If I, a death row inmate, am not to become a demon, am I to become a member of the Imperial Guard?

The wind in the Crimson Moon Desert suddenly turned fierce. The sand dunes cast long shadows under the blood-red moonlight, like sharp blades. Zhou Yang stood on high ground, gazing at the ruins ahead. Qin Shuang's horse's hooves tapped softly on the fine sand, the lantern on its back swaying and casting flickering spots of light.

"This is the altar," Qin Shuang said in a low voice, her voice like sand being swept up by the wind.

In the center of the altar lay a piece of dark, rusty iron, its surface covered with strange patterns. Zhou Yang reached out and grasped the fragment, feeling a subtle tremor. The system's voice softly sounded in his ears: "Fragment resonance, the Blood Moon Talisman is about to manifest."

Zhou Yang frowned slightly, a calculating glint in his eyes. He knew that the Blood Moon Talisman was a formation used by the Heavenly Principle Sect to seal powerful individuals; once activated, even he would find it difficult to escape unscathed.

The Bronze Warrior emerged from the shadows, clad in rusted armor and wielding a long staff. The tip of the staff emitted a faint blue light, like chilling air drawn from the abyss.

"Stop them!" Qin Shuang drew her sword, the tip slicing through the night.

Zhou Yang remained calm, his footsteps lightly landing on the edge of the altar. A system notification popped up: "Consumed 2% of lifespan. Obtained 'Half-Corpse Technique,' increasing efficiency in breaking through Blood Moon Talisman formations."

He took a deep breath and lightly tapped the lifespan totem on his chest. Instantly, a bluish-white light flashed across his chest, as if his blood was being burned away. Zhou Yang felt his lifespan quietly slipping away, leaving a dark mark on his chest.

He then reached for the fragment, which resonated with the Bronze Bone Warrior's array. The Bronze Bone Warrior's steps suddenly slowed, and blue light flickered at the tip of his staff, as if he were being restrained by an invisible force.

Zhou Yang let out a low shout, and the Half-Corpse Technique within his body emitted a chilling hiss. He formed a black rune with both hands, which rapidly unfolded in the air, pointing directly at the fragment in the center of the altar.

As the runes touched the fragment, the patterns on its surface instantly glowed with a blood-red light, like scorched flesh. The chains of the Blood Moon Rune were torn apart, and the core of the formation began to collapse.

The Bronze Bone Warrior roared and charged at Zhou Yang with his staff. Zhou Yang's Half-Corpse Technique had already activated within him, and his blood was boiling. A dark red stream of energy shot out from his palm, striking the Bronze Bone Warrior's chest. The Bronze Bone Warrior's armor was pierced by the scorching energy, producing a piercing cracking sound.

Taking advantage of the moment, Qin Shuang rushed forward, her sword slicing across the Bronze Bone Warrior's throat. Blood sprayed onto the sand, staining the entire altar crimson. The Bronze Bone Warrior fell to the ground, his staff shattering, and the blue light instantly extinguished.

The core stone platform of the altar was struck by a crimson light, and fragments automatically embedded themselves into the platform's grooves. The four fragments finally came together, forming a complete emblem. A blazing beam of light erupted from the center of the emblem, shooting straight into the sky.

System notification: "Fourth fragment acquired. Blood Moon Emblem activated; formation backlash initiated."

The beams of light from the Blood Moon Emblem ripped through the night sky like sharp blades, instantly throwing the surrounding Blood Moon Wasteland Array out of control. The desert ground began to crack, spewing forth scalding magma. The Heavenly Principle Sect's pursuers, watching from afar, saw the array reverse and hastily retreated.

"Hurry up." Qin Shuang reached out her hand to Zhou Yang, her voice carrying a barely perceptible anxiety.

Zhou Yang nodded and stepped towards the exit. The remaining power of the Half-Corpse Technique continued to erupt from behind him, and several blood-red pillars of light hung upside down, preventing the enemies behind him from getting closer.

The two crossed sand dunes ignited by lava and stepped onto a stone path leading to the North Mountain. The mountain wind, carrying a scorching heat, billowed their cloaks.

As Zhou Yang left the desert, he looked back at the destroyed altar. The fragments had been put back in place, and the light of the Blood Moon Emblem cast a final crimson glow on the ruins.

The system whispered: "Fragment loop closed. Blood Moon Talisman ineffective. Remaining lifespan 48%."

Zhou Yang chuckled, his voice echoing in the cold wind: "Good, finally there's an explanation."

Qin Shuang glanced sideways at the shimmering fragment in his hand. There was no coercion in her eyes, only a faint acknowledgment.

The two embarked on the mountain path, the desert behind them gradually swallowed by the afterglow of the blood moon. The night deepened, the starlight thinned, and no one called out anymore.

The story ends here, all the power of the fragments now unified. The next step presents only two paths: continue burning through life to pursue even greater heights; or seal away the fragments, in exchange for a peaceful remaining life.

Zhou Yang raised his hand and tucked the fragment into his sleeve, gently stroking it with his fingertips as if to feel its last warmth.

"Let's go," Qin Shuang said softly, her steps resolute.

Two figures disappeared into the shadows of the mountains, and the afterglow of the blood moon dimmed in the distance.

Dragon's Legacy

The pale moonlight cast a bluish-white glow over the desolate mountains.

Zhou Yang held the fourth fragment in his palm, his fingertips gently rubbing it. The fragment was only half the size of his palm, its edges pitted and uneven, as if it had been forcibly broken off. Three months ago, he wouldn't have bothered to even glance at something like this lying on the street.

"Is there a problem?" Qin Shuang walked ahead and glanced back at him.

"Don't you think this thing is getting hot?"

Qin Shuang stopped and frowned at him: "No."

Zhou Yang didn't explain. He was already used to it—the fragment reacted to him differently than it did to others.

They found a sheltered mountain hollow and stopped to rest. "Resting" was a euphemism; they were really just taking turns keeping watch. Qin Shuang was in charge of guarding the area, while Zhou Yang was responsible for fiddling with the fragments.

He pulled three fragments from his pocket and placed them on the ground. The second fragment was the broken sword from the Anyang County dungeon, the third was brought out from the Crimson Moon Desert, and only this fourth fragment was recently acquired.

The three pieces, when placed together, formed a small gap that could be pieced together perfectly. Zhou Yang stared at them for a while, then closed his eyes and began burning his lifespan.

[System, deducing all uses of the dragon spine fragment]

A system notification, visible only to him, appeared:

[First Fragment: Broken Blade, Repairable]

[Second fragment: Unknown, requires comparison]

[Third fragment: Unknown, requires comparison]

[Fourth Fragment: Match Successful...]

Zhou Yang waited five seconds, and the system continued to refresh:

[Fourth Fragment Holder: Fang Tian (Remnant Soul Mark)]

[Matching Result: Activating the fifth fragment requires "Dragon's Trail Land"]

[Location of Dragon's Trail: Below the Throne of the Heavenly Principle Sect - "Dragon's Trail Tomb Domain"]

Zhou Yang opened his eyes, his gaze no longer heavy with sleepiness, but clear and lucid.

"Found it?" Qin Shuang handed over a water pouch.

"More or less." Zhou Yang took a sip; it was cold and astringent. "The fifth piece isn't in the hands of ordinary people. It's in the Heavenly Principle Sect's stronghold."

