Sure enough, just as they were moving forward vigilantly, a black shadow suddenly jumped out of the mist and headed straight for them.
Luo Chen reacted quickly, swung his long sword, and a sword light instantly cut through the air and collided with the black shadow.
"Bang!"
There was a loud noise, and the black shadow was hit by the sword light and flew backwards, revealing its true face, a monster beast mixed with darkness.
This demonic beast has red eyes and exposed fangs. It is obviously a ferocious spiritual beast.
"This is just the beginning, there are more powerful defenders behind." The middle-aged man's voice sounded again, reminding them not to take it lightly.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang looked at each other, their eyes shining with determination.
They knew that only by passing this test could they have a chance to compete for the spiritual stone.
So, they continued to move forward, encountering various guardians along the way, including ferocious monsters, strange illusions, and powerful formation traps.
But no matter what difficulties they faced, they overcame them all with firm belief and tacit cooperation.
In this process, the strength of Luo Chen and Qing Shuang has also been greatly improved.
They not only learned how to better use their martial arts and spells, but also learned how to find breakthroughs in difficult situations and how to cooperate with teammates to cope with challenges together.
Finally, after countless battles and tests, they came to the end of the test space.
There, they saw the exit to the outside world and the middle-aged man standing in front of the exit waiting for them.
"Congratulations, you passed the test." The middle-aged man said with a smile, "You have shown extraordinary strength and tenacity, and you are qualified to compete for the spiritual stone."
When Luo Chen and Qing Shuang heard this, they both had happy smiles on their faces.
They know that this is the result of their efforts and proof of their strength.
However, just as they were about to leave the test space, the middle-aged man suddenly changed the subject: "However, I want to remind you that the road to fighting for the spiritual stones is full of unknowns and dangers. You must be fully prepared to deal with it. Down the challenge ”
When Luo Chen and Qing Shuang heard this, they both suppressed their smiles and listened carefully to the middle-aged man's warning.
They knew this was not just a reminder, but a warning.
"We understand, senior." Luo Chen said in a deep voice: "We will be fully prepared to meet the next challenge."
The middle-aged man nodded, then waved his hand, and a ray of light enveloped Luo Chen and Qing Shuang, instantly sending them out of the testing space.
When they opened their eyes again, they were back on the stage.
Nearby, there were monks who also wanted to compete for the spiritual stone.
At this time, everyone also looked at the other competitors with vigilance.
The surrounding air seemed to be frozen, and all the monks' eyes were focused on Luo Chen and Qing Shuang.
The feat they had just passed through the space test undoubtedly shocked everyone present.
Those monks who originally looked down upon Luo Chen and Qing Shuang now had to re-examine these two seemingly young opponents.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang looked at each other and saw firmness and determination in each other's eyes.
They know that the next battle will be more difficult, but they are also ready to meet all challenges.
At this moment, a crisp bell suddenly rang, breaking the silence in the ring.
This is the signal that the battle for spiritual stones has officially begun.
"Everyone, the battle for the spirit stones begins now!" The middle-aged man stood in the center of the ring and announced loudly.
His voice was like thunder, echoing throughout the arena.
Following the middle-aged man's announcement, the atmosphere in the ring instantly became tense.
The monks released their cultivation aura one after another, preparing for the upcoming battle.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang did not show any weakness. They quickly adjusted their state and prepared to face the next challenge.
They know that on this battlefield, only the strong can survive.
"Qingshuang, let's go!" Luo Chen shouted and took the lead to rush to the center of the ring.
Qingshuang followed closely behind, and the two fought side by side to face the upcoming enemy together.
The first wave of attacks came from a monk who was not weak in cultivation.
He was holding a long knife and his figure was like the wind, and he came to Luo Chen in an instant.
However, Luo Chen seemed to have anticipated his attack, leaning to one side and easily dodging the opponent's attack.
At the same time, the long sword in his hand was like a spiritual snake coming out of its hole, instantly stabbing the opponent's vitals.
"Ding!"
The long sword and the long knife collided together, making a crisp sound.
