I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

Gazing into the abyss churning with endless darkness and crimson, Lu Zhao was torn between his inner turmoil and his reason. Reason told him that stopping here and leaving with the information he already possessed was the safest and wisest choice. The ancient demon lord's divided soul, the Eight Extremes Demon Sealing Array, the truth behind the blood sacrifice... this information was enough to report to Elder Yun, and might even be of considerable value.

But the deep-seated resentment, the thirst for the truth, the pursuit of power, and... the allure of the panel's message, "Deep exploration will be extremely dangerous, but may yield crucial intelligence and rare rewards," gnawed at his reason like a venomous snake.

"The core of the array... Profound Cloud Righteous Qi... Remnant array activated..." He looked down at the broken array plate fragments and stone slab fragments in his hand. These things pointed to a possibility—if a more complete array diagram could be found, and the auxiliary incantation deciphered, combined with the exorcising and demon-suppressing items on his person, perhaps... he really could do something about this seal on the verge of collapse.

"The instance quest has an optional objective: 'Attempt to reinforce/destroy the seal node.' If we do nothing but gather intelligence and leave, the rewards will likely be limited. Moreover... the blood sacrifice outside is at a critical moment. Every second of delay increases the danger to the tens of thousands of lives in Qingfeng Town, and the greater the chance that the Demon Lord's divided soul will escape..."

Lu Zhao recalled the scenes of rampaging monsters and widespread suffering in those shattered images, the blood-covered curtain outside Qingfeng Town, and the chilling, evil roar from the depths of the well. A cold sense of responsibility, mixed with confidence in his own "fortune," gradually tipped the scales in his heart.

"I have the panel, the time advantage from the dungeon, the protection of the [Pure Heart Jade Pendant] and [Refining Spirit Technique], talismans and poison techniques... I might still have a fighting chance. At the very least, I can try to get close to the core of the formation and obtain more complete information. If things don't work out, it's not too late to retreat."

Taking a deep breath, Lu Zhao's eyes hardened. Without further hesitation, he retrieved the Broken Demon-Suppressing Ancient Sword (Common Grade) from the remains of an ancient cultivator from his [Human Skin Pouch] and gripped it in his left hand. Although the sword was broken and devoid of its spiritual essence, its special material contained a faint demon-repelling attribute, which might offer some protection or warning when approaching the demonic energy of the abyss. His right hand held several [Exorcising Talismans (Superior Grade)] and [Golden Light Talismans (Good Grade)].

He first circled the edge of the cave, staying as far away from the center of the abyss as possible, carefully examining the eight broken and toppled stone pillars. The pillars were enormous, requiring several people to encircle them, and the runes engraved on them were complex and profound, far beyond his current comprehension. However, with the perception of the [Refining Spirit Technique] and the fragmentary information he had obtained from the fragments of obsession, he could vaguely sense that although these runes were broken, they seemed to still retain a trace of extremely weak "righteous energy" or "sealing power," like a candle flickering in the wind, forming a subtle resistance against the demonic energy and bloodlust surging from the abyss.

"The foundation of the formation is still there, but the core is damaged, and the energy can no longer be sustained..." Lu Zhao searched along the base of the stone pillars, hoping to find a mark or mechanism similar to the "array eye" or "array pivot". When he explored the third stone pillar, which was also the most severely broken and almost only half of its base remained, he made a discovery.

On the side of the base facing away from the abyss, beneath thick moss and dust, a recessed pattern was faintly visible. He carefully cleaned it, revealing a palm-sized, octagonal stone array plate with a strange groove in the center. The patterns on the array plate were somewhat similar to the fragments in his hand, but more complete, and each of the eight corners had a small, differently shaped animal relief: a dragon, tiger, bird, tortoise, qilin, pixiu, qiongqi, and taotie. However, most of them were blurry, and the reliefs of the tortoise, qilin, and pixiu were obviously damaged.

