Multiple Personalities

A group of mysterious figures suddenly leaped out from the shadows around, surrounding them completely. These were the same mysterious figures who had previously snatched the map; their faces were covered with black scarves, revealing only a pair of greedy eyes, glinting eerily under the light.

"Hand over the crystal, it belongs to us." The leader's voice was deep and hoarse, as if it came from Hell. He took a step forward, his black robe billowing in the wind, emanating a chilling aura.

Shen Jingqi tightly guarded the crystal, his body crouched slightly like a leopard ready to pounce at any moment. His eyes showed determination and decisiveness as he shouted, "Don't even think about it. We won't let you have it. This crystal holds a greater secret and must not fall into the hands of those with ill intentions."

The mysterious figure sneered, his eyes full of disdain, "Hmph, with just you? Stop your futile resistance. This crystal should be ours, hand it over if you know what's good for you, or none of you will leave here alive today." As he spoke, he waved his hand, and the mysterious figures behind him drew their weapons, the blades glistening coldly under the light.

Lin Yue's heartbeat quickened, her hands unconsciously clutching the corners of her clothes, filled with fear, but even more so with a steadfast commitment to justice. She gathered her courage and said loudly, "You robbers think you can get everything by force? We won't be afraid of you!"

Shen Jingqi glanced at Lin Yue, a hint of approval and encouragement in his eyes. He whispered, "Don't be afraid. We can protect the crystal." Lin Yue nodded, her gaze becoming resolute.

Shen Jingqi and Lin Yue stood back-to-back, vigilantly watching the mysterious figures around them.

Suddenly, a mysterious figure brandished a long sword and rushed toward Shen Jingqi. Shen Jingqi's eyes sharpened, swiftly sidestepping to dodge the fierce blow. He seized the opportunity to grab the mysterious figure's arm and with a powerful swing, flung the figure away. However, before he could catch his breath, two more mysterious figures attacked from both sides. Shen Jingqi lunged forward, kicking one in the chest and elbowing another in the face. The mysterious figures let out a cry and fell to the ground.

Lin Yue was not idle either, though not as strong as Shen Jingqi, she was agile. She moved deftly among the mysterious figures, using a dagger to engage them. Timing it perfectly, she suddenly stabbed a mysterious figure in the arm, causing him to drop his weapon in pain.

The battle grew increasingly intense, with more mysterious figures surging forward.

Shen Jingqi defended against the mysterious figures' attacks while contemplating strategies. Suddenly, his eyes fell on the crystal in his hand. A thought struck him—could the energy within this crystal help them escape this predicament?

As he maneuvered against the mysterious figures, he attempted to establish some kind of connection with the crystal. While he was fully engrossed, a mysterious figure seized the opportunity to sneak up from behind. Lin Yue's quick eyes and sharp instincts kicked in, and she shouted, "Watch out!" as she leapt towards Shen Jingqi, using her own body to shield him from the blow.

"Yuanyuan!" Shen Jingqi roared in fury, his eyes instantly turning red. Furious, he glared at the mysterious figure, the anger in his heart erupting like a volcano. He concentrated his focus, attempting to activate the crystal's energy. At that moment, the crystal suddenly emitted a powerful light, and a wave of strong energy radiated outwards from him as the center.

The mysterious figures staggered back, shocked by the sudden wave of energy. They stared in fear at the crystal in Shen Jingqi's hand, their eyes filled with terror.

"What... what is this power?" The leader of the mysterious figures trembled as he spoke.

Shen Jingqi felt an unprecedented power surging through him, as if he had become one with the crystal. He shouted loudly, pushing his hands forward, and a beam of energy shot out from the crystal, instantly knocking several mysterious figures into the air. Seeing their disadvantage, the mysterious figures began to waver.

However, the leader of the mysterious figures was unwilling to give up so easily. He gritted his teeth and shouted, "Don't be afraid, this power won't last long, let's charge and seize the crystal!" Encouraged by his words, the mysterious figures regained their courage and rushed toward Shen Jingqi and Lin Yue.

Shen Jingqi and Lin Yue stood back-to-back, continuing to fiercely resist. They knew that the crystal was the key to unlocking the world's secrets and must not fall into the hands of these evil people. But as time passed, the crystal's energy seemed to be gradually weakening, and they were once again in a predicament.

Just when they were feeling desperate, the ground suddenly shook violently. Cracks began spreading from all around, as if a mysterious power was awakening underground. The mysterious figures also stopped in their tracks, frightened by the sudden change, looking around in bewilderment.

"What's happening?" Lin Yue asked in alarm.

Shen Jingqi clasped the crystal tightly, filled with doubt. He sensed that this underground power seemed to have some connection with the crystal. Could this crystal be the source of everything?

Suddenly, black mist surged from the cracks in the ground, quickly spreading and enveloping the entire space. The mysterious figures screamed incessantly in the mist, as if they were being attacked by some force. Shen Jingqi and Lin Yue also felt dizzy, but they fought to stay conscious.

"There's something wrong with this mist, everyone be careful!" Shen Jingqi shouted loudly.

In the mist, they could only see vague shadows. Suddenly, a gigantic black shadow emerged from the mist, its large form and hideous face emanating a suffocatingly evil aura.

"What is this monster?" Lin Yue cried out in horror.

Shen Jingqi tightly guarded the crystal, knowing that this monster was likely attracted by the crystal's energy. He took a deep breath and said, "Yuanyuan, don't be afraid. We must hold on, this monster may be the key to unlocking all secrets."

The monster roared and lunged toward them. Shen Jingqi and Lin Yue quickly split to attack from both sides. Shen Jingqi swung his fists, pounding on the monster's body, but its skin was as hard as iron, and his attacks had little effect. Lin Yue seized the moment to stab the monster in the eye with her dagger; the monster recoiled in pain, violently shaking its head and throwing Lin Yue off.

"Yuanyuan!" Shen Jingqi's heart tightened, disregarding his own safety and rushed toward Lin Yue. He lifted her up anxiously, asking, "Are you okay?"

Lin Yue shook her head, "I'm fine, let's keep fighting."

In that moment, the monster attacked again. It opened its massive jaws and spewed black flames. Shen Jingqi and Lin Yue quickly evaded, the flames brushing past them and scorching the ground to blackness.