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Lurking at the entrance to the fourth layer of the underground palace from the third layer, I didn't have to wait long. After two hours, a sudden, intense tremor arose beneath my feet. Immediately, shrill alarms blared from all directions, and the clamor of guards running in panic filled the air, plunging the entire underground palace into chaos.

At the same time, the layers of magical and holy defenses began operating systematically. As the guards evacuated, countless defensive formations activated at full capacity. Countless layers of white or multicolored light curtains unfolded, protecting the upper levels of the palace. Simultaneously, the two massive alloy doors at the entrance to the fourth layer slowly closed.

I knew that this moment was fleeting, so I immediately unleashed the unparalleled lightness skill "Unceasing Phantom," darting through the gradually closing doors. My body sank as I landed within the fourth layer of the underground palace. The doors slammed shut behind me, but I had no qualms; if I succeeded, I would find a way out, and if not, I would die honorably. How could I face Master Dajiaxi's sacrifice otherwise? Am I, Chen Xuanfeng, one who fears death?

The fourth layer of the underground palace was far smaller than the three above, yet it still spanned a hundred paces. Upon entering, I saw an array of talismans and formations covering every inch of the ceiling, floor, walls, and pillars, densely packed beyond count. I cursed the Light Sage's obsessive handiwork under my breath, gathered my qi, and leaped forward, fully activating the "Holy Ice Thorn Halo." Its coverage nearly reached half of the fourth layer, and even the twelve sages' magical system couldn't resist the absolute influence of the divine laws. The Light Sage likely never anticipated a "Holy Grail Knight" breaking the formation, so the reaction speed dropped several levels. Although the magic barrages were still overwhelming, there was now a glimmer of hope, unlike before when even a Sword Saint could be killed.

I fully unleashed the "Unceasing Phantom" lightness skill, transforming into a streak of light while creating numerous afterimages within a ten-foot radius, dodging most attacks. Simultaneously, I activated the "Platinum Mirror Demon Armor," enveloping myself in a golden aura shield and wielding the "Divine Punishment Light Thunder" with the "Doushu Eight Scenic Sword Technique." A layer of platinum sword light and thunder enveloped my body, deflecting the incoming magical divine rays. Within three breaths, I had traversed dozens of paces and landed in the center of the fourth layer. Even with my best efforts to dodge and intercept, I still endured at least ten attacks. Despite the dual protection, I suffered internal injuries and spat out two mouthfuls of blood. I dared not let the blood touch the ground, so I waved my hand, causing the blood to meet the scorching white light and evaporate into a cloud of blood mist.

Looking up, I saw a small, eye-sized golden orb hovering motionlessly on the central ceiling, emitting countless halos that continuously infused the entire hall's magic formations. This was the light-element high-grade super magical beast crystal core serving as the power source.

Before coming here, I had thoroughly researched the intricacies of the underground palace and devised a plan, knowing that I had only one chance. Withstanding the magic from all sides, I forcefully increased my power, focused my mind, and pulled out a golden sphere identical to the one overhead. Channeling my true qi, I threw it with all my might.

The golden sphere shot towards the airborne crystal core, which wasn't defenseless. As soon as the sphere approached, several layers of light curtains illuminated around it, forming a protective barrier. In reality, the crystal core, serving as the core power source for the palace's defenses, had far more extensive defenses. Not only did external layers prevent enemy intrusion, but even near the core, the defenses were exceptionally tight. Anyone approaching would cause the core to retreat into the protective platform on the ceiling, and the intruder would be blasted apart by magic from all sides. Even if someone moved extremely fast, touching the three protective barriers would trigger spatial magic formations, teleporting them to distant traps where they would be obliterated.

However, since I was prepared, I had a solution. By using the changes in the fifth underground layer to divert most of the reactions, I then used the "Holy Ice Thorn Halo" to break through at full speed, reaching below the crystal core before most defenses activated. The sphere I launched was made from a ninth-level light-element magical beast crystal core, resembling the super crystal core in appearance and function, differing only in energy level. Due to its speed, the overhead crystal core didn't have time to retreat before colliding head-on. The sphere, imbued with the purest light magic by Jin Luosha using the Light Sage's Holy Beetle, was recognized as friendly by the magic system and didn't trigger any traps.

The technique I used to launch the sphere was the "Sunset Sky Bow" from the "Nine Yin Manual," a powerful unarmed arrow technique. Infused with potent battle qi and nine threads of Nine Yin True Qi, it pierced through the three protective layers. The final thread of qi burst forth, creating a gentle force that nudged the crystal core aside and replaced it with the sphere. The super magical beast crystal core, guided by my palm force, fell into my hand. Though the ninth-level magical beast crystal core took its place, the emitted light remained, but the output of magic power dropped significantly. Without sufficient power, the surrounding magic attacks gradually diminished. Since the magic source wasn't lost, the formations didn't alert anyone, and their activation frequency slowed a hundredfold. Unless the formations operated at full capacity, no one would notice my switch.

Finally catching my breath, I turned to look around.

The fourth layer of the underground palace housed the Temple's most precious treasures. Compared to its size, there were very few items here. Within the hundred-pace square palace, only twelve platforms existed, and only seven held objects. Besides the "Doomsday Horn" I needed, there was an inverted crystal skull—the first divine artifact, the "Eternal Holy Grail"—a black fog-enshrouded staff, a thorn-like black crown, a green ring, an ancient armor, and an old book. I didn't dare be greedy and lunged towards the "Doomsday Horn," broke through the defenses with my divine sword, seized the genuine artifact, placed the replica inside, and stored the real "Doomsday Horn" in my spatial pocket.