The glowing crystal sat in Tang Xiu's palm, pulsating faintly like a heartbeat. Its energy resonated with the chamber, sending ripples of light along the carvings on the walls. Lei Xian stumbled toward him, his face pale but full of curiosity.
"Boss, what is that?" he asked, eyeing the crystal with a mix of awe and fear.
Tang Xiu studied the crystal, his gaze deep and calculating. "It's a core of ancient energy," he said. "Pure and untainted. This must be the power the Sanctum of Eternity was guarding."
Lei Xian gulped. "So… what do we do with it? Does it make you stronger?"
Tang Xiu didn't answer immediately. He could feel the energy radiating from the crystal, a raw, chaotic force that demanded control. If wielded correctly, it could enhance his strength, but if mishandled, it could easily tear him apart.
"This crystal," Tang Xiu said slowly, "is not just a tool. It's a key. With it, I can break the limitations of this world's weak spiritual energy. But first, I need to refine it."
Lei Xian frowned. "Refine it? How? And what if it's dangerous?"
Tang Xiu shot him a sharp look. "Anything worth having is dangerous. If you're afraid, leave now. I don't need someone who hesitates when it matters most."
Lei Xian straightened, his pride stung. "I'm not afraid, Boss. I'm just… cautious."
"Good," Tang Xiu said, his tone softening slightly. "Caution is wise, but fear is useless."
The two turned their attention back to the altar. As Tang Xiu prepared to store the crystal, the carvings on the walls began to glow brighter, and a low rumble filled the chamber.
"Boss," Lei Xian said nervously, "I think we triggered something."
Tang Xiu's eyes narrowed. The energy in the room was shifting, growing heavier and more oppressive. Suddenly, the statues surrounding the altar began to crack, their broken forms crumbling into dust. From the remains, shadows emerged, their forms humanoid but featureless.
"Guardians," Tang Xiu muttered. "They won't let us leave with the crystal without a fight."
Lei Xian drew his sword, his hands trembling. "There's too many of them! Boss, what do we do?"
Tang Xiu's expression remained calm, even as the shadows advanced. He tucked the crystal into his robe and stepped forward, his golden aura flaring to life.
"Stay back," he ordered Lei Xian. "You'll only slow me down."
Before Lei Xian could protest, Tang Xiu launched himself at the nearest shadow. His fist, wrapped in golden energy, struck the creature with enough force to shatter its form. The shadow dissolved into black mist, but two more took its place.
"They're endless!" Lei Xian shouted, slashing at one of the shadows. His sword passed through it without effect, and the creature retaliated, sending him stumbling back.
Tang Xiu frowned. These guardians weren't physical beings—they were formed entirely of energy, which made them immune to normal attacks. Only someone with a deep understanding of spiritual techniques could deal with them.
"Fool," Tang Xiu muttered. "Did you think this would be easy?"
He raised his hands, drawing on the energy he had absorbed earlier from the altar. Golden symbols appeared in the air around him, forming a complex array. The symbols pulsed with power, and a wave of energy exploded outward, scattering the shadows like leaves in the wind.
Lei Xian gaped at the display. "Boss, that was incredible! But they're already reforming!"
Tang Xiu clicked his tongue in annoyance. The shadows were indeed regenerating, their forms coalescing from the black mist. He needed to finish this quickly, or they would overwhelm them both.
Focusing his energy, Tang Xiu formed a second array, this one smaller and more concentrated. The golden symbols spiraled into a vortex, drawing the shadows toward it. The creatures struggled against the pull, but the array's power was too strong. One by one, they were sucked into the vortex, their forms vanishing completely.
When the last shadow disappeared, the chamber fell silent. The oppressive energy lifted, and the carvings on the walls dimmed.
Lei Xian collapsed onto the floor, breathing heavily. "Boss… remind me never to question you again."
Tang Xiu ignored him, his attention focused on the crystal. The energy it radiated felt even stronger now, as if the battle had somehow awakened it.
"This is only the beginning," he said softly.
Lei Xian looked up at him, confusion and exhaustion written on his face. "What do you mean?"
Tang Xiu's gaze was distant, his thoughts already racing ahead. "The power in this crystal is just a fragment of what this world has hidden. If I can unlock it, I'll have the strength to challenge anyone, even in this barren land."
Lei Xian shuddered at the intensity in Tang Xiu's voice. He had always known his boss was different, but moments like this reminded him just how vast the gap between them truly was.
As Tang Xiu turned to leave the chamber, he glanced back at Lei Xian. "Come on. We've wasted enough time here."
Lei Xian scrambled to his feet, hurrying after him. "Where are we going now?"
Tang Xiu smirked. "To prepare. This was just a warm-up. The real challenge is still ahead."
The two left the ruins, their figures fading into the night. Behind them, the chamber remained silent, the altar now empty. But deep within its walls, something stirred, a faint echo of the power that had been unleashed.
Tang Xiu, however, was already focused on the next step of his journey. The crystal in his possession was a key, but to what? He didn't know yet.
But he intended to find out.