In the next moment, the towering tree transformed, taking the shape of a massive coffin adorned with numerous eyes. Its aura grew even stronger, carrying an unmistakable sense of death that spread in all directions.
Afterward, it turned into a swirling vortex of blackness, from which struggling cries echoed. The third stage of the shadow's transformation was taking shape.
Xu Qing stared at the black vortex with anticipation.
The effect of the shadow was miraculous at certain times. Hence, after understanding the terrifying suppressive power of the purple crystal, he hoped that the shadow could become stronger.
"What will the third stage be?"
As Xu Qing mumbled, a rumbling sound rang out from the black vortex. Its range instantly expanded from 1,000 feet to 10,000 feet.
It wasn't erect but spread out like a black cloud that covered the sky.
Waves of black rain scattered onto the ground from the vortex. Upon closer inspection, one could see that this wasn't rain but shadows.
Gradually, the area within 10,000 feet was pitch-black, as though this area had been isolated.
This scene caused Xu Qing to be a little moved.
Daoist Sima and the Sword Holders in the sky also glanced over.
Thunder rumbled from the vortex and a huge face actually appeared.
That face was unfamiliar. At that moment, it was clearly roaring but what came out was the sound of thunder. It was as though its voice had been plundered and given the concept of thunder.
Its existence didn't last long. In just a few breaths, it disappeared into the vortex again. At the same time, the fluctuations of the Nascent Soul realm spread out from the vortex.
Its form also rapidly changed. Gradually, it was no longer a vortex but 10,000 feet black curtain. In the sky, it was like a black spot.
A powerful emotional fluctuation spread from the curtain.
"I… strong… great!"
Xu Qing snorted coldly.
In an instant, this emotional fluctuation emitted horror and its meaning changed.
"I… weak… small."
Right after that, without waiting for Xu Qing to inquire, the shadow that had transformed into the black curtain immediately displayed its new ability. Countless stars appeared within the vast expanse of the curtain.
It was as though this 10,000-foot-long area wasn't a black spot but a starry sky.
Those stars were actually eyes. They emitted a resplendent light and started flickering.
"Master… I conceal… escape… teleportation…"
The shadow's emotions fluctuated as it quickly informed him of its abilities.
Xu Qing frowned. This time around, other than the process and appearance being a little strange, the shadow's abilities didn't seem to be that outstanding.
Sensing Xu Qing's dissatisfaction, the vast curtain trembled and the shadow hurriedly emitted emotional fluctuations again.
"Eyes… possession… seal…"
"Is that all?" Xu Qing's gaze turned slightly cold.
The shadow trembled even more and spoke loudly.
"I… possess… god!"
Xu Qing's eyes suddenly narrowed. He stood up and looked at the ten thousand feet wide curtain.
"Future…" In the sky, all the eyes blinked.
Xu Qing was expressionless as he calmly spoke.
"Get back here."
Ling'er chuckled as the vast curtain instantly landed on the ground and returned behind Xu Qing while shivering.
"Brother Xu Qing, Little Shadow is very hardworking."
After saying that, Ling'er winked at Xu Qing.
The shadow trembled and its emotions fluctuated from being touched. It had never felt such a feeling before. All its perception previously came from Xu Qing's coldness.
Hence, the only warmth in this coldness instantly made it incomparably grateful to Ling'er. It didn't know how to repay her. Hence, it twisted its body and displayed all kinds of tricks, causing Ling'er to laugh.
This laughter caused the shadow to emit joyous emotions. However, at the next instant, when it saw Xu Qing's expressionless face, it shuddered and didn't dare to show too much joy.
Xu Qing didn't bother with the shadow. He stood up and headed straight for the great wing. The moment he stepped on it, Daoist Sima cast a meaningful glance at Xu Qing. As for his comrades, they smiled one after another.
Xu Qing also smiled. He thanked them and turned to look into the depths of the forbidden zone.
Seemingly sensing Xu Qing's gaze, from deep within the forbidden zone, the fog churned and Qingqin's spirit soared out with a joyful caw, echoing through the sky.
As for what it did there, outsiders didn't know.
Xu Qing was a little puzzled. He glanced at the forbidden zone. The fog there rapidly gathered and he couldn't see anything.
However, Qingqin was fine, so Xu Qing didn't think too much about this matter. Very soon, the great wing headed straight for Purple Earth.
That was Xu Qing's last stop on this trip.
After experiencing the incident in the forbidden zone, he intended to inquire whether there were any unusual circumstances before Grandmaster Bai's death.
Back then, when he went to Purple Earth, he only focused on getting revenge for Grandmaster Bai's death and overlooked his life before that.
The words of the master of the forbidden zone made Xu Qing feel that there was probably a secret hidden in this matter.