"This is... a secondary array eye of the Eight Extremes Demon Sealing Array? Or a control node?" Lu Zhao was overjoyed and tried to inject a wisp of spiritual power into the array plate. The array plate did not react at all. He then tried to place the [broken array plate fragment] close to the recessed area. The fragment glowed slightly and resonated weakly with the array plate, but it still could not be activated.

"It seems either the energy is insufficient, or a special activation method is needed, or... the missing parts need to be repaired." Lu Zhao frowned. Repair? Where was he going to find the corresponding materials? Perhaps, there were similar array plates under the other stone pillars, or... the missing parts were just below this abyss?

He looked up at the churning abyss. It seemed that venturing into the abyss was the only option if he wanted to achieve something.

"There's no turning back," Lu Zhao muttered to himself as he reached the edge of the abyss. Looking down, he saw endless darkness, where blood and demonic energy intertwined to form eerie vortexes, their depths unfathomable. The chillingly malevolent aura and whispers reached their peak here. He felt the [Pure Heart Jade Pendant] in his arms had become scalding hot; only by operating it at full power could he barely maintain a sliver of clarity in his mind. The broken ancient sword in his hand also began to emit a slight, warning tremor.

"Go down!" Lu Zhao didn't hesitate any longer. He slapped a [Golden Light Talisman (Good)] onto his body, and a layer of pale golden protective light appeared on his skin. At the same time, he took out a specially made steel grappling hook with a barb at the end. This was one of the mortal tools he had prepared to deal with complex terrain. He spotted a protruding, seemingly solid rock at the edge of the abyss, threw the grappling hook forcefully, wrapped it around, and secured it. Then, pulling on the rope, he began to carefully climb down into the abyss.

The abyss walls weren't vertical, but rather sloped, covered with jagged rocks, broken chains, and withered, grotesque vines. The lower one went, the dimmer the light became; relying solely on the faint light from the cave above and the moonstone, visibility was almost impossible. Lu Zhao had to push the perception of his [Refining Spirit Technique] to its limit, like a human radar, scanning everything within a radius of several feet.

The demonic energy and bloodlust were so dense they were almost liquid, like a viscous swamp, constantly eroding the golden shield and emitting a sizzling sound. The shield's light dimmed at a visible rate. Lu Zhao had to frequently replace the [Golden Light Talisman] while simultaneously circulating the [Hibernating Dragon] technique, using his abundant blood and qi to resist the pervasive, chilling erosion.

After climbing down about thirty feet, the surroundings were pitch black, with only the occasional flashes of blood-red light from the demonic energy providing extremely faint illumination. Suddenly, in Lu Zhao's perception using the [Refining Spirit Technique], a subtle, unnatural energy fluctuation emanated from the rock wall to his lower left.

He stared intently and saw that, entangled by several broken chains, there appeared to be a man-made opening in the rock wall, just wide enough for one person to pass through! The opening was covered by a faint, dark red light membrane that was almost blending into the surrounding demonic energy, making it extremely difficult to spot without the keen perception of the [Refining Spirit Technique].

"There's a way!" Lu Zhao's spirits lifted, and he carefully moved towards the cave entrance. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the dark red light membrane seemed to be a kind of restriction, emanating an aura that was of the same origin as the Blood Fiend Cult, but even purer and more ancient. On the restriction, runes faintly flowed, seemingly constantly absorbing the surrounding demonic energy and blood fiend energy to sustain itself.

"Was it a passage opened up later by the Blood Fiend Cult? Or was it a secret passage that existed in the sealed land itself?" Lu Zhao wondered warily. He tried to gently touch the light membrane with the tip of his broken ancient sword.

"Buzz..."

The instant the ancient sword made contact with the light membrane, the faint anti-magic properties on the sword seemed to clash with the restriction, causing the light membrane to fluctuate violently and emit a low hum. At the same time, Lu Zhao sensed that something on the other side of the light membrane had been disturbed, and came a rustling, chilling crawling sound, as well as... the sound of chains dragging!

"Not good!" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. He immediately sheathed his ancient sword, pressed his body against the rock wall, concealed his aura, and became fully alert.

