As the Azure Dragon’s Mortal Sun-Shattering Run began to circulate, a faint yet penetrating aura of metallic sharpness and austere killing intent gradually emanated from Yang Zicang’s body.
It was like being clad in a layer of spiky, icy light.
Unlike the turmoil of the elements, the purity of glass, or the stark division between night and day, this was a spiritual essence; a sharpness that turned the spirit more inward and focused, like a sharp stone and metallic earth energy lying dormant deep beneath the nine layers of the ground, ready to burst forth at any moment.
A strand of the “Azure Dragon’s ” intent was channeled into the Bloodline Resonance Statue in his hand.
｛I, the Great Quadrilateral, should I communicate with the “Spirit Fountain Brilliance Insight Mark ” to brand the Bloodline Resonance Statue?｝
“Spirit Fountain Brilliance Insight? “
Yang Zicang sensed this so-called Source of the Holy Spirit.
- ｛The distributor, Tata Mingqi, gave me a “Favorable Review. “｝
- ｛Distributor Di An, with extensive experience, indicated I am gestating a new node in a glorious prelude.｝
-｛Distributor May·Valkyrie gave me a “Favorable Review “.｝
This was clearly the right hint for choosing the correct path!
That must be it! Yang Zicang’s heart settled with certainty.
Following his mental confirmation and the act of channeling breath into his hand, he suddenly felt his consciousness lifted by a colossal gravitational pull from an ethereal void, as if the cosmos were descending around him!
An indescribable “source ” of even vaster psycho-energy, resembling the outlet of a cosmic “pump, ” poured down toward his mind and converged!
The void-ethereal, refined brand rapidly expanded, enshrouding the sea of his thoughts, then crashed resoundingly into the bloodline statue in his hand.
At that moment, the faceless human statue in Yang Zicang’s hand instantly established a connection with him through an inexplicable resonance.
The statue greedily absorbed the faint yet pure and supremely essential “sharp intent ” from his hand!
Without any need for words, Yang Zicang, in a stroke of divine inspiration, held the statue high. That thread of “Azure Dragon Imperialshatter Slayer ” intent acted like a fuse, instigating the refined energy of the “Primal Spiritual Gaze’s Source Mark ” from the ether to slam into the statue like a branding iron!
Zzzz—!
A soft crackling sound echoed, and at the statue’s base,
Yang Zicang’s consciousness sharpened and soared in that moment, as if everything under heaven was but trivial in his eyes—all conflicts faded like passing smoke and clouds. Yet it was not insubstantial; it was an irresistible, soaring spirit that pierced the heavens, unstoppable, annihilating all in its path.
It was precisely in that instant that the force field behind them suddenly began to waver and shudder. Shells roared with a deafening thunder as they blasted directly through the vanishing barrier, hurtling straight toward their location!
“What?! They dare to fire?! “
Boom!
A violent explosion tore a massive hole through a nearby house, sending bricks, stones, and debris hurtling amidst the driving rain.
The sound of gunfire sent terrified screams echoed through the townspeople—especially those already lying on the ground, who curled up in unison like lobsters doused with boiling water.
In that fleeting moment, a mass of azure energy was born, spreading like mist throughout the town.
Beneath the canvas tarp, the few who had been marveling moments earlier at how that outside unit dared to open fire suddenly grasped the other side’s intent.
This colossal energy was exactly what they wanted!
Panic. Terror. Dread. Despair!
In just a few breaths, a storm of such emotions swept across the town, engulfing it entirely. Over a thousand townsfolk, caught in this devastating vortex of feelings, screamed uncontrollably like madmen, twisting and convulsing beyond any semblance of reason.
Ebiser shielded Lianna in his arms, his gaze terrified as he stared outside, then he spotted another black dot hurtling toward them amidst the cannon fire.
It was actually a shell aimed directly at their party.
Weren’t those bastards afraid of destroying the Secret Box they wanted?!
“Get down!” the men under the tarpaulin roared.
Boom!
Ebiser had already clenched his eyes shut. But amidst the violent tremor, he felt no sting of pain, so he opened his gaze.
