Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

After the five people reunited, the situation quickly shifted.

Lancelot was in charge of the frontal advance, and each time the Frost Tide Blade fell, it froze a large area of ​​the black mist body.

Fuya and Ronan delivered the finishing blows from both sides, shattering and removing the black crystal from the chest of the wounded Black Soul Beast.

Elena used fine silver-gray threads to continuously cut across the battlefield.

Instead of directly confronting the Black Soul Beasts, she focused on restraining, binding, and misleading them, ensuring that only two or three of the monsters could reach Xilun at a time.

Xilun is the most efficient.

The Thunder Spear made almost no unnecessary movements.

Thrust, pick, break, sweep.

Gunshots flashed through the gray mist, each trajectory carrying the suppleness of water and the swiftness of thunder.

The attack of ordinary third-tier black soul beasts was not complicated in his eyes. He didn't even need to fully activate the three lightning patterns. He only needed the lightning energy fused with golden light on the tip of his spear to easily tear apart their core soul mist.

Half an hour later, the hooting sounds in the valley thinned out.

The last seal-like Black Soul Beast tried to escape into the gray mist, but was knocked off course by Ronan's staff and then had its hind limbs entangled by Elena's silver-gray ropes.

Xilun took a step forward, pressing down with the butt of his spear, directly shattering the black crystal on its chest.

The black fog dissipated.

The valley became quiet again.

Only the heavy breathing of a few people and the muffled sound of the Blackwater River flowing in the distance remained.

Ronan plopped down on the broken animal bones, rubbing his shoulders, and said, "Finally all cleared out. If you hadn't killed the Beast King first, these things on the outer perimeter would have been really difficult to deal with."

Fuya took out her short knife and skillfully sliced ​​open several clumps of black mist remnants that had not yet completely dissipated, picking out the black crystals within.

Lancelot walked over to Siren and said, "Let's take inventory."

Both sides began to collect their spoils.

The perfect black crystal dropped by the Beast King will go to Xilun; this was the distribution agreed upon before the war.

The ownership of the Purple Thunder Bone Tempering Grass and the huge thunder ore on the mountaintop was also determined after the two reconsidered.

There are quite a few black crystals in the outer beast herd.

There are thirty-seven incomplete black crystals and eight complete black crystals, two of which are of very good quality, almost perfect.

As previously agreed, Lancelot's side would receive 70%.

However, when it came to the distribution, Lancelot didn't haggle over the details. He pushed most of the incomplete black crystals to his side and placed the three complete black crystals in front of Xiren.

"You've already taken the perfect black crystal, but you were the main attacker for the Beast King and you also contributed a lot to clearing out the beast horde. We'll take five complete black crystals, you can take three, and we'll take more of the incomplete ones."

Siren glanced at Elena.

Elena didn't say much, she just nodded slightly.

This method of division is not disadvantageous.

A complete black crystal is still useful to Xilun, but even if there are many incomplete black crystals, their improvement to him will be limited.

"Can."

Xilun accepted three complete black crystals and took away ten incomplete black crystals.

Lancelot then divided the rest between Fuya and Ronan.

After taking inventory, the group sat down to recover for a while.

""

The gray mist flowed slowly down the mountainside, and the dark purple patterns remaining on the mine walls had faded considerably.

After the Beast King died, the mine seemed to lose some kind of vitality. Even the thunder lizards hiding in the crevices of the rocks no longer showed themselves, leaving only the occasional flicker of tiny electric sparks.

Ronan wiped his long stick and couldn't help but look at the skin on Siron's back.

"Can you really absorb that large ore completely?"

Xilun said, "It will take time."

"After absorbing all the nutrients, can Thunder Eagle continue to grow stronger?"

"It should be possible."

Ronan clicked his tongue in amazement.

Fuya gave him a light kick, "Don't ask other people about their cards."

Ronan chuckled. "Just curious."

Lancelot didn't blame his brother, but looked at Siren and said, "This year's dark horse is quite something."

Xilun looked up.

Lancelot continued, "Hector defeated the ninth-ranked student in the Inner Court, Herbert was overwhelmed by you, and the triplets also fell to you. I heard there's also a woman who has been in seclusion for four years; yesterday, she emerged and beat the guy who was originally ranked twelfth, forcing him to crush his identity card and withdraw."

He paused for a moment and then laughed, "Three people from the top ten in the inner courtyard have been pushed down. In a few days, the list will probably have to be rearranged."

Elena frowned slightly upon hearing this.

The top ten in the inner courtyard have always symbolized the highest level among the third-tier disciples.

If three people were indeed pushed off, it means that the opportunities and conflicts in the Blackwater Abyss this time are far more intense than in previous years.

Siron remained calm.

"The more resources you have, the greater the change will be."