"Crack...crack..." The sounds of crawling and chains grew closer and clearer. Then, the dark red light membrane rippled out like water, and a twisted, bizarre figure, exuding a strong stench of blood, slowly "squeezed" out of the hole!

It was a humanoid monster, but smaller than the previous Blood Fiend Puppet, about the height of an average person. Its body was dark red, its skin peeled away, revealing constantly writhing flesh and tendons. Its head was abnormally large, almost a third of its body, with no facial features, only a round maw that occupied most of its face, covered with layers of constantly opening and closing sharp teeth! Dark red, highly corrosive mucus dripped continuously from the maw. Its limbs were long and thin, ending in sharp bone claws that gripped tightly to the rock wall. And around its waist and abdomen were several thick black chains engraved with runes; the other ends of the chains disappeared deep into the cave entrance, seemingly imprisoning it there.

"Abyss Blood Eater (Elite) LV 20"

"Status: Guards who have been transformed and imprisoned here by the Blood Fiend Cult, live by devouring flesh and blood and essence, and are extremely sensitive to the life force."

Danger Level: High

LV 20! Equivalent to the peak of the mid-stage Qi Refining realm, or even approaching the late-stage! And it's an elite guard that has been modified! Lu Zhao's heart sank. This monster felt even more eerie and dangerous than the Blood Fiend Puppet, especially its terrifying gaping maw and the chains binding it.

"Hiss—" The faceless "face" of the Abyss Blood Eater turned towards Lu Zhao. Although it had no eyes, Lu Zhao could clearly feel a "gaze" filled with greed, hunger, and savagery locked onto him! It seemed to sense its prey through the breath of life or the flow of blood!

"Have you been discovered...? Then let's fight!" Knowing he couldn't dodge, Lu Zhao's eyes flashed with cold light as he decided to strike first! He raised his right hand, and the two [Exorcising Talismans (Superior Grade)] he had prepared beforehand transformed into golden light, shooting straight at the Bloodthirsty One's gaping maw! At the same time, he held his short sword horizontally in front of his chest with his left hand, and with a powerful push off the rock wall, his body moved like a nimble ape, leaping to the side and upward, trying to create distance and gain a favorable position.

"Roar!" The Abyss Blood Eater let out a sharp, metallic hiss. Facing the incoming golden light of evil, it did not dodge or evade. Its huge mouth suddenly expanded to its limit, forming a black hole-like vortex. A powerful suction force came, trying to suck the two golden lights into its mouth!

"Sizzle!" Golden light entered the giant maw, exploding inside with a violent purifying sound, and black smoke billowed from the edges of its mouthparts. The Bloodthirsty Beast let out a painful howl, its massive body swaying violently, the edges of its mouthparts mangled and bloodied. But it seemed to have a strong resistance to the power of exorcism, and was not fatally wounded; instead, it was thoroughly enraged!

"Clang!" The chains around its waist snapped taut, and with its twisted body, it lunged at Lu Zhao along the rock wall at incredible speed, like a ghost! Its bone claws lashed out with a shrill whistling sound as they tore through the air, aiming straight for Lu Zhao's head! At the same time, its long, barbed, whip-like tongue shot out from its massive mouth, coiling towards Lu Zhao's waist and abdomen!

Fast! Ruthless! Cunning!

A warning screamed in Lu Zhao's heart. He activated the [Divine Speed ​​Talisman] to its maximum, his body twisting sharply in mid-air to narrowly avoid the bone claw. But the long snake was faster and more cunning, already upon him!

"Golden Light Protection!" Lu Zhao shouted, and the golden light shield around his body shone brightly. At the same time, he slashed back with his short sword, aiming at the long tongue!

"Snap!" The long tongue slammed into the protective shield, causing the golden light to fluctuate violently and dim by more than half in an instant! At the same time, the short sword struck the long tongue, producing a sound like metal clashing, leaving only a white mark, unable to sever it! The toughness of this long tongue was beyond imagination!

