Cultivating immortality relies on spatial abilities; defying fate to become the protagonist.

Chapter 284

Fortunately, with Gu Shihan's full support, although the shield shook violently, it eventually managed to bounce the dark figure back.

Just then, something unexpected happened to Gu Shihan.

The previously quiet phantom spirits suddenly began to move as if summoned by some force.

They emitted multicolored light, which converged into a powerful torrent of energy that surged wildly into Gu Shihan's body like a tidal wave.

Gu Shihan felt that every cell in her body was filled with unprecedentedly powerful energy, a feeling that was both strange and wonderful.

She felt her strength increasing, took a deep breath, and calmed herself.

His hands moved swiftly, forming a series of intricate hand seals, while he chanted an ancient and mysterious incantation in a low voice.

As she moved and chanted, a dazzling and beautiful wave of light gradually condensed between her palms.

When the power of the light wave reached its peak, Gu Shihan suddenly exerted his strength and pushed it out.

The beam of light, carrying a devastating force, slammed straight into the dark figure...

The shadowy figure couldn't dodge in time, and after being hit, it screamed and disappeared.

With the crisis temporarily averted, the Phantom Spirit Clan Chief flew to Gu Shihan and said, "Benefactor, thank you for saving us. We are willing to follow you and serve you."

Gu Shihan nodded, then said, "It's not safe for you here. Would you be willing to live inside the Moonbracelet?"

"Moonlight Bracelet? Fairy Qingchen's Moonlight Bracelet? That's wonderful! Heaven blesses our clan!" Chief Huanling exclaimed happily.

Gu Shihan transferred the Illusionary Spirit Clan into the Moonlight Bracelet before speaking: "From now on, you will live and reproduce here until your clan reaches the number ninety-nine, at which point you can return to your original world. Also, is there anything else you need to take with you? This place will be sealed away, awaiting your return."

"No! Over the years, in order to barely keep our Phantom Spirit Clan afloat, all the spirit creatures have exhausted their own spiritual power. To fully restore them to their original state, it will probably take at least a thousand or ten thousand years!" The clan leader sighed bitterly.

After leading the Illusionary Spirit Clan to successfully enter the Moonlit Bracelet, Gu Shihan pondered for a moment and immediately decided to leave this troublesome place as soon as possible.

Without hesitation, she took a step and walked towards the outside of the Phantom Spirit Clan's old residence.

Just as she stepped out of that old house, the scene before her eyes took her by surprise.

The vast misty forest outside had completely changed its appearance!
The fog that was already pervasive became even thicker and heavier, as if it had gained its own spirit, and it bared its fangs and claws as it wrapped around them.

Upon seeing this, Xingbai immediately became alert and solemnly warned, "Judging from this, the other party probably still has a backup plan!"

Yu Tong also clung tightly to Gu Shihan's side, wary of any potential dangers around them.

Suddenly, a low, sinister laugh echoed from within the thick fog: "Hehehe... You really think you can escape so easily? Dream on!"

Upon hearing the laughter, Gu Shihan and the others immediately realized that the person who made the sound was the same shadowy figure who had disappeared earlier.

Gu Shihan remained unusually calm and composed. She quickly grasped the purification bead in her hand, and a protective fire membrane enveloped her.

Gu Shihan, Xingbai, and Yutong exchanged glances, nodded in unison, and then simultaneously dashed towards the thick fog like arrows. The battle quickly commenced. Gu Shihan's Crimson Lotus Karmic Fire transformed into a fiery sword, plunging into the black fog, while Xingbai and Yutong attacked from the left and right flanks respectively, their foxfire and phoenixfire working in perfect harmony.

During the fierce battle, Gu Shihan keenly sensed that the spiritual power surging from these shadowy figures seemed to have a special source.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the source of the shadowy figure's spiritual power was closely connected to the vast and boundless forest beneath its feet!
"A thousand miles of ice!" Gu Shihan shouted, putting away the Red Lotus Karmic Fire. He formed a hand seal, and ice spiritual power surged into the earth, freezing the trees and flowers.

The shadowy figure hadn't expected Gu Shihan to have this trick up her sleeve, and her frozen body was temporarily unable to move.

But soon, a black aura surged around him, and the ice began to crack and fissure.

"Oh no, he's about to break through the ice!" Xingbai shouted.

Gu Shihan's eyes sharpened, and she concentrated her mind, injecting more ice spiritual power into the ground.

At the same time, Yu Tong clasped her hands together and chanted an incantation. The flames she summoned transformed into firebirds that rushed towards the shadowy figure.

The firebird crashed into the ice, the alternating hot and cold creating a tremendous impact, causing the shadowy figure to roar in agony.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Gu Shihan threw out the purification bead again, and the purifying power spread out. The dark aura around the shadowy figure receded rapidly as if it had encountered its nemesis.

"You think you can defeat me like this?" The shadowy figure remained defiant despite being at a disadvantage.

Gu Shihan ignored his provocation and increased her spiritual power output.

Suddenly, a bright light burst from the shadowy figure, followed by a voice: "Enough!"

Everyone was startled, and then an old man emerged from the bright light, with an air of otherworldly wisdom and not like a villain.

The old man glanced at Gu Shihan and the others, then at the restrained shadowy figure, and sighed softly: "I am the spirit of this Misty Forest, and the shadowy figure is a forest guardian corrupted by turbid energy. Your arrival has disrupted the balance and triggered his deterioration."

Gu Shihan frowned and asked, "Then what do we do now?" The old man waved his hand and said, "The Illusionary Spirit Clan has left, and this place is out of balance. We need to rearrange things. Since you have no intention of causing trouble and you help me restore the forest, this matter will be considered settled."

Gu Shihan and the others exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. Following the old man's instructions, they used their spiritual power to guide the forest's spiritual energy back to its proper place.

Xingbai used foxfire to ignite decaying places and encourage new growth; Yutong used flames to warm cold lands and awaken life; Gu Shihan used the purification bead to dispel turbidity and restore purity.

After some effort, the forest gradually regained its vitality. The old man nodded in satisfaction: "Thank you all, you may leave now."

Gu Shihan led Xingbai and Yutong on their return journey. This experience made them more cautious. As soon as they stepped out of the Misty Forest, the communication jade slip in their storage bracelet rang urgently.

"Little sister, are you alright?" Shi Qinghan's voice came from outside.

"I'm fine, how are you guys?" Gu Shihan asked.

“We’ve all been together. Where have you been for the past ten years? We haven’t found the Illusion Crystal. Your mission… we’re terrified!” Shi Qinghan asked.

(End of this chapter)