"The Tenri Sect God's Seat?"

"There's a place called something like the Dragon's Trail Tomb Domain," Zhou Yang said, stuffing the water pouch back in. "Southwest of the Imperial City. I don't know the exact location, but it should be related to their great formation."

Qin Shuang was silent for a while: "Southwest of the imperial city... there is an abandoned imperial estate there, which was used by the late emperor for sacrificial rites to heaven. It was abandoned twenty years ago, and now it is said to be haunted."

"Haunted?" Zhou Yang chuckled. "Perfect, that's exactly what the Heavenly Principle Sect likes."

"How do you plan to get in?"

"Trying to force our way in would be suicide." Zhou Yang put away the fragments. "We have to wait for an opportunity. Isn't their grand formation about to be activated soon? Once the formation is in place, the inside will definitely be empty. We can sneak in, grab what we need, and leave."

Qin Shuang glanced at him: "Are you sure that thing is really inside?"

"I'm not sure," Zhou Yang answered directly, "but it's my only lead right now. It's better than searching the whole world aimlessly."

Qin Shuang didn't say anything more. She took a piece of cloth from her bosom and tossed it to Zhou Yang.

"What?"

"An old scroll." Qin Shuang's tone was calm. "A topographical map left behind by the Qin family. It has a mark indicating the southwest of the imperial city."

Zhou Yang unfolded the cloth and found it was a hand-drawn map. The paper was yellowed and the edges were curled up, showing its age. There were several lines drawn with cinnabar on it, as well as small annotations—judging from the ink, it was at least a decade or more old.

"Where did you get this?"

"I sent someone to look for them before." Qin Shuang's tone remained calm. "Although the Qin family has lost power in Anyang County, they still maintain some connections over the years. There are a few old acquaintances in the capital region who can be relied upon."

Zhou Yang glanced at her. It was the truth. But he could sense a different meaning in her words—Qin Shuang using these connections meant exposing her identity. Once exposed, the Heavenly Principle Sect would immediately hear the news.

How great is the risk?

"Nonsense." Qin Shuang glared at him. "Otherwise, why do you think I waited until now to use it?"

Zhou Yang put the map away. He didn't say anything to express his gratitude—Qin Shuang didn't need it.

"Rest first. We'll go into town tomorrow."

Southwest of the Imperial City, Huiminfang.

This used to be a bustling market town, but now only a few dilapidated shops remain. A fire twenty years ago burned down half the street, and the rest has long been deserted.

Under the moonlight, a figure slipped into the ruins.

It's Qin Shuang.

Following the map, she found the burned-down house. The door frame was long gone, leaving only half of the stone threshold. She kicked the threshold a couple of times to confirm that it was hollow underneath.

"Take it out."

A middle-aged man emerged from the shadows, his back hunched over, but his steps were steady. He carried a wooden box and handed it to Qin Shuang with both hands.

"Miss, this was left behind by the old master. No one has ever dared to touch it."

"Thank you for your hard work." Qin Shuang took the wooden box. "Tell the others not to show their faces for the time being."

"Yes."

The middle-aged man took two steps back and disappeared into the darkness.

Qin Shuang opened the wooden box, inside which was a well-preserved roll of silk. Unfolding it, she saw a star map drawn on it—the positions of the Big Dipper were exceptionally clear, with small annotations beside it: Tianxuan, Tianji, Yuheng, Kaiyang, Yaoguang…

This was something passed down in the Qin family. Qin Shuang didn't know what it was originally used for. Her father only said one thing before he died: "This thing can save lives."

In retrospect, that statement was correct.

On the way back, Qin Shuang kept thinking about things.

Her identity had been exposed long ago. From the moment she escaped from Anyang County, the Heavenly Principle Sect had been searching for her everywhere. The reason she was still alive was firstly because she was careful enough, and secondly because there were still people willing to help her.

But those days are coming to an end.

Once the Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation is activated, the entire imperial city will become a battlefield. At that time, whether she and Zhou Yang can leave alive will be unknown.

She wasn't afraid of death. She was wondering if that person would come if something really happened.

She had no answer to that question.

Before dawn, Qin Shuang returned to her lodgings.

Zhou Yang was still asleep, dozing against the wall, still clutching the few fragments in his hand. Qin Shuang glanced at him, walked over, and kicked his leg.

"Get up."

Zhou Yang opened his eyes and saw the silk in her hand: "What is this?"

"Good stuff." Qin Shuang sat down next to him. "A map of the imperial city. More detailed than your intelligence."

Zhou Yang took the unfolded document, glanced at it twice, and his eyes lit up: "Perfect."

"Don't be so happy yet." Qin Shuang pressed his hand down. "There's something else."

"explain."

"I've already sent people to investigate the Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation. We should have news by tomorrow at the latest," Qin Shuang said in a low voice. "But there's a problem—once the formation is activated, even if we get the fragments, we might not be able to get out."

Zhou Yang was silent for a moment, then said, "I know."

"Aren't you afraid?"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Zhou Yang glanced at her. "At worst, we'll take a gamble. Besides, I still have you, don't I?"

Qin Shuang paused for a moment, then smiled.

"Virtue".

After resting for a while, the two decided to split up.

Zhou Yang went to contact the coachman—the one who had followed him all the way and had previously helped him with many requests. This time, he needed the coachman to do something for him.

Qin Shuang then went to prepare the final items.

At noon, Zhou Yang met the coachman in a teahouse in the west of the city.

"Sir, your order is ready." The coachman handed over a package. "It will be completed within three days, as per your request."

Zhou Yang opened the package; inside were two small wooden plaques, engraved with talismans. These were "Soul-Suppressing Nails," which he had the groom buy, specifically for sealing spiritual energy fluctuations. If the fragment were brought into the Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation, it would definitely trigger a reaction. These could be used to temporarily conceal his aura.

"Thank you for your hard work." Zhou Yang put the things away. "If this goes well, you'll definitely get your share of the profits."

"You're too kind, sir." The coachman smiled. "I've been with you for so long, I know you're no ordinary person. This little favor is nothing."

Zhou Yang glanced at him: "Aren't you afraid?"

"I'm scared," the coachman scratched his head, "but following you is better than following those people."

Zhou Yang didn't say anything more. He took out a silver ingot from his pocket and tossed it to the coachman.

"Here you go. It's for errands."

The coachman caught it, said nothing, and simply nodded.

At Shenshi (3-5 PM), Qin Shuang returned.

"I've found it." Her expression was grim. "The Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation will be activated in three days. At that time, all the guards in the southwest of the imperial city will be withdrawn and concentrated in the northern suburbs."

"Three days..." Zhou Yang calculated the time. "That should be enough."

"There's another piece of news." Qin Shuang hesitated for a moment, "The Heavenly Principle Sect's Divine Throne has recently seen a significant increase in personnel. They're said to be elites transferred from various branch sects."

"What's your background?"

"I don't know. But it shouldn't be aimed at us." Qin Shuang's tone was calm. "They received word that an enemy was trying to break in, so they strengthened their defenses in advance."

Zhou Yang pondered for a moment: "In other words, we only have one chance."

"right."

"Let's do it." Zhou Yang stood up. "Success or failure hinges on this."

Qin Shuang glanced at him: "Have you thought it through?"

