Covering the sky: I have the body of the sky, and I have inherited the ten evil methods

Chapter 123 The Beast of Annihilation!

Just as everyone was puzzled, a deep rumbling sound suddenly came from the void rift, as if some enormous creature was awakening.

"Not good!" Daoist Lingxu's expression changed drastically as he exclaimed, "The core of the Heavenly Ruins Secret Realm has gone out of control! We must leave here as soon as possible, or everyone will perish here!"

However, just as everyone was preparing to leave, Xiao Chen suddenly stopped.

“No, I can’t just leave like this,” he said with a determined look in his eyes. “I have to find a way to reseal it.”

Master Lingxu said anxiously, "Xiao Chen, are you crazy? In this situation, we are powerless to stop it! Saving our lives is the most important thing!"

“I know,” Xiao Chen said calmly, “but I can’t just stand by and watch it wreak havoc on the world. It’s my responsibility.”

After saying that, he turned around and walked towards the void rift.

The Holy Maiden of Yaochi watched Xiao Chen's retreating figure, and finally, she said softly, "If you insist on doing this, I will go with you."

Without hesitation, Jiang Huai-ren drew his longsword, its blade pointing directly at the rift in the void, and said in a deep voice, "Brother Chen, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Li Qingfeng smiled proudly: "We sword cultivators are not afraid of death! Let me experience the power of this secret realm's core!"

Master Xuanfeng, Fairy Zixiao, and even the usually composed Master Lingxu all expressed their willingness to stand with Xiao Chen through thick and thin.

Xiao Chen quickly devised a plan, using the source blood as a medium to guide external spiritual energy into the void rift and rebuild the seal.

Everyone performed their duties and quickly sprang into action.

Xiao Chen cut his wrist and dripped the golden-glowing "source blood" into the void rift.

In an instant, a strange wave spread out, and the spiritual energy between heaven and earth seemed to be drawn in, rushing wildly into the rift.

Everyone felt the spiritual energy surging within their bodies, as if it were about to burst out.

Just as the seal was about to be completed, a deafening roar suddenly came from the depths of the void. The sound was full of anger and destruction, sending chills down one's spine.

Immediately afterwards, a suffocating pressure swept over, as if the whole world was trembling.

"The Beast of Annihilation?" Even the face of the old Taoist Lingxu, which always carried a touch of otherworldly elegance, had lost its color.

His voice trembled slightly, "Shouldn't this thing be sealed in the very core of the Heavenly Ruins Secret Realm? How did it escape?"

Xiao Chen's mind raced; now was not the time to investigate the cause.

He keenly sensed that the surrounding spatial rules had begun to become chaotic, and that they would have no chance of safely evacuating in the short term.

"Don't just stand there!" Xiao Chen shouted decisively, trying to rouse everyone. "Retreat to the edge of the rift and use the terrain to limit its range of movement!"

Just as everyone was frantically adjusting their positions, a figure, carrying a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay, flew in from afar like a ghost.

It was Lu Chenzhou.

This guy held an ancient sword with a simple design, but it emitted a cold, eerie light. Wherever the sword's edge pointed, the space seemed to freeze.

His face, pale from years of lack of sunlight, carried a hint of impatience, and his tone was so cold it could shatter ice: "I say, you guys really do bring trouble wherever you go."

Xiao Chen then realized that this reclusive, powerful cultivator had been drawn here because he sensed the unusual activity in the void rift.

Although this guy speaks harshly, he was able to lend a helping hand in crucial moments, which shows he has some chivalrous heart.

Xiao Chen nodded slightly to Lu Chenzhou to express his gratitude, but his mind was racing with calculations.
"This guy is quite strong; he might be the key to breaking the deadlock."

Lu Chenzhou didn't waste any words. He swung his ancient sword, and a sharp sword aura slashed towards the void rift.

With a crisp "crack," the sword energy actually cleaved a narrow rift barrier in the distorted space, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath.

Goodness, this level of strength is truly hidden!
The Beast of Annihilation has finally revealed its true form.

It was a gigantic, python-like monster, but unlike ordinary snakes.

Its body was shrouded in a thick, inky black mist, and wherever it passed, the space seemed to melt away, collapsing inch by inch.

This can no longer be called a living being; it's simply a mass of pure destructive energy!

Xiao Chen gritted his teeth and tried again to use the "source blood" as a guide to channel the spiritual energy from the outside world into the void rift in an attempt to strengthen the seal.

