Lin Feng, Xiao Ya, Xia Jin, and Xiao Jie split up, carefully checking their surroundings to make sure there were no missed trackers.

At the same time, Meng Yue sat alone in the room, staring at the jade pendant in her hand, silently thinking about the next plan of action in her heart.

In the dead of night, Lin Feng and the others returned one after another, and after confirming that they were safe, they sat around the table and began an in-depth discussion.

"Ms. Meng Yue, how do you think we should find the source crystal of the Lost City, and how should we awaken our own spiritual consciousness?" Lin Feng asked straight to the point.

Meng Yue smiled slightly: "First of all, we need to find the exact location of the Lost City. As far as I can remember, it is located in a special area known as the 'Temporal Rift'. To get there, it is necessary to resort to the power of an hourglass against time. Secondly, regarding spiritual awakening, I need some time to prepare the materials required for the ritual. ”

"Temporal rift?" Xiaoya exclaimed,

"Doesn't that mean we're going to use the Hourglass for time travel again?" Meng Yue nodded: "That's right." Before we do, however, we must make sure that your consciousness is awakened, or you may encounter danger in the Lost City. As for the materials, I need some special herbs and rune stones, and perhaps your Transcendental Bureau can help. Lin Feng patted his chest and promised: "No problem, we will prepare as soon as possible." However, can you elaborate on the specifics of the space-time rift? Meng Yue pondered for a moment and slowly spoke: "The space-time rift is an extremely rare spatial phenomenon, and it is an unstable connection point between two or more parallel universes. The Lost City sits in such a rift, maintaining a close relationship with our world. The hourglass serves as a key to guide us through the rift and into the Lost City. Everyone was dumbfounded, looking forward to the upcoming challenges and a little apprehensive.

They understand that it will be an unprecedented adventure, about the fate of the hourglass, the lost city, and the world.

As the night deepened, Lin Feng and the others went back to their rooms to rest, their hearts full of longing and anxiety for the future. Meng Yue was left alone in the room, continuing to study the jade pendant, trying to find out more about the secrets of the Lost City.

The next morning, the sunlight poured into the room through the window, and Lin Feng and the others woke up early and started a busy day.

They followed the list provided by Meng Yue and began to prepare the materials needed for the spiritual awakening ceremony, and at the same time contacted the headquarters of the Transcendental Affairs Bureau to ask for help in finding the relevant materials of the space-time rift.

In the afternoon, Lin Feng walked into Meng Yue's room and handed her the collected materials: "Ms. Meng Yue, these are the things you need. In addition, there is news from headquarters that they have found some clues about the space-time rift, which are being further verified. Meng Yue took the material and nodded with satisfaction: "Very good." With that, we can begin to prepare for the Spiritual Awakening Ritual. As night fell, Lin Feng and the others gathered in the open space in the center of the stronghold, surrounding the altar arranged by Meng Yue.

Meng Yue held the jade pendant in her hand, and with words in her mouth, a mysterious energy began to surge in the air.

"Are you ready?" Meng Yue looked at everyone, her eyes flashing with anticipation. Lin Feng, Xiao Ya, Xia Jin and Xiao Jie looked at each other and nodded vigorously.

They understand that this will be an important turning point in their lives, and they are about to awaken the power hidden deep within them to embrace the adventures of the unknown.

"So, let's get started." Meng Yue waved his hand lightly, and the rune stones on the altar lit up, and a powerful ripple of energy spread out, enveloping everyone.

However, at this moment, a strong wave of energy suddenly hit from a distance, interrupting the ongoing ritual.

Everyone was stunned, only to see a dazzling beam of light pierce the night sky and go straight to the altar.

"Get out of the way!" Lin Feng reacted quickly, pushed away Xia Jin and Xiaojie beside him, and jumped aside with Xiaoya.

The beam of light instantly hit the altar, causing a violent explosion. Flames and debris flew everywhere, and the entire stronghold was thrown into chaos.

When the dust settled, everyone leaned out from behind the bunker in shock, only to see that the altar had been destroyed, and Meng Yue was lying not far away, his life and death uncertain.

Regardless of the danger, Lin Feng rushed forward to check on Meng Yue's situation. Fortunately, although Meng Yue's injuries were not light, her breath was still there.

