Chapter 255: Secret Realm Tower
Upon entering the secret realm, a scene of desolation came into view before Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion.
The sky was dim and overcast, thin mist like gauze drifting all around. The soil beneath their feet resembled a barren desert, and the trees that had once been planted there had long since withered and died.
Only a tall tower in the distance flickered faintly within the murky scenery, like a castle hidden in mountain nightfall, brimming with mystery.
Before Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion could make any move, faint sparks suddenly appeared on a withered tree not far away, its twisted branches resembling ghostly claws. From a distance, the specks of fire looked like fireflies on a summer night.
These unknown insect-like creatures possessed some kind of sensing ability. The moment Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion entered the secret realm, they detected them immediately.
“Be careful. This was one of the defensive measures left behind by the former master of this artificial secret realm — Flameburst Insects.”
With the intelligence obtained from Dulag, Zhou Ming instantly recognized the creatures before him.
Flameburst Insects were artificially cultivated Transcendent creatures, about the size of a thumb. Their abdomens were semi-transparent and fiery red, capable of emitting dazzling crimson light.
Upon sensing unfamiliar auras, they would launch an attack by self-detonation.
“I’ll handle this.”
After hearing Zhou Ming’s detailed explanation, the Scorpion-Lion immediately directed his Scorpion-Tailed Lion to act.
“Roar……”
Under the Scorpion-Lion’s control, A Yue gathered its power within its throat, and a berserk lion’s roar exploded like thunder.
Before the Flameburst Insects could approach the two of them, the rock-shattering soundwaves rolled outward in visible shockwaves, directly annihilating the swarm filling the sky.
In an instant, the dim secret realm erupted with blazing firelight, like festival fireworks bursting within its confines.
Witnessing such a magnificent sight, Zhou Ming could not help but glance sideways repeatedly. He had not expected the Scorpion-Lion to possess such a large-scale attack method.
Although it was of little use against opponents of equal rank, it was indeed highly effective for clearing out lesser enemies.
While Flameburst Insects were fragile themselves, the fire-element energy particles contained within their bodies, once detonated, were comparable in power to a high-explosive grenade.
If their numbers were sufficient, even if Zhou Ming activated Snake Scale Protection, it would be difficult to withstand the continuous chain of explosions.
After the Flameburst Insects were cleared out, the surrounding withered trees began to burn. The two did not waste time and directly passed through the blazing flames.
After all, ordinary fire could no longer affect them.
Compared to Dulag, who as a Bloodline Warlock of the Spellcaster System could employ strange and insidious methods, Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion dealt with problems in a far more aggressive manner. As a result, the trouble did not end there.
Not long after they advanced, a twisted shadow used the dim environment as cover, slithering across the ground toward them like a venomous snake.
Boom…
A blood-colored serpent phantom struck the ground like a cannonball. Its cold, gleaming fangs formed invisible shackles, instantly binding a mass of black shadow tightly in place.
Before Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion could examine it further, a shrill screech rang out.
Malicious mutterings echoed within their minds, invading their sanity in a bizarre manner.
“Heart Seal of White Bone Contemplation.”
“Lion’s Roar.”
In the next moment, both of them immediately activated their respective spiritual secret techniques.
Zhou Ming’s Heart Seal of White Bone Contemplation originated from White Bone Contemplation. After integrating it with the Moon Lake Meditation Method, the power of this spiritual technique had grown considerably stronger.
With the heart reflecting the moon, he beheld his true self, unmoved by external evils.
As for the Scorpion-Lion’s spiritual secret technique, it was naturally a hidden inheritance of the Duanmu Family.
Reacting in time, they completely cleansed the twisted shadow’s mental contamination in an instant.
“A spirit-type creature?”
Seeing the writhing black shadow entangled by the blood-colored serpent phantom, the Scorpion-Lion frowned, a trace of disgust flashing across his face.
“Not a pure spirit-type creature. It’s more like a vile existence formed from the fusion of polluted energy and a spirit.”
Compared to the Scorpion-Lion’s guess, Zhou Ming had a clearer perception of the imprisoned black shadow through Phantom Snake Hands.
Evil, filth, chaos — waves of negative emotions battered his mind continuously.
Fortunately, Zhou Ming possessed Snake Swarm Will and was not affected.
After briefly describing what he sensed, the blood-colored serpent phantom ignited with crimson flames. The power of bloodline slowly eroded the black shadow bit by bit.
Without suitable means of sealing it, and with the constantly writhing black shadow holding no research value, Zhou Ming naturally had no intention of carrying such a dangerous entity with him.
“Be careful. The things inside this secret realm are somewhat strange.”
At this moment, Zhou Ming’s expression turned extremely solemn. Spirit-type creatures were far too bizarre, unlike flesh-and-blood Ferocious Beasts that were easier to handle.
By comparison, Dulag, as a Bloodline Warlock of the Spellcaster System, was actually more adept at dealing with spirits than they were.
Yet even so, he had not managed to fully explore this secret realm, which was enough to demonstrate its level of danger.
“I know.”
After scanning the surroundings, the Scorpion-Lion did not suggest retreating but simply responded to Zhou Ming.
Since he had chosen to enter the secret realm, he would naturally accompany Zhou Ming to investigate it to the end.
As for the strange spirit-type creatures, as the heir of the Duanmu Family, he still had several life-preserving pieces of equipment on him.
What surprised him most was Zhou Ming’s seemingly extensive array of methods. He appeared capable of handling all kinds of unknown situations.
After Zhou Ming dealt with the twisted black shadow, the two did not speak further and continued toward the distant tower.
Along the way, Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion encountered eye-opening sights — peculiar plants that actively hunted like living creatures, a monster formed from a puddle of rotten mud that could move freely, puppets capable of independent action…
Although none were particularly powerful, their abilities were diverse and bizarre, leaving even Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion astonished.
After expending considerable effort, the two finally arrived before the tower hidden within the dim scenery.
The tower covered an area of several dozen meters and stood about a hundred meters tall, constructed entirely from massive stones.
Though it appeared ancient and dilapidated, its rock walls overgrown with lifeless withered vines and exuding a decaying aura, both Zhou Ming and the Scorpion-Lion faintly sensed a dangerous presence.
“It seems Dulag obtained the Rune Mage inheritance inside this tower.”
Seeing that the tower’s main gate had already been opened and that relatively fresh traces remained around it, Zhou Ming understood that they were left behind when Dulag entered.
“Let’s go. Hopefully there are still treasures left inside.”
They had already explored the surroundings earlier. Aside from the secret realm’s defensive measures and the peculiar entities nurtured by its special environment, nothing had truly tempted them.
Now, the only place where benefits might be obtained was this tower before them.
Perhaps because Dulag had already cleared the dangers on the lower levels, the two did not encounter immediate threats upon entering through the main gate. They only saw various pieces of decayed furniture toppled across the floor.
After a brief inspection, confirming that these areas had already been visited by Dulag, they headed upward.
When they reached the third floor of the tower and saw the traces of fierce battle left behind, the two exchanged a silent glance.
Dulag had likely stopped here.
Which meant there was something within capable of threatening them.
New Elements and Characters:
Flameburst Insects — Artificially cultivated Transcendent creatures that self-detonate upon sensing unfamiliar auras.
Secret Realm Tower — A massive ancient stone tower within the artificial secret realm.
Spirit-type creature (twisted black shadow) — A vile entity formed from polluted energy fused with a spirit.
A Yue — Scorpion-Tailed Lion (he/him), mount and combat partner of the Scorpion-Lion.