Chapter 555: Ning Zhuo Joins the War

The clash of arms, the struggle for the frontier campsbetween the Two Streams Nation and the Allied Army of Thousand Peaks Forest,had escalated to a fever pitch.Like a battle between two giants,it had reached a perilous juncture of close-quarters combat,a true test of steel upon flesh.This was a battlefield steeped in chaos.In some quarters, armies…Luo Chen and his company embarked on their return journey with the Heart of Chaos.Yet, their hearts held no lightness despite securing this treasure.Throughout the trek, each remained silent, as if lost in contemplation.Yin Yan lingered at the rear of the company,his gaze profound, fixed upon the surrounding mountains and forests,as if harboring a lingering, reluctant sentiment for this ruin.Upon their return to the Immortal Crafting Alliance,Luo Chen immediately entrusted the Heart of Chaosto the team of experts tasked with researching ancient artifacts.Upon beholding the Heart of Chaos,these experts were universally struck with astonishment and excitement.Initial examination revealed that the power contained within this crystalline coresurpassed all expectations,and might even be entangled with the very secrets of the origin of the cultivation world.“Captain, what shall be our next step?” Sun Ling inquired softly,her voice tinged with weariness, yet more so with resolve.Luo Chen pondered for a moment, then spoke,“Our mission is not yet complete.While we have obtained the Heart of Chaos, this is but the tip of the iceberg.The true power behind the wicked cult has yet to be unveiled,and moreover, we need to ascertain the specific function of the Heart of Chaos.”Ning Zhuotong nodded in agreement, adding,“According to the information provided by Yin Yan,the seal laid down by that Great Powerlikely extends beyond the confines of the Vast Mountain Range.Perhaps there are other similar ruins awaiting our exploration.”Though Li Hanfeng and Zhou Yao were newly added members to the team,they too demonstrated immense responsibility.“Captain, no matter how perilous the tasks ahead,we are willing to follow you and see them through,” Li Hanfeng declared steadfastly.Luo Chen nodded in satisfaction.He then convened all team members for a meeting,meticulously planning their next course of action.After deliberation, they decided to divide into two groups:one led by Luo Chen, to continue tracking the remnants of the wicked cult;the other overseen by Ning Zhuotong, to investigate other potential ruins.### Second Phase of the MissionSeveral days later, the team led by Luo Chen set forth once more.This time, their target was a mysterious region located in the extreme north—the legendary "Valley of Eternal Frost."It was said that this place was once the cultivation ground of that Great Power,and also another crucial sealing point.On their journey towards the Valley of Eternal Frost,the weather progressively turned frigid and piercing.Vast stretches of white snow blanketed the land,and the howling winds felt like blades scraping against each person's face.Despite this, the team members maintained their high morale.“Captain, something seems amiss ahead!” Sun Ling suddenly halted,pointing to a patch of seemingly ordinary snow in the distance.Luo Chen observed carefully and discovered that the snowwas faintly emitting a blue light.He swiftly made a judgment:“This is the residual trace of some kind of array.Everyone, be cautious, do not step into it lightly.”Just then, a low humming sound emanated from underground.Immediately after, the ground began to tremble violently.A massive fissure spread from the snowy ground,and a colossal monstrous beast covered in ice crystalscrawled out from within.This monstrous beast was named Frostfang,one of the guardians of the Valley of Eternal Frost.Its eyes were like two gems of deep blue,emitting a chilling aura that caused one’s heart to palpitate.A battle was unavoidable.Luo Chen brandished his longsword,releasing scorching flames in an attempt to melt the ice layer on Frostfang.However, Frostfang was clearly more formidable than the monstrous beasts encountered before.Each of its attacks was accompanied by bone-chilling winds,forcing the team members to expend a large amount of spiritual energy to resist.At a critical juncture, Sun Ling utilized her speed advantageto绕绕 behind Frostfang,successfully striking its weak point with her flying sword.Simultaneously, Luo Chen cooperated by unleashing a powerful cleaving strike,completely defeating Frostfang.“That was close…” Sun Ling wiped the sweat from her brow,speaking with labored breaths.“Do not relax your guard,we still do not know how many dangers are hidden here,” Luo Chen reminded.Indeed, after they passed through the area guarded by Frostfang,an ancient altar appeared before their eyes.Suspended in the center of the altar was a jade pendantemitting a faint blue light,inscribed with complex runes.