Transmigration and Self-Saving Cultivation

Jun Luochuan, Su Yao, Ye Ying, and Ling Shuang stood before the gates of the ancient castle, which exuded a mysterious and ancient aura, as if telling countless untold secrets. However, they were in no hurry to enter, for recalling the eerie labyrinth they had just emerged from, they knew that the puzzles within might be the key to unlocking the secrets to come.

"This maze is so complex, those puzzles must hide important clues. We need to recall them carefully." Jun Luochuan's gaze was deep as he stared intently at the castle gate, quickly recalling every detail of the maze in his mind.

Su Yao frowned slightly and tried to recall: "Although we found some passages by following the order of the flashing runes on the walls, we always felt that there was a deeper meaning behind them."

Nightshade stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "Also, the changes in the surrounding environment each time we encounter danger seem to be intricately linked to the runes."

Ling Shuang nodded slightly, her clear, cold voice ringing out: "The spiritual energy fluctuations in the maze change with the flashing runes; there must be a pattern to this, and we need to re-examine it."

The four sat down on the spot and began to carefully recall the various details of the maze. Jun Luochuan drew the general layout of the maze on the ground, marking the locations of the runes, traps, and monsters they encountered.

“You see, the flashing of these runes isn’t random. Whenever we approach a specific area, the flashing frequency and order of the runes change,” Jun Luochuan said, pointing to the sketch on the ground.

Su Yao's eyes lit up. "That's right! And the dangers seemed to appear after the runes changed. Does this mean that the runes not only guide the way, but also foreshadow the impending danger?"

Nightshade nodded in agreement. "Very likely. We were simply relying on runes to find our way before, ignoring their other functions."

Ling Shuang carefully examined the sketch. "If that's the case, we can try to find more clues from the connection between runes and dangers. For example, what danger follows a certain rune combination, and how to deal with it?"

The four then began to analyze the relationship between the runes and the danger. After some discussion, they discovered that whenever a specific combination of runes appeared, powerful stone beasts would emerge and attack them. The stone beasts' weaknesses seemed to be related to a particular rune within the rune combination.

"It seems that our defeat of the stone beast was not entirely accidental. The rune corresponding to the joint gap we attacked has a special position and meaning in the combination," Jun Luochuan said.

“Then we can use these patterns to deal with the dangers that may arise next,” Nightshade said, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

However, they knew that mastering this alone was far from enough. Many more mysteries awaited them in the labyrinth, such as the suddenly shifting passages and the mysterious vortexes of spiritual energy.

“Those channel changes must have been influenced by the runes. But at the time, we were just passively following the runes’ guidance without thinking deeply about the underlying principles,” Su Yao said with some frustration.

Jun Luochuan comforted him, "The situation was urgent at the time, and it was already very difficult for us to find a way out. Now we have time to analyze the situation slowly."

Ling Shuang closed her eyes again, trying to recall the trajectory of the spiritual energy fluctuations in the maze. "The spiritual energy fluctuations and the flashing runes echo each other. When the passage changes, there will be obvious changes in the spiritual energy fluctuations. Perhaps we can predict the direction of the passage by observing the patterns of change in the spiritual energy fluctuations."

The four engaged in an in-depth discussion about the relationship between spiritual energy fluctuations, rune flashes, and channel shifts. They continuously marked and reasoned on the sketches, trying to uncover the hidden patterns.

After a long period of effort, they finally discovered some clues. It turned out that the flashing runes not only indicated the direction of the current passage but also hinted at the direction of the next passage change. If they could accurately interpret the runes, they could predict the changes in the passage in advance and thus deal with them more calmly.

"Great! This will give us more control in the maze," Su Yao said excitedly.

“But that’s not enough. We also need to figure out the mysteries of the spiritual energy vortex,” Jun Luochuan said, his expression still serious.

Recalling that powerful vortex of spiritual energy, everyone felt a lingering fear. It not only possessed a strong suction force but could also resist their attacks. If it weren't for the power of the mysterious bead, they would have had a hard time escaping.

“The vortex of spiritual energy seems to be one of the core forces of the labyrinth, and its existence may be closely related to the treasure and the conspiracy of a mysterious force,” Nightshade said.

After a moment of contemplation, Ling Shuang said, "Judging from the characteristics of the spiritual energy vortex, it may be a manifestation of energy convergence. Perhaps we can find a way to control or weaken it by deciphering the runes."

