After a short rest, the group, despite their exhaustion, continued climbing the tower's steps. As they ascended, the air grew thinner, and the fluctuations of spiritual energy became more complex and chaotic, as if foreshadowing an even more severe test ahead.
At the end of the stairs, an ancient stone door blocked the way. Engraved on the door was a mysterious star map; the twinkling stars seemed to draw everyone's gaze. A disciple of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion approached the door, carefully examining the star map, trying to find clues to open it.
"This star chart seems to be related to the movement of celestial bodies. I have seen similar records in the ancient books in the pavilion," he muttered to himself, and then began to try to touch specific stars on the star chart according to the pattern in his memory.
The moment he touched one of the stars, the stone door emitted a deep rumble and slowly opened. Behind the door was a spacious circular hall, in the center of which floated a huge stone platform. On the platform lay an ancient book emitting a soft glow. On the cover of the book, written in ancient script, were the words "Spiritual Illusion Heart Sutra".
"Could this be the reward for passing this test?" the Linghe Merchant Guild's intelligence officer exclaimed excitedly. However, before the group could even approach the stone platform, countless small holes suddenly appeared in the walls of the hall, from which beams of spiritual energy shot out, weaving into a dense net of light that swept towards them.
"Scatter!" the leader shouted, and everyone quickly scattered. The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect displayed exquisite movement techniques, weaving through the gaps in the light net, their swords occasionally deflecting beams of light aimed at them. The disciples of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion swiftly deployed spiritual energy shields, reflecting some of the beams back. The intelligence agents of the Spirit Harmony Chamber of Commerce dodged while searching for weaknesses in the light net.
"Everyone, pay attention! There seems to be a brief gap in the shifting of the light network. We can use this opportunity to rush through!" shouted a sharp-eyed intelligence agent from the Spirit Harmony Merchant Guild. Hearing this, everyone focused on the changing rhythm of the light network.
During a brief interval in the shifting of the light network, a sword cultivator from the Spirit Sword Sect took the lead, rushing towards the stone platform like an arrow released from a bow. However, just as he was about to reach the platform, an even stronger beam of light suddenly shot out. He was unable to dodge in time and was struck by the beam, his body flying backward.
“No, this is too risky. We need a more comprehensive plan,” the team leader said, frowning. The group quickly gathered to discuss a solution.
After a brief discussion, they decided that the intelligence agents of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce would first cast interference spells to disrupt the emission pattern of the light network, and then the sword cultivators of the Lingjian Sect would form a sword formation to open up a passage with powerful sword energy, while the disciples of the Wanbaoge would provide spiritual power support and defense from the rear.
After the plan was agreed upon, everyone immediately took action. The Linghe Merchant Guild's intelligence agent rapidly formed hand seals and chanted incantations, sending an invisible interference wave towards the light network. The light network was disrupted, and the beams emitted became somewhat chaotic.
"Now!" At the leader's command, the sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect shouted in unison, and the sword formation instantly unfolded. Powerful sword energy surged like a raging wave towards the light net. The sword energy and the beams of light collided, bursting forth with dazzling light and deafening sounds.
Under the cover of the sword formation, the group steadily advanced towards the stone platform. The disciples of Wanbaoge did their best to maintain their spiritual energy shields, blocking the occasional stray beams of light. Finally, they successfully reached the stone platform and obtained the "Spirit Illusion Heart Sutra".
Turning the pages of the ancient texts, they found a unique method for manipulating spiritual energy, allowing cultivators to transform their power in battle, confusing enemies and creating opportunities for victory. Although exhausted, everyone's eyes gleamed with excitement; this was undoubtedly the best reward for their arduous efforts.
After putting away the "Spiritual Illusion Heart Sutra," a new passage appeared on one side of the hall. The group followed the passage, which led to a huge pool of water. The water in the pool was a deep blue, emanating a chilling aura that seemed to penetrate to the bone.
"This pool looks dangerous, everyone be careful," an elder from the Spirit Sword Sect warned. Just then, a huge splash suddenly erupted from the pool, and a gigantic sea turtle leaped out of the water. The turtle's back was covered in sharp spikes, its eyes gleamed with an eerie light, and it spewed a jet of icy water towards the group.
The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect quickly formed a sword formation to withstand the impact of the water column. The icy water column crashed against the sword formation, splashing countless droplets. The sword cultivators felt their hands go numb from the cold, but they gritted their teeth and persevered. The disciples of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion manipulated their magical artifacts, attempting to attack the sea turtle. The flames spewed from the "Flame Dragon Cauldron" were quickly extinguished by the chill emanating from the sea turtle as they approached.
"This sea turtle's defense and cold aura are too strong; ordinary attacks are ineffective against it," a Wanbaoge disciple said anxiously. The group was once again in trouble, but they didn't give up. They began to carefully observe the sea turtle's movements, searching for its weaknesses.
After some observation, the Linghe Merchant Guild's intelligence officer noticed that the sea turtle would lower its head slightly and retract the spikes on its back before each jet of water. "Attack the part of its back where the spikes are retracted!" he shouted.
The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect immediately adjusted their attack strategy. As the sea turtle spouted water again, they seized the opportunity and unleashed their fierce sword techniques, slashing towards the retracted spikes on the turtle's back. The sea turtle, in pain, let out a muffled roar and thrashed violently in the water.
Taking advantage of the situation, the disciples of Wanbaoge intensified their attack. They took out specially crafted magical artifacts and released high-temperature spiritual energy in an attempt to melt the ice on the sea turtle's body. With everyone's concerted efforts, the sea turtle's defenses were gradually breached, and it finally sank helplessly to the bottom of the water.
As the sea turtle collapsed, the water in the pool receded rapidly, revealing a staircase leading downwards. The group descended the staircase, and at its end, a dazzling light greeted them. Within the light, an object radiating powerful spiritual energy could be faintly seen—perhaps the "Chaotic Spiritual Pivot" they had longed for. Their hearts were filled with both anticipation and a touch of tension; they had endured countless trials and tribulations, and finally, the dawn of their reward had arrived.
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