Chapter 621: Section 408: There’s a Big Secret in Teleportation
The Dual-Ear Detector Puppet had been conducting reconnaissance for some time now.
“I hope that around the Ocean Nest, there are many powerful sea beasts living. That way, when I break the Ocean Nest, it will trigger a slaughter among the sea beasts. The more chaotic it gets, the more I’ll be able to escape.”
The Fishman youth was confident about escaping amid the chaos.
It was not that he had confidence in himself, nor was it in the Alchemy Demon Energy Ship “Deep Sea Monster Fish,” but in the Deception and Disguise Skill, and in the Divine Level material Pearl Bubble!
However, the fact was that the Dual-Ear Detector had been operating for a while, but it still hadn’t come up with any results.
In light of this, the Fishman youth had sought Zhongyong’s opinion.
Zhongyong replied, saying it might be because the walls of the Ocean Nest were too heavy and thick, and they could also absorb sound waves. The sound waves not only had to penetrate out but also return, and this to and fro required the Alchemy Puppet to continue for quite a long time.
With no choice, the Fishman youth had to accept this reality.
Facing this situation, Zhongyong was not idle either; he carefully selected a special model of reconnaissance puppet.
The Delicate Eel Probe!
This type of Alchemy Puppet looked much like an eel, but was much thinner and more delicate than a normal eel. Their forte was drilling through rock and exploring mines.
Zhongyong had chosen this model of Alchemy Puppet intending for them to quietly burrow into the walls of the Ocean Nest, creating barely detectable tiny holes that would facilitate the transmission of sound waves without alarming the Holy Domain sea beasts.
That is to say, the main purpose of the Delicate Eel Probe was to complement the earlier Dual-Ear Detector.
After practicing Fast Swimming Combat Skill for a while, the Fishman youth rested for a bit and then began to practice another combat skill—Wave Stepping.
This was also a Fishman combat skill.
It could create a strong propulsive force beneath the feet of a Fishman, helping them to move rapidly over a distance.
For the Fishman youth, the method of generating power for this combat skill was much more familiar to him than that of the Fast Swimming Combat Skill. It felt similar to when he released the Burst Combat Skill from the soles of his feet.
At present, the combat skills the Fishman youth primarily practiced were all for movement.
His hypothetical combat scenarios took place deep in the ocean bottom, clashing with Holy Domain sea beasts. In such battles, the Fishman youth’s goal was definitely not to defeat the enemy, but to survive.
In fact, he also knew that escape would be extremely difficult for him.
Based on his observations, with the speed of Holy Domain sea beasts, even if he used Fast Swimming, Wave Stepping, Burst Combat Skill, and so on, he still couldn’t shake it off.
The Fishman youth’s current goal was practical: to increase his mobility in tight spaces, to dodge some fatal attacks, and to fight for an extra second or two of survival time as much as possible.
Don’t look down on a second or two; in some moments, that could be the difference between life and death.
After practicing two movement-aiding Fishman combat skills, the Fishman youth then started practicing a third combat skill—Solid Scales.
This was, of course, a Fishman combat skill as well.
Its effects were simple and unadorned, which was evident from the name. After using this combat skill, the scales all over a Fishman’s body would become tougher and thicker. Their defensive capability would increase significantly.
However, this significant increase was relative to a Fishman.
The Fishman youth compared it and found that, even after employing the Solid Scales Combat Skill, his defensive power was nowhere near that of the Dragon-man Form’s Dragon Scales.
The Bloodline Concentration of the King of Flame Dragon slightly exceeded 34%, while his Fishman Form’s Bloodline Concentration was only 11%. Apart from the major factor of concentration, there were also differences and strengths between species.
Fishman bloodlines were generally not adept at defense.
In fact, the Fishman species could not compare to the Dragon Clan.
But then again, having the bolstering of the Solid Scales Combat Skill was certainly better than not.
The Fishman youth planned to practice more combat skills in the future to increase his defenses as much as possible.
Having become accustomed to the protection of Dragon Scales, whenever he changed into his Fishman Form, he always felt somewhat uneasy and insecure at heart.
“If I could buy the Wandering Full Body Badge Armor, it would be of great help to me now. It’s a pity the City Lord of Snowbird Port does not sell this Golden Level equipment.”
There was another piece of Golden Level armor by the Fishman youth’s side, which was the golden silk chain armor. However, this equipment sustained quite a bit of damage in the battle with Teng Donglang and had yet to be repaired.
Even with the likes of Bu Quan, Zhongyong, and a group of Alchemy Mages joining the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, it remained so.
The reason was simple.
This equipment was imbued with Deception and Disguise Skill, Anti-Intelligence Prophecy Skill. Placed before Zhongyong and Bu Quan, they couldn’t see it!
Telling them this secret would be inappropriate.
For doing so would indirectly reveal the existence of the Pearl Bubble, greatly increasing the risk of exposing the survivors’ core secrets.
Thinking of the golden silk chain armor, the Fishman youth couldn’t help but think of Zong Ge and Zi Di.
“I wonder how they’re doing now.”
“Based on the timing, they should have already left Snowbird Port and headed for the Ice Sculpture Royal Capital.”
