They walked along the winding mountain road, Cao Chunling carefully collecting the elixirs as they went. Suddenly, a cold wind blew by, causing the temperature around them to drop sharply. Everyone became alert, seeing a group of shadows faintly emerging from the clouds in the distance.
"Be careful, there may be demons at work," whispered Mo Wenjie.
The dark shadows drew closer, revealing a pack of demonized wild wolves with bloodshot eyes and a fierce, bloodthirsty glow. The group quickly formed a circle and each one cast their spells. After swallowing the elixir, Cao Chunling felt her inner Qi surge with vitality and she rushed forward first, a ray of golden light shooting from her hand and striking the lead wolf. The others did not lag behind, their spells of ice and flame unleashed, creating a cacophony of wolf howls and magical clashings. After a fierce battle, they finally drove off the pack of wolves.
Mo Wenjie, Huang Ling'er, Jiang YuRou, Xiao Ya Wen, Ding Yan, Tuo YingYing, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling and the other ladies of the Jade Beetle Queen were slightly exhausted but their eyes were even more determined. They knew that this was just a small test on their journey, and there would be greater challenges ahead. So they brushed off the dust on their clothes and continued to stride forward towards their destination.
They hadn't walked far when the sky suddenly darkened, thick with ominous clouds and claps of thunder. Mo Wenjie looked up, a sense of impending doom settling in his gut. Just then, a massive tornado whirled toward them.
"Quick, form a defensive formation!" Jiang Yu Rou shouted. The group immediately linked hands, their Qi surging to create a protective shield. The tornado carried sand and stones, continuously battering the shield, making a crackling noise.
The Jade Beetle Empress furrowed her brow, muttering incantations, and countless silkworm threads flew out to entangle the tornado, trying to weaken its power. While Xiao Ya Wen moved her hands, summoning one water column after another towards the center of the tornado.
Yet the tornado was too powerful, and the shield began to waver. At that moment, Mo Wenjie roared loudly, unleashing his entire inner Qi, a tremendous force directed at the tornado. Seeing this, the others promptly infused their remaining inner Qi into it as well.
Under the joint efforts of Mo Wenjie, Huang Ling'er, Jiang YuRou, Xiao Ya Wen, Ding Yan, Tuo YingYing, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling and the Jade Beetle Empress, the tornado finally dissipated. They all breathed heavily and looked at each other with a smile. Then they once again gathered their spirits and continued to move forward steadily towards their destination. They knew that as long as they remained united, they would be able to overcome any obstacles on their path.
As they continued their journey, the ground beneath their feet suddenly trembled violently. Mo Wenjie shouted: "No good, it's an earthquake, everyone stay steady!" But soon, the ground cracked open, and many rock hands covered with sharp spines emerged to grab at them. Mo Wenjie drew his sword and chopped off several stone hands, while others also used their own methods to defend themselves.
Suddenly, a gigantic rock golem slowly rose from the ground, towering several tens of zhang high. With each step it took, the earth trembled. The group exchanged a glance and decided to target the golem's leg joints together. They unleashed their strongest attacks simultaneously, creating a dazzling display of light. The golem was struck and rocked a few times but did not fall over.
At this moment, the Jade Beetle Empress noticed a sparkling crystal on the golem's head. She shouted to the group: "Attack its crystal at the top!" They adjusted their direction and struck it with all their might. The crystal shattered, and the golem collapsed into a pile of broken stones.
After the battle, they were greatly exhausted. However, they encouraged each other, resting on the spot to replenish their qi. They then continued their journey. They believed that the closer they got to their destination, the more difficulties they would face, but they wouldn't back down because they shared a common belief and strong friendship.
They continued to walk forward, and the surrounding scenery grew increasingly eerie. The trees twisted and the flowers and grass emitted a cold, ghostly glow. Soon, they heard a melodious flute playing. As the sound of the flute drew closer, they saw a woman in white sitting on a large stone and playing the flute.
"You shouldn't be here," the woman stopped playing the flute and said softly.
Mo Wenjie stepped forward and asked, "Why? We must proceed to our destination."
The woman laughed coldly, "Ahead lies the land of death, where none who enter return alive."
The group exchanged glances, but none showed fear. Huang Ling'er said, "We are not afraid. We have come this far and will not give up easily."
The woman in white shook her head slightly and then pointed her finger. Various illusory images appeared around them, depicting the tragic deaths of those who had previously ventured into that place.
But the group's eyes remained resolute. The Jade Beetle Empress said, "Thank you for your kind intentions, but our minds are set."
The woman in a white robe as pure as snow stood quietly there, like an open lotus flower. Her gaze had been fixed on them for quite some time. Finally, she sighed softly, her voice seeming to come from a distant paradise: "Alright, since fate has already determined that you will have to embark on this difficult journey, allow me to lend you a helping hand."