"Such power! Such a resilient tongue!" Lu Zhao's blood surged as he was struck, his body flying backward and crashing heavily into the rock wall. A sweet taste rose in his throat, and he almost vomited blood. Without hesitation, he activated another [Golden Light Talisman], while simultaneously flicking his right hand, sending several modified [Fireball Talismans] towards the Bloodthirsty One, not seeking to harm it, but only to hinder it.

"Boom!" Fireballs exploded on the Bloodthirsty Beast, the flames temporarily obscuring its vision and sizzling as they burned its flesh. But the Bloodthirsty Beast seemed to have a higher resistance to the flames. After only a slight pause, it pounced again, its long tongue flicking and coiling like a venomous snake, its bone claws waving to block Lu Zhao's escape route.

Lu Zhao was locked in a fierce battle. Fighting on the steep, abyssal cliffs already restricted his movement, and his opponent was a fearless monster with incredible defense and unpredictable attacks. He could only rely on talismans to constantly harass and block, and on the enhanced perception and prediction provided by the [Swiftness Talisman] and [Divine Refinement Technique], he could dodge and weave within a limited space, searching for an opportunity.

"This can't go on! The talismans and spiritual energy are being consumed too quickly!" Lu Zhao thought anxiously. He noticed that the chains around the Bloodthirsty One's waist, while restricting its movement (limited to a few dozen feet around the cave entrance), had also become its weakness—those chains seemed to be connected to the restrictions inside the cave entrance, the key to binding it, and perhaps controlling it. Moreover, the chains themselves seemed to contain some kind of sealing power, conflicting with the bloodthirsty aura on its body, preventing it from fully unleashing its power.

"Attack the chains! Or... attack where it connects to the chains!" A glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes as he came up with an idea. He stopped fighting the Blood Eater and began to consciously circle around it, specifically attacking the chains wrapped around its waist, especially the part where the chains connected to its flesh.

"Exorcising talisman! Go!"

"Fireball Talisman! Explode!"

The talismans rained down like a storm, focusing their attack on the chain connections. The Bloodthirsty Beast seemed to sense Lu Zhao's intentions, roaring madly and intensifying its attacks in an attempt to disrupt Lu Zhao's rhythm. But Lu Zhao gritted his teeth, relying on his agility and the talismans to withstand the pressure and continue the relentless bombardment.

"Click..."

Finally, under the concentrated bombardment of a [Superior Exorcising Talisman] and several [Improved Fireball Talismans], a bowl-sized wound was blasted open at the point where the chain connected to the Bloodthirsty One's waist and abdomen. Dark red flesh rolled back, revealing the stark white bone beneath and the chain rings half-embedded in the bone. Fine cracks spread across the rings.

"A good opportunity!" Lu Zhao's eyes sharpened, and he frantically poured most of his remaining spiritual power into the [Broken Demon-Suppressing Ancient Sword] he held in his left hand! Although the ancient sword was broken, its material was special. At this moment, under the dual infusion of Lu Zhao's spiritual power and the power of [Sleeping Dragon]'s blood, it actually emitted a faint sword cry with an ancient rhythm! The dim runes on the sword also seemed to have a faint light flowing around them.

"cut!"

Lu Zhao moved like lightning. The moment the Bloodthirsty One’s long tongue lashed out again, he did not retreat but advanced, narrowly missing the tongue. With his ancient sword carrying an indomitable spirit, he fiercely slashed at the cracked chain ring!

"clang--!"

A much clearer and louder clang of metal rang out! Sparks flew everywhere!

"Awooo—!!!" The Bloodthirsty One let out a deafening scream, its entire body arching violently and trembling violently! The chain, struck by the ancient sword and with the spread of internal cracks, snapped in two! A piece of chain about a foot long broke off from its waist and fell into the abyss below.

