Zhang Yitian and Mingliang, now separated from the others, moved more cautiously as they advanced through the tomb. They exchanged worried glances, hoping that their companions were safe and that they would reunite soon. Zhang Yitian's mind raced as he considered their situation, "We need to find a way to regroup with the others," he said to Mingliang. "Let's keep moving, but stay alert for any signs of danger or traps." Mingliang nodded in agreement, and they continued forward, hoping to find a way to reunite with the rest of their team.
Zhang Yitian and Mingliang navigated carefully through the tomb, their guard up and their senses alert for any traps that may lie ahead. Suddenly, they heard a hissing sound coming from the ground. Without hesitation, Zhang Yitian raised his Thunderbolt spear and unleashed a bolt of lightning that hit the ground, revealing a hidden trap.
Mingliang looked around and noticed that the air felt damp and heavy. "Be careful, there might be water-based traps here," he warned. As they continued, they came across a room filled with ankle-deep water. Suddenly, a powerful jet of water shot out from the ground, narrowly missing Zhang Yitian.
"Wavecaller!" Mingliang called out, raising his staff and channeling the power of water. He created a shield of water around them, protecting them from the powerful jets. "We need to find a way to shut off the water source," he said.
Zhang Yitian nodded, his Thunderbolt spear crackling with electricity. They worked together, with Zhang Yitian using his lightning to locate the source of the water and Mingliang using his water manipulation to shut it off.
Zhang Yitian and Mingliang continued on their way until they came across a large chamber filled with a deep pool of water. Suddenly, a ferocious beast emerged from the water and charged at them. It was a rare monster known as a Thunderfin, with sharp teeth and a powerful tail.
Zhang Yitian and Mingliang braced themselves for the upcoming battle as the monstrous sea serpents came closer. Without a word, Zhang Yitian charged forward with his Thunderbolt spear, ready to strike. As he lunged towards the first monster, it opened its jaws wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Zhang Yitian swiftly dodged the attack and plunged his spear into the creature's side, releasing a burst of electricity that jolted the monster and caused it to writhe in pain. Meanwhile, Mingliang conjured a powerful wave of water that crashed onto the second monster, drenching it and weakening its movements.
As the two cultivators fought the monsters, they coordinated their attacks flawlessly. Zhang Yitian used his lightning abilities to stun the monsters, while Mingliang followed up with a barrage of water attacks that dealt heavy damage. The battle was fierce, but in the end, Zhang Yitian and Mingliang emerged victorious.
Breathing heavily, Zhang Yitian wiped the sweat off his forehead and looked at Mingliang. "That was close. Your water techniques were instrumental in our victory," he said, his tone filled with gratitude.
Mingliang nodded, "I couldn't have done it without your lightning abilities, senior brother. We make a great team."
Zhang Yitian smiled, feeling a sense of pride and camaraderie. "We sure do. Let's keep moving. I have a feeling the treasure room is close."
As they made their way through the maze-like tomb, they encountered various other traps and obstacles that tested their skills and teamwork. In one room, they had to solve a puzzle that required Mingliang's expertise in deciphering ancient texts and Zhang Yitian's agility to move around the room to collect the necessary items. In another room, they had to navigate through a series of shifting walls that threatened to crush them if they made a wrong move.
Despite the challenges, Zhang Yitian and Mingliang persisted, working together and relying on their individual strengths to overcome each obstacle. Finally, they found themselves standing in front of a massive stone door, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols.
"This is it," Zhang Yitian said, excitement and anticipation building in his chest. "The treasure room."
Zhang Yitian and Mingliang stood at the entrance of the treasure room, their eyes widening at the sight before them. The room only contained a jade container at the center of the room, emitting a powerful aura that they could feel from where they stood.
But as they approached the container, they were suddenly ambushed by a group of monsters. These creatures were unlike any they had ever seen before, with fur as black as night and eyes that glowed with an eerie red light.
Without hesitation, Zhang Yitian charged toward the monsters with his Thunderbolt spear, while Mingliang conjured a wall of water to protect them from the monsters' attacks. The creatures were fierce and relentless, and they were pushed to their limits as they fought with all their might.
Zhang Yitian's lightning attacks proved effective against the monsters, but they were too quick to catch, darting around him with lightning speed. Meanwhile, Mingliang used his water abilities to weaken the monsters' movements, but it was a struggle to keep them at bay.
