Chapter 241: Fusion Worm
After briefly determining the source of the Giant Worm’s abilities, Zhou Ming did not conduct further research due to limited conditions. He then sealed the opening of the gray pouch and, after placing it into a glass box, stored it inside his Spatial Ring.
After putting away the spoils, Zhou Ming continued exploring with Su Mei.
However, not long into their investigation, they were attacked once again by a high-tier Insect-type Ferocious Beast.
This Insect-type Ferocious Beast resembled a centipede magnified a hundredfold, its surface covered in a shell as hard as alloy.
Whether it was the strangling force of Phantom Snake Hands or the venomous assault of Snake Tide Poison Miasma, neither could successfully kill it.
Of course, this was mainly because Zhou Ming had not revealed his strongest Serpentfolk Form, so the power of the two exclusive spells had not been fully displayed.
It was simply that he had never seen these Insect-type Ferocious Beasts before. Wanting to study their abilities, he had deliberately chosen to hold back his strength.
In the end, Zhou Ming used Phantom Snake Hands to bind the Iron-armored Insect in place. Personally wielding the Phantasmal Spirit Sword, he infused it with bloodline power, pushing its sharpness and hardness to the extreme before finally piercing through the Iron-armored Insect’s head.
The insect’s legs, comparable to alloy battle blades, and its shell, capable of withstanding rifle fire, all became Zhou Ming’s spoils.
If a forgemaster were to take action, either of these materials could easily be crafted into ordinary Transcendent Equipment.
As more and more Insect-type Ferocious Beasts appeared—varying in strength, massive in size, and bizarre in shape—Zhou Ming began to feel curious about the situation.
Encountering several unfamiliar Insect-type Ferocious Beasts was normal. But in just a few short hours, they had discovered dozens of different species of varying strength.
Even though they were in an unfamiliar environment like the Gloom Domain, such a situation should not have occurred.
What was even stranger was that no common mutated animals had been found. It truly felt abnormal.
As Zhou Ming and Su Mei entered the hill they had discovered, the number of strangely shaped plants around them increased, and the environment began to grow more complex. At that moment, a worm-like creature resembling a silkworm crawled toward Zhou Ming from a vine.
Just as the silkworm-like creature was about to touch Zhou Ming’s neck, he suddenly turned around and summoned a blood-colored Serpent Shadow Projection.
The blood-colored Serpent Shadow Projection, almost tangible in form, opened its serpent maw like a predator seizing prey and engulfed the unknown creature.
“Fusion Worm.”
The blood-colored Serpent Shadow Projection closed its jaws, instantly imprisoning the silkworm-like creature within, leaving it nowhere to escape.
After examining it carefully for a few moments, Zhou Ming immediately recognized it as the Fusion Worm used to refine Worm Potion.
“So that’s how it is. No wonder there are so many unfamiliar Insect-type Ferocious Beasts—it turns out they are the work of the Fusion Worm.”
“My lord, is this the Fusion Worm that can merge different biological genes and transform into different lifeforms?”
When Zhou Ming mentioned the Fusion Worm, even Su Mei—who had intended to remain silent—could not help but feel curious about the silkworm-like creature.
After all, Worm Potion refined from the Fusion Worm was a resource that the camp had long needed to purchase.
Whether for bloodline modification or for Zhou Ming’s research, Worm Potion, this ordinary high-tier potion, had practically become a mandatory reserve resource within the camp.
“It is indeed this kind of creature. It can integrate the genes of other organisms and undergo an alternative form of transformation.”
Looking at the Fusion Worm bound within the blood-colored Serpent Shadow Projection, Zhou Ming immediately thought of the alien creatures from films in his previous life—beings that continuously acquired other organisms’ genes to evolve.
He had originally believed he understood such creatures well. Yet after witnessing the various Insect-type Ferocious Beasts transformed from the Fusion Worm, Zhou Ming realized he had nearly overlooked a treasure trove.
If he could thoroughly study the Fusion Worm, combine it with the bloodline transformation of the Shadow Cat Clan evolving into Catwoman, and add the erosive nature of the True Dragon Bloodline, then his envisioned Ironthread Snake bloodline transformation plan could truly be completed.
“The lifeforms in this region are complex. Stay alert.”
Knowing that Fusion Worms existed here, Zhou Ming immediately warned Su Mei. No one knew what changes the Fusion Worm might undergo after transforming.
If it merged with an already bizarre organism, it might evolve into something even more strange and dangerous.
“Please rest assured, my lord. I will remain vigilant.”
Zhou Ming did not say more. He placed the Fusion Worm into a glass test tube before continuing their exploration.
During the subsequent investigation, with both of them maintaining heightened alertness, no further danger arose.
However, they also took the opportunity to experience the strangeness of the Gloom Domain.
There were lantern-like plants that emitted a green glow and could bewilder the minds of living beings.
There were blood-red vines covered in razor-sharp thorns that could drain blood.
There were semi-transparent, jellyfish-like creatures that floated in groups through the air.
…
After spending half a day, Zhou Ming and Su Mei had only managed to explore a small portion of the area.
Based on their findings so far, Zhou Ming determined that the cave before them likely spanned dozens of kilometers. Although high-tier Ferocious Beasts were present, there were no signs of Humans or Foreign Races living there.
Once their Spatial Storage Equipment was completely filled, they had no choice but to temporarily end this exploration.
“Su Mei, when we return this time, temporarily suspend construction and development of the cave. Arrange for people to prioritize building a city-wall fortress at the passage entrance.”
While exploring this unfamiliar region, Zhou Ming had already decided not to abandon the camp for now.
Although their underground cave was connected to the Gloom Domain and potential risks had sharply increased, the resources within the Gloom Domain were simply too abundant.
At this moment, Zhou Ming truly understood the meaning of the phrase “irresistibly tempting.”
When the benefits were great enough, the risks could be ignored.
“Yes, I understand what to do,” Su Mei replied.
She was not surprised by Zhou Ming’s decision. Her own Spatial Storage Equipment had also been filled with various resources.
She had advanced to Professional Beast Tamer using the Earth-Walking Dragon Bloodline Essence. To continue increasing her strength in the future, she would certainly require vast amounts of resources.
Moreover, as the Camp General Manager, she bore significant pressure to maintain the camp’s operations with sufficient supplies.
She wholeheartedly supported her lord’s decision.
“Oh, and remember to seal off that small Dimensional Rift. Set up high-intensity explosives. If a high-tier Ferocious Beast crosses over, eliminate it immediately.”
The Dimensional Rift still carried Zhou Ming’s aura, so high-tier Ferocious Beasts rarely appeared now. Nevertheless, precautions had to be taken.
As for Voidstone, that resource had already been reclaimed by the camp and would not be produced again in the short term.
Even a massive Dimensional Rift could not continuously produce Transcendent materials at all times.
“Yes,” Su Mei responded immediately.
After issuing specific orders, Zhou Ming did not provide further detailed instructions. He then returned to the camp with Su Mei.
This exploration of the Gloom Domain had yielded rich rewards. In particular, capturing several Fusion Worms would greatly assist him in refining his Bloodline Leap plan.
As for the threat posed by the Gloom Domain, based on their current findings, Zhou Ming intended not to abandon the camp for now.
After all, the resources within the Gloom Domain were simply too abundant.