The moment the chains snapped, the aura emanating from the Bloodthirsty One underwent a bizarre change! A portion of its bloodthirsty aura seemed to have lost its restraints and become even more violent, but another portion also seemed to have lost the suppression of the chains. Its faceless head suddenly turned towards Lu Zhao, its massive mouth opened, and it let out a shriek containing a mental shock!

"Hiss—ha—!"

The shriek was invisible, yet it pierced straight to the soul! Lu Zhao felt as if his head had been hit hard by a heavy hammer. His vision went black, his ears rang, and his mind went blank for a moment! His hands involuntarily froze.

"Not good! Mental attack!" Lu Zhao was horrified. He frantically activated the [Refining Spirit Technique], and the "Mirror of Clarity" in his sea of ​​consciousness vibrated violently as he barely managed to stabilize his mind. But in that instant of hesitation, the Bloodthirsty Bone Claw, carrying a foul stench, had already reached his chest! It was faster than before! And its strength seemed even greater! A broken chain seemed to have unlocked some of its power!

There's no escaping it!

At the critical moment of life and death, a ruthless glint flashed in Lu Zhao's eyes. He did not dodge or evade, but simply turned his body slightly to the side to avoid vital points. At the same time, he used all his strength to thrust the [Broken Demon-Suppressing Ancient Sword] in his left hand, which had just severed the chains and was still carrying residual power, into the blood-devouring beast's open, nearly inches-wide, circular maw!

"Pfft!"

The ancient sword pierced deep into the giant maw without any resistance, all the way to the hilt! The faint demon-dispelling power on the sword, along with the spiritual power and blood energy that Lu Zhao had infused into it, suddenly erupted within the Blood Eater's body!

"Awooo—!!!"

The bloodthirsty beast's screams abruptly ceased, replaced by a hoarse, suffocating sound. Its bony claws grazed Lu Zhao's ribs, leaving a trail of blood, but ultimately, due to its severe injury, its strength was greatly reduced, and it failed to tear open Lu Zhao's chest.

Lu Zhao groaned, a burning pain shooting through his ribs, but he didn't have time to check. Having landed a blow, he immediately released his sword and retreated rapidly. At the same time, he mercilessly slapped the last two [Exorcism Talismans (Superior)] in his right hand onto the face of the Blood Eater, who was stiff with pain (if it could be called a face)!

"Boom!"

Golden light exploded on its enormous head, combining with the demon-dispelling power erupting from its body!

"Bang!"

The Abyss Blood Eater's twisted body exploded like a punctured balloon! Dark red flesh, bone fragments, and foul-smelling slime scattered everywhere, most of it falling into the abyss, while a small portion splashed all over Lu Zhao.

"Ding! Killed [Abyssal Bloodthirsty One (Elite)], gained 2000 experience points!"

"Defeat an elite unit of a higher level, and receive an additional 500 experience points!"

"Total experience points gained: 5700!"

"Ding! The Abyss Blood Eater (Elite) dropped: Blood Essence (Superior) x1, Broken Demon-Sealing Chain x1, Blood Eater's Mouthpiece (Rare Material) x1, Bloodstained Stone Gate Key x1."

The pleasant notification sound rang out again, accompanied by a warm current that restored his injuries and spiritual energy. Lu Zhao, panting heavily, leaned against the rock wall, examining the wound on his ribs. Fortunately, it was only a superficial wound, deep enough to expose bone, but it hadn't damaged his internal organs. He quickly took out a [Healing Pill] and swallowed it, then simply bandaged it with a clean strip of cloth.

"That was close... This monster is much more troublesome than the demonic puppet. Especially that mental shriek and the speed of its final burst..." Lu Zhao was still shaken. If he hadn't reacted quickly, risking injury to save his life, and hadn't happened to have the Demon-Suppressing Ancient Sword, a "surprise weapon" with demon-breaking properties, he probably would have been in grave danger.

He looked at the fallen items. The [Blood Essence (Superior)] was more valuable, the [Broken Demon-Sealing Chain] seemed to be from the same source as the previous fragments, and the [Vampire's Mouthparts] looked disgusting but was marked as a rare material, so it might be useful. And finally, the [Bloodstained Stone Key]... Lu Zhao's heart stirred, and he looked at the cave entrance. The dark red light membrane from before had become extremely dim, almost transparent, after the Vampire's death.