"Whether you want it or not, you have to do it." Zhou Yang's answer was direct. "What else can you do? Wait to die?"

Qin Shuang didn't speak. She took the soft sword from her waist and gently wiped it.

"Then let's proceed according to plan."

As night falls, the lights of the imperial city illuminate one by one.

In the southwestern night sky, a faint red light appeared—a sign of the Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation. The blood-red halo enveloped most of the sky, like a colossal beast about to awaken.

Zhou Yang stood on the rooftop, looking at the light.

"here we go."

The fragment in his hand was slightly warm, as if responding to something.

Qin Shuang stood beside him, holding the rolled-up silk in her hand.

The two figures looked particularly lonely in the night wind, but neither of them backed down.

Tomorrow will be the last chance.

The land is shattered

In their southwestern camp in the capital, the Heavenly Principle Sect first had illusionists conjure an arc of red mist in the sky, using the clouds to reflect a somber glow. The sect members then lay in wait at the entrances of dark alleys, whispering amongst themselves, searching for an event that could ignite their anger. The sect leader's guards fell to the ground, kicking up clouds of white dust. Every civilian taken away was told: the court has abandoned us; only the Heavenly Principle Sect can protect us. Their voices were muffled by the night wind, like the receding tide beyond the palace walls.

Zhou Yang set up a mirror array in the ruins of the eastern part of the city, projecting the title of "Exiled Corpse Emperor" back outwards. He had two disciples skilled in voice manipulation deliberately hawk his acquired Heavenly Principle Sect tokens at the edge of the market, exaggerating the weakness of the imperial court. As a result, some previously neutral citizens gathered around. He stood on the crumbling wall, clad in tattered armor, the fragment on his chest glowing a faint crimson light. The shouts rose in waves, bursting forth with question after question from the clamor.

What he wanted was precisely these doubts.

The Heavenly Principle Cult's Night Watchers quietly noticed. They thought they could seize the opportunity to capture the "Corpse King," but they didn't expect Zhou Yang to feign weakness, luring them into action. In the darkness, he made the silver wires he had laid along the way emit faint sounds, igniting dozens of traps. The cult members, in pursuit, stepped into a minefield he had set up. It wasn't to kill, but to create chaos and disrupt their formation. Disrupted, the cult members scattered and fled, leaving behind only remnants of various hidden weapons.

Zhou Yang then led his team to approach from behind before finally revealing himself. Holding the fragment like a clear beacon, he walked directly towards the open space where the cult members were densely packed. An undisguised smile graced his face as he announced, "The exiled Corpse King has returned." Several blacksmiths and grocers familiar with him immediately brought over the intelligence they had gathered that night. The cult members were instantly speechless, filled with more panic than anything else.

Upon hearing the news, the thousand-household soldiers outside the Heavenly Principle Sect mobilized, while the inspectors and Imperial Guards formed a two-pronged approach towards the capital, quietly blocking the exits. Zhou Yang didn't need a major operation; forcing them to reveal themselves would confirm how many of the scattered soldiers they were impersonating. At this moment, he realized that the three Heavenly Principle Sect elders had entered the capital via three routes: the southern route left behind in Longfeng Town to lead the troops, the northern route hidden outside Tongguan Pass, and the eastern route traveling at night to the Wei River crossing. These three routes also meant three weak points. He quickly considered the possible combinations in his mind, ultimately deciding to focus the main attack on the southern route—where there were the fewest exits near the capital, making it the easiest to block. He turned and handed the order to a masked disciple, his voice low but firm: "Go to Longfeng Town and investigate the elder's origins. If necessary, destroy the evidence."

Qin Shuang, meanwhile, calmly laid out a new plan within the imperial city. She sifted through the submitted letters and discovered clues pointing to the secret police in the western part of the city hidden within the cult's accounts of "the court's betrayal." She had the clerk of the New Inkstone Bureau affix the Embroidered Uniform Guard's seal to the court reports, along with a detailed timeline, marking the sparks of incitement ignited on the outskirts of the Heavenly Principle Sect—from the initial fog to the first gunshot, it all took only one night. She swiftly dispatched two secret envoys, carrying this evidence, straight to the Minister's residence.

Among the evidence were rare notes from the Heavenly Principle Sect, with the words "The Emperor is blind" written in blood on the corner. There was also a handwritten account from an old farmer in the mountains, detailing how his crops were bought off and he was taken hostage. More importantly, Qin Shuang brought the "ghost incense" that the Heavenly Principle Sect had placed in front of Zhengyang Gate to the palace. It was smoke made from salt water and hallucinogenic herbs; simply burning it in the air would make the guards drowsy. She had the eunuchs light it lightly before the emperor and then report to the court: this phenomenon could only mean that someone had planted wailing sounds around the imperial city, which would weaken the guards' morale; if it wasn't dealt with immediately, a great disaster would ensue tomorrow.

The imperial power had no choice. The emperor remained silent for a long time, and finally, at the suggestion of the Grand Tutor, ordered the Yellow Dragon Army to temporarily withdraw outside the palace. Hidden within the secret report between Elder Huang Hui and Qin Shuang was an even more significant piece: a coded document bearing Qin Shuang's signature stated that the dragon vein protecting the imperial city had been sealed off by the Dark Guard, and if the Heavenly Principle Sect dared to advance, it risked annihilating the entire empire. This provided a rationale for the emperor's statement, "The imperial city will not be attacked." Even the senior officials in the court who had initially favored resistance were forced to retreat.

The high command of the Heavenly Principle Sect began to prepare for action around the capital. The elders were increasingly on edge due to these repeated mobilizations. They couldn't understand: on one hand, they needed to incite the people and gain support, and on the other hand, they had to deal with the court's subtle blockade. When the phrase "the fish are in the net" from the secret letter appeared before their eyes, the sect leader silently hissed, "The enemy is breaking through the defenses in the shadows; we only have three days."

To thoroughly understand the elders' movements, Zhou Yang personally led a light cavalry unit to infiltrate Tongguan. Disguised as an anonymous patrolman, he used the cover of night and locust trees to enter an abandoned temple. Inside, he found a trap with the Heavenly Principle Sect's inscription carved into the floor tiles. The trap was almost like a diary—it recorded the elders' daily routes using hidden symbols. Zhou Yang strung these marks together with silver thread, deducing that in two days, the eastern route would cross the Wuyue Ridge between the Wei River and the capital. There, a landslide deliberately created by the Heavenly Principle Sect would provide cover during their retreat. Zhou Yang then marked that route on the Heavenly Throne map in orange.

He returned to the capital and knocked softly on Qin Shuang's tent late at night. The light inside was dim, with only a few wisps of cold smoke rising from the incense burner. Qin Shuang sat there, holding a roll of brocade with blue-and-white embroidery on the edges. She didn't look at him, but simply handed him the roll of brocade: "This was obtained from a spy. All the Heavenly Principle Sect's plans are written on it. They plan to set up an array around the capital that can devour the secrets of heaven before the first circle of the Divine Throne opens." Her voice was lower, but still firm.

"I need to retrieve the fifth fragment before the Divine Throne is fully activated." Zhou Yang bit his lower lip, his brow furrowing for a moment. He knew that if the Divine Throne activated, the Heavenly Principle Sect would naturally use the fragment to restrain the Imperial City. He needed a powerful offensive, but he couldn't reveal his true trump card too soon. Qin Shuang followed his gaze to the scorching fragment: "I will redirect the Imperial City's defenses in the direction you need. You go and do what you need to do."