Lancelot nodded. "That's right. Many people have been stuck at the third-tier perfection level for years, lacking only a stroke of luck. Black crystals can hone one's strength, and perfect black crystals can even fill in minor deficiencies. Whoever gets the most might be able to advance in one step."

As he said this, he glanced at Xilun.

"You should be arriving soon, right?"

"Still a little short."

"I can hardly believe you're 'almost there'," Lancelot chuckled. "Six months ago you were only forty-seventh in the Linglong Tower, but now, without using the Breath of the Styx, you can suppress me with just your spear skills and lightning patterns. If I refine this perfect black crystal for you, the top twenty in the inner academy probably won't be able to stop you."

Celen did not deny it.

He could clearly feel the changes in himself.

After the body is perfected, the power of the Overturning Sea Technique, which originally had a slight sluggishness, has now been polished into a smoother and more rounded state after being refined by the black crystal.

If he could refine this perfect black crystal in his hand, he might truly be able to approach the third-tier extreme realm.

Only then will he be truly qualified to fight against the top ten in the inner court.

Instead of relying on trump cards like the Breath of the Styx or Blood Locked Limbs, which cannot be easily exposed.

Lancelot stood up and dusted off his robes.

"We're heading southwest; there's another small gathering point there. What about you?"

The map of Xilun is unfolded.

On the old map provided by Angel, the third key area is marked deeper in the map.

The Blackwater Abyss.

The real core danger zone.

Swain had specifically warned against venturing deep into Blackwater Cave.

Angel also said that there was a vortex-like aura deep within that could make even fourth-tier beings feel uneasy.

However, the outer side of the Blackwater Abyss may also contain the highest quality black crystals.

Xilun paused his fingertip on the map for a moment, then said, "Let's go to the third gathering point."

Lancelot glanced at the location, his expression slightly hardening.

"It's not far from the deep water area."

"Um."

Lancelot smiled and extended his hand.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

Xilen took his hand.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

Their palms touched briefly before separating.

Lancelot led Fuya and Ronan southwest, their figures quickly disappearing into the gray mist.

Elena gazed in the direction they had left and murmured, "He's actually easier to get along with than the rumors say."

"Reaching the twenty-second spot in the inner courtyard wasn't just due to temper."

Do you think we'll collaborate again in the future?

"If there's an opportunity, yes."

Xilun put the map away and glanced at the sky again.

There is no real sun or moon in this wonderland; only a dim light shines from the depths of the gray fog.

Judging from the faint markings on their identification tags, they had entered the Blackwater Abyss near the end of the third day.

Time is limited.

Elena noticed a small bloodstain seeping from the old wound on his left shoulder and frowned slightly.

"Don't rush on your way, you need to rest."

"The wound isn't deep."

"You've said this many times already." Elena looked at the leather pouch on his back. "You just got that ore, and your lightning aura is unstable. If you don't adjust your breathing, it will be very troublesome if you encounter a herd of beasts on the way."

Xilun remained silent for a moment.

He could indeed sense Lei Ying's restlessness.

The massive thunder ore was like a thundercloud pressing down on his back, constantly agitating the thunder patterns within his body. If it were forcibly suppressed for a long time, it would actually affect his future battles.

"Find a place to rest for two hours."

Elena was finally satisfied.

"Two hours minimum, longer is better."

Xilun did not refute.

The two packed their belongings, avoided the lingering black mist at the foot of the mountain, and headed southeast along the fractured mountain range.

The gray fog receded.

The mine behind us gradually disappeared, leaving only a sliver of purple-gold lightning flashing occasionally from the mountaintop, like some kind of slumbering embers.

The two did not go far.

On the eastern side of the fractured mountain range, there is a low rocky ridge. The rocks are eroded by black mist year-round, and their surfaces are covered with damp moss.

Using his affinity for water, Xilun sensed that there were no deep currents nearby. He then scanned the surrounding area with his lightning spirit to confirm that no black soul beasts were lurking before choosing a narrow cave halfway up the mountain.

The entrance to the cave was mostly covered by several collapsed boulders, and it would be difficult to discover that there was space inside unless you got close.

Elena first probed with the silver-gray disc.

A faint gray light emanated from the edge of the disc, but there was no violent tremor.

"The pollution isn't too bad," she said. "It's a bit damp and smells rotten inside, but it's safer than outside."

Siren nodded, picked up his gun, and walked into the cave.

The cave was deeper than I had imagined.

The outermost layer is a sloping stone slope, the ground is piled with broken bones and dried water plants, and black water droplets are condensed on the walls, making a very soft pattering sound when they drip.

Walking a few more feet in, the space suddenly widened, enough for two people to rest side by side.

In the corner was a pile of old bones that had been gnawed on; the marks indicated they were left at least several months ago.