The monk obviously didn't expect Luo Chen to fight back so quickly, and his expression changed slightly.
However, he was also a monk with strong cultivation after all. He quickly stabilized his figure and started a fierce confrontation with Luo Chen.
Qingshuang saw this and was not idle. She flashed and came to another monk.
This monk was obviously much more powerful than the previous one, but he did not take Qingshuang seriously.
However, when he actually fought against Qingshuang, he realized that he was completely wrong.
Although Qingshuang's martial arts are not as sharp as Luo Chen's, they are extremely flexible and versatile.
Like a dancing butterfly, she shuttled around the opponent, constantly looking for flaws in the opponent.
Finally, with a clever cooperation, she and Luo Chen launched attacks at the same time, knocking the two monks to the ground.
The next battle was even more intense.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang relied on their tacit cooperation and outstanding strength to pass through all the obstacles and defeat all the monks who tried to stop them.
Their names quickly spread in the ring and became the focus of everyone's attention.
However, they know that the real challenge has just begun.
The spiritual stone in the center of the ring is their ultimate goal.
And if you want to get it, you must defeat all the monks who want to fight for it.
As time goes by, there are fewer and fewer monks in the ring.
The weaker monks have been eliminated, while the remaining ones are the truly strong ones.
The battles between them also became more intense and cruel.
Luochen and Qingshuang also felt unprecedented pressure.
They know that every battle that follows will be a battle of life and death.
But they did not back down, but strengthened their beliefs.
Finally, after experiencing countless battles and tests, they came to the center of the ring.
There, they saw the spiritual stone that radiated bright light.
At the same time, they also saw several other strong men who also wanted to compete for this spiritual stone.
"This moment has finally come." Luo Chen whispered, his eyes flashing with determination.
Qingshuang also nodded, her heart also filled with anticipation and nervousness.
She knew that the ensuing battle would determine whether they could obtain this spiritual stone.
"Let's go!" Luo Chen took a deep breath and rushed towards the strong men first. Qingshuang followed closely behind, and the two fought side by side again to face the next challenge together.
The battle lasted for a whole day and night.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang relied on their outstanding strength and tacit cooperation to finally defeat all the strong men who wanted to compete for the spirit stones.
When the last opponent fell in front of them, the entire ring erupted.
"We won!" Luo Chen and Qing Shuang smiled at each other, their faces filled with the joy of victory.
The middle-aged man also showed a satisfied smile.
He walked up to Luo Chen and Qing Shuang and handed them the spiritual stone.
"You have shown extraordinary strength and tenacity. You deserve this spiritual stone."
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang took the spirit stones, and their hearts were filled with gratitude.
They know that this spiritual stone not only represents their victory and glory, but also represents their future hopes and dreams.
After getting the spirit stone, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang hurriedly left the place.
They planned to find an inn in this city.
For the time being, settle down first.
Practice in seclusion for a period of time, absorb the spiritual power in the spiritual stone, and then think about other things.
"That inn called Fanchenju seems interesting. How about we go there and have a look?"
Hearing this, Qingshuang looked in the direction Luo Chen pointed, and saw an inn not far away called "Fanchenju", which looked particularly warm and simple under the afterglow of the setting sun.
On the signboard of the inn, there are several large characters outlined in gold. Although it has gone through wind and frost, it is still clearly visible, showing the precipitation of the years.
"Okay, let's take that one." Qingshuang smiled and nodded, feeling an inexplicable sense of intimacy in her heart.
The two of them immediately quickened their pace and walked towards the "Mortal Residence".
Stepping into the inn, a faint aroma of tea and food intertwined with each other, hitting the nostrils and refreshing people.
The interior decoration of the inn is simple and elegant, with wooden tables, chairs, and bamboo screens, every detail reveals the craftsman's intention and the elegance of life.
"Two guests, do you want to stay?" A middle-aged woman came up to us with a smile on her face and her eyes full of enthusiasm and kindness.
Luo Chen and Qing Shuang looked at each other and nodded.
