Chapter 724: Cultivator Li Heng? (Part 2)
The Snow Spirit Fox also showcased its extraordinary abilities, maneuvering nimbly in the midst of battle and occasionally inflicting unexpected harm on Li Heng with its sharp claws.
As time went on, Li Heng gradually felt he was losing the upper hand. He initially thought that with his own strength, he could easily seize the Spiritual Treasure, but he did not expect Luo Chen and Qing Shuang to be such formidable opponents.
His expression grew increasingly grim, and he couldn't help but develop thoughts of retreat.
However, just at that moment, a violent tremor suddenly emanated from deep within the relic, as if some terrifying entity was about to awaken.
Luo Chen, Qing Shuang, and Li Heng all sensed a strong feeling of crisis, and they simultaneously halted their combat, warily looking toward the depths of the relic.
"It seems we must hurry and leave this place."
Luo Chen said in a deep voice.
Qing Shuang also nodded silently.
Conversely, Li Heng's eyes remained filled with malice.
He sneered, suddenly springing into action, attempting to snatch the Spiritual Treasure and flee while they were distracted.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang were well-prepared; they reacted swiftly, as their Sword Light and Spell intertwined again, completely neutralizing Li Heng's assault.
However, just as they prepared to launch another offensive, an earth-shattering roar suddenly echoed from deep within the relic.
The roar carried endless fury and majesty, seemingly capable of shaking the heavens and earth.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang's faces drastically changed; they realized that the terrifying entity in the relic had awakened.
They dared not hesitate for a moment, instantly turning and sprinting madly toward the exit of the relic.
Yet, just as they were about to rush out of the relic, a massive figure suddenly emerged from deep within, blocking their path.
It was a large Demonic Beast, its eyes like two red lanterns, glimmering with a fierce light.
Its body was covered in thick, armor-like scales, each piece gleaming with a metallic luster, clearly boasting impressive defensive capabilities.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang exchanged a glance, seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.
They knew that the strength of this Demonic Beast far exceeded any enemy they had faced before.
However, they did not choose to retreat; instead, they gripped their swords and Magic Artifacts tightly, ready to confront the Demonic Beast in a life-and-death struggle.
The battle erupted once more, but this time, it was a true test of life and death.
Luo Chen's "Spirit Wind Sword Technique" seemed somewhat strained against the Demonic Beast's massive frame, but he did not give up. Instead, he relied on his extraordinary will and intelligence to continuously search for the beast's weaknesses.
Qing Shuang, meanwhile, cast various spells from the side, providing support to Luo Chen.
Their coordination grew increasingly seamless, with each attack landing precisely on the Demonic Beast's vital spots.
Finally, after an intense confrontation, Luo Chen discovered the Demonic Beast's fatal weakness. He suddenly thrust his sword, the Sword Light like a dragon, piercing through the beast's scales and striking its heart.
The Demonic Beast let out a shrill roar, its massive body crashing to the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang stood before the Demonic Beast's corpse, breathing heavily, their clothes soaked through and their faces covered in sweat and dust.
But their faces bore smiles of victory because they knew they had successfully defeated the Demonic Beast and safeguarded their lives.
After confirming that the Demonic Beast was well and truly dead, they began to tidy up the battlefield.
They removed several precious materials from the beast's body, treasures extremely rare in the Cultivation Realm.
Then, they turned their gaze back to the Spiritual Treasure, emitting a faint glow.
At this moment, they no longer felt greed or rivalry, knowing that although the Spiritual Treasure was precious, their tacit understanding and trust were more important.
They exchanged a smile, then collected the Spiritual Treasure together.
On their way out of the relic, they encountered Li Heng once more.
This time, however, Li Heng lacked the previous arrogance; he looked at the Spiritual Treasure in Luo Chen and Qing Shuang's hands with eyes full of envy and reluctance.
Nevertheless, he dared not attempt to seize it again, as he knew he had lost the strength to oppose Luo Chen and Qing Shuang.
He could only glare at them resentfully before leaving dejectedly.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang paid no mind to Li Heng's departure and continued heading toward the workshop's direction.
They understood that the exploration, despite being filled with danger and the unknown, granted them much valuable experience and resources.
More importantly, their tacit understanding and trust had deepened significantly.
In the future, on their path of cultivation, they would walk side by side, facing more challenges and trials together.
Upon returning to the workshop, they first sold off a portion of the materials to exchange for sufficient cultivation resources.
Then, they found an inn to rest well.
In the inn room, they sat together, reminiscing about the exploration's every detail.
They laughed about each other's performance in battle, sharing their cultivation insights.
They knew their path of Immortal Cultivation was still long, but they believed that as long as they maintained their understanding and trust, nothing could stop their progress.
As night deepened, moonlight poured into the room, draping it in silvery gauze.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang exchanged a smile before gently closing their eyes.
Planning to have a good rest.
"Qing Shuang, do you think that if Li Heng is still alive, he could become a major threat to us?"
Luo Chen's words broke the room's silence, his gaze revealing a hint of worry.
Hearing this, Qing Shuang gently furrowed her brows, pondering for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Indeed, Li Heng is sinister and cunning, with considerable cultivation. If he somehow survives, he certainly won't let us go easily. That said, the Cultivation Realm is one where the strong reign supreme. We've already bested him once, so we're not afraid of him causing trouble again. As long as we continually enhance our own strength, what can he do against us?"
Luo Chen nodded, slightly reassured by Qing Shuang's words.
He knew well that the path of Immortal Cultivation was fraught with difficulties and challenges, and the path of the strong was riddled with thorns. Only by continually moving forward could one remain undefeated.
"You're right; we cannot relax our guard due to a momentary victory. Tomorrow we will begin closed-door cultivation, striving to break through our current stage as soon as possible. Only by doing so can we better protect ourselves and those around us."
Upon hearing this, a gentle gleam flickered in Qing Shuang's eyes.
She gently held Luo Chen's hand. They exchanged smiles, their mutual understanding needing no words.
In the days that followed, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang devoted almost all their time to cultivation.
In closed-door cultivation, they trained tirelessly day and night, their cultivation levels advancing rapidly.
Rumors from the workshop occasionally reached their ears, some of which concerned Li Heng.
Li Heng was reportedly injured and disappeared for a time after escaping the relic.
But not long after, he resurfaced in the Cultivation Realm, seemingly with an even higher cultivation than before.
He roamed in search of opportunities, attempting to compensate for his losses in the relic through some special means.
Yet regarding all this, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang remained indifferent.
They understood that as long as their own power was strong enough, no challenge or threat needed to be feared.
Finally, after months of closed-door cultivation, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang simultaneously broke through their current levels.
Their cultivation increased dramatically, and their strength reached new heights of quality. Emerging from their seclusion, they felt the surging power within them, filled with confidence and pride.
And at that moment, a familiar figure suddenly appeared in their view.
It was Li Heng! Armed with a longsword, he looked at Luo Chen and Qing Shuang with a cold smile, as if wanting to tear them apart.
"Hmph! You two finally dared to come out! Today shall be the day you die!"
Li Heng's voice was filled with enmity and murderous intent.