Amidst the fierce confrontation, Shen Jingqi suddenly felt an even more powerful force emanating from the golden key. The force surged like turbulent waves, crashing against his body and consciousness wave after wave. His brow furrowed tightly, beads of sweat the size of beans rolling down his forehead, as he gripped the key tightly, his knuckles turning white from exertion.

"This power... it's too strong, I have to control it!" Shen Jingqi roared inwardly, concentrating all his spirit, trying to establish a deeper connection with this mysterious power. He clenched his teeth and with the help of this power, shouted, "Break!" The voice seemed to pierce through time and space, carrying endless determination and courage.

With his shout, a golden light shot out from his hand like a sharp long sword, charging towards the raging energy storm. The golden light collided with the energy storm, instantly emitting a deafening roar, as if the heavens and the earth were howling. The light radiated everywhere, dazzling so much that one could not open their eyes, and the powerful impact distorted and deformed the surrounding air.

The light gradually dissipated, and the energy storm slowly calmed. The golden key on the altar emitted a gentle glow, that light like a mother's hand, warm and peaceful. However, this peace was only short-lived, as the key then transformed into countless points of light, scattering in the air like stars.

At the same time, the entire castle began to shake violently, as if a long-dormant giant beast had been awakened, struggling in anger. The gems on the walls fell one by one, streaking across the dark night sky like brilliant meteors, hitting the ground with crisp sounds. Cracks appeared on the ground, spreading rapidly like a giant mouth, as if about to devour everything.

"What's happening?" Lin Yu asked in panic, his voice trembling slightly, his eyes filled with fear and confusion. His body was trembling uncontrollably, his hands gripping the things around him tightly, as if trying to find a sliver of safety.

A mysterious voice sounded again, deep and enigmatic, as if coming from a distant time and space: "The curse has been lifted, the castle is about to complete its mission and disappear from this world. You must leave here quickly!" The voice carried a sense of urgency and indisputableness.

Shen Jingqi felt a jolt in his heart, knowing that the situation was urgent and there was no room for hesitation. He quickly scanned the surroundings, shouting loudly: "Everyone, don't panic, follow me, let's get out fast!" His eyes were firm and resolute, as if dispelling all fear and confusion.

Xu An nodded, though his face was pale, his eyes revealed a hint of determination: "Okay, let's go!" He followed closely behind Shen Jingqi, his steps hurried yet steady.

The three of them had no time to think, turning and running towards the palace's exit. Their footsteps echoed in the vast palace, like the beat of fate urging them to pick up speed. The lights in the palace flickered erratically, as if they might go out at any moment, plunging them into endless darkness.

When they emerged from the palace and into the garden, the scene before them left them stunned. The flowers and plants in the garden began to wither, the once vibrant flowers lost their color instantly, turning withered and shriveled. Green leaves fell one by one, like wingless butterflies, drifting to the ground. The once beautiful scenery gradually turned desolate, as if swept away by an invisible catastrophe.

"What... what's going on?" Lin Yu's voice carried a whimper, his eyes filled with despair. He looked at everything before him, as if seeing an image of the end of the world.

Shen Jingqi took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down: "Forget about these, we have to leave here immediately!" He knew now was not the time for sadness and doubt, every second could be a matter of life and death.

They picked up their pace, running towards the castle's exit. Along the way, the castle's walls kept collapsing, stones falling like hail around them. Some stones brushed past them, bringing a gust of wind that terrified them.

"Watch out!" Xu An suddenly shouted, pulling Lin Yu to the side. A huge stone whizzed past them, crashing to the ground and raising a cloud of dust. Lin Yu was so scared his face turned pale, his legs almost giving way beneath him.

"Thank you..." Lin Yu looked at Xu An gratefully, his voice so weak it was almost inaudible.

"Don't mention it, we all need to be careful!" Xu An patted Lin Yu's shoulder, his eyes filled with encouragement.

They continued to run forward, every step filled with hardship and danger. Suddenly, a huge crack appeared ahead, lying across their path. The crack was bottomless, like the entrance to hell, exuding a chilling aura.

"What do we do?" Lin Yu asked anxiously, his eyes filled with helplessness.

Shen Jingqi looked around, searching for a way across. Just then, he saw a huge stone slab nearby, although wobbly, it seemed able to hold their weight.

"We'll go across on that!" Shen Jingqi pointed to the slab and said.

They cautiously moved to the slab, inching their way to the other side. The slab wobbled more and more violently, creaking as if it might break at any moment. Their hearts were in their mouths, each step feeling like walking on the edge of a cliff.

Finally, they successfully crossed the crack. Before they could catch their breath, a swarm of bats flew out of the darkness, swooping towards them. The bats' eyes glowed red, like burning flames, chilling to the bone.

"Ah!" Lin Yu cried out in terror, covering his head and crouching on the ground.

Shen Jingqi quickly drew the dagger from his waist, swinging it to ward off the bats. Xu An also picked up stones from the ground, throwing them at the bats. The bats, infuriated by their attacks, screeched sharply and swooped even more madly towards them.

"This isn't working!" Shen Jingqi shouted loudly, a hint of urgency in his eyes.

Just then, he suddenly recalled the gentle power that the golden key emitted when it turned into light points. He closed his eyes, concentrating, trying to sense the presence of this power. Gradually, he felt a warm aura flowing within him, as if an invisible force was supporting him.

He opened his eyes, eyes glowing with firm determination. He swung his dagger, chanting under his breath as if casting some mysterious magic. Suddenly, a golden light emanated from him, illuminating everything around. The bats, frightened by this light, scattered and disappeared in an instant.

"How... how did you do that?" Lin Yu asked in astonishment, his eyes filled with admiration.

Shen Jingqi shook his head and said, "I don't know either, I just felt a force and tried to use it."

"No matter what, we need to leave here right away!" Xu An reminded.

They continued running towards the castle's exit. Finally, they saw the light of the exit, like the dawn of hope, lighting their path ahead. They quickened their pace, rushing towards the exit.

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