However, he soon discovered that things were far worse than he had imagined.

The power of "Origin Blood" could indeed stabilize the space, but the "Annihilation Beast" seemed to be frantically absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy, causing the rate of spiritual energy consumption to far exceed his expectations.

If this continues, let alone completing the seal, it will probably be difficult to even maintain the status quo!
At this critical moment, a familiar figure, carrying a cool and ethereal aura, quietly appeared before everyone.

It's Fairy Zixiao!
She was still the same, dressed in a purple gauze dress, with a graceful figure and a beautiful face, like a fairy who did not eat the food of this world.

"Using my 'Star River Chains' in conjunction with your 'Source Blood', we can temporarily stabilize the rift."

Zixiao Fairy's voice was soft and ethereal, like a clear spring in the mountains, yet it carried a reassuring power.

As she spoke, she gently raised her hand, and a chain shimmering with starlight flew out from her palm, winding its way into the void rift like a serpent.

The power of the "Star Chains" is indeed extraordinary.

Its addition was like adding a sturdy defense to a dam that was about to collapse, greatly reducing the pressure on Xiao Chen.

However, the Annihilation Beast will not give them a chance to breathe.

It seemed to sense the threat and became even more ferocious, its roar deafening, and the black mist surrounding it grew even thicker, frantically attacking the defensive line constructed by the Star River Chains and "Source Blood".

The Holy Maiden of Yaochi had been calmly observing the battle. At this moment, she suddenly spoke up: "This beast seems to fear the power of ice."

"The power of ice?" Xiao Chen's heart stirred, and he immediately understood what the Holy Maiden of Yaochi meant.

"We can join forces to create an extreme cold domain to weaken its mobility," the Holy Maiden of Yaochi continued, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable firmness.

"Okay!" Xiao Chen agreed immediately without the slightest hesitation.

With a thought, he continuously channeled the energy remaining in the ancient jade talisman into the Yaochi Saintess's magic array.

The Holy Maiden of Yaochi was equally decisive. She formed hand seals and chanted incantations, and an extremely cold power rapidly spread outwards from her center.

In an instant, the entire space seemed to be frozen, the temperature plummeted, and white frost condensed in the air.

The power of extreme cold indeed had a significant effect on the annihilation beast.

Its movements became sluggish, and the black mist that clung to its body seemed to be partially frozen.

"A good opportunity!" Upon seeing this, Li Qingfeng's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He leaped up and slashed at the black mist on the Annihilation Beast with his long sword, which moved like lightning.

Sword energy crisscrossed, its cold light chilling!
Li Qingfeng's swordsmanship was already renowned for its speed and ferocity, but now, enhanced by the power of extreme cold, its power was amplified even further. Although his sword strike could not directly harm the Annihilation Beast's body, it successfully repelled the monster's attack, buying everyone a precious chance to catch their breath.

Just when everyone thought the situation was improving, the Star Chains suddenly let out a mournful cry of unbearable strain, and the starlight on the chains began to dim.

Immediately afterwards, the void rift beneath their feet suddenly began to expand without warning...

The void rift, like the gaping maw of a giant beast, suddenly expanded.

From that dark and deep crack, a terrifying aura that was suffocating surged forth, even more so than the previous annihilation beast. It seemed to come from the ancient wilderness, carrying the pressure of destroying everything.

At the edge of the fissure, rubble tumbled and space twisted, as if the end of the world had arrived.

Master Lingxu's face turned deathly pale. He staggered back a step, crying out in terror, "Oh no! The core essence is beginning to collapse!"

"If this continues, we will all perish here!"

A bone-chilling cold crept up everyone's spines, and the shadow of death loomed over everyone's hearts.

Xiao Chen felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head. He gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, and squeezed out a few words with difficulty: "Is...is there any other way?"

Master Lingxu shook his head dejectedly and sighed, "Unless... unless someone is willing to stay here and use their own life as the price to reseal the core..."

A deathly silence enveloped everyone.

Everyone knew what this meant: certain death, annihilation.

Just then, Lu Chenzhou, who had been silent all along, suddenly sharpened his gaze. He slowly gripped the ancient sword in his hand, and the blade emitted a clear hum, as if responding to his determination.

A resolute determination emanated from him, which was deeply moving.

Lu Chenzhou walked step by step toward the dark rift that devoured everything, each step feeling as if he were stepping on everyone's hearts.