He immediately beckoned Xiao Ya and Xia Jin to come over to help, and carried Meng Yue into the stronghold for emergency treatment.

"Who is it? Who exactly attacked us? Xiao Jie asked angrily, his eyes burning with the flame of revenge.

"I don't know, but what is certain is that the other side has extraordinary weapons and knows our actions inside out." Lin Feng replied in a deep voice, his eyes were equally cold and resolute,

"We must find out who is behind it as soon as possible, otherwise our operations will be under greater threat." Xiao Ya looked at Meng Yue worriedly, she knew that Meng Yue was crucial to finding the Lost City and fighting against the Shadow Alliance: "Ms. Meng Yue is seriously injured now, and I am afraid that she will not be able to continue to participate in the operation in a short time. What are we going to do? Xia Jin thought for a moment and made a suggestion: "Since Ms. Meng Yue has pointed out the direction for us, we should follow her guidance and continue to move forward with the plan." She had mentioned that in order to enter the Lost City, one must use the power of the Hourglass to travel through the rift in time and space. Our first task at the moment is to find the exact location of the rift and try to activate the hourglass. Lin Feng nodded in agreement: "Yes, the headquarters should have found clues related to the space-time rift." Xiaojie, you are responsible for contacting the headquarters and asking for the specific situation to see if they can provide more precise coordinates. Xiaoya, you and I will work on the counter-hourglass and see if we can find a way to activate it. Xia Jin, you are responsible for continuing to gather information about the source crystal and the awakening of the spiritual sense, and you may be able to find an alternative before Ms. Meng Yue recovers. And they received the commandment, and they got busy.

Xiao Jie quickly contacted the headquarters, and received a reply that the location of the space-time rift had been locked, in an ancient forest that had been forgotten by the world, and that forest happened to be not far from the dense forest where they were now.

Xiao Ya and Lin Feng inadvertently triggered a hidden mechanism in the process of studying the hourglass against time, and the jade pendant emitted a faint green light, as if responding to their exploration.

"It seems that the hourglass is not unresponsive, it's just that we haven't found the right way to open it before." Lin Feng said happily to Xiaoya,

"As long as we find the corresponding trigger, we should be able to activate the hourglass without any problems." After consulting a large number of ancient documents, Xia Jin also gained something: "I found some records about the source crystal and the awakening of spiritual consciousness. The power of Source Crystal is not used directly, but needs to be transformed through specific rituals or instruments. As for spiritual awakening, in addition to the rituals mentioned by Ms. Meng Yue, there is also a way to connect with one's inner strength through deep meditation. While the effect may not be as significant as the ritual, it is a viable option in the current situation. The people put together their research results and decided to act according to the new plan.

They decided to head to the ancient forest where the rift was located first, looking for the triggers needed for the hourglass to kick in, while using meditation to try to awaken their senses.

Once everything is ready, they can use the power of the timeless hourglass to traverse the rift in time and enter the Lost City.

When they reached the edge of the ancient forest, passers-by around them cast surprised glances. An elderly woodcutter stopped the axe in his hand, looked at this group of young people with strange abilities, and couldn't help but sigh: "Oh, the young people nowadays are really amazing, they dare to enter that cursed forest." It is said that it is a forbidden place for the gods, and ordinary people will lose their way when they enter it, and they will never find a way out. Another young traveler looked envious: "The aura they exude is extraordinary, they must be extraordinary people." If I could have that kind of power, why can't I travel all over the world and see the wonders of the world. In the face of everyone's discussions, Lin Feng and the others didn't care, they stepped straight into the forest and began a difficult exploration.

The interior of the forest is as strange as the legend, with dim light and fog that makes it difficult to discern the direction.

However, with their extraordinary perception and intelligence, they gradually adapt to this environment, and the anti-time hourglass gradually reveals more secrets due to their efforts.

One evening, they came to a mysterious lake deep in the forest. The lake is as green as jade, and there are several strange lotus flowers floating on the surface of the lake, and each lotus flower is inlaid with a brilliant crystal in the center, which is the source crystal they are looking for.

Just as they were about to take the source crystal, the surface of the lake suddenly surged, and a huge aquatic monster broke through the water, blocking their way.

"Is this the creature that guards the Source Crystal?" Xiao Ya looked nervously at the monster in front of her, and the light of magic condensed in her hands.