Xilun used the tip of his spear to pry open the pile of bones, confirming there were no foreign objects, and then swept the ground with lightning energy to clear away the damp moss and residual black mist.

Elena set up guards at the cave entrance.

She took out a few small silver-gray nails from her pouch, hammered them into the cracks in the stone, and then connected them with thin thread.

The thread was extremely faint, hidden among the gray mist and shadows. If anything passed through the opening, it would immediately trigger the bell on her wrist.

After doing all that, she took out two anti-pollution incense sticks and lit them.

Pale blue smoke rose slowly, suppressing the putrid smell in the cave.

Looking at her practiced movements, Xilun said, "You're very well prepared."

"If the people in the correctional facility didn't even know how to set up camp, they would have died out there long ago."

Elena glanced at him. "But you, you always seem to think you can just sit down anywhere and start cultivating."

"Just confirm it's safe."

"That statement doesn't sound safe."

Xilun thought for a moment and said seriously, "So you'll be in charge of the arrangements this time."

Elena was taken aback by his serious tone, then let out a soft hum.

"You've made progress."

After the cave was cleaned up briefly, the two sat down separately.

Instead of dealing with the mine, Xilun took a pill and closed his eyes to circulate the Overturning Sea Technique.

Although his strength was not exhausted after the series of battles, there were still minor damages in various parts of his body.

Especially his left shoulder, which had been pierced by the Sea Abyss Talisman, had scabbed over on the surface of the wound, but deep inside it still ached when he exerted himself violently.

The Thunder Dragon's Heart continuously nourishes the flesh and blood.

The chilling aura of Yin slowly circulated within his lungs, suppressing the unique restlessness and pollution within the Blackwater Abyss.

The Moon Memory Meditation Method is like a cool, clear moon hanging over the sea of ​​the mind, isolating the occasional whispered auditory hallucinations from the outside.

Fifteen minutes later, Xilun's breathing gradually deepened.

The only sounds in the cave were his breathing and the dripping of water.

Elena leaned against the other side of the stone wall, holding her sword and guarding the direction of the cave entrance.

She looked at Xilen and easily noticed that he had entered a deep meditation.

She had seen that state more than once.

Despite the perilous and wondrous world outside, he was able to quickly control his emotions, cut off distracting thoughts, and immerse himself in cultivation.

It was as if all the chaos and danger in the world could not truly disturb his core.

Elena let out a soft breath.

The most terrifying thing about this kind of person is perhaps not their talent.

Rather, he always knows what he needs to do.

After resting for half an hour, Xilun opened his eyes.

The dull pain in my left shoulder has subsided, and my strength has returned to normal.

He took the millstone-sized piece of ore out of his leather bag.

The cave was originally dark, but as soon as the ore appeared, the surrounding stone walls were illuminated by a purple-gold light.

Natural gold veins flow slowly on the surface of the ore, and when the thunderclouds inside rotate, a muffled thunderous sound can be faintly heard.

Elena was also startled and turned to look.

"Is this the ore from the mountaintop nest?"

"Um."

"The aura is much stronger than the previous ones." She frowned and said, "Are you sure there won't be any problems absorbing it now?"

"Let Thunder Eagle absorb some first."

Xilun pressed his hands against the ore.

Three golden lightning patterns lit up in succession on his arm.

A thunderous eye appeared between his brows.

Immediately, a golden and blue thunder eagle slowly materialized behind him and landed on the ore.

As soon as the Thunder Eagle appeared, the purple-gold thunderclouds inside the ore suddenly accelerated.

Crack!

Fine electric arcs leaped from the surface of the ore and were swallowed by the Thunder Eagle.

A hint of human enjoyment flashed in his eagle eyes.

Xilun's heart stirred slightly.

This Thunder Spirit was originally a prototype of a Thunder Eagle, a manifestation of a sea beast's talent. It gradually solidified after being nourished by the Golden Thunder Vortex and a large amount of ore.

It is not a true life form, but it is closely connected to his talent, lightning patterns, and the heart of the Thunder Dragon.

Thunder Eagle's increased strength equates to a further improvement in his control over thunder.

More electric arcs erupted from the ore.

The Thunder Eagle spread its wings, its feathers standing on end, as if it were bathing in a silent thunderstorm.

Xilun maintained the posture of pressing his hands against the mine, guiding the lightning power not to rush directly into his meridians, but to first send it into the illusory image of the lightning eagle.

This is much gentler than refining it yourself.

Thunder Eagle is naturally drawn to lightning and has the foundation of Storm Bloodline, making it extremely fast at absorbing energy.

Half an hour later, its size slowly increased from nearly ten feet.

The golden light on the edges of the wings intensified, and the chest and abdomen, which had previously appeared somewhat ethereal, began to solidify, revealing even layers of fine feather patterns.