Zhang Yitian gritted his teeth, feeling the strain of the battle taking a toll on his body. He knew that he couldn't let his guard down for even a second, or else it would mean a certain defeat. "Come on, Thunderbolt, give me strength," he thought, channeling his lightning element to the tip of his spear. With a mighty yell, he lunged towards one of the monsters, his Thunderbolt spear crackling with electricity. The monster dodged his attack, but Zhang Yitian quickly adjusted his stance and unleashed a flurry of lightning strikes, aiming for the monster's weak points. Finally, he found an opening and thrust his spear forward, piercing the monster's hide.
Mingliang was equally determined, his face set in concentration as he used his water element to control the flow of the battle. "I can't let them get close to the jade container," he thought, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of weakness in the monsters' movements. Suddenly, one of the monsters lunged toward him, its sharp claws glinting in the dim light. Mingliang swiftly sidestepped and conjured a powerful wave of water, smashing it into the monster's side. The monster roared in anger, but Mingliang didn't back down. He continued to weave intricate water attacks, hoping to wear down the monsters' defenses.
The battle raged on for what felt like an eternity, with both cultivators pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion. Finally, with a final burst of energy, Zhang Yitian managed to pierce the heart of one of the monsters, while Mingliang unleashed a torrent of water that knocked the other one back. The room fell silent, and they took a moment to catch their breath.
The battle was fierce and grueling, lasting what seemed like hours, but eventually, Zhang Yitian and Mingliang managed to overcome the monsters. Breathing heavily, they turned their attention to the jade container that lay before them.
Zhang Yitian looked at the jade container in the center of the room, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "We did it, Mingliang," he said, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.
Mingliang nodded, his eyes still fixed on the monsters' lifeless bodies. "It wasn't easy, but we did it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He turned to Zhang Yitian and gave him a small grin. "Now let's see what's inside that jade container."
The two cultivators approached the container, their hearts beating with anticipation. As they opened it, a burst of energy emanated from within, enveloping them in a warm glow. Inside the container were two, golden fruit, pulsing with spiritual energy.
"This must be a spiritual fruit that can improve a cultivator's internal energy," Zhang Yitian said, his eyes widening in amazement.
Mingliang nodded, his gaze fixed on the fruit. "It's even more powerful than I thought it would be," he said, his voice filled with awe.
Zhang Yitian and Mingliang each picked up one of the glowing fruits and looked at each other with uncertainty. They had no idea what kind of fruit this was or what effects it might have, but they knew they couldn't risk hiding it in their spatial rings. The powerful aura emanating from the fruit was too strong and could attract unwanted attention if left unchecked.
Zhang Yitian and Mingliang stood together, holding the mysterious fruit in their hands. They knew that consuming it would be risky, but they also knew that it was their only chance to grow stronger and protect themselves from the dangers that lay ahead.
Zhang Yitian closed his eyes and focused his mind, ready to accept the energy of the fruit. He knew that the process would be painful, but he was determined to see it through. "I must be brave," he thought to himself. "This is the only way to achieve true power and protect those I care about."
Mingliang, on the other hand, was filled with both excitement and trepidation. He had always felt that his cultivation was lacking, and he hoped that this fruit would give him the boost he needed to catch up to his friend. "I must not waste this opportunity," he thought to himself. "I must do everything in my power to absorb as much energy as I can."
With a deep breath, they simultaneously swallowed the fruit, feeling a surge of energy coursing through their veins. At first, the pain was almost unbearable, but they gritted their teeth and persevered. They focused on their breathing, allowing their bodies to relax and accept the energy.
As time passed, the pain began to subside, replaced by a feeling of immense power. Zhang Yitian could feel his body growing stronger, his senses sharpening, and his mind becoming more focused. He felt as if he were on the brink of a breakthrough, ready to ascend to a higher level of cultivation.
Mingliang, meanwhile, could feel the energy filling every corner of his body, his veins pulsating with newfound strength. He was amazed at the power he now possessed, and he knew that he had a lot of hard work ahead of him to master it.
After what felt like hours, the process was finally complete. Zhang Yitian opened his eyes, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He could feel that he had indeed advanced to Advance Spiritual Ascending. Mingliang, on the other hand, was overjoyed to discover that he had reached Beginner Spiritual Ascending.
"Thank the heavens," Mingliang exclaimed, "I cannot believe that we've been blessed with such an opportunity. With this power, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers of this world."
Zhang Yitian nodded in agreement. "We must use this power wisely," he said, "for with great power comes great responsibility. We must continue to grow stronger and protect those who are weaker than us."
With their newfound power, Zhang Yitian and Mingliang left the treasure room and continued on their journey, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead with renewed confidence and strength.