“Is this what we are looking for?” Li Hanfeng asked with curiosity.Luo Chen shook his head,“Not certain. But we must act cautiously,first ascertain its origin before making a decision.”At this very moment, a cold voice transmitted from the void,“Mortals, you should not be here.”No sooner had the words fallen than a figureclad in a white robe slowly emerged from the shadows.That person was a cultivator,but judging by his aura, he clearly did not belong to the righteous faction.“Who is he?” Zhou Yao whispered.“Regardless of who he is, it seems there is another tough battle ahead,”Luo Chen gripped his longsword, preparing to engage.The opponent did not immediately make a move,but instead sneered and said,“If you are determined to seize this treasure,then be prepared to pay the price.”The battle immediately commenced.The strength of this cultivator was exceptionally powerful.Not only was he proficient in various arcane arts,but he could also summon a large amount of ice and snow elements to assist in combat.Luo Chen and his companions were drawn into a bitter struggle.At a critical moment, Luo Chen recalled his previous experience in the Vast Mountain Range.He swiftly communicated with his teammates,devising a new strategy.Through tacit cooperation, they finally found their opponent’s openingand defeated him in one fell swoop.Ultimately, Luo Chen successfully retrieved that jade pendant.However, the moment he touched the jade pendant,a surge of powerful information flooded into his mind.This information included partial memories of that Great Power,as well as more secrets regarding the history of the cultivation world.### Return and OutlookUpon returning to the Immortal Crafting Alliance with the jade pendant,Luo Chen immediately shared the information he had acquired with the expert team.This information further confirmed their conjecture:the sealing system established by that Great Powerwas actually meant to suppress an extremely dangerous existence.“What exactly is this existence?Why does it require such a vast sealing network?” Ning Zhuotong asked with a frown.“We cannot ascertain it at present,but what is certain is that once it revives,it will bring devastating disaster to the entire cultivation world,”Luo Chen said solemnly.To address the potential crisis,the Immortal Crafting Alliance decided to strengthen cooperationwith other cultivation forces,jointly forming a more powerful expedition team.At the same time, they would also accelerate the research progress on the Heart of Chaos and the jade pendant,striving to unveil all the mysteries at the earliest possible time.Luo Chen stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky.He knew that this was just the beginning of a long journey.In the future, they would face more challenges,but as long as they were united, there were no difficulties that could not be overcome.“Regardless of what comes, I shall protect the peace of this realm,”Luo Chen silently vowed.Luo Chen and his company embarked on their return journey with the Heart of Chaos.Yet, their hearts held no lightness despite securing this treasure.Throughout the trek, each remained silent, as if lost in contemplation.Yin Yan lingered at the rear of the company,his gaze profound, fixed upon the surrounding mountains and forests,as if harboring a lingering, reluctant sentiment for this ruin.Upon their return to the Immortal Crafting Alliance,Luo Chen immediately entrusted the Heart of Chaosto the team of experts tasked with researching ancient artifacts.Upon beholding the Heart of Chaos,these experts were universally struck with astonishment and excitement.Initial examination revealed that the power contained within this crystalline coresurpassed all expectations,and might even be entangled with the very secrets of the origin of the cultivation world.“Captain, what shall be our next step?” Sun Ling inquired softly,her voice tinged with weariness, yet more so with resolve.Luo Chen pondered for a moment, then spoke,“Our mission is not yet complete.While we have obtained the Heart of Chaos, this is but the tip of the iceberg.The true power behind the wicked cult has yet to be unveiled,and moreover, we need to ascertain the specific function of the Heart of Chaos.”Ning Zhuotong nodded in agreement, adding,“According to the information provided by Yin Yan,the seal laid down by that Great Powerlikely extends beyond the confines of the Vast Mountain Range.Perhaps there are other similar ruins awaiting our exploration.”Though Li Hanfeng and Zhou Yao were newly added members to the team,they too demonstrated immense responsibility.“Captain, no matter how perilous the tasks ahead,we are willing to follow you and see them through,” Li Hanfeng declared steadfastly.Luo Chen nodded in satisfaction.He then convened all team members for a meeting,meticulously planning their next course of action.After deliberation, they decided to divide into two groups:one led by Luo Chen, to continue tracking the remnants of the wicked cult;the other overseen by Ning Zhuotong, to investigate other potential ruins.