At his side, the Fogfolk who had been traveling with Yang Zicang—Mr. He—stood with both hands thrust forward, a slowly rotating translucent hexagonal force field blocking the shell that had exploded right at their ears.
A fresh, arched crater had appeared on the ground.
“Wow! Uncle Fogfolk, you’re so cool!” Lianna cheered immediately.
He Yishu twitched the corner of his mouth. “Am I that old?“
“Nice work.” Qiao Bing dusted off his clothes and said.
Suddenly, they all felt a sharp, mental will swooping down and enveloping the area, spreading out like an aura, sweeping across the surroundings.
Everyone was caught in that will, and even their spines straightened involuntarily.
“It’s Mr. Yang!“
All of them, now steady again, turned to look at Yang Zicang standing in the middle.
The young man’s eyes had opened, scanning the blast and the barrier that had just closed.
“Hmph, resorting to cheap tricks only when we leave the force field’s vicinity. “
The azure energy mists cascading upon the White Shadow Thought-Dragon raged even fiercer under those two cannon blasts. Yet, at this moment, Yang Zicang’s spirit stood tall, burning with such intensity that the White Shadow Thought-Dragon’s density drastically increased, deflecting the relentless barrage from the bloodline contamination for the time being.
“Mr. Cardan. ” Yang Zicang turned his head.
Cardan’s anxious gaze was fixed on the depths of the storm ahead, where faint, agonized moans could be heard.
Upon hearing Yang Zicang’s call, Cardan immediately spun around, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Yang Zicang nodded slightly. “Please, go and convince Ms. Shirley. “
“Yes, Sir! ” Facing the ferocious storm, Cardan clenched his jaw, and his skin began to writhe with countless tiny worm-like tendrils. The sight sent a wave of nausea through those nearby, who instinctively slashed outward to ward it off.
Lianna barely managed a gasp of “Ah! ” before Ebiser’s large, broad hand covered her eyes.
“Don’t worry, my White Shadow Thought-Dragon will aid you. “
The White Shadow Thought-Dragon, having been consistently swirling in defense of the group, suddenly quivered and rose, its body flickering with faint golden pseudo-flames.
Yang Zicang turned to Qiao Bing. “Old Qiao, please deploy your force field to temporarily shield us from this pure energy storm. I recall sonic force fields are effective against such energies, aren’t they? Also, everyone, please stay low to minimize your exposure in the air. “
In an instant, Qiao Bing manifested a crimson force field, and the White Shadow Thought-Dragon took to the air, swooping around Cardan with a resounding whoosh.
“Go, persuade her. If you fail, I will have no choice but to use the Holy Sword directly. “
Caden’s gaze trembled twice in shock, then he quickly realized that this could actually be leverage to convince Shirley! That foolish woman who places the mission above all else… Facing such a situation, she would surely be able to make the optimal choice in no time!
Outside the barrier.
On a temporary lookout wooden platform, Mr. Ben took the military telescope from the sentry beside him, brought it to his eye, and looked toward the town.
“Damn it… Caden has indeed betrayed us. That thing beside him, could it be the ‘psychic’ monster only the strongest Mistfolk possess? “
“It seems so, Mr. Ben. That thing can temporarily neutralize the energy corrosion. “
Mr. Ben frowned.
“What are they doing rushing to the deepest part at a time like this? Even if they go to persuade that woman, there’s no way to reverse the miasma pollution. “
“Hard to say, unless they possess a Bloodline Statue, ” the sentry wiped at the rain, “and by some coincidence, one that either holds no refined bloodline, or just happens to be linked to the pulse ring of the miasma-polluted bloodline inside. “
“Hmph. ” Mr. Ben smiled contemptuously. “That scenario is simply impossible. “
……
-｛Distributor May·Valkyrie, drawing upon extensive experience, indicates that I am currently incubating a new node heralding the dawn of brilliance.｝
Yang Zicang stood rigidly in the rain, with the figures of several people lying behind him covered by canvas, while Qiao Bing crouched off to the side, straining to sustain the dark crimson rippling force field in his hands to reduce the impact of the incoming Miasma Pollution energy.
Kaden, enveloped by the White Shadow Mind Dragon, walked step by step toward the center of the storm like a shamanic deity.