So the four of them focused their attention on the vortex of spiritual energy. They recalled the shape of the vortex, the characteristics of the spiritual energy fluctuations, and the changes in the runes before and after the vortex appeared.

After some analysis, they discovered that the generation of the spiritual energy vortex was related to a special combination of runes. This combination of runes would cause an abnormal convergence of surrounding spiritual energy, thus forming a vortex.

"If we can prevent the formation of this rune combination, can we avoid the appearance of the spiritual energy vortex?" Su Yao asked.

Jun Luochuan nodded slightly. "That's possible. But we need to find a specific method, how to interfere with the transmission of spiritual energy between runes, that's the key."

The four fell into deep thought again, trying to find a solution. Suddenly, Jun Luochuan remembered the phantoms they had encountered in the maze. Although these phantoms were illusory, their timing and the changes in the runes seemed to be connected in some way.

"Could those phantoms be a clue? When they appear, do the changes in the runes conceal clues that interfere with the rune combinations?" Jun Luochuan asked.

Upon hearing this, everyone recalled the scene when the phantom appeared. After careful recollection, they discovered that when the phantom appeared, the runes would flash with a special light. Although this light was brief, it was clearly different from the ordinary flashing of runes.

“Perhaps this special light is the key to interfering with the rune combination. We can try to simulate this light through specific spiritual energy fluctuations, thereby preventing the rune combination from forming,” Ling Shuang said.

After a series of analyses and deductions, the four finally gained a deeper understanding of the puzzles in the maze. They not only grasped the relationship between the runes and the dangers and the changes in passages, but also found a possible way to deal with the vortex of spiritual energy.

“We have now solved part of the maze's puzzles. Entering the castle will likely present even more challenges. But I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties.” Jun Luochuan stood up, his gaze fixed firmly on the castle gate.

“That’s right, we’ve come this far, we absolutely cannot give up.” Nightshade also stood up, gripping his longsword tightly.

Su Yao and Ling Shuang also stood up, their eyes filled with determination. The four of them walked towards the castle gate, knowing that even more severe tests might await them, but they were fully prepared.

When they arrived at the castle gate again, Jun Luochuan carefully examined the runes on the gate. These runes were similar to those in the maze, but even more complex.

“These runes should be the key to entering the castle. We need to interpret their meanings according to the patterns we summarized before,” Jun Luochuan said.

The four focused their attention and began to decipher the runes on the gate. After some effort, they finally found a way to open the gate. Jun Luochuan infused his spiritual power into the runes in a specific order. The runes shone brightly, and the castle gate slowly opened, releasing an ancient and mysterious aura.

Inside the door was a long corridor, its walls inlaid with glowing gems that illuminated the path ahead. The four of them cautiously entered the corridor, their footsteps echoing in the silence.

"I wonder what mysteries and dangers are hidden in this castle," Su Yao whispered.

"Whatever it is, we must be careful," Jun Luochuan said, gripping his sword tightly.

They walked along the corridor, and suddenly, a huge stone gate appeared before them. The gate was covered with runes and patterns, seemingly telling an ancient story.

“This stone door looks very unusual. These runes and patterns may be the key to solving the next puzzle,” Ling Shuang said.

The four of them gathered around the stone gate, carefully examining the runes and patterns on it. The patterns depicted a fierce battle, with cultivators dressed in strange attire on one side and various bizarre monsters on the other. At the center of the battle, there was an object radiating light, which seemed to be the key to determining the outcome.

“This pattern seems to be hinting at something. Perhaps we need to find that glowing object to open the stone door,” Nightshade said.

Jun Luochuan nodded. "But we don't know where this object is, or what it is. We need to look for more clues from these runes and patterns."

So the four of them began to carefully study the runes on the stone gate. They discovered that the arrangement of the runes was similar to that of the runes in the maze, and by applying the patterns they had previously summarized, they gradually deciphered some information.

The runes indicate that the glowing object is hidden in a corner of the castle and can only be found by solving a series of puzzles. These puzzles are related to various areas within the castle.

“It seems we’ll have to explore the castle thoroughly and solve these puzzles to find the key to opening the stone door,” Jun Luochuan said.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started!" Su Yao said, her eyes filled with anticipation.