That night, the flank of the Heavenly Principle Sect wavered due to the court's suppression. Outside the capital, the hearts of the people were won over by collective wisdom, and a few brave figures ignited sparks of opposition in the alleys. Zhou Yang, accompanied by three trusted men and a flattened map of the sky, stood on the ancient battlefield south of the city. Only a few broken halberds remained, and some fallen leaves were blown by the wind. He pointed to the direction where the Heavenly Principle Sect elders were approaching, while drawing a siege path on the paper. He wiped away a vermilion mark and whispered, "We're not here to defeat them. We just need to force them to show their blood."

The Heavenly Principle Sect seemed to realize something as well, and began desperately searching for the source of the voice. They cut down the flags of the three vital cities of the capital and hung them on the city gates. Zhou Yang, meanwhile, searched for discrepancies in each report. With only one night left, he had to make these discrepancies form a trend that would tear apart the oppressive fog.

Cracks are forming in the mountains and rivers, and all he needs is the right trigger.

Bloodline confrontation

Zhou Yang traced an arc on the map with his finger.

right here.

He stared at the location of the rice granary in the west of the city, his eyes slightly narrowed. In the past three days, the Heavenly Principle Sect's three relocations had all left traces here. Their actions seemed random, but in reality, they followed a hidden pattern.

"Found it," Zhou Yang said in a low voice.

Qin Shuang leaned closer to look, her hair brushing against his cheek.

"What?"

"The weak point in the bloodline." Zhou Yang pointed to the rice warehouse with his fingertip. "Their defenses here seem tight, but it's actually a trap. They're deliberately trying to make us think this place is important, drawing our attention there."

Qin Shuang looked at him: "Then where is the real place?"

"East Market." Zhou Yang moved his finger to the other end of the map. "There's a teahouse there, in a secluded location with low foot traffic. But every time the Heavenly Principle Sect changes garrisons, people stop there for a while."

He looked up at the window; the night was deepening.

"I need to prepare some things before tomorrow's operation."

Back in his room, Zhou Yang sat down cross-legged.

He closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into the system interface.

[Consuming lifespan, initiating simulation]

[Target: Corpse Spirit Boundary Step]

[Burning life: Thirty years]

The system's voice rang in my mind, cold and mechanical.

Zhou Yang felt a warm current rise from his dantian, instantly spreading throughout his body. A faint bluish tinge appeared on his skin, indicating that the corpse poison was activating.

He remembered that in the Crimson Moon Desert, the Corpse Kings moved in bizarre and unpredictable ways, as if they existed in a different dimension. They could be right in front of him one moment, and then appear behind him the next. The key to this strange movement lay in their distorted spatial perception.

[Driving simulation...]

[Integrating the characteristics of corpse poison... analyzing spatial nodes... constructing a movement framework...]

Zhou Yang's forehead was covered in cold sweat.

Thirty years of lifespan is no small amount. He only has seventy or eighty years left in total, and to use up nearly half of that at once would require an impeccable method in return.

[Deduction complete]

[Obtained: Corpse Spirit Boundary Steps (Perfect)]

[Complementary moves: Void Step, Phantom Shift, Boundary Wall Escape]

[Effect: Allows brief penetration of spatial barriers, enabling three-dimensional movement in areas of the battlefield where runic energy is scarce]

Zhou Yang opened his eyes, a glint of green light flashing within them.

He stood up and tried to take a few steps.

At first, he was a bit clumsy, each step feeling like walking on cotton. But soon, he mastered the trick. Left foot forward, right foot following, body slightly twisted, and he vanished three zhang away in mid-air.

"Very good." Zhou Yang's lips curled up.

This footwork technique is just enough to deal with the Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation. The grand formation requires the support of talismanic power, and the Corpse Spirit Intersection Footwork can precisely drain the talismanic power, creating space for movement.

Footsteps came from outside the door.

Qin Shuang pushed open the door and came in, holding a fragment of the dragon's spine in her hand.

"Shall we practice?" she asked.

Zhou Yang nodded.

The two people stood in the center of the room, facing each other.

"The key to the fourth fragment lies in its resonance frequency," Qin Shuang said. "Our internal energies must be perfectly synchronized; even the slightest deviation will fail."

She stretched out her hand, palm up.

Zhou Yang also extended his hand, their palms three inches apart.

"start."

Qin Shuang circulated her inner energy, and a warm current emanated from her palm. Zhou Yang immediately responded with his own inner energy, and the two forces converged in mid-air.

At first, things didn't quite go smoothly.

Qin Shuang's internal energy is more yin and gentle, like a babbling brook. Zhou Yang's internal energy carries the domineering power of corpse poison, like a raging river. The two forces are completely different in nature, and forcibly fusing them will only cause them to repel each other.

"Relax," Qin Shuang said softly. "Don't try to suppress them; let them flow naturally."

Zhou Yang took a deep breath and adjusted the rhythm of his internal energy circulation.

He recalled the first time he met Qin Shuang; back then, she was like an iceberg, cold and aloof. But in the Crimson Moon Desert, in his most desperate moment, it was she who reached out her hand.

Those memories flowed through his mind, and his inner strength became gentler.

Gradually, the two forces began to synchronize.

The dragon spine fragment emitted a buzzing sound, and its surface shimmered with a faint glow. The light grew brighter and brighter, illuminating the entire room.

"Now," Qin Shuang said.

The two exerted their strength simultaneously, and the fourth fragment floated in the air, resonating with the previous three.

A strange rhythm filled the room, like the whisper of a zither or the booming of war drums.

Zhou Yang felt his blood vibrating, and every vein was burning hot.

Suddenly, a system notification sound rang out.

[Dragon's spine core detected]

[Activation Condition: Five Personality Death Pact]

[Requirements for the Death Pact: Five people must sign a blood pact, sharing life and death, and sharing the same lifespan.]

[Warning: Once signed, this contract cannot be terminated.]

Zhou Yang's pupils suddenly contracted.

Five Personalities Death Pact?

This means that four people must be bound to him, sharing life and death. Moreover, their lifespans are shared; when he burns his lifespan, the others will also be affected.

This is too dangerous.

"What's wrong?" Qin Shuang noticed his unusual behavior.

"System notification." Zhou Yang truthfully replied, "The Dragon Spine Core requires a five-person death pact to be fully activated."

Qin Shuang remained silent for a moment.

"So, we need to find three people?"

"Yes." Zhou Yang nodded, "And it has to be someone you absolutely trust. Once you sign a contract, it's for life."

He looked at Qin Shuang with a complicated expression.

"Are you willing?"

Qin Shuang didn't hesitate: "From the day you saved me in the Crimson Moon Desert, my life belongs to you."

Simple and direct, without the slightest hesitation.

A warm feeling welled up in Zhou Yang's heart, but it was quickly suppressed by concerns about reality.

"Even if you're willing, who else can we turn to?"

They don't have many people they can trust now, and even fewer are willing to sign a death pact. This is no small matter; it's a matter of life and death.

"I have someone in mind," Qin Shuang suddenly said. "Fang Tian."

Zhou Yang was stunned.

Fang Tian is dead.

