Chapter 44: The Fourth Floor

"The fourth floor is restricted to those at the Qi Manifestation level and below," Ning Rong reminded us as we made our way to the designated area. "No one above that can pass through."

Wang Mei, ever the enthusiastic one, practically bounced on her feet. "I can't wait to see what's beyond the portal!"

As we approached the portal, I felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The portal itself was a shimmering, translucent barrier, pulsing with a soft blue light. Elders and senior disciples from the Heaven Dao Sect stood nearby, ensuring that only those who met the criteria could pass through.

"Remember," I said to my companions, "stick together and stay alert. We don't know what awaits us on the other side."

They nodded, taking a deep breath, I stepped forward and placed my hand on the portal. The surface rippled like water under my touch, and a gentle pull urged me forward. With one last glance at my friends, I stepped through.

The sensation of passing through the portal was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It felt as if my body was being stretched and compressed at the same time, like being pulled through a narrow tunnel of light. Colors swirled around me, and for a moment, I felt weightless, suspended in a void.

Then, with a sudden jolt, I was through. My feet landed on solid ground, and I stumbled slightly as I regained my balance. One by one, my companions emerged from the portal, each of them looking as disoriented as I felt.

We found ourselves in a strange and breathtaking world. The first thing that struck me was the sky. Instead of the familiar blue, it was a vast void filled with swirling auroras in shades of green, blue, and purple, casting an ethereal glow over everything. The ground beneath us was not solid earth but floating stone islands, each one connected by thick, metal chains that stretched across the void like giant spider webs.

"Wow," Wang Mei breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "This place is incredible!"

We all have somehow ended up together on the same spot but others shouldn't be too far away.

The floating islands varied in size, some large enough to hold small forests and lakes, others barely big enough for a single person to stand on. The chains connecting them clanked and groaned, their heavy links rusted but sturdy, stretching into the distance.

Below the islands, there was nothing but a dark, endless void. It was as if we were suspended in the middle of an infinite sky, with no ground beneath us and no ceiling above. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

"This is the fourth floor?" Lu Jing asked, his voice filled with amazement. "It's like nothing I've ever seen."

Ning Rong nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "We need to be careful. This place is beautiful, but it could be dangerous."

As we took in our surroundings, a pathway of chains leading to a larger island caught our attention. The island was covered in lush vegetation, and a faint glow emanated from its center.

"That looks like a good place to converge ," I said, pointing towards the island. "Let's head there and see who we can find."

With careful steps, we made our way across the chains. The metal links were wide enough to walk on, but we had to balance ourselves to avoid slipping. The chains swayed slightly with each step, adding an extra layer of difficulty.

As we moved, I couldn't help but marvel at the surreal beauty of the place. The auroras above us shimmered and danced, their colors reflecting off the floating islands and casting shifting shadows. The air was crisp and cool, carrying a faint scent of ozone.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached the larger island. Stepping onto solid ground was a relief, and we took a moment to catch our breath and regroup.

"This place is truly extraordinary," Li Liang said, his voice filled with awe. "I can't believe we're actually here."

"We need to stay focused," Ning Rong reminded us, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "There could be other sects here as well, and we need to be prepared for anything."

As we ventured deeper into the island, the vegetation grew thicker, and the faint glow we had seen from a distance became more pronounced. We pushed through the underbrush, our senses alert for any signs of danger.

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Finally, we emerged into a clearing, and the source of the glow became clear. In the center of the clearing was a large, ancient tree, its branches adorned with glowing leaves that emitted a soft, golden light. The sight was mesmerizing, and we couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence as we approached.

"This must be one of the treasures of the fourth floor," Wang Mei whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

As we stood before the ancient tree, I felt a sense of awe and excitement. We had only just begun our journey on the fourth floor, but already we had encountered wonders beyond our wildest dreams.

As we were admiring the mesmerizing scene of the glowing tree, a subtle shift in the atmosphere made me tense. My senses, honed by countless battles and experiences, picked up the presence of someone approaching.

Ning Rong noticed my change in demeanor and whispered, "What's wrong, Feng?"

"Someone's coming," I replied softly, my eyes scanning the surrounding foliage.

From the shadows emerged Luo Bing, her graceful form moving with an effortless elegance that belied her strength. She was alone this time, a serene expression on her face. As she stepped into the clearing, the soft golden light from the tree bathed her in a warm glow, adding to her ethereal presence.

"I apologize for not being able to attend to you earlier," Luo Bing said, her voice calm and sincere. "I was occupied with the meetings and preparations for the trials."

Ning Rong, always quick to judge character, relaxed visibly. "It's understandable," she said. "We figured you'd be busy."

Luo Bing nodded, then turned her attention to the glowing tree. "This place is remarkable, isn't it? But I didn't come here just to admire the scenery. As members of the Heaven Dao Sect, there are things you need to know."

We gathered closer, our curiosity piqued. Luo Bing's expression grew serious as she continued, "Every sect and empire present here is vying for one thing – the top prize on this floor. It's an artifact of immense power that has eluded everyone since the dungeon was discovered 5000 years ago. Our primary objective is to obtain it, and I expect all of you to give your best effort."