Lin Feng clenched his long sword tightly and looked firm: "No matter who the opponent is, it can't stop our determination to protect world peace." Xiao Jie, Xia Jin, you protect yourself and Yuan Jing, and Xiao Ya and I will deal with this monster. A fierce battle began, and passers-by by the lake stopped to watch, marveling at the bravery and strength of Lin Feng and the others.

Their words were filled with awe and admiration, adding more drama and anticipation to this unknown adventure.

"You see, that young man with a sword, his swordsmanship is so exquisite, and every attack is extremely accurate, it is truly breathtaking."

"And the girl who casts magic, her spells are so picturesque, it's amazing that she can compete with the power of monsters."

"That boy may be young, but his healing skills can heal his companions' wounds in an instant, and I don't know where they learned these extraordinary skills." The battle ended in victory for Lin Feng and the others, who successfully obtained the source crystal, and also won the admiration and praise of passers-by.

They returned to the edge of the forest with the Source Crystal, ready to use the power of the time-defying hourglass to traverse the rift in space.

Lin Feng held the jade pendant and said to everyone, "We are ready, as long as the hourglass is activated against time, we will be able to pass through the rift of time and space and enter the Lost City. No matter what awaits us in front of us, we must face it together as one. Xiao Ya, Xia Jin and Xiao Jie nodded one after another, their eyes full of determination and expectation.

Just as they were about to activate the hourglass, a passer-by hurried up and shouted in horror, "Oh no! The Shadow Alliance is coming! They have surrounded this forest! Lin Feng and the others had a grim expression, they knew that at this moment, they would not only have to face the unknown Lost City, but also have to engage in an inevitable decisive battle with the Shadow Alliance.

They looked at each other with a glint of determination and determination in their eyes, and then together they turned their gaze to the hourglass in their hands.

"No matter what, we must stop the Shadow Alliance's conspiracy and protect this world." Lin Feng's words were loud and full of firmness and conviction.

Lin Feng and the others' faces changed suddenly, and the sudden appearance of the Shadow Alliance undoubtedly disrupted their original plan.

They had planned to use the Hourglass to traverse the rift in time and space in search of the Lost City, in order to awaken their spiritual consciousness and obtain Source Crystals in order to stop the Shadow Alliance's evil plots.

However, the enemy's approach at this moment forced them to readjust their strategy.

"Xiaojie, you immediately activate the hourglass against time, we must enter the Lost City as soon as possible." Lin Feng gave the order decisively, revealing an unquestionable sense of urgency in his voice.

Xiao Jie responded to the call, he took a deep breath, held the jade pendant tightly in his hand, and silently recited the spell to activate the hourglass in his mouth.

The air around them seemed to be distorted by the surge of this mysterious force, and the gems set in the hourglass lit up one by one, releasing a dazzling light.

However, at this critical moment, a black energy arrow suddenly shot out from the depths of the dense forest, aiming directly at the anti-clockwise hourglass in Xiao Jie's hand.

"Be careful!" Lin Feng's eyes were quick, and he drew his long sword in an instant, the sword body glowed with blue brilliance, and he slashed in the air, shattering the arrow.

However, this disturbance interrupted the activation of the hourglass, and the light of the emerald pendant dimmed as if it had lost momentum.

"Damn it!" Lin Feng scolded angrily and turned his head to look into the depths of the dense forest, his eyes flashing with cold killing intent.

He knew that at this point, they had no time to activate the hourglass, and that they had to deal with the threat of the Shadow Alliance first.

"Xiaoya, Xia Jin, you protect Xiaojie and Yuanjing, I'll lure them away." Lin Feng let out a low roar, and his body rushed out like a cheetah, heading straight for the direction of the Shadow Alliance.

Xiao Ya and Xia Jin immediately protected Xiao Jie, and the figures of the three of them quickly disappeared into the shadows of the forest. Lin Feng faced the pursuers of the Shadow Alliance alone, his posture was vigorous, his sword dance was like a dragon, and every slash could accurately cut off the enemy's attacks while dealing fatal damage.

The members of the Shadow Alliance obviously didn't expect him to come alone to challenge, and after a short period of confusion, they quickly adjusted their formation and tried to besiege Lin Feng.