The mist - creatures swarmed around the group like a living, undulating blanket of darkness. Su Nian lashed out with her chains, but they passed through the ephemeral forms, only to find the creatures reforming behind her. "These things are impossible to hit!" she shouted, her voice tinged with frustration.Zhang Chengying gritted his teeth and channeled what little electricity remained in his broken peachwood sword. The purple arcs crackled weakly as he swung at the nearest mist - beast, but it merely dispersed and coalesced elsewhere. "We need to find a way to solidify them, or we're done for!"Shen Qingluan's golden shield flickered to life once more, but the energy was so faint that the mist - creatures began to seep through the cracks, sapping her strength with every touch. Her knees buckled, and Wu Laogou rushed to steady her. "Hang in there, lass! We can't give up now!"Amidst the chaos, Chen Jiuzhang focused on the crystal - key, its glow illuminating the swirling mist. He could feel the connection between the key and the Heart of the Realm pulsing stronger, like a heartbeat. Images of ancient incantations flashed through his mind, and he began to chant, his voice rising above the din of battle.The shadowy figure watched with a mocking smirk, its staff sending out waves of dark energy that further strengthened the mist - creatures. "You think some words will save you? Pathetic!"Luna, her starlight - woven gown all but disintegrated, launched a flurry of starlight - infused attacks. But her movements seemed hesitant, her eyes still frequently darting towards the Heart of the Realm. Su Nian noticed this and, in a moment of respite, grabbed Luna's arm. "What are you up to? You've been acting strange ever since we got here!"Luna's violet eyes widened in surprise. "I... I'm trying to help! We need to focus on the battle, not on baseless accusations!"Just then, a particularly large mist - creature lunged at them. Luna quickly pushed Su Nian out of the way, taking the brunt of the attack. The creature's touch sapped her strength, and she fell to her knees, gasping for breath. "Do you believe me now?" she managed to say.But Su Nian wasn't fully convinced. Her guard remained up, even as she helped Luna to her feet.Chen Jiuzhang's chanting reached a crescendo, and the crystal - key emitted a blinding white light. The mist - creatures let out ear - piercing screeches as their forms began to solidify. "Now!" he shouted.Zhang Chengying and Su Nian charged forward, their weapons finally making contact with the now - tangible beasts. Shen Qingluan, reinvigorated by the sight, strengthened her shield, and Wu Laogou threw a series of talismans that exploded on impact.As the tide of the battle began to turn, the shadowy figure let out a roar of anger. It raised its staff high, preparing to unleash a devastating attack that would surely wipe out the group. But in that moment, Chen Jiuzhang felt a surge of power within him. The key and the Heart of the Realm seemed to align, and he knew it was time to make his move.With a final, powerful incantation, he pointed the crystal - key at the Heart of the Realm. A beam of energy shot out, connecting the two. The Heart began to pulsate wildly, and a bright, multi - colored light filled the chamber. But as the power surged, Chen Jiuzhang realized that controlling it would be far more difficult than he anticipated. And with the shadowy figure's attack imminent, and the trust within the group hanging by a thread, the fate of the Gui Xu Secret Realm hung in the balance.
Chapter 66 - Chapter 67: Trust and Turmoil
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