Leaving the ancient hermitage, Dilawang led the newly revitalized "Star Sea Shamans" team, like a drop of water merging into a stream, silently blending into the stream of people and jungle leading to the core of the Angkor ruins. The closer they approached the world-famous monolithic structures, the thicker and more chaotic the spiritual energy in the air became, as if a multitude of distinct forces were fiercely competing and permeating the area.
They did not head directly for the most renowned Angkor Wat or Bayon Temple. Instead, following Dilawang's guidance, they followed a more secluded path, almost entirely entwined with tree roots and vines. The aerial roots of giant fig trees coiled around the crumbling stone gates and corridors like giant pythons. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled light, adding a touch of mystery and eeriness to the ancient ruins. "The 'heart' of Angkor isn't just in those tallest towers," Dilawang explained in a low voice, his footsteps soft and almost soundless on the damp moss and fallen leaves. "The true veins of power lie hidden in these forgotten corners, beneath the crisscrossing waterways and the ruins of scripture repositories never before opened to the public."
He could feel the subtle tremors of the earth beneath his feet, the result of different spiritual energies colliding within the ancient stone veins. "The 'Iron Behemoths' (Gene Alliance) primarily occupy the eastern Ta Prohm area. Their machines hum there, attempting to analyze the energy field where trees and stone have coexisted for millennia. And the 'Snakes in the Shadows' (Shadow Serpents)..." He paused, his eyes darting across a heavily shadowed, dilapidated shrine where something seemed to wriggle rapidly before vanishing. "Like true venomous snakes, they lurk in the darker areas, especially near the ancient chambers housing the linga. The energy there leans more towards femininity and fertility, which suits their taste."
Lin Xingyun silently sensed the energy. His newly acquired "Ancient City Barrier Mark" was exceptionally sensitive to the energy flows of this land. He could "hear" the whispers of stone, sense the pain of certain areas being forcibly "torn apart" by the Gene Alliance's technological might, and detect the chilling chill of other corners "tainted" by the Shadow Serpents' sorcery. The resonance of his dagger, along with the subtle mutual attraction between Aisha's wax knife, Nguyen Thi Mai's earrings, and Dilawang's jade Buddha, all pointed in a common direction: Bayon Temple, located in the heart of Angkor Thom, famous for its enormous "Khmer Smile" Buddha face.
"We need to go there," Lin Xingyun pointed in the direction of Bayon Temple. "All guidance is converging towards that temple. But it seems we're not the only target."
Before he finished speaking, a sudden, intense energy collision erupted from the depths of the woods ahead, accompanied by a few muffled groans and the piercing sound of twisting metal!
The men immediately hid their forms and approached quietly. Through the layers of foliage, they observed a strange scene: in a relatively open area scattered with huge rocks, three Awakened Ones wearing Gene Alliance uniforms, their arms armed with energy blades, engaged in a fierce battle with two sorcerers dressed in ancient black garb and shrouded in a dark aura. The Gene Alliance's attack was direct and swift, their energy blades slashing out arcs of light with the precision and ruthlessness of technology. The sorcerers' methods, on the other hand, were unpredictable. They chanted incantations, waved their hands, and swarmed with poisonous insects and miasma, or summoned twisted spirits from the shadows for sneak attacks. The two sides had clearly met unexpectedly, clashing over control of this area or some newly revealed psychic resource.
"Dog bites dog!" Buakaw muttered, licking his lips excitedly, wishing both sides would perish together.
But Lin Xingyun and Dilawang's expressions grew even more solemn. They saw a crack in the ground at the center of the battle circle, freshly shattered by some force. From this crack emanated a faint, milky, gentle, and pure light, emitting a soothing energy fluctuation. It seemed to be an extremely pure, uncontaminated crystal of indigenous psychic energy, or... a sign of the breaking of an ancient seal? This sudden discovery caused the two previously hostile factions to temporarily halt their attacks, their greedy eyes fixed on the rift.
"We can't let them get their hands on what's there!" Dilawang urgently declared. "Whether it's used by the Alliance to enhance their weapons, or by sorcerers in evil rituals, it would be disastrous!"