That fierce aura was no longer just on the surface, but emanated from the very bones like a true raptor.

Elena stood to the side, her eyes filled with undisguised astonishment.

She had seen Xilun use the Thunder Eagle to fight against Lancelot's Mystic Ice Tiger Soul.

By then, Thunder Eagle was already quite powerful.

But now, its aura is still rising.

If what happened before was merely a manifestation of some kind of lightning-type talent, then the lightning eagle at this moment gave her the illusion of facing a high-level alien larva.

The lightning inside the cave grew stronger.

The hairs on Xilun's arms were pulled up by the electric arc, and his skin turned faintly red.

As Thunder Eagle absorbed the power of the ore, a small portion of the lightning energy also flowed back along his arms.

The three golden lightning patterns moved naturally, absorbing the lightning power one by one.

Time passed slowly.

A quarter of an hour.

Half an hour.

One hour.

Gray mist swirled outside the cave, and occasional low growls came from afar, but none of them approached.

Elena remained vigilant throughout.

She kept an eye on the thin line at the hole while observing Xilun's condition.

If he loses control of his breathing, she will immediately intervene to stop him.

However, Xiren's stability exceeded her expectations.

The violent mine in his hands seemed to be firmly covered by an invisible net.

Even the strongest lightning force did not scatter and explode, but was gradually peeled away, sorted out, and swallowed into the Thunder Eagle's body.

Until the end of the second hour, Thunder Eagle suddenly raised its head and let out a long cry.

Silent, yet it resonates with the spirit.

Elena felt a sharp pain between her eyebrows, and it seemed as if she heard the cry of an eagle that could pierce through clouds and split rocks.

The next instant, Thunder Eagle's wings fully unfolded.

One foot!

Golden feathers filled almost half the cave, their tips skimming across the stone wall, leaving a scorched mark.

Its aura was several times stronger than before.

Xilun slowly opened his eyes.

Lei Ying glanced down at him, then transformed into a golden light that entered his brow and then flowed into the Cang Lei Spear along the lightning patterns.

The Thunder Spear trembled slightly.

Within the bluish-white lightning at the tip of the spear, a sharp golden ray appeared, like a thin, almost imperceptible golden thread.

Xilun gripped his gun and casually thrust it towards the side of the stone wall.

They didn't go all out.

Just a light touch.

puff.

A hole about the size of a thumb silently appeared in the hard rock wall.

The hole was extremely deep, with smooth, charred edges, and there were no broken stones or excessive vibrations.

Elena walked over and glanced at it, her expression changing slightly.

"The power is now more concentrated."

"Um."

Xilun holstered his gun, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

After Lei Ying's transformation, his lightning power was not only enhanced, but also seemed to have been re-polished.

Originally, when lightning erupted, it inevitably leaked outwards, but now it can be gathered into a line, greatly increasing its penetrating power.

If combined with the Azure Thunder Spear Technique, regular combat strength will increase by at least 30%.

This is still the result of the fact that the mine has not been completely exhausted.

Xilun looked back at the ore in his hand.

The millstone-sized ore had dimmed a bit, but the thundercloud inside was still there, only its rotation speed had slowed down considerably.

Most of the pure lightning energy had been consumed by the Thunder Eagle, but the remaining energy was still considerable.

He didn't rush to put it away.

The Thunder Eagle is saturated and cannot continue to devour in the short term.

But these residual lightning powers might be able to give back to themselves.

Xilun reached out and placed his hand on the surface of the ore, his mind sinking into the three golden lightning patterns.

This time, he did not summon the Thunder Eagle again, but instead allowed the remaining lightning power to flow slowly along the lightning patterns on his left arm, through his shoulder, back, chest, and abdomen, and then into the major tendons of his body.

The Golden Thunder Vortex pathway was then activated.

First turn.

Second turn.

Third turn.

Three lightning vortexes simultaneously pull in.

The remaining lightning energy was much milder than before, yet it still carried the profound weight of energy nurtured deep within the ancient mine.

It is not as sharp as heavenly lightning, nor as active as the heart of a thunder dragon; it is more like a heavy millstone, slowly grinding over flesh and bones.

The pain was not intense, but it lingered.

Sweat beaded on Xilun's forehead.

He could clearly feel that the fine burrs left in his tendons from the third stage of cultivation were being smoothed out little by little.

The integration between the lightning patterns and flesh is now more seamless, and the power of the Overturning Sea Technique experiences less of the previously imperceptible sluggishness when passing through the lightning patterns.

More importantly, the fourth route has become loose.

After its fourth transformation, the Golden Thunder Vortex needs to condense a new thunder vortex near the chest and abdomen to form the prototype of a thundercloud within the body.