The gravity of her words settled over us. Wang Mei, usually so full of energy, was uncharacteristically silent, her eyes reflecting a newfound determination. Ning Rong and Lu Jing exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of excitement and apprehension.

"And there's more," Luo Bing added. "From now on, I'll be traveling with you. The trials here are unpredictable, and it's best we stick together."

Before we could respond, a sudden, booming voice echoed through the dungeon, as if amplified by a powerful speaker system. The voice was authoritative and commanding, filling every corner of the space.

"Attention, all participants. You will now be divided into two-man teams. Prepare yourselves."

The announcement left us momentarily stunned. I exchanged bewildered looks with my companions, each of us trying to process the sudden turn of events.

"Two-man teams?" Lu Jing echoed, his brows furrowing in confusion.

"How will they decide the pairs?" Li Liang wondered aloud, his usual calm demeanor shaken.

As if in answer to our unspoken questions, a strange sensation enveloped us. It was as if an unseen force was rearranging our very essence. I felt a tugging at my core, pulling me towards Luo Bing. In the next instant, the force settled, and the pairs were formed: Luo Bing and myself, Ning Rong and Wang Mei, and Lu Jing with Li Liang.

The shock was evident on all our faces. Ning Rong's eyes widened in disbelief, while Wang Mei's mouth fell open slightly. Lu Jing and Li Liang looked at each other, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.

"This... this can't be real," Wang Mei stammered, her voice tinged with anxiety. "How did the dungeon decide the pairs?"

Luo Bing, though calm, had a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "It seems the dungeon has its own will. But we must adapt quickly. The trials can begin at any moment."

I nodded, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "We need to stay focused. The dungeon's power is beyond our understanding, but we can't afford to be distracted."

Ning Rong, ever pragmatic, took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "Alright then, let's make the best of it. Wang Mei, let's work together and stay sharp."

Wang Mei nodded, regaining her composure. "Got it. We'll be the best team here."

Lu Jing clapped Li Liang on the shoulder, a determined look in his eyes. "Looks like it's you and me, Li Liang. Let's show them what we've got."

Li Liang smiled faintly, his confidence returning. "Indeed. We will not disappoint."

I had a smile on my face, there is now way I will lose to anyo- maybe except Ning Rong since she also have Wang Mie's help and I don't Know how competent this girl is.

I glanced at Luo Bing who was beside me and saw her face was agape, what's up with this girl.

Luo Bing turned to me, her expression a bit perplexed. "Ning Feng, Don't slow me down."

"This guy has audacity to doubt me. Nobody in the entire has ever insulted me like this." She thought as she sensed his emotions filled with doubt directed at her.

"Sure" I replied equally perplexed. What's wrong with this woman, why does it feel like as if she just read my thoughts?

The dungeon might have its own plans, but we would have to adapt and overcome, no matter the obstacles.

After the sudden and jarring announcement, a powerful force seized each of us, and in the blink of an eye, we were transported to different parts of the fourth floor. The disorientation was intense, and as I regained my bearings, I realized I was alone in a completely different environment.

Ning Feng and Luo Bing: The Crystal Forest

Ning Feng and Luo Bing found themselves in a forest unlike any they had ever seen. The trees were not made of wood but of crystal, their branches and leaves shimmering with an inner light that refracted into a kaleidoscope of colors. The ground beneath their feet was soft, covered in a moss-like substance that glowed faintly. As they walked, the crystals emitted a gentle chiming sound, like a distant melody. The air was cool and crisp, with a hint of sweetness. It was a place of surreal beauty, but the sharp edges of the crystals hinted at hidden dangers.

"Stay close," Luo Bing said, her voice low. "This place is beautiful, but it could be treacherous."

Ning Feng nodded, his senses on high alert. The tranquility of the crystal forest was deceptive; he knew they had to be vigilant.

Ning Rong and Wang Mei: The Floating Ruins

Ning Rong and Wang Mei were transported to a vast expanse of floating ruins. Ancient stone structures hovered in the air, connected by narrow bridges and platforms. The ruins were covered in thick, creeping vines, and moss that glowed with a bioluminescent light. The air was filled with the faint hum of magic, and every now and then, a spark of energy would leap between the ruins, casting brief, brilliant flashes of light. The place was eerily quiet, save for the occasional creak of the floating platforms.

"We need to be careful," Ning Rong said, her voice steady. "These ruins are ancient, and who knows what traps they might hold."

Wang Mei nodded, her eyes wide with wonder and a touch of fear. "Let's stick together and keep an eye out for anything unusual."

Lu Jing and Li Liang: The Stormy Cliffs

Lu Jing and Li Liang found themselves standing on the edge of a series of towering cliffs, battered by fierce winds and torrential rain. The sky above was a swirling mass of dark clouds, occasionally illuminated by flashes of lightning. The ground was rocky and uneven, and the cliffs dropped off into a seemingly endless abyss. Despite the harsh conditions, the place had a rugged, untamed beauty. The roar of the wind and the crash of thunder made communication difficult, but the two young men pressed on, their determination unwavering.

"This place is harsh," Lu Jing shouted over the wind, "but we can't let it deter us. Stay close and watch your footing."

Li Liang nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "We'll find a way through. We have to."