Dashing Student Chapter 1364 1364: The Empire’s Library

A ferocious howl erupted from the Fiery Fire Ape as it beat its chest with thundering claps, its predatory gaze fixed upon Zhong Ling and Qing Qing.

"Run!" Qing Qing urged Zhong Ling to flee as the Fiery Fire Ape descended from the rubble, its colossal form shaking the very ground.

With casual ease, the Fiery Fire Ape uprooted a massive tree and flung it towards Zhong Ling, casting a vast shadow over her.

Zhong Ling prepared to shatter the incoming tree, but Qing Qing intervened swiftly. A flash of her fingers unleashed a Spirit Sword, cleaving the colossal tree in two before it could strike.

"Be cautious," Qing Qing cautioned, pulling Zhong Ling along as they retreated, the Fiery Fire Ape in relentless pursuit. It continued to hurl trees and massive stones, forcing the pair into a constant dance of evasion.

They finally reached the planned rendezvous point, where cultivators lying in wait sprang forth, unleashing a barrage of spells upon the Fiery Fire Ape.

The beast suffered an immediate injury, a deep gash appearing on its shoulder, from which blood poured ceaselessly.

Zhong Ling joined the fray, employing the techniques Chen Nan had imparted. Each of her strikes inflicted palpable damage upon the Fiery Fire Ape.

She held Chen Nan as her ultimate aspiration, aligning her every action with his path and diligently practicing the "Mountain and Sea Spirit Casting Record."

Consequently, her physical resilience now far surpassed that of cultivators at her same cultivation level.

Chen Nan’s Divine Sense meticulously observed the entire engagement. A nod of contentment formed on his lips as he thought, "It seems this young lady has not slacked in her cultivation even in my absence."

At this juncture, he was not with Zhong Ling but was instead exploring the ruins where the Fiery Fire Ape had made its lair. However, it appeared to be nothing more than a mundane dwelling.

While the construction incorporated precious Heavenly and Earthly Treasures, time's erosive passage had stripped them of their spiritual essence.

The distant battle reached its swift conclusion; the Fiery Fire Ape, overwhelmed by the combined might of several cultivators, was finally slain.

After salvaging the usable spiritual materials from the Fiery Fire Ape, the group promptly journeyed to the location of the Spiritual Medicines, gathering a few specimens before the final division of spoils.

The distribution proceeded as agreed, quite equitably. Zhong Ling received a Spiritual Medicine along with some demon beast materials.

Though these gains paled in comparison to what Chen Nan had previously bestowed, her heart swelled with the thrill of her own hard-won achievements, a satisfaction unmatched by any other.

During their respite, Qing Qing settled beside Zhong Ling, engaging her in conversation.

Given Qing Qing's prior kindness, Zhong Ling felt at ease, divulging nearly everything, save for the details Chen Nan had cautioned her to conceal.

"Incidentally, Zhong Ling, we discovered a location earlier, somewhat akin to this nation’s Library Pavilion. Would you care to accompany us for a look?" Qing Qing casually inquired.

Zhong Ling surveyed her surroundings, finding no sign of Chen Nan. Understanding that he wished for her to gain more practical experience, she readily accepted.

"Certainly, let's go together."

From the enveloping darkness afar, Chen Nan sighed, shaking his head in resignation. "Alas, this young girl remains exceedingly naive, revealing her circumstances so readily. This is not advantageous."

Nevertheless, he chose not to intervene, recognizing that certain lessons are best learned through direct experience.

...

Half a month elapsed swiftly. Zhong Ling continued to travel with Qing Qing and her companions, navigating through several perilous situations, each time emerging unscathed and even reaping additional rewards.

At long last, they reached the destination Qing Qing had spoken of, a place rumored to hold hidden Immortal Laws.

Though dense vegetation had reclaimed the area, it was evident that this had once been a site of immense significance. The structures here dwarfed any previously encountered ruins. Standing amidst them, the cultivators felt as insignificant as ants.

Such magnificent architecture could not possibly belong to a commonplace locale.

Ancient script adorned the fractured walls, but the characters were far too archaic for any of them to decipher.

The colossal ruins obscured all potential entrances; however, Qing Qing and her group managed to locate a narrow gap, just sufficient for entry.

"Have you been here before?" Zhong Ling inquired as they made their way through the dilapidated structures.

Qing Qing nodded, admitting with a touch of frustration, "Yes, we believed we could enter directly. But even in ruins, an Array remains active here."

"We devised a method to breach the array, but we were one person short. That's when we encountered you."

A realization dawned upon Zhong Ling. "I see. Please don't worry, Sister Qing, I will not be a burden."

Qing Qing offered a gentle smile. "Just do your very best. If it doesn't work out, we can certainly devise another plan."

Navigating through twists and turns, they eventually discovered a passage within the ruins, guiding them into the inner sanctum.

The space was immense, exuding a solemn and majestic aura even after countless millennia. Colossal pillars, now fractured and fallen, had once reached towards the heavens like celestial supports, but now served only to obstruct their way.

Concealed behind these fallen giants stood a gateway, a colossal structure ten zhang in height, appearing as if crafted for beings of immense stature.

Adorning the exterior of this grand door was a faint, almost imperceptible Barrier, unmistakably the Magic Array Barrier that safeguarded the entire area.

Zhong Ling felt a profound sense of astonishment; it was incredible that this Array had persisted in its function across the unfathomable span of years.

"Aside from us, no one else should have set foot here. If we manage to gain entry, we'll truly strike it rich," exclaimed a cultivator within the group, their voice filled with elation.

The designated Array Master stepped forward, commencing the intricate process of establishing a formation to breach the barrier. With sufficient personnel now present, each individual assumed their designated post, collectively constructing a specialized Array.

"Remember, once we initiate, do not hold anything back. Everyone, commit your full power, and let us shatter this Array!"

Positioned at the vanguard, the Array Master gave the signal, and each participant unleashed their Mana without reservation. The meticulously constructed Array funneled all their collective Mana directly into the Array Master's being.

He manifested a dark, piercing spike, channeling the entirety of the accumulated Mana into this weapon. A deep, potent black light flared to life, and the spike, imbued with an unstoppable force, launched itself with devastating impact against the formidable Magic Array Barrier!

Clang!

Resembling the violent clash of metal on metal, the sound reverberated with fierce intensity. Miraculously, the spike managed to carve a small aperture within the Barrier.

"It's working, maintain the assault!"

The Array Master cried out with renewed excitement, urging the spike onward in its relentless assault.

Zhong Ling poured all her Mana into the effort, only to swiftly realize that regardless of her will, the established Array was inexorably drawing Mana from her very essence.

A disquieting sensation washed over her, yet observing the unwavering dedication of her companions, she resigned herself to the process. Perhaps this extreme exertion was the sole method by which they could overcome the Barrier.