His aged face showed no fear, only a resolute determination to face death.

“Let me do it,” he said in a deep voice that seemed to come from hell, with a hint of relief. “I’ve lived this long enough, and it’s been worth it.”

His tone was like that of a weathered old man who could finally lay down his burdens and enjoy his final moments of peace.

Xiao Chen's heart trembled, and an indescribable sorrow welled up in his heart.

He knew that Lu Chenzhou was risking his own life to give them a chance to survive.

He tried to stop them, but found that his throat felt like it was blocked by something, and he couldn't make a sound.

"No!" Xiao Chen finally managed to squeeze out a few words, "We have other ways, there must be other ways!" His voice was hoarse and trembling, but full of unwillingness.

Lu Chenzhou merely gave a cold laugh, a laugh tinged with both mockery and helplessness.

“Don’t forget,” he said, emphasizing each word, “if it weren’t for me, you would have been swallowed by that thing long ago. Now, it’s my turn to do something meaningful.”

His gaze was firm and unwavering, like a majestic mountain that stood firm and unyielding.

The atmosphere was so heavy it was suffocating. Everyone knew Lu Chenzhou's determination, but no one could change it.

At this critical moment, a sharp voice broke the silence.

"Wait!" The big black dog suddenly appeared out of nowhere, its cunning little eyes gleaming with mischief. "I know a way to get you all out of here alive!"

This sudden turn of events felt like a lifeline to everyone.

Xiao Chen grabbed the big black dog and asked urgently, "What's the plan? Tell me quickly!"

The big black dog shook its head smugly and said slowly, "I once heard an old senior say that the core of the Heavenly Ruins Secret Realm is actually a fragment of a 'Chaos Pearl'. As long as we find the control node of the fragment, we can forcibly close the rift."

The flame of hope was rekindled in everyone's hearts, but a new problem arose—where was the control node?

Time ticked by, and the terrifying aura within the crack grew stronger, as if it could devour them at any moment.

After a brief but intense discussion, Xiao Chen boldly speculated that the control node was likely hidden deep within the rift.

"I'll go!" Xiao Chen said without hesitation.

"I'll go with you!" The big black dog jumped up, looking ready to go through fire and water without hesitation.

To buy Xiao Chen time, the Holy Maiden of Yaochi and Li Qingfeng joined forces to cast defensive spells to resist the annihilation beasts surging out from the rift.

With a gentle wave of her jade hand, the Holy Maiden of Yaochi unleashed a torrent of holy light that cascaded down like a waterfall, enveloping everyone in its embrace.

Li Qingfeng, wielding a longsword, unleashed a torrent of sword energy, slaying the approaching Annihilation Beasts one by one.

Xiao Chen and the big black dog plunged headfirst into the dark crevice.

Within the rift, space was distorted, and chaotic void currents raged, like a giant meat grinder that could tear them to shreds at any moment.

Xiao Chen, through his control of the "Origin Blood," has repeatedly escaped danger.

The big black dog, with its keen sense of smell and anticipation of danger, guided the way time and time again.

They traversed layers of mist and dodged turbulent void currents, and finally, in a secluded corner, they discovered a crystal emitting a faint glow.

The crystal was only the size of a fist, but it contained powerful energy, which was the control node they had been searching for!
"That's it!" the big black dog barked excitedly.

Xiao Chen dared not delay and immediately poured his spiritual power into the crystal, while activating the "Source Blood" to enhance its effect.

As spiritual energy was infused, the crystal's radiance grew stronger, and the cracks began to slowly close.

However, at this critical moment, a sudden change occurred!

The annihilation beast trapped in the rift seemed to sense the threat of death, letting out a deafening roar, and suddenly broke free from its restraints, lunging towards Xiao Chen.

The monster was as fast as lightning, and it arrived in front of Xiao Chen in the blink of an eye.

Just as Xiao Chen was about to be devoured by the monster, at the critical moment, a figure suddenly blocked his way.

It's Lu Chenzhou!

The ancient sword in his hand emitted a crisp hum, and with a flash of light, it forcefully blocked the monster's fatal blow.

"Quick!" Lu Chenzhou's voice was hoarse and weak, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, "I...I can't hold on much longer..."

Xiao Chen's eyes were brimming with tears. He knew that Lu Chenzhou was using his own life to buy him a final moment...

(End of this chapter)