“For Zong Ge’s side, I left the Golden Flower Steel Saw, Following Boots, Qi Injection Syringe, Little Thunder God Flying Hammer, and a Golden Level longbow, among others.”
“Perhaps, when we parted, I should have given them the golden silk chain armor to use as well.”
Now, the survivors have ample funds and can purchase a large amount of Silver Level equipment. They’re no longer lacking in these Level items.
The difference is just how much money to spend on them.
But reaching the Golden Level equipment is much more difficult. Often, it’s not a matter of having money to buy them; some rare and unique Golden Level equipment is not easily found.
Take, for example, Golden Level armor; the entire Mercenary Group only has one piece of golden silk chain armor. The Dragon-man youth and Zong Ge both need it and can’t borrow it in time.
Often one has it, and the other does not.
Although Bu Quan has joined the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, she’s only at Silver Level, held back by her Alchemy Mage Level, and still some distance from producing Golden Level equipment.
But the future is definitely something to look forward to.
Once Bu Quan reaches Golden Level, mass production of Golden Level equipment might be achievable.
The Fishman youth now feels that the golden silk chain armor on himself isn’t of much use.
Against Holy Domain Level sea beasts, the role of a piece of Golden Level Defensive Equipment is negligible. The difference between having it and not is not significant.
But for Zong Ge, it would be different.
“My heroic duel with Teng Donglang has made my name known throughout the Ice Sculpture Royal Capital. However, the bigger the tree, the more wind it catches. If Zong Ge is to play my role, he will face a lot of challenges.”
“However, even without the golden silk chain armor, he can do it!”
“Zong Ge is an excellent leader, with a keen eye capable of handling difficulties and breaking through adversity. With him leading the team, they can achieve success!”
“His personal combat power is also strong; as a Weapon Master, his Silver Fighting Spirit has also gained a golden gleam. With those Golden Level equipment, he should be able to meet the challenges.”
“Zi Di’s Mage Level may be lower, but she is equipped with plenty of casting scrolls and potions. And her real talent lies in business. Zi Di’s ability to deal with outsiders is far beyond mine.”
“The two of them are great talents among the survivors, both of whom have gone through hardships, have no flaws in character, and are very stable. Partnering together and heading to the Ice Sculpture Royal Capital, they should be able to stand their ground.”
The Fishman youth tried to analyze and speculate on Zong Ge and Zi Di’s situation.
At the same time, it was also a way to comfort himself.
Now that he was trapped in the Ocean Nest, it was better to find a way to leave quickly than to worry about others!
Suddenly, a strong spatial fluctuation occurred.
The expression of the Fishman youth changed dramatically.
He was no stranger to these fluctuations.
“This is the fluctuation of teleportation.”
“The third teleportation has occurred!”
Realizing this, the Fishman youth could no longer care about practicing Combat Skills.
He immediately used the Captain’s authority to control the magic-powered ship to drain out the seawater in the landing pod.
Then, he followed the opened metal cabin door into the head of the Deep Sea Monster Fish.
He entered the cockpit and observed the outside scene through the Magic Image very quickly.
The next moment, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
Because this time, the sea beasts that were teleported in were many and of various kinds. There were dolphins, sharks, finned fish, and Sharp Clawed Water Monkeys, among others.
“Are there actually Fishmen?”
“Wait a second, these sea beasts seem to be under the control of the Fishmen.”
“What are they doing?”
The teleportation had awakened the Holy Domain sea beast.
But the sea beast didn’t pounce to kill immediately, as it seemed to notice these Fishmen.
A leading Silver Level Fishman, with a burst of courage, shouted loudly at the mountainous Snow Pear Octopus: “mengl, awngml, ealnmwgm, nlga, nlma.”
He was actually communicating with the Holy Domain sea beast!
The Holy Domain sea beast soon ran out of patience and launched an attack on the other sea beasts but did not lay a hand on the Fishmen.
For a time, the water within the Ocean Nest churned, and the smell of blood filled the air.
The Holy Domain sea beast feasted to its heart’s content, its violent and fierce nature fully exposed.
The fishermen retreated to a corner of the Ocean Nest, and in the midst of such a bloody slaughter, they actually closed their eyes one after another, murmuring prayers to themselves.
Upon seeing this scene, a thought struck the Fishman youth like lightning.
He suddenly realized that these Fishmen had come prepared!
Looking closer, he saw these were not ordinary Fishmen but Transcendents.
Extraordinary Levels ranged from Bronze Level to Silver Level, with no Golden Level.
He counted.
There were definitely over 200 Extraordinary Fishmen present. Although there were not many at the Silver Level, around 20-30 individuals, it was still a rare occurrence.
One must know that Fishmen, as a Lower Species, had a far lower probability of producing Transcendents than the Human Race.
Now, suddenly gathering over 200 Extraordinary Fishmen, how large was the scale of the Fishman Clan behind them?
Another strange thing was that these Fishmen appeared in all shapes and colors, not of a unified Bloodline, nor did any dominant Bloodline feature prevail.
This meant they came from all corners of the world, not produced by a single large clan.
“What on earth is going on?”
