Trapped in the Heart of Qing Yun Sha

A resounding "Kzzzt" echoed through the cave as Guang Cheng unleashed a formidable strike with his sword, attempting to shatter the stone cell that enclosed them. The attack was a unique magic blade technique, far more potent than the one Jian Feng had endured earlier. However, instead of leaving even a minor scratch on any of the 'victimized' stone cell rods – not even with the aid of an Immortal microscope, which could detect even the tiniest imperfections – the strike triggered a powerful backfire.

The force of the recoil was thrice as strong as Guang Cheng's initial attack, sending him flying backward. His back slammed against the rugged stone cell rods, while Xian Yue and Mo Yuan, who were a few meters behind him, were also affected by the blast. Guang Cheng bore the brunt of the consequences, his Immortal Armor shattered, and his silver helmet damaged.

As the three of them struggled to regain their footing, Mo Yuan, still reeling in pain, spoke up, "But... how come we're only three? Where's the fourth person?" His question was met with a menacing, thunderous laughter that seemed to emanate from behind one of the two massive stone pillars near the pedestal where the Clear Cloud Sword stood.

A familiar figure emerged from behind the pillar, a mocking smile etched on his rugged face. "At least you're wise, unlike a certain 'Immortal' whose brain wouldn't even be useful in refining a low-grade pill," he sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. Guang Cheng, seething with anger, managed to utter a few words, "I knew it was you. I figured it out the moment this young man asked the question."

However, the figure cut him off, his expression turning serious. "Enough! Keep those thoughts to yourself, as they won't change anything." He continued, "You may not know, but I've conducted extensive research on Qing Yun Cave and its impressive trap mechanisms. Nothing here is new to me." His eyes locked onto the three pairs of eyes before him, his gaze unwavering. "You'll be my audience for now, watching as I retrieve the Clear Cloud Sword... Don't even think about trying anything foolish. This stone cell is made from a legendary ancient stone. Even gods can't breach its defense barrier. Attempting to do so is equivalent to plotting suicide"

The cave fell silent, the only sound being the oppressive stillness. The figure's thick, rough hand slowly grasped the golden hilt of the Clear Cloud Sword. "Finally..." he whispered, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. As he attempted to draw the sword from the pedestal, it refused to budge. Undeterred, he tried again, but the sword remained immobile.

Frustration crept in, and he released his grip, only to discover that the hilt wouldn't let go. The harder he tried to pull his hand away, the tighter the hug between his fingers and the sword hilt became - What a sweet love story.

Suddenly, a soft crackling sound filled the air, and a mysterious, blazing fire erupted, slowly engulfing the figure's fingers. The flames, resembling molten lava, crept up his arm, devouring flesh and bone. The figure's anguished wails echoed through the cave, his cries growing louder as the fire continued its relentless ascent.

Xian Yue, Guang Cheng, and Mo Yuan watched in horror, their eyes wide with fear and disbelief. Guang Cheng couldn't resist a mocking remark, "Seems you didn't finish your assignment. You forgot to conduct 'intensive research' on the Clear Cloud Sword." However, the figure was beyond comprehension, consumed by the agony that threatened to destroy him.

His torment finally ceased after the fire had ravaged his entire body, leaving no remnants, not even ashes. The mysterious flames vanished, plunging the cave into an unsettling silence.

The stillness was short-lived, as a low rumble shook the earth, causing cracks to spread across the cave walls and roof. Fragments of stone rained down, and the cave entrance began to seal itself off.

Outside, Lin Zhen stood frozen, still reeling from the fact that Jian Feng had emerged from the cave without entering it. The sudden sound of the earth trembling jolted him back to reality. As he saw the entrance almost blocked by giant pieces of stone, his tension rose. He had never felt this way before; he was always calm, no matter the difficulty. But now, the situation was different. Perhaps it was because Xian Yue was inside the cave?

With a swift motion, Lin Zhen aimed for the narrow opening and teleported inside. As he materialized within the cave, he realized that his timing was too late. The cave was on the verge of collapse, and Xian Yue was in grave danger. A massive rock, dislodged from the cave roof, hurtled toward Xian Yue's head, threatening to crush her. Lin Zhen's eyes, enhanced by his magical abilities, spotted the rock, but he knew he was too late to save her.

Instinctively, Lin Zhen shouted, "Xian Yue, watch out!" as he stretched his hands toward the rock. A ball of purple fire erupted from his palm with full speed, attempting to deflect the rock.

The flames with full speed crept perilously towards the rock which was less than an inch above Xian Yue's head.

. As Xian Yue recognized the vaguely familiar voice, a hard object made contact with her head.

"Maybe I was really too late..." He said.