Chapter 105: The Ancient City of Sanxiang
When the Player successfully defeated the boss.
Hang Yu immediately received a prompt from the Will of the Stars.
【You have obtained “Lesser Abyssal Nightmare Source Fragment.” Do you wish to assimilate it now? Yes/No!】
【Ding, assimilation successful. You have gained +12 Tier-One Talent Points, and received “Small Abyssal Treasure Chest (Green)” +1!】
Although Pei Yuanshao was a powerful commander-level unit, he was clearly not the strongest abyssal being in the Woniu Mountain region.
Whether it was Zhou Cang or the mysterious core polluter, their strength was undoubtedly far above Pei Yuanshao.
However, although this was merely a lesser pollution source, it was different from the previous ones.
Not only did it grant as many as 12 Tier-One Talent Points, it even rewarded a green-quality treasure chest.
As long as one successfully hunted a pollution source no weaker than an Abyss Commander...
There was always a certain probability to obtain an Abyssal Treasure Chest.
Of course, as a lesser Abyssal pollution source, Pei Yuanshao was quite inferior compared to Ma Yuanyi.
So the value of the treasure chest was much smaller than the one obtained from Ma Yuanyi.
Still, the gains were not bad!
Although Pei Yuanshao was an Abyss Commander...
He was, after all, merely a Tier-One Abyssal being.
Even though Hang Yu gained 12 talent points at once, these were all Tier-One Talent Points.
They could not be used to unlock Tier-Two Lord Talents, so he decided to upgrade “Lord’s Aura” by one level.
【You are upgrading the talent “Lord’s Aura.” This upgrade will consume 10 Tier-One Talent Points. Do you wish to upgrade now? Yes/No!】
“Yes!”
Hang Yu quickly made the affirmative choice.
Once the talent level was increased, the effect was immediately enhanced.
【Lord’s Aura】, Tier-One Talent, current level 2. You can influence all dependent citizens or other territorial units within a 300-kilometer radius centered on the Lord Core, increasing HP, Mana, and all stats by 25% for two hours. This can affect a single target twice per day.
From now on...
Hang Yu’s aura could not only directly enhance all his personal Fourth Calamity troops, but its territorial coverage had expanded to 300 kilometers.
Even ordinary dependent citizens would be affected.
The Level 2 Lord’s Aura increased all attributes by 25%, and could affect the same target twice per day—enough to push the strength of the territory’s forces to a new level.
Hang Yu then opened the treasure chest.
【You opened the “Small Abyssal Treasure Chest (Green).” You have obtained: “Abyssal Magic Crystal” +1000, “Ring of the Fiery Demon Steed” +1, “Blueprint: Advanced Stable” +1】
Pei Yuanshao’s chest was far inferior compared to Ma Yuanyi’s.
Even so, the rewards were still quite generous, with not only 1000 magic crystals, but also a top-grade green equipment piece, and a rare advancement blueprint!
【Ring of the Fiery Demon Steed】, Tier-One Equipment, Green Superior, Strength +5, Spirit +5, Fire Attribute Attack Boost +20, with Skill: Fiery Demon Steed Summon!
This was a ring that came with an active skill.
After putting on the ring, Hang Yu immediately activated the summoning skill.
A blazing red flame burst forth and rapidly condensed into a majestic warhorse before him.
This warhorse was completely different from ordinary ones.
It was not only larger in stature, but had crimson hair like blood, naturally-equipped sturdy armor, and a pair of enormous wings—making it look extremely awe-inspiring and domineering.
【Fiery Nightmare Warhorse】, Level 13 Elite Unit, HP 1400, Mana 800... Skills: Fiery Charge, Fiery Trample, Fiery Breath.
With a loud neigh—
The demon horse approached.
It lowered its head in submission.
Hang Yu saw the warhorse’s stats and skills and was immediately delighted!
Although the Ring of the Fiery Demon Steed was only a green superior item, its active skill was simply too powerful!
With this ring...
It was essentially a personal mount.
The Fiery Nightmare Warhorse was not only as powerful as a top-tier elite monster, but it was also a rare flying mount.
Even used as a regular warhorse, its performance was astonishingly strong!
Aside from that—
This time also brought an advancement blueprint.
【Blueprint: Advanced Stable】, Tier-One Advancement Blueprint. Requires pre-requisite building “Spirit Horse Stable.” Consumes 1000 Magic Crystals and 500 Tier-Two Material Essence. Allows the construction of a Tier-Two building “Advanced Spirit Horse Stable” for the territory!
Territories under the Lords of the Stars generally had three types of buildings.
The first type was default territorial buildings, such as the Lord’s Hall, Abyss Barracks, Abyss Canteen, Forging Workshop, and Alchemy Workshop.