"His body is still here," Qin Shuang said. "I've investigated. The Heavenly Principle Sect has a secret technique that can bring the dead back to life, but it requires sacrificing a large amount of life force."

She looked at Zhou Yang: "The corpse poison in your body, combined with the lifespan system, might be able to achieve that."

Zhou Yang understood.

Revive Fang Tian and then sign a death pact. That way, they'll have three people. They still need two more.

"The other two..." Zhou Yang fell into deep thought.

He thought of many people, but none of them were suitable. Either they weren't trustworthy enough, or they weren't willing to take the risk.

"Maybe we don't need to look for living ones," Qin Shuang suddenly said.

"What do you mean?"

"The dragon spine fragments themselves possess a spirit. We can try to awaken the spirits of the two fragments and make them contractors," Qin Shuang explained. "Although this is very risky, it's at least controllable."

Zhou Yang's eyes lit up.

This method is feasible.

He had already witnessed the power of the fragments; if they could truly awaken a spirit, they could indeed serve as contractors.

"Okay," he decided, "that's what we'll do."

But there is still one problem.

Even if there are five contractors, who will lead the signing of the contract?

According to the requirements of the death pact, a person is needed as the core, using their own lifespan to guide the formation of the contract. This person bears the greatest risk; if they fail, their lifespan will be instantly exhausted.

"I'll do it," Zhou Yang said.

Qin Shuang looked at him, her eyes filled with worry, but even more so with trust.

Are you sure?

"Confirmed." Zhou Yang nodded. "I awakened this system, and I found the Dragon Spine Fragment. It's only right that I take charge."

He knew in his heart that this might be his last chance.

The Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation is nearing completion, and the imperial court's patience is waning. If they fail this time, there will be no chance of turning the tide.

"So when do we start?"

"Tomorrow night." Zhou Yang looked out the window; the blood-red sky grew increasingly dark. "When the Heavenly Principle Sect's grand formation is complete, that will be our opportunity."

Qin Shuang nodded: "I'll go prepare."

She turned and left, leaving Zhou Yang alone in the room.

He closed his eyes again to check his lifespan.

[Remaining lifespan: 48 years]

Not too many, not too few.

But for this decisive battle, he had to risk everything.

Zhou Yang gently stroked the fragment of the dragon's spine, the cold touch of the metal making his mind even clearer.

He remembered many things.

I recall the confusion I felt when I first transmigrated, the amazement I felt when I met Qin Shuang, and the life-and-death separations I experienced along the way.

These memories came flooding back like a tide, leaving him somewhat dazed.

But he quickly recovered.

Now is not the time for reminiscing; there are more important things to do.

Zhou Yang stood up and walked to the window.

The distant horizon is turning a pale white, a new day is about to begin.

And it's time for him to prepare for his final gamble.

Star Battle Pass

The drum was struck three times.

The night was like thick ink, splashed across the entire imperial city.

Zhou Yang stood atop an inconspicuous attic, the wind ruffling his clothes. Below lay a narrow alley, with only a few lanterns still lit, casting a dim, yellowish glow.

He was holding the fragment of the dragon's spine in his hand.

The coolness of the metal traveled from his fingertips to his body, making him very alert.

He didn't move; he just waited.

The appointed time is approaching.

On the other side, north of the imperial city.

A dark shadow darted along the wall, followed by a dozen or so identical shadows. They moved nimbly, landing silently, like a pack of cats scurrying at night.

Qin Shuang was leading the way.

Her face was covered with a black cloth, revealing only her eyes. Those eyes shone brightly in the night, like cold stars.

She made a gesture.

The people behind them immediately dispersed, each finding their own position. Their target was clear: a hidden stronghold set up by the Heavenly Principle Sect in the northern camp. There was a backup node for the Divine Throne Grand Array there.

Qin Shuang didn't go in; she stayed at the alley entrance, leaning against a wall like a statue.

She held a short knife in her hand, the scabbard of which was made of sharkskin and felt somewhat rough. This was her habit; she always held the knife like this before taking action.

The alley was very quiet.

Occasionally, patrolling guards would pass by, their footsteps approaching and then fading away. Qin Shuang and her companions seemed to blend into the shadows, unnoticed by anyone.

The time it takes for an incense stick to burn has passed.

A very faint bird call came from deep within the North Camp.

That's a signal.

Qin Shuang's body moved.

She darted off like an arrow released from a bow, with the people behind her following closely behind.

Before the guards at the camp gate could react, their throats were slit. Warm blood splattered out, quickly turning cold.

They didn't stop, heading straight for a rockery deep inside the barracks.

Behind the artificial hill was the entrance to the cellar. Several members of the Heavenly Principle Sect were guarding there. They sensed something was wrong and were about to call for help when several cold glints of light pierced their throats.

Qin Shuang kicked open the stone door.

Inside was a basement. The walls were covered in runes, emitting a dark red light. That was the core of the backup formation.

Several Imperial Guards rushed forward and used specially made chisels to smash the runes.

Stone chips flew everywhere, the light of the runes dimmed, and finally went out completely.

"Let's go." Qin Shuang said only one word.

They come quickly and leave quickly.

By the time the Heavenly Principle Sect members discovered it, the place was already a scene of utter devastation. The backup formation had been completely destroyed.

The news spread quickly.

An hour later, even more shocking news spread among the high-ranking members of the cult. The cult leader was furious and decided to personally inspect the imperial city and oversee the main altar.

All of this was within Zhou Yang's calculations.

He stood in the attic, and upon hearing the faint commotion coming from afar, a slight twitch appeared at the corner of his mouth.

He should make his move.

Zhou Yang gathered up the fragments, leaped off the roof, and disappeared into the complex alleyways in a few bounds.

The place he was going to was a mass grave on the western outskirts of the imperial city.

Few people come here during the day, and it's even more eerie at night.

Zhou Yang didn't care about any of that. He found an open space and took out the fragment of the dragon's spine.

As soon as the fragment left its body, it emitted a buzzing sound.

He began to set up the resonance array. There was no altar, no ritual implements; he simply drew lines on the ground with his feet and then placed a few small stones in key positions.

These stones were just ordinary stones that he picked up casually from the riverbank.

But when he placed the fragment at the center of the formation, a change occurred.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze. The moonlight shone down, distorted and fragmented by an invisible force.

A very faint fluctuation spread outwards from the fragment.

This fluctuation is imperceptible to humans, but certain magical artifacts of the Heavenly Principle Sect can clearly detect it.

After Zhou Yang finished doing all this, he found a grave and sat down.

He pulled a hard, dry steamed bun from his pocket and took a bite. The dough tasted a little sour, but he didn't care.

He just waited quietly.

Time passed little by little.

It's past midnight.

A dark figure appeared at the entrance to the mass grave.

The man walked slowly and cautiously. He was like a cat, each step firmly planted on solid ground, his voice barely audible.

He carried a leather pouch, and something was moving inside it.

Zhou Yang knew that it was the "Blood Feather Eagle" of the Heavenly Principle Sect, a type of falcon used to transmit top-secret information. After special training, it recognized its master but not its way around.

That person was the messenger.

He slowly approached the resonance array.

The moment he stepped into the array's range, the lines beneath his feet suddenly lit up.

The messenger's expression changed, and he immediately realized something was wrong.

He wanted to back out, but it was too late.

An invisible pressure pressed down on him, making it hard for him to breathe. He felt as if he had fallen into water, with forces squeezing him from all sides.

