Taking the opportunity of traveling through books

A near-death counterattack to fight for life

The golden light, like a sharp sword, pierced the swirling dark force. I saw the black mist tremble violently, as if enduring immense pain, and its frantic attack even paused for a moment.

"Now, Hao Yang!" Elder Wei's voice sounded again, with some urgency.

Hao Yang had clearly seized this opportunity, his figure moving through the black fog like a ghost, each flash attempting to get closer to the core of the dark force. I stared at him closely, my heart in my throat, fearing he might make the slightest mistake.

I've never seen Hao Yang so determined. His eyes gleamed with a resolute glint, as if nothing could stop him. Blood was still seeping from his wounds, but he seemed insensitive to the pain. Every attack was filled with the determination to face death.

I understand that he is racing against time and fighting against fate!

I can't let him face this alone!

I struggled to stand up, wanting to do something for him, even if it was just to share a little of his pain. However, my body felt as heavy as if it were filled with lead, and the strength within me was like a dry riverbed, unable to mobilize even a tiny bit.

No, I can't give up like this!

I gritted my teeth and forcibly mobilized the almost imperceptible mysterious power within my body. Almost instantly, a tearing pain spread throughout my body, my vision went blurry, and a fishy-sweet taste surged in my mouth.

"Yao'er, what are you doing!" Elder Wei's voice was full of astonishment and worry.

I didn't have time to respond to him, nor could I. I concentrated all my willpower on that weak force, controlling it to slowly flow towards Hao Yang, hoping to provide him with a little help.

"Yao'er, stop! You will die!" Elder Wei's voice was almost a roar, but I could no longer hear what he was saying.

The world before my eyes grew increasingly blurry, and my consciousness began to fade. I could only vaguely see Hao Yang's figure becoming increasingly distinct in the black fog, a hint of a relieved smile on his face...

Then, everything went black before my eyes and I completely lost consciousness.

"Yao'er!" An anxious voice rang in my ears, accompanied by a violent shaking. I struggled to open my heavy eyelids, only to find myself being held tightly in Elder Wei's arms, his face filled with worry and... self-blame?

"Elder Wei..." I spoke weakly, my voice terribly hoarse, "Hao Yang..."

"Yao'er, you..." Elder Wei hesitated to speak. He looked at me with complicated eyes, then looked behind me, and finally let out a long sigh, "Alas..."

My heart tightened, and I turned around suddenly, only to see...

I saw Hao Yang, kneeling on one knee, breathing heavily. His clothes were tattered, and his exposed skin was covered with wounds of varying sizes, a horrifying sight. But he still tightly grasped the gleaming golden dagger, his eyes fixed fixedly ahead, as if he were locked in a desperate struggle with something.

I followed his gaze and saw a tiny point of light appear in the center of the swirling black fog, flickering and emitting a faint glow. It was the "fluctuation" Elder Wei had mentioned earlier. But around that point of light, the dark power was even more intense, almost tangible, like countless black beasts with bared fangs and claws, frantically biting and devouring everything that came near.

"Yao'er, why are you so reckless!" Elder Wei's voice trembled, with a hint of obvious blame. I only then realized that a trace of blood was flowing from the corner of my mouth, and my face was terribly pale.

I smiled weakly and tried to explain, but I found myself without the strength to speak. I could only watch as Elder Wei placed his hand on my back, a warm energy slowly flowing into me. I knew it was his last bit of spiritual power, but he used it to save me without hesitation.

"It's useless, my power..." Elder Wei was halfway through his words when he suddenly groaned and a trace of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. The weak shield in front of him trembled violently under the erosion of the dark power, as if it would shatter at any moment.

"Elder Wei!" I struggled to get up, but Elder Wei held me down.

"Don't move, Yao'er, you've done your best." Elder Wei's voice was much weaker, but it was filled with an unquestionable firmness. "Leave the rest to Hao Yang."

My eyes fell on Hao Yang again. He slowly stood up, took a deep breath, and a glint of determination flashed in his eyes. He gripped the dagger tightly and walked towards the light step by step. Every step was like stepping on my heart, making me feel a pang of pain.

I saw the golden light on his body grow dimmer and dimmer, and I knew that it was his strength being devoured by the power of darkness. Every step he took was extremely difficult, but he still did not stop, his gaze remained firm, as if nothing could stop him from moving forward.

I suddenly realized that he alone could not get close to the light, let alone explore the secrets within. I had to do something. I couldn't just watch him die!

A crazy idea emerged in my mind. I stared at Hao Yang's figure closely, with a flash of determination in my eyes.

"Elder Wei," I took a deep breath, endured the severe pain in my body, and said slowly, "I have a way..."

"What are you going to do?!" Elder Wei turned his head abruptly, his cloudy eyes filled with fear. "Yao'er, don't be impulsive! You'll lose your soul if you do this!"

I smiled bitterly, ignoring the fear in his tone. I just stared at Hao Yang's back as he walked alone in the darkness. My voice was weak but firm: "I have made up my mind. This is my only chance. Only by merging my power with 'it' can I temporarily suppress this dark force. Only then can Hao Yang get close to the fluctuations and find a way to break it!"

"But..." Elder Wei tried to persuade him further, but my piercing gaze stopped him. Enduring the intense pain in my body and soul, I trembled and pulled out a crystal-clear white jade pendant from my bosom. It was a treasure passed down through generations in my family and the source of my strength.

"Yao'er, don't!" Elder Wei screamed, tears streaming down his face. He knew what I was going to do, and what it meant.

I didn't look back. I simply gripped the jade pendant tightly, pressing it to my chest. I closed my eyes and silently chanted the ancient incantation. I could feel a powerful force awakening within me. My soul felt as if it were being torn into countless pieces, and the excruciating pain threatened to consume me.

"Ah!" I couldn't help but let out a painful groan, my body trembled violently, and blood kept flowing out of the corners of my mouth, staining my clothes and the white jade pendant red.

But I didn’t stop, and I must never stop!

I seemed to see Hao Yang turning his head in the darkness, his eyes filled with anxiety and worry. I tried hard to smile at him and tell him that I was fine, but I couldn't even move the corners of my mouth.

I could feel my body gradually becoming transparent, and my consciousness starting to blur. But I still persisted, continuously transmitting the fused power to Hao Yang. That was my hope, and my final bet.

In a trance, I seemed to hear Hao Yang's angry roar and feel the powerful power fluctuations erupting from him. I smiled with relief, but finally couldn't hold on any longer. My vision went black and I fell into endless darkness...