The second type was constructed using blueprints, like Spiritural Fields, Stables, and various other unique structures.
The third type was custom-built by Lords through special means.
The first type ensured the basic functions of a territory.
They could be constructed or upgraded without needing extra blueprints but required the Lord to meet certain levels.
The second type included a vast variety and provided various bonus functions to the territory.
However, upgrading them was troublesome, requiring both materials and the corresponding blueprints.
The third type was more unique—DIY buildings made by hand.
These could also have stats, and if the territory had strong formation arrangements, these buildings could rival or even surpass the other two types.
Though, their advancement and upgrade relied entirely on the Lord’s own foundation and skill.
Stables weren’t high-value buildings...
But at the very least, they were functional!
Hang Yu stored away the advancement blueprint.
Since there were not many Players in the territory yet, having one hundred Tier-One Spirit Horses was enough for daily use.
There was no need to build Tier-Two stables for now.
With the loot sorted—
Hang Yu continued to observe the situation through the Lord’s vision.
After the Players of the Calamity Legion and NPC Zhou Ji jointly defeated Pei Yuanshao, they first gathered the scattered loot.
Meanwhile, Chenxi, Chimera Wraith, and a few other Players approached Pei Yuanshao.
By now, Pei Yuanshao had regained most of his human appearance.
But after being cleansed of abyssal corruption, he appeared haggard and lifeless—clearly on the brink of death.
Chimera Wraith directly asked, “You’ve broken free from the Will of the Abyss. Tell us what’s really in Woniu Mountain!”
Though weak, Pei Yuanshao burst into laughter.
Little Bell: “What are you laughing at?”
Pei Yuanshao croaked hoarsely, “You lapdogs of the Stars stole the Abyss’ blessing... and now want me to be a traitor like that Zhou bastard? What an insult!”
The Players looked at each other.
They had thought that a dying man would speak kindly.
But clearly, this wasn’t the case.
Zhou Ji: “Where exactly is my foster father Zhou Cang?!”
Pei Yuanshao: “Don’t waste your breath… you’ll get nothing from me!”
With that—
He closed his eyes.
Soon after, he completely stopped breathing.
Little Bell was stunned: “He really died just like that? This is totally different from what we expected!”
Chenxi said, “Actually, it’s not strange. People have different standpoints. Not every evil-fallen is corrupted passively. There are also those who actively choose to fall and side with the Abyss.”
The Players all felt it was a pity.
They had hoped to get some intel from Pei Yuanshao.
Now it seemed the only option was to take over Sanxiang County first.
Then, using it as a base, defeat the Dragon Lizard forces and organize a team to delve deep into Woniu Mountain personally.
【You looted the spoils: Essence +18000, Abyssal Magic Stone Fragments +80000, Advanced Evil-Fallen Gems +20, “Summoning Scroll: Demonized Pei Yuanshao” +1, “Chestplate of Demonized Pei Yuanshao” +1!】
The Players picked up the loot dropped by Pei Yuanshao.
Whether it was essence or materials, the rewards were decent.
Aside from gem materials and magic stone fragments, two equipment pieces dropped in total.
Among them, Pei Yuanshao’s chestplate was a green mid-grade item with quite good stats.
However—
Compared to that...
The other item drew far more attention from the Players.
【Summoning Scroll: Demonized Pei Yuanshao】, Tier-One Consumable, Green Superior. Consumes 1000 Essence + 100 Mana. Summons a Demonized Pei Yuanshao to assist in battle. Duration up to 60 minutes.
Without a doubt.
This was a rare item.
Although the cost of using it was not low and it consumed essence, it could replicate an Abyss Commander to assist in battle.
The summoned Pei Yuanshao was merely a shell without consciousness, but its combat power was completely intact and could play a critical role at key moments.
Before long—
The rest of the loot was also sorted.
Just from killing mountain bandits alone, they obtained 150,000 Essence.
If one included the hundreds of Abyssal undead, miscellaneous abyssal creatures, and the boss Pei Yuanshao, the total earnings approached 200,000 Essence.
With only seventeen participants, if the loot were distributed equally, each person would get at least ten thousand Essence!
What an outrageous number that was!
It clearly showed how massive the gains were from this battle!
Of course, the Players did not hoard all the Essence for themselves.
They took out one-third to share with the other Players who had joined the Woniu Mountain operation, then divided the remaining two-thirds among themselves.
Even so, the average Player still received nearly eight thousand Essence.
For a time, everyone leveled up in succession, and among the twelve Players present, the majority successfully reached Level 10, giving the Calamity Army another considerable power boost!
“We actually got stronger again!”
The Players’ rapid growth—
Was seen clearly by Zhou Ji.