"Who goes there!" he growled, drawing his sword.

Before the sword was even drawn, a shadow rose from the grave behind him.

It's Zhou Yang.

Zhou Yang's movements were very simple.

He simply extended a finger and tapped the messenger's back.

There was no loud noise, no dazzling light.

The messenger froze. His eyes bulged as he stared at his chest. There was nothing there, but he felt as if his heart had been shattered by a cold force.

He collapsed limply to the ground.

Zhou Yang bent down and removed the leather pouch from his body. The Bloodfeathered Eagle inside was still flapping, but it quickly quieted down.

The most important communication link between the Heavenly Principles Sect and the outside world has been severed.

Zhou Yang disposed of the body and then turned to leave.

He was going to see Qin Shuang.

They met at a closed teahouse.

The teahouse owner was one of their own, and had already dismissed the staff.

In the backyard, there is a stone table and two cups of hot tea.

Qin Shuang had arrived. She took off her face mask; her face looked tired, but her eyes were bright.

"It's done," she said first.

"I've made it too." Zhou Yang sat down, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. The tea was very hot, just enough to warm him up.

"The cult leader must come in person," Qin Shuang said.

"As expected." Zhou Yang tossed the leather pouch onto the table. "This is their messenger, and the Blood Feather Eagle has been dealt with. Now, the main altar is an isolated island."

Qin Shuang looked at the physical appearance and nodded.

She took a small section of bamboo tube from her sleeve and handed it to Zhou Yang.

"These are the words our people overheard while infiltrating. They mentioned that the fourth fragment of the Divine Throne Array has been found. Only one fragment remains."

"When?" Zhou Yang asked.

"Three days later. On the night of the full moon," Qin Shuang said. "They plan to absorb the fifth fragment on that day and complete the final step."

Zhou Yang fell silent.

He rubbed the bamboo tube in his hand; it was very smooth and became warm after being touched for a while.

"That's our best chance," he said.

Qin Shuang looked at him without saying a word.

"When their array core absorbs the fragments, the power of the entire array will converge at that point, which is also the most vulnerable time," Zhou Yang analyzed. "We can use the power of the fragments to create a reverse resonance and tear it apart from the inside."

"And the price?" Qin Shuang asked.

She knew that everything Zhou Yang did came at a price.

Zhou Yang did not answer.

He simply stared at the teacup on the table. Wisps of steam rose and dispersed in the air.

"It's very big," he said finally.

Qin Shuang didn't ask any more questions.

She reached out and placed her hand on the back of Zhou Yang's hand. Her hand was a little cold.

"Let's do it together."

Zhou Yang looked up at her.

Under the lamplight, Qin Shuang's face was gentle. There was no hesitation or fear in her eyes, only a calm determination.

Zhou Yang felt a slight touch on something deep inside him.

He took her hand in his own.

"it is good."

It's almost bright.

The eastern sky was tinged with a grayish-white hue.

The tranquility of the last night will soon be over.

Imperial City Trap

The eastern sky was beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

Zhou Yang stood before the abandoned City God Temple in the southwest corner of the imperial city, holding the scroll of silk in his hand. The scroll depicted the location of the Dragon Trace Tomb—the very thing the Heavenly Principle Sect had been searching for for decades.

"They're here," Qin Shuang said softly.

A muffled bugle call came from afar.

The army of the Heavenly Principle Sect is approaching.

Zhou Yang sneered, unfurled the silk scroll, and nailed it to the temple door panel with copper nails. The silk scroll fluttered slightly in the morning breeze, revealing a clear coordinate.

Those were clues he deliberately left behind.

"Now it's their turn," Zhou Yang said.

Qin Shuang didn't speak, she just nodded.

She held the fourth fragment of the dragon's spine in her hand. The fragment emitted a faint blue light, like a piece of melting ice.

In the distance, the sound of horses' hooves grew closer.

The black-armored cavalry of the Heavenly Principle Sect surged forward like a tide, led by a silver-haired elder. In his hand he held a jet-black scepter, the top of which was inlaid with a blood-red gem.

"This is it." The silver-haired elder stared at the rolled-up silk, his voice hoarse. "The entrance to the Dragon's Trail Tomb should be nearby."

Zhou Yang and Qin Shuang hid in the shadows of the City God Temple, watching as the people dismounted and began searching the surrounding area.

"Can they find it?" Qin Shuang asked in a low voice.

"Don't worry," Zhou Yang said. "I specifically chose this place. The entrance to the Dragon Trace Tomb is three zhang underground in this temple. If they can't find the entrance, they'll use brute force to break the formation, and then the gate to the tomb will open automatically."

Qin Shuang understood.

This was Zhou Yang's plan—to use the fragments as bait to lure the Heavenly Principle Sect into breaking the formation, and then take the opportunity to enter the tomb domain.

As expected, the silver-haired elder searched around but couldn't find the entrance, so he raised his scepter and slammed it heavily on the ground.

"open!"

The ground shook.

Immediately afterwards, a crimson beam of light shot up from the ground, reaching straight into the sky. Within the beam, a massive stone gate vaguely appeared—the entrance to the Dragon's Trail Tomb Domain had finally opened.

"Let's go!" Zhou Yang shouted in a low voice.

Two figures leaped out from the shadows and rushed toward the stone gate.

The followers of the Heavenly Principle Sect immediately spotted them.

"There's an assassin!"

"Stop them!"

Shouts of battle erupted.

Zhou Yang didn't turn around. He simply grabbed Qin Shuang's wrist and forcefully slammed it towards the stone door. Qin Shuang understood, flipped in the air, and was the first to rush into the pillar of light.

Zhou Yang followed closely behind.

The two figures disappeared into the pillar of light.

The stone gate then closed.

The silver-haired elder of the Heavenly Principle Sect ordered, his face ashen: "Chase them! Stop them at all costs!"

-

The moment Zhou Yang entered the tomb, he felt as if he were being kneaded by a giant hand. The surrounding space distorted, and the light became dim and viscous.

This is the Dragon's Trail Tomb Domain.

An ancient relic buried beneath the imperial city.

According to the fragments of memory left by Fang Tian, ​​this was once the tomb of a dragon emperor. The tomb contained all of that dragon emperor's collections during his lifetime—including the five fragments of his dragon spine that he had left behind.

Zhou Yang now has four.

Once he finds the fifth one, he can complete the Dragon Spine Divine Weapon.

"Be careful," Qin Shuang warned.

The passageway in the tomb was extremely narrow, with cold stone walls on both sides. The stone walls were covered with various runes, exuding a chilling aura.

Zhou Yang looked at the runes warily.

"Don't touch the wall," he said. "These runes are deadly."

As soon as he finished speaking, a crack suddenly appeared in the passage ahead.

Dry, withered hands emerged from the cracks.

It's a tomb-guarding corpse puppet!

"They're here!" Zhou Yang whispered.

He quickly took out a copper coin from his sleeve and threw it forcefully at the hands. The coin exploded in the air, turning into a blinding golden light.

The golden light struck those palms, eliciting sharp screams.

The puppet's hand instantly turned to ashes.

But more hands continued to emerge from the gaps.

"Go!" Zhou Yang grabbed Qin Shuang and continued charging forward.

