Chapter 85: The Core's Unveiling

The combined onslaught of the group's attacks crashed into the fleshy abomination like a tidal wave. The creature let out a deafening shriek that sent shockwaves rippling through the already crumbling passageway. Its pulsating flesh began to tear and shred under the assault, revealing a glimpse of the crimson - hued core nestled deep within.​But the abomination was far from defeated. With a violent convulsion, it unleashed a wave of corrosive mucus from its gaping maw. The mucus splattered across the ground and walls, eating away at the stone as if it were made of paper. Su Nian leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding a stream of the acidic substance that would have melted her chains in an instant. "Watch out!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the chaos.​Chen Jiuzhang, his vision blurred from the impact of the creature's counterattack, tightened his grip on the crystal - key. The key's light flared brightly, but it was no match for the overwhelming darkness emanating from the abomination's core. He could feel the ancient power within the key straining, as if it was being pulled in two directions - towards the light of the realm and the corrupting influence of the core.​Wu Laogou, his magical gusts of wind now dispelled, slumped against the wall, his face pale and drained. The elixir he had consumed earlier had given him a temporary boost, but the aftereffects were hitting him hard. "I... I can't do much more," he gasped, his eyes half - closed.​Luna, her celestial song fading, watched in horror as the abomination began to regenerate the damaged flesh around its core. The stardust she had summoned was quickly absorbed by the creature, fueling its recovery. "It's no use," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "We're not strong enough."​Zhang Chengying, his broken peachwood sword now blackened and smoking, refused to give up. He charged forward once again, his teeth gritted in determination. "We've come too far to let this thing win!" he roared, thrusting his sword at the creature's exposed core. But a tendril shot out and wrapped around his wrist, yanking the sword from his hand and sending him flying across the passageway.​Shen Qingluan, her golden arrows depleted, held the fragment of the Imperial Jade Seal close to her chest. She could feel the ancient artifact trembling, as if it was afraid of the power of the core. "There has to be a way," she muttered to herself, her mind racing.​Lyra, her silver staff now flickering with unstable energy, stepped forward. "The core is too powerful. We need to find a way to disrupt its connection to the creature's body." But before she could elaborate, the abomination let out another ear - piercing roar, and the ground beneath their feet began to split apart.​As the passageway continued to crumble around them, the group found themselves on the brink of defeat. The crimson - hued core of the abomination glowed brighter than ever, its malevolent energy threatening to consume them all. With time running out and their strength waning, would they be able to find a way to destroy the core and save themselves from the collapsing passageway?​