### Second Phase of the MissionSeveral days later, the team led by Luo Chen set forth once more.This time, their target was a mysterious region located in the extreme north—the legendary "Valley of Eternal Frost."It was said that this place was once the cultivation ground of that Great Power,and also another crucial sealing point.On their journey towards the Valley of Eternal Frost,the weather progressively turned frigid and piercing.Vast stretches of white snow blanketed the land,and the howling winds felt like blades scraping against each person's face.Despite this, the team members maintained their high morale.“Captain, something seems amiss ahead!” Sun Ling suddenly halted,pointing to a patch of seemingly ordinary snow in the distance.Luo Chen observed carefully and discovered that the snowwas faintly emitting a blue light.He swiftly made a judgment:“This is the residual trace of some kind of array.Everyone, be cautious, do not step into it lightly.”Just then, a low humming sound emanated from underground.Immediately after, the ground began to tremble violently.A massive fissure spread from the snowy ground,and a colossal monstrous beast covered in ice crystalscrawled out from within.This monstrous beast was named Frostfang,one of the guardians of the Valley of Eternal Frost.Its eyes were like two gems of deep blue,emitting a chilling aura that caused one’s heart to palpitate.A battle was unavoidable.Luo Chen brandished his longsword,releasing scorching flames in an attempt to melt the ice layer on Frostfang.However, Frostfang was clearly more formidable than the monstrous beasts encountered before.Each of its attacks was accompanied by bone-chilling winds,forcing the team members to expend a large amount of spiritual energy to resist.At a critical juncture, Sun Ling utilized her speed advantageto绕绕 behind Frostfang,successfully striking its weak point with her flying sword.Simultaneously, Luo Chen cooperated by unleashing a powerful cleaving strike,completely defeating Frostfang.“That was close…” Sun Ling wiped the sweat from her brow,speaking with labored breaths.“Do not relax your guard,we still do not know how many dangers are hidden here,” Luo Chen reminded.Indeed, after they passed through the area guarded by Frostfang,an ancient altar appeared before their eyes.Suspended in the center of the altar was a jade pendantemitting a faint blue light,inscribed with complex runes.“Is this what we are looking for?” Li Hanfeng asked with curiosity.Luo Chen shook his head,“Not certain. But we must act cautiously,first ascertain its origin before making a decision.”At this very moment, a cold voice transmitted from the void,“Mortals, you should not be here.”No sooner had the words fallen than a figureclad in a white robe slowly emerged from the shadows.That person was a cultivator,but judging by his aura, he clearly did not belong to the righteous faction.“Who is he?” Zhou Yao whispered.“Regardless of who he is, it seems there is another tough battle ahead,”Luo Chen gripped his longsword, preparing to engage.The opponent did not immediately make a move,but instead sneered and said,“If you are determined to seize this treasure,then be prepared to pay the price.”The battle immediately commenced.The strength of this cultivator was exceptionally powerful.Not only was he proficient in various arcane arts,but he could also summon a large amount of ice and snow elements to assist in combat.Luo Chen and his companions were drawn into a bitter struggle.At a critical moment, Luo Chen recalled his previous experience in the Vast Mountain Range.He swiftly communicated with his teammates,devising a new strategy.Through tacit cooperation, they finally found their opponent’s openingand defeated him in one fell swoop.Ultimately, Luo Chen successfully retrieved that jade pendant.However, the moment he touched the jade pendant,a surge of powerful information flooded into his mind.This information included partial memories of that Great Power,as well as more secrets regarding the history of the cultivation world.### Return and OutlookUpon returning to the Immortal Crafting Alliance with the jade pendant,Luo Chen immediately shared the information he had acquired with the expert team.This information further confirmed their conjecture:the sealing system established by that Great Powerwas actually meant to suppress an extremely dangerous existence.“What exactly is this existence?Why does it require such a vast sealing network?” Ning Zhuotong asked with a frown.“We cannot ascertain it at present,but what is certain is that once it revives,it will bring devastating disaster to the entire cultivation world,”Luo Chen said solemnly.To address the potential crisis,the Immortal Crafting Alliance decided to strengthen cooperationwith other cultivation forces,jointly forming a more powerful expedition team.At the same time, they would also accelerate the research progress on the Heart of Chaos and the jade pendant,striving to unveil all the mysteries at the earliest possible time.Luo Chen stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky.He knew that this was just the beginning of a long journey.In the future, they would face more challenges,but as long as they were united, there were no difficulties that could not be overcome.“Regardless of what comes, I shall protect the peace of this realm,”Luo Chen silently vowed.