Capítulo 61: Infiltration of the Glacial Citadel IV

Mengting and Liu Wei cautiously made their way through the dimly lit corridors of the upper prison, their footsteps echoing softly against the cold stone walls. As they moved deeper into the maze-like structure, they couldn't help but notice the eerie silence that enveloped the surroundings. It was as if the entire section of the prison had been deserted, devoid of any sign of life.

Mengting furrowed her brow, her eyes scanning the empty cells that lined the corridors. "This is strange," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "There should be guards patrolling these halls. It's highly unusual to encounter such emptiness."

Liu Wei nodded in agreement, his hands tightly clutching the Guardian's Embrace shield strapped to his arm. "You're right," he responded, his voice filled with a mix of worry and curiosity. "It's strange that there are no guards here. It feels deliberate, like they want to keep us guessing. But what does it mean? And what could it imply about where my grandfather is being held?"

The absence of guards only heightened their sense of unease. Every step they took seemed to reverberate through the empty corridors, amplifying the quiet uneasiness that hung in the air. Mengting's instincts told her that something was amiss, a lurking danger waiting to reveal itself.

As they continued their journey, they exchanged cautious glances, their eyes searching for any clue that could shed light on the mysterious absence of guards. The prison's walls seemed to close in on them, casting long shadows that danced eerily in the dim light.

"I can't shake off this feeling of dread," Mengting whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's as if we're walking into a trap."

Liu Wei's jaw tightened, his expression a mix of determination and wariness. "We must remain vigilant," he replied, his voice resolute. "We cannot afford to let our guard down, even if the path seems clear. There's more to this than meets the eye."

The air grew colder as they ventured deeper into the heart of the upper prison. They passed empty cells, the metal bars gleaming in the faint glow of their torches. The oppressive silence weighed heavily on them, amplifying the intensity of their footsteps as they echoed through the desolate corridors.

As they continued their journey, the eerie absence of guards weighed heavily on their minds. Each step brought them closer to their destination, but it also heightened their apprehension. The true nature of the prison's emptiness remained shrouded in mystery, leaving them to wonder what awaited them at their final destination and whether they were walking into a carefully laid trap.

They reached the designated door, the very room that had been identified as one of the potential locations where Liu Yong could be held. Exchanging a glance, they mustered their courage and gingerly turned the doorknob, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

To their dismay, the room revealed not Liu Yong, but Liu Feng, wearing a smug grin on his face. "Ah, my dear nephew, it has been quite some time. I hope you haven't been too impatient for your own demise," he taunted.

Enraged, Liu Wei's voice reverberated through the room, his anger palpable. "Where is my grandfather?" he demanded, his fists clenched tightly. In response, Liu Feng replied nonchalantly, "In the realm of the departed, whether it be heaven or hell, I hope you and your grandfather will have a reunion."

Sensing Liu Wei's boiling emotions, Mengting stepped forward, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "Stay calm, Liu Wei," she urged, her voice steady and comforting, attempting to soothe his anger and frustration.

Despite the looming sense of impending doom, Mengting and Liu Wei clung to a glimmer of hope, their minds tirelessly working to devise a plan to turn the tide in their favor. Beads of sweat trickled down their faces, a testament to the intensity of their thoughts and the gravity of the situation they found themselves in.

"Enough with the games. I want to end this and return home," Liu Feng sneered as he lunged towards them. He unleashed a devastating roundhouse kick, channeling the formidable power of his earth element and his advanced cultivation level of Beginner Void Interpretation. The strike, capable of obliterating most opponents, seemed destined to incapacitate Liu Wei in an instant. However, to Liu Feng's astonishment, Liu Wei swiftly intercepted the attack, utilizing the protective capabilities of his Guardian's Embrace shield and bolstered by his Earth Guard Armor. His defensive measures thwarted the blow, sparing him from severe harm.

"Liu Wei!" Mengting called out urgently, harnessing the combined power of fire and water to conjure a dense fog, obscuring Liu Feng's vision and making it difficult for him to locate his target.

"Multiple elements? How intriguing," Liu Feng murmured, his interest piqued by Mengting's diverse elemental abilities.