"Okay, you two, please come with me." The middle-aged woman led them through several screens and came to a clean and tidy guest room.
She gently opened the door and let Luo Chen and Qing Shuang go in to check.
The guest room is very warmly decorated, with a large wooden bed covered with soft bedding.
There is a desk by the window, and an exquisite oil lamp is placed on the table.
Outside the window, there is a lush bamboo forest. The breeze blows and the bamboo leaves rustle, as if it is the most melodious movement of nature.
"This place is good, let's just get this one." Luo Chen nodded with satisfaction, turned around and said to the middle-aged woman.
Qingshuang also smiled and agreed.
"Okay, please wait a moment, I will prepare hot water and food for you two." After the middle-aged woman finished speaking, she turned and left, leaving behind a sound of light footsteps.
Luochen and Qingshuang looked at each other and smiled, then closed the door.
They knew that the next time would be a precious time for them to practice in seclusion and absorb the spiritual power of the spirit stones.
In the following days, Luochen and Qingshuang almost stayed at home.
Apart from eating and resting, they spend the rest of their time practicing in seclusion.
The spiritual power in the spiritual stones poured into their bodies continuously, nourishing their meridians and Dantian.
As time goes by, their cultivation is constantly improving.
However, retreat practice is not always smooth sailing.
In the process of absorbing the spiritual power of the spirit stones, they also encountered many challenges and difficulties.
Sometimes, the spiritual power would suddenly become violent and attack their meridians.
Sometimes, they fall into a deep epiphany and are unable to extricate themselves.
But no matter what difficulties they encountered, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang overcame them all with their tenacity and deep cultivation.
During this time, they often exchanged their practice experiences and experiences with each other.
Luochen is good at swordsmanship and movement. His swordsmanship is sharp and changeable. Qingshuang is good at medical skills and hidden weapons. Her medical skills are superb and her hidden weapons are accurate.
The two learn from each other and learn from each other, making their cultivation more comprehensive and powerful.
Finally one day, when the last trace of spiritual power was absorbed by them, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang opened their eyes at the same time.
Their eyes shone with dazzling light, like two bright stars.
They knew that after this period of retreat, their cultivation had made a qualitative leap.
"Qingshuang, I feel that my power is much stronger now than before."
Luo Chen stood up, stretched his muscles and felt the powerful force surging within his body.
"Me too."
Qingshuang smiled and nodded, her eyes also shining with confidence and determination, "Our current cultivation is enough to deal with more challenges."
The two looked at each other and smiled, then planned to walk out of the guest room.
As soon as he opened the door, a dazzling light pierced Luo Chen's eyes.
I haven’t come out for a long time, but now I suddenly come out.
It really feels like I'm a little uncomfortable with it.
Luo Chen narrowed his eyes slightly. After the sudden burst of light gradually dissipated, he slowly adapted to the light from the outside world.
He looked around and found that the corridor of the inn still maintained its tranquility and simplicity, but there was a fresh breath in the air, and it seemed that even time had slowed down here.
"It seems that the outside world has not changed much during our retreat." Luo Chen said softly, with a hint of emotion in his tone.
Qing Shuang also walked out of the guest room. She stood next to Luo Chen, also looking at the end of the corridor, with a flash of thought in her eyes.
“However, since we have been in seclusion for so long, it’s time to go out and see the changes in the world.”
Hearing this, Luo Chen nodded. He did have such thoughts.
Although retreat practice is important, it cannot be isolated from the world.
They need to understand the dynamics of the outside world in order to better cope with future challenges.
So, the two decided to leave the inn and go shopping in the city.
They walked through the busy streets, admiring the dazzling array of shops and bustling crowds on both sides.
Everything here seems so vibrant and full of energy.
While wandering around the city, Luo Chen and Qing Shuang accidentally discovered an interesting market.
This market is called "Treasure Pavilion", which brings together rare treasures and rare medicinal materials from all over the world.
They couldn't help but be attracted by this market and decided to go in and have a look.
After entering the Treasure Pavilion, they seemed to have entered a strange and bizarre world. (End of chapter)