He picked up the key and walked to the entrance. He inserted the key into the light membrane and gently turned it.

With a soft "pop," the light membrane shattered and dissipated like a bubble. The cave entrance was fully revealed, leading to a sloping stone passageway with obvious signs of human excavation. At intervals along the walls of the passageway, a piece of blood crystal emitting a dark red, unsettling light was embedded, providing illumination. The concentration of bloodlust and demonic energy in the air was slightly lower than outside, but it possessed a stale, eerie, and tomb-like atmosphere.

"Where does this passage lead?" Lu Zhao gripped the key, took a moment to adjust his breathing and recover some of his spiritual power, then stepped into the passage.

The passageway was long and winding, leading downwards. After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a faint light appeared ahead, seemingly indicating the end. Lu Zhao quickened his pace, stepped out of the passageway, and suddenly the view opened up before him.

This is a slightly smaller but more regular stone chamber than the cave above. The chamber is octagonal, corresponding to the eight directions. The walls of each direction are covered with densely packed ancient sealing runes, the same type as those on the stone pillars. In the center of the chamber is an octagonal stone platform three feet above the ground. At the center of the platform is a recessed array core, almost identical to the array plate found above, but more complete, complete with all eight animal-shaped reliefs! However, at this moment, the array core's light is dim, its surface is covered with cracks, the reliefs of the tortoise, qilin, and pixiu are severely damaged, and a dark red, bloodthirsty aura, like stains, is eroding the array patterns.

Around the stone platform lay several skeletons, clad in tattered black robes, their remains long since turned to dust. Judging by their attire, they were members of the Blood Fiend Cult! They seemed to have encountered a backlash or an accident while attempting to destroy or corrupt the core of the array, and died here. One of the skeletons was still tightly clutching a dark red bone fragment covered in eerie runes.

"This... is the core of the Eight Extremes Demon Sealing Formation!" Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped forward. He looked at the core of the formation plate, then at the [broken fragments of the formation plate] and [fragments of the stone slab] in his hand, his eyes filled with excitement. The core of the formation was right here! Moreover, it seemed to be at its most vulnerable and critical moment due to the destruction and erosion by the Blood Fiend Sect!

"Those Blood Fiend Cultists want to destroy it and completely break the seal... So, if I can repair it, even if it's just temporarily activating the remaining sealing power..." Lu Zhao's heart raced. He carefully examined the core of the array plate, then compared it with the fragments and stone slab pieces in his hand.

The three missing reliefs of the tortoise, qilin, and pixiu... he had no corresponding items in his possession. However, the shape of the [fragment of the array plate] he obtained from the remains of the ancient cultivator seemed... perfectly suited to fit into an inconspicuous, similarly damaged auxiliary pattern on the edge of the array plate's core? And the obscure incantations recorded on the stone fragment seemed... to be a method for guiding spiritual power to activate specific locations on the array plate?

"Give it a try!" Lu Zhao no longer hesitated. He first carefully cleaned the blood and evil stains on the surface of the array core (carefully burning and purifying them with an exorcising talisman), and then slowly pressed the [broken array fragment] down onto the missing edge.

"Click".

With a soft click, the fragment fit perfectly into the array! In an instant, the core of the entire array plate trembled slightly, and a faint, pure spiritual light flowed across its surface. Although it was fleeting, it proved that the fragment was correct! It filled in some of the missing array patterns!

"There's hope!" Lu Zhao's spirits lifted. He immediately sat cross-legged in front of the array plate, placed the stone slab fragment on his lap, and, following the remaining incantations, combined with his rudimentary understanding of array formations gained from the fragments of obsession, attempted to mobilize his spiritual power, slowly injecting it into the core of the array plate and guiding it to specific locations—first, the "turtle" position representing "stability" and "suppression" (although the relief was damaged).