{Ugh… ah… }
“Ugh… ahhh… “
The girl’s agonizing cries faintly drifted out from the storm; Kaden could no longer make out her condition from the outside, but just hearing those already twisted shrieks was enough to shatter his heart.
This cry had even been roared from the depths of the maiden’s soul, spawning genuine auditory hallucinations.
“Shirley! “
Each shout grew ethereal through the storm and curtain of rain, yet such a familiar voice, no matter how faint, was precious to someone in utter despair. Like a person clinging to the edge of a cliff, seeing a new support extended toward them, even if it was only a thin vine.
Shirley’s unbearable cries of pain weakened slightly.
“Shirley! Say yes and let us contain the Miasma Bloodline! You hear me, right?! ” Kaden shouted with joy.
This shout spread all around, reaching some townsfolk who lay collapsed but not yet dead. In their desperate hearts, a glimmer of hope to survive was instantly born.
“Say yes, just think it in your heart! ” After shouting, Kaden turned his head to look at Yang Zicang.
Yang Zicang on the other side nodded, his hand tightly gripping the statue. Having already agreed to “begin the containment of the tainted bloodline ” after Minister Times’ repeated inquiries, his choice was set.
But… it didn’t work.
Yang Zicang tried two more times, then looked up with narrowed eyes.
“It’s not working! ” His voice cut through the rain and wind. “She hasn’t agreed! “
A silent tremor ran through the hearts of the townsfolk on the ground, as the energy of fury, despair, and regret lashed out at those nearby.
Carden froze for a moment, staring in disbelief into the raging storm, where those low, somber groans continued to rise.
She was in such pain, and yet… she actually—
Refused!
“Are you insane?! ” Carden roared in fury. “Do you really think you can do this?! Don’t you realize your choice will drag countless innocent people into this! Hah! “
Carden stepped forward, the White Shadow Mind Dragon howling so fiercely it seemed to tear his steps apart. Deeper into the storm, the pressure with every stride multiplied exponentially.
“J-just… give up! ” Carden gasped. “Xueli! You know what… ” He forced out the words. “Prisoner exchanges… what scum… the Bureau guys are… we… should… get out of here… leave… this rotten place… “
The storm suddenly intensified, the overwhelming force pressing against Carden and pushing him back two steps.
Stumbling backward, he realized it wasn’t the storm that had grown—it was Xueli, who had shuffled two steps toward him, pushing him away.
The storm then receded back again.
This… is her rejection of me! Caden thought, stunned. That woman who’d always whine behind others’ backs, how could she be… at a time like this…
A figure charged over from behind and stood beside him.
“Still can’t secure her smoothly. I’m going to start my final attempt, ” Yang Zicang said, feeling the distributor’s gaze on him.
Doing this definitely won’t get a high price from the Radiance acquisition, but there’s no other choice.
His hand reached into his soaked coat, sliding toward the silk scarf at his arm.
“Wait, hero! ” Caden said nervously. “Give me a bit more time. I’ll think of something, I’ll go in and subdue her! “
“How can you possibly get in? “
“How can I possibly… how… ” Caden looked around in panic, then dropped his gaze to his feet, his eyes flickering.
He raised his hand; a faint earthen-yellow energy radiated from his palm, as if his whole hand had turned as hard and solid as tamped-down earth.
Bam!
He slammed his palm into the ground, exploding open a pit like a bomb blast. The rubble inside was instantly swept away by the storm.
“Yes, I can! “
Without a second thought, Caden rapidly alternated his hands, slamming down repeatedly!
Boom! Bam! Boom! Bam!
Now a human-shaped digging shovel, in no time he carved out a trench big enough for a person to lie low in. Inside this gully, the storm’s sweeping force was significantly weakened, forming a vortex low-pressure pocket.
Yang Zicang’s eyes glinted faintly as well.
This guy actually found a way, but it’s a bit… hard on the hands.
“Shirley! Wait for me! “
Sensing no urging from the young man crouching beside him, Carden pounded the damp earth ahead with renewed strength, as power surged through his heart.
His internal energy exhausted and his hands dripping with blood, he gritted his teeth and started digging with his fingers, clawing at the ground… like a worm, slowly inching toward the eye of the storm.
