Chapter 68 - Chapter 69: The Reckoning of Light and Darkness

The blinding light from the crystal - key and the gaping maw of the black hole clashed in the center of the chamber, creating a maelstrom of energy that Distorting the structure of space. The air crackled with power, and the very fabric of the Gui Xu Secret Realm seemed to groan under the strain. Chen Jiuzhang and Luna, their hands tightly gripping the crystal - key, felt their strength rapidly draining as they poured everything they had into the final assault.​The shadowy figure, its form wavering as it struggled to maintain control of the black hole, let out a series of guttural screams. "You... you insignificant insects! You think you can stop the will of the void?" Its voice, once filled with mocking confidence, now carried a hint of desperation.​Su Nian, Zhang Chengying, Shen Qingluan, and Wu Laogou huddled together, using what little strength they had left to shield themselves from the shockwaves that rippled through the chamber. Shen Qingluan's golden barrier, already weakened, threatened to collapse at any moment. "We have to hold on!" she shouted, her voice barely audible over the deafening roar of the clashing forces.​As the battle raged on, Chen Jiuzhang began to see strange visions within the light of the crystal - key. Images of the past, present, and possible futures flashed before his eyes. Among them, he saw a young, familiar - looking man standing before the Heart of the Realm, a look of pure determination on his face. It took him a moment to realize—it was his 二叔,before he had gone missing.​The revelation gave Chen Jiuzhang a new burst of strength. "二叔... I won't let you down," he muttered under his breath. Channeling this newfound resolve, he pushed even more energy into the key, causing the beam of light to intensify.​Luna, sensing Chen Jiuzhang's determination, did the same. Her starlight - infused energy merged with his, creating a powerful, harmonious force that began to push back against the darkness. "This is it!" she cried. "We're breaking through!"​The shadowy figure, realizing that it was losing the upper hand, let out a final, ear - piercing shriek. "If I can't have the Heart of the Realm, then no one will!" With a final, desperate act, it poured all of its remaining power into the black hole, causing it to expand at an alarming rate.​But Chen Jiuzhang and Luna were ready. Together, they unleashed a final, massive surge of energy from the crystal - key. The beam of light pierced through the heart of the black hole, and with a deafening explosion, the darkness began to dissipate.​As the light faded, the shadowy figure's form was revealed in its entirety. It was a man, his face gaunt and twisted by corruption. But there was something familiar about him... something that made Chen Jiuzhang's blood run cold.​"You... it can't be," Chen Jiuzhang gasped, his eyes wide with shock. "Uncle? How... how could you?"​The man, his eyes filled with a mixture of hatred and madness, let out a bitter laugh. "Surprised, nephew? You should have known that the quest for power is too tempting to resist. And now, you and your friends will pay the price for standing in my way."​With the shadowy figure's identity revealed and the threat of the black hole eliminated, the group was left stunned. But they knew that the battle was far from over. The Heart of the Realm still pulsed with unstable energy, and they needed to find a way to restore balance before it was too late.