Lin Zheyu glanced at the others. Seeing no objections, he chose a spot and took up guard. They were already not far from the space-time rift. Looking into the distance, the massive rift was less than eight hundred meters away. However, the demonic qi in this area was terrifyingly dense.

The void was filled with all kinds of terrifying pressure and Dao resonance, heavily suppressing Lin Zheyu's Perception Domain. He could only vaguely sense the aura emanating from the space-time rift.

"Another one went in!" Lin Zheyu's gaze sharpened slightly.

Just moments ago, he sensed another unfamiliar aura leap into the space-time rift.

"If you fight your way across the space-time rift and enter the demonic realm, does it increase the chances of obtaining rule fragments?" Lin Zheyu turned and asked Bai Lin nearby.

"That's right. The descent of rule fragments does involve a lot of luck, but the closer you are to the space-time rift, and the more yaos and wraiths you kill, the higher your chances. That said, it's not absolute. Every time, there are lucky ones who obtain great fortune at the outer edges of the demon god barrier. But if you fight your way to the other side, it's different. As long as you survive, the opportunities you gain will far surpass anything you can obtain here," Bai Lin explained, a trace of envy flashing in his eyes.

He also wanted to fight his way across, but the other side was far too dangerous. Once you went in, you almost never came back. Only true monsters, those unafraid of death, would dare to gamble like that. Bai Lin had no such intention.

"I see. Many thanks for the explanation, Fellow Daoist Bai." Lin Zheyu nodded, abandoning the thought of going in.

Although he could transform into his yao form, it was not foolproof. Since the upheaval began, he had seen at least a dozen people enter the other side of the space-time rift. Anyone who dared go in alone must be incredibly powerful. If he transformed into a yao and drew their attention, there would be no way out. Opportunities were valuable, but only if one lived to enjoy them. With Origin Force at his disposal, there was no need for Lin Zheyu to risk his life for such a slim chance.

***

The wind howled violently. Terrifying tides of energy surged and roared, while immense pressure poured out from the space-time rift, making it feel as though one could barely breathe. As time passed, the pressure grew even more overwhelming.

Lin Zheyu's eyes narrowed as he said in a low voice, "Someone's coming!"

"Ignore them." Ji Ziyang glanced up, let out a cold snort, and continued setting up the formation.

"We only need to hold this position. Once the space-time node fully connects, there will be a wave of yaos. After that, we just kill as many as we can," Ji Ziyang said calmly.

"Hmph, just a bunch of trash trying to take over someone else's nest," Lei Yongtao snorted, his eyes full of disdain.

He knew exactly what those people were planning. They were waiting for them to finish setting up the formation and slaughter a large number of yaos, then strike just before the sacrifice to activate the formation, seizing everything for themselves. Such things were nothing new, and they had already prepared countermeasures. This formation was not just for sacrificing yao flesh. It also incorporated both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Lin Zheyu quietly observed the others' expressions. Seeing their complete disdain for those lurking in the darkness, he relaxed slightly. He glanced at the formation Ji Zitong and the others were setting up. It was extremely intricate. Strange materials and dense formation patterns filled the area. Just one look was enough to confirm that it was far beyond his understanding. He shook his head and stopped paying attention to the formation.

At the space-time node, the terrifying aura continued to build. Vast amounts of oppressive energy poured out from the space-time rift, spreading throughout the demon god barrier. The two worlds were gradually colliding and merging, with the space-time node acting as the bridge between them. It would likely take several more hours, perhaps even a day or two, for the connection to be complete. Above, a dreadful aura of destruction gathered across the sky.

Even after condensing into droplets and falling as a wave of Annihilation Black Rain, the destructive force in the sky remained terrifying. Purple-black nether lightning streaked through the heavy aura again and again, like thunder heralding the end of the world.

Suddenly, a deafening roar of a yao burst out from the space-time rift. Lin Zheyu saw a massive yao over six meters tall break free from the suppression of the Buddha hand and leap out of the rift. Its body was torn open, flesh split apart, as thick black blood gushed out.

At the instant it leaped out, a streak of blue sword light shot from the darkness, piercing straight toward the yao's brow.

Immediately after, more than a dozen flashes of dharma artifact light streaked across the sky, blasting toward the yao that had just emerged from the space-time rift. In an instant, that once imposing creature was reduced to pulp.

"Hehe..."

Tu Yuan glanced at Lin Zheyu, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly in a barely noticeable sneer. When he saw Lin Zheyu looking over, the expression faded, replaced by a friendly smile.

This guy...

Lin Zheyu frowned slightly.

He had the distinct feeling that Tu Yuan bore ill intent toward him. It was a kind of martial instinct. Ever since that mysterious golden energy entered his sea of consciousness, Lin Zheyu's martial intuition had sharpened, allowing him to sense hidden malice. Just now, although Tu Yuan concealed it well, he still caught a faint trace of hostility.

Looks like his earlier offer to buy back the storage pouch was just to lower my guard, Lin Zheyu thought to himself.

Still, he did not dwell on it. Even if Tu Yuan intended to make a move, it would not be now. At the very least, it would be after the space-time node was fully connected and the tide of yaos surged forth.

Lin Zheyu shook his head slightly and stopped paying attention to Tu Yuan. While remaining alert to his surroundings, he focused on sensing the intense void fluctuations emanating from the space-time rift. Here, the spatial fluctuations were clearer than ever before.

"Spatial power... so this is spatial power..." Lin Zheyu murmured softly.

The void held not only powerful fluctuations but also countless terrifying traces of rule-based aura.

Lin Zheyu knew well that trying to grasp too much at once would only lead to failure. He ignored the other auras and focused entirely on the spatial fluctuations. After his previous battle with the barbarian warrior who wielded spatial power, he had already gained some insight. Now, with this opportunity to confirm those realizations, his understanding of spatial power was rising at an astonishing pace.

Suddenly, Lin Zheyu flicked the fingers of his left hand slightly, and an extremely tiny crack condensed between his fingertips. It lasted for less than a breath before vanishing with a soft pop.

"It worked!"

A faint trace of joy flashed through Lin Zheyu's eyes. Though extremely weak, it meant he had reached Initiation and that his understanding was on the right path.

It's not enough. The spatial power is still too weak. It takes far too much energy to leverage it. It's not worth it. Let's continue...

Lin Zheyu murmured inwardly as he kept focusing on the spatial fluctuations within the void.

Shi Mulan cast a subtle glance at Lin Zheyu, curiosity rising toward this unfamiliar martial artist.

Where did this guy even come from? Shi Mulan wondered to herself.

Her instincts were sharp. From Lin Zheyu, she sensed a mysterious and powerful aura. It was not just her. Bai Lin, Lei Yongtao, and the others also cast occasional curious glances his way. Lin Zheyu ignored them. Right now, he was seizing every moment to immerse himself in his comprehension of spatial power. Being so close to the space-time rift, the spatial fluctuations here were exceptionally intense.

As time passed and the two worlds continued to collide and merge, the spatial fluctuations churned like boiling water. The faint strands of spatial power that rose like steam were the most suitable for comprehension and absorption.

"Hm? Fellow Daoist Xiao is comprehending spatial power?"

Ji Zitong, who was setting up the formation, suddenly sensed a familiar aura. She looked up at Lin Zheyu, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Has his spirit and soul reached this level? He can actually gain insight from such violent spatial fluctuations?

Ji Zitong was astonished. She blinked her bright eyes and could not help but take a few more looks at Lin Zheyu.