Weird Survival: I can devour thousands of talents

Chapter 192 191: Don’t order yet!!
Ling Xiao stood at the entrance to the catacombs. The deep darkness seemed like a gaping maw, waiting to devour all light. His heartbeat pounded fiercely in his chest, each beat a reminder that he was about to enter an unknown and dangerous world. The wind from the catacombs, carrying a damp, earthy scent, gently brushed against his cheek, heightening his senses.

He took a deep breath, adjusted the gear on his back, and tightly grasped the sword that had been with him for so many years. The blade gleamed coldly in the dim light, a sharp edge honed through countless battles. Ling Xiao's eyes gleamed with determination. He knew that whatever lay hidden in the caverns, he must confront it.

Ling Xiao slowly entered the cavern, his footsteps making a soft sound on the slippery ground. His eyes gradually adjusted to the dimness, and he began to discern the vague outlines of his surroundings. The cavern walls were covered in moss, and water droplets occasionally dripped from the rock face, making a crisp sound. He carefully avoided the puddles on the ground, taking every step with extreme caution.

As they descended deeper into the cavern, the light grew dimmer. Ling Xiao lit the torch in his hand. The flames danced, illuminating the path ahead while casting his shadow on the rock face. His shadow swayed in the flames, like another companion following him, silently giving him courage.

The passages within the caverns were intricate and complex, forcing Ling Xiao to constantly monitor his surroundings to avoid getting lost. His footsteps echoed through the empty passages, each echo setting his nerves on edge. He knew that in this unknown place, any sound could lead to unforeseen danger.

Suddenly, a deep roar echoed from not far away, and Ling Xiao's heart skipped a beat. He immediately extinguished his torch and immersed himself in the darkness. He held his breath and listened quietly to the sounds around him. The roar grew closer, and Ling Xiao could feel the ground shaking slightly, as if something was approaching rapidly.

He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready to respond to any threat. In the darkness, his eyes searched for any glimmer of light, any movement. Time seemed to freeze at this moment, and Ling Xiao's heartbeat echoed in his ears, intertwining with the approaching roar.

At that moment, a massive black shadow rushed out from the corner of the passage. Ling Xiao's reaction was swift, his body reacting almost instinctively. With a flash of sword light, he crossed paths with the shadow, the blade drawing a graceful arc in the air.

The battle erupted in an instant. Ling Xiao's swordsmanship flowed like clouds and water, each swing carrying a piercing sound. His opponent was a massive cave beast, its hide as tough as iron. Every impact left Ling Xiao's arms numb. But Ling Xiao didn't flinch. His eyes held only determination and resolve, and each strike accurately struck the cave beast's vital points.

The battle raged for a long time, and finally, the cave beast let out a shrill roar and collapsed to the ground. Ling Xiao panted heavily, his body covered in wounds, but the light in his eyes burned even brighter. He knew this was only the beginning; more challenges awaited him in the cave.

Ling Xiao didn't pause. He pressed on, each step filled with determination. Deep within the caverns, a mysterious power seemed to lurk, beckoning Ling Xiao irresistibly. He knew that no matter the dangers ahead, he must uncover the cavern's secrets.

As he went deeper, the cave's atmosphere grew more eerie. The moss on the walls began to emit a faint fluorescent light, illuminating the surroundings. These glowing lights, like will-o'-the-wisp fire, made the cave seem even more eerie. Ling Xiao felt a surge of unease, but he didn't stop.

Suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks. Before him lay a vast underground lake. The waters were as still as a mirror, reflecting the fluorescent glow of the moss, casting a faint blue glow across the surface. In the center of the lake lay a small island, and something seemed to be glowing.

Ling Xiao's heartbeat quickened. He knew that the glowing object might be the secret of the cave. He took a deep breath and prepared to cross the mysterious lake to uncover the secret hidden deep within the cave.

Ling Xiao stood at the edge of the island, his gaze fixed on the faint light. His heartbeat pounded fiercely in his chest, each beat a reminder that the secret he was about to uncover could change his fate. The lake was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the fluorescent light of the moss, casting a faint blue glow on the entire surface. He took a deep breath, adjusted the equipment on his back, and tightly grasped the sword that had been with him for many years. The blade gleamed coldly in the faint light.

He searched the lake, searching for a safe path. There seemed to be no sign of life in the water, only the occasional bubble rising from the bottom, breaking the surface's tranquility. Ling Xiao took his first cautious step. The water was icy cold, causing his foot to twitch involuntarily. He gritted his teeth and continued forward, taking each step with extreme caution.

As he sank deeper into the lake, the water grew deeper, gradually reaching his waist. Ling Xiao's heartbeat quickened. He could sense a hidden power within the water, silently observing him, awaiting his arrival. His gaze remained fixed on the light on the island; it was his driving force, his hope.

Suddenly, a strange movement echoed from the lake, and Ling Xiao's heart leaped. He immediately drew his sword and glanced around warily. A massive dark figure slowly emerged from the water, its eyes like two flaming fireballs, flickering dangerously in the darkness. Ling Xiao's pupils constricted, knowing this was another guardian of the catacombs.

The guardian's body was massive and unwieldy, yet its movements were incredibly agile. It opened its maw and let out a deafening roar, sending ripples through the lake. Ling Xiao gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his eyes devoid of fear, only determination and resolve. He knew this was a life-or-death struggle; he must defeat this guardian to uncover the secrets of the catacombs.

The battle erupted in an instant. Ling Xiao's swordsmanship flowed like clouds and water, each swing carrying a piercing sound. The Guardian's skin was as tough as iron, and every impact left Ling Xiao's arms numb. But Ling Xiao didn't flinch. His eyes held only determination and resolve, and each strike accurately struck the Guardian's vital points.