The two moved through the narrow passage, with an endless stream of hands reaching out from behind them. Those hands seemed inexhaustible, constantly grabbing at the hem of their clothes.

As Zhou Yang ran, he took out a handful of copper coins from his pocket.

He tossed out the copper coins one by one, creating golden light barriers behind him.

When the barrier touches the palm, it emits a sharp, explosive sound.

And so, the two of them charged recklessly all the way out of the passage.

At the end of the passage was a blood-red river.

The river reeked of blood, and countless white bones floated on its surface.

"A sea of ​​blood." Zhou Yang frowned.

This is the most dangerous area in the Dragon's Lair Tomb Domain—the Sea of ​​Blood.

To reach the center of the tomb, one must cross this sea of ​​blood.

But countless dangers lurk within this sea of ​​blood.

"I'll do it," Qin Shuang said.

She held up the fourth fragment in her hand.

The fragments emitted a faint blue light.

Blue light shone on the sea of ​​blood, and the surface of the sea of ​​blood began to churn.

Immediately afterwards, a huge bone claw emerged from the sea of ​​blood and reached for Qin Shuang.

"Get out!" Zhou Yang shouted angrily.

His internal systems activated instantly.

"Sacrificing ten years of my lifespan to master the Heavenly Remnant Step!"

His figure flashed in the air, dodging the bone claws.

Then he lunged forward and struck the joint of the bone claw with a palm.

"Snap!"

The bone claw broke off instantly.

But more bone claws continued to emerge from the sea of ​​blood.

"That won't do," Zhou Yang said. "We need to find the location of the fifth fragment. Only with the power of all five fragments can we suppress the sea of ​​blood."

He quickly looked around.

Suddenly, he noticed a stone platform in the center of the sea of ​​blood.

A jet-black fragment lay on the stone platform.

It is the fifth fragment of the dragon's spine!

"I'll clear the way!" Zhou Yang said.

He took a deep breath and took out all four fragments from his hand.

Four fragments floated in front of him, emitting four different kinds of light.

Gold, blue, red, and green.

"The Four Symbols Resonate!" Zhou Yang shouted in a low voice.

The four fragments began to spin rapidly.

The four rays of light merged together, transforming into a dazzling pillar of light.

The beam of light shot towards the sea of ​​blood, and wherever it passed, the seawater evaporated.

A passage appeared in the sea of ​​blood.

"Go!" Zhou Yang grabbed Qin Shuang and rushed towards the stone platform.

The two ran on the seabed of the sea of ​​blood.

Behind them, the water level of the Blood Sea began to drop rapidly.

Finally, they rushed to the stone platform.

Zhou Yang reached out to grab the fifth fragment.

Just as his fingers were about to touch the fragment, a loud bang came from behind him.

The stone gate was forcibly broken open.

The people of the Heavenly Principle Sect have caught up!

"Don't even think about it!" the silver-haired elder's voice rang out.

Zhou Yang did not turn around.

He grabbed the fifth fragment.

"System! Consuming thirty years of lifespan, we will deduce the resonance of the Five Deadly Formations!"

The five fragments trembled violently in his hand.

Gold, blue, red, green, and black—the five colors of light merged completely.

"It's done!" Zhou Yang turned around.

He held up the five fragments in his hand.

Five fragments floated in the air, forming a perfect circle.

The aura emanating from the ring caused the entire tomb area to tremble.

"Not good!" The silver-haired elder's expression changed drastically. "Stop him!"

But it was too late.

Zhou Yang clenched his fist tightly.

The ring formed by the five fragments suddenly exploded.

An invisible ripple of power emanated from Zhou Yang and spread outwards.

Wherever the ripples passed, the followers of the Heavenly Principle Sect fell to the ground.

Their cultivation was instantly sealed.

"You..." The silver-haired elder looked at Zhou Yang in disbelief.

Zhou Yang did not speak.

He simply put away the five fragments and then took Qin Shuang's hand.

"Let's go."

The two figures flashed and disappeared into the tomb area.

-

Southwest of the imperial city.

In front of the abandoned City God Temple, the army of the Heavenly Principle Sect had their cultivation sealed and turned into ordinary people.

The silver-haired elder knelt on the ground, looking at the scepter in his hand.

The blood-red gem at the top of the scepter has shattered.

"It's over..." he muttered.

In the distance, Zhou Yang and Qin Shuang's figures had already disappeared into the morning light.

This time, their trap worked.

But Zhou Yang knew that this was just the beginning.

The true nature of the Heavenly Principle Sect was far deeper than he had imagined.

However, he was already prepared.

All five dragon spine fragments have been obtained.

Now, it's time to put an end to this feud.

Zhou Yang raised his head and looked at the rising sun in the east.

Its daybreak.

Qiankun Lock

In the darkness, the edges of the blood-red temple shimmered with silver-red light. The Heavenly Principle Sect's military banner trailed a fiery tail along the horizon, advancing step by step into the heart of the capital. The Golden Body Hall Master and the Blood Shadow Guards had already formed three lines of attack, while the sect leader himself stood atop the purple smoke. With a command, the Qiankun Locking Array descended.

The array's patterns were etched into the stone wall, like veins or riverbeds. The fingertips didn't touch coldness, but rather pulsating iron wires, sending faint vibrations through the wrists. Around the array gate, dozens of elders stood in a crisscrossing formation, the sound of war drums echoing beneath their feet, each tremor shaking the dust from the ground into mist. The Heavenly Principle Sect suppressed their spiritual energy, so much so that even the night wind seemed to be swayed, making other sounds almost inaudible. Qin Shuang gathered her remaining forces beneath the south wall, the flag in her hand reflecting a faint light, her eyes and brows tinged with gray. Her gaze pierced through the gaps, landing on the stone forest surrounding the tomb area, where the core of the array had been connected.

Zhou Yang stood at the heart of the formation, five fragments spinning in his palm. Each was like a tiny star, its edges gleaming differently in the night. He pressed his hand to his chest, feeling the cooling lines of his lifespan system tremble slightly. Holding this point would buy him time for the rest of the process. The five fragments were aligned on the same plane, attracting each other like a group of dragons breathing within dark patterns. He offered the last fragment, the chill around him instantly lengthening, the light of his bloodline rolling beneath his skin like water flowing through a crevice in rock. The system notification didn't appear verbatim; the words were already completely integrated into his thoughts. Now, only one feeling remained: this formation had to be broken.

The center of the Qiankun Locking Array was deep within the passageway, its runes gleaming with golden-blue light, its base extending from the ground to the cliff face. The sect leader's voice was deep, as if it came from a swamp. He waved his hand, and the sealing elements slowly closed like doors, the only difference being that this door lingered. At the center of the array, the air was heavier than the surrounding area, carrying a layer of still heat. Zhou Yang's legs trembled under the pressure of the wind, sweat rolling down his brow but not dripping to the ground. In the blink of an eye, as the choice was made with a flick of his finger, the five fragments suddenly collided like stones, bursting into a sharp sound, causing the stone walls to tremble slightly.

Qin Shuang tightened the lines on the outer perimeter, leaving her marks wherever she went. Aiming at the Golden Hall Master's sharp edge, she directed several silver-armored warriors to the flanks, forming a gentle yet sturdy net. Her deep voice whispered in their ears, reminding the remaining troops to unleash Dragon Breath Arrows to suppress the Blood Shadow Guards. The more chaotic the Blood Shadow Guards' movements, the easier it would be for the formation to falter at that moment. She knew that Zhou Yang could only activate the Dragon Spine Praise once the formation's core was seemingly complete—a posture that could be destroyed at any moment, the spark of life shattering vertically upon contact.