The spiritual energy flowed in, but it was like a clay ox entering the sea. The array plate showed no reaction. Lu Zhao was not in a hurry and continued to try. At the same time, he raised the perception of the [Refining God Technique] to its limit, carefully sensing the faint, almost non-existent, remaining flow of sealing power inside the array plate.

Once, twice, three times...

Just as Lu Zhao's spiritual energy was about to run out, sweat beaded on his forehead, and he was almost about to give up—

"Buzz..."

At the core of the array plate, in the area representing the "turtle" position, despite the damaged relief, the array patterns below it faintly lit up! The pale yellow, steady, and heavy light, though as weak as a candle flickering in the wind, did indeed illuminate! At the same time, a faint but incredibly pure, vast, and suppressive ancient aura emanated from the array plate, instantly forcing back the bloodlust and demonic energy permeating the stone chamber several feet!

"Success! Although it was only a negligible amount!" Lu Zhao was overjoyed. He could feel that the moment the "turtle" position lit up, the demonic energy and bloodlust surging from the abyss above seemed to pause imperceptibly for a split second! The suffocating pressure of the entire sealed area also seemed to lessen by a negligible amount!

Although the effect was so weak as to be negligible, it proved that he was on the right track! This broken Eight Extremes Demon Sealing Array still had the potential to be repaired and activated!

"Given enough time, we can find ways to repair the other damage, or provide enough 'righteous energy'..." Hope ignited in Lu Zhao's eyes. But then, he calmed down. Repairing it was easier said than done. The missing reliefs, the special energy... all he could do now was barely light up one or two areas, slightly slowing down the seal's collapse and buying the outside world extremely limited time.

"Even if I can only gain enough time for an incense stick to burn, half an hour, it'll be good!" Lu Zhao gritted his teeth, preparing to try activating the next location. However, just as he was about to continue, a sudden change occurred!

"Boom—!"

The entire stone chamber—no, the entire underground space—suddenly began to tremble violently! It was as if some enormous creature was awakening, struggling, and crashing against the foundation of the seal below! Stone chips fell from above, and the runes on the surrounding walls flickered and cracked under the strain.

At the same time, the faint light of the "turtle" position that had just lit up the core of the array plate suddenly went out as if startled! In its place, a strong, evil, dark red light filled with endless hunger and anger suddenly erupted from the center of the array plate, the place most severely corroded by the blood and evil stains! Within the light, a blurry, distorted, and enormous shadow filled with countless painful faces faintly appeared!

A terrifying pressure, far exceeding any previous moment and freezing one's soul, erupted like an invisible tsunami from the core of the array plate and from the deepest part of the abyss beneath his feet, instantly filling the entire stone chamber and pressing down heavily on Lu Zhao!

"Pfft!" Lu Zhao was struck hard, spitting out a mouthful of blood. He was pressed firmly against the stone platform by the oppressive force, unable to move! He felt his bones groaning and his soul trembling, as if he would be completely devoured and crushed by this pure evil and madness in the next moment!

It was the Demon Lord's split soul! It was alarmed by the slight activation of the array plate! Or rather, Lu Zhao's actions touched the most core and sensitive part of the seal, attracting the attention of this terrifying being!

"Ants..."

A deep, hoarse thought, like the roar of millions of wronged souls or the howling of a cold wind from the netherworld, pierced through Lu Zhao's physical body, spiritual power, and mental defenses, and barbarically entered his sea of ​​consciousness!

"How dare you... touch... the seal..."

"With your blood...and soul...as a sacrifice..."

"Help me...break the seal..."

A cold, evil, and alluring yet destructive demonic sound echoed in Lu Zhao's mind. At the same time, from the dark red light at the center of the array, the enormous shadow seemed to extend a gigantic, sky-covering dark hand composed of countless twisted arms and tormented faces, slowly and irresistibly reaching out to grab Lu Zhao, who was bound and immobilized by the oppressive force!

Death has never been so close!