The battle raged for a long time. Finally, the guardian let out a shrill roar and collapsed into the lake. Its blood dyed the water red, forming a blood-red lake. Ling Xiao panted heavily, his body covered in wounds, but the light in his eyes burned even more fiercely. He knew this was only the beginning; more challenges awaited him in the cave.

Ling Xiao didn't pause. He continued forward, each step filled with determination. The lake rippled beneath his feet, as if cheering his courage. His eyes remained fixed on the light on the island; it was his driving force and the hope in his heart.

Finally, Ling Xiao set foot on the island. The light on the island grew brighter, and he could feel a powerful force calling him. He took a deep breath, ready to uncover the secret behind this light.

The island's light came from a massive crystal, set into an ancient stone tablet. The crystal radiated a soft glow, illuminating the surroundings. Ling Xiao approached the crystal cautiously. He could sense the powerful force within, a force that made his heart beat faster. He reached out and gently touched the crystal. At that moment, the crystal suddenly erupted with dazzling light, and a powerful force surged into him. Ling Xiao felt as if his body were being torn apart and then reassembled. He could feel his strength rapidly growing, and a new light flickered in his eyes.

An unprecedented power surged within Ling Xiao. He knew it was the power bestowed upon him by the catacombs, the power of the guardian. He took a deep breath, feeling the surge of power within him, as if a single thought could move mountains and fill the sea.

His gaze locked once more on the crystal. He knew it was the heart of the catacombs, the locus of all their secrets. He must protect it, and the secrets of the catacombs. He took a deep breath, ready to face the impending challenge.

Ling Xiao stood in the center of the island, the crystal's light gleaming with a strange brilliance in his eyes. He could feel the newfound power surge within him, like a warm current coursing through his blood, every heartbeat a pulsation of power. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and tried to communicate with this power, to understand its source and purpose.

His inner monologue slowly unfolded: "Where does this power come from? Is it a gift from the catacombs, or a legacy from the guardian? How can I control it, and how can I use it?" Ling Xiao's mind was full of questions, but he knew that now was not the time to hesitate. He had to adapt to this power quickly, because it would be the key to his survival.

Ling Xiao opened his eyes, his gaze growing more resolute. He began to try to guide this power, letting it flow through his body, feeling its every interaction with his body. He extended his hand, palm facing the crystal. Slowly, a faint light emanated from his palm, echoing the crystal's glow.

He could sense that this power had some mysterious connection to the crystal. He closed his eyes and concentrated, attempting to use this power to establish a deeper connection with the crystal. Suddenly, a picture appeared in his mind: a vast cavern deep within the catacombs. In the center of the cavern stood a massive stone platform, upon which rested an ancient book.

Ling Xiao's heartbeat quickened. He knew that was where he was going next. He took a deep breath, turned away from the crystal, and prepared to embark on a new journey. His steps were firm and powerful, each step filled with new strength.

Ling Xiao returned to the lake. The water remained calm, but his mind was different. He could feel every tiny ripple in the water, hear the whispers of the creatures beneath it. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, concentrated, and then slowly extended his hand, palm facing the water.

He could feel the power surge within him, and then, a miracle happened. The lake began to swirl, forming a vortex. At its center, a passageway led to the lake bottom. A flicker of surprise flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes. He knew this was yet another proof of his newfound strength.

Without hesitation, he took a deep breath and plunged into the whirlpool. The water enveloped him, but instead of suffocating, he felt more awake. He could clearly see every detail of the lake bottom and feel every movement in the water. His body seemed to merge with the water, controlling its current and guiding him towards the cave.

As he descended deeper into the lake, the pressure grew, but Ling Xiao felt no discomfort. His body seemed to have adapted to this new power. He could feel his strength increasing, his perception sharpening. He could sense the cave just ahead, and he could sense the power of the ancient book.

Finally, he reached the cave. The air was moist and fresh, and the walls were covered with glowing mushrooms, emitting a soft light. On the stone platform in the center of the cave, the ancient book lay quietly, its cover engraved with strange symbols, emitting a faint glow.

Ling Xiao approached the stone platform cautiously. He could sense the powerful force within the book. He reached out and gently touched the cover. A surge of strength surged into him, and more images appeared in his mind: the history of the catacombs, the stories of the guardians, and knowledge beyond his imagination.

A new light flickered in Ling Xiao's eyes. He knew he had gained the secret of the catacombs and the power of the guardian. He took a deep breath and prepared to face the upcoming challenge.

Ling Xiao stood before the stone platform, his fingers gently touching the cover of the ancient book. The symbols on the cover seemed to come alive, glowing faintly at his touch. A mysterious power flowed from his fingertips into his body, resonating with his newfound strength. His heartbeat quickened, and his eyes gleamed with a desire for the unknown and awe of power.

He took a deep breath and slowly turned the pages. The pages rustled softly, whispering countless secrets from the depths of history. Ling Xiao's eyes flashed with images: the history of the catacombs, the stories of the guardians, and knowledge he had never imagined. He witnessed the birth of the catacombs, the guardians' battles against ancient enemies, and the power and cost of the seal.

As the images unfolded, Ling Xiao felt a heavy responsibility weighing on his shoulders. He knew that this knowledge wasn't just a legacy of power; it was also a burden of protection. He must protect the catacombs and safeguard the world from the threat of this ancient enemy.

Ling Xiao closed his eyes, letting this knowledge sink into his mind. He could feel his body changing, a new power coursing through his blood, resonating with his soul. His body grew stronger, his senses sharper, his mind more resolute.

When he opened his eyes again, there was a new light in them.

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(End of this chapter)