swirled together, forming a tempest, while the surrounding lake water churned into a massive whirlpool.
Within the vortex, the water spun at an alarming speed, generating an immense suction force. Even the protective light barrier conjured by the serpent staff was slightly distorted by the pull.
When the whirlpool's rotation reached its peak, a muffled sound echoed, and a dense white light shot skyward.
The beam of light was instantly dispersed.
At the source of the white light, the crowd could vaguely make out a deep, shadowy entrance emerging at the heart of the vortex, hidden within the storm.
Snake Granny’s low voice suddenly rang in their ears.
Everyone had assumed they would wait for the storm to dissipate and for Zhitian Peak’s entrance to fully reveal itself before stepping in. Unexpectedly, they were to force their way through the storm instead.
Though the turbulence within the storm was no longer as terrifying as its initial outburst, it remained a formidable threat.
Concern flickered across their faces, but Snake Granny had already stowed away her serpent staff. With the suction force pulling at them, they dared not resist. One after another, they summoned their protective artifacts and plunged downward. Thɪs chapter is updated by ⓝovelFire.net
Qin Sang maintained a steady pace. Just as he was about to enter the storm, the azure robe he wore emitted a brilliant azure glow, with mystical runes appearing on its surface.
This robe was a top-grade artifact, possessing formidable defensive capabilities.
The moment he charged into the storm, Qin Sang felt powerful forces tearing at him from all directions. The glow of his blue robe nearly shattered under the impact.
Fortunately, he infused it with his spiritual power at full force, allowing the robe to withstand the assault.
His vision was completely engulfed by white light, and even his spiritual consciousness was unable to extend beyond his body. Amidst the chaotic storm, Qin Sang barely managed to stabilize himself as he plummeted downward.
At last, he broke free from the storm’s grasp and fell into the entrance. But before he could feel relieved, an even stronger suction force immediately overwhelmed him.
This force was not a single pull but countless intertwining currents forming a new storm—one far more chaotic and powerful than the one outside. It was nearly impossible to resist!
Qin Sang recalled Vice Island Master Xiao’s words. Without hesitation, he focused his mind, shielding his body with all his strength, allowing the storm to carry him like a lone leaf drifting on the waves.
Even in this turbulent state, he could still clearly sense the wooden carving hidden against his chest. A wave of relief washed over him—Granny Jing had not exaggerated. Indeed, no one had discovered it.
The world spun uncontrollably.
Qin Sang keenly noticed that the storm’s force had weakened slightly.
Even better, his vision—previously dominated by endless white light—was gradually returning.
He was well aware of the dangers lurking within Zhitian Peak. His eyes widened as he tried to discern his surroundings, despite his body being thrown around by the storm.
Suppressing the dizziness, he forced himself to memorize everything he saw, piecing together a complete view.
Aside from him, there was no one else in sight.
Before entering, Qin Sang and Senior Brother Rong had hoped to stay close together. However, the instant they entered the vortex, the storm had torn them apart.