As soon as she finished speaking, she gracefully waved her sleeves that flowed like clouds, and in an instant, a strange beam of light flashed across. The previously barren and rugged path miraculously appeared to be a wide and flat road! This road stretched straight ahead towards the unknown distance, like a bridge connecting hope with dreams.
At the sight of this, a surge of unutterable joy and gratitude filled the hearts of the group. They all bowed deeply to the mysterious woman in white, expressing their heartfelt thanks.
In the following moment, Mo Wenjie walked in the front, leading the way with an unwavering determination on his face. And behind him, closely following were seven beautiful women with unique features: Huang Ling'er, Jiang YuRou, Xiao Ya Wen, Ding Yan, Tuo YingYing, Qin Xiaodie, and Cao Chunling. Each of them carried their own dreams and beliefs in their hearts and looked steadfastly at the mysterious path ahead.
At this moment, the Golden Silkworm Goddess, who had been beside the group all along, gracefully ascended to the mid-air. Her enchanting figure was like a fairy dancing gracefully, emanating an alluring charm. The Golden Silkworm Goddess lightly bowed her head, signaling that they could proceed with confidence.
Having received the encouragement from the Golden Silkworm Goddess, Mo Wenjie and the others did not hesitate any longer. They breathed deeply and marched forward with neat and determined steps, resolutely stepping onto this magical path. With each step they took, it seemed to stimulate energy fluctuations in the surrounding space, emitting a slight tremor that traveled towards the distance.
As they continued to advance forward, the hazy scenes on either side of the path began to become gradually clearer. Ancient buildings appeared and disappeared, bizarre flowers and trees emitted tantalizing scents, and some incredible creatures they had never seen before darted through the grass and played.
However, what appeared before Mo Wenjie and the others was a breathtaking panorama full of novelties. Dazzling and extraordinary flowers and plants competed with each other, emitting captivating scents; bizarre rocks jutted out like works of art by nature; and there were also winding streams that were crystal clear, the gurgling sound of the water flowing like an ethereal melody. Such poetic and picturesque scenery was enough to captivate and awe anyone.
But Mo Wenjie and the others were not distracted by the beautiful scenery. Despite the captivating surroundings, their eyes remained determined and focused on the distant and clear destination in their hearts. They knew that there might be numerous difficulties and challenges lying ahead, waiting to be overcome, but they had no fear. With resolute steps, they pressed forward courageously. Each step was firm and resolute, as if proclaiming their determination and bravery to the unknown challenges.
They continued walking, and a misty forest appeared ahead. Mo Wenjie tried to probe the area with qi, but found it blocked. "Be careful, this forest has an eerie feel," he warned. The group entered the forest carefully, and the silence was palpable except for the sound of their feet crunching through leaves. Suddenly, vines shot out from all sides to entangle them. They struggled to break free, and Cao Chunling threw a handful of powder which instantly dried up the vines. However, illusions soon materialized before them, showing scenes that everyone feared most in their hearts. Mo Wenjie gritted his teeth and channeled qi to break through the illusions, shouting for his companions to stay alert. They rallied together to resist and finally emerged from the misty forest.
A magnificent palace appeared before them, exuding a powerful aura of authority. The gates were closed, and the door was covered in runes. Mo Wenjie studied the runes closely and discovered they were a seal. The group worked together to infuse their own qi into the runes, and the gate slowly opened. Inside, there was a burst of golden light, and their goal was positioned in the center.
At that very moment, Mo Wenjie and Huang Ling'er, Jiang YuRou, Xiao Ya Wen, Ding Yan, Tuo YingYing, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling and the mysterious Golden Silkworm Goddess all sensed a solemn and sacred aura emanating from the direction ahead. This aura had an invisible attraction that drew them to take steps forward involuntarily with reverence and awe towards the unknown destination.
Each person's face showed a look of gravity mixed with anticipation, for they knew that what awaited them might be the final, thrilling challenge of their long journey, or perhaps the ultimate achievement they had strived so hard for. Regardless of which possibility lay ahead, it was of great significance and importance to them. So, despite the inevitable nervousness in their hearts, they still moved forward resolutely, bravely facing whatever was about to come.
Mo Wenjie looked at Huang Ling'er, Jiang YuRou, Xiao Ya Wen, Ding Yan, Tuo YingYing, Qin Xiaodie, Cao Chunling and the Golden Silkworm Goddess. I understand now. The Southward Growth Emperor statue we encountered earlier was likely a deception used by magic users. The sacred aura just now was the true manifestation of the Southward Growth Emperor's power.