The four left the stone gate and began exploring the castle. They first arrived at a vast hall, its floor covered with intricate runes, and its walls adorned with ancient scrolls depicting the history of this mysterious place and various enigmatic rituals.

“These paintings might provide us with some clues,” Su Yao said, stepping forward to examine them closely.

Jun Luochuan and Ye Ying studied the runes on the ground, while Ling Shuang looked around the hall, searching for other possible clues.

Suddenly, Su Yao noticed a resemblance between the pattern on a painting and the pattern on the stone gate. In the painting, a group of cultivators were performing some kind of ritual around a glowing crystal in a mysterious room.

“Look, could this glowing crystal be what we’re looking for?” Su Yao said, pointing to the scroll.

Jun Luochuan and Ye Ying walked over and examined the painting carefully. "It's very possible, but we don't know where this mysterious room is," Jun Luochuan said.

Just then, Ling Shuang discovered a hidden passage entrance in a corner of the hall. The entrance was blocked by a huge stone slab with runes engraved on it.

“There’s a passage here, and these runes seem to be the key to opening the stone slab,” Ling Shuang said.

The four gathered around and began to decipher the runes on the stone slab. After some effort, they successfully opened the slab, revealing a passage before them.

A thin layer of mist filled the passage, and a low, faint sound could be heard, as if beckoning them.

"It seems this passage leads to where we're looking for. Everyone be careful," Jun Luochuan said.

The four cautiously entered the passage, where the fog grew thicker and their vision blurred. Suddenly, a group of phantom soldiers appeared ahead, clad in ancient armor and wielding weapons, charging towards them.

"It's Phantom Soldiers! Prepare for battle!" Jun Luochuan shouted, quickly drawing his sword.

Nightshade drew his longsword and unleashed the Starry Sky-Splitting Sword Technique, charging towards the phantom soldiers. Su Yao cast a spell that fused light spiritual power with fire element, creating clusters of flames imbued with purifying power, which she shot towards the phantom soldiers. Ling Shuang, on the other hand, used illusionary magic to create numerous phantoms, disrupting the phantom soldiers' movements.

Although the phantom soldiers were illusory, their attacks were incredibly fierce. Jun Luochuan and his companions engaged in a fierce battle with them. During the battle, Jun Luochuan discovered that the phantom soldiers' actions seemed to be controlled by some kind of force, and the source of this force appeared to be deep within the passage.

"Everyone, focus your attack! Find the source controlling the phantom soldiers, and we'll be able to take them down!" Jun Luochuan shouted.

The four intensified their attack, fighting fiercely among the phantom soldiers. After a fierce battle, they finally broke through the phantom soldiers' defenses and reached the depths of the passage.

At the end of the passage stood a massive crystal ball, radiating a soft glow—the very same luminous crystal depicted in the painting. However, a powerful spiritual shield surrounded the crystal ball, preventing them from approaching.

“This spiritual energy shield is very powerful; we need to find a way to break it,” Jun Luochuan said.

The four began observing the characteristics of the spiritual energy shield, trying to find a way to break it. After some research, they discovered that the fluctuations in the spiritual energy shield were closely related to the runes on the stone gate.

“We can adjust the way our spiritual energy is output based on the runes on the stone gate, which might help us break through this shield,” Ling Shuang said.

Following the instructions of the runes on the stone gate, the four adjusted their spiritual power and poured it into the shield. As the spiritual power was poured in, the shield's fluctuations gradually changed until it finally disappeared.

Jun Luochuan stepped forward and picked up the glowing crystal. The instant he picked it up, the crystal shone brightly, and a message flooded his mind. The message indicated that they needed to place the crystal in a specific position on the stone door in order to open it.

“Let’s go back and open the stone gate,” Jun Luochuan said.

The four returned along the passage and arrived at the stone gate. Jun Luochuan placed the glowing crystal into a groove on the stone gate. The crystal fit the groove perfectly, and the runes on the stone gate shone brightly once more, causing the stone gate to slowly open.

Behind the stone door was a mysterious room filled with various ancient artifacts and books. In the center of the room stood a radiant stone platform, upon which something important seemed to rest.

"It seems we're one step closer to unlocking the secret of the treasure," Jun Luochuan said. The four of them walked towards the stone platform in the center of the room, filled with anticipation while remaining wary of potential dangers.

End of this chapter