Inside the suffocating shroud of the thick fog, Liu Wei's desperate assault of boulders cascaded towards Liu Feng. The massive rocks hurtled through the air with thunderous force, aiming to overwhelm their target. However, to Liu Wei's dismay, his adversary exhibited a level of skill and perception that defied belief. Liu Feng's senses, honed to a razor's edge, cut through the obscuring mist, enabling him to effortlessly deflect each boulder with calculated precision.

With an ominous grin, Liu Feng retaliated swiftly, unleashing a devastating strike. The sheer power behind his blow collided with Liu Wei's defenses, generating a shockwave that reverberated through the air. Though Liu Wei valiantly employed his earth elemental energy to mitigate the damage, the impact still sent him hurtling backwards, his body soaring through the darkened chamber. Time seemed to slow as Liu Wei's back collided with the unyielding stone wall, the resounding crash echoing in the chamber as pain rippled through his body.

The dust settled, revealing Liu Wei sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath. The encounter had left him disoriented and battered, his body protesting the harsh treatment it had endured. But even in the face of adversity, a flicker of determination burned in his eyes. He refused to succumb to defeat. With unwavering resolve, Liu Wei pushed himself upright, his earth elemental energy knitting his wounds and fortifying his weary form.

Undeterred by the sight of Liu Wei's setback, Mengting tapped into the combined powers of water and earth, a fusion of fluidity and solidity. With a surge of determination, she channeled her elemental abilities, manipulating the weight of earth to push water in a focused, high-pressure stream capable of cutting through solid objects.

The air crackled with anticipation as Mengting unleashed her unique elemental technique, directing the forceful torrent of water towards Liu Feng. The powerful jet sliced through the space with remarkable precision, aiming to engulf Liu Feng in its relentless assault. Yet, Liu Feng, ever the astute adversary, anticipated the attack. With lightning reflexes, he evaded the onslaught, nimble footwork carrying him out of harm's way.

Meanwhile, Mengting's focus had left her vulnerable, her defenses momentarily weakened. Sensing the opportunity, Liu Feng seized the moment, striking with a force that felt like a mountain crashing down. The impact sent Mengting hurtling through the air, her body spiraling uncontrollably. The resounding collision against the unyielding wall echoed through the chamber, leaving her senses reeling from the intensity of the blow.

As she lay on the ground, pain coursing through her battered form, Mengting fought against the encroaching darkness. The vision of her fallen comrade, Liu Wei, flashed in her mind, fueling her determination to rise again. With gritted teeth and renewed resolve, she pushed herself up, refusing to succumb to the overwhelming odds. Clutching onto her unwavering spirit, she prepared to face the daunting challenge ahead, her mastery of water and earth serving as a steadfast foundation for her next move.

Acknowledging Liu Wei with a determined nod, Mengting once again summoned a dense mist that enveloped the battleground, obscuring Liu Feng's vision. Within the shroud of mist, Mengting tapped into her vast elemental repertoire, combining various elements in innovative ways to unleash a barrage of unique and devastating attacks against Liu Feng.

With a flick of her wrist, she conjured swirling currents of water infused with the crackling energy of lightning, forming a lethal combination. The electrified water surged towards Liu Feng, crackling and sizzling as it arced through the air, seeking its target with deadly precision. Simultaneously, she infused solid earth with the scorching heat of fire, shaping it into molten projectiles that rained down upon Liu Feng, their impact causing eruptions of sparks and flames.

Unleashing the force of wind, Mengting created swirling vortexes that sent gusts of razor-sharp blades slicing through the mist, homing in on Liu Feng with unerring accuracy. She even manipulated the ethereal glow of light and the enigmatic power of darkness, weaving them together into ethereal tendrils that lashed out at Liu Feng, entangling him in their grip and draining his energy.

Mengting's mastery over the elements and her creative approach caught Liu Feng off guard. The bewildering array of attacks bombarded him from all directions, leaving him scrambling to defend himself. Each strike was a testament to Mengting's ingenuity and adaptability, exploiting the elemental weaknesses of her adversary. The battlefield crackled with energy, as her onslaught pushed Liu Feng to his limits, forcing him into a defensive stance.

