Chapter 26 - Chapter 27：The Battle for the Crystal Fragments

efore the group could react, a streak of purple light shot out from the shadows, 直奔 the floating crystal fragments. Chen Jiuzhang's eyes widened in alarm. "Stop her!" he shouted, already sprinting forward. But Watanabe Miyuki was faster. With a flick of her wrist, the dark - pulsating crystal piece flew into her grasp, and she let out a triumphant laugh.​The white - glowing fragment, as if sensing the danger, darted away, zipping through the air like a startled bird. Su Nian was the first to respond. Her chains lashed out, attempting to ensnare the fleeing crystal, but it deftly evaded her grasp, leaving her off - balance. "It's alive!" she exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the rapidly disappearing light.​Zhang Chengying gritted his teeth and pointed at the direction the crystal had fled. "It's heading deeper into the passage! We can't let it get away, or we'll lose our only chance against Miyuki's newfound power!" Without hesitation, the group took off in pursuit, their footsteps echoing through the ancient, stone - lined corridor.​As they ran, the walls around them began to shift and transform. Strange symbols glowed to life, pulsating in a rhythm that seemed to match the beat of their racing hearts. Wu Laogou, puffing heavily from the exertion, squinted at the symbols. "These are ancient warnings," he gasped. "They speak of a power so great it could either restore the world... or plunge it into eternal darkness."​Suddenly, the ground beneath them gave way, and they found themselves in a vast, circular chamber. The ceiling was a dome of shimmering stars, and in the center, a pool of liquid, both black and white, swirled and churned. And there, hovering just above the pool, was the white - glowing crystal fragment, its light casting an otherworldly glow over the entire room.​But they were not alone. Emerging from the shadows were dozens of shadowy figures, their forms wavering like smoke. Each figure held a weapon made of pure darkness, and their eyes glowed with a malevolent, red light. "Miyuki's minions," Shen Qingluan whispered, her hand instinctively reaching for the fragment of the Imperial Jade Seal.​Chen Jiuzhang raised the Celestial Master Order high, its golden light illuminating the chamber. "We fight together," he said, his voice firm. "We'll protect the crystal and find a way to stop Miyuki once and for all."​The shadowy figures charged, their weapons whistling through the air. Su Nian's chains lashed out, striking down the first wave of attackers. Zhang Chengying's broken peachwood sword, now enhanced by the ambient energy of the chamber, crackled with purple electricity as he parried and thrust. Wu Laogou threw out a series of talismans, each one bursting into flames upon contact with the enemy.​Amidst the chaos, Shen Qingluan closed her eyes and focused her energy. The jade seal fragment glowed brightly, and a shield of golden light enveloped the group, deflecting incoming attacks. Chen Jiuzhang, taking advantage of the momentary respite, charged towards the crystal. But just as he was about to reach it, a familiar, mocking voice filled the air.​"Did you really think it would be that easy?" Watanabe Miyuki stepped out from behind a column, twirling the dark crystal fragment in her fingers. "This fragment has awakened a power within me that you can't even begin to comprehend." As she spoke, dark tendrils of energy snaked out from the crystal, wrapping around her body and transforming her appearance. Her eyes glowed an intense purple, and a crown of shadowy thorns formed on her head.​With a wave of her hand, Miyuki unleashed a blast of dark energy towards the group. The shield of golden light trembled under the assault, threatening to shatter. Chen Jiuzhang knew they were in a desperate situation. He looked at the white - glowing crystal, then at his companions, and made a decision.​"Cover me!" he shouted. Shen Qingluan increased the power of the shield, while Zhang Chengying, Su Nian, and Wu Laogou launched a fierce counter - attack, distracting Miyuki and her minions. Chen Jiuzhang sprinted towards the crystal, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the power of the crystal calling out to him, as if it had chosen him as its new guardian.​As his fingers closed around the crystal, a surge of energy coursed through his body. Flashes of images filled his mind—visions of ancient battles, of a world on the brink of destruction, and of a figure that looked suspiciously like his 二叔. But there was no time to dwell on the revelations. With the crystal in his grasp, he turned to face Miyuki, ready for the final showdown.