Intervention is necessary!
Lin Xingyun made a swift decision: "Dilawang, familiarize yourself with the terrain. Try to disrupt their perception and create chaos. Aisha, prepare a barrier to protect the rift area and prevent the forced extraction of energy. Nguyen Thi Mai, utilize the surrounding moisture to disrupt their movements. Buakaw, follow me. Prioritize defeating the Gene Alliance; their technological weapons pose a greater threat!"
The command was clear!
Dilawang took the lead, chanting an ancient Khmer incantation and forming hand seals. As if summoned, the mist from the surrounding jungle quietly gathered. Simultaneously, ancient inscriptions on the ground seemed to activate, emitting a faint glow that further disrupted the energy field in the area, disrupting the instruments and spiritual perception of both sides. Aisha quickly spread the largest batik cloth toward the crack, infusing it with psychic energy. The protective patterns on the cloth illuminated, forming a soft film of light that covered the crack, isolating the direct exchange of energy between the inside and the outside.
Nguyen Thi Mai waved her hands, and the remaining rainwater on the open ground and the water molecules in the air condensed into countless tiny, light-reflecting crystal beads. Like a sandstorm, they swept towards the battle area, not only obstructing vision but also constantly attacking the energy shields and balance of both combatants.
"Who is it?!"
"Looking for death!"
The Gene Alliance and the sorcerer simultaneously discovered this third-party intervention and were shocked and furious.
In the moment they were distracted, Lin Xingyun and Buakaw burst out of their hiding place like tigers!
Buakaw went straight for the leading Gene Alliance captain, whose arm energy blade had just slashed a demon. Buakaw roared, and his fists, filled with the newfound violent power of the earth, bursting with crimson shockwaves, smashed into the opponent without any fuss! The captain's energy blade collided forcefully with Buakaw's fist, sending his arm numb and dimming the blade's brilliance.
Lin Xingyun, a fleeting figure, weaved through the chaotic light and shadows using his "Shadow Snake Witch Mark," aiming directly at another Gene Alliance member who was attempting to scan the rift with his equipment. His short sword slashed in a strange arc, not stabbing him, but precisely severing the cable connecting the energy pack on his waist! The member screamed, his equipment instantly disabled.
At the same time, Lin Xingyun's "Ancient City Barrier Mark" appeared on his left palm, ready to defend against any incoming sniper attacks or sorcery.
The two sorcerers, seeing the situation was dire, attempted even more vicious spells, but Dilawang's mist and Aisha's barrier significantly weakened their magic, and Nguyen Thi Mai's crystal beads constantly interrupted their rhythm.
A melee erupted instantly! What had initially been a two-way clash between the Gene Alliance and the Shadow Serpent had devolved into a chaotic three-way brawl! Lin Xingyun's team, with their tacit coordination, clever use of the terrain, and newly acquired strength, managed to suppress the other two forces in a short period of time!
However, both the Gene Alliance and the Shadow Serpents were merely scouting vanguards. The noise of the battle must have alerted their main forces in the rear.
After repelling this wave of enemies (the Gene Alliance members retreated with their damaged equipment, while the sorcerers vanished into the shadows as black smoke), Lin Xingyun and his companions quickly reached the rift.
The milky white glow within the rift intensified. Dilawang observed it carefully, his expression grim. "This isn't a natural energy crystal... It's an ancient sealed node, seemingly suppressing something beneath. The rift has been loosened by the collision of various forces. We must reinforce it, otherwise..."
Before he finished his words, everyone sensed several powerful auras rapidly approaching their position from the direction of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm Temple, as well as from the shadows of the deeper jungle!
The elite Gene Alliance team and the high-ranking sorcerers of the Shadow Serpents were drawn in! The true storm has arrived. And beneath their feet lies an ancient seal, a blessing or curse.
Lin Xingyun gripped his dagger tightly, his gaze sweeping across the resolute faces of his companions. He spoke in a deep voice, "Prepare for battle! No matter what, we must not let them disrupt the balance here!"
The Buddha's face at Bayon Temple gazed silently from afar, his smile still etched, yet a hint of compassion seemed to linger.
(End of Chapter 18)