Chapter 95: Trials of the Light Beings

Streaks of energy hurtled towards the group, painting the air with a dazzling display of vibrant colors. Su Nian was the first to react, her battered chains whistling through the void as she lashed out, intercepting a bolt of searing orange energy. The impact sent shockwaves up her arms, but she gritted her teeth and held firm, using the momentum to swing herself towards one of the light - beings.​Zhang Chengying, his shoulder still throbbing from the previous battle, brandished a shard of rock he'd picked up. He deftly dodged a green beam that threatened to incinerate him, then lunged forward, aiming for the legs of a towering figure made of pure light. But his attack passed right through, as if striking a hologram. "They're intangible!" he shouted, his voice tinged with frustration.​Chen Jiuzhang, holding the crystal - key high, felt a strange connection forming between the key and the energy attacks. The key's glow wavered, then suddenly flared, repelling a wave of blue energy that was headed straight for Lyra. "There's a pattern to their attacks!" he yelled, his eyes narrowing as he studied the movements of the light - beings. "If we can disrupt it, we might have a chance!"​Lyra, her broken staff in hand, nodded. She closed her eyes and began to chant, drawing on the last reserves of her magical energy. A faint, silver shield materialized around her, but it was no match for the onslaught. Just as a purple bolt was about to break through, Su Nian leaped in front of her, using her body as a shield. The impact sent both women crashing to the ground.​"Su Nian!" Chen Jiuzhang's heart lurched. He charged towards them, but a wall of golden energy blocked his path. In that moment of distraction, a red beam struck him square in the chest, knocking him backwards. He landed hard, the crystal - key slipping from his grasp.​As the key skidded across the floating platform, one of the light - beings glided over and picked it up. The being studied the key intently, its form flickering wildly. "The taint... it comes from within the key itself. It was corrupted long ago, by a power that seeks to destroy the balance."​Chen Jiuzhang struggled to his feet, his mind racing. "What do you mean? How can we cleanse it?"​The light - being regarded him for a long moment, then held out the key. "You must face the source of the taint within your own soul. Only then can the key be purified, and only then will you be worthy to pass."​With a wave of its staff, the being summoned a swirling, black portal at Chen Jiuzhang's feet. Before he could react, he was sucked in, disappearing from the sight of his friends. Su Nian, Zhang Chengying, and Lyra rushed forward, but another barrier of energy blocked their way. Their comrade was gone, and they were left to face the light - beings alone, with the fate of the Gui Xu Secret Realm hanging in the balance.