……
“What on earth are those two doing? “
Mr. Ben took another look through his telescope, then suddenly glanced with some surprise at a certain object in the hands of the crouching young man.
Huh…?
That thing that looked exactly like a mallet… could it somehow be a statue?
Mr. Ben put away his telescope, a ridiculous thought immediately forming in his mind: Could this Fogfolk have spent his time in a civilian home carving a statue out of wood?
His thoughts raced. Yang Buchen had deliberately headed toward the storm’s epicenter, carrying a statue in his hand… to lure him into opening the force-field barrier? But he had already done that just now, and there had been no countermove from the other side…
Could he possibly be delusional enough to try and seal the bloodline?
But this… this is impossible!
It had been confirmed clearly that the man didn’t have any trace of a Bloodline Statue on him.
“Mr. Ben. ” A scout ran over, reporting. “Something’s wrong. The two members we sent out this morning to listen in and question the monitoring report still haven’t come back. “
“What! ” Shock flashed through Ben’s heart, and a chilling possibility instantly dawned on him.
He abruptly turned his head to survey his surroundings, as if there were some terrifying, sinister thing lurking on the wooden platform two meters above the ground.
“Quickly relay the order: Everyone watch each other, no one is allowed to be alone and out of sight! “
“Yes, sir! “
As that sentry ran off to pass the order, an inexplicable sense of peril, a restless irritation, surged within Ren’s heart. The man once more raised the telescope to his eyes; the shadowy human figure on the ground had completely vanished from sight.
……
Carden finally managed to burrow into the eye of the storm, all under the protection of the White Shadow Thought Dragon.
The aura here, by contrast, was much calmer.
But having arrived here, Carden’s own heart could not find any peace.
Before him was no longer the beloved woman’s figure… Instead, there lay a human-shaped piece of ‘swollen meat’, lying prone on the ground, its skin all cracked and bloated.
Selena laboriously turned her head to the other side, as if afraid to let the silent Carden see her appearance.
“…You… why… aren’t you trying to… persuade me, anymore… “
After an unknown number of silent breaths, Carden finally heard these words, which required intense focus to distinguish.
“Selena… I… “
“Heh… we are just… completing this mission… together… that’s all… ” Selena poured all her demonic energy into her throat, allowing her to speak relatively smoothly.
“How could… people like us… ever hope… to go to… that new world… Ah… urgh… “
Caden took a step forward, and the White Shadow Mind Dragon also touched Shirley’s disfigured body, causing the bloated mass to contract. Caden immediately stopped.
“Don’t come over… Go away… The demonic energy… has been contained. The Secret Box won’t be yours… to claim. If I hold on, to the very end… maybe… in your final days, you can truly find a good girl… live some… normal… days… “
“No. “
Shirley’s voice paused.
Caden, who had tremblingly uttered that word, continued with determination, “Trust the ‘heroes,’ Shirley. In this world, there truly exist people and powers beyond our understanding. I have already seen them! “
Caden walked through the White Shadow Mind Dragon, crouched down, and lifted Shirley’s broken body into his arms.
“Shirley, let’s go together. The heroes will find a way to save this world. I will also find a way to locate another Secret Box, and just like a true Fogfolk, I’ll become their bodyguard, begging the box’s owner to take us to the Next Era Land. “
Shirley was silent for a long time.
“But… I’m already like this. “
“You can do it! ” Suddenly another voice came from underground.
Both of their gazes strained to look over.
Yang Zicang, clutching the statue, squeezed his way through the excavated trench Caden had dug and poked half of his wriggling body out of the wind vent, his face filled with determination as he shouted loudly.
“Give up, Shirley! “
“It’s… a hero… “
“I will properly contain this Bloodline. I swear I’ll find a way to cure you! Caden, you should know—I still have a Bloodline Resonance Statue. And you know what the ‘Radiance Imprint’ means, don’t you! “
Caden’s body trembled. “You… you would actually use something that precious… on treating us? “
“Isn’t saving lives like yours the greatest wish recorded in the Sage’s Memoirs! “
Yang Zicang roared:
“Rewriting the doomed endings of creatures like you—that’s the ultimate mission we Fogfolk came to this continent to fulfill! “
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