The Awakening of the Ruins

Chapter 38: The Awakening of the Ruins

The Ruins of the Eternal Night stretched before Han Feng like a tomb abandoned by the gods. The black mist crawled across the uneven ground, and the air was imbued with a dark and chaotic Qi. The stories about this place said it was a cursed land, where countless cultivators had disappeared without a trace.

Han Feng took a deep breath and took his first step. His body blended into the shadows as he activated the Celestial Veil Art, minimizing his presence to the utmost. He knew he wasn't the only one here – other cultivators were certainly lurking, in search of the secrets buried in these ruins.

The Search for the Stone of the Dark Moon

The Dark Moonstone was his priority. According to ancient records, this special mineral possessed unique properties that could stabilize the chaotic flow of dark Qi, allowing him to refine his foundation and advance to Rank 3 without arousing suspicion. But finding the stone would be a challenge.

He traversed destroyed corridors and vast underground chambers, where ancient inscriptions flickered faintly on the walls, like the last whispers of a lost civilization. Each step echoed in the darkness, and he felt as if he were being watched.

The Guardian of the Ruins

After several hours of exploration, Han Feng arrived at a large hall, where a platform of black stone rose in the center. Above it, a small formation of dark crystals radiated a dense and powerful energy. The Stone of the Dark Moon!

But before he could approach, an overwhelming presence filled the room. A shadow emerged from the back of the chamber – a three-meter-tall spiritual beast, with crimson eyes and gleaming fangs. Its body was made of condensed Qi, and its aura emanated an insatiable hunger.

Han Feng remained motionless. He couldn't waste energy in a prolonged battle. I needed a strategy.

The Duel in the Darkness

The beast attacked first, charging with surprising speed. Han Feng dodged at the last moment, using an agile move to maneuver around the creature and approach the platform. However, the beast roared, unleashing a wave of destructive energy that cracked the ground around.

He quickly stepped back, forming seals with his hands. "Fugitive Shadow!" His body disappeared into the mist, and for a brief moment, he became intangible, evading direct attacks.

The beast growled, confused. This was the moment. Han Feng concentrated his strength and, with a precise movement, channeled dark Qi into his palm before delivering a blow to the creature's chest. The impact tore through its spectral form, causing it to recoil with an agonizing scream.

But the fight was far from over. The beast roared again, and its form began to transform, taking on a more defined and lethal silhouette. Han Feng realized he needed a decisive blow.

The Dark Flame of Chaos

Remembering the ancient writings about the ruins, he quickly took a small talisman from his spatial ring – an item he had prepared for emergencies. With a brief surge of Qi, he activated the seal contained within it.

A black flame emerged, burning without heat, but laden with pure destructive power. He launched the Dark Flame directly at the creature, which screamed as it was consumed by that devouring energy.

The beast writhed, its spiritual form gradually dissolving, until it finally disappeared into the darkness. The hall fell silent once more.

The Conquest of the Stone of the Dark Moon

Han Feng cautiously approached the platform and collected the Dark Moonstone. Upon touching it, he felt a dense and stable energy flowing through his body. With this, he could finally refine his foundation and advance to Rank 3 without drawing attention.

But he knew the fight wasn't over. Someone was watching.

Far away, among the shadows of the ruins, a pair of sharp eyes gleamed. "Han Feng... you can't hide forever."