With each calculated maneuver, Mengting aimed not only to subdue Liu Feng but to create openings for Liu Wei to counterattack. Their combined efforts showcased their unity and determination to rescue Liu Yong from the clutches of their enemies.

Seizing the opportunity created by Mengting's relentless assault, Liu Wei tapped into the depths of his earth energy, channeling it with focused intent. The ground beneath them trembled as he unleashed a powerful earthquake, causing cracks to spiderweb across the floor. Liu Feng, caught off guard by the sudden upheaval, lost his footing and tumbled downwards, his balance shattered.

While Liu Feng struggled to regain his composure, Mengting and Liu Wei swiftly coordinated their next move. Their actions were a testament to their unwavering teamwork and their determination to bring an end to this battle. With their combined efforts, they summoned their elemental powers once again, shaping a massive rock dome that encased Liu Feng, trapping him within its confines.

Knowing that Liu Feng's formidable skills would pose a threat if given the chance, Mengting and Liu Wei unleashed the deadly poison provided by Lian Yaoshi. The potent toxin, carefully crafted for situations just like this, seeped into the enclosed space, its malevolent presence suffusing the air. The poison, designed to neutralize even the most resilient foes, would leave Liu Feng incapacitated, his strength drained and his movements restricted.

The dome became a prison of stone and venom, sealing Liu Feng's fate. Inside, he found himself battling not only the physical constraints of the rock but also the relentless effects of the lethal poison. With each passing moment, his struggles grew weaker, his body succumbing to the venom's paralyzing grip.

Mengting and Liu Wei stood outside the dome, watching as their plan unfolded, their expressions resolute and determined. They had found a way to neutralize Liu Feng's threat, relying on strategy and resourcefulness rather than brute force alone. As the toxic effects of the poison took hold, Liu Feng's movements slowed, his defiance fading.

In this critical moment, Mengting and Liu Wei understood the significance of their actions. They had successfully overcome the odds, combining their strengths and employing every resource at their disposal to subdue their adversary. Now, as the poison took its toll, they remained vigilant, ready to act swiftly and decisively should Liu Feng attempt to escape his rocky prison.

With a nod of understanding, Mengting focused her concentration once again. She tapped into the depths of her Fire and Earth elemental powers, merging them seamlessly. As the energy surged within her, she conjured forth molten lava, a force of nature that flowed with a destructive intensity. The lava cascaded into the confines of the dome, its searing heat ensuring that no escape was possible.

The crackling of flames mingled with the rumbling of the solidifying lava as it enveloped Liu Feng, sealing his fate within a prison of molten rock. Mengting and Liu Wei stood at a safe distance, their eyes fixed on the dome, ensuring that their opponent would remain trapped and incapacitated. Her father Zenki had always told her that it was better to be safe than sorry.

Satisfied with their success, Mengting turned her attention to Liu Wei. "We did it, Liu Wei. Liu Feng's threat has been neutralized," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and determination. "Now, let's continue our mission and find Master Liu."

Liu Wei nodded, his gaze unwavering. "We cannot waste any more time. Grandfather's life hangs in the balance," he replied, his voice tinged with urgency. With renewed determination, they moved forward, their steps quickening as they pressed on to the next room.

Upon entering, their hearts sank at the sight before them. Liu Yong, battered and broken, lay shackled and barely clinging to life. The room echoed with his pained groans, a testament to the torment he had endured.

Mengting's eyes welled with tears, a mix of sorrow and anger. "Master Liu, we're here to save you," she whispered softly, her voice laced with empathy and determination. With careful precision, they released Liu Yong from his restraints, offering him much-needed relief from his ordeal.

With their team reunited, Mengting and Liu Wei led the group through the treacherous corridors and icy landscapes of the Glacial Citadel. The bitter cold bit at their skin, but their determination burned brighter, fueling their every step. The gravity of their mission weighed heavily on their minds as they navigated the labyrinthine paths, mindful of the vulnerability of Zhang Wei and Lian Yaoshi.

