Chapter 71: New Horizons and Unseen Powers

As Xiao Tian and his companions passed through the shimmering portal, they were greeted by an entirely new landscape—vast mountains stretched as far as the eye could see, their jagged peaks piercing the sky, surrounded by dense, ancient forests. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and the earthy aroma of nature. It felt alive, as though the very land had witnessed countless years of struggle and strength.

Xiao Tian stood still for a moment, taking in the sight. He could sense the powerful aura that permeated this place. It was different from anything he had encountered so far. It wasn't just the natural beauty that was striking—it was the underlying energy in the atmosphere, a force that seemed to resonate with his own cultivation.

"This place... it's unlike anything we've seen before," Yue'er said softly, her eyes wide in awe. "The energy here feels... ancient, as though this world has been through endless cycles of battles."

Lian'er, too, was looking around cautiously. "I can feel it," she said, her voice tense. "The aura here is oppressive. There's power lurking in every corner, watching us."

Xiao Tian nodded. His instincts were on high alert. This was a new world, one that seemed to have a life of its own. He could already sense the presence of powerful beings in the distance, their strength hidden beneath the surface like a dormant volcano, waiting to erupt at the slightest provocation.

"Stay vigilant," Xiao Tian instructed his companions. "We don't know what we're walking into, but we must be prepared for anything. This world might test us in ways we haven't anticipated."

With a determined nod, the three of them moved forward, the weight of the unknown pressing against them. As they walked through the dense forest, their footsteps were muffled by the thick underbrush. The deeper they ventured, the more intense the energy became, swirling around them in invisible currents.

Hours passed before they came upon their first real challenge.

A giant creature, unlike any Xiao Tian had ever seen, emerged from the shadows of the trees. It was a massive, serpentine beast, with scales that shimmered like liquid metal, its eyes glowing with an unnatural light. Its body was coiled around a massive rock, and it looked down upon the trio with an intelligence that was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

"This is a Soul Beast," Yue'er whispered, her hand instinctively reaching for her weapon. "But not just any Soul Beast. This one is at least at the level of a Soul Emperor."

The serpent hissed, its tongue flickering out as if tasting the air. The ground beneath them trembled as it uncoiled, slowly rising to its full, terrifying height. Xiao Tian's heart pounded in his chest as he sized up the creature. He could feel its power radiating outward, an immense energy that seemed to swallow up everything in its vicinity.

"Stay calm," Xiao Tian said, his voice firm. "We can take it down, but we need to work together."

He stepped forward, his hand gripping his sword tightly. His body exuded an aura of determination as he prepared for battle. He could feel the power of the Multi Blessings System coursing through him, each blessing enhancing his abilities in ways that felt limitless.

"Yue'er, Lian'er, get ready," he said, his eyes locked on the serpent. "Focus your attacks on its head. I'll take care of the rest."

With a battle cry, Yue'er and Lian'er lunged into action, their weapons flashing in the dim light. Yue'er's spear danced through the air, a blur of deadly precision, while Lian'er's whip cracked through the air, striking at the serpent with incredible force. Both women were powerful in their own right, their abilities heightened by their bond with Xiao Tian and the mysterious blessings they had received.

But the serpent was no ordinary beast. It responded with incredible speed, its body twisting and shifting like liquid, dodging their attacks with ease. It hissed loudly, a deafening sound that shook the very trees around them.

"Be careful!" Xiao Tian warned as the serpent lunged at Lian'er, its enormous mouth gaping wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. But before it could strike, Xiao Tian's sword flashed through the air, cutting through the serpent's attack with a single, decisive slash.

The serpent recoiled in pain, its scales glinting under the sunlight as it hissed in fury. Xiao Tian took advantage of its momentary hesitation, his sword blazing with the power of his Multi Blessings System. Each blessing that flowed into him granted him greater strength, faster reflexes, and a sharper mind.

"Now, Yue'er!" Xiao Tian shouted.

Yue'er leaped into the air, her spear arcing toward the serpent's head with deadly precision. The serpent attempted to dodge, but its movements were sluggish compared to Yue'er's speed. With a single strike, the spear pierced the serpent's skull, blood spraying out in torrents.

The creature let out a final, ear-piercing screech before collapsing to the ground in a heap. The forest fell silent, the only sound now the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Xiao Tian stood over the fallen beast, his sword still glowing faintly from the energy he had infused into it. He exhaled slowly, his breath steady as he turned to his companions.

"Well done," he said, a proud smile on his face. "We make a great team."

Yue'er wiped the blood from her spear, nodding in agreement. "That was a close one, but we managed. It's clear that the creatures here are powerful. We'll need to be even more careful from here on out."

Lian'er, her eyes narrowed, surveyed their surroundings. "This world is full of surprises. We've just scratched the surface. Who knows what's waiting for us deeper within?"

Xiao Tian looked ahead, the path now more treacherous than before. He could sense the weight of their journey ahead, the trials and challenges that would continue to test them. But now, with the power of the Multi Blessings System coursing through him and the unwavering support of his companions, he felt more confident than ever.

"We're ready," Xiao Tian said, his voice firm with resolve. "Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

And with that, the trio continued their journey, stepping further into the unknown world, their hearts resolute and their power growing with every step they took.

[End of Chapter 71]

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