Zhou Yang's spine stretched out in the light like a cone, his body no longer resembling a human. The light from the five fragments gathered within him, flowing towards his spine, where the patterns revived into a dragon shape. A few rough words popped into his mind as a system notification—"Dragon Spine Praise is ready," "Formation Break Output 150%." He didn't respond, but simply pressed his consciousness downwards, as if pressing a roar into his eardrums. The formation's seal was breached in that instant, and he thrust in, his sword piercing the air. In that instant, his attack direction reversed several times: first, he swiftly drew an arc of light towards the Golden Hall Master on the left; then he turned and slashed at the sinking stone entrenched at the base of the formation; finally, he leaned forward, his longsword plunging into the deepest part of the formation, tearing the originally hard aura in two.

The Qiankun Locking Array revealed cracks. A gap was torn in the core of the array, and echoes swirled within the stone chamber. The Heavenly Principle Sect's array foundation crumbled around this gap, and the elders' formations were also affected, their war drums beating sluggishly. The sect leader roared in anger, unleashing a dark golden sword light that swept across, attempting to mend the gap once more. Zhou Yang held his breath within that light, pushing five fragments outward to create a buffer. Each adjustment of his angle felt like scraping glass with his fingernail, meticulously examining every subtle change in the array's lines from the inside out. The sword light struck the light shield formed by the five fragments, reflecting a thin layer of flame, and the stones on the outer edge of the array's core were scorched and smoking.

Qin Shuang shouted from outside the formation. Her voice didn't resonate throughout the formation, but it struck Zhou Yang like a hammer blow, jolting him awake. Her remaining forces pulled the Blood Shadow Guards outside the formation gate, attempting to ambush them. She knew that it wasn't just a direct attack; she also needed to divert the Heavenly Principle Sect's attention away from Zhou Yang. The synthesis of the five fragments had only one chance; once that step was achieved, the next strike had to begin immediately. She leaned against a collapsed stone pillar, her fingertips tracing the taut flag rope—the rope that was like the last link between her and Zhou Yang. She could feel the aura emanating from him—a warmth tinged with coldness. She held that warmth in her palm, telling herself she had to hold on a little longer.

After breaking the formation, Zhou Yang let out a low groan. Five fragments intertwined instantly in the sword light, and his arm thrust forward, as if filling the space before him with an entire gust of wind. The posture of the Dragon Spine Praise took shape on his body: the scales on his back shone silently in the darkness, and each time he changed direction, the stripes swayed like living snakes. Using the force generated by his waist, he pushed the force field at the center of the formation apart again, as if the entire formation's foundation had been gently lifted. The sect leader's face twitched slightly from the pulling, and a crack appeared in the armor of the Golden Body Hall Master. The Blood Shadow Guards tumbled through the broken formation, unable to maintain their previous silent operational trajectory.

Qin Shuang played her last card on the outside. She drew a jade token engraved with dragon spine runes from her waist and handed it to a female general. The general took it from Qin Shuang, gripped it tightly, and a burst of icy blue energy erupted from her body. She rushed between the Golden Body Hall Master and the Blood Shadow Guard, using the light of the runes to draw their attention away. Qin Shuang then turned to the inside, lightly stepping on the broken stone steps, her lips moving slightly as she uttered a few short incantations. The incantations lacked linguistic flair, but their direction was clear. She silently counted in her mind, waiting to provide Zhou Yang with final cover the moment he successfully completed his formation.

Zhou Yang's sword slashed down along the center of the formation, and the five fragments transformed into tiny flames in the light. At the point where the formation's base cracked, a transparent hand appeared, as if holding up the foundation of the formation. A fissure appeared at the base of the hand, allowing firelight to pour in and point directly at the core of the formation. The final part of his sword sliced ​​through the center of the formation, and as he sheathed his blade, the Dragon Spine Praise pose slowly faded. What remained was not an impulse, but a sense of calm, like watching a door close.

Part of the Heavenly Principle Sect's formation collapsed, and the sect leader personally retreated to reassemble the formation. The runes on the stone wall gradually converged in the light, but the opened crack was now covered with new patterns. Zhou Yang gripped his sword in one hand and pressed the other to his chest, the lingering warmth of the fragments flowing through his pulse. His gaze fell on Qin Shuang, who, standing at a distance, remained a contradiction: a soft movement concealing a hardness. He nodded, uttering a single word through clenched teeth: "Withdraw." Qin Shuang smiled gently outside the formation, a slight blush rising at the corners of her lips.

The night sky was once again filled with starlight, and the Heavenly Principle Sect's formation was no longer as oppressive as before. Zhou Yang turned and looked at the collapsed base of the formation. The light of the five fragments faded, leaving only a few slivers of afterglow. He reached into the shattered core of the formation, grasped the rubble in the crack, and squeezed out a breath of his own. The core of the formation was no longer sealed, and the smoke rising from the stone wall was dispersed by the night wind. He realized that the Heavenly Principle Sect's Blood Shadow Guards were no longer a danger, but rather like shadows that had just been dragged out.

He shouted in Qin Shuang's direction, "Prepare to wrap this up." Qin Shuang nodded, her movement of drawing her sword resembling the lighting of a long torch. The remaining enemies were still causing trouble on the outer edge, and now they had to completely eliminate all the loose ends. In the darkness, the sparks from the battle lines began to fall slowly. A cold, fishy scent permeated the stone forest. Zhou Yang pulled out his flag and temporarily put away the five fragments. The incantations of the Heavenly Principle Sect were broken into fragments in the wind; he knew they would come again, but the current outburst had come to a pause.

He turned his gaze back to Qin Shuang, the unwavering resolve still lingering on her face like a veil of morning mist. Qin Shuang gripped her short sword tightly, her figure appearing slender amidst the broken formation. She raised her hand just in time, shielding Zhou Yang from the desolate sounds that reached his ears. There were no extra words exchanged between them, only appropriate silence and a mutually agreed-upon pace. Although the Heavenly Principle Sect's formation hadn't completely collapsed, cracks had been torn open, revealing details within: tattered talismans, scattered drops of blood, and blades coated with incantations.

A night breeze blew by, bringing a dry, dusty scent. Zhou Yang loosened his sword hilt; his pulse was steady. He stepped out of the center of the formation, the flag trembling slightly in his hand. Qin Shuang followed behind him, her footsteps light and careful, skirting the cracks in the rocks. The remaining troops gathered behind them, preparing for the next wave of orders. The five fragments lay quietly in the box again, like souls temporarily imprisoned.

The previous round of suppression had temporarily ended, but the true outcome was still uncertain. The Heavenly Principle Sect couldn't completely retreat at this moment; a counterattack might erupt at any instant. They had already gathered their banners and set aside their core formation. Zhou Yang stood before the shattered stone gate, the tip of his sword pointing towards the still-smoking base of the formation. He bent down and glanced back at Qin Shuang. Her shadow, elongated in the firelight, resembled a guiding line propelling him into the charge. He said, "Hold on a little longer." Qin Shuang's voice was soft, yet unwavering: "I will."