Zhang Wei, once a formidable force, now stood bereft of his cultivation. The Ephemeral Ascendence Elixir, meant to grant great power, had instead stripped him of his abilities. Lian Yaoshi, too, bore the consequences of their ill-fated decision. As they walked, a somber silence enveloped the group, each member contemplating the implications of their choices.

Mengting's gaze occasionally shifted to Zhang Wei, her heart heavy with a mixture of sympathy and guilt. She understood the burden he carried, the weight of his lost strength. She vowed to protect him, to ensure his safety despite the adversities they faced.

Liu Wei, ever vigilant, watched over the group, his senses heightened by his Beginner Spiritual Ascending cultivation. He scanned their surroundings, ever alert for any signs of danger. Each step he took was deliberate, leaving no room for missteps or unforeseen pitfalls.

Their progress through the Glacial Citadel was slow and deliberate, cautious of the unseen threats that lurked within the icy fortress. Mengting, drawing upon her connection to the elements, used her mastery of fire, water, earth, lightning, ice, wind, light, and dark to create pockets of warmth, shielding her companions from the bone-chilling cold. The group huddled together, seeking solace and strength in their shared determination to rescue Liu Yong and bring justice to those who had wronged them.

Hours turned into days as they pressed forward, their footfalls muffled by the pristine snow beneath their boots. The Glacial Citadel loomed ominously around them, its icy walls a stark reminder of the formidable challenges they faced. Yet, with each passing obstacle, their resolve grew stronger. They had come too far to falter now.

Finally, as they neared the exit of the Glacial Citadel, a glimmer of hope pierced through the frigid air. The weight of their caution slowly lifted, replaced by a renewed sense of anticipation. They could almost taste the freedom that awaited them beyond those icy walls.

Mengting glanced at her comrades, a mix of weariness and determination etched on their faces. They had faced countless trials and tribulations, but their spirits remained unbroken. As they took their final steps out of the citadel, the sunlight welcomed them, its warmth a comforting embrace after the harsh cold.

Together, they stood, a united force ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The Glacial Citadel may have tested their strength and resolve, but they emerged stronger, their bonds forged through adversity. With Liu Yong rescued and their team intact, they turned their gaze to the future, driven by a shared purpose and the unyielding spirit that burned within them.

Using the Communication Talisman, they relayed the news of Liu Yong's rescue to Zenki. Their voices carried across the ethereal connection, the weight of their accomplishment evident in their words. They spoke of the treacherous journey through the Glacial Citadel, the battles fought, and the sacrifices made. Their voices resonated with a mixture of relief and triumph, knowing that their mission had been accomplished.

Attentively, Zenki absorbed every word of their account as he listened from the other end of the communication. With each passing moment, the heavy burden of worry that had plagued him for days began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of relief. Pride surged through his veins, knowing that his daughters, Yu Mei, and Mengting, alongside their comrades, had defied insurmountable obstacles to secure Liu Yong's rescue.

As they spoke, the relief in Zenki's voice was palpable. He expressed his gratitude to the group, praising their courage and determination. Their success brought hope to his heart, rekindling the flickering flame of optimism that had threatened to extinguish in the face of adversity.

The Communication Talisman served as a lifeline, bridging the physical distance between them. Through its mystical power, the words of their triumph reached Zenki, providing solace and reassurance. Their voices carried not just the news of Liu Yong's rescue, but also the unbreakable bond that had formed within the team.

At that moment, the connection between them transcended time and space. It was a testament to the strength of their unity, and the power of their collective will. The weight of their accomplishment settled upon them, filling them with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. They had saved one of their own, and in doing so, they had reaffirmed their commitment to justice and the pursuit of truth.

With the news conveyed, they could almost feel Zenki's pride radiating through the communication link. They knew that their journey was far from over, but this moment of victory served as a beacon of hope, fueling their determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the communication ended, a sense of camaraderie lingered in the air. They had forged an unbreakable bond through shared hardships and triumphs. With their rescue mission accomplished and their spirits renewed, they stood united, ready to face the next chapter of their journey.