“This group of Fishmen gathered together, were teleported here, and brought a vast number of sea beasts for the Snow Pear Octopus to feed on. And they are praying here?”
The Holy Domain Level Snow Pear Octopus quickly devoured all the sea beasts, swallowed the blood water, consuming all the blood, and then spouted out clean seawater, not wasting a drop.
It stretched its soft, massive tentacles, slowly closing in on the Fishmen in the corner.
At this moment, the Fishman youth didn’t need to use Spiritual Vision to know the Holy Domain sea beast was still violent and untamed.
To it, these praying Fishmen were nothing more than delicacies. Its predatory greed made it restless and eager.
There was no doubt that the approaching Holy Domain sea beast inflicted immense psychological pressure on the praying Fishmen.
The majority of the Fishmen trembled, subconsciously amplifying the volume of their prayers.
They all prayed in Fishman Language, and the Fishman youth felt embarrassed for his Bloodline; he truly couldn’t understand a single word.
However, the praying sounds that reached the Holy Domain sea beast’s ears seemed to make its movements slower.
The Fishman youth witnessed all of this, sensing the Holy Domain sea beast’s hesitation.
In the end, the Snow Pear Octopus still extended its huge snow-white tentacle, slowly approaching a praying Fishman.
That Fishman was terrified. As the tentacle came toward him, the psychological pressure grew too much, and he collapsed.
With a loud shout, he frantically swam away behind him.
The next moment, the snow-white tentacle lashed out like lightning; a poised serpent darted out ferociously.
The fleeing Fishman was immediately bound, screeching piteously.
With minimal effort, the Snow Pear Octopus squeezed him into a pile of crushed flesh and bone fragments; blood spread out.
The octopus opened its mouth to suck, and a torrent of water reversed into its mouth. The Fishman’s body was also drawn into its belly, not a trace wasted.
After eating that Fishman, the octopus expressed a joy unlike any it had shown before, waving its soft tentacles in all directions – a scene the Fishman youth had never observed before.
“mglnalmn…”
“gnal, mga…”
“lanm, wgln…”
The particularly savage scene suddenly made the prayers of the Fishmen grow louder.
The Holy Domain Sea Beast continued to stretch out its tentacles. Each one of them was snow-white and soft, colossal like elongated pure clouds, beautiful yet deadly.
The tentacles gently brushed past the tops of the Fishmen’s heads, or grazed them as they passed by.
Many Fishmen’s faces were filled with fear, beyond their control, bodies shaking like chaff, trembling uncontrollably.
But there were a few Fishmen, their expressions resolute, even calm and collected, praying incessantly, not giving a second thought to the octopus tentacles.
The Fishman youth silently observed this extraordinary scene.
Every so often, the octopus tentacles would viciously strike, killing a Fishman with the speed of lightning and devouring them.
The Fishman youth also gradually noticed the strange behavior of the Holy Domain Sea Beast.
It seemed to be torturing those praying Fishmen slowly, playing with them, causing them to break down under extreme fear; it also seemed to be wary of something, not daring to strike at will.
“It kills and consumes certain Fishmen according to some underlying pattern,” the Fishman youth watched intently, faintly sensing that there were major secrets within.
About half an hour passed, and suddenly the Life Breath of a Fishman underwent a drastic change!
Originally, he was just a Bronze Level Fishman fighter. But quickly, his Life Breath rose from Bronze Level to Black Iron Level.
“What in the world happened?!” The Fishman youth saw this scene and almost doubted his eyes.
But soon, a similar scene occurred with another Fishman.
Following this, the Life Levels of numerous Fishmen were upgraded.
The Fishman youth also noticed carefully: some Fishmen remained at their original Life Levels, but their faces showed intense joy, evidently having gained something else!
“So, what exactly is going on here?” The Fishman youth was extremely amazed.
According to his understanding, Life Levels couldn’t undergo such sudden mutations.
They required extraordinary cultivation, a gradual accumulation, first quantitative changes, then triggering qualitative changes.
It was a slow process.
But now, what was happening before his eyes shattered the Fishman youth’s past knowledge.
These Fishmen were actually able to experience a qualitative change in their Life Levels in a very short time.
This was too incredible!
What shocked the Fishman youth wasn’t just this.
About three hours later, spatial fluctuations occurred once again.
All the praying Fishmen vanished on the spot.
“They’ve all been teleported away!” The Fishman youth’s state of mind was disturbed by this mutation.
He stayed in the same place for a while before he gradually came to his senses.
He began thinking rapidly.
“There’s a great secret in the teleportation!”
“How on earth was this teleportation done?”
“Is it natural or man-made?”
“What is going on with these Fishmen? How could their Life Levels advance so rapidly?!”
After thinking for a while, the Fishman youth’s eyes shone brightly as he stared at several corners within the Magic Image.
Hidden in these corners were the Dual-Ear Detectors.
Without exception, they were all enchanted with a layer of Deception and Disguise Skill and Anti-Intelligence Prophecy Skill. To an outsider, they were merely pearls.
“The great secret of teleportation might be cracked through investigation with these Puppets!”
Now, the Fishman youth was particularly eager to find out what exactly lay beyond the Ocean Nest.