And once again, he felt a heartfelt sense of awe.
If, before today’s operation, Zhou Ji still had doubts about Lord Hang Yu and the Calamity Legion, then at this moment, all his doubts had been dispelled.
If they weren’t chosen ones...
How could they possess such terrifying growth potential?
Zhou Ji and the other native inhabitants had no ability to purify the Abyss.
In other words, even if they defeated someone like Pei Yuanshao—whether evil-fallen or pollution source—they had no way to kill him permanently.
Before long, Pei Yuanshao would be reborn from the nightmare.
Not only would he suffer no loss, he might even come back stronger.
On the contrary—
If a native like Zhou Ji were killed...
He would likely be corrupted and fall into the Abyss forever.
Abyssal beings could die a hundred times, a thousand times, ten thousand times.
But natives only had one life, with zero margin for error!
This was also why the natives were always at a disadvantage in the struggle against abyssal invasion—because it was only a matter of time before the entire plane was swallowed by the Abyss.
This world had no cure.
Either be devoured by Abyssal corruption...
Or be enslaved by alien races from beyond!
Now, Lord Hang Yu had emerged like a messiah descending from the heavens, bringing with him light and hope!
Zhou Ji had already made a silent vow in his heart—to devote himself fully to Lord Hang Yu from this moment on.
Though his abilities were limited, he could still do something for the sake of all living beings.
This battle—
Zhou Ji had made great contributions.
But he didn’t receive any Essence.
This wasn’t because the Players were stingy, but because the Essence Contract could not be signed with NPCs.
Also, NPCs could not pick up loot dropped by Players.
Although the Players regretted this...
They believed that everything was in Lord Hang Yu’s control.
With Zhou Ji contributing so much in this operation, he would surely receive generous rewards from the Lord!
“Old Zhou!”
“You must take this chestplate!”
After some discussion, the Players gave Zhou Ji the green-quality chestplate they had looted.
They also included some other excellent equipment from the Demon Bandit series.
Ye Li Meng said, “Without your help, Old Zhou, we never could’ve taken down that bandit stronghold. This is just a small token from the Calamity Army.”
Zhou Ji was a bold and forthright man.
He accepted the gifts on the spot without being polite.
These items’ stats were more than enough to enhance his strength.
“Oh no!”
“We’re running out of time.”
“We have to race against the clock now!”
“……”
After a brief rest—
The Players set off once again.
They had died twice in a single day, trekked long distances, and fought multiple battles, leaving their bodies quite fatigued.
However, it wasn’t enough to affect their current condition or mission.
Everyone quickly passed through valleys and mountains, ultimately avoiding the dragon lizard-occupied area and safely arriving at the location of Sanxiang County.
“We’ll arrive at Sanxiang County within half an hour.”
Zhou Ji, riding his spirit horse, said to the Players beside him, “Sanxiang County is extremely wary of outsiders. It won’t be easy for you to enter.”
Ye Li Meng: “What should we do, then?”
Zhou Ji said, “Don’t worry. I still have some connections in the city. One of the guards is my sworn brother—we’ve been through life and death together.
With his help, getting you all inside won’t be a problem.”
That was great!
Everyone had gone through so much to get here.
It would be a real shame if they were stopped outside and couldn’t get in!
【Ding. Quest completed...】
Twelve Players simultaneously received the quest completion notification.
“Huh?”
“What’s going on?”
“Quest complete!”
“But we haven’t even reached Sanxiang City yet!”
“Maybe just entering the region around Sanxiang City counts!”
“That’s awesome!”
“At least our efforts weren’t in vain!”
“……”
Ye Li Meng, Black-Eyed Rui Ge, Chimera Wraith, and the others all sighed in relief.
Although the quest rewards weren’t especially high, the gains along the way were enormous.
This journey and adventure had been thrilling and fun!
They were confident it would provide plenty of new topics for the forum!
But the top priority now was to enter the city.
On one hand, the Players were very curious about a town populated by native NPCs—they wanted to experience the local customs and culture.
On the other hand, they needed a place to rest and recover.
“Once we get through this forest—”
“We’ll arrive at the city we’ve been heading for!”
Zhou Ji said, “Everyone, prepare your disguises in advance.
I’ll get you inside under the pretense of resettling refugees...
Also, Sanxiang County has changed drastically over the past forty years.
Let me tell you about the areas where you need to be particularly cautious.”
The Players were all very intrigued.
The region around Woniu Mountain, spanning several hundred miles, had been corrupted by the Abyss for over forty years.
Under such harsh and extreme conditions, forty years was more than enough to completely change a place’s customs and way of life.
This city would definitely be very different from what it was during the late Han era.
The Players had already mentally prepared for this.