Chapter 97: Illusionary Trial and "His" Instinct Protection
The Illusion Trial and "His" Instinct Protection
After ascending the white stone passage for a while, a hazy mist appeared ahead. From within the mist, one could faintly hear the sounds of laughter and the rich fragrance of flowers and spiritual fruits.
"Be careful, it might be an illusion." Jiang Xuelan concentrated and was on guard, and the Frost Sword quietly appeared in his hand.
"Hmph, playing tricks!" Li Jiuyou sneered, but he tightened his grip on the Jinsheng Blade and subconsciously took a half-step, subtly protecting Jiang Xuelan and A Che slightly behind him. Jiang Xuelan could sense the other party's sudden rise in vigilance and protectiveness (though perhaps even Li Jiuyou himself was not fully aware of it).
As you step into the light fog, the scene in front of you suddenly changes!
They seemed to have suddenly been transported back to the sacred village of Wangchuanwu, **fifty years earlier**! The sun was warm, and the branches of the sacred Xirang tree were lush and vibrant, radiating a vibrant energy. The villagers lived and worked in peace and contentment, children chased and played in the fields, and spirit beasts roamed docilely... What a peaceful and tranquil scene, akin to a paradise!
"Is this... the former divine village?" Ache opened his eyes wide and looked at the villagers who were laughing and talking happily. There seemed to be a few familiar little figures among them (including the young Jiang Xuelan).
"It's just an illusion." Xingtong said calmly, but her eyes fluctuated slightly, as if she was touched by this beautiful scene full of vitality.
However, this beautiful illusion soon began to distort!
The warm sunlight turned pale and glaring, and the villagers' laughter and joy turned into screams of terror! **The figure of the immortal monk appeared like a ghost** and began to ruthlessly slaughter the villagers! Flames engulfed the houses, and blood stained the earth red...
The scene of the village massacre is reappearing!
"No——!" Ache let out a low cry of fear. The puppet Gu seemed to be stimulated by the tragic scene, causing his body to tremble slightly.
Jiang Xuelan's face was pale, and his ice-blue eyes were filled with great pain and anger. He almost couldn't control himself and rushed forward!
Li Jiuyou's red pupils also shrank, and his fists were clenched so tightly that they made a creaking sound. He could clearly feel Jiang Xuelan's deep sorrow and hatred, which made his heart feel as if it was tightly grasped by an invisible hand, causing him unbearable pain.
At this moment, several illusions of "immortal monks" suddenly rushed towards them with a grin!
The attack is not physical, but it carries a fierce murderous intent and mental shock!
Jiang Xuelan and Li Jiuyou attacked almost at the same time!
The ice wall suddenly rises! The demonic fire roars!
But the illusions are endless, and seem to be able to accurately attack their mental weaknesses - constantly replaying the most tragic scenes of the past, and even simulating the wailing and cries for help of deceased relatives!
The two people's emotions fluctuated violently, with pain, anger, and sadness intertwined wildly, almost drowning their reason!
"Keep your mind steady! This is an illusion trial! It's meant to destroy your heart!" Jiang Xuelan gritted his teeth and shouted, forcibly using his power to suppress his surging emotions, but the effect was limited.
"Damn it! If you have the guts, come out and fight me with real swords and guns!" Li Jiuyou angrily swung his sword to smash an illusion that was rushing towards Ache. He could feel the pain coming from Jiang Xuelan, which was even more acute because of the suppressed pain, which made him even more anxious!
Suddenly, an illusion simulated the scene of Su Jingyan (Jiang's mother) being pierced through the heart by the magic sword, and she fell towards Jiang Xuelan with a scream!
Jiang Xuelan's body suddenly stiffened, his pupils shrank suddenly, and his movements were delayed for a moment!
Another illusion seized the opportunity and sent a fierce mental shock straight into Jiang Xuelan's defenseless back!
"Be careful!" Li Jiuyou's pupils shrank, almost instinctively! He suddenly turned sideways and pulled Jiang Xuelan behind him, while using his back to withstand the mental impact!
"Ugh!" Li Jiuyou groaned, his body shook, and his face turned pale in an instant.
Jiang Xuelan clearly felt the force of the impact and Li Jiuyou's instant pain!
Jiang Xuelan bumped into Li Jiuyou's solid back, a hot breath of smoke and sunlight lingering at the tip of his nose. He was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Li Jiuyou to...
"What are you daydreaming about! Do you want to die?" Li Jiuyou roared without turning his head. His voice was a little hoarse because of the pain, but Jiang Xuelan strangely did not feel much anger. Instead, he felt a sense of... fear and deeper anxiety?
At this moment, the Jianmu core fragment in Jiang Xuelan's hand and the demon pill on Li Jiuyou's hilt both became slightly hot, emitting a peaceful aura that flowed through the blood contract link, temporarily dispelling some of the negative emotions brought about by the illusion.
Jiang Xuelan suddenly came back to his senses, took a deep breath, and his icy blue eyes focused again: "Illusions are born from the mind! Guard the spiritual platform! Their power comes from our emotions!"
Li Jiuyou also reacted and forced himself to suppress his turbulent emotions: "Damn it! I almost got into trouble!"
The two stood back to back, no longer attacking blindly, but instead began to focus their minds, striving to resist the mental erosion of the illusion. The connection no longer served as an amplifier of chaotic emotions, but instead, under the deliberate control of both, became a strange anchor, helping each other stabilize their minds.
The illusion gradually became blurred and distorted, and finally receded like the tide.
The light mist dissipated, and they were still standing in the white stone passage. Not far ahead was an exit, and there seemed to be a platform outside.
Both of them were breathing slightly, with sweat on their foreheads. It was obvious that the mental confrontation just now was extremely exhausting.
In that connection, besides fatigue, there was still a lingering trace of tension that had been transmitted from the other party when they were protecting themselves, and... the warmth and breath that was close at that moment.
Li Jiuyou took the lead and took a step away, keeping some distance. His expression was extremely unnatural: "...What are you looking at! I'm not protecting you! I'm afraid that if you die, it will implicate me!"
Jiang Xuelan pursed her lips and did not refute in a cold voice as usual. She just adjusted her breathing silently, but her ears turned slightly red without being noticed.
The illusory trial recreates the tragic massacre of the village, leaving a profound impact on Jiang Xuelan's mind. Li Jiuyou instinctively blocks the attack for Jiang Xuelan, further softening their relationship amidst the crisis. The two begin to use their blood pact to stabilize their minds, and an awkward concern begins to develop.
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